The Empress Chose My Bride, and Now I’m Stuck with a Yandere at -9999 Affection - Chapter 9:

Chapter 9: I’m Only Here to Perform:

After hearing that, Nangong Liuyun shook her head. “Xinwan, I don’t want to hurt you. You’ve always been the sister I treasure most.”

At that moment, Nangong Xinwan reached out and pinched Jiang Xuan’s chin. “You don’t want to hurt me? How funny. I’d like to see what gives you the right to say that! Hmph, if you don’t agree to fight me, then I’ll take my anger out on him. Well then, my dear sister, have you made your decision?”

Jiang Xuan: “…”

With those words, a strange tension filled the air. To avoid being caught up in their conflict, Jiang Xuan decided to switch tactics. “Liuyun, you should go. You’re no match for Xinwan. I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”

These words showed Jiang Xuan’s noble and selfless nature to the fullest.

Suddenly, Nangong Liuyun extended her arm and pulled Jiang Xuan into her embrace. Nangong Xinwan’s pupils shrank slightly—she hadn’t seen through her sister’s move at all.

Then, Nangong Liuyun softly spoke, “Husband, sorry you had to see this side of my sister. Please return to the Jiang family for now. Once you leave this chamber, someone will escort you back. I’m sorry, it seems I won’t be able to properly host you today. I need to take care of a family matter first.”

“Alright, then… Liuyun, be careful. The second young lady… she might just be acting out from too much pressure…”

“I understand. Don’t worry, I’ll handle it. In fact, I’ve just figured out the reason behind her cold and stiff behavior over the years. It’s time to cure it.”

After saying goodbye to Nangong Liuyun, Jiang Xuan happily returned to the Jiang family. What he didn’t know was that shortly after he left, faint sounds echoed from the secret chamber.

When the noise faded, Nangong Xinwan could no longer maintain her cold and expressionless demeanor. Instead, she hugged Nangong Liuyun’s leg like a tearful little girl. “Uuuu… Sister, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have been so arrogant to think I was invincible. You’re the strongest!”

“Xinwan, all these years, Mother and I praised you as the greatest genius in the imperial capital, and it’s gone to your head. Do you realize that when you released your cultivation aura within the Nangong family, you almost ruined the grand plan Mother and I have been working on?”

“But I won’t hold that against you. What I can’t forgive is that you touched him. Don’t you understand? Even if you force him with strength, his heart only has me. From now on, you’re grounded for a month. You’re not allowed to leave the Nangong family. Also, Mother should be arriving soon. Since you now have the strength of a Martial King, there are things you need to know. Next time you meet my husband, do you know what you should call him?”

“I do… I should call him… brother-in-law…”

…

Meanwhile, after Jiang Xuan returned to the Jiang family, he suddenly remembered that today was the day he had an appointment with a patron.

This patron was none other than the mysterious owner behind the Tianxiang Pavilion. Once a month, Jiang Xuan would perform at Tianxiang Pavilion—for five million high-grade spirit stones per appearance.

When Jiang Xuan first activated the scanning system, the beginner’s gift package included max-level skills in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and even cooking—skills he initially thought were useless. However, in this matriarchal world, these just happened to be essential life skills for men.

Though he found them useless at first, Jiang Xuan used them to rapidly build his career. Aside from cultivation, he had become a top-tier expert in every other field.

Because he was weak and didn’t want to waste time cultivating—thanks to his damaged spiritual roots—he secretly founded the Xuantian Pavilion. Under a flood of resources, Xuantian Pavilion rapidly expanded.

Among the core members, the Vice Pavilion Master was a powerful Martial King, while twenty elders and stewards were all Martial Spirit Realm cultivators. As for Jiang Xuan, the founder, his cultivation was only at the first stage of Martial Disciple Realm. He was basically just a figurehead.

He operated Xuantian Pavilion under a false identity—Xuantian. The pavilion’s rapid rise was largely due to that powerful Vice Pavilion Master.

She was the only person in the pavilion who knew Jiang Xuan’s real identity. Years ago, when Jiang Xuan had secretly gone out and saved her while she was gravely injured, the two formed a bond.

Currently, the Vice Pavilion Master was out of town recruiting new members, so she wasn’t in the imperial capital.

But the Xuantian Pavilion’s fame had already spread. Anyone with some knowledge knew—Xuantian Pavilion had a terrifying Vice Pavilion Master, whose strength had reached the peak of Martial King Realm.

Once, a disciple from another sect injured a Xuantian Pavilion member. When she found out, she destroyed that entire sect overnight—alone, with a single sword.

Since then, the Xuantian Pavilion was feared by many factions and adored by countless rogue cultivators. Rumors even claimed that the Pavilion Master of Xuantian Pavilion was a top-tier Martial Emperor.

When Jiang Xuan heard that rumor, he didn’t deny it. In fact, he thought Martial Emperor sounded too low. Maybe he should be called a Martial Sovereign instead.

Thinking about his creation—Xuantian Pavilion—filled Jiang Xuan with many emotions. He considered summoning the Vice Pavilion Master back to better protect himself in the capital. But after some thought, he gave up on the idea.

Although she was trustworthy, many of her actions left Jiang Xuan completely confused. For example, when he offered her ten million spirit stones as a reward, she refused—instead, she made the bizarre request that Jiang Xuan step on her with his foot.

Naturally, Jiang Xuan rejected that. As a responsible and kind boss, how could he possibly do something that would harm his subordinates?

Eventually, he assigned her to expand Xuantian Pavilion’s influence outside the capital.

Back to the present—after returning to the Jiang family, Jiang Xuan had a brief conversation with his mother before heading to his room.

He changed into plain clothing and applied system-grade makeup, which masked his appearance completely. Then, he put on a silver mask that covered the upper half of his face, leaving only his eyes and jaw visible.

Ever since his true face caused a sensation, he always disguised himself before going out.

He gently triggered a mechanism, and an underground passage revealed itself—naturally, this was designed by the Vice Pavilion Master.

After Jiang Xuan entered, the tunnel disappeared without a trace—not even a single mark was left behind.

When he emerged again, he arrived in a run-down courtyard. This was one of the locations he had purchased as an exit point for the secret tunnel.

Leaving the courtyard, he entered Tianxiang Pavilion through the back entrance.

Just as he stepped in, a stunning woman quickly approached him. “Little Ancestor, you’re finally here! You’re always so mysterious and never give your location. I was afraid you’d suddenly disappear. If that happened, Tianxiang Pavilion’s reputation would be ruined!”

“Chief Mu, that’s unfair. We’ve been working together for over half a year, and I’ve never missed a single appointment. Don’t worry. If I ever plan to stop coming, I’ll definitely let you know in advance.”

As Jiang Xuan spoke, he also kept an eye on the system scan:

[Name: Mu Yunxue]

[Cultivation: 6th stage Martial Spirit Realm]

[Spiritual Root: Heaven-grade Immortal Spirit Root]

[Current Favorability toward Host: -888]

Jiang Xuan sighed inwardly, Sigh… I just said if I ever stop coming, I’d let her know, and her favorability already dropped to the negative? Looks like this patron really doesn’t want to let me go. But I only perform here once a month. It’s not a big deal either way.

Outwardly, Jiang Xuan continued with a smile, “Don’t worry, Chief Mu. I’m short on spirit stones lately. Our deal is still on.”

Hearing that, Mu Yunxue’s favorability instantly shot back up to [999].

“Um… Little Ancestor, there’s something I’d like to ask your opinion on. A guest recently arrived at Tianxiang Pavilion. She requested to see your real face and even offered a sky-high price—one billion high-grade spirit stones. That’s a huge sum. I heard you’re short on stones, so maybe you should consider it? Also, this guest seems to be someone incredibly influential. Tianxiang Pavilion might not be able to afford offending her…”

Jiang Xuan: “…”

Before she could say more, Jiang Xuan immediately refused, “Chief Mu, that’s not fair. I only come here to perform. I’m not your pavilion’s courtesan. Besides, I wear the mask because I’m too ugly. If she sees my real face and gets scared, she might kill me on the spot.”

“That… Little Ancestor, don’t worry. Tianxiang Pavilion would give everything we have to ensure your safety. But judging by your eyes, I’d say you’re at least quite handsome. How about you take off the mask and let me confirm? You know, all this time we’ve worked together, I’ve never forced you to show your face. But this client is different. She casually offered over a billion spirit stones. Compared to her, Tianxiang Pavilion is nothing. She even said—if you’re willing to spend one night with her, she’ll offer ten billion high-grade spirit stones.”

Jiang Xuan: “!!!”