After sending off Zhao Yuankai, Shao Hong completely cast aside his previously lecherous demeanor. With a calm, measured expression, he instructed his subordinate, "Within one day, I want a detailed report on Yun Qingyao."

"Senior Brother, she is merely a newcomer. If you desire her, I can simply capture her and present her to you. Why go through all this trouble?"

Shao Hong narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "The world knows I, Shao Hong, am fond of women, but they do not know how cautious I am. A cautious ship sails safely for ten thousand years; I will not allow myself to be used as someone else's weapon."

"If my guess is correct, this Yun Qingyao is highly likely involved in the injuries Zhao Yuankai sustained."

"Senior Brother's guidance is profound!"

"Go!"

"Yes!"

Half a day later.

Shao Hong studied the reports in his hands regarding Ning Fan and Yun Qingyao.

A cold sneer crept onto his face. "It seems Zhao Yuankai truly took me for a fool!"

"A First-Class Top Rank rating... Hmph. If I had listened to his instigations and acted rashly, I might have truly capsized in a shallow ditch!"

"Then what does Senior Brother mean? Are we abandoning the matter?" his subordinate asked.

Shao Hong tossed the papers onto his desk, leaned back in his chair, and fell into deep thought. "A rare beauty cannot be lightly abandoned, especially since this Yun Qingyao might possess a special dual cultivation constitution."

"However, since they achieved a First-Class Top Rank, they may have already drawn the attention of the Divine Sect's upper management. Moreover, they are currently within their protection period. Striking blindly might leave me with empty hands and a tarnished reputation. I must find a flawless plan that covers all bases."

After a brief silence, Shao Hong ordered, "Go find Zhao Yuanzhe. Has he not been searching for someone with a special dual cultivation constitution to take as a concubine? Find a way to leak this news to him and let him move first."

"Zhao Yuanzhe?" The subordinate asked in confusion, "Wouldn't that be handing him a massive favor?"

Shao Hong laughed, "That young master of the Zhao family wants to use me as a cat's paw. Since such a perfect opportunity has presented itself, I might as well return the favor to a member of his own clan!"

"Zhao Yuanzhe is Zhao Yuankai's cousin, and he is a brainless brute. He is the perfect pawn to spearhead this attack."

"But what if he actually succeeds in seizing her?"

Shao Hong waved his hand with a smirk. "Zhao Yuanzhe is only fit to test the waters for me. I will watch from the shadows. If any elders of the Divine Sect are indeed paying attention, the Zhao family will bear the brunt of their wrath."

"If no one interferes, I will simply step in and intercept the prize at the final moment. Others might fear Zhao Yuanzhe, but in my eyes, he is nothing!" Shao Hong sneered.

"Senior Brother's foresight is truly brilliant," the subordinate quickly flattered.

Shao Hong laughed, "Go. Find a way to let the information slip to Zhao Yuanzhe!"

"Understood, Senior Brother!"

Humming a light tune, Zhao Yuanzhe walked leisurely toward Ning Fan's cave dwelling.

He was in an exceptionally grand mood today.

At noon, while drinking with a few of his lackeys, he had overheard the occupants of a neighboring table discussing the recent new disciple evaluation. Initially, he had found their chatter annoying, but then he heard that among the newcomers was a magnificent beauty named Yun Qingyao. Not only was she peerless in looks, but she was rumored to possess a rare dual cultivation constitution. A useless waste named Ning Fan had supposedly broken through three realms consecutively during their very first session.

Hearing that, Zhao Yuanzhe's heart had instantly stirred. His own cultivation had been stagnant for quite some time, a fact he hid out of pride. Only after returning to his clan to consult the family physician did he discover the truth.

His prolonged reliance on medicinal aphorisms and excessive dual cultivation had damaged his foundational roots. Yet, because he had already dedicated himself to that specific cultivation method, abandoning it was out of the question. However, continuing down this path without making any progress was an intolerable dead end.

Fortunately, the old physician had mentioned that certain women possessed specialized dual cultivation constitutions. Blending yin and yang through body integration with them would not only repair his deficiencies but also cause his cultivation realm to soar at an incredible speed.

Yet, such rare constitutions were one in ten thousand. Despite the countless women he had plundered and abducted over the years, he had never encountered a single one.

Now, when he had all but despaired after wearing out his iron shoes in a fruitless search, a perfect candidate had appeared right before his eyes! It was as if heaven itself were favoring him!

What did a protection period matter?

As long as he could force that brat Ning Fan to willingly surrender his Dao partner, the protection period rules would be completely useless!

If the boy was sensible, all the better. If he was stubborn, he would simply beat him until he learned compliance!

Standing outside the entrance of the cave dwelling, Zhao Yuanzhe put on a fierce, menacing expression and roared:

"You waste named Ning Fan, get the hell out here!"

Inside the cave dwelling, Ning Fan and Yun Qingyao were currently regulating their breath and centering their minds.

Hearing the thunderous shouting outside, Ning Fan snapped his eyes open.

"Who is looking for trouble now?"

He stood up and walked out of the cave dwelling.

"Who is it? The sun is barely setting, yet you are howling like a ghost and crying like a wolf out here. Aren't you afraid of drawing beasts?"

When Zhao Yuanzhe had first bellowed, his voice had echoed through the surrounding cave dwellings, which were occupied by both new and old disciples. Although the protection period was still active, old disciples had frequently come to harass the newcomers lately. Sensing a spectacle, the crowd swarmed out of their dwellings to watch the entertainment.

Hearing Ning Fan's sharp retort, the onlookers burst into a collective roar of laughter.

Though Zhao Yuanzhe was arrogant, he was no fool. Seeing so many new disciples gathered, he threw a cold glare at Ning Fan and instantly unleashed his spiritual energy.

Displaying one's cultivation was always the most effective method to absolute intimidation.

"Yellow Extreme Realm, Eighth Layer!"

Feeling the powerful fluctuations of spiritual energy radiating from Zhao Yuanzhe, the laughing crowd wisely shut their mouths, the atmosphere turning instantly tense.

"That is more like it. When your strength is lacking, you should keep your tail tucked between your legs."

Zhao Yuanzhe was highly satisfied with the sudden silence.

By then, Ning Fan and Yun Qingyao had fully emerged from the cave dwelling and stood before him.

"Good, excellent!"

Zhao Yuanzhe did not give Ning Fan so much as a passing glance. Instead, his lecherous, narrow eyes swept up and down Yun Qingyao's figure.

"Truly a peerless beauty of heaven and earth!"

Uncomfortable under Zhao Yuanzhe's predatory gaze, Yun Qingyao felt goosebumps rise across her skin. She timidly grasped Ning Fan's arm, shrinking back to hide behind his shoulder.