Chapter 89: Jiang Ke’er’s Big Plan

Early the next morning, Jiang Ke’er woke to find that Qiao Xiaoxian was no longer in bed. Instead, she was sitting at the table, head bowed as she scribbled something in her notebook.

Spread out around her were a map of Shenzhou and several strange, ancient books and artifacts that Jiang Ke’er couldn’t make heads or tails of.

Qiao Xiaoxian wore a pair of glasses, looking every bit like the protagonist of a treasure-hunting movie. The sight made Jiang Ke’er stifle a laugh.

“What are you doing?”

Jiang Ke’er got up, threw on her clothes, and curiously craned her neck to get a better look.

But Qiao Xiaoxian blocked her view with her body, then nonchalantly swept all the items on the table into her arms. “Grown-up business, kids shouldn’t meddle.”

“You’re the kid!” Jiang Ke’er fumed. “I only look small! My mental age is way older than yours!”

“But you can’t beat me.”

“…!”

Jiang Ke’er was struck right where it hurt.

She gnashed her teeth in frustration. “Just you wait until I grow up—I’ll kill you!”

“So you’re still a kid, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, so what!” Jiang Ke’er gave up on her dignity altogether.

“Then there’s nothing more to say.” Qiao Xiaoxian lazily ruffled Jiang Ke’er’s hair, stretched, and wandered out into the courtyard.

Aaaaaaaahhh—!

Jiang Ke’er raged inwardly, drew her sword, and lunged at Qiao Xiaoxian’s back!

But at the very last second, a chill ran down Jiang Ke’er’s spine.

She snapped back to her senses and hurriedly sheathed her sword.

“Was that supposed to be an assassination?” Qiao Xiaoxian raised an eyebrow.

“No! I was just stretching!”

“…Alright then,” Qiao Xiaoxian chuckled, shaking her head.

—Why does she never fall for it?

—This won’t do. I’ve already reached the peak of the Three Talents Stage. If she doesn’t fall for it soon, it’ll be too late.

Jiang Ke’er had no idea what Qiao Xiaoxian was thinking. She swallowed her anger once more and secretly reminded herself to hold back.

She had to find the perfect chance for a fatal blow—she absolutely couldn’t let her killing intent show!

She only had one chance. If she failed… then… then…

She’d unlock a new gameplay mode, aaaaaah!

Jiang Ke’er was going crazy inside, the pressure mounting.

Here she was, blessed with a cheat-like System, having drawn all sorts of bizarre skills from the System Prize Pool.

She was about to become a jack-of-all-trades, but no matter what she learned, she still couldn’t beat Qiao Xiaoxian.

No—one day, she definitely would.

I, Jiang Ke’er, will never surrender!

“Go make breakfast,” Qiao Xiaoxian glanced at Jiang Ke’er and said.

“Oh.”

Jiang Ke’er obediently headed toward the kitchen without thinking.

It took her a moment to realize what had happened.

She spun around angrily.

“Just because you tell me to cook doesn’t mean I will! And even if I do, I’m not making it for you!”

“Stop fussing. Go on.”

“…”

Damn it!

As much as she wanted to refuse with dignity, Jiang Ke’er had no choice but to go—she needed this meal to boost her own stats, too.

Most cultivators diligently practiced fasting, since they didn’t need food.

Spiritual energy could sustain their lives, and the impurities in food would only contaminate their foundation.

But Jiang Ke’er and Qiao Xiaoxian were different.

They never missed a meal—not just for the enjoyment of good food, but because the dishes Jiang Ke’er made herself could enhance specific attributes and greatly benefit their cultivation.

Every ingredient and dish offered different stat boosts. Each meal was a delightful surprise.

Even Qiao Xiaoxian, who loved to tease her, never once complained about the food—she always ate with relish.

When Jiang Ke’er arrived at the Yan Family’s kitchen, the cooks were already busy.

Hearing that Jiang Ke’er wanted to cook personally, they all looked troubled.

“Young Master’s stomach is delicate and his tastes are exacting. If he blames us…”

The “Young Master” referred to Yan Liben.

“I’ll take responsibility!” Jiang Ke’er said briskly, not wanting to argue.

“Then this little servant will assist you.”

“No need, I work fast,” Jiang Ke’er smiled. “What ingredients do you have here?”

“Everything’s in the ice cellar. There are many kinds—why not have a look yourself…”

“Alright.”

Jiang Ke’er lifted the trapdoor in the kitchen corner and went down.

A rush of cold air hit her, and Jiang Ke’er quickly circulated her spiritual energy to resist it.

But she was still a bit slow, and the cold poison in her body was slightly triggered, making her shiver.

She stepped into the cellar, looked around at the dazzling array of ingredients, and nodded in satisfaction.

As the cold poison in her body was once again suppressed, a sudden inspiration struck Jiang Ke’er.

Poison!

Why was it always her getting poisoned?

She could try poisoning others too!

Seeing that no one was around, Jiang Ke’er quickly pulled out her newly purchased Du Jing.

She’d bought this toxicology handbook from a street-side bookstore—an essential for every Jianghu cultivator.

It was everywhere, but it was packed with useful information.

Jiang Ke’er had originally bought it to understand the toxins in her own body so she could treat herself, but as she studied it… she ended up memorizing the formulas and uses of many poisons.

The one she admired most was a poison that sealed cultivation and sent the victim into a deep sleep.

Jiang Ke’er liked to call it “Sleepy Black Tea.”

It was colorless and tasteless, hard to detect.

The ingredients were rare and hard to obtain… but Jiang Ke’er had happened to find them in the forest!

Over the past three days, she’d spent most of her time in Fox Form, lying on top of Qiao Xiaoxian’s head.

She’d kept Appraisal Technique active, searching for valuable treasures nearby.

She hadn’t found any treasures, but she’d picked quite a few herbs along the way.

“Heaven is truly helping me!” Jiang Ke’er rejoiced inwardly.

Heh, Qiao Xiaoxian, that’s what you get for making me your cook.

“Once you drink this bowl of Sleepy Black Tea, I’ll tie you up and force you to swear never to make me dual cultivate again! Otherwise, I’ll finish you off for good!”

Jiang Ke’er blushed with excitement. Just imagining the scene made her shiver with delight.

But now wasn’t the right time.

It was still morning, and soon they’d be heading out with Changsun Qingyue for a Ranger Commission.

If Qiao Xiaoxian passed out, Changsun Qingyue would surely take her to the Medical Hall.

So she’d have to wait until dinner—after everyone ate and left. The night would be dark, the moon hidden, and it would be the perfect time to strike!

Jiang Ke’er finalized her meticulous plan in her heart, snickered as she prepared the Sleepy Black Tea, stashed it in her Inventory, and then got down to choosing ingredients for breakfast.

Qiao Xiaoxian, this is your last day.

Since you’re about to meet your end, I’ll be nice to you today and grant your last wishes.

Enjoy your final moments to the fullest.

“Have you chosen your ingredients?” came a servant’s voice from outside the ice cellar.

“All done!”

Jiang Ke’er hurried back to the kitchen with her ingredients and got to work.

For the sake of the times Qiao Xiaoxian had helped her, even if unintentionally, she’d make something nice today—a farewell meal, so to speak.

Besides, she’d promised Emperor Taizong of Tang to treat the Demon Revival Society members to a meal. Even though Emperor Taizong of Tang wasn’t here, she still had to keep her promise.

Hehe…

What a wonderful day it is.