With time pressing on, Ming Xuan wasted no moments, swiftly navigating Sunrise City's bustling streets in search of apt participants for his scheme.

Ming Xuan extended his divine sense, sweeping through the streets of Sunrise City and conjuring myriad scenes in his mind.

A thief pillaged a home, evading pursuit through crowded alleys...

A seemingly blind beggar is surreptitiously soliciting alms, despite possessing sight...

A distressed merchant is falsely accused of smuggling, attracting the attention of city guards...

A clandestine love affair unravels in a secluded corner, teetering on the edge of discovery...

A medley of scenes materialized before his divine sense.

To his disappointment, Ming Xuan encountered a dearth of appropriate cultivators in the vast city.

"Why are there so few cultivators in this expansive city?" Ming Xuan frowned, his inner discontent reverberating.

After approximately ten minutes of futile searching, he finally spotted a cultivator—a young man in his twenties, hovering at the Foundation Establishment level.

"A fledgling," Ming Xuan appraised, momentarily casting his mind back to his own cultivation beginnings.

Zeroing in on his target, Ming Xuan descended before the young cultivator, emanating the commanding pressure befitting a Mahayana Realm powerhouse. The bewildered cultivator found himself overwhelmed and pressed down by the force.

Confused and disoriented, the young man stammered, "Who am I? Where am I? What brought me here?"

Ming Xuan showcased his prowess before gradually easing the overwhelming pressure, observing the young cultivator with a casual interest.

The flustered cultivator quickly rose, nervously asking, "Senior, has this junior offended Senior in any way?"

With a dismissive gesture, Ming Xuan inquired, "What's your name? I have a task for you. Are you willing to assist?"

Anxious but determined, the young cultivator, named Sun Wei from Maple Leaf City's Sun family, responded, "Senior, I am Sun Wei. If it's within my abilities, I'll gladly lend my assistance. What task does Senior require of me?"

Ming Xuan, adopting an alluring tone, presented his plan to Sun Wei. "Worry not. Should you complete this task, I will be fair in my treatment of you. In fact, there might even be some treasures as a reward."

Avoid inquiring about the treasure he might offer. He had no intention of offering Sun Wei any treasure. In reality, he lacked wealth to the extent that he possessed little to no gold or silver. He was so financially deprived that most Qi Refinement cultivators likely surpassed him in wealth.

Sun Wei's countenance shifted through a range of emotions upon hearing Ming Xuan's request.

"S-Senior, you want me to... act? To portray a villain role?" Sun Wei's voice conveyed a mix of uncertainty and surprise.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Ming Xuan, composed as ever, nonchalantly gestured and explained, "It's straightforward. Just embody a villain who grins sinisterly and chuckles eerily. Do you comprehend?"

Sun Wei's expression froze in bewilderment, leaving him utterly mystified by the peculiar request.

In the eastern part of Sunrise City, the night was shrouded in darkness.

Sun Wei's face displayed a conflicted mix of emotions as he surveyed the imposing Ye family residence.

Summoning his determination, he took a hesitant step forward, reminding himself of his designated role as the villain.

The guards at the entrance swiftly intervened upon noticing him. "This is the Ye family's domain! Halt, intruder!"

Pausing briefly, Sun Wei hesitated before recalling Ming Xuan's instructions. Gathering his resolve, he raised his hand, conjuring a spell. A radiant sword materialized from white light and was propelled forcefully toward the guards.

The impact sent the guards tumbling, but remarkably, their injuries were superficial, indicating Sun Wei's restraint in his attack.

Having subdued the blockade, Sun Wei pressed on into the residence, paying no heed to the disoriented guards now sprawled on the ground. Their only recourse was to urgently rush to a nearby large bell and clang it loudly, sounding the alarm in a state of panic.

In the expansive sky, Ming Xuan stood upon ethereal clouds, observing Sun Wei. His eyes sparkled with curiosity and a touch of envy as he witnessed the unfolding drama below.

Despite wielding the dharmic power of a Mahayana realm, Ming Xuan harbored a yearning for the diverse arsenal of techniques and spells possessed by others. His own prowess felt somewhat restricted, relying solely on his cultivated might and lacking the intricate spells and mystical artifacts exhibited by others.

"I've heard whispers of various cities around Maple Leaf City that trade martial techniques and elusive spells in the inn. Perhaps it's time for me to delve into these secret sanctums," Ming Xuan contemplated, making a resolution to broaden his knowledge and enhance his abilities. Yet, for the moment, he remained suspended in the sky, observing the unfolding spectacle below.

Meanwhile, within the Ye family's estate, Sun Wei found himself surrounded by the household's occupants. Their reactions were swift, yet Ming Xuan's elevated position afforded him a closer view of the unfolding confrontation.

Sun Wei, despite his proficiency in spellcasting, now faced a group of experts at the late Qi Refinement stage, matching his own abilities.

Ming Xuan observed with a blend of surprise and fascination, contemplating, "Can Sun Wei navigate this situation?" His interest heightened, but he refrained from intervening, choosing to maintain his lofty perch and watch the evolving spectacle.

Beneath him, the patriarch of the Ye family, exuding an imposing aura befitting his lengthy tenure as family head, sternly confronted Sun Wei. "Who dares violate the sanctity of the Ye family's domain? State your purpose!" His booming voice demanded answers in response to this unexpected intrusion.

Initially taken aback by the sudden reprimand, Sun Wei felt an instinctual urge to apologize. However, recalling Ming Xuan's formidable presence, he swiftly suppressed the apology and adhered to the given instructions.

Engulfed in an inner conflict, Sun Wei clenched his teeth, forced a laugh, and began, "Hehehe, I've come to... pay a visit to your Ye family. Yes, indeed, I'm here to, uh, give you all a good beating!"

His clumsy attempt at assuming a villainous role transformed the situation into more of a farce than a threat.

Following a peculiar bout of laughter, the gathered Ye family members exchanged perplexed glances directed at Sun Wei.

Was he lacking in wit?

The Ye family's patriarch disdainfully scoffed, "Assault our esteemed Ye family? By yourself? Not nearly enough."

Despite the doubtful stares, Sun Wei maintained a grim expression and continued his forced laughter. "Hehehe, indeed, just me alone is more than sufficient!"

Without hesitation, the patriarch swiftly coated his palm in a layer of radiant light and swiftly struck Sun Wei. The attack caught Sun Wei off guard, hurtling him through the air like a floundering kite.

Ming Xuan in the sky, “…”

Observing the underwhelming scene from above, Ming Xuan couldn't conceal his dismay. "Is that all? What happened to defeating the Ye family? You're finished just like that? You've ruined my entire plan!"

Filled with frustration, Ming Xuan descended swiftly, the weight of his Mahayana realm pressing down on the Ye family members. The once defiant assembly crumbled, their faces flushed and heads bowed in submission.

Gracefully landing, Ming Xuan wore a pristine white robe, his countenance as serene as a tranquil pond. He exuded an air of unearthly elegance, reminiscent of an exiled immortal.

As he retracted his formidable presence, the Ye family members cautiously rose, their attention fixed on the imposing stranger who had just subdued them.

The patriarch, recognizing the vast disparity in their realms, adjusted his approach and inquired, "What does Senior want to ask from our Ye family?"

Glancing briefly at the unconscious Sun Wei, a growing suspicion arose within him—could this individual be in league with the formidable expert?

Ming Xuan maintained his icy demeanor and responded briskly, "Do not worry. I have no association with this person. I sensed the presence of someone within your Ye family destined to be my disciple, prompting my visit."

A collective exhale of relief passed through the Ye family members, though doubt lingered in their minds.

Whose presence in the Ye family had captured the attention of this expert?

Ming Xuan, exuding an air of nonchalance, voiced, "Where can I find Ye Chen from your Ye family?"

The mere mention of Ye Chen's name sent ripples through the familial atmosphere. Ye Chen's inability to cultivate had been widely known. Yet, this expert was expressing a willingness to accept him as a disciple?

Bitterness etched the Ye family patriarch's visage as he responded, "Senior, Ye Chen is my son. However, some time ago, his spirit root was annihilated, leaving him incapable of cultivation. Are you aware of this, Senior?"

Indeed, it is precisely because he lacks a spirit root that I am here.

Had he possessed any spirit root, I wouldn't have bothered.