My Mother is the Villain

Chapter 5: Mirror

"Emma, let’s destroy that junk," Victor said, curious whether there were truly any hidden treasures.

There was so much of it—it would be amusing if not a single valuable item existed.

"Young Master, let’s go up into the sky..." Emma nodded.

The carriage rose into the air.

With a single flap of its wings, the horse could travel a kilometer.

Once they had ascended high enough, it finally came to a stop.

"Please remain here, Young Master," Emma said.

She stepped out and waved her hand. The items poured out of her storage ring, floating in the sky.

Then, she released a technique.

A massive golden fireball appeared, swallowing all the items at once.

Victor didn’t feel any heat—likely because Emma was shielding him.

But he could see space itself melting under the fireball’s intensity.

Even the distant clouds evaporated from the residual heat.

"Young Master..." Emma suddenly spoke as she pulled the fireball back into her hand.

Victor narrowed his eyes. One item had survived—a small iron box.

Whoosh!

Emma grabbed it from afar and examined it with a serious expression.

"Young Master, this iron box is made of an extremely tough material. Even if my cultivation advances to the next realm, I wouldn’t be able to destroy it. Whatever is inside must be valuable," she said as she returned to the carriage and handed it to Victor.

It felt light—almost not like iron at all—yet as hard as one.

There was no visible keyhole, and Victor couldn’t open it.

"Is it sealed?" Victor asked.

"Yes, and it’s an incredibly strong seal. I’m not sure how to open it. Unfortunately, Lady isn’t here—she would likely know," Emma replied.

"Is there anyone else in the city we can ask?"

"Master Stone... he might know."

"Who is Master Stone?" Victor had no memory of him.

"He’s a master blacksmith and a powerful cultivator. He’s lived in this city for a long time and once followed your mother."

"Oh? Then let’s go meet him."

"Head to Master Stone’s residence," Emma instructed the guards.

Whoosh!

The winged white horse descended back into the city, then flew toward its outskirts, where small hills dotted the landscape.

There stood a wooden house, surrounded by hills, with countless swords and spears embedded in the ground around it.

Victor noticed all the windows were open, with candles flickering inside.

Up close, the house was much larger than he had expected.

The carriage landed right in front of it.

Emma helped Victor down, and they walked toward the door.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Who is it?" a rough voice echoed from inside.

"It’s Emma. Master Stone, I’ve come with Young Master Victor..." she replied.

Click!

The door opened immediately, revealing a tall, bald old man.

His body was packed with muscles—so dense Victor thought they resembled stone.

He even wondered if the man had some kind of golem bloodline.

The old man’s eyes fell on Victor, and surprise flashed across his face.

He didn’t look like someone who smiled easily, yet he forced a smile upon seeing him.

"Young Master, what brings you to my humble home? I am truly honored," he said warmly.

Victor could clearly see the flattery in his tone.

"Please take a look at this," Victor said, handing him the iron box.

The old man accepted it instinctively, then his expression changed in shock.

"This... should be the Iron Box of the Holy Light Monarch, used to seal the Yin-Yang Mirror," he said.

"Yin-Yang Mirror?"

"Mm... yes... it’s something meant for adults..." the old man replied awkwardly.

"You’re talking about intercourse, right? Then what’s the benefit of using that object?" Victor asked without changing his expression.

Cough! Cough!

Both the old man and Emma choked.

They hadn’t expected Victor to know—and to speak about it so bluntly.

An awkward silence filled the air.

Under Victor’s curious gaze, Master Stone found it difficult not to answer.

"It can accelerate cultivation. The Yin-Yang Mirror activates when it observes a man and woman engaging in such acts, producing spiritual energy for its user. Cultivation can increase rapidly—but it doesn’t improve one’s understanding of Merit Laws, resulting in a fragile foundation," he explained reluctantly.

"I see... Then why is it sealed?" Victor asked.

"Because it’s considered a corrupt path. Those who used it became addicted to rapid progress and sometimes resorted to assaulting women. It’s said the mirror only works if the woman is a virgin, so it can’t be used repeatedly with the same person. But, the results would be even more remarkable if that woman had more talent."

"So even if someone progresses quickly, their cultivation ends up flawed? But what if their cultivation is already supported by powerful innate talents—like a Heaven-Class Physique and Soul, along with several Heaven-Class affinities?"

"If that’s the case, their cultivation would still be strong. Of course, they wouldn’t become the absolute strongest. There are those blessed with great talents who also master numerous powerful Merit Laws and techniques—making them far superior. Like your mother... she is invincible. She could still become a World Monarch if she wished, as the world itself would continue to grant her opportunities."

"I understand. Now, do you know another way to open this iron box besides breaking the seal?"

At that question, Master Stone hesitated.

"Master Stone, I’ve also heard a legend about this," Emma suddenly added. "In theory, the seal can’t be broken unless done by a World Monarch. However, it’s said the Yin-Yang Mirror is a legendary artifact with a will of its own. If properly stimulated, it can escape the seal using its own power."

Master Stone frowned and shot Emma a sharp look.

He clearly hadn’t wanted to mention this—but she had said it outright in front of Victor.

Emma realized her mistake, but it was too late to take her words back.

Master Stone wanted to claim ignorance, but Victor’s gaze made him feel that the boy would see through any lie.

He scratched his bald head.

"I’ve read some ancient texts... It might be possible. The Yin-Yang Mirror can indeed be lured out with something."

"What is it?" Victor asked immediately.

"A Heavenly woman of peerless beauty... she must be young and virgin... and without clothing," Master Stone answered quietly.