Chapter 3: - All The Protagonists I’ve Scummed Came To Me For Revenge

The woman's face showed immense difficulty as if she found it hard to accept that such words had come from her traditionally rigid senior brother: "Senior brother, this method..." "Junior sister, so many people die every day because of the demon cult, families destroyed because of them! Our master's dying wish was to eradicate the demon cult, don't you remember?" "But senior brother, Miss Yu is mute!" How could a mute impersonate Xia Yu? Besides, Miss Yu was so delicate and timid, it was impossible for her to portray Xia Yu's arrogant demeanor. "You don't need to worry about that," the man said calmly. "I've sent messages to members of other sects, and they will be here in a few days. We can discuss our strategies together then." The woman glanced at Xia Yu, pressed her lips together and said, "Shouldn't we at least ask for Miss Yu's opinion?" "Why don't you be the one to persuade her?" The man turned to leave, clearly harboring a great deal of disdain for Xia Yu, holding a grudge against anyone related to her even five years after her death. Xia Yu noticed his strong dislike for her, as if he couldn't wait to cut her into pieces. She wondered to herself: back then, did I ever do anything to the Qingcheng Sword Sect? She didn't cause trouble, her focus was always on Ye Yueru. The corners of the woman's mouth twitched, and she sighed. Although it went against her principles, she had no choice but to assist her senior brother. She planned how to persuade Xia Yu and ensure her safety. "Miss Yu, my senior brother's words were spoken in anger, without thought. Please don't take them to heart," Xia Yu nodded. "I know this is difficult for you, Miss Yu, but... eh, are you saying it's okay?" Xia Yu nodded again, dipping her finger in some tea to write: 'I was once captured by the Tianyue Palace and know how evil they are. I'm willing to help you.' The woman beamed, patting her chest in assurance, "Miss Yu, it's wonderful that you think this way. Don't worry, there won't be any danger. I will protect you!" Xia Yu smiled and wrote her thanks. Young lady, you have yet to experience the cruelty of society. In these five years, Ye Yueru's skills have possibly surpassed her peak. After all, when Xia Yu died, Ye Yueru's prowess wasn't far behind hers. Otherwise, she wouldn't have lost a sea, but a whole ocean. Xia Yu agreed only to use the Qingcheng Sword Sect to reappear before Ye Yueru, to find a way back into her circle, even if it means enduring some hardship. She felt a stroke of luck; her fleeting interest at the time led her to subtly manipulate Ye Yueru. Though unsure of how deeply Ye Yueru had fallen, this connection could only be beneficial to her. At the very least, Ye Yueru shouldn't completely annihilate her... should she? --- In the small town at the foot of Tianyue Mountain, spies from Tianyue Palace were everywhere, but Ye Yueru never actually used them for anything, merely listening to their news without concern. In this world, no one could kill her. The theft of a body had put Ye Yueru in a foul mood, plain for everyone to see. Those reporting news did so with trembling voices, fearing one wrong word would lead to death on the spot. Ye Yueru smiled faintly, "You, what did you just say?" The red-clad disciple kneeling below trembled slightly, speaking at a rapid pace but clearly, "Subordinate received news that the Qingcheng Sword Sect has somehow captured a woman identical to the former cult master. They've sent letters inviting other sects to the town, planning to use the woman as bait to trap the cult master!" "Qing Cheng Sword Sect... hehe." Ye Yueru laughed softly, her slender fingers tapping rhythmically on the table before her. Those present couldn't decipher her reaction. The higher-ups in Tianyue Palace all knew that Ye Yueru had hidden Xia Yu's body in an ice cellar, where she'd spend hours daily. After Xia Yu's death, someone had insulted her to curry favor with Ye Yueru, only to be killed for it. Ye Yueru was a madwoman. Despite being the one who had killed Xia Yu, she fell into a deranged love for Xia Yu. "Alright, everyone leave. I'm tired," she announced casually. "Subordinate takes leave." Ye Yueru did not erupt in rage or kill anyone, which allowed everyone to breathe a sigh of relief. They feared seeing Ye Yueru the most, for she could kill based on mere whim, and one wrong word could mean a rolling head. Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger, but in the eyes of the demon cult members, Ye Yueru was more elusive than emperors or tigers. Sitting alone in the Wind and Moon Hall, Ye Yueru had a strange smile on her face, her hand stroking her chin as she murmured, "So it was the Qingcheng Sword Sect playing thief... hehe." --- Meanwhile, Xia Yu had agreed to their plan without hesitation, which slightly improved the man's view of her. His attitude was less cold. Xia Yu continued with her timid and vulnerable act. Having been a cult master, she understood the spy network in the city was formidable. Xia Yu guessed Ye Yueru was already aware of her presence. If she intended to act, Ye Yueru wouldn't wait for them to be fully prepared, as it would be a waste of time. She would likely come today. From their rented inn to the concealed courtyard, the two Qingcheng Sword Sect disciples appeared steady and reliable. However, they seemed unaware that everything in the city was under the demon cult's surveillance, explaining why the righteous paths always fought to no avail. Xia Yu disliked drinking Chinese medicine, detesting the indescribable taste. Every concoction had its distinct flavor, all equally unpalatable—bitter, astringent, and occasionally sour. Her body not yet healed, Xia Yu still felt dizzy and feverish, cold. The woman borrowed a clay pot for brewing medicine and personally prepared it for her, showing impeccable care. Such thoughtful assistance from a righteous disciple left Xia Yu with no words but admiration, feeling they were truly exemplary youths, angelically willing to help. Xia Yu also wished to play the good character, but her role was always the irredeemable villain. The woman saw Xia Yu staring at the medicine in a daze and couldn't help but laugh, "You don't want to take your medicine again?" Xia Yu pursed her lips, glancing at her with a hint of grievance before reluctantly picking up the medicine. Smelling its strong odor, she thought it would be better if a skilled martial artist would use internal energy to aid her instead of forcing down this awful liquid. Just as Xia Yu was about to drink the medicine, the woman beside her suddenly stood, drew her sword, and struck towards the back. Xia Yu turned to see a woman in striking red attire, whose face seemed all too familiar. Indeed, she came today. The woman couldn't withstand even a single strike from Ye Yueru, being thrown against the wall by the internal energy infused in Ye Yueru's sleeve. The clatter of porcelain breaking accompanied the smashing of the medicine-filled bowl. Though she feared Ye Yueru, Xia Yu still pretended to anxiously rush towards the woman. After two steps, Xia Yu's hand was caught by a slender yet firm grip. Ye Yueru gazed at the living person before her, her thoughts racing. Initially thinking the Qingcheng Sword Sect had stolen the body and lied to deceive her, she never expected Xia Yu to truly be alive. A gentle, warm smile appeared on Ye Yueru's lips, her tone tender as she called out, "Junior sister." "Demon! Let her go!" The woman coughed twice, terrified seeing Xia Yu caught by Ye Yueru. Barely standing, she showed the same stubbornness all righteous disciples shared—believing they could succeed against the odds as if they were cartoon heroes with hidden powers. "Oh." Ye Yueru glanced at the blood-stained lips of the woman, chuckling. Originally planning to swiftly eliminate her, she paused when Xia Yu grabbed her hand, seemingly pleading for her. Ye Yueru slowly looked down at Xia Yu, who wore a near-crying expression, still clutching her hand tightly with tearful eyes facing the woman. "Miss Yu!" "Junior sister, you accused me of attracting too much attention, yet it's you who leaves a mark everywhere." Ye Yueru laughed softly, her icy gaze falling on the woman. She was about to unleash a deadly strike when a figure clad in blue suddenly appeared to shield the woman. "Oh, it's you." Ye Yueru ceased her attack, her casual demeanor as if she hadn't just been full of murderous intent. The man before her bore a complicated look as he faced Ye Yueru. He wanted to speak harshly, ask numerous questions, but in the end, no words came out. He could only grit his teeth and shield his junior sister. "For old acquaintance's sake, I'll spare you two this once. Next time won't be as lucky." Ye Yueru cast a glance at the woman before seizing Xia Yu's hand, flying away with her using lightness skill. The woman collapsed, coughing up blood, weakly calling, "Senior brother..." "Junior sister, save your strength. Let me heal your wounds." "Miss Yu..." "For now, there won't be any issues, junior sister. Don't overthink it." --- This was not what Xia Yu had expected. In her predictions, Ye Yueru should harbor more hate than love for her, uncertain if Xia Yu had truly come back from the dead. They should go through a torturous tale of deep-rooted love and hatred. She had even braced herself for prolonged torment by Ye Yueru. Yet... Xia Yu was being tightly held by Ye Yueru, who used lightness skill to travel swiftly. Ye Yueru held her so close that Xia Yu could hear her heartbeat. If her intentions were to harm, if she had come with murderous intent, she could have severely injured Ye Yueru by now. What was Ye Yueru playing at? Xia Yu thought in bewilderment. This didn't match the hellish difficulty she had braced for. The fully blackened Ye Yueru didn't seem as hostile towards her as she feared. Was she too overwhelmed by their meeting to remember her grievances? Xia Yu resolved to observe further. Ye Yueru brought Xia Yu back to her residence, closed the door behind them, barring anyone else entry. Only upon reaching her room did Ye Yueru loosen her grip slightly, calming from her ecstatic state. "Junior sister." Xia Yu feigned ignorance, looking at her in fright, retreating in fear of being harmed. Ye Yueru paused, reaching out to grab her, "Junior sister, don't be afraid. I know I was wrong." Xia Yu never anticipated this kind of start, with Ye Yueru apologizing right away. What happened to the promised hell-level difficulty? "You're alive, that's wonderful." Ye Yueru gazed at her, her expression gradually turning enraptured as she gently caressed Xia Yu's cheek. "I'll never do those foolish things again, junior sister." "I've come to see it clearly now. Only you, only you do I wish to possess!" Ye Yueru suddenly tightened her hold, a pale smile on her lips, "Junior sister, stay by my side, don't leave. I won't let go again, never!" Xia Yu looked at her, feeling a chill in her heart. Ye Yueru's expression was eerily similar to the one she wore when she killed Xia Yu long ago. Xia Yu felt a chill at the bottom of her heart. "I only want you here." Xia Yu held her breath, unsure if she should continue pretending. She truly wanted to speak but feared this was Ye Yueru's trap. After all, Ye Yueru wasn't the saint she once was. Her mind should be sharper now, not easily deceived. The terror and resistance on Xia Yu's face didn't fade despite her words, leaving Ye Yueru in silence. She grasped Xia Yu's wrist, then moved her hand to Xia Yu's waist, and slowly further upwards. Seeing Ye Yueru’s fingers slide higher into her clothing, Xia Yu's control snapped. "No!" she finally gasped in protest.