118 - All Eyes Are On The Peasant Family’ Adorable Baby Girl

Chapter 118: Ambition The immortal ship pushed through layer upon layer of mist, slowly heading towards Yanbi Mountain. The return journey wasn’t as urgent, but it was more arduous. Due to the extensive implications of Ruo Qing’s words and the living example standing before them, everyone’s countenance grew more solemn. Jiang Ruiping’s limbs had grown back fully, and she had taken over from Wei Nanyi as the one piloting the immortal ship, while Wei Nanyi attended to her junior sister. Shen Su stood beside Wei Nanyi, holding the rope that bound Cen Yin. The northern wind howled, scattering her thoughts. Her greatest advantage used to be her ability to quickly calm her mind, but now it was a chaotic mess. No matter how eloquently Ruo Qing spoke, nothing could compare to the impact of such a person standing before them. Sheng Qing Ning was Bai Ruoyi's master. Was it that in a man's mind, a woman, once in love, would discard all propriety and stoop so low as to be willing to share a man with her disciple? Daring to imagine such a master-disciple relationship. Of course, it wasn't surprising. In Yu Mu Han's original group of spiritual roots, there were Feng Yin Yue and Chu Yu Han, a master and disciple pair. Seeing Sheng Qing Ning and Bai Ruoyi follow suit, he was likely willing to accept it too. If they were driven to madness by fate, then when Yu Mu Han accepted the affections of a master and her disciple, was he marvelling at his own charm or struggling with issues of seniority and ethics? Wei Nanyi had struck hard, and Sheng Qing Ning was still unconscious. Her brows were furrowed tightly, her face pale, occasionally mumbling a few words. In her dreams, she cried out in pain, her frail body curling slightly in Wei Nanyi's embrace. Wei Nanyi took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from her forehead, feeling a multitude of emotions. Sheng Qing Ning was different from her. As Shen Yin Xue’s youngest disciple, like Jiang An, she was fond of Jiang Ruiping, not so attached to Shen Yin Xue, driven by a desire for the resources Jiang Ruiping had. Jiang An kept his greed hidden, while Sheng Qing Ning's was out in the open. She once said that if she didn’t cling to Uncle Jiang, Uncle Jiang might forget she even existed. It's not a bad thing. After all, which cultivator in the world doesn’t desire resources? Wei Nanyi was lucky. Both Shen Yin Xue and Jiang Ruiping favored her. It didn’t matter that Sheng Qing Ning sought something for herself. Jiang Ruiping didn't find her tiresome; it was perhaps her destined good fortune. Sheng Qing Ning differed from Jiang An in that, while she clung to Jiang Ruiping, she never looked down on Shen Yin Xue. She was willing to cling to Shen Yin Xue too, but Shen Yin Xue, being the sect leader, was often too busy. Despite Sheng Qing Ning being the imposing sect leader of Linxian Mountain, she used to be just a clingy little girl. Never considering the sect leader position, she was never one to act mature, always preferring to be playful and clingy, often forgetting her growing age. Jiang Ruiping often said she would never grow up or accomplish anything big. No one expected that Sheng Qing Ning would eventually become the sect leader, not even Wei Nanyi. Over the years, hearing bits and pieces about Linxian Mountain, no one had criticized Sheng Qing Ning, proving she was securely in her position as sect leader. She had finally grown up. Good or bad, it was just that Sheng Qing Ning had restrained her old self. Wei Nanyi occasionally longed for the days when Shen Yin Xue was alive at Linxian Mountain. She wondered if Sheng Qing Ning felt the same. She had thought about whether, if she saw Sheng Qing Ning again, they could be like before, if Sheng Qing Ning might have sided with Jiang An, but she never imagined Sheng Qing Ning would be tormented by fate to harm the master she once adored for a man. Wei Nanyi’s grip on the embroidered handkerchief tightened. She murmured, “Qing Ning, this shouldn't be your fate.” In her sleep, Sheng Qing Ning’s agitation led to cold sweats. Her quivering body trembled, and her voice, filled with sobs, reached their ears. “Uncle... Uncle, I’m in so much pain... Master, please take Qing Ning away, okay?” Take her away? Shen Yin Xue was long dead, where could they possibly go? Only death awaited. Wei Nanyi couldn’t tell if Sheng Qing Ning harbored thoughts of death. Such words frightened her, making her urgently call out, "Qing Ning." Sheng Qing Ning couldn’t hear, but Shen Su could. She heard the panic in Wei Nanyi’s voice, knowing she was uneasy for Sheng Qing Ning’s sake. Kneeling down gently, she touched Wei Nanyi’s shoulder, speaking softly, “Madam, don’t be too sad. Ruo Qing said we have a chance to change everything. Maybe if the sect leader falls for someone else, she could escape such a fate. Changing hearts doesn't equal death, and no new spiritual root will replace it.” Shen Su's comforting words darkened the expressions of both Wei Nanyi and Jiang Ruiping. After a tense silence, Jiang Ruiping, brimming with anger, reached out and grabbed Cen Yin. Her fingers pierced Cen Yin’s neck, avoiding the arteries, tearing through her flesh as black bear blood stained her pale fingers. She stared, mad-eyed, "Why? Why do you love him?" Cen Yin’s throat was gripped by Jiang Ruiping, the sensation of the bear skin being ripped from her flesh bringing back past nightmares. Panic briefly flashed across her dark face before she suppressed it, growling, “Jiang Ruiping, have you lost your mind? It’s your junior niece who loves Yu Mu Han, not me. Don’t take it out on me!” Jiang Ruiping coldly curled her lips, ignoring Cen Yin’s words. With a brutal pull, she tore off Cen Yin’s black bear skin from her neck, shaking the bloody skin in her palm, eyes blazing red. She stared at Cen Yin’s bleeding, torn neck, lowering her voice, “Cen Yin, we’ve yet to settle our scores. My sister forbids me from killing you, Ruo Qing forbids me. Do you think I dare not touch you? I have countless ways to make you wish for death. Why not use you as a punching bag? Do we have any kinship to speak of?” The bloody scene made A Ling turn her head away, her steps uneasy as she moved closer to Shen Su. She had killed many, harbored ill intentions, but never used such cruel methods as Jiang Ruiping. A Ling instinctively grasped her neck, moving faster towards Shen Su. As she approached and crouched beside her, Shen Su gently stroked A Ling’s cheek, whispering, "Don't worry, Uncle Jiang won’t skin you." Embarrassed to have her thoughts seen through, A Ling lowered her head. Shen Su raised her gaze, staring at Jiang Ruiping and Cen Yin, querying Wei Nanyi puzzledly, "Madam, what's wrong with Elder Jiang?" Jiang Ruiping wasn’t one to hide her feelings. Her mood had been good since seeing Shen Yin Xue again, souring upon encountering Sheng Qing Ning, now reaching its nadir. It was due to Shen Su’s earlier words. Wei Nanyi had laid thick fabric on the immortal ship’s deck, letting Sheng Qing Ning’s body rest on it while her head rested in her lap. She was a good senior sister, and Shen Su didn’t mind the closeness. Upon hearing Shen Su’s question, Wei Nanyi’s face twisted in anguish. She groaned, “Xiao Su, did you know Qing Ning has no emotional roots?” “No emotional roots?” Wei Nanyi gazed at Shen Su, tears welling up, “When she was young, she experienced inner demons, causing her meridians to go haywire. Uncle Jiang severed her emotional roots to save her life. She can’t love anyone. Yet fate still pushed her to this point.” Shen Su understood why Wei Nanyi and Jiang Ruiping looked so grim after her words. Sheng Qing Ning couldn't love, she lacked emotional roots. Unable to feel love, how could she move on to someone else? Shen Su frowned, “But... but didn’t she once vie with Jiang An for the lady?” Wei Nanyi smiled bitterly, shaking her head. “We all knew back then that Master, nearing the end of her lifespan, worried for me, aiming to find me a reliable partner. Qing Ning felt I didn’t need one, and with Uncle Jiang’s coaxing, knew that being my partner would bring many benefits from Uncle Jiang. That's why she enthusiastically got involved.” She remembered Sheng Qing Ning’s greedy expression. And her frequent glances at Jiang Ruiping, promising she would be good to her. Sheng Qing Ning could respect her master and uncle, and act coquettishly towards her senior sister, but there was no longing for love in those beautiful eyes of hers. To Sheng Qing Ning, a dao companion was always a trivial thing. She felt that Wei Nanyi was strong enough to ignore her own personality flaws. Moreover, many peers within the sect revered Wei Nanyi and would naturally plan for her. Wei Nanyi didn’t need a dao companion to plan for her; Shen Yin Xue was simply being overly worried. Upon hearing Wei Nanyi’s words, Jiang Ruiping seemed to be lost in her thoughts. She released her grip on Cen Yin's bear skin, and her clean, blood-free hand lightly rested on Wei Nanyi’s shoulder. “Sheng Qing Ning was just a heartless little girl.” She was speaking to Shen Yin Xue. That was Sheng Qing Ning’s original destiny, but it wasn't her current one. They had all underestimated the power of fate. Sheng Qing Ning, someone who couldn’t even grasp the concept of love, had fallen to being tormented by it. Following the current timeline, the male lead in the original book was about to meet all of the twelve spiritual roots. Shen Su suddenly hesitated, wondering who the remaining four roots would be. Yu Mu Han was in Yanbi Mountain, and all of Shen Su’s friends in this world, besides those traveling with her, had all arrived there as well. Could it be someone familiar? If it turned out to be people she knew, how heartbreaking would that be for Wei Nanyi? Shen Su couldn’t help but speculate about those around her. Ruan Tong’s talent was truly exceptional, with a divine physiology that enabled her to share her power with others, making her a natural ally. Impatiently, Shen Su urged, “Elder Jiang, could you go any faster?” Without saying much, Jiang Ruiping silently intensified the spiritual power controlling the immortal ship. Yanbi Mountain was bustling with activity lately. The appearance of an ancient secret realm at Yanbi Mountain drew numerous sects there, even prompting the demonic sect, which usually avoided contact with so-called righteous practitioners, to risk their safety to come. Hundreds of sects and countless demons quickly converged on Yanbi Mountain. Everyone wanted to monopolize this resource, but the ancient secret realm required the combined efforts of at least a hundred cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage or above, supported by a grand formation to open it. No single faction had this power, and the realm only allowed cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage to enter. Thus, cooperation was decided upon. The leaders of various factions would control the formation together, and each faction would gather the necessary hundred cultivators to open the secret realm and send their disciples in. The disciples to enter the secret realm would be chosen through a competition, with the top 500 qualifying to seek their fortunes inside. Though the collaboration was settled, details still needed discussion. In recent days, leaders of various factions frequently met, including the Eight Great Demon Kings of Yanbi Mountain. The Fox Demon King, due to his age, sent Fox Sanbai in his stead. The demon kings of Yanbi Mountain were mostly bloodthirsty and eccentric, and the demon faction primarily relied on the suave Fox Sanbai to mediate. However, Fox Sanbai had been in a foul mood lately, showing no pleasant demeanor towards anyone. His sour face only made the other demon kings grimmer, with even Zhu Xian'er barely maintaining a distracted smile. Linxian Mountain, always the number one sect, still overshadowed the other three great sects, despite being one of the four. With Sheng Qing Ning absent, Jiang An presided. Wearing a humble smile, Jiang An stated, “We are here to discuss the competition's rules, not to observe each other’s expressions.” His tone, though friendly, carried an underlying threat. His imposing aura didn’t faze anyone present. Fox Sanbai snorted coldly, “Talk, talk, talk, it’s all we’ve done. You still haven’t set the competition rules, yet your disciples find time to tease our lesser demons.” Jiang An’s eyelid twitched slightly, still maintaining his smile. “Elder Fox jests. When it comes to looks and disposition, the fox tribe undoubtedly excels. It would be a blessing if they didn’t tease our disciples.” Before he could finish, the demonic sect leader Shuifeng, the only human not aligned with Jiang An, interrupted with a playful grin, “Elder Jiang’s words are always so pleasant. By that logic, if White Sect Master stripped Elder Fox today, it would certainly be Elder Fox taking advantage, as White Sect Master is a righteous practitioner and a woman, unlike Elder Fox, a mere fox demon.” As Shuifeng spoke, Jiang An’s face darkened, and Bai Yu’s expression turned cold. Jiang An was displeased by the challenge to his authority, while Bai Yu caught the deliberate mockery in Shuifeng’s words. Once able to laugh off such jokes, Bai Yu had grown stern and severe since becoming sect leader, abandoning vibrant attire for a dark yellow robe, her hair neatly bound with not a strand out of place. Her pale face blanched as she glared at Shuifeng but then frowned. Bai Yu, skilled in reading people, noted that although Shuifeng was a sharp-looking man, his flirtatious gaze, more alluring than a maiden’s, and his teasing words, awaited their reaction with a smirk. Bai Yu sighed, sending a gentle spiritual light toward Shuifeng. “Lady Shuineng, I don’t recall ever offending you. Why such jokes?” As the light approached, Shuifeng and her chair moved half a step back, a ribbon from her waist flicking out to scatter the spiritual light. She giggled, and in a flash, Shuifeng vanished, revealing a beautiful girl in a deep-purple short outfit adorned with unique patterns and jingling silver bells. The short top exposed her slender waist, moving with serpentine grace, adorned with a dark purple flower seeming to bloom on her skin. Her short skirt showcased her slender, white legs. “Ah, being recognized makes it less fun.” She was not Shuifeng, but the demonic saintess, Shui Ning. Jiang An’s face turned ashen. “Where’s your father?” Shui Ning pouted, leaping onto the chair, her slender ankles almost melting into the plush sheep's wool of the chair back. Unsteady, her body swayed with the chair, she laughed, “My daddy said you talk endlessly without results, got bored, and sent me to listen and report back.” Beside Bai Yu sat Lin Yanghui. He stared at Shui Ning's slender waist and legs, cursing under his breath, “Demoness, no decorum.” Shui Ning ignored him, twirling the bells on her outfit. As they chimed, she vanished, leaving behind dark-purple petals on the chair. Bai Yu dismissed Lin Yanghui’s grumbling, “Sect Leader Lin, how she dresses is her choice. It’s no crime. If you dislike it, don’t look, but don’t insult her.” Lin Yanghui fumed, “Bai Yu, I am your elder.” Bai Yu remained calm, “Sect Leader Lin, you lead Shenglian Sect, I lead Hanfeng Sect. On what grounds do you call yourself my elder?” “Rubbish!” Lin Yanghui, enraged, glared at her. Surveying the room of demons and humans, he declared, “There’s no point in continuing today.” He stormed out, his departure following Shui Ning’s antics, leaving the four great sect leaders short one. Jiang An’s smile faltered, but he regained his composure, glancing over the demons: the grim Fox Sanbai, the distracted Zhu Xian'er, the ink-spitting Duo Cui, the eight-eyed, murderous Le Xian, the indifferent Ye Huan, the fierce Suo Li, and the predatory gaze of Xu Su. Only the silent Wu Xiu appeared normal, devoid of vicious habits. Coughing lightly, Jiang An forced a smile, “Clan Leader Wu, won’t you say something?” Wu Xiu was stunned, visibly pleased to be addressed. She masked her joy well, replying, “You really want to hear me?” Jiang An must be losing it. They were previously unfamiliar with these demon kings of Yanbi Mountain, but due to the secret realm, there had been confrontations before negotiations were successful. Wu Xiu had left a deep impression, not because she was particularly strong, but mainly because she was outspoken. The black crow's words were considered an ill omen. Before Bai Yu could intervene, Song Jin, the sect master of Guyun Sect, sitting next to Jiang An, acted first. He forcefully tugged Jiang An, almost pulling him off his chair. “Elder Jiang, since the demon clan leaders are unwilling to discuss today, we should reconvene tomorrow.” He spoke in a very low voice, whispering in Jiang An’s ear, “Don’t let her speak. You know the consequences if she says something she shouldn’t.” Jiang An smiled and agreed, but he silently marked Song Jin down in his mind. People and demons in the tent gradually dispersed until only Bai Yu and Jiang An remained. Bai Yu's fingers lightly brushed her wrist as she nonchalantly asked, “Jiang An, why are you here instead of Sheng Qing Ning?” Jiang An didn't answer, prompting Bai Yu to add, “Did you harm your little junior sister too?” Jiang An pinched his arm to maintain his composure, forcing a smile. “No need for Sect Master Bai to worry. My junior sister is occupied with matters and will be here at Yanbi Mountain shortly.” “Is that so?” Bai Yu received his statement lightly, then inquired, “Elder Jiang, where do you think Wei Nanyi is?” Feigning confusion, Jiang An responded, “What do you mean by this, Sect Master Bai?” Resting her chin on her hand with newfound interest, Bai Yu remarked, “I've always wondered how much truth there was in the accusation your daughter leveled against you during the apprenticeship ceremony, about you murdering your wife.” She had been present at the ceremony. Normally, as a sect master, she wouldn’t attend such events, but given that Jiang An's daughter, Jiang Xiu, was also participating and her mother, Wei Nanyi, had once been an overwhelmingly dominant presence, Bai Yu had found it worthwhile to attend. It had been quite an event, witnessing Jiang Xiu’s public outburst against her father and the grandeur of Jiang Ruiping’s authority. Wei Nanyi’s daughter bore no resemblance to her. Faced with Bai Yu’s relentless questioning, Jiang An’s eyes welled up with tears. He tilted his head slightly to keep the tears in his eyes, saying, “I loved my eldest senior sister deeply, how could I harm her? I have been searching for her all these years. You must have heard that my daughter’s spirit is somewhat flawed. Perhaps...” “It better be so.” Bai Yu muttered as she left the tent. Once Bai Yu had gone, Jiang An smashed all the chairs in the tent, cursing Bai Yu repeatedly. Naturally, Jiang Xiu was also part of his tirade. He often regretted not having killed Jiang Xiu. Jiang Xiu alive only caused trouble for him, yet killing her now would be too conspicuous. Fortunately, most people now believed Jiang Xiu was a madwoman, rendering her words unbelievable. Except for Jiang Ruiping. Jiang An suspected that Jiang Ruiping had started to doubt him, but fortunately, Jiang Ruiping was dying. Once she was dead, Linxian Mountain would lack any power to threaten him, especially since no one had more cultivation resources than she did. Taking out a jade-green storage ring, Jiang An turned it over in his hand, his smile growing broader. It had taken some time, but he had finally obtained what he wanted. Jiang Ruiping was such a fool to have Jiang Xiu pass her storage ring to someone else. It seemed Jiang Ruiping had forgotten all of Shen Yin Xue’s teachings, choosing to give her treasures to an outsider rather than someone from Linxian Mountain. Jiang Xiu was also a fool, never touching the items in the ring as instructed by Jiang Ruiping, thus allowing him to swap the ring unnoticed. Perhaps he should thank Wei Nanyi. If not for Wei Nanyi raising Jiang Xiu to uphold promises strictly, he wouldn't have obtained the ring. In the past, he had begged Jiang Ruiping for resources many times, but now he had all her possessions effortlessly. Not only should he thank Jiang Xiu and Wei Nanyi, but also the one who made Jiang Ruiping willing to give everything away. Though he still didn't know who Jiang Ruiping intended to pass the items to. Jiang Ruiping had always been aloof and detached, with Wei Nanyi being the only person she showed favor to. Could it be that Wei Nanyi was with her? Jiang An didn’t trust anyone. He rarely tried to extract valuable information from Jiang Xiu, relying solely on his own conjectures. Jiang Xiu had escaped Linxian Mountain with Wei Nanyi, but returned alone. Wei Nanyi, transformed into an animal, couldn't see or speak, rendering her nearly incapable of surviving on her own. For Jiang Xiu to return alone, it meant she had entrusted Wei Nanyi to someone else. But with Jiang Xiu's paranoid and sensitive nature, it was unlikely she had any trusted friends. Even her fellow disciples avoided her like the plague. Who could Wei Nanyi be with? Did Jiang Xiu find someone who once had feelings for Wei Nanyi? Despite his dislike for Wei Nanyi, Jiang An never doubted her charm. In the past, many from other sects admired her. No. Even if someone had admired Wei Nanyi before, no one would abandon a beautiful woman for an animal incapable of transformation. Jiang An quickly dismissed these impractical fantasies, left only with the unsolved mystery of Wei Nanyi’s whereabouts. So long as Wei Nanyi wasn’t completely eliminated, he wouldn’t find peace. Jiang An gripped the ring tightly. This ring held Jiang Ruiping’s entire wealth, and it was his last leverage. Even if a Wei Nanyi at her peak confronted him now, she might not be his match. His current path, his wealth, were all superior to Wei Nanyi’s. "Master," a familiar voice called from outside the tent, prompting Jiang An to swiftly hide the ring. Once the ring was secured, a young man stepped into the tent, bowing respectfully to Jiang An. “Master.” Holding a piece of dark purple petal, Jiang An recognized it as Shui Ning’s. Such a woman was irresistible to any man, and understanding Yu Mu Han, he kept his smile affable. Avoiding questions about Shui Ning, he asked, “Mu Han, did you provoke Linxian Mountain’s lesser demons?” Jiang An intended to use this line of questioning to draw information about Shui Ning from Yu Mu Han, but... Yu Mu Han arrogantly raised his chin, “They sought me out, not the other way around. Master, you know your disciple is quite charming to the ladies.” Yu Mu Han never downplayed his allure, taking pride in it. Jiang An believed him. His disciple not only possessed exceptional talent but also attracted women. Regrettably, Jiang Xiu remained immune. Otherwise, she would’ve caused him less trouble, though she still managed to stir some, with disciples blindly loyal to Wei Nanyi, like Feng Yin Yue. Yet, Feng Yin Yue’s beloved disciple respected Yu Mu Han. Jiang An liked Yu Mu Han—obedient, talented, and reputable. Using Yu Mu Han’s charm to clear obstacles pleased him. Initially, the person representing human cultivators in Yanbi Mountain wasn't him. While demons were powerful, human cultivators were more numerous. Humans held greater sway, so the head of human affairs typically managed trial decisions at Yanbi Mountain, a position Jiang An wasn’t initially considered for. Though Linxian Mountain was revered, Jiang An was not. Despite his strength, good looks, and eloquent speech, he was not a true sect leader. Prestige was of utmost importance to Bai Yu and others, who resisted a mere elder like him taking the lead. It was thanks to the support of Zhu Xian'er from the demon clan that he secured his position. Jiang An was aware of Zhu Xian'er’s affection for him and had intentions to make her like him even more. Of course, if Yu Mu Han had the capability, he could win over more people, especially those who were useful. Jiang An glanced at the flower petal in Yu Mu Han’s hand with amusement and chuckled lightly. Climbing up by stepping on women was nothing to be ashamed of. That was how he had risen to power. Jiang An plucked the petal from Yu Mu Han's hand, a deeper smile etching on his face. "Mu Han, such a minor demon isn’t worth your effort. If you must fancy someone, make sure it's a woman who can aid you." Yu Mu Han respectfully replied, “Master, I understand.” Fearing Yu Mu Han might not fully grasp his meaning, Jiang An added, “What do you think of Bai Yu?” Yu Mu Han, pleased by Jiang An’s attempt to match him with Bai Yu, felt delighted. In his past life, he had a relationship with Bai Yu and intended to rekindle it in this life. Before, he had foolishly devoted himself solely to Bai Ruoyi. Now, seeing the many blossoms outside, he realized each was as splendid as Bai Ruoyi. He wanted to cultivate a garden, tending to each flower with care. Yu Mu Han was aware of the disparity between him and Bai Yu, whether in age or status. His extraordinary talent surpassed the highest level of spiritual roots, while Bai Yu was merely at a nine-and-a-half level. He was young, she was older, and she was in the same generation as Jiang An. He had worried Jiang An would think poorly of him for liking someone older, but now saw Jiang An understood him well, making him smile even brighter. “Master, Bai Sect Leader is excellent, but she dresses too conservatively. If she falls for me, I’ll have her wear more vibrant clothing.” Yu Mu Han truly was interested in Bai Yu, though she wasn’t an easily charmed woman. Jiang An inwardly laughed, but kept his expression neutral, still encouraging Yu Mu Han. "Indeed. If she likes you, she should listen to you in all things." He didn’t truly expect Yu Mu Han to win Bai Yu over; he simply wanted to discomfort Bai Yu. However, if Yu Mu Han succeeded with Bai Yu, it wouldn’t be bad for him. Yu Mu Han saw Jiang An’s satisfaction with Bai Yu and happily added, “Master, Sect Leader Qing Ning is great too.” “Oh?” Jiang An reacted oddly, hearing Sheng Qing Ning’s name mentioned. Among all the women surrounding Yu Mu Han, Sheng Qing Ning, as Bai Ruoyi’s master, seemed a peculiar choice. Was his disciple obsessed with women? Before doubts brewed, Yu Mu Han explained, “Master, Sect Leader Qing Ning said if Jiang Ruiping left Linxian Mountain to trouble me, she’d help kill her. I wasn’t sure if it was true, but she didn’t show up at this big event in Yanbi Mountain, proving she wasn’t lying.” In his previous life, Yu Mu Han had no direct dealings with Sheng Qing Ning. But on reflection, she was indeed a beautiful woman. Praising her beauty a few times had unexpectedly won her over. In his past life, he didn't realize how easy Sheng Qing Ning was to charm, much simpler than Bai Ruoyi. If Sheng Qing Ning was willing to kill the troublesome Jiang Ruiping for him, he was open to accepting a woman from his master’s generation, especially since her face remained youthful. Sheng Qing Ning killing Jiang Ruiping? Jiang An was stunned. Sheng Qing Ning had always been Jiang Ruiping’s sycophant, ready to defend her even over a trifling insult. The likelihood of Wei Nanyi recovering her roots to seek revenge seemed greater than that of Sheng Qing Ning killing Jiang Ruiping. But his disciple had never lied to him for twenty years; Yu Mu Han was exceptionally trustworthy, respectful, and dedicated to enhancing his reputation, bringing him great satisfaction. If Sheng Qing Ning could kill Jiang Ruiping, it would be a boon. Nonetheless, he couldn’t let Yu Mu Han see his true thoughts. Feigning a pained expression, Jiang An scolded, “Mu Han, Elder Jiang is our senior. How can you contemplate killing her?” Yu Mu Han’s face twisted before regaining composure. "That woman doesn’t deserve the title of elder. She stole my spotlight during my apprenticeship ceremony and constantly shielded Jiang Xiu. Besides, it wouldn’t be my doing; if blame falls, it’ll be on Sect Leader Qing Ning. The disrespect is hers, not mine." Exactly. Sheng Qing Ning’s actions had no bearing on him or Yu Mu Han. Jiang An inwardly chuckled, maintaining his facade, and seeing Yu Mu Han’s displeasure, sighed, "Mu Han, don’t speak such words again. We must respect Elder Jiang." Yu Mu Han huffed, clearly unimpressed. Good, his animosity towards Jiang Ruiping remained. Sheng Qing Ning would become his tool, and without either of them moving a finger, Jiang Ruiping would perish. How absurd, Sheng Qing Ning, the sycophant, willing to kill her most revered master for a man. Regardless of a woman’s status, emotions made them all the same. Though if Jiang An recalled correctly, Sheng Qing Ning lacked emotional roots. If Yu Mu Han could charm her, Bai Yu would be no match either. Jiang An looked forward to seeing Bai Yu humbled, no longer able to question him about Wei Nanyi. Jiang An mused darkly. Bai Yu's disdain wasn't unfounded; she and Fox Sanbai had been the most disrespectful today. With Fox Sanbai in mind, Jiang An slyly asked, “Mu Han, did you provoke a fox demon? You reek of fox musk.” Yu Mu Han frowned, sniffing himself, “I don't smell anything.” Meeting Jiang An's probing gaze, Yu Mu Han laughed, “Master, I encountered a pretty fox demon, though she’s a bit silly. Every time she sees me, she calls me ‘mother.’ I shouldn't look that feminine, right?” Yu Mu Han seemed fond of the little fox demon, smiling as he recounted it. Wondering how much his little niece still occupied Yu Mu Han’s heart, Jiang An didn't pity Bai Ruoyi. Instead, he found the situation amusing. The elders claimed Bai Ruoyi possessed traits reminiscent of Wei Nanyi, sure to stabilize Linxian Mountain as the next senior sister. Jiang An was now eager to see Bai Ruoyi's reaction upon learning her master shared affections for the same man she did. Would she cry or go mad? Lost in reminiscing about the little fox demon, Yu Mu Han eagerly shared his encounter with Jiang An. “I wanted to talk to her more, but a fierce tiger always drags her away. If not for knowing she’s acquainted with the tiger, I’d have skinned it for a new coat.” All the novels on this site are uploaded by members. If you believe your rights have been infringed, please contact us, and we’ll promptly remove the content. Previous Chapter Directory Next Chapter Pen Mi Read All Rights Reserved Site Map