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

### Chapter 122: The Breach Fate itself is not a fair existence. If it were truly fair, then there would be no distinction between talent and mediocrity, beauty and ugliness, strength and weakness. Everyone would be the same. She and Hongran were examples of this inherent unfairness. Xiu was born as the embodiment of suffering and misfortune, while Hongran was born as the embodiment of fortune and beauty. Their ancestors were no different. Fate had never changed, which was why Hongran particularly believed in destiny. Yet now, Shen Su wanted to lead them to change their fate, a task fraught with extreme difficulty, and this left the generations-long fate-burdened black crow feeling even more lost and anxious. From start to finish, Xiu had no confidence in this venture, though her desire to save Hongran remained steadfast. She didn't want Hongran to die for others, and certainly, no one in the Bird Tribe wished for Hongran to die. Shen Su could see Xiu's lack of confidence. But Xiu was silent, her thoughts unclear. Shen Su didn't even know where to start convincing her. Gui Cang was part of this Yan Bi Shan; he was like an old mountain goat who had seen through everyone in Yan Bi Shan. Lightly brushing the wool hanging from his right arm, he said, "Xiu, if you don't try, how can you be content? Will you let Hongran die just because fate says she should?" "Gui Cang, that doesn't sound like something you'd say." Today, Hu San Bai looked at Gui Cang with renewed respect. He had always thought Gui Cang was the kind of person who would only talk about following destiny. Gui Cang had always been the embodiment of divine law in Yan Bi Shan, the most faithful and compliant with fate among the creatures there. Yet speaking of fate now, all that remained was a bitter smile. "No matter how much you see, it can't compare with what you feel in your heart. I don't want to see Xian'er in peril, nor do I want the Goat Tribe to suffer." Though he could glimpse a part of destiny, he was no saint; he couldn't remain indifferent, doing everything in accordance with fate. Gui Cang seemed to age in an instant, his eyelids drooping. Despite their differences, at this moment, they were united by a common destiny. Hu San Bai went along with Gui Cang in persuading Xiu, "Xiu, if you don't trust Hongran, she could die at any time. Think it over carefully." Xiu still didn't respond. Shen Su could discern a part of Xiu's inner turmoil from the conversation between Gui Cang and Hu San Bai. Though Xiu never showed it, in reality, she was of the same kind as Hongran. She also believed in fate, even to the point where she lost the courage to resist. "Chief Xiu, first ask yourself what you want, then question whether destiny allows it." Hearing Shen Su's words, a slight change came over Xiu's dark eyes. Ink-black tears began leaking from her pupils. Trembling all over, she struggled to contain her emotions, suddenly grabbing Le Xian beside her. "But what can I do? I can't knock Hongran out like Le Xian did. After knocking her out, what then? She'll wake up eventually. Should I cage her, lock her up, or even sever her emotional roots firsthand?" Xiu had never spoken so many words at once, and suddenly saying so much startled Shen Su and the others. Le Xian broke free of Xiu's grip in an instant, "Don't drag me into this, and don't mention me." Coming from Xiu's mouth, her name was no good omen. Shen Su's eyelashes fluttered lightly. Indeed, there was not a single kind-hearted soul among these demon kings of Yan Bi Shan. Xiu had just claimed to have no plan, but she certainly had many extreme ideas like Le Xian. Yet if Xiu didn't mind, Shen Su didn't mind either. As long as it temporarily controlled the situation, an extreme measure might be feasible. If not for fear that Xiu and the others would resent her actions, Shen Su wouldn't mind helping herself. She also wanted to know the extent to which they were lost. However, whether or not they could control things too extremely was uncertain to Shen Su. If it caused any chaos or led to death, that was also a possibility. Moreover, given that Fu Yuan and Wei Jin were killed by Lin Qinghuai in the original story, which was considered part of the male protagonist's spiritual foundation, as long as they fell in love with the male protagonist, their spiritual foundation would align. So even controlling them wouldn't remove the male protagonist's spiritual foundation but would effectively prevent him from taking advantage of them. Just as she was about to speak, Jiang Ruiping returned. Jiang Ruiping was holding a white peacock, unconscious, with an expression of disdain. "Nanyi, we might as well not collaborate with these demons; they're both stupid and weak, not worth the trouble." Seeing the unconscious white peacock, Xiu couldn't care about Jiang Ruiping's fierceness anymore. She rushed over, "What did you do to her?" "What could I do?" Jiang Ruiping lightly tossed the white peacock, which landed in Xiu's arms. She sneered, "Nanyi, I just used a sealing spell on each of them and let them go. I turned around and found she got knocked out by a falling fruit. Seriously, a grand elder of the demon tribe knocked out by a fruit! She's utterly useless. Why does Shen Su insist on working with them? We should just bind them all and see how they die." Shen Su wasn't sure if Jiang Ruiping could still see her. If she was going to curse her, at least avoid her presence. This wasn't entirely the white peacock's fault; it seemed more related to Xiu. Her words had materialized quickly. Le Xian, carrying Yan Xiao on her back, approached Xiu, chuckling darkly, "You don't need to learn from me; it seems I should learn from you instead. You're much more ruthless; she's reverted to her original form." Xiu's face turned grim. She carefully cradled the white peacock, her silence growing even deeper. A gust of wind swept over Yan Bi Shan, bringing an icy chill. There was a moment of silence at the edge of Mirror Lake. Among the four spiritual roots present, one was hanging from a treetop with a shattered throat, one was unconscious from poison, another knocked out by a fruit, leaving only Zhu Xian'er managing to escape. Gui Cang's face turned pale; he finally understood what Shen Su meant by containing them. He bowed toward Jiang Ruiping, his voice earnest, "Elder Jiang, could you help knock out Xian'er?" Unlike Le Xian and Xiu, due to his abilities, he had seen through much of this trap, though not entirely. He understood the misfortune of fate. These past few days, he had quarreled with Zhu Xian'er more than once, harming their ancestral bond. He had tried to stop Zhu Xianer from getting close to Yu Muhuan, but he couldn't control her, leading to more intense arguments with each intervention. Zhu Xian'er's talents were such that, even those stronger than her struggled to catch her. Gui Cang had to admit he couldn't catch Zhu Xian'er, but Jiang Ruiping, with her absolute strength, could. He didn't want Zhu Xian'er to get hurt under Jiang Ruiping but less so wanted her to lose herself. Jiang Ruiping didn't respond, if it was up to her alone, she would refuse. But now, with Wei Nanyi by her side, she ought to heed Wei Nanyi's opinion. Wei Nanyi was more favored by Shen Yin Xue. She awaited Wei Nanyi's opinion. Wei Nanyi, in turn, sought Shen Su's input. Shen Su supported Gui Cang. "Elder Gui Cang, knocking out Xian'er isn't a good idea. If it’s fate, we can't rule out the possibility of them dying in their sleep. But there are other ways." Shen Su shared her previous idea that love might destroy them but can also save them. Hope flickered in Gui Cang's eyes, but Le Xian and Xiu fell silent. Gui Cang's bond with Zhu Xian'er was deep, but theirs were inconsequential. Le Xian frowned, her spider legs stabbing into Yan Xiao's flesh, instantly neutralizing the poison. She didn't want her poison to contribute to Yan Xiao's demise. With the poison cleared, Le Xian raised her head. Her previously closed eyes opened abruptly. "Such trouble. Let me kill him." With that, she rushed out without hesitation. Seemingly heading toward Yu Muhuan. Shen Su asked Gui Cang uncertainly, "She doesn't know where Yu Muhuan is, right?" "She shouldn't," Shen Su sighed in relief, but Gui Cang added, "However, her spider silk can find Xian'er." Zhu Xian'er was undoubtedly heading to find Yu Muhuan now. Though Shen Su denied any intention to harm Yu Muhuan, Zhu Xian'er might not believe her, prompting her to urgently warn Yu Muhuan. Shen Su wasn’t afraid of Zhu Xian'er telling Yu Muhuan she intended to kill him. In the eyes of the human cultivators, she was just an unknown minor character. Even if Zhu Xian'er told Yu Muhuan she was the ruler of Yan Bi Shan, Yu Muhuan had never met her. He didn’t know who she was, but she knew who he was. If Zhu Xian'er spoke up, it could even be beneficial. The identity of the ruler of Yan Bi Shan was quite impressive; especially since he had been reborn and had never heard this name in his past life, it might scare him. Yu Muhuan had been living too comfortably; it was time to give him a scare. As long as Zhu Xian'er didn't reveal anything about Wei Nanyi. Jiang Ruiping’s sealing spell was intended to prevent them from discovering Wei Nanyi’s presence in Yan Bi Shan, not to conceal Shen Su’s existence. The issue, however, was that Le Xian seemed genuinely intent on killing Yu Muhuan. If she could find Zhu Xian'er, she could find Yu Muhuan too. This truly alarmed Shen Su. "Then chase after her, quickly." She grabbed Wei Nanyi and took off first; although Hu San Bai and the others didn't fully understand, they quickly followed. Running, they asked, "Leader, why the urgency? I think killing Yu Muhuan is a good idea." "If only it were that simple." Shen Su knew she seemed laughable to Hu San Bai and the others, running through the forest to protect Yu Muhuan. She felt ridiculous too, but it was a desperate measure. "Yu Muhuan's destiny hasn't changed yet. If she goes to kill him now, it will only be someone else who takes his place, possibly even you, Elder Fox." Hu San Bai paused, his first worry wasn’t for himself but immediately for someone else. "Xiao Rou." He pushed Hu Jinjin. "Old Patriarch, follow them. I have to go check on Xiao Rou." He was genuinely worried about Hu Rou, but even if he went back, it wouldn't help. It was better to rely on Hu Bi Niang to wake Hu Rou. Shen Su had no time to stop Hu San Bai. Guided by Gui Cang, she quickened her pace to catch up with Zhu Xian'er. During the chase, she pulled out a veil and handed it to Wei Nanyi. As Wei Nanyi covered her face, Hu Jinjin finally saw the need for discretion. He frowned and emitted waves of black mist, enveloping all of them, thus concealing them from view. This method prompted a glance from Jiang Ruiping. "I remember that ability." Hu Jinjin forced a smile, "And I remember how you used the Netherworld Chain to break through my talent, forcing me into a thousand-year retreat." He daringly brought up old grievances with Jiang Ruiping. Jiang Ruiping snorted but surprisingly didn’t get angry. Hu Jinjin protected them within the black mist, covering them completely and adjusting his pace to ensure everyone kept up. Zhu Xian'er had left early, and Le Xian was a spider with eight legs. By the time they arrived, Le Xian was already fighting Zhu Xian'er, with Yu Muhuan standing by. Hidden within the black mist, which only they could see, Yu Muhuan was unaware of their presence. Le Xian, with Yan Xiao on her back, was tangling fiercely with Zhu Xian'er, while Yu Muhuan stood on the side, shouting, "Stop fighting!" Though he was ostensibly trying to mediate, Shen Su noted the smile playing on his lips. She wasn’t the only one who noticed. Wei Nanyi, standing in the mist, pointed toward Yu Muhuan. "Xiao Su, he seems to be smiling." Gui Cang frowned. "Does he think Le Xian is fighting with Zhu Xian'er over him?" As expected, Gui Cang understood men well. Just as he finished speaking, Yu Muhuan called out again, "Xian'er, stop fighting. If any one of you three gets hurt, I will be heartbroken." The three of them. He counted Le Xian and even the unconscious Yan Xiao among them. Shen Su couldn't help but twitch. "Has Le Xian ever met him?" Xiu, holding the white peacock, responded, "Probably not." "Is this truly the Chosen One?" Yu Muhuan’s appearance was fine, but Hu Jinjin, born into the fox tribe, prided himself on his looks. He had outshined Yu Muhuan easily in his youth. Finding Yu Muhuan's attitude humorous, he remarked, "I've never seen someone so shameless." The shock wasn’t theirs alone; Le Xian was livid too. Though she had eight eyes, her face wasn’t frightening. When her eyes closed, it looked like a few thin scars, not ugly at all. With her dainty nose and red lips, she appeared beautiful. Rage surged within Le Xian. Her eight eyes opened, glaring at Zhu Xian'er. In a low, hoarse voice, she said, “Get out of the way. If you don’t let me kill him, I’ll kill you!” “I won’t let you.” Zhu Xian'er stood firm. Le Xian wasn’t one to simply threaten, and in an instant, her eyes flashed with ferocity. Threads of spider silk flew from her body, forming black and white spiders that crawled toward Yu Muhuan. Her lower two eyes began to weep bloody tears, which accelerated the spiders’ reproduction. Though Le Xian’s methods were ruthless, her blood-shot eyes were unnatural. Sensing something wrong, Shen Su pushed Xiu and Gui Cang. "Stop her quickly." Jiang Ruiping and Wei Nanyi couldn’t reveal themselves, and Hu Jinjin had to conceal them. So, Xiu and Gui Cang were most suited to act. Hu Jinjin, considering Hu Rou, readily obeyed Shen Su’s orders. Xiu, reliable in critical moments, handed the white peacock to Shen Su and charged forward with Hu Jinjin. Facing the swarm of spiders, Yu Muhuan showed no fear, only confusion. "Why do you want to kill me? We have no enmity. I’ve always treated your tribe kindly. Why, lady?” Before he could say more, Le Xian bypassed Zhu Xian'er, aiming her sharp spider leg at Yu Muhuan's chest. "Die!" The spider leg didn’t pierce Yu Muhuan’s chest but impaled a brightly colored butterfly instead. Shock filled Le Xian’s eyes. The butterfly was Yan Xiao. Unconscious, still bound in spider silk, Yan Xiao had shielded Yu Muhuan, taking the lethal blow as if destined to do so. The controlling spiders all climbed onto Yan Xiao’s body. Fortunately, strong hands seized the spider leg, preventing Le Xian from completely impaling the butterfly protecting Yu Muhuan. Le Xian looked, bewildered, to her side. There stood Xiu, who had rushed over. “Why?” Xiu wanted to ask the same, but words failed her. She firmly gripped the spider leg, slowly pulling the sharp tip from Yan Xiao’s chest. As soon as it was withdrawn, Yan Xiao began to fall. Yu Muhuan reached out to catch her, but Le Xian snatched Yan Xiao away, flicking off the spiders and stopping the bleeding. Yan Xiao remained unconscious, not actively protecting Yu Muhuan. Le Xian, choking with rage, glared at Yu Muhuan as if wanting to incinerate him. Recalling Shen Su’s words, Xiu restrained her. Le Xian’s continued attempts would only harm others, not Yu Muhuan. With Xiu holding her back, Yu Muhuan sighed in relief. “Thank you for saving me. May I know your name?” He didn’t thank Yan Xiao, who had saved him, but asked Xiu, who stood by Le Xian. Xiu found it absurd. Though a disciple of Jiang An, Yu Muhuan wasn’t constantly by his side. He never met Xiu or Le Xian in his past life in Yan Bi Shan, only knowing Cenin and Zhu Xian'er. Men were often fickle and enamored by novelty. Xiu didn't answer Yu Muhuan's question. A pair of wings appeared behind her, with the right wing wrapping around Le Xian and Yan Xiao, and in an instant, she flung them toward Shen Su's direction. Then, they disappeared from Yu Muhuan's sight. As they were flung over, Wei Nanyi stepped forward, her palm emitting a gentle force, catching them. Le Xian, still bewildered and frenzied, muttered "why" as she attempted to dash out again, clearly unstable. A sudden thought struck Shen Su—another extreme. Hatred. Le Xian seemed blinded by hatred at that moment. Shen Su urgently shouted, "Madam, knock her out." Before Wei Nanyi could act, Jiang Ruiping had already moved. In the hands of the powerful demon king Jiang Ruiping, Le Xian had no strength to resist and quietly fell into unconsciousness. No sooner had they subdued Le Xian than Gui Cang was almost injured by Zhu Xian'er outside. Xiu yanked Gui Cang away from Zhu Xian'er’s grasps, coldly questioning her, "Do you know who you’re attacking?" Zhu Xian'er, looking at Gui Cang, appeared conflicted. "Grandfather, please stop forcing me." Zhu Xian'er hadn’t meant to harm Gui Cang. The distance from which she'd struck could have been dodged by Gui Cang, but he hadn’t moved. It was as if his disappointment in her was so profound that he disregarded his own life. Gui Cang didn’t want to force her, but with her entanglement with Yu Muhuan, her life was at risk. He was about to argue with Zhu Xian'er when Shen Su's words echoed in his mind. Zhu Xian'er was bewitched by Yu Muhuan. The more he argued with her, the more she defended Yu Muhuan. Swallowing his retort, Gui Cang forced a weak smile at Zhu Xian'er. His body swayed, leaning on Xiu to remain upright. Feigning frailty, he said, "Xian'er, Grandfather won’t force you, but I’m injured. Can’t you feel any pity for me? Will you come back with me today?” For once, Yu Muhuan's attention wasn’t solely on the beauties. He pulled out a pill bottle. “Grandfather Xian'er, I have spiritual pills.” Yet, before Yu Muhuan could offer his medicine, Gui Cang collapsed, shimmering light revealing his true form. He curled his fingers forward and clung to Xiu's pant leg, winking at her where Yu Muhuan and Zhu Xian'er couldn’t see. Xiu was stunned, failing to grasp his meaning. Gui Cang’s disappointment was profound. That was when a low, coarse female voice emanated from where Le Xian had vanished, "Zhu Xian'er, would you abandon your grandfather for a man? Elder Gui Cang is severely injured today, and you won’t even stay by his side?" Before Gui Cang could identify the speaker, Yu Muhuan exclaimed, “It’s you!” Yu Muhuan remembered that voice. It had poisoned him in Yan Bi Shan and deceived him with illusions. He bore that grudge deeply. He’d once thought it some senior figure but later realized it was just a cowardly individual who wouldn’t show their face. “I will kill you!” He rushed toward the voice's source, only to be suppressed by a powerful demonic force, at least at the Nascent Soul stage. Following the pressure was a male voice, "How dare you show disrespect to our leader." The leader? But the voice distinctly belonged to the petty individual he encountered before. Yu Muhuan, pressed down by the powerful demon energy, felt tight-chested. He bit his tongue lightly, swallowing a bead, swiftly pulling away to alleviate the discomfort. "Senior, there must be a misunderstanding. That voice clearly belongs to a petty individual I encountered in Yan Bi Shan." He repeatedly referred to them as "petty individual." Even Jiang Ruiping was a bit curious. She quietly asked Shen Su, “What did you do?” What else could it be? It was merely a minor trick to prank him once for information about Jiang Ruiping’s recent whereabouts. “Toyed with him once.” Shen Su replied with a sigh, indicating Hu Jinjin to continue his act. She had noticed Gui Cang’s pretence but, unlike Gui Cang, Xiu was too wooden-headed to catch on, forcing Shen Su to speak up. Yu Muhuan held a grudge surprisingly well, remembering her instantly. Hu Jinjin wasn't as seasoned as Hu San Bai, unsure what to say in such moments. With a wave of Shen Su’s left hand, droplets of water formed sentences before Hu Jinjin. His aged face twisted slightly, but he still spoke, "Arrogant child, this is the leader of Yan Bi Shan you’re speaking to. Do you mean to declare war on all of Yan Bi Shan?" Hu Jinjin’s accusation resounded. Yu Muhuan, lacking the strength he would gain later, begrudgingly lowered his head, “I dare not.” There was something delightful about bullying under the guise of legitimacy. Hu Jinjin was proving more effective than her enchanted jade, knowing precisely what Yu Muhuan should or shouldn’t hear. Seeing Yu Muhuan bow was a surprise to Shen Su. She had thought his rebirth made him feel invincible, but he knew when to restrain himself. Yet, his heart was insatiably greedy, beyond just his fate. Zhu Xian'er and the others quickly realized the voice was deliberately altered by Shen Su. Zhu Xian'er frantically warned Yu Muhuan, “Muhuan, be careful. Our leader wants to harm you.” “Xian’er.” Before Yu Muhuan could reach Zhu Xian'er, Xiu murmured, “It’s the season for honeyed fruits. If one falls and hits you, it wouldn’t be good.” Upon Xiu's words, fruits indeed began to drop from the surrounding trees. None, however, struck Yu Muhuan. Shen Su activated her demon energy to observe Yu Muhuan. Her eyes revealed something different. A red string with twelve differently colored beads hung from his neck, emitting golden light that shielded him each time a fruit neared. This was the Chosen One’s fate, capable of resisting curses. But those twelve colored beads reminded Shen Su of the old stories she’d heard in her previous world—protective talismans. Did this mean Yu Muhuan’s accidents would claim the lives of those corresponding twelve beads' friends? Anyone could die for Yu Muhuan, but his lovers had the priority, almost like it was an honor. Shen Su hurriedly called out, “Xiu, come back.” Xiu lifted the fallen Gui Cang, retreating into Hu Jinjin’s black mist. Upon their return, Shen Su signaled Xiu to stay silent before speaking to Zhu Xian'er. “Zhu Xian'er, are you truly willing to abandon your grandfather?” “Grandfather…” Zhu Xian'er hesitated. She cared for Yu Muhuan, but she hadn’t reached the point of forsaking Gui Cang, her sole family. Yu Muhuan was important, but so was Gui Cang. Seeing Zhu Xian'er vacillate, Shen Su nudged Gui Cang. He coughed weakly, “Xian'er, cough, cough.” Zhu Xian'er’s determination wavered. Worried, she glanced at Yu Muhuan again. “Muhuan, I’ll come back for you later.” Zhu Xian'er finally agreed to leave with them. Shen Su sighed with relief and called for Jiang Ruiping, who immediately cast a spell, wrapping Zhu Xian'er in spiritual light, cutting her off from bidding Yu Muhuan goodbye. Pulled into the black mist, Zhu Xian'er caught sight of Shen Su, "Leader, can you—" Before she could plead, a hand settled on her nape. The owner was the previously feeble Gui Cang. Gui Cang, catching her off guard, knocked out his granddaughter. Catching the unconscious Zhu Xian'er, Gui Cang exhaled, “This old fox still had to play tricks.” “Fox tricks?” Hearing his words, Hu Jinjin was displeased. Just as he was about to retort, Shen Su held him back. "Senior Jinjin, let’s settle this after we leave.” As everyone vanished, Yu Muhuan finally grasped the situation, yelling into the empty air, “Xian'er, what leader? Yan Bi Shan shouldn’t have—shouldn't have—” His words cut off with a frustrated grunt. Upon hearing the strange sound, Shen Su came to a halt. She glanced back, her eyes suddenly fixating on something, clutching Wei Nanyi's hand nervously. "Madam, he seems to be vomiting blood." Wei Nanyi saw it too. At that moment, Yu Muhuan was coughing up large mouthfuls of blood, perhaps the news of Yan Bi Shan having a leader had shocked him excessively. His face quickly paled, and while he initially stood upright, his spine soon bent under the pressure. Each time he opened his mouth, fresh, bright red blood poured out. The veins on his forehead bulged as if on the verge of bursting through his skin from the pain. Yu Muhuan's body continued to deteriorate. He crouched down, clutching his abdomen tightly. The blood he spat out became murkier, and as it flowed faster, his entire face became smeared with blood. It was a pitiful sight. The idea that Yan Bi Shan having a leader could have such a severe effect seemed implausible. Shen Su used her spiritual sight to observe him again and noticed that one of the beads on the red string around his neck—specifically, the fifth green bead from the end—had dimmed. It was now almost a lifeless stone. Could it be... Before Shen Su could complete her thought, a spectral figure emerged from Jiang Ruiping's back. Quickly taking the form of Ruo Qing, she anxiously asked, "What did you do? One of his spiritual roots is about to disperse." Ruo Qing had confirmed it: one of his spiritual roots was failing. What Shen Su had suspected was now certain. Hu Bi Niang had succeeded. Those twelve beads symbolized different loves. Now, as all twelve spiritual roots had connected with the male protagonist, they were collectively strung on the string around Yu Muhuan's neck. While the other spiritual roots remained unaffected, Hu Bi Niang's successful encouragement likely meant that Hu Rou’s bead had dimmed. But... "Senior Ruo Qing, when did you arrive?" Given Hu Jinjin's near-peak abilities, even Jiang Ruiping previously had difficulty penetrating his concealment. The fact that Ruo Qing appeared silently here was perplexing. Even if she could break through the black fog, there should have been some disturbance. Shen Su was taken aback, and Hu Jinjin even more so. Ruo Qing chuckled lightly. "Why worry? It’s not difficult for me to evade your notice." Shen Su instinctively looked towards Jiang Ruiping. If evading their notice was easy, what about Jiang Ruiping’s? Jiang Ruiping's reaction differed vastly. Unperturbed by Ruo Qing’s sudden appearance, Jiang Ruiping seemed unsurprised. This, combined with Ruo Qing emerging from her back, indicated Jiang Ruiping had known about Ruo Qing's approach all along. Ruo Qing’s discretion had a reason Shen Su now understood. With a subtle glance, Shen Su directed Gui Cang and the others. Gui Cang, ever perceptive, knew to withdraw. Supporting Zhu Xian’er and the unconscious Yan Xiao, he bowed. “Leader, we’ll take our leave now. Tomorrow, we'll publicly support your negotiations with the human cultivators over the secret realm.” Gui Cang, a clever demon, left his stakes behind and headed away from Yu Muhuan in a completely different direction with Zhu Xian’er and Yan Xiao. With sparse words, Xiu cradled the white peacock in one arm and hefted Le Xian with the other, nodding at Shen Su before disappearing. Hu Jinjin humorously inquired, "Leader, should I leave too?" Before Shen Su could respond, Ruo Qing interjected, "You stay; your abilities are quite useful.” Jiang Ruiping snorted, “When did you become like a stinky rat, hiding around?” Ignoring Jiang Ruiping's jeers, Ruo Qing climbed onto Shen Su’s wrist with pale fingers. “Quick, tell me.” Shen Su hesitated. “We’ll need to confirm with the fox tribe first.” “Then let’s go now,” Ruo Qing glanced one last time at the pale Yu Muhuan, appearing in good spirits. She beckoned Shen Su to follow her to the fox tribe. Shen Su, guided by Hu Jinjin, walked a few steps before stopping Ruo Qing. “Hold on, Senior Ruo Qing. What about Miss Jiang?” She’d noticed earlier—Wei Nanyi had been surveying the surroundings since Ruo Qing’s appearance. She knew Wei Nanyi was looking for something. The spiritual sword was here, but where was its master? Taken aback by Shen Su's question regarding Jiang Xu’s whereabouts, Ruo Qing briefly froze. Recognizing Shen Su’s concern for Wei Nanyi, she softened slightly, “I knocked her out. She didn’t come.” Shen Su was surprised. "You knocked her out?” “Why?” Wei Nanyi was even more astonished. She didn’t expect Ruo Qing to act against Jiang Xu without a reason and wanted to know why. Nodding, Ruo Qing turned to face Wei Nanyi. “Wei Fairy, did you see how Yan Xiao had lost control earlier? Jiang Xu is dealing with it worse. If she finds out you’re here, she’ll drag Yu Muhuan and Jiang An to confront you. Jiang An is well-regarded and leads the investigation into the secret realm. Most human cultivators respect him. Confronting him now isn’t wise. Though some will support you, others will stand by him. After your long absence, newer cultivators only know Jiang An. Best case, you two end up tarnished. Worst case, he’ll further disgrace you.” Sorrowful, Ruo Qing continued, “Jiang Xu is the best example. She tried to confront Jiang An multiple times due to his good reputation, but now she’s known as a madwoman. While your reputation is higher, it’s not advisable...” Wei Nanyi’s face darkened not from reluctance to confront Jiang An but from concern over Jiang Xu. She trusted Shen Su, knowing she wouldn’t harm her and valued her reputation highly. But Wei Nanyi couldn't ignore how much she owed Jiang Xu—the one who helped her escape for ten years. Nodding at Ruo Qing’s advice, she accepted Shen Su's plan for the greater good. Shen Su halted Ruo Qing, “Senior Ruo Qing, let’s go see Miss Jiang first.” “Why?” With a serene smile, Shen Su explained, “Jiang Elder mentioned she left something for me with Miss Jiang. Many treasures might prove useful. Let's retrieve them.” Ruo Qing, her eyes glimmering momentarily, led the way without further protest. Walking alongside Ruo Qing, Shen Su suddenly heard her voice in her head, "Shen Su, I think I understand why Wei Fairy likes a junior like you."