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

Chapter 124: Awakened "Jiang Master, you seem quite happy." As Shen Suo and the others left Jiang Xu's tent, the sky had completely darkened. Pale moonlight slowly pierced through the black mist and illuminated Jiang Rui Ping's face, revealing her smile and clear, bright eyes. Jiang Rui Ping had always been known as a ruthless killer with a cold face, so it was rare to see her with even a hint of a smile. Jiang Rui Ping's face still had remnants of baby fat, and when she smiled, it was soft, losing its sharpness and killing intent. She looked gentler, and Shen Suo felt more comfortable talking to her. Jiang Rui Ping was spinning the ring she had just retrieved in her hand, tossing it up and letting it fall back into her palm. “Yes.” She did not deny her current cheerful mood, which piqued Shen Suo’s curiosity. She looked at Hu Jin Jin, who had gone with Jiang Rui Ping. Hu Jin Jin chuckled softly, "She implanted a human soul mark on Jiang An, of course she's in a good mood." Shen Suo didn't know what a human soul mark was, only that it was a spell. Her expression changed, "Jiang Master, this could easily alert the enemy." Jiang Rui Ping’s face darkened. Seeing the situation take a bad turn, Wei Nan Yi quickly tried to mediate, "Master, Little Suo…" "Nan Yi, you don't trust your Master, do you?" Jiang Rui Ping's smile had completely vanished. After Wei Nan Yi fell silent, she walked over to Shen Suo. Her gaze wasn’t fierce; seeing Shen Suo's steadfastness and lack of fear made her a bit helpless. She lightly tapped Shen Suo's forehead, "Shen Suo, we all trust you; you need to learn to trust us too. Your parents passed away early, so you must have been used to handling everything alone. Your Master understands your habits, but we are all in this together now. You must understand that everyone involved longs to break free just like you. You need to learn to trust not just me, but others as well. You just said it yourself, you can't do everything alone before reaching the secret territory." "You are smart; we’re willing to trust you," Jiang Rui Ping's brows furrowed slightly, "But your Master is not foolish either. The human soul curse uses his soul as the anchor, its aura identical to his soul's aura. Even with Jiang An's cultivation, he wouldn't detect it. Since I dared to do it, I’m confident he won't find out. This spell makes his body and soul gradually fuse, and when the time is right, it can ignite the spell, burning his soul and body to ashes, leaving nothing behind." Shen Suo held Wei Nan Yi's hand under her sleeve. Sensing her unease, the grip on her hand tightened, as if reminding her that she was not alone. Shen Suo knew she had certain personality issues. She tended to become attached to people, but she still wouldn't reveal everything in her heart. She was used to bearing pressures, accepting failure, and facing death alone. It seemed Jiang Rui Ping had tolerated her for a long time. Shen Suo pursed her lips, "Jiang Master, I'm sorry." Jiang Rui Ping wasn’t blaming Shen Suo. She just suddenly felt Shen Suo hadn’t had it easy all these years. A bit awkwardly, she puffed her soft cheeks slightly, "You are not without someone to rely on." Ruo Qing looked closely at Jiang Rui Ping in astonishment, "Jiang Rui Ping, I never expected you to say something so sentimental." Ruo Qing's exclamation only made Jiang Rui Ping more awkward, "Ruo Qing, do you believe I will make you mute?" Jiang Rui Ping's threat had little effect on Ruo Qing. She squinted her eyes in mischievous amusement, "Sure, but Shen Yinxue has come back to life. Do you think she can forgive you for your cruel swordsmanship against her?" "Your current master is Jiang Xu." Ruo Qing chuckled, "But we have been master and servant for thousands of years; unlike you, who doesn’t even have that title." Jiang Rui Ping's threats were useless against Ruo Qing, but she herself turned red with anger, her pale face flushing with blood. Fearing the two might fight, Shen Suo grabbed Wei Nan Yi and hastened their pace. With them speeding up, Jiang Rui Ping and Ruo Qing also stopped arguing and followed. Jiang Rui Ping tossed the ring to Shen Suo, "As promised, everything inside is yours." Shen Suo held the valuable ring in her hand, curious, "Jiang Master, what treasure did you leave with Jiang An?" "Nothing intentional. Jiang An had already taken the most precious items from my ring: the Nether Chain, Fire Pearl, Wind Pearl, and the Lianzhu Sword—about seven treasures in total, all of which I used frequently. I can control my storage ring, but not his. Forcibly severing his connection with his ring would definitely alert him, so I didn’t intentionally retrieve the items." Those two pearls… Shen Suo tightened her grip on the ring. In the original story, the Wind Pearl and Fire Pearl were handed to Yu Mu Han by Jiang An before his death. She hadn’t expected those pearls originally belonged to Jiang Rui Ping. Even though Jiang Rui Ping had retrieved her ring, those pearls still followed the original story and remained with Jiang An. That’s good. If she tampered with Yu Mu Han’s items, Heaven's Will might compensate him with better things. Better to leave the pearls with him; knowing their properties means they can prepare countermeasures. "Jiang Master, the Twelve Li Pearls each have extraordinary power. Do you have any countermeasures?" Jiang Rui Ping looked at Shen Suo oddly, "Aren't you a lake demon? You shouldn't be afraid of the Fire Pearl’s power. It’s more useful against furry creatures." Jiang Rui Ping's candid comment struck a sore spot in Hu Jin Jin. He forced a stiff smile and quickened his pace, clearly not wanting to engage with Jiang Rui Ping further. Shen Suo hurriedly dragged Wei Nan Yi to catch up, slipping the storage ring onto Wei Nan Yi's hand. Seeing the suddenly acquired ring, Wei Nan Yi frowned slightly, "Little Suo, what are you doing? It’s the Master’s gift to you." Shen Suo shook her hand adorned with a thumb ring, "I already have one; the lady doesn’t. Since Jiang Master gave it to me, I’m free to give it to the lady." Wei Nan Yi's original storage items had fallen into Jiang An’s hands decades ago, their spiritual treasures and elixirs likely emptied and the items destroyed. Shen Suo had long wanted to find a storage ring for Wei Nan Yi. Jiang Rui Ping’s gift was perfectly timed. Jiang Rui Ping noticed too; she favored Wei Nan Yi. Seeing Shen Suo giving the storage ring to Wei Nan Yi, she had no objections, only feeling puzzled, "Are my items not good enough?" Some people had spent centuries coveting her treasures, even plundering the items she had previously given Wei Nan Yi. Now, someone obtained her property but handed it to Wei Nan Yi before even warming it in their hands. Ruo Qing squinted, studying Shen Suo, "It’s not that her items aren’t good enough, but that someone wants to give the best to the Celestial Lady." If it weren’t good, Shen Suo probably wouldn’t give it to Wei Nan Yi. Hu Jin Jin, familiar with the path back to the sacred grounds, charged ahead with Shen Suo and Wei Nan Yi following closely. Jiang Rui Ping and Ruo Qing lagged behind, their eyes on Shen Suo's constant hold on Wei Nan Yi’s hand, each lost in thought. They sprinted back to the sacred grounds of the Fox Clan at Yan Bi Mountain. Upon stepping inside, Hu Jin Jin unlocked his concealment spell, disappearing from their sight. Jiang Rui Ping pouted, "Stingy old fox." She had let go of her disdain for demon creatures, but Hu Jin Jin still acted so stubbornly. Ruo Qing kept her usual soft smile, resting her arm on Jiang Rui Ping’s shoulder and pointing ahead, "The old fox is gone, and now the little foxes come." Following Ruo Qing's gesture, Shen Suo and the others noticed Hu San Bai and Hu Rou coming their way, with Hu Rou carrying Hu Bi Niang on her back. Earlier in the day, Hu San Bai had parted with them looking deeply troubled, but now, he approached smiling brightly, even showing his teeth. He rushed forward eagerly, grabbing Shen Suo's wrist, "Chief, it worked! Hu Rou isn’t thinking about finding Yu Mu Han or randomly recognizing someone as her mother anymore." The statement was oddly phrased. After he finished, Hu Rou approached with Hu Bi Niang still on her back. When Hu Rou kept silent, she was an alluring and enchanting fox spirit, yet once she spoke, she displayed a certain foolishness. Today, however, even when she opened her mouth, the pleasant expression on her face did not diminish; what was even more peculiar was the strong scent of milk that wafted over as she approached Shen Suo and the others. Shen Suo recalled the nonsensical words of Jiang Rui Ping from earlier that morning which she had casually echoed. She glanced curiously at Hu Bi Niang on Hu Rou's back. Hu Bi Niang was listlessly leaning against Hu Rou, looking devoid of energy. Her hands were limply resting on Hu Rou’s shoulders, barely hanging on with Hu Rou's hands supporting her legs. Her pale fingertips were slightly moist, shimmering with a silvery light. Her breathing was irregular, eyes half-closed. When she heard voices, she barely managed to open her eyes. An eternal flush seemed to linger in her gaze. Her clothing was askew, barely covering her, with snow-white skin peeking out, marked with tiny red spots and faint impressions of teeth. Her disheveled hair clung damply to her soft, white cheeks. Sensing the gaze upon her, Hu Bi Niang pressed herself tighter against Hu Rou’s back, her face blushing deeply. She seemed to wish she could vanish entirely. Shen Suo wished she could pretend to be blind. She wasn't foolish; she could see clearly what had transpired. On the verge of speaking, Shen Suo hesitated, while Wei Nan Yi glanced at her and pulled her back half a step, freeing her from Hu San Bai’s grip. Seeing them step back, Jiang Rui Ping also retreated half a step. Ruo Qing, however, did not seem to notice anything amiss and exclaimed, "It smells so nice." With her words, Hu Bi Niang’s neck visibly reddened, and her hands, draped over Hu Rou’s chest, began trembling. Both she and Shen Suo felt deeply embarrassed. Shen Suo coughed lightly, giving Ruo Qing a sideways glance before addressing Hua Bi Niang, "Bi Niang, cough, weren't you supposed to be resting in the cave?" When Shen Suo spoke, Hu Bi Niang finally lifted her head slightly but didn't look at her. Instead, with resignation in her eyes, she gazed at Hu Rou carrying her, "She..." She stammered, unable to complete a sentence. Hu San Bai, unable to watch this any longer, spoke up for her, "I asked Hu Rou to come see you, Chief, so you could check her progress. She insisted on bringing Bi Niang along, saying she couldn’t be separated from her mother, fearing she’d forget otherwise.” With each word he spoke, Hu Bi Niang’s head drooped lower until her face was buried in Hu Rou’s back once more. Ruo Qing finally realized what was going on and covered her mouth in shock, her gaze toward Hu Rou turning strange. She nudged Jiang Rui Ping, "Is she stupid?" Hu Bi Niang, too drowsy to open her eyes, didn’t let the fox rest, but brought the fox out to see people instead. Jiang Rui Ping glared at her, "You got it right; she's just a foolish fox." Ruo Qing wanted to chide Jiang Rui Ping but cut herself short upon realizing that although Hu Rou was exceedingly beautiful, her eyes still held a kind of simple-mindedness. Swallowing her words, she muttered, "Heaven’s Will really goes to great lengths to help the chosen one, even picking spiritual roots has become insane." Along the way, she had learned about Hu Rou’s identity but wasn’t aware Hu Rou was simple-minded. Seeing Hu Rou’s foolishness, she felt a surge of anger. Shen Suo sighed, "It wasn't Heaven’s Will; this new batch of spiritual roots must have been chosen by Yu Mu Han himself." Originally, only Cen Yin and Zhu Xian’er were demons among the twelve spiritual roots, the other ten were human. Being human himself, Yu Mu Han naturally had more humans around him. According to Heaven’s Will's logic, it would likely add humans, but most of these new spiritual roots were demons, even Ju’an Tong was a half-demon after mutation. Demons, in general, were more alluring and seductive, often having more charm than human women. She had seen it from Yu Mu Han’s attitudes towards Le Xian and Wu Xiu. Yu Mu Han was lustful, overly confident, thinking all women should revolve around him. Ruo Qing understood Shen Suo's implications, she scrutinized Hu Rou, genuinely praising her beauty, "Indeed, she is truly lovely." Yet no matter how beautiful, it couldn’t change Hu Rou’s current foolishness, nor her earlier attachment. Jiang Rui Ping couldn’t help cursing, "Disgusting beast." Hu Rou seemed aware of her moments of clarity; she clung tightly to Hu Bi Niang’s legs, fearing to lose grip and not recognize her beloved again. Her mind was muddled, retaining only what was before her, constantly clutching Hu Bi Niang. It wasn’t intentional to bring such an embarrassed Hu Bi Niang out; it was also Hu San Bai’s fault for insisting on bringing Hu Rou out. Nevertheless, they did need to assess Hu Rou’s condition to confirm their suspicions. Shen Suo, suppressing her astonishment, pointed at Hu Bi Niang and asked Hu Rou, "Hu Rou, who is this?" "Mother," Hu Rou responded loudly and clearly. As she spoke, Hu Bi Niang pressed her head tighter against Hu Rou’s back. Hu Rou remained oblivious to her words, but the fox she carried felt both ashamed and helpless. Shen Suo rubbed her nose, asking, "Hu Rou, who is Yu Mu Han?" Upon hearing the name, Hu Rou’s hands gripping Hu Bi Niang trembled. She tightened her grip, her beautiful eyes welling up with tears, her lips moving slightly, "Pain…mother…pain." Her cry of pain made Hu Bi Niang forget her shyness. She tried to hold herself up, gently placing her fingers on Hu Rou's lips. Almost instinctively, Hu Rou opened her mouth and sucked on Hu Bi Niang’s finger. Tears continued to pool in her eyes, but she stopped crying out in pain. Hu Bi Niang, looking distressed, said, "She’s been like this all along. Whenever I ask her who I am, she cries out in pain." Hu Rou's cries were mirrored by Sheng Qingning and the others. Fighting against one's destiny is painfully arduous. Yet Hu Rou had remembered Hu Bi Niang. She should be fully changed by now, but Shen Suo recalled seeing the twelve spirit beads on Yu Mu Han with her soul eyes. The bead linked to Hu Rou hadn’t vanished but was dimming, its glow fading. Ruo Qing's analysis seemed flawed, as had Shen Suo’s earlier assumptions. Even if they changed, complete detachment from the spiritual root entrapment didn't follow. Their emerging self-awareness gave them the power to alter their destined stories. As Shui Ning in previous life chose to die for Jiang Xu rather than for Yu Mu Han, against destiny. With growing self-awareness, their ties to Yu Mu Han weakened, they were no longer his sacrifices. When Yu Mu Han dies, the spiritual entrapment should break. Thus, he must die as the beads’ light fades. Awakening—the realization of self-awareness offers the courage to defy fate, painfully shedding the shackles of control. Ultimately, they must save themselves. Shen Suo shared her theory with Wei Nan Yi and Jiang Rui Ping. Thinking of Sheng Qingning and Feng Yinyue, they felt stifled with frustration. Hu San Bai, hearing about the ordeal of self-awareness, hurriedly instructed Hu Bi Niang, “Bi Niang, comfort Hu Rou more.” While he only showed concern for Hu Rou, Shen Suo noticed Hu Bi Niang needed even more comfort. "Elder Hu, please send them back." Having observed Hu Rou’s condition, Shen Suo had a clearer understanding. Consoling Hu Bi Niang, she added, “Bi Niang, rest well. Since she can wake up, she won’t easily lose herself again.” Hu San Bai didn’t personally escort them back but arranged for other foxes to do so. After they left, Hu San Bai gazed at Jiang Rui Ping with hope. "Elder Jiang, you’re skilled in alchemy. Do you have any pills to restore Hu Rou's senses? She can't stay in this foolish state forever." Jiang Rui Ping had been contemplating this since seeing Hu Rou earlier that day. Her expression turned somber. “Once a demon is turned into a demon puppet, a part of their soul gets sealed, their mind gradually separates, and ultimately, they become mindless puppets, entirely obedient to commands. The only spiritual treasure capable of soul restoration is the Soul Break Pearl from the Twelve Glazed Break Pearls. If we acquire the Soul Break Pearl, I can refine some Soul Nourishing Pills and with the right care from Spirit Reviving Pills, she ought to recover.” “I can make pills anytime, but Shen Suo mentioned earlier that the Soul Break Pearl is with Yu Mu Han. The issue now is that we can't just take his belongings by force, so we have to deceive him.” Jiang Rui Ping was indeed reliable. After Shen Suo explained her plan, Jiang Rui Ping handled things with great prudence and thoroughness. Jiang Rui Ping's method seemed capable of restoring Hu Rou's sanity. If applied to Cold Ru, could she also be healed, since her madness stemmed from soul-burning forbidden techniques? Shen Yinxue's life, too, was tied to the Soul Break Pearl. They absolutely had to retrieve the Soul Break Pearl. To deceive Yu Mu Han and obtain the Soul Break Pearl, his spiritual roots were the best targets. The ideal candidate would be the Heavenly Wife, White Ruo Yi, but they weren’t familiar with her. During Wei Nan Yi’s ordeal, White Ruo Yi wasn’t yet Sheng Qingning’s disciple. Ruo Qing, having followed Shen Yinxue and now Jiang Xu, had seen White Ruo Yi a few times but was far from asking her for a favor, and she didn’t hold a high opinion of White Ruo Yi. Shen Suo hadn’t officially interacted with White Ruo Yi. Jiang Rui Ping had seen White Ruo Yi more often but wasn’t well-acquainted. The best option was for Sheng Qingning to ask, but she was currently entangled in the situation. “Little Suo, didn’t you just mention a way to help Qingning break free?” Shen Suo admitted she had some ideas but wasn’t certain they would work. Now, they had to give it a try. She nodded and specifically instructed Hu San Bai before leaving, “Elder Hu, the fewer who know about the spiritual root entrapment, the better. Please personally visit the Sheep Clan, Insect Clan, and Bird Clan and speak with their leaders. Advise them to use what their loved ones cherish most to jog their consciousness, rather than keeping them trapped, which is ineffective. When problems arise, they’ll still end up as sacrifices to Yu Mu Han.” Elders of the demon clans originally existed to temper the ruthless clan leaders, Yanshao and Hengran were softer-hearted than their leaders, valuing many things, be it family, love, or kinship. One of these should be compelling enough for them to fight fate. The most challenging would be Zhu Xian’er, an original spiritual root and a clan leader skilled in slaughter with a hardened heart. Nonetheless, Guican never tried waking Zhu Xian’er in the original story. All they could hope for was that Guican’s familial bond would awaken some part of her. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Hu San Bai set off promptly, while Shen Suo and the others went to assist Sheng Qingning. Inside the fox cave’s barrier, wooden stakes formed a circle. Within the circle of stakes, scarecrows were placed, with the slumbering Sheng Qingning positioned in the center. Wei Nan Yi stood outside the circle, her soft white hands crossing and forming a seal. One by one, spirit stones were thrown into the formation, merging rapidly with the wooden stakes, transforming them into stout jade columns. As the jade columns emerged, a white light enveloped the entire formation. The spiritual energy within the light animated the scarecrows, which clumsily rose and moved their stiff limbs around the circle, shedding bits of straw with each movement. Seeing the animated scarecrows, Wei Nan Yi called out, “Master, blood.” With a grim expression, Jiang Rui Ping slit her palm. Wei Nan Yi lightly touched Jiang Rui Ping's palm with her fingertip, drawing out beads of blood-red pearls. Under Wei Nan Yi’s control, the blood pearls floated into the formation, penetrating the white light, heading toward the scarecrows. As each blood pearl entered a scarecrow’s body, they began to transform, the straw turning into tender flesh, white as snow, delicate enough to bruise with a touch. Once the entire body was encased in the skin, heads also transformed, revealing beautiful faces with a hint of baby fat replacing the grotesque features of the scarecrows. When the formation was filled with identical figures, Ruo Qing couldn’t hold back her laughter, “This is my first time seeing so many Jiang Rui Pings.” The scarecrow beauties had turned into clones of Jiang Rui Ping. Jiang Rui Ping's face grew darker; she reined in her temper and asked Shen Suo, “Is this your plan?” Shen Suo nodded solemnly, “My lady mentioned that Sect Master Sheng respects Jiang Master a lot. Since she’s been under Yu Mu Han’s influence, wanting to harm Jiang Master, we’ll make her kill Jiang Master. We hope that Jiang Master’s ‘death’ can awaken Sect Master Sheng’s consciousness and free her from the command.” “I’ve thought over this for quite some time.” She had worried about whether an illusion would fool Sheng Qingning, but Wei Nan Yi suggested the Soul Mirage Formation, which was far more realistic than mere illusions. After much preparation with Lin Shuiyan and others, they hoped it would work for Sheng Qingning, or else all efforts would be in vain. “Death to Jiang Rui Ping.” Ruo Qing could hardly contain her amusement, her eyes fixed on the filled circle. “I’ve never seen such a sight.” Jiang Rui Ping almost laughed out of exasperation, "She purportedly respects me? She just covets my cultivation resources.” From the moment she heard the plan, Jiang Rui Ping felt doubtful. Still, Wei Nan Yi had implicit belief in Shen Suo, agreeing without a second thought, even helping tweak the plan for perfection. Given Sheng Qingning’s expertise in illusions, using illusions alone would be easily spotted, hence deploying the Soul Mirage Formation. Jiang Rui Ping thought illusions might work better, especially if she controlled them, avoiding the sight of dozens of straw Jiang Rui Pings. Her words prompted a reminder from Shen Suo. Shen Suo quickly advised Wei Nan Yi, “My lady, if it doesn’t work, try bribing her.” “Alright.” Jiang Rui Ping nearly bit her tongue hearing the swift reply, “Good, very good.” With Shen Suo, Wei Nan Yi seemed unable to say anything but “good.” Would she say the same if her life was asked for? Hearing Jiang Rui Ping's indignant tone, Shen Suo looked at her, “Jiang Master, do you think this is a bad idea?” Of course, it is! Jiang Rui Ping internally thought but the words stuck on her tongue. She knew the idea was feasible, considering Sheng Qingning's nature. Watching those dozens of Jiang Rui Pings in the formation, she felt awkward, turning her head, “Mm, it’s not bad.” With Jiang Rui Ping’s grudging approval, Sheng Qingning might just have hope of waking. Shen Suo secretly sighed in relief. After the last blood pearl merged, Wei Nan Yi withdrew her hands, now glowing faintly golden, and tossed the light into the formation, “Qingning, wake up.” Inside, Sheng Qingning slowly opened her eyes. As she awoke, one of the straw Jiang Rui Pings moved toward her—though to Sheng Qingning, each one represented an opportunity. An opportunity to kill Jiang Rui Ping. As they approached, each one morphed into a new scene, orchestrated by Wei Nan Yi. The scenery within shifted, leaving only one Jiang Rui Ping alongside Sheng Qingning. They found themselves on a mountain peak, Jiang Rui Ping bound to a stone slab, her pale face tinged with despair. She slowly spoke, “Qingning, do you really want to kill me?” Taken aback, Sheng Qingning reached out to Jiang Rui Ping, “Master, what are you…” She wanted to express concern for Jiang Rui Ping, but as she approached, a voice suddenly echoed in her ears, repeatedly commanding her to kill Jiang Rui Ping. Before she could voice her concern, Sheng Qingning found a short dagger in her hand and stabbed it into Jiang Rui Ping’s weakened body. The fresh red blood covered the blade, its strong scent filling her nostrils. A few warm droplets splashed onto her cheek, almost burning Sheng Qingning, who screamed and flung the dagger away. “Master, no, it can’t be.” She rubbed her face in disbelief, but the instant her fingers were stained with blood, she lost control and picked up the dagger again, stabbing Jiang Rui Ping several more times. Ruo Qing had initially watched with the expectation of a good show. However, seeing Sheng Qingning actually stabbing Jiang Rui Ping left her unable to laugh. She had known Sheng Qingning since she first arrived at Linxian Mountain, understanding how much Sheng Qingning respected Jiang Rui Ping. Jiang Rui Ping had always been her role model in cultivation. Sheng Qingning never sought to be a sect master, only to be an outstanding elder. Stealing a glance at Jiang Rui Ping, Ruo Qing revealed a hint of concern, “Jiang Rui Ping, are you alright?” Jiang Rui Ping wasn’t overly shocked. She had anticipated Sheng Qingning might kill her. But facing Ruo Qing’s concern, she coldly snorted, “Don’t your immortals always act so unreasonably, disregarding the intentions of the mundane? Qingning killing me is under your control.” Ruo Qing’s eyes dimmed slightly, “I am a sword, not an immortal.” After Sheng Qingning stabbed the first straw Jiang Rui Ping, it was destroyed. Wei Nan Yi’s face darkened as she manipulated the second straw Jiang Rui Ping. This time, they were not on Linxian Mountain but in a courtyard. Jiang Rui Ping held a string of dark red beads—the same beads used against Cen Yin at Linxian Mountain. Smiling, she beckoned Sheng Qingning, “Qingning, haven’t you always wanted the Forbidden Evil Beads?” Still reeling from the shock of killing Jiang Rui Ping, Sheng Qingning was momentarily stunned by the sight of a living, smiling Jiang Rui Ping. Following Jiang Rui Ping’s gesture, she slowly approached. Realizing what the beads in Jiang Rui Ping’s hand were, Sheng Qingning quickened her pace and grasped the Forbidden Evil Beads. Before she could revel in obtaining the treasure, her hand, holding the red beads, plunged into Jiang Rui Ping’s abdomen. Horrified, Sheng Qingning withdrew her hand, seeing Jiang Rui Ping’s flesh under her fingernails. Grasping at her own neck, she left a deep scratch, “Master, it hurts... Qingning hurts!” “Wei Nan Yi!” Shen Suo called out as Wei Nan Yi stopped, deeply concerned. The scene within the circle froze. Struggling to maintain composure, Jiang Rui Ping urged, “Nan Yi, continue.” “Are you sure?” Wei Nan Yi glanced at the deeply scratched Sheng Qingning, her eyes trembling. “Alright.” Wei Nan Yi could distinguish priorities. Sheng Qingning’s responses indicated the Soul Mirage Formation was effective; they couldn’t stop now. Once again, the third round saw the straw Jiang Rui Ping being repeatedly slain. As Sheng Qingning killed each Jiang Rui Ping, new wounds inflicted by herself appeared on her body, each deeper and more severe than the last. Despite Wei Nan Yi’s hands beginning to tremble and her breath becoming erratic, she persisted. The courage it took to kill someone close, and the courage Wei Nan Yi needed to watch her dear junior sister kill their master, were both tests. “Lady Wei Nan Yi, stop now,” Shen Suo implored. She felt Sheng Qingning had regained some clarity. Paradoxically, Jiang Rui Ping, who had initially doubted Shen Suo’s plan, had grown resolute, “Nan Yi, don’t stop.” On the twenty-first time Sheng Qingning killed Jiang Rui Ping, her fingernails pierced her own throat, blood continuously flowing, dyeing her arm red. Her eyes began to glaze over, her body trembling uncontrollably from intense pain, “No... I won’t kill…” Her voice was hoarse, throat wounded. Wei Nan Yi ceased controlling the formation and rushed into the circle, grabbing Sheng Qingning’s self-harming hand. Pulling Sheng Qingning’s hand away and quickly stopping the bleeding, she fed her two restorative pills and held her trembling body, gently calling, “Qingning.” Sheng Qingning’s vision was blood-colored, tears mingled with blood streaming down her face. As she recognized Wei Nan Yi, she murmured, “So… Xu’er spoke the truth.” In that instant, she seemed to return to herself. No longer driven to kill Jiang Rui Ping, she reminisced on the past years, seeing her elder sister’s slightly aged face. Clutching Wei Nan Yi’s sleeve, Sheng Qingning’s bloody hands stained her snow-white clothes, “It hurts… Master… it hurts…” Having nearly severed her life force, of course, it hurt. With a body riddled with wounds, Sheng Qingning fainted in Wei Nan Yi’s arms. Shen Suo comforted the trembling Wei Nan Yi, “Lady, it’s over now.” Jiang Rui Ping shot a cold gaze at the three within the circle, having witnessed her own repeated deaths. The experience was not pleasant. Her face unchanged, she absentmindedly touched her shoulder, “Can’t you wake up already?”