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

Chapter 128: The First Move While reading, Shen Su hadn’t realized Bai Yu had this kind of disposition. It remained to be seen whether Bai Yu would face trouble from Shui Feng, but this little devil Shui Ning would need to change her habit of speaking recklessly in the future. With Bai Yu's straightforward nature meeting someone as crafty as Shui Ning, it was a given that if Shui Ning dared to speak, Bai Yu would believe her without a second thought. Even if Shui Ning wanted to change now, it was no longer possible since she couldn’t speak anymore. Their objective of enlightening them had been indirectly achieved. Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi had to part ways with Bai Yu and her group. Before parting, Shen Su asked Bai Yu, "Head Bai, do you know why Lin Yanghui is so averse to bringing out the Compassionate Mirror?" Lin Yanghui’s recent reaction had been unexpected for Shen Su. The Compassionate Mirror posed no threat to Lin Yanghui and was a sacred artifact jointly owned by the four major sects. No one would dare to seize it under such circumstances. Shen Su had asked them for the Compassionate Mirror knowing this, but why did Lin Yanghui look like he wanted to kill her? In the original book, only the Lixian Mountain sect took out the Compassionate Mirror upon Feng Yinyue’s request due to concerns over Yu Muchan, without any hindrance. Shen Su had no idea what could go wrong with the mirrors of the other three sects. Despite the long passage of time, Shui Ning was still sobbing in Bai Yu’s arms, not wanting to let go. She kept an eye on Bai Yu’s hands, ready to pounce and bite when least expected. Bai Yu might not be able to understand complex schemes, but she wasn’t stupid. She noticed Shui Ning's actions, so she held her tightly by the waist with one hand and grabbed the back of her neck with the other. Although they were sitting in the same place, Bai Yu ensured that Shui Ning wouldn’t get the chance to bite her. Hearing Shen Su’s question about Lin Yanghui, Bai Yu thought for a moment before responding, “The Compassionate Mirror of each sect can only be used by the sect master and is kept sealed with the sect master’s seal. It’s possible that something happened to the Compassionate Mirror of Shenglian Sect, or something happened to Lin Yanghui.” Even though the Compassionate Mirror didn’t have offensive power, it was still a divine artifact and not easily damaged. But what could have happened to Lin Yanghui? He had stood in front of them lively and energetic just moments ago, exuding a vigorous aura. With that sinister look in his eyes, if there hadn’t been so many people around, he would have killed Shen Su. Neither Shen Su nor Wei Nan Yi could understand it. Wei Nan Yi gently squeezed Shen Su’s hand and said, “Xiao Su, I will protect you.” Shen Su nodded and was ready to leave the pavilion. Before leaving, Wei Nan Yi glanced at Bai Yu and Shui Ning, who were still at an impasse, and said hesitantly, “Junior Sister Bai, don’t forget what we talked about today. Yu Muchan isn’t like a sword, not now and not in the future.” She was genuinely worried that Bai Yu would insist on seeing Yu Muchan as a sword. Others might not know Bai Yu’s obsession with swords, but Wei Nan Yi did. Bai Yu nodded. Grabbing Shui Ning by the neck, she suddenly pulled her back and asked in a low voice, “Do you understand that Mrs. Shen is here to save you? Don't be ungrateful.” Shui Ning stared at Bai Yu fiercely, her eyes red, opening her mouth without producing any sound. It seemed Bai Yu had suddenly remembered that Shui Ning had lost her voice. Pressing gently with her thumb, she forced Shui Ning to nod. After forcing Shui Ning to nod under her control, Bai Yu muttered to herself, “This should count as remembering.” Shui Ning’s eyes were about to burst, and Shen Su was dumbfounded. Once the enchantment in the pavilion was completely lifted, Shen Su grabbed the silver mask from Shui Ning’s hand, re-fitted it on Wei Nan Yi, who had transformed back into a small fox, and left the tent. As soon as she stepped out, she bumped into Shui Feng. The handsome, wicked man grabbed Shen Su’s collar but was quickly slapped away by Hu San Bai, who followed closely behind. Hu San Bai bared his sharp fox teeth fiercely at Shui Feng, saying, “Disrespect the chief again, and I will cut off your hand.” Shui Feng didn’t care about Hu San Bai’s threat. Just as he was about to speak, Le Xian and Wu Xiu appeared beside him. The black crow’s beak had just opened a crack, but Shui Feng raised his hand to stop her. “Tribe Leader Wu, no need to speak. I’m not here to cause trouble. I’m here to find my daughter. My people reported that you’ve kept her. What were you discussing?” Feeling silenced again, Wu Xiu’s eyes flashed with a trace of melancholy. Shen Su evaded Shui Feng and called Wu Xiu and the others to leave, not holding Shui Feng’s previous actions against him. Hopefully, when he met Shui Ning, he would remain rational and not antagonize Bai Yu. As Shen Su was thinking about Bai Yu, the corner of the pavilion was lifted, and Bai Yu came out, followed by a surprisingly quiet Shui Ning. Unexpectedly, Shui Ning didn’t immediately accuse Bai Yu of her wrongdoings. Instead, upon seeing Shui Feng, she grabbed his hand and left faster than Shen Su and the others. Shen Su and her group didn’t linger either. Le Xian and Wu Xiu each returned to their respective tribes, leaving only Hu San Bai to accompany Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi on their way back to the fox tribe. Shen Su didn’t make a grand return on her palanquin like before. Instead, she carried Wei Nan Yi and traveled through the woods with Hu San Bai. Her acute ears picked up the voices of cultivators in the forest, some particularly loud from the lower-level cultivators. “You all really think he’s kind just because he gave us the cleansing pills? If he’s kind, why didn’t he give them to everyone? Why just ten pills for us to fight over?” “Exactly, it could be a plot between him and his master. They throw out some pills to make us compete, reducing our strength before the competition even begins.” “Brother Min, you can’t say that. Brother Yu clearly said he doesn’t have enough cleansing pills now but would send more later. We should be grateful, not slander Elder Jiang and Brother Yu behind their backs.” “It’s just a cleansing pill. Do you expect me to risk my life for it?” “...” Things were indeed unfolding as Shen Su expected, even worse. Those who didn’t get the cleansing pills started fighting those who did, causing pain and suspicion towards Jiang An’s motives among some. If Jiang An had given the pills, he could have prevented such situations, but it was Yu Muchan who distributed them and left with only a few casual words. As Shen Su continued eavesdropping on the cultivators’ conversations, an eagle's call suddenly reached her ears, accompanied by the sound of wings cutting through the wind, indicating that the eagle was incredibly fast and heading towards them. With that kind of speed, they couldn’t outrun it. Plus, the voice sounded familiar. “Are you certain the sect master is in this direction?” “No doubt about it. Trust my innate ability. I’ve never been wrong.” “...” The voices were clear, a man and a woman. Shen Su suddenly realized they sounded like Xu Rong and Mu Yuan, who should be with Lin Qingqi now. Were they looking for her? Did something happen? Shen Su stopped and quickly climbed up a tree to listen carefully. Hu San Bai, feeling curious, followed. He asked, “Chief, what is it?” “Someone is coming towards us.” Upon Shen Su’s caution, Wei Nan Yi jumped out of Shen Su’s arms. With no one around but a few wild, unintelligent rabbits, Wei Nan Yi transformed back into her human form, standing beside Shen Su. She understood Shen Su well and guessed, “Xiao Su, someone familiar?” “Mm, it’s Xu Rong and Mu Yuan.” Shen Su answered quickly, leaving Hu San Bai puzzled. “Who are Mu Yuan and Xu Rong?” “They are disciples of Guiyi Sect like A Ling,” Shen Su paused before adding, “Mrs.’s students.” Hearing A Ling, Hu San Bai immediately understood. “Another half-demon?” Shen Su gave Hu San Bai a sidelong glance. “Do half-demons offend Fox Elders?” Hu San Bai shook his head vigorously. Even if he once had a low opinion of half-demons, he wouldn’t admit it now. Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi were also half-demons. “Not really, just seems odd that it’s called Guiyi Sect and not Half-Demon Sect if it’s full of half-demons.” As soon as Hu San Bai finished speaking, they saw a golden eagle carrying a small yellow dog arrive. They were enveloped in strong spiritual energy, clearly a result of tracking them down by their innate abilities. The golden eagle was Xu Rong, and the small yellow dog was Mu Yuan. Upon seeing Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi, they immediately stopped. However, they halted so abruptly that the small yellow dog on the golden eagle’s back was thrown off. Wei Nan Yi leaped gracefully to catch the yellow dog and landed steadily on the ground. Shen Su and Hu San Bai also descended from the tree. After Wei Nan Yi placed the yellow dog on the ground, it transformed into a young boy. His forehead was beaded with sweat as he anxiously exclaimed to Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi, "Sect Leader, Master Lin Yanghui plans to kill the chief of Yanzhang Mountain!" “Has he gone mad?” Hu San Bai found it hard to believe Mu Yuan’s words. Killing the chief of Yanzhang Mountain at Yanzhang Mountain was sheer lunacy. No one with any sense would do such a thing. Moreover, Lin Yanghui was one of the four major sect leaders. He should know better than to act so foolishly. Shen Su also found it unlikely, but right after, the golden eagle in the sky landed and transformed into a delicate young girl – Xu Rong. Xu Rong's expression was equally grim. “Sect Leader, Master, we heard it clearly. Lin Yanghui indeed intends to kill the chief of Yanzhang Mountain. Sister Lin told us to bring this news to you.” Xu Rong and Mu Yuan had interacted with Shen Su last time when she, disguised as the chief of Yanzhang Mountain, went with Hu San Bai’s group to trouble Feng Yinyue. They knew that Shen Su was the chief; thus, Lin Yanghui’s intent to kill the chief meant he wanted to kill Shen Su. There was no reason for them to deceive her, yet Shen Su still couldn't understand why Lin Yanghui would act this way. Back in the pavilion, the look in Lin Yanghui’s eyes indicated deep hatred towards her. But despite his hatred, he should have no reason to act now, as anyone would know that it’s foolish to attack the chief of Yanzhang Mountain here. Even though Shen Su hadn’t received the full approval of the Eight Clans, Hu San Bai and the other four clans were clearly fully supportive of her. Not understanding, she asked, “Why?” “Because of the Compassionate Mirror.” Shen Su had been puzzled by Lin Yanghui’s resistance to bringing out the Compassionate Mirror earlier. Unexpectedly, while Bai Yu couldn’t provide an answer, Xu Rong and Mu Yuan did. The Compassionate Mirror, although a divine artifact only usable by the sect master, required the user’s spiritual energy to be pure to match its sacred nature. However, Lin Yanghui couldn’t claim to have pure spiritual energy. Since cultivating the mixed techniques of the Hehuan Sect, his spiritual energy had been tainted by manipulative and carnal energies. Being a sect master and reaching this point made the Compassionate Mirror of Shenglian Sect unusable. Ordinarily, this wouldn’t be a significant issue; whether the Compassionate Mirror was brought out depended solely on Lin Yanghui. But since Shen Su demanded the Compassionate Mirror and the other three sects agreed to her request, refusing would imply he had something to hide. Yet agreeing and failing to produce the mirror would expose his secret of practicing Hehuan Sect techniques. Asking for the Compassionate Mirror seemed inconsequential but had pushed Lin Yanghui to a dead end. Just earlier, Lin Yanghui was discussing killing Shen Su with a demon when Lin Qingqi happened to pass by with them, and they immediately came to inform Shen Su. Luckily, Mu Yuan’s innate ability was absolute tracking, else they wouldn’t have found her. “Demon?” While Bai Yu and Shui Ning were being enlightened, Lin Yanghui had already allied with a demon. If he dared to attack her at Yanzhang Mountain, the demon must be formidable. With the current alignment of four clans under her command and the other four clans, Duozhu and Yehun, being neutral, it had to be Suoli or Suxu. Seeing Shen Su’s understanding, Xu Rong hesitantly asked in a small voice, “Master, Sect Leader, can you save Sister Lin?” Shen Su then realized that she hadn’t seen Lin Qingqi, who had sent Xu Rong and Mu Yuan to deliver the message. “Where is Lin Qingqi? Why didn’t you bring her with you?” Upon this mention, Mu Yuan’s eyes turned more resentful. “We were discovered by Lin Yanghui. Normally, we could have escaped with Xu Rong’s speed, but the demon had some special power and held Sister Lin back.” From Mu Yuan and Xu Rong, Shen Su learned that Lin Qingqi’s situation was worse than she had imagined. Lin Yanghui had deceived Lin Qinghuai, seemingly offering her a century of respect. Even within the sect, most of the elders and disciples, despite disliking her temperament, acknowledged her as a young sect leader. They wouldn't allow her to disappear without a trace, thus setting out to search for her. But the Secret Valley only revealed the corpses of Xing Yu and Wei Jin. Most elders and disciples didn’t know why Lin Qinghuai went to the Secret Valley, but Lin Yanghui did. Upon finding Xing Yu and Wei Jin’s bodies, Lin Yanghui suspected Lin Qinghuai was also in trouble. However, the elders insisted on finding her body and wouldn’t relent, especially since the announcement of the Four Great Sects’ competition made the Shenglian Sect even more desperate for a young sect leader. Fearing they might uncover something unfavorable, Lin Yanghui approached Lin Qingqi. Lin Qinghuai had always impersonated Lin Qingqi’s identity. In terms of appearance, Lin Qingqi and Lin Qinghuai were identical, indistinguishable. In talent, Lin Qingqi even surpassed Lin Qinghuai, though as a furnace, her spiritual power was continually plundered. After years, their spiritual power was about the same. The elders couldn’t tell them apart and even preferred the current young sect leader. Lin Qingqi, despite being silent and introverted, was polite, knowing her place, unlike the arrogant Lin Qinghuai, thus fitting the role of young sect leader better. Lin Qingqi had smoothly transitioned from the dark dungeons to the light, but the road to liberation was far from over. Although Lin Yanghui, to avoid exposure, had freed her from the Bihe Pearl’s curse, he had inflicted a new curse, compelling obedience. As the young sect leader, under constant scrutiny, Lin Yanghui no longer wantonly seized her spiritual power, yet he hadn’t let her go. To him, Lin Qingqi was a valuable furnace, irreplaceable. This prompted Xu Rong and Mu Yuan to stick with her, saved by her, refusing to leave. Xu Rong, as a golden eagle, had unparalleled speed, and Mu Yuan, as a yellow dog, could always find a safe place with his tracking ability. Bound by the need for antidote due to the curse, they couldn’t escape far but could temporarily distance Lin Qingqi from Lin Yanghui when he harbored ill intentions. They had always succeeded until the demon ruined everything. Shen Su hadn’t realized Lin Qingqi still endured such suffering; her feelings towards Lin Qingqi were complicated. Upon first learning of Lin Qingqi from Lin Qinghuai, she felt sympathy. Later, speculating that it was Lin Qingqi who led the entire Shenglian Sect to glory and death, she admired her. If she lived a life of constant adversity and torment, she would resent everyone, incapable of sacrificing for the greater good. Yet, Lin Qingqi, born as a furnace, could heroically sacrifice herself and not blame others. She was willing to help Lin Qingqi within her capabilities. That’s why she concealed from Hu San Bai and the rest that the black fox was seized from Lin Qinghuai; it was because Lin Qingqi now bore her name. She probably understood why Lin Qingqi didn’t seek help, given her own experiences. If not for her long association with Xu Rong and Mu Yuan in their beast forms and needing their assistance, she wouldn’t trust them either. Mu Yuan and Xu Rong withheld the information respecting Lin Qingqi, but now she was captured. They trusted Shen Su, seeking her help in desperate times. Shen Su wanted to rescue Lin Qingqi, but now Lin Yanghui wanted her dead. Should she go to him when he planned to kill her? Was she certain that rescuing Lin Qingqi wouldn’t cause trouble for herself or Wei Nan Yi? “Xiao Rong, lead the way.” Before Shen Su could make a decision, Wei Nan Yi had already taken her hand. Calmly directing Xu Rong, she had decided to rescue Lin Qingqi. “Madam,” Shen Su glanced at Wei Nan Yi, confusion in her eyes. Wei Nan Yi gently brushed aside the stray strands of hair on Shen Su's forehead, looking into her eyes tenderly. “Xiao Su must want to rescue Miss Lin.” Wei Nan Yi understood Shen Su well; with a glance, she saw through her. Despite claiming to be ruthless, she wasn’t that heartless. “Madam, we don’t even know the situation there, nor who the demon collaborating with Lin Yanghui is. We—” As Shen Su spoke, Wei Nan Yi quietly watched her, waiting for Shen Su to lose her train of thought before she said, “No matter who it is, even if we can’t kill them, we will retreat safely.” Wei Nan Yi didn’t share Shen Su’s extensive caution. Outside of emotional matters, Wei Nan Yi was confident, and that confidence stemmed from her own strength. Removing Shen Su’s silver mask, she smiled gently at her, her eyes filled with warmth. “Xiao Su, I will protect you. You don’t need to worry so much. Nothing unexpected will happen.” Shen Su was momentarily dazed, gazing at Wei Nan Yi, words stuck in her throat. She had previously joked about living off her, but over the years, she had grown accustomed to considering Wei Nan Yi in everything, neglecting the fact that the current Wei Nan Yi wouldn’t die easily. The once-dependent Wei Nan Yi vanished with Bestowal, replaced now by the exalted goddess. She had the power to kill mighty foes easily and no longer needed Shen Su’s extensive caution. She had once said only the strong could benevolently look after others, while the weak could only protect themselves amidst rough tides. The current Wei Nan Yi was strong, not weak. Shen Su slowly calmed down. “Alright, since Lin Yanghui wants to kill me, we will strike first.” Wei Nan Yi rotated the stars jade pendant on her neck, a gentle smile gracing her lips. “Xiao Su, if it’s only Lin Yanghui, one incense stick’s time is enough.” With no further hesitation, they followed Xu Rong towards Lin Yanghui. Despite being the sect leader of Shenglian Sect, Lin Yanghui had many secrets. He didn’t stay at the center of the sect’s encampment but in a more remote location, intentionally distancing himself from others’ tents. Lin Qingqi wouldn’t have sought him out for assistance if it weren’t necessary, so they overheard the conspiracy by chance. This made it convenient for Shen Su’s group. No one noticed them on the way. Shen Su questioned Xu Rong, “Did you see what the demon looked like?” Xu Rong, flying them high in the sky among drifting clouds, spoke lightly with her voice carried by the wind. “No, but the demon’s abilities seemed unique. Every word he said intensified Lin Yanghui’s murderous intent. And when his voice emerged from the tent, Sister Lin couldn’t move. However, it seemed the demon’s ability had limitations and couldn’t speak frequently; otherwise, we wouldn’t have escaped.” “What?” Hu San Bai’s astonished voice reached Shen Su. She turned to him, “Elder Hu, what’s the matter?” Hu San Bai didn’t hide anything, promptly saying, “Using spiritual words and chants to control emotions and actions is typically a bird clan’s ability.” The bird clan? How could it be the bird clan? Even Shen Su was stunned. She had considered bear or tiger tribes, but never the bird clan. Wu Xiu had been with them, parting only after enlightening Bai Yu and Shui Ning; she had no time to conspire with Lin Yanghui, ruling her out. Thus, the bird clan had a traitor. What was his goal? It likely had nothing to do with Yu Muchan; otherwise, the white peacock Heng Ran would be in danger. Pondering this, they arrived near Lin Yanghui’s tent. Wei Nan Yi pulled twelve yellow flags from her ring, which flew to various spots around the tent, disappearing once planted. With her spirit sight, Shen Su saw the flags transform into twelve spirit phoenixes. Their light gold feathers trembled ever so slightly, and with each flutter, golden threads slipped stealthily towards the tent. “Madam, what is this?” “The Twelve Crying Phoenix Banners, used with Stealth Phoenix Art, won’t leave traces of our attack.” With the phoenixes stabilized, Wei Nan Yi said, “Xiao Su, let’s go. Even if we burn his tent down now, the Shenglian Sect won’t detect it.” Shen Su nodded, and in an instant, Wei Nan Yi led her to the tent’s entrance. They lifted a corner of the tent flap. The demon collaborating with Lin Yanghui had disappeared, leaving only Lin Yanghui huddled in a pile of spirit stones and Lin Qingqi tied to the bedpost. Wei Nan Yi stood silently beside Shen Su, her hand forming seals, guiding the phoenixes’ golden threads towards Lin Yanghui. The lifted tent flap allowed a breeze to waft inside, flickering the dim candle flames on the table. Lin Qingqi coldly watched Lin Yanghui counting spirit stones. “Lin Yanghui, even if you seek death, don’t drag the entire Shenglian Sect with you. Due to the secret realm’s matters, Shenglian Sect and Yanzhang Mountain are allies. You know well the gravity of harming an ally.” Lin Yanghui’s eyes were shadowed with exhaustion. Sitting amidst the spirit stones, clutching an array script, he calculated killing formations and his life force. Lifting his head, he glanced at Lin Qingqi. “Shut up. I’m not harming an ally. I just want her dead. If she dies, no one will ask for the Compassionate Mirror.” Lin Qingqi calmly retorted, “Even if she stops, others will ask. If you believe the demon’s deceit and make a mistake, it will be too late.” “Shut up! I said shut up!” In a fit of rage, Lin Yanghui threw a stone at Lin Qingqi, striking her forehead. In his frenzy, he showed no restraint, making her bleed quickly. Lin Qingqi, pained, furrowed her brows. “Lin Yanghui, you’re the sect leader of Shenglian Sect. Does your reputation outweigh the sect’s honor? Admit your actions and cripple your cultivation to atone. The sect’s name can be preserved.” “Cripple my cultivation? Are you insane?” Lin Yanghui sneered at Lin Qingqi. “Do you really care about Shenglian Sect? Don’t forget, you’re just a furnace. Don’t think you’re the young sect leader.” Hearing the term ‘furnace,’ Lin Qingqi’s face paled, a stab to her heart and an instrument of Lin Yanghui’s cruelty. Her lips trembled, breathing anxiously before calming down and persistently advising Lin Yanghui, “Elder Lin and others treated me well. I don’t want their reputation tarnished because of you.” Lin Qingqi knew Lin Yanghui was beyond saving but lacked the power to stop him, resorting to words to persuade. Doing nothing would leave her with a guilty conscience if her doom came. “Lin Qingqi, are you a dog? Just because someone tossed you a bone and you’re loyal?” Lin Yanghui’s mocking was cut short as all the candles suddenly went out. Resonating in the dark was the soul-seizing voice, “Frighten; Phoenix Flame.” Golden threads trickled into the tent, emerging from Lin Yanghui’s skin. Raising his hand, he saw them silently piercing his flesh, as if growing from it. Blood drops fell before his vision blurred with dazzling flames. Startled, Lin Yanghui muttered, “Jiang Ruiping from Lixian Mountain…” Thinking of Jiang Ruiping, he trembled, instantly reclaiming the spirit stones into his storage ring, slashing his skin to pull out the golden threads. Tossing them forward, the flames only reached the thread tips. Halting, Lin Yanghui smirked coldly, swallowing a pill. “You’re not Jiang Ruiping. Quit dreaming of silently killing me.” “Is that so?” A composed voice echoed through the air, causing the halted flames to reignite. This time, their target was Lin Yanghui’s back. Lin Yanghui suddenly realized that at some point, golden threads had similarly pierced through his back, scorching heat rapidly engulfing him. “Ah!” Lin Yanghui screamed, yanking the golden threads from his back, pulling a patch of charred flesh from his back and hands. Without making an incision, Lin Yanghui had torn a piece of his flesh off, revealing a white fragment of bone entangled in one of the threads. Sweat dripping from his forehead due to the pain, Lin Yanghui swallowed two more pills, summoning a golden blade with a light tug of his hand. He unleashed his spiritual power, slashing at the golden threads. The threads immediately wrapped around the blade, extending swiftly towards his hand, embedding into his skin. Following the threads came the searing flames. Clenching his teeth, Lin Yanghui yanked the blade, severing the threads, though not without leaving a scorched trace. Tearing the threads from his flesh, Lin Yanghui pulled out another patch of charred skin, fresh blood streaming down his hand as some flesh had already been cooked. The broken golden threads lay scattered, yet more continued to stretch towards him. A grim expression spread across Lin Yanghui’s face. Drawing a deep breath, he recited a spiritual incantation, forming seals with his hands. A pale blue light appeared within the tent, a frigid aura surging toward the threads and those behind them. The pale blue light dispersed, causing the flames and threads to slowly freeze. However, a new presence emerged within the tent. Lin Yanghui crouched, rolling on the ground to evade a sword that appeared behind him. Just as he exhaled in relief, pain surged through his flesh. Suddenly, his skin tore open, golden threads emerging from his chest, followed by a second, third… Lin Yanghui’s eyes widened in horror as the rapid growth of golden threads bound his hands and feet, accompanied by scorching flames. Before he could raise his hand, countless threads emerged from his dantian, igniting his spiritual roots. Within two breaths, a layer of his flesh was seared away, and even his spiritual roots sustained irreparable damage. Enduring the agony, Lin Yanghui tore away the threads, his body now on the verge of collapse. He fell heavily to the ground, his voice hoarse, “Twelve Crying Phoenix Banners... Stealth Phoenix Art... you must be Jiang Ruiping.” The candles within the tent were rekindled, revealing a beautiful woman holding a candle, crouching before him, “Sect Leader Lin, take a close look. Who am I?” The candlelight illuminated her delicate features. A name flashed in Lin Yanghui’s mind, “Wei Nan Yi… Why aren’t you dead? How do you know such techniques?” His eyes grew hazy, his wrist lifting to strike Wei Nan Yi’s chest. Before he could touch her, golden threads sprang from his wrist, binding it and pulling it behind him. Out of strength, Lin Yanghui whispered, “This should be Jiang Ruiping’s technique. Attacking from behind is the mark of a coward. Wei Nan Yi, aren’t you supposed to be just?” The Twelve Crying Phoenix Banners could summon twelve spirit phoenixes. The golden threads called Spirit Phoenix Tail Needles grew from the phoenixes' tails, parasitizing blood and flesh, extending continually, only removable by root extraction. The Stealth Phoenix Art, developed by Jiang Ruiping using the Twelve Crying Phoenix Banners, was only of Earth tier yet multiplied its power with the needle’s blood contact. The flames burned only the needle-infested flesh without leaving burn marks, hence the term “kill without a trace.” Its counter was simple—avoid blood contact with the needles. But preoccupied with mocking Lin Qingqi, Lin Yanghui missed their presence. Indeed, it was Jiang Ruiping’s technique that Wei Nan Yi should have known. Wei Nan Yi admitted to the ambush, but what of it? Her fingertip lifted slightly, tightening the threads around Lin Yanghui. Calmly, she said, “The process doesn’t matter; as long as you die.” The light tone made Lin Yanghui doubt his perception. Nonetheless, he wouldn’t mistake that face, aged yet unmistakable. “Wei Nan Yi, what did I do to offend you?” Wei Nan Yi didn’t stall, aware that lingering increased the risk of complications. Flames rapidly enveloped each thread, igniting Lin Yanghui’s organs. She stood, “Sect Leader Lin, you intended to kill my partner; of course, I must kill you.” “Partner?” Lin Yanghui froze, then bellowed, “When did I ever intend to kill Jiang An?” As he shouted, a pair of delicate, fair hands wrapped around Wei Nan Yi’s waist, guiding her back. A soft voice called to him, “Sect Leader Lin, I am Madam’s partner.” The vision of a delicate girl, seemingly fragile yet firmly gripping Wei Nan Yi’s waist, brought a moment of realization. She coughed, voice hoarse, “I am.” Recognizing the voice, Lin Yanghui finally placed her. “You—you’re the leader of Yanzhang Mountain...” He broke into a coughing fit, spewing blood as his insides burned. The blood, recognized by the Spirit Phoenix Tail Needle, ignited upon release, blackening his jaw. Watching the rapid decline of the Shenglian Sect’s leader, Shen Su was surprised by how easily it happened. After Wei Nan Yi’s change in personality, Shen Su realized how many deadly techniques she knew—likely thanks to Jiang Ruiping. Unconsciously tightening her grip around Wei Nan Yi's waist, she was met with Wei Nan Yi’s gentle gaze, her cold demeanor replaced by warmth. “Hmm, Xiao Su indeed is.” Shen Su, waking from her daze, displeasure still lingering, lightly kissed Wei Nan Yi’s lips. “Madam’s partner has always been me.” “Alright,” Wei Nan Yi softly assured the sulky girl. Shen Su then turned her attention to Lin Qingqi, freed by Xu Rong and Mu Yuan. Composing herself, she said, “Miss Qingqi, from now on, you are the true young sect leader of Shenglian.” The sole person at the sect aware of her past was now dead. Lin Qingqi approached Lin Yanghui, the flames blurring her vision, the heat stinging her eyes. Her throat tightened, but she turned to Shen Su. “Do you have a knife?” Glancing at the golden blade near Lin Qingqi’s feet, Shen Su handed her a clean dagger without questioning. Gripping the dagger tightly, Lin Qingqi marched into the flames, precise spiritual energy embedding the blade into Lin Yanghui’s chest repeatedly, until blood covered her face. The Phoenix Flames, following the blood, began to burn her. Wei Nan Yi swiftly pulled her out of the fire, wiping her face clean with an embroidered cloth. “The days ahead will only get better for the young sect leader.”