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

Chapter 130: The Bird Tribe The midnight wind roared louder, and the surrounding area was unusually quiet. The green leaves hanging from the branches rustled as they were blown by the wind, layers upon layers of lush foliage piled up, and a sliver of silver moonlight shone through, illuminating the figures standing under the tree. They had already left Lin Qing Qi's tent but had not returned to the Fox Tribe; instead, they hurried to the outskirts of the Bird Tribe. Xu Rong remained in the tent to care for Lin Qing Qi, while Mu Yuan accompanied them to the Bird Tribe, intending to identify someone. Although they hadn't clearly seen the shadow of the demon conspiring with Lin Yang Hui, Mu Yuan remembered the voice of that demon. The bird that wanted to harm her, she was determined to unearth today. Shen Su already had enough enemies; having a traitor among her allies at such a time could be fatal. Along the way, Shen Su held the Spirit-Breaking Pearl tightly in her hand, hoping to feel its mysterious qualities. However, the Pearl seemed restless in her grasp, as if aware that the person holding it was not its acknowledged owner. Shen Su lost interest in the Pearl's behavior. Jiang Ruiping would surely have a way to make the Spirit-Breaking Pearl comply. Most of the Bird Tribe's members lived among trees, making their territory different from the sacred land of the Fox Tribe. Their land was filled with towering trees with lush branches and leaves. Wu Xiu's residence was also in a tree hollow. With the deepening cooperation between the Bird Tribe and the Fox Tribe, and with the guidance of Fox Second White, they reached Wu Xiu's tree hollow without obstruction. They stood under the tree for a while when the tree trunk began to slowly split open, a dark, luminous light seeping out, carrying a chill. Shen Su shivered, but before she could dispel the chill, a black figure emerged from within. It was Wu Xiu. Compared to daytime, Wu Xiu's face looked more haggard now. Under her dark eyelashes, there was a hint of blue-black, the pallor of her skin accentuating the stark color, her weariness evident. "Chief, what brings you here at this late hour?" Wu Xiu asked, her voice tinged with fatigue. Shen Su furrowed her brows. "Elder Wu, what happened to you?" Before Wu Xiu could respond, a harsh female voice suddenly came from the still-open tree hollow, "Wu Xiu, you better let me go, Elder Bai!" Wu Xiu had intended to dismiss it as nothing, but with such a clear message, it was impossible for Shen Su to ignore it. Wu Xiu forced a bitter smile, "A minor issue within the tribe, please don’t mind it, Chief." Due to her unique ability, Wu Xiu had to avoid her Lingyan from manifesting, hence she spoke as little as possible, with decisions mostly made by Hengran. But now, Hengran had fallen into the Lingroot formation and had grown feelings for Yu Mu Han. knowing that Shen Su harbored harmful intentions towards Yu Mu Han. Allowing Hengran to continue making decisions could result in her ordering demons to hurt Shen Su. Thus, the decision-making power returned to Wu Xiu, her authority unquestioned among them. However, as decisions necessitated speech, misfortune followed. Today, two tree hollows had collapsed within the tribe, leaving two magpies without a home and causing them to quarrel with her. Wu Xiu’s explanation reminded Shen Su of another possibility. She looked towards Wei Nan Yi, who also turned towards her—they had thought of the same thing. Fox Second White, voicing their thoughts, exclaimed, "Could it be Hengran?" "What?" Wu Xiu was confused, so Shen Su explained their recent encounter, mentioning the demon who conspired with Lin Yang Hui, whose abilities could confuse minds and compel cultivators to stop—a power similar to her Lingyan. Wu Xiu frowned. After pondering for a moment, Wu Xiu gently shook her head. "Abilities like Lingyan indeed originate from our Bird Tribe, but it's impossible that it was arranged by the Grand Elder." "Why are you so sure?" Wu Xiu didn't speak further. Instead, she unfurled a pair of shiny black wings behind her, and as they softly fluttered, a feather drifted down. The feather transformed into thin black lines that materialized into text. Unable to speak too much, she used the text to explain to Shen Su. After Shen Su informed her about the Lingroot formation, deciding to help Hengran, Wu Xiu returned to the tribe and placed Hengran under house arrest in her home. Though relatives from the White Peacock family accompanied Hengran, Wu Xiu remained vigilant. Whenever she was not in the tribe, she would use Lingyan to make Hengran sleep. Despite Hengran's cultivation being higher, escaping from Wu Xiu’s fully exerted Lingyan was nearly impossible. Even if Hengran woke, she could quickly fall unconscious due to unforeseen accidents. Only when Wu Xiu was in the tribe was Hengran awake. Since their tree hollows were adjacent, any commotion was known to Wu Xiu. Thus, it could not have been Hengran who orchestrated the attack. Wu Xiu’s assurance left Shen Su without further arguments. However, she was determined to find the perpetrator. After a moment of contemplation, Shen Su proposed, "Elder Wu, Mu Yuan can recognize the demon’s voice. Can you gather all the birds within the tribe who possess Lingyan abilities? Once Mu Yuan hears them, we’ll know who is responsible." As allies, Wu Xiu agreed without hesitation. She complied readily, but instead of letting Shen Su and her group stay far away, she led them to Hengran's residence. Hengran’s tree hollow was distinctively personal, adorned with naturally shed feathers from white peacocks, hanging in strings from the ceiling, the soft white feathers elegant and pleasing. When they arrived, Hengran was with her sister, Hengqing, counting beads. As colorful beads flowed through her fingers, Hengran raised her head upon hearing the disturbance, her white eyelashes quivering slightly. Her eyes showed a moment of struggle, quickly overshadowed by disgust. "What are you here for?" Compared to the previous encounter at Jinghu, she was much calmer. At least she didn't immediately plead with Shen Su to spare Yu Mu Han upon seeing her. Wu Xiu was about to explain when Shen Su deliberately provoked her, "I was just ambushed, seemingly by Yu Mu Han and a bird. As the leader of Yanbi Mountain, such grievances must be addressed. If the culprit isn’t found, I intend to make your entire tribe die along with Yu Mu Han." "Chief!" Wu Xiu was stunned by Shen Su's words. Fox Second White grasped Wu Xiu’s arm, urging her to do what she needed to. Shen Su aimed to anger Hengran deliberately. A demon who could ascend to the position of Grand Elder undoubtedly cared about the tribe, and Hengran was no exception. She suddenly scattered the beads toward Shen Su, her gaze darkening. “How dare you.” The beads, glowing with soft white light, shot toward Shen Su with great speed. While her innate ability was non-aggressive, as an ancient demon of the prestigious White Peacock family, Hengran’s demon power was formidable. Should the beads hit Shen Su, they would leave significant wounds. Before the beads could reach Shen Su, a swish of white sleeves intercepted them. The sleeves belonged to Wei Nan Yi. Unprepared for Hengran’s sudden attack on Shen Su, Wei Nan Yi's face darkened. With a flick, the intercepted beads flew back toward Hengran. Wu Xiu’s body shone with a protective light, her black-feathered wings shielding Hengran. The beads struck the wing’s luminescence, breaking a few feathers’ tips. Wu Xiu's expression remained unchanged, but Hengqing suddenly stood, furiously pushing Wu Xiu from behind. "Stop pretending to care! If you truly cared about my sister, you wouldn't have confined her. She’s been handling tribal matters every day for you—are you afraid she’ll take your power? Isn't it because every leader of your black crow tribe can’t speak, spreading disaster when they do?” As Shen Su had advised keeping the Lingroot formation secret, Wu Xiu hadn’t disclosed Hengran’s situation to anyone, including Hengqing. Everyone around Hengran believed Wu Xiu confined her for the sake of power, leading to harsh words and misunderstandings. Even Shen Su furrowed her brows at such comments, pondering Wu Xiu’s feelings. Yet Wu Xiu’s expression remained calm, seemingly having heard such words many times before, causing no ripples in her emotions. She turned, facing Hengqing’s outburst. “Hengqing, sit down.” There were no further words needed. Hengqing was of course unwilling, but as soon as Wu Xiu's voice fell, her body uncontrollably fell back onto the bed. This kind of ability was completely unreasonable. If Wu Xiu’s mouth wasn’t sealed in time, whatever she spoke would become a curse that would come true. Hengqing hated this ability. Forced to sit back down, she bent sharply, and her head suddenly crashed toward Wu Xiu. With her demon power concentrated at her brow, Hengqing’s sudden attack sent Wu Xiu flying unexpectedly. Wu Xiu could have maintained her footing, but Shen Su discreetly pushed the beads on the ground towards Wu Xiu’s feet. As Wu Xiu landed, she stepped on the beads infused with Shen Su’s spirit power, causing her to stumble heavily to the ground. She frowned but said nothing more. Given her unique ability, she remained a person of few words. Upon seeing her fall, there was a glimmer of joy in Hengqing’s eyes, but Shen Su clearly saw that Hengran’s eyes didn’t reflect the same joy. She wasn’t gloating; there was even a fleeting moment of daze as she extended a hand toward Wu Xiu’s fallen figure. “Wu Xiu.” It looked like she wanted to help Wu Xiu up, but her hand halted mid-air. Hengran retracted her hand, uncomfortably inching closer to Hengqing. Hengqing draped an arm around Hengran’s shoulder. “Sister, what’s wrong?” “It hurts.” Hearing her sister complain, Hengqing immediately turned a harsh eye on Wu Xiu. “It must be from the confinement.” Shen Su felt that Hengqing’s conclusion was incorrect. Hengran didn’t seem like she was simply suffering from confinement; she appeared to be in a self-conflict, a state similar to those of Sheng Qing Ning and the others. Wu Xiu was now siding with Shen Su, who intended to kill Yu Mu Han. Hengran’s life seemed destined to be linked with Yu Mu Han’s death; assisting Wu Xiu was thus a deviation from her fate. Pain was to be expected. Though Wu Xiu claimed Hengran didn’t care for her, it didn’t seem entirely true. Hengran had many things she cared about; among them, Wu Xiu, though not the most prominent, was indispensable. Upon hearing Hengran’s cry of pain, Wu Xiu immediately stood up from the ground and swiftly approached Hengran's side. “Let me see.” As Wu Xiu spoke, Hengran subconsciously extended her hand, both uncertain whether it was due to Wu Xiu’s control or her own willing action. Hengqing slapped Wu Xiu’s outstretched hand sharply, showing no mercy. “Pretend all you like. If you truly cared about my sister, you would lift her confinement.” Hengqing’s strike made Wu Xiu retract her hand. Hengran’s brows furrowed slightly, but ultimately, she remained silent. Wu Xiu, perhaps disheartened by Hengqing’s hostility, spoke in a cold voice, “Believe it or not, I’m trying to save her.” Hengqing wanted to retort, but Shen Su interjected, “Elder Wu, please attend to the task I assigned you first.” Wu Xiu nodded solemnly and prepared to gather the birds within the tribe who possessed the gift of Lingyan. But her compliance with someone who had just threatened Hengran reignited Hengqing’s ire, “Wu Xiu, you’re collaborating with an outsider. Are you trying to endanger our entire Bird Tribe?” “Don’t phrase it so harshly. I'm not exactly an outsider.” Shen Su walked closer, looking down at Hengqing and Hengran seated on the bed. “I am, after all, the leader of Yanbi Mountain. I was ambushed; do I not have the right to find the culprit?” Hengqing, unwilling to concede, attempted to repeat her previous attack, but before she could bow her head, a surge of spirit power lifted her chin, forcing her to look up. She met a pair of cold, ink-black eyes. The soft voice of a woman echoed like a haunting wraith, “Don’t move unnecessarily. If you harm dear Su, I’ll pluck your feathers one by one.” Shen Su sincerely believed that the white peacock feathers could make fine accessories and appreciated Wei Nan Yi’s reliability. Seeing Hengqing, frightened by Wei Nan Yi and now shrinking back into Hengran’s embrace, Shen Su felt grateful for having such dependable support. Wei Nan Yi’s approach was worlds apart from Shen Su’s previous scheming nature, relying instead on sheer overwhelming strength. Hengran had never fought Wei Nan Yi, unaware of her true power, but she could feel the formidable pressure Wei Nan Yi exerted on her sister. Moreover, they had Jiang Ruiping standing behind them. Hengran half-embraced Hengqing, allowing her to bury her head into her shoulder. “Chief, finding the real culprit is not an issue, but threatening the entire Bird Tribe’s survival is excessive.” Hengran had changed. The difference was visible to the naked eye. Before Hengran entered the formation, Shen Su had interacted with her. She would affectionately call Gui Cang, who was only two days older than her, “grandfather” and would cover Wu Xiu’s mouth and drag her away when their opinions clashed, always smiling. However, since they entered this tree hollow, Hengran seemed lifeless. Shen Su had threatened Hengran, but the former Hengran would not have cared about such threats. Even when Yu Jing went berserk, she hadn’t stopped smiling. Hengran might not have realized she was no longer herself. Watching Hengran, Shen Su’s eyes flickered. She decided against perpetuating the lie and changed her tone. “Elder Hengran, you needn't be angry. I was merely jesting; I have no intention of harming the Bird Tribe. However, continuing your association with Yu Mu Han... that is uncertain.” Every effort should be made to balance kindness and authority, and Shen Su had now mastered this approach without a teacher. At the mention of Yu Mu Han, Hengran’s eyes became dazed, almost losing herself. She murmured, “Why must you kill him? Mu Han is a good person.” “Good, good? The other day, only a demoness would plead for him, and that wasn’t just you. It was you, Zhu Xian Er, and Yan Xiao, two demonesses. Do you know how many human cultivators consider him their beloved? Would you want to share a partner with so many women, Elder Hengran?” “Of course not!” Women like Hengran, holding such status, would never accept sharing a partner. Even if they didn’t mind, those around them would. The voice that emerged this time was from Hengqing, who had just been frightened by Wei Nan Yi but now stood up once more. Raising her head with the pride of a peacock, Hengqing declared, “My sister is the purest-blooded white peacock in our tribe. How could anyone treat her with infidelity?” Shen Su watched her silently, knowing that the issue lay with Hengran. No matter how much Hengqing spoke, it wouldn’t matter. Hengqing realized this too and quickly turned to her sister. “Sister, didn’t you say Yu Mu Han was a rare good man? If he has so many admirers, how can he be good? Perhaps he has deceived you.” It wasn’t Yu Mu Han that had deceived Hengran, but fate. Hengqing’s words reminded Fox Second White of something. “Hengran, if I remember correctly, yours is the only generation of white peacocks born with the destined fortune, correct? Your unique talent counters the unfortunate Lingyan of the black crows. If you leave with Yu Mu Han, who will suppress Lingyan within the Bird Tribe? What about your sister, your people, the entire Bird Tribe?” At the mention of her people and the Bird Tribe, Hengran’s expression softened. It seemed to be fate’s arrangement that a white peacock with fortunate destiny was born every two thousand years, while a black crow with Lingyan powers emerged every two thousand years. Due to the unique power of the black crows, the role of the Grand Elder was one of suppression, typically requiring the assistance of older and more powerful white peacocks to counteract the misfortune brought by the black crows. Given the birth intervals, there were usually more fortunate white peacocks than Lingyan black crows, ensuring a relatively smooth succession. Before Hengran’s generation, each white peacock lived to be a thousand years older than the black crows. Judging by her age, another white peacock with fortunate destiny should have been born long ago. However, perhaps because the previous white peacock and black crow had lived too long. In Hengran’s thousandth year, no new Lingyan black crow was born. In her two thousandth year, no fortunate white peacock arrived. The tribe feared that the natural order would break their long-standing balance. The Eagle Tribe even prepared to take over leadership, not expecting to encounter a Lingyan black crow that year—Wu Xiu. Being more naturally gifted than her predecessors, Wu Xiu’s birth resulted in her parents’ deaths. The tribe refused to care for her. Hengran’s fate was to achieve harmonic balance with a Lingyan black crow, so she brought Wu Xiu under her wing. After finally raising Wu Xiu, the previous clan leader died, and Wu Xiu naturally succeeded the position of clan leader, while Hengran remained in the position of Grand Elder. To this day, there has not been another white peacock capable of becoming the Grand Elder. Fox Second White wasn’t wrong; if Hengran disappeared from the tribe, a certain balance within the tribe would be disrupted, and misfortune would spread throughout the entire Bird Tribe, something Hengran couldn't bear to let happen. Hengran liked Yu Mu Han, but her people meant a great deal to her. Since birth, she knew her destiny was to protect her tribe; this was her mission. She didn't have the courage to let an entire tribe, bound to over ten thousand lives, perish because of a single male cultivator. Hengran couldn’t afford to bear such responsibility. But she yearned for Yu Mu Han. The excruciating, piercing pain struck, causing Hengran's beautiful eyes to turn white, almost blending with the snow. Restlessly, she shifted her body, and a tear fell from her snow-white eyelashes. Clutching Hengqing's hand more tightly, she cried, “Aqing, it hurts.” Hearing her sister cry out in pain, Hengqing redirected her blame towards Wu Xiu, “It's all Wu Xiu’s fault. What right does she have to confine my sister?” Truthfully, Hengran didn’t enjoy hearing them curse Wu Xiu. After all, Wu Xiu was a bird she had raised. She rarely scolded Wu Xiu herself, yet the others never had a kind word for her. But thinking of Wu Xiu now joining forces with outsiders to confine her made Hengran feel blocked with anxiety. Hengran wasn’t foolish. She knew her current confinement was closely linked to Shen Su. Shen Su wasn’t aware that Hengran secretly cursed her in her heart. Hearing Hengran cry out in pain, she realized that Fox Second White had pinpointed Hengran's most critical concern. With a slight flutter of her dense eyelashes, Shen Su took a deep breath before speaking to Hengran, “Elder Hengran, haven’t you always believed in fate? It’s destined that continued contact with Yu Mu Han will result in your death. And even if the heavens spare you, if you continue associating with Yu Mu Han, I will definitely kill you. Not just you, but I’ll wipe out your entire Bird Tribe too. With Uncle Jiang here, you should know that I can make it happen.” If she could help Hengran break free from the control of the Lingroot formation and weaken Yu Mu Han’s root power, Shen Su wouldn’t mind being seen as a villain. The pain intensified. Hengran raised her wrist, pressing her palm heavily against her chest, the force alleviating some of her pain. She presumably had no old ailments, but any thought of severing ties with Yu Mu Han resulted in agonizing chest pain, akin to having her heart gouged out. She must have loved Yu Mu Han deeply, yet faced with Hengqing's questioning, she struggled to voice any good about him. Apart from saying he was good, very good, she had nothing else. So painful. The more she dwelled on this, the quicker the severe pain spread, her gaze becoming increasingly unfocused. She reflexively countered Shen Su, “Jiang Ruiping isn't your blade; he won’t heedlessly slaughter the innocent at your command.” “Uncle Jiang isn’t, but I can be.” Wei Nan Yi stepped out from behind Shen Su, her demeanor still gentle and beautiful, but her eyes glinted with no hint of a smile. It was a palpable threat, devoid of jest. It seemed that with a mere command from Shen Su, she would transform into the sharpest blade, piercing the Bird Tribe's heart. Wei Nan Yi was different from the rumors. She no longer resembled a gentle goddess but rather mirrored the unyielding and cold figure of Jiang Ruiping when he stormed the Bird Tribe. Obsessive and indifferent. Shen Su’s intention was simply to frighten Hengran, but Wei Nan Yi seemed deadly serious, rendering even Shen Su momentarily stunned. “My Lady?” “What are you doing, Wu Xiu? Let me go! My aunt won’t forgive you!” Before anything further could be said, a noise from outside interrupted Shen Su. The sound suggested that Wu Xiu had returned with the gathered birds. The footsteps overlapped, most containing no resistance, except for one who voiced heavy dissent. As soon as Mu Yuan heard that voice, he immediately said, “Clan Leader, Master, this is the voice Xu Rong and I heard.” Both Hengran and Hengqing's expressions shifted simultaneously. Hengqing leaned closer to Hengran, lowering her voice. “Sister, that's Hengyu’s voice.” Hengyu, it seemed, was also from the white peacock lineage. As Shen Su pondered further, Wu Xiu marched in, dragging a young man and leading a large group of birds. The young man, upon seeing Mu Yuan, reacted—tearing away from Wu Xiu's grip and fleeing into Hengran’s embrace. “Aunt, the clan leader bullied me.” Now closer, the voice was unmistakable. Mu Yuan disregarded the Bird Tribe's internal intricacies, immediately seizing Hengyu’s wrist. “Clan Leader, it’s him. He’s the one who conspired with Lin Yang Hui to kill you.” Hengyu’s face turned pale, shaking off Mu Yuan’s grip and burrowing into Hengran’s embrace. “I don’t know you.” So, it turned out he was Hengran’s nephew. Shen Su wasted no time, since Mu Yuan had already identified the traitor. She instructed Wu Xiu to release the others called for questioning. Then, focusing on Hengyu, she motioned with her left hand, summoning a water rope that wrapped around Hengyu’s waist, pulling him forcefully from Hengran’s arms and slamming him to the ground. Hengyu cursed Shen Su, scrambling to get up. Before he could rise, Shen Su stepped on his wrist. “You plotted to kill me?” She had thought the demon collaborating with Lin Yang Hui would be formidable, but it turned out to be a minor demon. He had at most a Nascent Soul cultivation level, no match for Shen Su with her dual demon spirit form. “Who wanted to kill you?” Hengyu continued to deny. Shen Su unleashed the power in her bloodline, and the young demon froze, staring dumbfounded at Shen Su. Recognizing her through the force of her bloodline, he exclaimed, “Clan Leader?” Hengran was already drenched in cold sweat from the pain, but seeing her nephew, the only surviving blood of her deceased brother, pinned under Shen Su’s foot, her expression turned grim. “Clan Leader, there must be some misunderstanding.” “Misunderstanding?” Not overly relying on Mu Yuan’s perception, Shen Su could tell from Hengyu’s pallor that it was anything but a misunderstanding. Fox Second White also noted Hengyu's terror, scoffing, “Such a coward. How could you be a traitor?” “I am not a traitor.” Stung by the jibe, Hengyu retorted defiantly, “She isn’t even part of our Bird Tribe.” Wu Xiu grabbed Hengyu’s collar and yanked him up. “But she is the Clan Leader. Your attempt to kill the Clan Leader is—” Before she could finish the word ‘death,’ Hengran rushed up, covering Wu Xiu’s mouth. Her entire body wracked with pain, Hengran’s breath came in shallow gasps. Leaning against Wu Xiu’s back to keep from falling, she urgently pleaded, “It mustn’t end in death.” With Hengran’s protection, Hengyu regained some boldness. “I did nothing wrong.” “You—” Hengqing, who didn’t like Wu Xiu, still understood right from wrong. She grabbed Hengyu, “Are you trying to doom our entire Bird Tribe?” Hengyu wasn’t afraid of Hengqing, standing his ground. “I did nothing wrong. Everything I did was for the Bird Tribe’s benefit.” “Tell the truth.” Hengran, practically draped over Wu Xiu, her jaw resting on Wu Xiu’s shoulder, breathed heavily, “Hengyu, why did you collude with outsiders to kill the Clan Leader?” Moments ago, she had almost quarreled with Shen Su. Now, faced with her nephew’s misdeeds, she had to acknowledge Shen Su’s authority. Hengyu was still afraid of Hengran. Lowering his head slightly, he still maintained his stiff demeanor. “I did no wrong; I only sought a new path for the Bird Tribe.” At least he had the honesty not to lie to Hengran. From Hengyu's account, the truth emerged. Due to the lack of a white peacock capable of taking the Grand Elder position, if Hengran left the tribe, the balance within the Bird Tribe would be shattered, potentially leading everyone to die from the curse’s power. Hengyu aimed to forge a new path for the Bird Tribe before Hengran’s departure, one away from the curse of Lingyan. Their tribe lacked the ferocity of beasts like the Bear or Tiger clans, but with a powerful ally, everything would change. Hengyu encountered Xusu and Suolai, who promised to support him if he killed the current Clan Leader. At the next competition, they would let him become the demon king, ensuring he would lead the Bird Tribe as its chief, freeing them from the curse of Lingyan. It was Xusu who informed Hengyu about the conflict between Lin Yang Hui and Shen Su, giving him the opportunity to manipulate Lin Yang Hui. Hengqing's face grew more troubled. "Who told you my sister was going to leave the Bird Tribe?" "I overheard it. Auntie fell in love with a male cultivator and wants to marry him and go to some place called Lingxian Mountain," Hengyu said, bowing his head even lower. "I don't want to ruin Auntie's happiness, but I also can't neglect the welfare of the Bird Tribe." Having a sense of responsibility is commendable, but he had misdirected his efforts. If Hengran truly followed Yu Mu Han, it would be the start of their misfortune. Shen Su hadn’t expected the assassination to be linked back to Yu Mu Han and couldn’t believe how foolish this spy was. "Are you an idiot? Even if you managed to become the demon king and the clan leader this way, do you have the strength to protect the Bird Tribe?" "That would still be better than Wu Xiu—she only brings misfortune to us!" Hengyu shouted, accusingly blaming the black crow. He harbored deep hatred for Wu Xiu, despising the power of the curse. "Hahaha, this little fellow wants to be the clan leader too?" Fox Second White grinned, baring foxy sharp teeth. "This is great. Once Wu Xiu is expelled from the Bird Tribe and this little fellow becomes the clan leader, I could get a taste of the bird clan leader’s flesh." Wu Xiu didn’t move, but her pale hand already rested on Fox Second White's shoulder, her fingertips trembling with black light. Fox Second White simply shrugged off Wu Xiu's hand. "Why do you protect them? Didn’t you hear them? Each one harbors resentment against you, remembering only your faults, not your merits." Wu Xiu’s gaze dimmed slightly. It had always been like this. She could clearly sense the fear and rejection every bird in the tribe had towards her. Due to her purer power of curse compared to her predecessors, Wu Xiu faced the most cold shoulders. Despite being stronger than Ye Hanyu Jing and others, she dared not compete for a higher position among the demon kings for fear of alarming the birds in her tribe. The stronger she was, the more her kin would feel not pride, but fear. That fear would torment them, robbing them of sleep. When Hengran was present, they could suppress their fear somewhat. But without Hengran, this might not be her home. Her existence could only harm her kin. Overseeing internal issues due to Hengran’s predicament, in such a short time, two magpies had ended up homeless. The longer she stayed, the more losses they would suffer. Wu Xiu didn’t blame them. Thinking from their perspective, having her around meant they could silently die any day. If she were in their place, she would be afraid too. "Cough, cough." Hengran couldn't move anymore; the pain was unbearable. It felt like her bones hidden beneath her flesh were being shattered one by one. Her chest heaved violently, forcing out faint coughs, misty blood staining Wu Xiu’s collar. Her throat hurt immensely, yet she managed to speak, "Hengyu, apologize." Hengyu raised his head, refusing to yield. But seeing Hengran's eyes growing colder, he finally grew afraid and knelt before Shen Su. "Clan Leader, I’m sorry, please don't kill me. When I become the clan leader, I will pledge my loyalty to you." Shen Su couldn't help but laugh at his words, astounded by his persistent ambition to become the clan leader. No wonder he could be manipulated by Xusu and Suolai—his foolishness made him an easy target. Hengran was dissatisfied with Hengyu's attitude. "Apologize to the clan leader." Hengyu could apologize to Shen Su but couldn’t bring himself to apologize to Wu Xiu. "Have I said anything wrong? The black crow is a symbol of misfortune. Following her, we have no future. We could die any day, without any warning." "Slap!" his stubbornness ignited Hengran's anger. She left Wu Xiu's side, stumbled over to Hengyu, and slapped him across the face. Although weak, her slap resonated loudly. "Who gave you the right to accept her kindness, insult her, and be unrepentant?" The tribe's standing may seem like it derives from collective strength, but in reality, it's often about the demon king's prestige. They all lived under Wu Xiu’s protection, yet they couldn’t recognize it. Hengran only felt aggrieved being confined and had no intention of rebelling against Wu Xiu. Seeing Hengyu slapped, Hengqing subconsciously touched her own cheek, realizing she had also insulted Wu Xiu numerous times. With that slap, Hengran exhausted her strength completely, pain overwhelming every sense. Her vision blurred as her body swayed and began to fall. Wu Xiu, standing nearby, promptly caught her. Every inch of her skin felt like it was cracking apart. The moment Wu Xiu touched her, Hengran cried out in pain. “Don’t touch me, it hurts!” Wu Xiu immediately let go. Without support, Hengran half-collapsed into Wu Xiu's arms. Half of her body had fallen into Wu Xiu's embrace. To steady her, Wu Xiu gently placed her hand on Hengran’s waist, but was immediately slapped away, “I said don’t touch me, it hurts.” Wu Xiu seemed at a loss. She softly whispered, “It won’t hurt.” Two simple words, accompanied by the black light in her eyes, as she approached Hengran. As the words took effect, Hengran no longer cried out in pain. Instead, her pain was momentarily relieved, and her speech became clearer, “Clan Leader, if you wish to kill him, go ahead.” Shen Su didn’t respond to Hengran. Instead, she curiously observed the sudden cessation of Hengran's pain. “Can Lingyan’s curse be used like this? This shouldn’t count as a curse, should it?” Wei Nan Yi shook her head, disagreeing. “Xiao Su, think carefully. Losing the sensation of pain could indeed be a type of curse.” Indeed. Before Shen Su could respond to Hengran, both Hengqing and Hengyu grew anxious. Hengqing, prompted by Hengyu’s plea for help, called out, “Sister.” “You can’t risk the future of our entire tribe for one idiot.” The pain returned, and Hengran gasped heavily before shouting her next words. She tugged on Wu Xiu, who didn’t grasp her intent. Hengran’s white eyelashes shimmered with teardrops and sweat, and she slightly moved her lips. Before she could speak, Shen Su stepped forward, smiling, “Elder Hengran, I can spare him, but you must promise never to see Yu Mu Han again.” Hengran’s mind, muddled with pain, couldn’t think straight. Hearing Shen Su’s subsequent words, “Elder Hengran, remember your own words. Don’t endanger the entire Bird Tribe because of yourself,” she replied. Her kin, her people, and Wu Xiu were all on the line. “Alright.” The pain nearly overwhelmed her as she agreed, beads of sweat forming on her fair skin. Like early snow melting under the sun, water droplets already lined her white lashes. She clung to Wu Xiu’s arm. “It hurts.” Wu Xiu, burying her recent sorrow, slightly curled her fingers, lips taut, trying to find a solution. Seeing Hengran’s intense pain, Hengqing intervened, pushing Wu Xiu aside to take her place. However, the moment she did so, Hengran threw herself back towards Wu Xiu, raising her hands to grip Wu Xiu’s collar, eyes red and teary. “Wu Xiu, stay with me and say it doesn't hurt.” Wu Xiu hesitated, accustomed to obeying Hengran’s words. Softened, she complied, “It won’t hurt.” Sure enough, as Wu Xiu spoke, Hengran managed to catch her breath. Loosening her grip on Wu Xiu’s collar, she burrowed deeper into her arms, whispering as her heart tightened again, “Wu Xiu, say it more.” Hengran’s pain came from her internal struggle, from the control of fate. Wu Xiu’s intervention was against fate’s will, and the curse’s power to dull her pain was limited, only giving temporary respite. She clung desperately to Wu Xiu. Lifting Hengran into her arms, Wu Xiu gently placed her on the bed, repeatedly whispering, “It won’t hurt, it won’t hurt…” If she delayed even slightly, the sudden pain would have crushed Hengran. Grasping deeper into Wu Xiu’s arm, Hengran eventually encircled her arms around Wu Xiu, firmly holding her down. “Wu Xiu, stay here. If you leave, I’ll die from the pain. You wouldn’t let me suffer that, would you?” As Shen Su’s group left, they took Hengqing and Hengyu along with them. Although Shen Su decided not to kill Hengyu, she still had Wei Nan Yi place multiple layers of sealing spells on him, even learning from Bai Yu to temporarily turn Hengyu into a mute peacock before leaving the Bird Tribe. As they walked back to the Fox Tribe, Shen Su suddenly remembered something important and urgently asked Wei Nan Yi, “My lady, the trial for tomorrow’s quota starts soon. Elder Wu won’t lose her voice at such a critical time, right?” “She probably will,” Wei Nan Yi responded. Despite wanting to comfort Shen Su, given how frequently Wu Xiu had been using her voice as they were leaving, there was a high chance she’d end up losing it. However, Fox Second White was rather nonchalant about it. “What’s there to be afraid of? Wu Xiu hardly speaks as it is, and no one dares to make her speak. No one will notice.” All novels on this site are uploaded by members. If any content infringes your rights, please contact us, and we will promptly remove it. 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