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

# Chapter 116: Fragmented Soul In front of them, the petals of the ghostly blue peony lightly shattered, transforming into delicate points of light that slowly descended. The faint blue light landed in Shen Su's embrace, and the warmth that left her began to return as she slowly regained her breath. Wei Nan Yi, who had been holding her breath in worry, finally relaxed. She gently brushed Shen Su's pale cheek with her fingers, softly calling, "Little Su, wake up." Ruo Qing emerged before Shen Su. As the peony scattered, her consciousness reformed and settled in front of Jiang Rui Ping. Jiang Rui Ping glanced at the anxious Wei Nan Yi, then at the somewhat weaker Ruo Qing. In a rare display of consideration, she coldly admonished Ruo Qing, "Ruo Qing, you should inform someone next time you take a human partner away. Look how worried Nan Yi is." Hearing Jiang Rui Ping’s voice, Wei Nan Yi, who was holding Shen Su and gently shaking her cheek, couldn't help but blush. Jiang Rui Ping, although weakened and near death, was unexpectedly lively. She could speak, smile, and even scold them, still finding the energy to tease Cen Yin. Perhaps the pain from the Nine Deaths Breaking Spirit Root spell was duller, so Jiang Rui Ping, while being drained of her spiritual energy and blood, could still banter with them. Although, Ar Ling was known to be quite afraid of pain and somewhat timid. Maybe Jiang Rui Ping’s pain tolerance was indeed higher. Wei Nan Yi dared not look back at Jiang Rui Ping, fearing to see a mocking smile in Jiang Rui Ping’s eyes. Wei Nan Yi, usually reserved and well-behaved in front of elders, rarely displayed such strong emotions. Jiang Rui Ping had never seen her like this before. As Wei Nan Yi’s cheeks reddened, Shen Su finally woke up. Her eyes fluttered open, and before seeing Wei Nan Yi clearly, she noticed the redness. Shen Su instinctively mumbled, "Madam, is it sunny?" Rubbing her eyes with her hand, Shen Su saw only the night sky. By the light of the moon, she could recognize familiar faces, realizing there was no scorching light to burn Wei Nan Yi’s cheeks. Realizing her mistake, Shen Su’s face showed understanding. Wei Nan Yi’s face flushed deeper, her eyes glistening with a touch of grievance. She didn’t blame Shen Su nor did she let go of her. She simply stroked Shen Su’s face and arm, only relaxing once she felt the warmth returning to Shen Su's body. "Little Su, what did Ruo Qing tell you?" Although Wei Nan Yi was not unfamiliar with Ruo Qing, she wasn't particularly close either, making it hard to guess what Ruo Qing might have said to Shen Su. Hearing the question, Shen Su tapped her head to clear her thoughts, driving away the lingering fragments of her soul. After gathering her thoughts completely, she replayed Ruo Qing’s words in her mind. The main character, Yu Mu Han, is now the chosen one, a being of unparalleled fortune. In this world, everything revolves around him. Outstanding men become stepping stones, foolishly delivering resources only to be killed by him. Exceptional women are embellishments on his path of cultivation, either loving him to madness or hating him to insanity, but always revolving around him. Shen Su once thought the main character had reincarnated from a story she read, but in reality, Yu Mu Han was resurrected from his previous life. According to the book Shen Su read, the story ended with the main character achieving immortality and finding love—a perfect ending. But the current situation was deviated from the original story. Jiang Xu had escaped the fate of falling in love with the main protagonist but became a stepping stone on his path instead. Jiang Xu’s innate talent, second only to Bai Ruo Yi in the original plot, should have been Yu Mu Han's eleventh spiritual root. However, since Jiang Xu broke free from this fate, another woman with higher lineage and greater talent will fill the void. Wei Nan Yi is excellent. Lost in thought, Shen Su dejectedly asked Wei Nan Yi, "Madam, will you fall in love with someone else? I mean, what if fate makes you love someone else, what will you do?" Wei Nan Yi's gaze turned odd, looking at Ruo Qing. Initially absorbed in sorrow, Ruo Qing snapped back when she noticed Wei Nan Yi's strange gaze, awkwardly waving her hand, "Fairy Wei, I did not intend to sow discord between you two." Ruo Qing cared for Jiang Xu and didn’t want Wei Nan Yi to misunderstand her intentions. Ruo Qing had not sown discord between her and Wei Nan Yi; Shen Su knew it was her own imagination. Understanding everyone’s roles in Yu Mu Han’s tale of ascension, Shen Su’s worries became multifaceted. Ruo Qing was right, she might be an outsider, but Wei Nan Yi was still involved in this fate. Whether it was Wei Nan Yi’s death or her falling in love with Yu Mu Han, neither was acceptable to Shen Su. Determined to change her destiny, Shen Su still harbored doubts. "Madam, Senior Ruo Qing says Yu Mu Han is the chosen one; we are all just supporting characters in his story…" Shen Su cautiously shared aspects they could understand, omitting her outsider status and the time travel. She wanted to say more, but Wei Nan Yi suddenly drew close. Closing the gap between them, close enough to feel each other’s breath, a flustered Shen Su stammered, "M-Madam..." She wasn’t sure whether Wei Nan Yi was still sober, aware of the many eyes watching them. Wei Nan Yi’s anxious face was unlike her usual self. Almost pressing against Shen Su’s lips, she whispered, "Little Su, I only like you." Before Shen Su could finish speaking, her lips had been sealed. With the corner of her eye, she saw Wei Nan Yi's ears turning red. Shen Su initially thought Wei Nan Yi was fearless by approaching her amidst so many eyes. However, it seemed more like she was bravely pushing through her shyness. Shen Su felt a sudden urge to laugh. Wei Nan Yi, seemingly provoked by her words, insisted on clarifying her feelings in this situation. This indeed could be considered a form of favoritism. After all, she said she only liked her. "Alright." Shen Su, satisfied and nodding, leaned in slightly, effortlessly kissing Wei Nan Yi’s lips. Shen Su’s thicker skin masked her laughter. As her worries faded, the thought of the chosen one became inconsequential. She would find an opportunity to kill him. Survival of the fittest—if Yu Mu Han couldn’t adapt, then he should perish. When it came to Wei Nan Yi, Shen Su's resolve only strengthened. Wei Nan Yi hadn’t expected Shen Su to kiss her back in front of so many eyes. Now, not only her ears but her entire face turned crimson. Still, she didn't step back, fearing Shen Su might misinterpret her retreat as rejection. Living with Shen Su for days, Wei Nan Yi had discerned the vibrant, intelligent girl hiding a sensitive heart. Stepping back might cause Shen Su to withdraw entirely, even overthink. Wei Nan Yi didn't want that. But Shen Su misunderstood, seeing Wei Nan Yi's determination, clutching her sleeve tightly despite the crowd. Shen Su believed Wei Nan Yi wanted a heard reassurance and embraced her, "I only love you, Madam." Wei Nan Yi didn’t mind hearing that either. Perhaps because the girl’s voice was so soothing. Burying her head in Shen Su's arms, Wei Nan Yi’s neck flushed, warm breath falling against Shen Su’s chest. Watching from the side, Jiang Rui Ping suddenly interjected, "Nan Yi, why are you..." Pausing, conflicted, she insisted, "Nan Yi, I must tell you, men’s words can’t be trusted, but neither can women’s. They’re skilled at deceiving." It was a blatant attempt at sowing discord between her and Wei Nan Yi. When Wei Nan Yi said it, Jiang Rui Ping remained silent, only to brand Shen Su as a liar. And to think she was still contemplating reviving Shen Yin Xue. Not for Jiang Rui Ping, but for Wei Nan Yi. Sighing wryly, Shen Su released Wei Nan Yi and, with her eyes glowing with demonic energy, activated her spiritual eyes. Yet, she saw no green light. She guessed wrong, Shen Yin Xue’s soul had indeed entirely dissipated. Shen Su, being at the peak of the Golden Core stage, had further advanced her spirit eyes. In the cultivation world, spiritual entities were not given much importance, and her ability to explore souls far exceeded that of any spiritual tool in this world. If her eyes couldn’t find it, then it truly no longer existed. But had Shen Yin Xue really let go of all her attachments? Did her soul completely merge with her body at the moment of death, dissipating immediately beyond her control? Without the Soul-Nourishing Golden Elixir to stabilize the soul, the higher one's cultivation, the deeper the soul merges with the body. Shen Yin Xue, even at the Nascent Soul stage when she died, shouldn't have had her soul entirely dissolve with her physical body, right? Could it be a side effect of the Longevity Pill? No, that can't be. Without Shen Yin Xue’s soul, she wouldn’t be able to help Wei Nan Yi find her master or even know where to start in plundering Yu Mu Han’s destiny. Only a divine soul could bear the fortune inherent in Yu Mu Han's destiny. Without Shen Yin Xue, she couldn’t possibly ask Ruan Tong to lend fate. Ruan Tong didn’t lack fate; using a full-fledged divine soul to borrow fate might even harm her. Thinking of Ruan Tong, Shen Su felt a sudden unease. When it came to noble lineage and exceptional talent, Ruan Tong with her divine soul certainly qualified, perhaps even more so. Currently sharing the same mountain—Yan Bi Hill—with Yu Mu Han, there was a possibility she might become part of his twelve spirit roots. Ruan Tong was rescued after enduring immense hardship, transformed into a half-demon by encountering Mu Ling, and being consumed by her fellow village people. Finally liberated from such dreadful fate, it would be too unfortunate if she ended up filling the void in Yu Mu Han’s twelve spirit roots. Hopefully, they all remembered Shen Su’s warning to beware of Yu Mu Han. The urgency to find Shen Yin Xue intensified. Shen Su’s vibrant green eyes swept over Wei Nan Yi and the rest, finally falling on Cen Yin, who had been deprived of her ability to speak. Pointing at Cen Yin, she asked Wei Nan Yi, "Madam, do you have any means to transfer her demon power to me?" Shen Su’s idea was clearly a skewed one, and Wei Nan Yi furrowed her brows, "Little Su, there are no shortcuts on the path of cultivation." Wei Nan Yi worried about Shen Su’s unstable foundation, fearing she might seek rapid advancement at the cost of her sanity. Shen Su shook her head gently, "Madam, I don’t want her power, just borrowing it for a while." Hearing Shen Su’s intent, Ruo Qing’s eyes trembled, her heterochromatic eyes lingering on Shen Su’s vibrant green ones. Suddenly, she spoke, "Wouldn’t it be better to use mine?" As an immortal spirit, she had ways to impart her power to others. Even though Shen Su needed demonic power, Ruo Qing’s hand lightly touched Shen Su’s shoulder, emitting a bright white light, an aura of gentleness engulfing Shen Su instantly, narrowing her vision. Shen Su’s expression grew excited. Her spirit eyes could indeed upgrade further, so there was still hope. Ruo Qing understood Shen Su’s search for a soul. But their actions seemed incomprehensible to Jiang Rui Ping, watching an immortal spirit exerting great effort to cause a half-demon’s eyes to open wider. Jiang Rui Ping had tolerated them for too long and finally spoke up, "What are you two doing?" Shen Su had no time to respond, but Ruo Qing leisurely replied, "Of course, finding a way for you to live." Jiang Rui Ping was already annoyed. If not for Wei Nan Yi being alive and recovering her cultivation, she wouldn't have spared any time for nonsense. Hearing Ruo Qing still trying to help, even roping in Shen Su, infuriated her further. "I don’t need it. I don't want to live!" "Master," Wei Nan Yi called out anxiously. Jiang Rui Ping’s anger subsided slightly but she persisted, "Nan Yi, living is exhausting for your master. You’re a good child; you wouldn't force your master, right?" Wei Nan Yi’s response was silence. She didn’t want Jiang Rui Ping to die, but she couldn’t force Jiang Rui Ping to live either. Suddenly, Shen Su exclaimed, "Found it!" Borrowing Ruo Qing’s power to briefly elevate the limits of her spirit eyes, she finally saw a faint green light attached to Jiang Rui Ping’s shoulder. Flickering weakly, such barely detectable energy would have escaped even Shen Su’s enhanced vision if not for Ruo Qing’s help. Though unclear about the soul’s appearance within the green light, Shen Su knew it must be Shen Yin Xue. Jiang Rui Ping was someone even ghosts feared. Anyone beaten by her, like Hu San Bai, still shivered at the mention of her name even after thousands of years. How could they dare linger around her in death? It must be Shen Yin Xue. But claiming she found Shen Yin Xue’s soul wouldn't convince Jiang Rui Ping since she couldn't see it. She needed Jiang Rui Ping to see Shen Yin Xue’s soul. If Ruo Qing could lend her strength, perhaps she could also transmit power to a weakened soul. Turning to the ethereal Ruo Qing standing behind her, Shen Su hesitantly asked, "Senior Ruo Qing, could you lend your power through me to her? She needs a bit of strength." Understanding Shen Su’s intent, Ruo Qing nodded without hesitation. She knew better than Shen Su the significance of Shen Yin Xue. Afterward, Shen Su led Ruo Qing to Jiang Rui Ping, extending her hand towards the green light on her shoulder. Gentle spiritual energy trickled from her fingertips into the green light. Sensing it, the light moved closer to Shen Su. Alarmed, Jiang Rui Ping snapped, "What are you doing?" Jiang Rui Ping’s good graces were reserved for only a few; her icy stare now drilled holes into Shen Su. In Jiang Rui Ping’s eyes, Shen Su had entirely become a traitor siding with Ruo Qing. Jiang Rui Ping’s body was bound by a formation, restricting her movement from the stone platform. However, her limited movements caused the weak remnant soul clinging to her shoulder to shift. Unable to absorb the spiritual energy on its own, Shen Su couldn’t channel it into the soul. Ruo Qing, now a mere consciousness, had limited power transmission, which Jiang Rui Ping’s movements further wasted. Sweat began to bead on Shen Su’s forehead; she couldn't control Jiang Rui Ping and hurriedly called out, "Madam, hold the Elder down." Wei Nan Yi, trusting Shen Su without needing an explanation, swiftly moved next to Jiang Rui Ping, crouched and gently held her other arm. "Master, if you truly wish to die, nothing they do can stop you." Jiang Rui Ping halted, coldly observing Shen Su and Ruo Qing’s actions. Suddenly, her shoulder began to change. First, a faint point of light appeared on her shoulder, gradually growing clearer, even bringing a familiar feeling. Jiang Rui Ping hesitated, no longer resisting, her cold demeanor slowly melting into softness as she fixed her eyes on the green light. The increasing spiritual energy caused the light to shift, forming into a dim figure before her. Long black hair, cold eyes, holding tears, lunging towards Jiang Rui Ping the moment it took form. "Ping Ping." The familiar call, the soft voice. Jiang Rui Ping's eyes unexpectedly reddened, the coldness completely melting into tears. Shen Yin Xue was arguably the most infuriating person in the world. Despite not liking women, she tolerantly drove away anyone showing her kindness, yet sheltered Shen Yin Xue when she climbed into her bed. Yes, she was spoiled, but it was Shen Yin Xue who coddled her. But since she was spoiled by her, why would she blame her for losing her temper with others, coaxing her to be gentle, more patient, more like the Head Disciple of Linxian Mountain? But as Wu Liang Yu said, she was born a wicked seed. What defines a wicked seed? Someone born bad, destined to kill and be killed. Sometimes, she genuinely doubted if Shen Yin Xue comprehended their words. Wu Liang Yu called her a wicked seed; she didn't hear it. She declared she didn’t want to be the Head Disciple of Linxian Mountain nor pretend to be good for a position; she didn’t hear that either. Shen Yin Xue said she was too obsessive, but she was equally obsessive herself. She was always keen on having her be the good person, even pushing all the accolades onto her, making the sect’s junior disciples like her. But she didn’t care about their approval; she only wanted Shen Yin Xue to like her. Yet, Shen Yin Xue never understood her. It had been years since she heard that affectionate nickname. After Shen Yin Xue became the sect leader, she no longer called her Ping Ping, only referring to her as Junior Sister. But how could she feel special among so many junior sisters? She knew Shen Yin Xue probably hated her because, although Wu Liang Yu wasn’t kind to her, he was always good to Shen Yin Xue. She always blamed her, blamed her for killing her master. She also blamed her for not listening, for failing to maintain the position of Head Disciple, for killing those who shouldn’t be killed. Yet she had obeyed for a thousand years. Why couldn’t Shen Yin Xue understand her? She didn’t want to be the sect leader, nor did she want people to like her. Shen Yin Xue was more suitable for the leader role in every way. Why should strength matter when she could silence dissenters? When Shen Yin Xue was angry, she was equally angry. She refused to call her Ping Ping, so she wouldn’t call her sister. But it was unfair; she had many sisters, but she had only one elder sister. Shen Yin Xue's worst defect was not leaving any final words. She preferred spending her last moments with Sheng Qing Ning rather than speaking with her. Even if she hated her, she shouldn't have been so heartless. After all, she had always been obedient. But, unexpectedly, her soul had remained by her side all along. She shouldn’t continue to love Shen Yin Xue, who had made up her mind to stay with her but failed to notify her. She was intelligent enough to craft a spiritual tool capable of seeing lingering souls. If spiritual tools were insufficient, then a divine artifact would suffice. She shouldn’t have to rely on a child to see her. The ethereal soul drifted through Jiang Rui Ping’s body, unable to embrace her. She glanced despondently at her empty palms, "Ping Ping." As her soft voice faded, the barely maintained shadow fully dissipated. The fragmented soul returned to Jiang Rui Ping’s shoulder as a faint green light, gradually disappearing as if it had never been there. Shen Yin Xue was truly loathsome. "Sister." Jiang Rui Ping's eyes, already red from crying, continued shedding crystalline tears, her breathing irregular. She no longer bore her sharp, prickly demeanor. With quivering lips, she called out that familiar term again, appearing fragile and helpless. She was indeed helpless, and Wei Nan Yi was already crying uncontrollably. Shen Yin Xue’s soul form had appeared for mere seconds, but Wei Nan Yi recognized her master. For years, Wei Nan Yi had been burdened with guilt, believing her actions precipitated Shen Yin Xue’s death. And now, seeing Shen Yin Xue here brought her to tears. Holding onto Shen Su’s hand, her palm damp, Wei Nan Yi pleaded, "Little Su, was that really Master just now?" Shen Su had anticipated Wei Nan Yi’s reaction but still felt a pang of sympathy seeing her pitiful inquiry. Gently, she wiped Wei Nan Yi’s tears, "Madam, don’t cry. Perhaps I know a way to bring Sect Leader Shen back." Hope lit Wei Nan Yi’s eyes, and she eagerly asked, "Really?" "Yes." With Shen Su's affirmation, Wei Nan Yi nodded fervently, excitedly telling Jiang Rui Ping, "Master, you don’t need to die. Master can come back to life!" "You really have a way?" Jiang Rui Ping finally snapped out of her daze. Her eyes, still red, continued tearing. Jiang Rui Ping was naturally pale—easily hidden in snowy terrain. With tear-streaked cheeks, her redness was striking, making her appear weak and small, a sharp contrast from her earlier fierce demeanor. Shen Su finally understood why Cen Yin would call Jiang Rui Ping a puppy around Shen Yin Xue. Right now, she indeed looked like an abandoned pup, pitiful beyond measure. Nodding, Shen Su recounted what Ruo Qing had shared, omitting the parts about time reversal and her own outsider status, focusing instead on borrowing Yu Mu Han’s fate and extracting his spiritual roots. Jiang Rui Ping’s gaze changed instantly, sniffing as she spoke, "I didn’t expect your heart to be so ruthless." Had anyone else said this, Shen Su might’ve felt scolded, but from Jiang Rui Ping, it only felt like praise. Jiang Rui Ping genuinely praised her. Wiping her tears, her reddened eyes sparkled, "In my opinion, don’t bother with such complications. Since they want all the world’s exceptional women to serve Yu Mu Han, and killing him directly will lead to resurrection efforts, why not kill everyone capable of saving him? Without those people, he won't come back." If one could be called ruthless, Jiang Rui Ping took the crown. Even Yan Wang didn’t collect lives as she did. Shen Su merely planned to undermine the protagonist's foundation; Jiang Rui Ping envisioned eradicating everyone. Although Shen Su hesitated to criticize Jiang Rui Ping, Ruo Qing was unreserved, holding a grudge against her. "Jiang Rui Ping, can’t you think of anything besides killing? You speak lightly of killing them all, but do you know how many that involves?" Jiang Rui Ping cared little for Ruo Qing’s anger. Having experienced the world's cruelty firsthand and being molded into a killing machine by Wu Liang Yu, she didn’t value lives highly, "Ha, many or few, I can kill them all." Her words immediately restored her arrogance. The red around her eyes gave her a demonic allure, more like a demoness than Shui Ning of the original story. Jiang Rui Ping and Ruo Qing were on the verge of an argument when Wei Nan Yi intervened, standing between them, eyes unwavering on her master, "Master, are you planning to kill my master after she resurrects?" The author reminds you that the timely updates of *Flirting with the Villain's Mother* are on this site. At Wei Nan Yi’s retort, Jiang Rui Ping instantly quieted, her arrogance dissipated. She even became considerate, staring deeply at Wei Nan Yi, "Nan Yi seems to be involved too, so killing is not an option." Way to handle it. Internally praising Wei Nan Yi, Shen Su observed Jiang Rui Ping shrinking back, muttering to herself, feeling an urge to laugh. She truly loved Shen Yin Xue, yet Shen Yin Xue, despite her words, might not hate her as she believed. Shen Yin Xue’s soul form had appeared briefly, but during that moment, her gaze was firmly fixed on Jiang Rui Ping. With Jiang Rui Ping silenced, Wei Nan Yi seized the moment to question Ruo Qing, "Ruo Qing, do you know who Yu Mu Han’s original twelve spiritual roots were?" She wouldn’t dismiss Shen Su’s plan as too complicated. She supported Shen Su and was willing to implement her idea, making it crucial to identify the twelve spiritual roots. Thanks to Jiang Xu’s devotion to Yu Mu Han in past lives and Ruo Qing’s ability to track those chosen by the Heavenly Dao, she knew them, although only the old ones. "Because the root qualities vary, the corresponding women’s talents and bloodlines differ too. For lower-grade roots, they were named Ruan Yu, Wei Jin He, and Ning Cheng. For mid-grade roots, they were Chu Yu Han, Cen Yin, and Feng Yin Yue. For high-grade roots, they were Zhu Xian Er, Shui Ning, and Lin Qing Huai. Top-grade was Bai Yu, the eleventh root was Little Xu, and the twelfth was his celestial wife, Bai Ruo Yi." Apart from Feng Yin Yue, only mentioned as Chu Yu Han’s master in the original, the others were prominently featured. Shen Su even met most of them. The only ones she hadn’t encountered were Ning Cheng, who was the fiancée of Que Meng, the young master of Gu Yun Sect, Demon Sect's Saintess Shui Ning, and the current head of Han Feng Forest, Bai Yu. She hadn’t expected Wei Jin He and Ruan Yu also counted as they didn’t die because of the protagonist in the original, merely vanished suddenly. However, after interacting with them, Shen Su speculated they were likely secretly killed by Lin Qing Huai due to their mutual affection for the protagonist. Could that also be considered dying for the protagonist? So it turns out, it's not necessary to shield the main character from danger; as long as someone dies harboring love for him, he can acquire their spiritual root effortlessly. Thus, when Shui Ning died for Jiang Xu in the past life, her love for the protagonist indeed diminished and transformed, giving Shen Su a glimmer of hope. Although Shen Su also felt that encouraging someone to fall in love with someone else wasn't ideal, sometimes circumstances warranted it. Wei Nan Yi was surprised by this list, murmuring, "Yin Yue, Bai Yu as well..." Apart from Jiang Xu, who was long known to be involved, Wei Nan Yi was most familiar with these two. Feng Yin Yue was her close junior sister, while Bai Yu was a peer competitor. She had seen Bai Yu in her most spirited moments, boasting and pointing her sword at high mountains, making it hard to imagine her dying for a man. Originally, they were all exceptionally outstanding women. However, because Yu Mu Han was chosen as the Heaven’s Favored, they were no longer exceptional. Their sects no longer cared for them, transforming them into obsessive lovers. They were Yu Mu Han’s supporting cast, his spiritual roots, never allowed to be themselves. Despite being part of this entanglement herself, Wei Nan Yi couldn’t help but feel sad for those she knew. She didn’t despise love; on the contrary, she cherished her feelings for Shen Su. But wasn't love supposed to be mutual and equal? Shouldn't it be a sacrifice only if the other person was worth it? According to Ruo Qing's prophecy, their sacrifices were one-sided, elevating an unworthy man while they became fragmented souls, never realizing their dreams. It was undeniably tragic. While they discussed the spiritual roots, Cen Yin, who had been silent for a long time, could no longer hold back. Struggling against both Wei Nan Yi’s spell and Jiang Rui Ping’s cursed instrument, she finally drew Shen Su’s attention. "Madam, it seems she has something to say." After all, Cen Yin was also entwined in this web. Wei Nan Yi waved her hand, and the vines binding Cen Yin’s lips loosened one by one. The moment her lips were freed, Cen Yin screamed, "Why must I have a mid-level root? I’m not even as good as Zhu Xian Er!" Her focus shifted, and Ruo Qing dryly remarked, "Because your talent and lineage are stolen." Cen Yin fell silent but soon looked up again, uncertainly asking, "Will I really die for a man?" Her eyes held no emotions other than deep confusion. "I’ve always cared about status, the throne of the Demon King. I shouldn’t give up everything for a man. I’ve even met him; I feel nothing for him." Cen Yin’s perplexity was evident. Knowing Ruo Qing’s identity, she found it hard not to believe in the destiny Ruo Qing spoke of. But she had always been an ambitious demon, daring enough to offend Jiang Rui Ping by swallowing a fortune that wasn’t hers. "You will." The reply didn’t come from Ruo Qing but from Shen Su. Having speculated earlier, Shen Su knew they each played a role in the twelve roots, but their individual stories varied. Hence, even though they were all destined to fall in love with the protagonist, the timing and manner differed. Zhu Xian Er’s tale was love at first sight, reacting strongly upon meeting Yu Mu Han, wanting to marry him immediately. Bai Ruo Yi’s story was a slow burn, developing feelings for the protagonist gradually, giving her a chance to evolve a relationship slowly. Chu Yu Han's story was one of secret admiration, always harboring a maiden's affection, even subtly reciprocating the protagonist’s love. Jiang Xu’s narrative was one of opposition, gradually illuminated by the protagonist from her place in darkness. However, Shen Su’s appearance, riding off with her steed and delaying her departure from Falling Moon City, led to her capture by Jiang Rui Ping and return to Linxian Mountain. She never had a chance to join the demonic sect and thus was ejected from the twelve roots, becoming a madwoman who loathes the protagonist. Shui Ning’s story was one of repeated rescues, eventually leading her to turn from her demonic ways and willingly die. In past lives, due to Ruo Qing’s meddling, one rescue was instead performed by Jiang Xu, diluting her love for Yu Mu Han and leading to her death for Jiang Xu, breaking one of the protagonist’s roots. Cen Yin in the original story likely grew interested in Yu Mu Han because he was a Linxian Mountain disciple amidst many others. Her abundance of choices made her indifferent to the protagonist. However, alone with Yu Mu Han, she would eventually fall in line with the story and love him. They were all pieces in the narrative of the protagonist’s ascension, lacking autonomy, passively enduring their fated paths. If Cen Yin were to die, another would fill her place. A new person brought a new story, and if the new story was like Zhu Xian Er’s love at first sight, extracting the protagonist’s roots would become more challenging. Therefore, Cen Yin couldn’t die. "Senior Ruo Qing, there’s a problem: Fu Yuan, Wei Jin He, and Lin Qing Huai are all dead, and Jiang Gu Niang is now Yu Mu Han’s enemy. Won’t this mean four new individuals will replace them, who we aren’t aware of?" "Lin Qing Huai is dead? But during the Four Great Sects’ competition..." Ruo Qing wasn’t slow to respond, "That Lin Qing Huai was a fake. I wondered why Fu Yuan and Wei Jin He weren’t with her." Pausing, she then asked Shen Su, "Did you kill them?" "Yes." Shen Su caught Ruo Qing’s implication; had she known, she wouldn’t have killed them. However, not killing them would have meant her and Wei Nan Yi’s deaths. Regret wouldn’t help now; they had to free Jiang Rui Ping from the stone slab and return to Yan Bi Mountain for the secret realm trial and competition. The secret realm would gather numerous factions, where she’d likely encounter Shui Ning, Bai Yu, and Ning Cheng, whom she hadn’t seen yet. By now, the protagonist should’ve met Shui Ning and Ning Cheng, but not Bai Yu. She wondered if she could still blind Bai Yu beforehand. Lost in thought, Shen Su was jolted by Ruo Qing’s words, "It’s actually five new roots. Ning Cheng has died too." "What? How did she die?" Ruo Qing sneered, "During the Four Great Sects’ competition, Yu Mu Han had a midnight rendezvous with Ning Cheng and was caught by her fiancé, Que Meng. As the heir to Gu Yun Sect, Que Meng couldn’t bear such disgrace. In a fight, he accidentally killed Ning Cheng, but she bore seven sword wounds." Reflecting on Yu Mu Han’s friendly demeanor towards Zhu Xian Er at their first meeting, Shen Su guessed his behavior towards Ning Cheng was no different. Originally, Yu Mu Han’s narrative with Ning Cheng involved him rescuing her from Que Meng’s abuse multiple times, sparking her feelings. Now, however, he inadvertently hastened her demise through his own actions. Que Meng and Yu Mu Han’s fight led to Ning Cheng’s death. Yet, during their last encounter, Que Meng had been training with Yu Mu Han, showing no visible signs of hatred. Ning Cheng was indeed quite unfortunate. Despite her death, neither her fiancé nor the man who professed to love her sought justice, continuing to train together as if nothing had occurred. Shen Su realized that women with higher-level spiritual roots held greater status in Yu Mu Han’s perception. Sheng Yu Feng had defeated Bai Ruo Yi, which meant he’d likely kill Sheng Yu Feng in the secret realm. Que Meng killed Ning Cheng, yet trained alongside Yu Mu Han. Ning Cheng, being a low-level root, didn’t hold the same value as Bai Ruo Yi in Yu Mu Han’s eyes. But wasn’t Ning Cheng also a living being? Previously destined to die for Yu Mu Han's future, this life she died in vain, with her death dismissed as an "accidental killing.” The protagonist’s life was precious, the heir to Gu Yun Sect was precious, but the life of a young female cultivator was insignificant.