113,1 - All Eyes Are On The Peasant Family’ Adorable Baby Girl

### Chapter 113: Destiny Blades of light quivered densely, devoid of any killing intent. In the instant she left the battlefield, Feng Yinyue sheathed her long sword and bowed deeply towards Wei Nanyi. "Senior Sister." According to the rules of Linyue Mountain, only the most respected inner disciples can be called Senior Sister or Senior Brother. Those who can vie for the position of sect leader also earn this title. Feng Yinyue, older than Wei Nanyi by some years, called her Senior Sister only by following the rules. She had always been broad-minded. Back when she was still in the mountains, regardless of who vied for the sect leader's position, she always addressed them as Senior Brother or Senior Sister. She never felt slighted by her seniority. Feng Yinyue recognizing Wei Nanyi did not surprise Wei Nanyi. She had been in the position of Senior Sister of Linyue Mountain for so long. It was natural to have one or two confidantes, and Feng Yinyue was among them. Not having seen anyone from Linyue Mountain for so long, Wei Nanyi found it difficult to respond to being called Senior Sister. Her throat tightened, making it nearly impossible to speak. Suddenly, a surge of relief and a deep sense of gratitude filled her heart. If it hadn't been for Shen Su helping her restore her spiritual roots, she might not have had the courage to stand before Feng Yinyue now. Wei Nanyi couldn't bear to imagine how disappointed Feng Yinyue would have been to see her in a broken and feeble state. Wei Nanyi could picture those eyes; she had seen them in Jiang Xu's gaze before. Dull, devoid of any light, enveloped in a gray haze. Beyond disappointment lay unending sorrow. Wei Nanyi was terrified of disappointing others. Her experiences had blunted her external edges, but on the inside, she remained the gentle and considerate Wei Nanyi. She should respond to Feng Yinyue, but words wouldn't come to her lips under the veil. Feng Yinyue thought she didn't want to acknowledge her identity. She kept bowing, her eyes sincere and filled with unshed tears. "Senior Sister, where have you been all these decades? If you are still alive, why didn't you come back to take the sect leader's place? No matter how good Senior Sister Sheng is, the sect leader in my heart should be you. You had no news all these years; did I offend you?" "Yinyue," Wei Nanyi's voice finally escaped, hoarse and strained. She glanced towards the battlefield, relieved to see someone hastening over. Only then did she feel a bit at ease. Her old illness had just healed, yet she now had a new ailment. Absent from Shen Su even for a moment, her heart grew restless. Shen Su had hurried over after Wei Nanyi's voice transmission. She arrived just in time to see Feng Yinyue kneeling before Wei Nanyi, both eyes filled with tears, speaking words she could not hear. Shen Su asked, puzzled, "My lady, what is Elder Feng doing?" Feng Yinyue's sharp ears and keen eyes noticed another veiled woman calling Wei Nanyi "my lady". She froze, and before Wei Nanyi could explain, she grasped the situation. "Senior Sister, this girl calls you 'my lady'. Has Master Jiang wronged you, and that's why you left Linyue Mountain?" Though the two events were unrelated, Feng Yinyue was quite good at comforting herself. Even hearing a stranger call her Senior Sister 'my lady', she didn't think Wei Nanyi had wronged Jiang An. Instead, she immediately wondered if Jiang An had wronged Wei Nanyi, driving her away. This showed how loyal Feng Yinyue was to Wei Nanyi. Wei Nanyi was also surprised. She and Shen Su hadn't thought of it that way. Blushing, she supported Feng Yinyue to her feet. "She...she is indeed my Dao companion." Shen Su had been pondering Feng Yinyue’s view of Jiang An. When she heard Wei Nanyi solemnly introduce her to Feng Yinyue, she hurriedly removed her veil, bowed deeply, and stammered, "Elder Feng, I am Shen Su. I am the Dao companion of the lady." Feng Yinyue was startled. She quickly returned the bow. "If you are Senior Sister's Dao companion, how could you bow to me? It should be me bowing to you." But...but if Elder Feng bows to her, won’t she lose years of her life? Feng Yinyue had just been calling Shen Yiwen Senior Brother, indicating her ancestor and she were of the same generation. Shen Su's ears turned red with embarrassment, avoiding Feng Yinyue's gaze. After bowing, Feng Yinyue finally got a good look at Shen Su. More surprising than the thought of Senior Sister heartbroken and turning to another, in a woman's arms no less, was Shen Su’s overly youthful face. Shen Su had taken a pill early on, freezing her appearance at eighteen. Delicate and frail, she looked even younger than her actual age. Feng Yinyue was taken aback, then realized that in cultivation, one's appearance often belied age. Rubbing her temples, she whispered to Wei Nanyi, "Senior Sister, she seems younger than you." Wei Nanyi, an honest person, gave a forthright answer since Feng Yinyue asked. "She is about 1,800 years younger." As she spoke, her breath grew hotter. Her warm breath condensed on the veil, forming tiny beads of water. Wei Nanyi simply removed the veil, revealing flushed, soft white skin. Admitting to loving someone so young in front of a familiar face took some courage. "That's fine, that's fine. New is better than old," Feng Yinyue accepted the situation more readily than Wei Nanyi expected. Mumbling, she glanced at Shen Su again, nodding seriously, "Very new, very new indeed." Shen Su hadn't expected to leave such an impression of "newness" upon meeting one of Wei Nanyi's old friends. Didn't she have other, more noteworthy qualities? Feng Yinyue didn’t linger on Shen Su. She quickly turned back to Wei Nanyi, who still had more to say. Just as her gaze shifted, she noticed something. "Senior Sister?" Wei Nanyi's face remained stunningly flawless, even among flowers she would be the most dazzling. But now, it bore signs of aging—fine lines at the corners of her eyes. Feng Yinyue's eyes reddened. "Senior Sister?" She embraced Wei Nanyi, tears rolling down her cheeks like beads. Cultivators showing signs of aging meant something more. Feng Yinyue knew better than anyone else. Her tears bewildered Shen Su and Wei Nanyi. Wei Nanyi sighed, gently patting Feng Yinyue's back, comforting her as she had millennia ago during their dangerous trials. "Yinyue, it's all in the past." Feng Yinyue sobbed for a while, then released her hold on Wei Nanyi. Catching another glimpse of Wei Nanyi’s aged face, she teared up again. "Senior Sister, is what Jiang Xu said true?" Mentioning Jiang Xu, she suddenly recalled something. Once more, Feng Yinyue knelt before Wei Nanyi. "Senior Sister, please save Jiang Shishu. She won't last much longer." Wei Nanyi was stunned. She helped Feng Yinyue up again. "What's wrong with Shishu?" The last time she heard about Jiang Ruiping, it was from Yu Muhuan, knowing only that Jiang Ruiping was still alive. They hadn’t learned about her current state. Hearing about Jiang Ruiping, Shen Su also perked up her ears. Feng Yinyue's eyes dimmed with tears. She shook her head mournfully. "I don't know. Ever since Jiang Shishu brought Xu'er back to Linyue Mountain, she has been in seclusion in the back mountain. She only came out once on the day Xu'er took her vows. She looked pale. The elders say Shishu's time is near. But her cultivation is so high; how could her lifespan run out? I wanted to check on her, but Senior Sister Sheng said Shishu sees no one. I guess she lost the will to live. Senior Sister, Shishu has always loved you most. If you talk to her, she will listen." Feng Yinyue had little interaction with Jiang Ruiping and not much affection either. But Jiang Ruiping was a respected elder in her heart and one of the pillars of Linyue Mountain. Her strength was crucial to the sect. Her loyalty to Linyue Mountain meant seeing Jiang Ruiping as essential. Jiang Ruiping lost the will to live? That was something neither Shen Su nor Wei Nanyi had ever considered. Both held strong wills to live. They never imagined that the well-off, powerful Jiang Ruiping might contemplate suicide. But Feng Yinyue's words made Shen Su reconsider. The accounts of Jiang Ruiping varied, except for two constants: strength and madness. A madwoman, Jiang Ruiping’s greatest concern was likely her deceased sect leader. If she truly wanted to follow him in death, it would be logical. But if she wished to die, why hang on for so many years? Wei Nanyi glanced at Shen Su, perplexed. Shen Su realized the truth, and so did Wei Nanyi. If Jiang Ruiping intended to commit suicide, the only plausible reason would be related to Shen Yin Xue. However, Shen Yin Xue had been dead for thirty years. If Jiang Ruiping wanted to die, why wait until now? Though she couldn't figure out the reason, Wei Nanyi reassured Feng Yinyue, “Yinyue, we will return to Linyue Mountain.” She used the term 'we,' as she never intended to be separated from Shen Su. No matter where they went, they always did so together. Likewise, Shen Su was willing and also worried about Jiang Ruiping. Currently, Ruan Tong and the others were practicing with the Fox Tribe and the fox demons. Given Hu Rou's influence, Hu San Bai and the others would likely be willing to look after them. The missing Xu Rong and Mu Yuan were now with Lin Qingyi; Xu Rong was a half-demon golden eagle, renowned for his speed, and Mu Yuan was a yellow dog with an innate tracking ability. Together, even if they couldn't win a fight, they had many ways to escape, reducing the likelihood of any life-threatening danger. As for the other missing children, those captured by the Demonic Sect were likely beyond recovery. For others awaiting the secret realm's opening, many factions would gather at Yanbi Mountain. She could request the Sheep Tribe and the Fox Tribe’s help in searching. If Ruan Tong's absolute perception ability came up empty, they might be lost forever. But for now, the secret realm hadn’t opened, and no one would invade immediately after it did. There would be a month-long period of negotiations and competitions. Thus, for those anxious to see Jiang Ruiping, this was the best time to set off. Just as Shen Su was about to suggest returning to Linyue Mountain, Wei Nanyi asked Feng Yinyue, “Yinyue, didn't Xu'er come to Yanbi Mountain?” Being a concerned mother, Wei Nanyi's question about Jiang Xu silenced Shen Su. She waited with Wei Nanyi for Feng Yinyue's answer, although the outcome seemed obvious. Feng Yinyue’s expression darkened at Wei Nanyi's query. After a moment of silence, she cautiously glanced at Wei Nanyi and responded, though reluctantly, “She didn’t come. Her Senior Brother said she had lost her mind and didn’t allow her to participate in the training. She also didn’t want to come, so she stayed behind.” Even Shen Su was startled by the revelation. “Lost her mind?” Wei Nanyi felt a surge of panic. She grasped Feng Yinyue's wrist. “Yinyue, what happened?” “Because,” Feng Yinyue seemed hesitant, finding it difficult to continue. Wei Nanyi broke into a sweat from her anxiety. Shen Su, noticing this, urged Feng Yinyue, “Elder Feng, what’s there to hide at this point?” Taking a deep breath, Feng Yinyue continued, “Because Xu’er claimed twenty years ago that Senior Brother had plotted against you, and now says he wants to harm Master Jiang. Recently, she even attacked her fellow disciple, directly breaking Yu Muhuan's hand during a trial. Senior Brother says she's not of sound mind and forbids her from training with the other disciples, saying she's likely to taint them. Xu'er insists on staying close to the perpetrator, never leaving Senior Brother’s side.” Feng Yinyue wasn’t trying to hide anything; she just feared it would be unpleasant for Wei Nanyi. The more Wei Nanyi heard, the stranger it sounded, and Shen Su's frown deepened. From Feng Yinyue’s account, Shen Su pieced together Jiang Xu's behavior at Linyue Mountain over the years. Jiang Ruiping had intended for Jiang Xu to cultivate well and gain influence within Linyue Mountain, giving her the leverage to challenge Jiang An. However, Jiang Xu couldn’t control her hatred and went berserk during the apprenticeship ceremony. Jiang Ruiping had secluded her to quiet the gossip, hoping Jiang Xu would calm down, elevate her cultivation, and build a good reputation before addressing future matters. Yet, upon coming out of seclusion, Jiang Xu assaulted her fellow disciples during a trial, showing no mercy, and renewed accusations against Jiang An. Yu Muhuan's foundation at Linyue Mountain was not solid yet, but his generosity made him popular among the new generation, far surpassing Jiang An’s reputation. As for Jiang An, with his thousand-year-long positive reputation, he had countless supporters eager to shelter him. Jiang Xu's actions not only failed to earn her respect but angered many, costing her the chance to participate in Yanbi Mountain, with her spot taken by the eighth-ranked disciple of Gu Yunzong. If not for Bai Ruo Yi's intervention, she would have faced harsher punishments. Now, many in Linyue Mountain questioned how the esteemed Wei Nanyi could have a daughter with unsound mind. In twenty years, Jiang Xu not only failed to earn a reputation, but also tarnished Wei Nanyi's name. Shen Su understood Jiang Xu's hatred, but it had driven her to madness. She lacked the patience to bide her time and strike at the right moment. Wei Nanyi felt sorrow and guilt, much like how Mother Fox blamed herself for Hu Rou and Hu Yu’s betrayal of the Fox Tribe. Wei Nanyi believed it was her fault for not raising her daughter well. Her momentary negligence led to being deceived by the wicked, leaving her child motherless at a young age, with neither parental love nor care. This void, combined with the ordeals she faced from a young age, drove Jiang Xu to madness. It was her inability to change Jiang Xu's growing environment that led to this outcome. Wei Nanyi bit her lip, sorrow almost overflowing from her eyes. “I thought Master Jiang could change Xu’er to some extent.” Feng Yinyue recalled some past events and lightly shook her head. “It’s not like before. She used to curse Master Jiang to die. Now, before coming to Yanbi Mountain, I saw her secretly praying to the heavens for Master Jiang to live longer.” Both Shen Su and Wei Nanyi sighed in relief at hearing of Jiang Xu's change. Suddenly, Feng Yinyue realized something. “Senior Sister, could Xu’er have been telling the truth all along? Did Senior Brother truly harm you, shattering your spiritual roots and leaving you a cripple?” Wei Nanyi nodded solemnly. “Yes, but Xiao Su has restored my spiritual roots.” Feng Yinyue clenched her fists, veins bulging on the back of her hands. “I will return to Linyue Mountain immediately and demand an explanation from him!” This was the rhetorical power Jiang Ruiping had talked about before. Jiang An, with twenty years at Linyue Mountain, could dismiss accusations with a few well-placed words, branding others as mad. But Wei Nanyi, with a thousand-year good reputation, needed only to nod slightly for Feng Yinyue to seek vengeance on her behalf. However, Wei Nanyi's standing at Linyue Mountain had forty years fewer accolades than Jiang An. Old members might waver between them, but new disciples who hadn’t met Wei Nanyi and knew only Jiang Xu would naturally favor Jiang An. In the absence of publicized facts, killing Jiang An would dissipate some of the anger, but supporters of Jiang An would retaliate against Wei Nanyi, which wasn’t what Shen Su intended. To truly defeat someone, one must destroy what they hold most dear. For Jiang An, that was his reputation. Shen Su quickly stopped Feng Yinyue. “Elder Feng, don’t alert him. We have a plan. Even if you confront Jiang An now, he won’t admit it. You risk being branded as mad. Your reputation at Linyue Mountain doesn’t compare to Jiang An’s, does it?” Indeed, it did not. Feng Yinyue hadn’t even qualified to compete for the sect leader position, so her reputation certainly wasn’t as prominent. Recognizing the logic in Shen Su's words, she ceased her steps and finally looked at Shen Su with seriousness. For the first time, Shen Su wasn't just an accessory to Wei Nanyi in her eyes, but an independent individual. She suddenly recalled Cen Yin's earlier address to Shen Su. “Senior Sister, why did Cen Yin call Lady Shen 'chief'? Could it be that she...?” Feng Yinyue wasn’t ignorant. She knew what kind of lineage could lead Yanbi Mountain. After all, she had interacted with the previous chief, Jing Qin. Asking this, a trace of shyness crept into Wei Nanyi's low mood. She looked down, her breathing a bit lighter, “Xiao Su is a descendant of Senior Brother and Miss Gui Ya.” Hearing Shen Su was a descendant of Shen Yiwen and Jing Qin, Feng Yinyue was taken aback. She looked from Shen Su to Wei Nanyi with complicated eyes, her voice tinged with strangeness. “Very new, indeed, very new.” Shen Su understood why Feng Yinyue was so surprised. It was because her status was several generations lower than Wei Nanyi's. However, this wasn’t something to be ashamed of or hard to face. Feng Yinyue’s complex gaze often landed on her, prompting Shen Su to straighten up and clear her throat. “Elder Feng, I may be younger, but I will treat the lady well. Age doesn't determine one's capability for care.” “Ah.” Feng Yinyue’s eyes momentarily lost focus. She gripped her sword tighter, her gaze becoming even stranger. Seeing that Feng Yinyue didn't seem to believe her, Shen Su took a step forward, ready to explain things further. Suddenly, a cry rang out from the direction of the main battlefield. "Master!" Upon hearing the female voice, Feng Yinyue's expression immediately became anxious and uneasy. She cupped her hands to Wei Nanyi. "Senior Sister, it seems my disciple is in trouble. I must go check on them." Wei Nanyi nodded quickly and reminded her, "Please, Yinyue, keep my presence here confidential." "Of course." With that, Feng Yinyue sped towards the main battlefield, her concern for her disciple evident. Linyue Mountain had sent three disciples: Yu Muhuan, Jiang An's disciple; Bai Ruo Yi, Sheng Qing Ning's disciple; and thus, Feng Yinyue must be Chu Yu Han's master. This elder could also be considered the male lead's close confidante. Shen Su massaged her temples, feeling a headache coming on. Reading the book never made her feel the bias of fate so intensely, but being present in this world made it clear how frightening it was. In the original novel, Feng Yinyue had no name; she appeared seldom and was always referred to as Chu Yu Han's master who provided him with pills and magical tools, ultimately dying to protect him. Even as she died, she gave the male lead a pouch, signaling her feelings. Thinking back on the male lead's respect for her just moments ago, Shen Su felt only discomfort. Whether there were any underlying motives in that respect, only the male lead knew. This novel was truly a brutal realm for immortals; no supporting character was spared, all merely foils to highlight the male lead's brilliant life. Gentle, noble Senior Sisters loved him; obedient and clingy junior sisters loved him; the fierce and cruel main antagonist had unrequited love for him; even side sect leaders admired him, and their siblings too. Powerfully skilled demon kings fawned over him, only to be rebuffed; lively and quick-witted demon kings died for him. Even the elders of the sect secretly harbored affection for him, regardless of their status. Shen Su had been mistaken. Previously, she thought the book favored only the main male and female leads. Now she realized it wasn't kind to the female lead, either. Ultimately, the female lead was just someone chosen for her suitability for daily life among many other women. Bai Ruo Yi wasn't just a supporting character but an appendage. In such a world, Wei Nanyi dying early might not have been so bad; otherwise, she might end up in a storyline where an ex-teacher’s wife admired the male lead. The more Shen Su thought about it, the more engrossed she became. She wished she could lend those enamored with the male lead a pair of discerning eyes to see through the biased fate, helping them break free. She wasn't driven by kindness but by a sense of injustice. It was hard not to think of herself. Fu Jing and the others seemed hell-bent on binding her life to Shen Ji, using her blood and flesh to feed Shen Ji. They were all living beings. Why should they be reduced to foils for someone who might not even be their equal? Seeing Shen Su lost in thought, Wei Nanyi gently nudged her arm. "Xiao Su, what are you thinking?" Shen Su shook off her dark thoughts, a radiant smile brightening her face. “My lady, Elder Feng doesn’t seem to believe I’ll treat you well.” She didn’t want Wei Nanyi to share her negative emotions, so she kept them hidden. Hearing her, Wei Nanyi’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Xiao Su, Yinyue isn’t questioning that. She’s...“ She sighed softly, her eyes filled with some resentment. “Thanks to you, if I meet Senior Brother Shen in the afterlife, I’ll surely have to call him ancestor.” Shen Su suddenly understood. Cultivators might not care about age, but they do care about status and lineage. Even though Wei Nanyi agreed to be with her, she had to endure some moral condemnation internally. “Lady,” Shen Su smiled mischievously. “I wouldn’t mind if the ancestor called me sister-in-law.” Such audacity. Wei Nanyi, blushing, gently poked Shen Su’s forehead, chiding, “You’re cheeky.” Wei Nanyi’s lips curled slightly, showing no real anger. Shen Su chuckled, her gaze shifting towards the main battlefield, her expression becoming serious. “My lady, the demon clan's demonstration has achieved its purpose. Shall we leave now? I’ll speak to Elder Hu and Ruan Tong, and we can depart for Linyue Mountain immediately.” She had thought it through. The place was swarmed with the male lead's intimate confidantes, and Zhu Xian’er was already showing signs of affection for him. Cen Yin’s true motives were unclear, and only Hu San Bai remained engaged in the fight. The plan to kill the male lead with the demon king seemed unlikely to succeed. Delaying further might allow Zhu Xian’er to fall deeper in love, causing big problems. Gui Cang had often spoken up for them; Shen Su didn't want to see Zhu Xian’er leaving her heart behind for a bad man. Just as Wei Nanyi was about to agree, a bloody head was suddenly thrown their way. The head hit the ground with a loud thud, creating a not-too-deep pit perfectly cradling it. Both Shen Su and Wei Nanyi saw the face clearly—it was the Nascent Soul stage elder from Gu Yunzong. Accompanying the bloody head was the dark-skinned beauty, Cen Yin. Cen Yin was chewing on a severed limb, her sharp bear teeth crunching down, making quite a noise. “This cultivator wasn’t easy to kill. I tried so hard but only managed to kill one. Another one escaped.” She didn’t come from the main battlefield direction, suggesting the fights had shifted locations due to their intensity. Shen Su knew demons consumed humans. Even so, witnessing it firsthand made her stomach churn. Cen Yin seemed oblivious, stepping over to the crushed head and stomping on it, reducing it to fragments. Blood and brain matter splattered towards them, but Shen Su stepped forward, a column of water emerging from her sleeve to wash away the filth. Cen Yin, observing her reaction, smirked. “Going to Linyue Mountain, are you? Take me with you.” Her words carried a hint of danger. Cen Yin was blatantly telling them that to leave for Linyue Mountain, they must take her along. Shen Su just happened to be right. Cen Yin wasn’t interested in the male lead; she was interested in Linyue Mountain. As the foremost sect, Linyue Mountain was protected by numerous formation arrays, especially powerful were its mountain-protecting formations. In the original story, Jiang Xu had managed to lead the demons in due to her prior knowledge of Linyue Mountain's arrays. Without such knowledge, anyone recklessly entering would face certain death. Cen Yin must have overheard their conversation and likely guessed Wei Nanyi was a disciple of Linyue Mountain. It was Shen Su's oversight not to activate her innate ability to guard against eavesdroppers. Cen Yin had indeed helped them, but now she was a genuine threat. As Shen Su and Wei Nanyi remained silent, Cen Yin’s threatening aura intensified. “If you don’t take me, I’ll kill all those kids. If not them, I’ll kill two half-demons at least.” She banked on Wei Nanyi’s concern for her fellow disciples. Wei Nanyi took a deep breath, her gaze turning less gentle. “Cen Yin, what are you planning?” Cen Yin smirked, recalling something, and sneered, “I just want to see how Jiang Ruiping dies and how pathetic she’ll look.” She held a grudge against Jiang Ruiping? Shen Su couldn’t quite fathom Cen Yin. Why would someone with a deep-seated grudge against an elder from Linyue Mountain seek to take their disciples as Dao companions? “Do you hate Master Jiang?” Cen Yin's eyes flashed with complex emotions, her voice gritted. “There are few demons without grudges against Jiang Ruiping.” Not quite. Shen Su thought more demons feared Jiang Ruiping than hated her. Seeing how terrified Hu San Bai and Hu Si Lian were of her at the You Valley, braving an assault to sever A Ling's spiritual roots attested to Jiang Ruiping's fearsome reputation. Lily of the Valley’s Leng Hua Hua liked Jiang Ruiping, after all. The more Cen Yin thought, the more off her expression became. Wei Nanyi silently gripped the Manxing Jade on her necklace. Keenly aware, Cen Yin sniffed, grabbing Wei Nanyi's wrist. “Don't think you can escape under my nose. I'll do what I say: kill them all, even Hu Jin Jin's afraid of me. Guess if that spirit treasure can protect your smooth exit.” Cen Yin’s tone was harsh. Initially grateful for Cen Yin’s help, Wei Nanyi now found herself tightening in resentment. Letting go of the Manxing Jade, she asked coldly, “If I kill you, can we still leave?” In response, Cen Yin snorted. “Kill me? I'd like to see you try.” Cen Yin’s eyes filled with a mocking smile. “Who do you think you’re talking to? You might be able to kill Yu Jing, but you can’t kill me.” “My lady,” Shen Su also felt that Cen Yin was too strong, and now wasn't the time for impulsiveness. If a fight broke out and drew people from the main battlefield, Wei Nanyi’s identity would be exposed. But Cen Yin seemed intent on showing Wei Nanyi her determination. With incredible speed that even Shen Su couldn't fully register, she aimed a punch towards Wei Nanyi’s fair face. Before Shen Su could react, Wei Nanyi had already grasped her waist, effortlessly pulling her out of Cen Yin’s reach. Wei Nanyi stood with Shen Su on the tip of a branch, unable to suppress her killing intent any longer. On her forehead appeared a golden lotus mark, embedded in her skin, glowing with a crimson-gold light. She formed hand seals with her two hands, whispering, “Soul Banishment, Whispering Wind, Glazed Moon.” Wei Nanyi was about to act when Cen Yin, recognizing the spell murmurs, froze. “Soul Extermination Technique... taught by Jiang Ruiping. You must be Wei Nanyi.” Recognizing Wei Nanyi’s identity, Cen Yin's expression changed, and she quickly called out, “Wait, I changed my mind. I can swear that without your permission, I won’t harm a blade of grass or a single tree in Linyue Mountain. You know as well, a demon's oath is binding. Wei Nanyi, you’ve been missing from Linyue Mountain for decades, and now, only with our demon blessings have you regained your strength. Your position at Linyue Mountain has likely been taken by others, right? In case of unexpected events when you return, you'll need an ally. I’d be a good one.” As if fearing disbelief, Cen Yin swore almost immediately. If she harmed anyone from Linyue Mountain without permission, she would be struck dead by lightning. After she made her oath, Wei Nanyi stopped her spellcasting. Still suspicious, Wei Nanyi landed with Shen Su. “What do you really want?” Cen Yin's eyes gleamed coldly. “I’ve already said, I want to go to Linyue Mountain to laugh at Jiang Ruiping.” Shen Su couldn't help but be curious. “Do you hate Master Jiang because she took something from you or killed your kin?” Cen Yin smiled while speaking gruesome words. “Not much, just that she once competed with me for a man, and when she lost, she flayed me, made a bearskin cloak out of my hide, and shattered my bear teeth, forcing me to live like a worm for over five years.” Her words, though spoken with a smile, stunned both Shen Su and Wei Nanyi. Cen Yin's hatred for Jiang Ruiping ran deep, but this didn't seem right. Knowing Jiang Ruiping's love for Shen Yin Xue, it was clear she had no interest in men. Cen Yin was obviously slandering Jiang Ruiping. Shen Su wanted to mediate, but Wei Nanyi wouldn’t tolerate Cen Yin insulting her elder. “That's a lie. Master Jiang loved my master for thousands of years and never changed heart. How could she compete with you for a man?” She expected Cen Yin to be enraged, but Cen Yin nodded fiercely. “Exactly, she competed with your master. Otherwise, do you think, knowing you're Wei Nanyi, I would have stopped my attack? I was merely giving your master some respect.” “…” Wei Nanyi was speechless for a moment, and Shen Su fell into a brief silence. Cen Yin’s words shocked both of them. Jiang Ruiping, Si Hua, and Cen Yin – one was the most feared first elder in the immortal sect, another was the unscrupulous sect master of Hehuan Sect, and the last was the most ruthless, powerful demon king. They shared common traits: bloodthirsty, cruel, and all obsessed with Shen Yin Xue. There was clearly something wrong with Shen Yin Xue's constitution to attract only madmen. Si Hua’s interest in disciples from Linyue Mountain could also be explained by her search for shadows of Shen Yin Xue. Though it seemed ridiculous, Feng Yinyue had been guided by Shen Yin Xue. Her temperament was somewhat similar, and the male lead being Jiang An’s disciple, made Jiang An a disciple of Shen Yin Xue, casting his conduct in her shadow. Yu Jing had called it correctly. Cen Yin was attracted to disciples of Linyue Mountain. Shen Su tugged Wei Nanyi behind her. In the entire cultivation world, if one had to find Shen Yin Xue's shadow, Wei Nanyi undoubtedly resembled Shen Yin Xue the most. Cen Yin was unlike Si Hua and Jiang Ruiping. Jiang Ruiping loved Shen Yin Xue and everything related. Si Hua wanted to manipulate Wei Nanyi after Shen Yin Xue’s death to rise. Cen Yin seemed intent on finding a substitute, which was the worst. Cen Yin saw through Shen Su’s wariness and smirked, “But your master wouldn't kill me on sight.” She forgot. Now, Wei Nanyi was diverging from Shen Yin Xue's teachings, almost as uncontrollable as Jiang Ruiping. Her default reaction was lethal, sky-level magic arts. Shen Su had no room for negotiation. Besides, the narrative of them competing for Shen Yin Xue wasn't accurate. During their time in the forbidden zone, they heard from Song Yu about Shen Yin Xue and Jiang Ruiping sharing a bed. Even if Shen Yin Xue didn't favor women, he wouldn't shun Jiang Ruiping. Hence, if anything, Cen Yin competed with Jiang Ruiping, not the other way around. Cen Yin was lucky to have survived such a rivalry and resided as a demon king, unlike Si Hua who was tormented to near death by Jiang Ruiping. Shen Su's mind raced, and she abruptly lifted her gaze. “Cen Yin, we’ll take you along, but you must swear again. Without Master Jiang’s consent, you won’t harm any cultivators of Linyue Mountain.” “My lady,” Wei Nanyi was puzzled by Shen Su’s sudden decision to bring this troublemaker to Linyue Mountain. Shen Su gently patted Wei Nanyi’s hand, signaling reassurance, and continued negotiating with Cen Yin. “Cen Yin, you have numerous ways to control us but fewer with Master Jiang. Your previous oath doesn’t count. Swear by Master Jiang’s name, and I’ll believe you.” Realizing her plot was revealed, Cen Yin chuckled, “Don’t you trust yourselves or Wei Nanyi’s skills?” Her words were a clear attempt to sow discord, but after two decades of mutual support, the trust between Wei Nanyi and Shen Su was unshakable. Wei Nanyi, not waiting for Shen Su to explain, said, “I also trust Master Jiang's ability. Even if she's on the verge of death, you can’t control her.” After repeatedly affirming Master Jiang’s strength, Cen Yin’s expression darkened, but she conceded, “Alright, I’ll swear again.” With Cen Yin swearing by Jiang Ruiping, it was finally settled that they would travel together. Cen Yin’s repeated concessions left her visibly furious, but she held her anger in check and, reluctantly, addressed Wei Nanyi. “Wei Nanyi, your master should be buried in Linyue Mountain, right?” Wei Nanyi, caught off-guard by the question, hesitated briefly before nodding. Hearing that Shen Yin Xue was indeed buried in Linyue Mountain, Cen Yin exhaled, “I’ll go have Zhu Xian’er and Hu San Bai withdraw, then I'll inform my clan. Don’t think you can leave me behind.” Cen Yin seemed to have more in mind than just mocking Jiang Ruiping. Perhaps she planned to visit Shen Yin Xue’s grave. Watching Cen Yin’s retreating figure, Shen Su's feelings were mixed. After Cen Yin disappeared, Wei Nanyi urgently said to Shen Su, “Xiao Su, let’s leave now. We can’t bring Cen Yin to Linyue Mountain.” Shen Su didn't immediately agree. After careful consideration, she asked, “My lady, do you wish for Master Jiang to live?” “Of course,” Wei Nanyi, eyes filled with sorrow, sighed softly after experiencing life’s harsh realities. “Master Jiang is the last elder in this world who treats me well. I…” She reluctantly admitted she couldn’t bear the thought of Jiang Ruiping dying. With Shen Yin Xue already gone, Jiang Ruiping’s death would leave her without any elders to rely on. Shen Su had anticipated this, gently comforting Wei Nanyi. “Then we need to take Cen Yin to Linyue Mountain. If it makes you uneasy, you can find opportunities along the way to plant some curses in her body. Coupled with my bloodline’s control over her, she won’t cause any trouble.” She wanted to take Cen Yin because of her suspicion about Jiang Ruiping’s suicidal tendencies. If Jiang Ruiping truly wanted to die, seeing an old enemy might reignite her will to live. Shen Su herself hadn't experienced familial love but could imagine how wonderful and desirable it must be. She didn't have it, but Wei Nanyi did. Shen Su understood that losing something precious would hurt more after having it. She couldn't bear to see Wei Nanyi suffer. Shen Su's empathetic nature had always been strong, and she wanted to help Wei Nanyi try to keep Jiang Ruiping alive. Not only did they need to bring Cen Yin along, but perhaps they should also take A Ling. Their shared bloodline might prove useful to Jiang Ruiping. Shen Su had no idea what condition Jiang Ruiping was currently in at Linyue Mountain, so she decided to bring everything and everyone she thought might be helpful. Not long after Cen Yin left, Hu San Bai came over, dragging Zhu Xian’er with one hand and carrying a goat carcass with the other, grumbling all the while, “Zhu Xian’er, do you have any backbone? Stop looking over there!” Although Zhu Xian’er followed Hu San Bai, her gaze repeatedly drifted towards the main battlefield's direction. She seemed somewhat dazed, mumbling quietly, “Hu San Bai, don’t you think that male cultivator is quite handsome?” Hu San Bai nearly burst out laughing in exasperation. He slapped himself on the face, “Can’t you see? When it comes to looks, no man can compare to us fox demons.” Zhu Xian’er ignored him, still glancing towards the main battlefield, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. Shen Su regretted bringing Zhu Xian’er along. Concerned for Feng Yinyue, Wei Nanyi asked the irate Hu San Bai, “Elder Hu, what’s the situation with casualties?” Hu San Bai released his grip on Zhu Xian’er and slapped her again in frustration. “Not great. She kept siding with that male cultivator. Only Cen Yin managed to kill a Nascent Soul cultivator and heavily injure another.” Relieved to know Feng Yinyue was unharmed, Wei Nanyi exhaled in relief. Shen Su comforted the nearly exploding Hu San Bai, “Elder Hu, that’s sufficient. They should be wary now and won’t act as boldly as before.” Hu San Bai sighed and pointed at Zhu Xian’er, “Leader, I don’t need to annihilate that group. I’m just furious at her.” Zhu Xian’er was still gazing towards the battlefield, her face growing progressively redder. “Hu San Bai, I truly like him. I want to marry him.” She seemed oblivious to the other caring female companions around Yu Muhuan, focusing solely on him. Hu San Bai saw this as a foolish move to have interest in an enemy, while Shen Su saw it as fate pushing a proud demon king to become a man's accessory. Bai Ruo Yi and others had long-standing love stories, but Zhu Xian’er got the love-at-first-sight script in the book. In one glance, she willingly placed her affections. In the original book, Zhu Xian’er sacrificed her position as a demon king for the male lead. Her tribe died rescuing her, and she too perished, with the entire tribe augmenting the male lead's soaring cultivation. Jiang Xu deviated from the storyline, but Zhu Xian’er didn’t seem to. Shen Su sighed, her demonic energy swirling. The suppression from Jing Qin’s bloodline forced Zhu Xian’er to retract her gaze. “Zhu Xian’er, even though Elder Gui Cang often says to follow destiny, you have your thoughts and life. You shouldn’t be a puppet to fate. Trust the favorable destiny, but resist the unfavorable. As a demon king and leader of your tribe, you don’t need to rely on anyone. Even if you truly fall for someone, you remain a demon king. No one is worth sacrificing your tribe for.” Shen Su didn’t know how much Zhu Xian’er would understand but regretted bringing her here. She knew the male lead’s aura was strong and that fate favored him as the child of destiny, but she hadn’t realized how powerful the storyline was until seeing Jiang Xu break free from her fate. Yet despite changing some parts of the story, Zhu Xian’er still ended up falling for the male lead at first sight, even at a different encounter point and with initial murderous intent. Though Shen Su altered the plot, it felt as though nothing fundamentally changed. Zhu Xian’er flashed a moment of confusion, mist veiling her eyes. “Leader, I don’t understand your words.” “Sometimes, even what your eyes see can be deceptive. Fate might be toying with you.” Seeing Zhu Xian’er still confused, Shen Su said reluctantly, “I agree with Hu San Bai: he's far more handsome than that male cultivator.” Zhu Xian’er sniffed dismissively, “Leader, you should get your eyes checked.” Shen Su felt frustrated. She didn’t know whom she could help or what she could change. Although she didn’t necessarily have to help anyone, she couldn’t reconcile herself to this. She wasn’t aiming to save others, but to save herself, condemned at birth to be Shen Ji’s foil. Since Jiang Xu’s fate could be altered, why couldn’t Zhu Xian’er and the others have the same chance? --- Disclaimer: All novels on this site are uploaded by members. If this violates your rights, please contact us, and we will promptly remove the content. Previous Chapter | Contents | Next Chapter 笔迷读 All Rights Reserved Site Map