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

## Chapter 121: The Dual Spirits It's only been half a month since the last meeting at Mirror Lake, yet both the Demon King and Shen Su have changed significantly. The news of Yu Jing's death, which Su Su worked so hard to conceal for a few days, has now been officially announced by the Tiger Clan — they have lost their Demon King. Su Su is now the acting head, yet they can't even match the Fox Clan in finding a temporary leader. Zhu Xianer and Gui Cang seem to have had a falling out; she no longer stands by his side, and the grandfather and granddaughter haven’t exchanged a single word. Even the white peacock Heng Ran has distanced herself from Gui Cang. Suo Li has lost his usual arrogance. Now, as he stares at Cen Yin, who's hanging from a tree by Shen Su, his eyes are about to burst with rage. Suppressing his anger, he finally manages to speak up, “Chief, is there some misunderstanding here?” Initially, he looked down on Shen Su, waiting for Cen Yin to end up in trouble and in Shen Su's hands. Now, he acknowledged Shen Su as the chief. Shen Su glanced at him but said nothing. Jiang Ruiping, standing behind Shen Su, took a half step forward. With a cold expression, she raised her left hand slightly, and an overwhelming pressure fell upon Suo Li. “Are you saying that I’m senile and can’t even recognize the enemy who stole my opportunity?” When Jiang Ruiping was silent, Suo Li had the courage to plead for Cen Yin. As soon as Jiang Ruiping spoke, Suo Li’s legs nearly gave out. Not only him, but even Duo Qu, who usually loves to talk and spit ink, was unusually quiet. Although their Water Clan had never been tormented by Jiang Ruiping, he had heard of her notorious reputation. None of the demons present expected that when Shen Su left Yanbi Mountain for a while, she'd bring Jiang Ruiping to support her. Even those who initially refused to acknowledge her as chief had to stay silent now, especially those who had experienced Jiang Ruiping’s rampage on Yanbi Mountain. When Jiang Ruiping threatened Suo Li, Cen Yin spoke up. “Jiang Ruiping, don't forget what you promised Shen Yin Xue.” The promise was merely not to kill her and not to accuse her of stealing an opportunity. Irritated, Jiang Ruiping retreated, her fingers tapping her shoulder absentmindedly. Shen Su lifted her head and looked at Cen Yin, who was hanging from a tree. “Cen Yin, it’s I who accuse you of stealing the opportunity, not Master Jiang.” Cen Yin suddenly became verbose, glaring viciously at Shen Su with her bear eyes. “You ungrateful wretch, I’ve helped you.” Shen Su hadn't forgotten that thanks to Cen Yin, she smoothly obtained the blessing. But Cen Yin must have forgotten what she did when Shen Su felt grateful to her. Shen Su smiled gently. “But you have also harmed and threatened me.” Cen Yin was a self-serving individual, always prioritizing her own interests. If Shen Su hadn't had the Mirror Lake Spiritual Water as leverage, even with the demon core of the black bear demon, Cen Yin wouldn't have helped her that day, as Suon Si had initially suggested. They never intended to deny her the blessing; they merely wanted to scare her. Even without Cen Yin's help, Shen Su would still have received the blessing, though it might have been more challenging. Seeing that Shen Su’s path was blocked, Cen Yin’s eyes shifted slightly. She looked at the Water, Insect, Tiger, and Wolf Clans, who were already discontent with Shen Su. “Are you all still following her as the chief? Are you blind? Look at her; she stands with Jiang Ruiping, and her wife is Wei Nan Yi. She’s colluding with human cultivators, using the power of the blessing for Wei Nan Yi and planning to harm Yanbi Mountain. Yet, you still revere her as your leader. It’s laughable!” She had been silent throughout the journey, finding no chance to save herself. Now, with all the demons gathered, she finally had her opportunity. Cen Yin was trying to stir conflict between Shen Su and the clans. She deliberately avoided mentioning Suo Li, knowing how powerful Jiang Ruiping was and not wanting Suo Li to provoke her and bring more trouble to the Bear Clan. She cared about the Bear Clan's interests but was willing to use other clans' lives to save herself. Cen Yin truly was calculating. Shen Su regretted not gagging Cen Yin now. Because of Cen Yin’s instigations, the various clans were getting restless. Duo Qu opened his mouth to speak, but Jiang Ruiping was already behind him. Her palm emitted a fiery red flame, scorching Duo Qu’s wet, slippery skin as it approached. Duo Qu shivered and dared not speak again. Jiang Ruiping kicked him in the leg and then floated back behind Shen Su. She didn’t need to speak; just her presence was enough to intimidate these demon kings. Shen Su looked at the demon kings, who once flaunted their power before her, now hanging their heads low, afraid to say a word. She smiled and asked Wei Nan Yi beside her, “My lady, is this what they call a fox borrowing the tiger's might?” In this world where the weak are food for the strong, having a bad reputation isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Wei Nan Yi had a good reputation, and everyone wanted to persecute her. Even when she fell to the bottom, some tried to take advantage of her kindness. But Jiang Ruiping was different; everyone feared her. Shen Su didn’t lower her voice, and they all heard it clearly. Duo Qu muttered, “No, you’re clearly bullying the demons.” Duo Qu seemed to have forgotten how he once looked down on her. Shen Su stood with Wei Nan Yi on her right and Jiang Ruiping behind her, giving her unprecedented confidence. “Clan Leader Duo, you’re mistaken. I am the rightful master of Yanbi Mountain.” Duo Qu wanted to refute, but under Jiang Ruiping's icy gaze, he averted his eyes. Seeing Duo Qu silenced, the Water Clan's elder, the fat-headed fish Tuo Zuo, couldn’t help but speak up for him. “If you are the master of Yanbi Mountain, then you shouldn't be colluding with human cultivators. Do you intend to harm Yanbi Mountain?” Shen Su shook her head. “If I wanted to harm you, I wouldn't be here right now. To be honest, I have no desire to be the master of Yanbi Mountain. You should all remember that each of your clans owes me a debt. Now it’s time to repay.” Making promises wasn’t pleasant, but repaying debts was even less so. The Wolf Clan’s leader, Ye Huan, took a half-step back, guardedly asking, “What do you want from us?” “I’ve heard there's an ancient secret realm in Yanbi Mountain, and now—” Before Shen Su could finish, Ye Huan cut her off. “Don’t even think about the secret realm.” As soon as he spoke, Jiu Cui pulled him back forcefully. Unlike the impulsive Ye Huan, Jiu Cui preferred to go with the flow, aligning not with the natural order but with the demon's influence. Just like when they gave the blessing, she would follow suit when everyone else did. She didn’t wish to be the first to voice her opinion, and the Wolf Clan shouldn't be at the forefront either. But Ye Huan was rash. She pulled Ye Huan back, her gaze lingering on Wei Nan Yi. That day, she suspected Shen Su's veiled wife might be Wei Nan Yi, but the coldness in those eyes made her dismiss it. Unexpectedly, it was indeed Wei Nan Yi, no longer the gentle Wei Nan Yi. This wasn't good news. Jiu Cui forced a smile, pulling Ye Huan behind her, and turned her gaze to Gui Cang. “Old Goat, what do you think?” Gui Cang, adept at divination, wasn’t an unusual choice for Jiu Cui to consult. However, Gui Cang wasn’t one to stay neutral. He took a couple of steps close to Shen Su. “The Goat Clan is willing to obey the chief.” Though he and Zhu Xianer weren’t standing together, his words implied she wouldn’t oppose him. Turning the focus to the Goat Clan, Cen Yin saw another chance to speak. Swinging in the wind, she shouted, “Zhu Xianer, she wants to harm Yu Mu Han. Aren’t you going to do something?” Cen Yin had overheard the root spirit plan. She had wavered, confused, and asked repeatedly for confirmation if she’d really die for Yu Mu Han. Shen Su thought Cen Yin hated Yu Mu Han and the root spirit plan enough, but she never expected her to exploit another woman ensnared in the same trap. Zhu Xianer was different from them. She fell deeply in love with Yu Mu Han at first sight, and in that short span, she was already deeply enamored. She raised her confused eyes. “Chief?” Jiang Ruiping glanced at Cen Yin but didn’t act. She forcibly held back her anger, but someone else moved. Wei Nan Yi floated up to Cen Yin and, under her shocked gaze, reached out her hand. Delicate fingers gripped Cen Yin’s bare neck, already devoid of her bear fur thanks to Jiang Ruiping. In an instant, sharp thorns emerged from Wei Nan Yi's palm, precisely avoiding major blood vessels and piercing Cen Yin’s throat. The spiritual spell activated, and thorny vines wound around Cen Yin’s lips, sealing them shut in an instant. Cen Yin would have no more opportunities to speak. She couldn’t be killed, but she was indeed too noisy. Bright red drops of Cen Yin’s blood fell one after another. The others' gazes toward Wei Nan Yi changed drastically. Suo Li exclaimed, "The trial hasn't even started yet. How can you—" Shen Su sighed softly and took Wei Nan Yi’s hand, slowly wiping the blood from her fingers. It wasn’t a significant matter; she had never intended to put Cen Yin on trial. Cen Yin had been condemned from the start, merely a pretext to gather the demon kings. The blood on Wei Nan Yi's fingertips gradually disappeared, and she lightly closed her lips. "She stole my master's life force." If it weren’t for the Root Spirit Plan, she would have had to die. Su Su sneered, thinking of something, his expression turning grim. "Isn't it said that the eldest sister of Linxian Mountain, Wei Nan Yi, is naturally gentle and benevolent, never resorting to killing? Seeing her today, rumors must be false. Fairy Wei doesn’t seem like someone with a kind heart." Jiu Cui, who had dealt with Wei Nan Yi before, had a more complex expression with mixed emotions. "Wei Nan Yi, you’ve changed so much from before." She lowered her eyes, deep in thought. When she lifted her gaze again, She quickly grabbed Ye Huan by the wolf fur, dragging him over to Gui Cang with a smile. "Since it was agreed upon early on, our Wolf Clan will naturally honor our promise and follow the chief’s arrangements." Jiang Ruiping stood there more as a deterrent, but she had fought with Wei Nan Yi before. Jiu Cui stood by, yet Ye Huan was still unwilling. "Aunt, even if she is the chief, she’s now colluding with humans. Brother Yu Jing’s disappearance might well be their doing. How can we help them?" He had inadvertently guessed right. Ye Huan had just stumbled upon the truth behind Yu Jing’s disappearance. Shen Su's heart skipped a beat. Wei Nan Yi probably wasn’t afraid of Su Su finding out she killed Yu Jing, but now wasn't the time for a confrontation. The Root Spirit Plan was already a mess, and Shen Su didn’t want to make more enemies in such a situation. Jiu Cui lashed out at Ye Huan, "Shut up." In the demon hierarchy, wolf clan leaders were always lower in rank than elders. Jiu Cui, as Ye Huan’s close aunt, still had some control over him. Once she made her decision, Ye Huan held his tongue, though he remained disgruntled. With Jiu Cui supporting Shen Su, it was natural that Hu San Bai would stand by her as well. Duo Qu cast a peculiar glance in Heng Ran's direction. For the first time, Heng Ran didn’t immediately follow Gui Cang’s lead. "Heng Ran, are the Bird Clan not joining? Haven’t you always gone where the Old Goat goes?" The Bird Clan’s leader was Wu Xiu, but it's Heng Ran who usually spoke. Heng Ran had always followed Gui Cang, believing in fate, making today an exception. As everyone turned their attention, even Wu Xiu was watching Heng Ran. Heng Ran ignored their gazes and looked complexly at Shen Su. "Chief, are you really going to harm Mu Han?" This is bad. This was precisely what Shen Su feared. She had guessed the remaining Root Spirits might be among the demon kings but overlooked their elders. Heng Ran’s questioning indicated she was also caught in the trap. How could someone be so captivating? Just days ago, Heng Ran had discussed avenging human cultivators with them. Now, in merely half a month, she was defending a human. Besides divine intervention, Shen Su couldn’t think of another reason. Her question stunned not only Shen Su but also Wu Xiu and Gui Cang. Gui Cang, deciphering something, glanced sorrowfully at Zhu Xianer, sighing, "It’s destiny, it’s destiny." Despite his frequent mentions of destiny, Gui Cang stayed aligned with Shen Su's camp. Clearly, Gui Cang had foreseen something but, contrary to his usual nature, wanted to change it this time. Wu Xiu, typically reticent, said nothing. She merely looked deeply at Heng Ran with her pitch-black eyes, then turned away in disappointment, standing by Gui Cang. Her choice was evident from where she stood. Previously, Heng Ran had half-covered her mouth, compelling her to stay in Gui Cang’s camp. This time, Wu Xiu made a choice contrary to Heng Ran’s direction. She stood next to Gui Cang and confusedly asked, "Old Goat, who is Yu Mu Han?" Wu Xiu had no idea who Yu Mu Han was, nor when Heng Ran had met this person. She only knew something was off with Heng Ran. Despite years of animosity between human and demon cultivators, fleeting alliances were just that — fleeting. Heng Ran, as the Bird Clan’s Grand Elder, was now protecting a human. Although she often conceded to Heng Ran in the past, aware of Heng Ran’s odd behavior, she would now follow her own judgment. Hearing Wu Xiu’s question about Yu Mu Han, Gui Cang sighed repeatedly. Disappointedly, he glanced at Zhu Xianer, murmuring, "The chief will tell you." Heng Ran hadn’t expected Wu Xiu to take Shen Su's side before getting an answer. She frowned and called out, "Wu Xiu." In the past, Wu Xiu always obeyed her. Though younger than Heng Ran, breaking free from Heng Ran’s grip wasn’t difficult for Wu Xiu, who typically acquiesced. This time was different. Wu Xiu didn’t move. She stood firmly beside Gui Cang. When Heng Ran tried to approach, Wu Xiu calmly stated, "Grand Elder, I am the Bird Clan’s leader." Heng Ran halted, no longer approaching Wu Xiu. For years, regardless of her decisions, Wu Xiu remained silent, almost forgetting Wu Xiu was indeed the clan leader. Heng Ran gave a bitter smile, reaching for Zhu Xianer. "Xianer, you must be willing to help him." Zhu Xianer, looking complexly at Heng Ran, didn't erupt. She softly responded, "Grandfather's words carry more weight." The Goat Clan was special. Half of Zhu Xianer’s authority as a demon king came from Gui Cang. She couldn’t expect the young goats in the clan to listen to her instead of Gui Cang. Seeing the distance between her elders and leaders, the black spider, Le Xian, chuckled strangely. "Unexpectedly, even your two clans disagree." Since butterflies and spiders were natural enemies, making decisions as the clan leader and elder often caused the Insect Clan to struggle reaching a consensus. With the spider leading and the butterfly as the elder, it became a joke among the other clans. Now, seeing their disagreements, Le Xian seized the opportunity to mock them. Shortly after mocking, the butterfly demon Yan Xiao spoke up. Though timid, her voice was weak, "Chief, Mu Han is a good person." Le Xian’s eight eyes twitched, sensing impending danger. She grabbed Yan Xiao. "You know Yu Mu Han?" Surprised not only by Yu Mu Han’s identity but by Yan Xiao standing up for a human. Despite her higher cultivation, Yan Xiao always feared Le Xian due to their natural enmity. Yet, when Le Xian grabbed her, Yan Xiao didn’t cower. She asserted, "Yu Mu Han is truly a good person." Le Xian furrowed her brow, suddenly sneering and loosening her grip on Yan Xiao. "Since you say he's a good person, I’ll kill him." Her eight eyes turned blood-red with a killing intent, her web vibrating, reflecting her unstable emotions. "Le Xian," Yan Xiao desperately called out. Typically on opposite sides, now she hoped Le Xian would join her side. Le Xian chuckled softly, quickly joining Gui Cang. She detested Yan Xiao’s transformation, preferring her terrified, teary-eyed, caged state. Yan Xiao’s urgency only intensified Le Xian’s desire to kill the unknown Yu Mu Han. With Le Xian’s support, Shen Su had the majority. Only the Bear Clan, Fox Clan, and Water Clan remained undecided. Zhu Xianer and two others seemed to distance themselves from their tribes. The twelve root spirits were complete. Unexpectedly, the last two new root spirits were the white peacock Heng Ran and the butterfly Yan Xiao. Shen Su watched the chaotic scene unfold, her mind racing. Thanks to Cen Yin's claim about wanting to harm Yu Mu Han, the identities of all the Root Spirits had become clear. Although no new demon kings had entered the game, the ones involved were all Grand Elders close to the kings. Their power and talent were substantial, marking an unprecedented upgrade in Yu Mu Han’s Root Spirit. Initially, Shen Su meant to test the waters but ended up stumbling upon the truth. In just half a month, the demons of Yanbi Mountain were in complete disarray. Yan Xiao and Heng Ran spoke up for Yu Mu Han, clinging to their versions of his story. Didn’t they realize each harbored feelings for him? Didn’t they see the obvious issues with Yu Mu Han? Nonetheless, this was within Shen Su’s expectations. The outcome turned out even better than she had hoped—at least those who entered the game were not the most influential demon kings. Thanks to their involvement, Wu Xiu and Le Xian firmly stood by Shen Su. Shen Su knew they were driven by fate. Hearing them speak in favor of Yu Mu Han didn’t anger her much. However, they couldn't be allowed to know the truth behind their stories. Shen Su forced a faint smile, “What’s this ruckus about? I don’t even know who Yu Mu Han is, why would I harm him?” Her words were a mere formality. Shen Su failed to gain Heng Ran’s trust, which wasn’t surprising. “Perhaps, I’ll give you an opportunity.” She pointed outside Mirror Lake, beaming. “Those willing to follow my lead, stay. Those who don’t can leave now.” Zhu Xianer left quickly, her figure turning into smoke and vanishing. Shen Su didn’t try to stop her but shouted at her disappearing back, “Miss Zhu, if you spill today’s events, I’ll target your grandfather. I might be powerless, but Uncle Jiang isn’t.” Her words made Gui Cang look over in terror. Shen Su touched the back of her hand, smiling to reassure Gui Cang. She had no real hostility towards him. She merely wanted to see how much Zhu Xianer would care for her most cherished person when lost. After Zhu Xianer completely disappeared, she transmitted to Jiang Ruiping, “Uncle, you must have a way to prevent them from mentioning Wei Nan Yi, right?” The original book described such a sealing technique, which prevented specific words from being spoken. She needed this now. Jiang Ruiping could appear alive; Wei Nan Yi couldn’t yet show herself to the human cultivators. If Wei Nan Yi were to appear perfectly now, even facing Jiang An wouldn’t convince anyone of her suffering. Some might even urge her to be magnanimous. To defeat Jiang An, he had to fall utterly with no chance of redemption. Jiang Ruiping’s body vanished from Mirror Lake’s edge. She would intercept each departing demon outside the lake, including Zhu Xianer. It wasn't hard for Jiang Ruiping, nor beneath her abilities. After Zhu Xianer left, Heng Ran didn’t linger either. Similarly, Shen Su issued a warning to her, but Heng Ran hurried on, unfazed. Wu Xiu watched her departing back, frowning lightly. Yan Xiao quickly attempted to follow, but a dense web of silver-white silk ensnared her. As it tightened, the threads turned black, sinking into her flesh, causing her to collapse. Le Xian appeared by her side immediately, supporting her limp body on her back. Duo Qu, now that Jiang Ruiping had vanished, finally dared to ridicule, spewing ink that pooled at Le Xian’s feet. "You, you poisoned Yan Xiao?" Le Xian sneered and ignored him. Yan Xiao’s lips turned purple, her breath weakened, and the poison kept seeping into her. Gui Cang couldn’t help but speak, “Do you intend to kill her?” Yan Xiao couldn’t die. Her death would yield a new Root Spirit. Shen Su wanted to stop Le Xian’s extreme action, but Le Xian had already retreated with Yan Xiao to Gui Cang’s side. All eight of her eyes bore disdain as they looked at Gui Cang. “I have control over my poison. She won’t die. Old Goat, unlike you, I won't hesitate to stop my runaway granddaughter.” Her words mocked Gui Cang’s hesitance in preventing Zhu Xianer’s departure. Heng Ran, having followed Gui Cang’s footsteps often, and Wu Xiu, familiar with Gui Cang, had moved to shield him. But Le Xian’s hostility now shifted to Wu Xiu. “I'd suggest keeping silent. Perhaps it was your words that pushed them towards human cultivators.” Wu Xiu stiffened, forcing a smile, “I never said such a thing.” Her gaze turned melancholic, reflecting on whether she should have stopped Heng Ran earlier. Looking at Le Xian’s back, her methods were extreme but effective in securing Yan Xiao. “I thought you disliked your clan’s Grand Elder.” “Of course, I do. Spiders are the natural enemies of butterflies.” Le Xian chuckled softly, “But she’s my Grand Elder. When her loyalty wavers, I get upset. I might keep her alive for now, but I might still kill her later.” Wu Xiu fell silent. Shen Su didn’t think Le Xian would actually kill Yan Xiao. If she could control Yan Xiao easily, she had ample opportunity to kill her but hadn’t. The fact they coexisted for centuries suggested as much. It was clear where Heng Ran and Zhu Xianer were headed. Shen Su had her allies secured. She looked at Duo Qu and the others, “What will you do?” Quickly grasping Tuo Zuo, Duo Qu disappeared from Mirror Lake’s edge. Though the minority serves the majority, Duo Qu still refused to submit to Shen Su. Without Shen Su, he alone led his clan. With her, he’d need to obey her commands, something he detested, so he left decisively. Su Su and Suo Li were even more inclined to leave. This trial was more about recognizing Shen Su’s authority than Cen Yin’s judgment. They’d face Jiang Ruiping’s sealing technique next. They might not obey her, but they couldn’t disrupt her plans or endanger Wei Nan Yi. It wasn’t time for her to face Jiang An yet. After they left, Shen Su glanced at Cen Yin hanging from the tree. She had fainted from the pain. Shen Su sighed again, “My request wasn’t unreasonable. I merely wanted your support to represent Yanbi Mountain in negotiating the trial with the human cultivators. After all, I want to enter the secret realm.” “Are you so weak that you lack the skill to earn your way into the secret realm?” Ye Huan, already defiant, was now humiliated by the realization that Shen Su, with Jiang Ruiping and Wei Nan Yi, was merely threatening them for such a minor issue. Anger surged. Ignoring Jiu Cui, he grabbed her wrist, “Following such a weak chief is our disgrace.” Dragging Jiu Cui along, he seized his leader’s momentum. With their departure, Le Xian glanced sideways at Shen Su, “Were you really after something so trivial?” This wasn’t trivial. Shen Su needed the title of Yanbi Mountain's master to legitimately meet whom she wished. Yet, it didn’t require all demons’ agreement. Her identity was already evident. With Hu San Bai, Jiang Ruiping’s support intimidated them into acknowledging her, if not respecting her. Her words were a deliberate ruse, seeing through Ye Huan’s defiance and leveraging Jiu Cui’s dread of Wei Nan Yi. Needed were steadfast allies, not wavering ones. Shen Su first asked Gui Cang, “Elder Gui Cang, what did you foresee?” Gui Cang was different from Le Xian. He had the ability to understand the divine plan but seeing his only granddaughter targeted by fate shook his beliefs. He hesitated, finally murmuring, “Yu Mu Han is the son of destiny, and the chief is the turning point.” “Destiny’s son and the turning point?” Le Xian’s eight eyes momentarily closed half, the remaining ones flashing madness, “Old Goat, you’re rambling nonsense.” Disappointed with both Gui Cang and Shen Su, she turned to leave. Shen Su stopped her, “Chief Le Xian, if you care for your Grand Elder, it’s best not to leave recklessly today.” Hu San Bai chuckled, “Chief, Yan Xiao poses no threat. She never cared much.” Hu San Bai was about to say that Le Xian didn’t care whether Yan Xiao lived or died, but he choked on his words when he saw Le Xian actually stop. She glared at him coldly, “You’re right, I don’t care about her. But replacing a Grand Elder is a hassle.” They had chosen to trust Shen Su, and it could also be said that Shen Su had chosen to trust them. The four remaining clan leaders were those who wouldn’t betray Shen Su. It wasn’t that they had deep bonds with her. Rather, the ones they cared about were all intertwined in this Root Spirit scheme. The leaders included Zhu Xianer of the Goat Clan, Yan Xiao the Grand Elder of the Insect Clan, Heng Ran the Grand Elder of the Bird Clan, and Hu Rou, the next Fox Clan leader. Each of these remarkable ladies had their hearts ensnared by the same trap, progressively losing their clarity of mind. Those standing there were the ones who cared about them. Naturally, betrayal wouldn’t be an issue. “Elder Gui Cang is correct. Yu Mu Han is the son of destiny, and regardless of whether it's Heng Ran or Yan Xiao, they’re his destined beloveds. In the end, they will die for him. However, I am not the turning point; you all are.” Shen Su paused. Although she could gauge the others’ care for those ensnared, she was less certain about Le Xian. She approached Le Xian specifically and said, “If you care for them and don’t want them to die, please help me.” Le Xian sneered, glancing at Yan Xiao, who was unconscious from her poison. “Are you kidding? She’s terrified of dying. Why would she die for a man?” But she couldn’t detect any falsehood in Shen Su’s face, only stern seriousness. “I have no reason to lie to you.” Le Xian quickly looked towards Gui Cang, not trusting Shen Su, but Gui Cang’s stature lent credibility among the demons. Gui Cang sighed, “It’s not just them who will die. We will all die. Love will blind our eyes, and so will hate. We will all perish because of the son of destiny. That’s our fate.” Gui Cang ignored Le Xian’s shock and turned almost pleadingly to Shen Su, “Chief, what should we do? I’ve believed in destiny for thousands of years, but now I don’t want to believe it. For Xianer and for my people, I cannot accept this fate.” Gui Cang’s solemnity convinced the still skeptical Le Xian of their predicament. Abruptly, she grabbed Yan Xiao, recklessly jabbing her pale face, a wry smile on her lips. “Are you an idiot? Why sacrifice yourself for someone else?” Yan Xiao couldn’t hear her, let alone respond. Le Xian's grip tightened. She wasn’t a gentle demon, her feral nature making her hands heavy and uncontrolled. Yan Xiao's soft, white skin seemed on the verge of being torn apart. Gui Cang apprehensively held back Le Xian’s hand. “It’s beyond her control.” Unlike Le Xian’s extremities, Wu Xiu waited silently for Shen Su’s further words. Hu San Bai, realizing Hu Rou's odd behavior, promptly asked, “Chief, what do you plan to do?” “I intend to sever his root spirit and alter his destiny.” Shen Su briefly paused, speaking with a mix of anger and grief. “You’re the ones they care about most. Only you can temporarily control them. Until I succeed in altering Yu Mu Han’s root spirit, you must ensure they don’t die for him.” “Of course,” Gui Cang agreed wholeheartedly. Hu San Bai's expression turned conflicted. He wasn’t certain, looking at Shen Su, “Chief, Hu Rou doesn’t even recognize me. Are you sure I'm the one she cares about most?” Shen Su coughed lightly, “For Hu Rou, we’ve already instructed Bi Niang to keep an eye on her.” “Bi Niang? Can she handle it?” Hu San Bai was dubious of Hu Bi Niang. Hu Bi Niang had low talent and cultivation and was gentle by nature—a combination that wasn’t reassuring for dealing with conflicts. Were it not for a lack of options, Hu San Bai would never have let Hu Rou choose Hu Bi Niang as her partner. It was Wei Nan Yi, not Shen Su, who responded, “Bi Niang can handle it.” Wei Nan Yi wasn’t wrong; Hu Bi Niang could, and must, handle it. Success for Hu Bi Niang meant confirming Weak Light’s theory that destiny could be altered. Failure would imply Weak Light was wrong. Shui Niang’s betrayal had happened in the previous life. In this life, the male protagonist was reborn, adding potential variables. Proving the plan’s viability in this life was essential. Their faith in Hu Bi Niang started to rub off on Hu San Bai. During a brief silence among them, Wu Xiu finally spoke up softly, “Why do you think we can control them?” “Don’t speak so pessimistically.” Gui Cang immediately covered her mouth, genuinely fearing Wu Xiu's words might shatter the sliver of hope left. Her unique ability—her words hiding a dangerous power of realization—not suited for mere conversation. Through Wu Xiu’s eyes, Shen Su saw confusion. When Heng Ran showed signs of odd behavior, Wu Xiu’s determination to counteract was evident. Wu Xiu would clearly go to great lengths for Heng Ran, but her earlier comment stirred self-doubt. Shen Su circulated demon energy through her wrist, directing it toward Wu Xiu, refocusing her scattered thoughts. When Wu Xiu met her gaze again, Shen Su encouraged her, “You can manage, can’t you? You said it yourself; you’re the clan leader. She should listen to you.” “But she hasn’t ever listened to me.” Wu Xiu struggled to succinctly express her convoluted relationship with Heng Ran to Shen Su. She didn’t have the privilege to speak much since every word risked invoking dangerous outcomes. Her unique, cursed ability meant that all misfortune she uttered would inevitably come true. The Bird Clan, like the Fox Clan, followed a lineage system where both the clan leader and Grand Elder were similarly inherited roles. Every generation saw a black raven and a white peacock. Their powers warded off great dangers but enforced a delicate balance. They relied on the curse's power, but their fear of it necessitated a more benign force—a seasoned white peacock. Black ravens bore curses, while white peacocks brought fortune. Wu Xiu’s words induced misfortune, while Heng Ran’s brought luck. Heng Ran’s ability to attract fortune wasn’t absolute, yet she could infuse her surroundings with good fortune. This ability, missing any combat utility, still made Heng Ran a popular figure, especially in the curse-shadowed Bird Clan. Wu Xiu, as the clan leader, brought terror and discomfort. Members obeyed her out of fear, not respect. In disputes, they’d follow her due to fear, silently resenting her, often sympathizing with Heng Ran. If not for survival necessity and strength-relied curses, they’d have likely preferred Heng Ran as leader. Wu Xiu always knew but couldn’t change it. She kept quiet to minimize their fear. Often, Heng Ran, beyond being the Grand Elder, acted as Wu Xiu’s voice. Despite often misinterpreting her intent, Heng Ran’s name-dropping of Wu Xiu’s authority was what maintained her presence. While Grand Elders typically outranked clan leaders, Heng Ran was significantly older. Despite everything, Heng Ran felt more like her senior—a merry, outspoken person who could be quite noisy. Yet, thanks to Heng Ran’s incessant chatter, silent days weren’t dull for Wu Xiu. Heng Ran was crucial to both the Bird Clan and her. Shen Su’s suggestion wasn’t entirely accurate. Wu Xiu regarded Heng Ran as the closest demon to her, but Heng Ran didn’t necessarily see Wu Xiu the same way. Aside from their own clan, many outside demons also preferred Heng Ran. Shen Su wanted Wu Xiu to control Heng Ran, but Wu Xiu couldn’t really control her. In fact, Heng Ran might find controlling Wu Xiu easier.