38 - Crazy! Criticizing the Prime Minister for Being a Servant

## Chapter 38: Resonance How could this be? Since childhood, she had been sent to the sect. Although Feng Hua appeared to keep her from delving into many matters, in the end, she was still someone with those things implanted in her body. How could... how could she be completely different? Ran Fan Yin, meanwhile, was not planning to let her ponder for long. She gently grasped her chin and said, “Sometimes, being the same might be the greatest difference. Therefore, I will release you later.” “Does the fairy plan to use me as bait for a long-term strategy?” “Not at all, Lin Yu Xue. I will set you free on the condition that you do not step foot in human lands ever again.” “……” Ran Fan Yin's gaze fell upon the girl's handsome face. The fleeting hatred in her eyes did not escape her notice. However, the period of imprisonment had evidently brought about many unexpected changes. For instance, at this moment, the girl quickly suppressed her emotions and smiled cheerfully, “Thank you, fairy.” She did not ask much, did not think much. Even if this person in front of her indeed intended to use her for some purposes, it did not matter. However, this time, Lin Yu Xue was definitely about to be surprised. After news of her death spread, a person came to lead her out of the sect through a small path. This person wordlessly escorted her to the edge of the desert, even handing her a cloak that could completely conceal her figure and aura at the parting. Without waiting to ensure she crossed the desert, he silently departed. Holding the cloak, Lin Yu Xue sank into an indefinite daze for the first time. Nearby, Qin Si Yue and Ran Fan Yin stood atop a tree, silently observing the girl. She remained dazed for a long time before finally deciding to wear the cloak and cross the desert rapidly. Only after she disappeared from their sight did the two women retracted their gazes. Qin Si Yue commented, “Tsk, sticking with you is exhausting.” Ran Fan Yin responded with a light smile, without saying a word. She had been contemplating a question: Why did the person who hinted at Ning Song Wu choose Lin Yu Xue as the protagonist to write the entire story? Evidently, many actions could not be rationalized with her as the protagonist, and Ning Song Wu easily broke the entire storyline, rendering the so-called protagonist setting useless. If it was indeed the case, wouldn't writing this entire story amount to a futile endeavor? If the author was someone else, that would be one thing. But given the deep knowledge of affairs in the mountains, with deliberate concealment of the situation in Huanxi Peak within the book, it was clearly not just anyone but someone very familiar to them. If it was really as she thought, that Cén Ran wrote this book, then the protagonist's selection would have been after much deliberation, choosing the most crucial person. This individual couldn't be some random, insignificant person. However, she could not fathom what made this person so important. Her blood should be distinct from theirs, yet there was no difference. ◤ Someone was obviously supposed to pick her up, value her, but no one came. It was as if she had been completely abandoned... Ran Fan Yin lightly tapped her arm with a finger, lost in thought. In any case, to test whether this person was important and how crucial she was, keeping her locked in a dungeon would not reveal anything. Releasing her would be the only way to observe and identify the true person. Qin Si Yue merely glanced at her and then pouted uninterestedly. “I despise befriending these deeply calculating individuals; it’s too much effort to think so far ahead.” “Back to the research,” Qin Si Yue said, turning and leaving without waiting for the still-pondering person. *Transition back to the present* A child's sudden appearance on the battlefield was already shocking enough. This child had even used a short blade to halt Lin Yu Xue's rampant absorption of spiritual power, sitting steadily on her shoulder to control her—this was even more astonishing. For a moment, although everyone still gripped their weapons tightly, their gazes held a hint of bewilderment. Xiao Wan Cheng, with a bemused smile, casually bounced over and called to the still-dazed Ning Song Wu, patting her shoulder, “Xiao Tian, this child's fate is intertwined with yours; only you can resolve it.” “No, what exactly is... going on here?” Ning Song Wu asked, just as she was pushed heavily on the shoulder. In the next instant, the child vanished into thin air, and the frenzied person, freed from restraint, drew her long sword to strike at the crowd. Ning Song Wu could not dodge in time; she had to lift her sword to confront the attack. Centered in her inner mind, her eyes brightened as she looked at the person in front of her: the girl's inner form had long ceased to be human. Dark golden liquid coursed through her meridians, resembling the blood that flowed in their own meridians, devoid of any corrosion. Even... Ning Song Wu glanced at her sword. The blade had just slashed a piece of flesh off this person. Unlike others with source poison in their bodies, this piece of flesh showed no trace of dark gold but was a vivid, bleeding red like that of an ordinary person. In her moment of hesitation, Lin Yu Xue's spiritual power surged again, violently reaching the threshold of the Nascent Soul stage. Before the tribulation lightning could even react, she had already advanced to the middle stage of the Nascent Soul. Ning Song Wu's pupils dilated in shock. Seizing the opportunity, she wrapped her sword with purifying power and thrust it into the girl's upper abdomen, aiming to compress the rampaging power within her dantian. To no avail. All her struggles were futile; the girl's spiritual power continued to soar. If this persisted, breaking through to the late Nascent Soul stage would only take a few breaths. Ning Song Wu tried to withdraw her sword, but the girl gripped it tightly. Amidst the bloodshed, Lin Yu Xue took a step forward, smiling grimly, “Senior Sister, we've been entwined for two lifetimes, and you still treat me this way?” Ning Song Wu was taken aback, “You!” “Hahaha, if not for that greedy Wuyan who tried to extract my essence to enhance herself, how could I have recalled so many things, Senior Sister?” “Senior Sister, how could source poison exist naturally?” Amidst the clashing of swords, Lin Yu Xue’s half-mad, half-cold voice sent chills down one’s spine. Ning Song Wu did not miss a single opportunity to attack, but despite her purifying spiritual power, it was utterly ineffective. And the enraged girl continued, laughing bitterly, “Senior Sister, do you know what I went through?” “I only just found out that they all consumed my flesh and blood to enhance themselves.” “I struggled so hard to become human, only to end up like this!” “Why, why do you all treat me this way, why!” “This is your avarice, why lay the blame on me?” As this nearly voiceless, hoarse scream fell, Lin Yu Xue made a sweeping strike that sent another flying before straightening her back and declared, “You will all be buried with me!” Ning Song Wu turned her head to look at Ran Fan Yin, whose complexion had gradually improved over this time, seeming not to be significantly affected by Lin Yu Xue. However, she still refused to look at her. On the other side, Xiao Wan Cheng met Ning Song Wu’s gaze, signaling her to continue blocking the rest of the people. Ning Song Wu had already found records in her vast memories that related to Lin Yu Xue. If she was correct, this person should be the very origin of the source poison. 【I’ll mix xiong huang in your ice! Wicked woman!】 【Why is Elder He Lan so adept at controlling ice then?】 【The difference in cultivation is this extreme?】 【On the peak, she did indeed protect Xiao Wu quite a bit. I was reprimanded just for blocking Xiao Wu’s light.】 【So Xiao Wu was the most precious one after all.】 Softly, Ning Song Wu said, “I’m truly not a bad person. You can sit here for a while.” “I knew it~ because this place feels very familiar.” The little ball patted her chest and said, “Your aura feels very familiar.” It was like a confirmation, adding a layer of authenticity to Ning Song Wu’s hypothesis. Borrowing Ning Song Wu's vitality to continue existing in this world, reappearing before an unwary her, naturally felt familiar and instinctively drew her closer. Perhaps this was why the two gravitated toward each other, trusted one another, and shared that transcendent tacit understanding. Ning Song Wu sighed inwardly and gave the little ball a gentle squeeze. The little ball let out a contented hum, embracing her arm in return. This made Ning Song Wu want to cry even more. Surely, this was not the only cost involved. What about the rest? She suddenly recalled a fragmented sentence she had heard in a daze many years ago— “Look at how frail and pale she is, albeit destined for immortality. Now this… how pitiful!” At that time, she thought those words referred to herself. But now it seemed... Destined for immortality, huh? To have another chance, to abandon even the opportunity to ascend to the immortal realm? Ning Song Wu sighed as a shadow fell over her, a cold and somewhat familiar female voice sounding by her ear— “Thank you for taking care of Fan Yin. Please leave her to me.” This must be the Sword Immortal. As Ning Song Wu was about to lift her head, a voice resounded in her mind— “Do not look, lower your head, do not look upon my lady’s beauty.” So it is. That involuntary ‘lady' fully confirmed everything for Ning Song Wu. The voice belonged to the one who had previously appeared in fragments related to Xiao Wan Cheng, the clear and melodious voice calling her. Jian Xian, associated with Xiao Wan Cheng, aimed to find a way to revive her, and what was born was her master. Such extreme madness indeed exists. “So, is that why Master is called a pseudo-spirit?” As the illusions fragmented and dissipated, Ning Song Wu looked up at the person leisurely watching her from the air, legs crossed and chin resting on hand. “Is that so, Xiao Wan Cheng?” The woman blossomed into a slow smile and said, “Long time no see, Xiaotian.” Ning Song Wu chuckled inwardly and stretched out her hand, “Return my mask. Aren’t you too old to be using a small formation spirit to trick me out of my mask?” “Ha, you stole my little Baicai (white cabbage); I'm just taking a mask in return. Technically, you owe me a dowry!” “...Fine, I’ll discuss it with Master later.” "No, no, no, please don't tell her," Xiao Wan Cheng jumped down from the air, revealing her attire: a strikingly bold red short top that highlighted her long legs, hair tied up behind her head, and large twinkling eyes, which were clear even here. Begging for mercy, Xiao Wan Cheng said, "Since I let her wander through your modern memories, please don't tell her~." “Technically, Ran Quexin only took energy from me. Her soul, ah, those things have nothing to do with me or the formation.” “In short, don't tell her, please don't think about it either. I’ll come clean with you, I’ll...” Ning Song Wu didn’t catch the latter part; she was only stunned by the first sentence. "What? Where did you send her?!" 【One regular white zongzi, a red date one, a candied zongzi... ah, and a meat zongzi as well.】 【The area around the Shangyun Sect is truly liberal, sweet and savory zongzi coexisting.】 【Master is definitely exhausted after arguing with that group today. I’ll bring her something tasty.】 【Should I remind Elder Cat that Master didn't shut off the communication jade to keep an eye on me...?】 【Maybe Master is busy?】 【I hope Master is busy.】 She could only ascertain that this was around the Chaomu Peak. When the mist rose, she distinctly heard a voice saying it was some sort of Wujian illusion. Why did this illusion send her back here? Back to Chaomu Peak? Walking around, the flora and fauna of this mountain resembled those on Chaomu Peak but felt somewhat different, more barren, with fewer trees. Where is this place? Another lifetime, or the past? Suddenly, a commotion caught her attention. More accurately, it was a very familiar crying sound, mixed with the laughter and taunts of other children. Ning Song Wu followed the sound and heard a somewhat triumphant laugh, “It’s just running together; you couldn’t keep up with us~. We didn’t intentionally leave you behind, so why cry~. Aren’t you the Sword Immortal’s daughter? The Sword Immortal’s daughter is a crybaby, hahahaha…” She hurried over and saw a small girl sitting on the ground, quietly sobbing and wiping her tears. Despite the taunting, she dared not fight back, shrinking into a little white ball with silver hair cascading down her back, trembling slightly. Master used to be so well-behaved. Oh my gosh, this three-headed little white ball is just too cute! Ning Song Wu silently squealed inside, feeling an urge to run over and hug the little white ball tightly. At that moment, another child snidely said, “I told you, teasing her is pointless. She’ll just cry. I don’t even understand how she fits the so-called Sword Immortal’s daughter title. Who’s born with white hair anyway? If you ask me...” “Enough,” Ning Song Wu interrupted, unable to listen any longer. Her stern voice carried a hint of pressure. She walked toward them and coldly said, “I don't mind hanging you up and spanking you one by one. Leave my sight before I take action.” The leader flinched but still puffed up his chest. “Who... who are you! Do you know I’m from the village below...” A cold glint flashed from the long sword, cutting off his words. The children screamed and scattered but then heard the “King of Hell’s” cold command, “Come back and apologize.” “Did she fool you? If you have business with the Sword Immortal, you can’t flatter her…” Another cold flash split a distant stone in two, and the woman's icy voice said, "Apologize." Even those children who had been crying forgot to cry, looking up at Ning Song Wu in a daze, their large eyes blinking unceasingly. The children dared not resist. They only bullied the weak and feared the strong, figuring Ran Fan Yin wouldn’t dare retaliate no matter her abilities. And the Sword Immortal was always engrossed in cultivation, indifferent to their squabbles. Facing such a formidable figure, they instantly cowered, meekly coming over to apologize to the little white ball one by one. The little white ball, with a soft voice, told them to get up, but the “King of Hell,” her sword planted beside her, coldly insisted, “You mustn’t stop until she's not angry anymore.” "Really, I'm not angry anymore," the little white ball said softly, "It's okay, you can get up." After everyone left, leaving only the two behind on the vast hillside, Ning Song Wu finally sheathed her sword and sighed in relief. While she didn’t understand why the illusion brought her here... The little white ball casually wiped her face and shakily turned around, bowing slightly and saying, “Thank you, Daoist friend, for your assistance.” The ball was so adorable that Ning Song Wu’s heart melted, but she couldn't resist teasing the crying child. “How do you know I’m a cultivator? What if I'm a demon or a monster?” The little ball was momentarily stunned but then seemed to pluck up her courage, taking a deep breath. “It's said that demons have blue faces and fangs, and monsters too. No way could a Daoist friend be so... so...” Ning Song Wu leaned closer and whispered, “So what?” “So… beautiful!” Ning Song Wu burst into laughter, her lips curling up as she propped her face with her hand, smiling brightly at the little ball. Although inwardly skeptical, given that demons like Feng Hua could be beautiful and elder Cat from the demon clan was adorably cute, and Luo Sheng was also very handsome... it wouldn’t be hard to deceive this child. She watched as the little girl made a strenuous effort to stand up with the aid of a stone, appearing unsteady. Logically speaking, a child of this size should be around two or three years old, not struggling to walk like this. Ning Song Wu frowned and asked, “What’s wrong with your leg? Are you injured?” “No... it’s fine...” the little ball replied shakily. Taking only a few steps, she fell against Ning Song Wu with a cry. The poor child terrified Ning Song Wu. Please don’t break something; she couldn’t afford to. “Are you sure your leg is fine? Can I take a look?” The little ball clambered onto her lap, grinning wide and showing dimples. Her eyes, closely resembling her future self’s, curved like crescent moons, “I’m fine! I’m just clumsier and weaker than others my age, so I’m not good at walking. Today, mother went to find medicine for me, so I came out to practice walking by myself!” Ning Song Wu felt a lump in her throat, nearly crying. She had seen the previous life's Ran Fan Yin, strong and healthy. Though the present life’s grown-up Ran Fan Yin was somewhat frail, she was also tough and spirited. She had never imagined that Ran Fan Yin's early years in this life would be so challenging, requiring such effort even to walk. Was this the greatest cost—a frail body? A formation spirit can only manifest a body once. To let her return to this world required giving up one’s body, is that it? Holding back her tears, she considered the boldness of the little girl on her lap. Tiny hands patted her face gently, “Don’t cry, don’t cry.” Ning Song Wu laughed through her tears, “When did I cry? Besides...” She looked down at the little ball wriggling on her lap like a spoiled white bear, helplessly saying, “Why are you so bold? Aren’t you afraid I’ll take you away and throw you somewhere?” “Ah?” The little ball clearly hadn’t considered such a possibility. She paused in patting Ning Song Wu’s face, then rubbed her face before apologizing and trying to slide off Ning Song Wu's lap. But how could she allow that? How could she miss such a perfect opportunity to cuddle this ball? Extending her arms, Ning Song Wu scooped the little ball back up and set her on her lap again. (Note: The site has no pop-up ads, and our permanent domain is ...)