104.3 - Little Peasant Wife

Title: The Singular Devotion of the Farmer's Delightful Wife - Chapter 65: Matters Settled Who could have predicted that the half-demon, Jing Liu Er's mother, would catch up so quickly? She took Zhang Qiao Er hostage and entered the Liu Mansion to find Jing Liu Er. From a hidden spot, she observed everything unfold. If this were to continue, Jing Liu Er would be rescued by the half-demon. With no other choice, she went to the National Master's residence to alert him, leading him towards the half-demon. Everything that followed aligned with her expectations. Though she sensed something strange about Zhang Qiao Er, as her mannerisms did not align with the gentle and upright savior she remembered, she reasoned that given Zhang Qiao Er's young age and encountering a powerful and dangerous master like the National Master, it was only natural for her to speak carelessly. Survival is a fundamental instinct. She wouldn't fault Zhang Qiao Er for revealing the existence of the half-demon and Jing Liu Er in order to survive. Moreover, in the past life, Jing Liu Er had likely undergone the same events, yet chose to forgive Zhang Qiao Er. Since the person involved had nothing to say, there was no need for her to dwell on it either. What she didn't expect was after witnessing her mother in trouble, Jing Liu Er would immediately dash out from behind the tree with an aura shift; a familiar yet unfamiliar demon energy surged through the air. Upon realizing it, Duan Mu Yi Ren recalled this was the future demon king Phoenix's energy. She was dumbstruck to realize in her past life she was merely a peripheral character and had no knowledge of the prior acquaintance between the demon king and Jing Liu Er. Judging from the demon king's possession of Jing Liu Er's body, it indicated they had already signed an ancient matrimonial contract, binding their fates together. This contract, the most ancient and equitable in the cultivation world, offers mutual benefits if both parties are equally strong, significantly boosting their combined prowess. This was among the reasons for the alliance between the demons and humans; during that time, Jing Liu Er and Phoenix were major forces against the demon clans, with their presence bringing hope of victory for the Hong Ze Continent. However, if one party dies, the other will suffer a grievous injury, leading to the ultimate mutual demise of Jing Liu Er and Phoenix. At first, the cultivation world rejoiced in the contract; later, they came to resent it deeply. If the power balance was uneven, the stronger party would naturally take the lead, nurturing the weaker. Injuries suffered by the weaker member would transfer to the stronger. Should the weaker die, the stronger would be grievously wounded, requiring years to recover. Though seemingly unfair to the stronger party, the weaker would be perpetually loyal, incapable of betrayal—an emotional shackle deemed unacceptable to most cultivators, erasing it from memory until Phoenix suggested it, and after contemplation, Jing Liu Er accepted. Only then did countless cultivators scour historical texts, unearthing full details of the contract and easing their worries. But who could have known what followed... Duan Mu Yi Ren shook her head, witnessing the demon king punishing the National Master. Part of her felt satisfied, yet she worried about Jing Liu Er's future growth. Originally, she had intended to emerge from the shadows to kill the National Master after Jing Liu Er's mother was slain, securing Jing Liu Er's trust to have her accompany her to the cultivation realm. But once Jing Liu Er was bound to the demon king through the matrimonial contract, this became impossible; the current tension between the demon and human races meant taking Jing Liu Er, attached to a demon king, would bring disaster to the Duan Mu family. Thus, she resolved to abandon Jing Liu Er, assured that Zhang Qiao Er remained the destined savior. After a while, she watched Zhang Qiao Er separate from Jing Liu Er's group and head towards the back gate of Liu Mansion. Just as she was about to show herself, she saw the National Master return with his secret guards. Disheartened, she wondered how the National Master dared return after being scorched by the demon king! Was fate truly inescapable? Though hesitant about her plan, the National Master’s intervention prompted her to remain hidden. Unless the National Master threatened Jing Liu Er or Zhang Qiao Er, she wouldn't reveal herself. Yet soon, she witnessed something entirely divergent from her memory. In the previous life, Jing Liu Er's mother was a scoundrel, the prestigious daughter of the Jing family, a cultivation prodigy before the age of sixteen. Despite not matching her daughter, the fastest-advancing, most gifted cultivator in millennia, she was still a standout among the younger generation in Yun Shang City’s families. At sixteen, after being afflicted by Li Mu’s fires, even her daughter Jing Liu Er was affected. But the influence was positive, granting her the fabled Li Mu spiritual root, an exceedingly pure and potent aptitude surpassing even single-wood spiritual roots. Hence, her cultivation advanced rapidly, her pure and fortuitous nature ensuring no inner demons could obstruct her path to surpassing the Golden Core and Nascent Soul, even reaching the Out of Body stage seamlessly. Without the demon clan’s invasion, given another century, Jing Liu Er might have transcended even further. In another life where her bond with the demon king didn’t exist, given she died prematurely, she harbored no ill will against Jing Liu Er. Initially planning for Jing Liu Er to follow her to the cultivation world after her mother’s demise, unforeseen variables arose with the seemingly still-living mother. She narrowed her gaze upon the half-demon, easily discerning her Qi refinement third-stage cultivation. This was another point differing entirely from her memories, instilling significant panic in Duan Mu Yi Ren's heart. Could her rebirth have altered this world’s progression, allowing someone long dead to remain alive? She witnessed Jing Ao Xue’s descent into bloodthirsty madness, exuding a stifling aura akin to mid-tier demons. Terrified, she knew tales existed of Dao cultivators falling to demonic paths, but never without contact with demonic Qi. Ironically, Jing Liu Er’s mother being killed by the National Master brought a sense of relief. Yet the discourse between the National Master and the future sovereign Qin Yi Shu left her bewildered. Unsure whether to reveal herself, allowing fate to follow its established path would see both Liu Er’s mother and the half-demon perish, leaving Jing Liu Er and Zhang Qiao Er in the National Master's clutches. But Qin Yi Shu, the future sovereign, would be a powerful ally in overthrowing the National Master. Without her, the National Master remained formidable, commanding countless soldiers, presenting a tremendous challenge for Jing Liu Er to overcome. Her headache grew, regretting her involvement. Seeing the National Master poised to strike Qin Yi Shu fatally, her mind reeling with disorder, she chose to step out from the shadows. Using intimidation to repel the National Master, her intent to check on Jing Liu Er wavered upon noticing Jing Ao Xue was alive. Despite reluctance to save the woman, witnessing Liu Er’s nascent hatred and resurging demon race markings compelled her to act. Given her mother's half-demon heritage, Jing Liu Er undoubtedly inherited some of it. This was precisely why the demon king chose to bond with her; she bore a quarter demon lineage. Though destined for great human successes in another life, the abrupt shocks overwhelmed her young soul and body—a brewing demonic transformation threatening everything. Approaching swiftly, she offered healing pills and spiritual spring water to Jing Liu Er. Once her facial markings receded, she gazed complexly at the child before her. Listening to Qin Yi Shu’s inquiry, she subconsciously responded with her initial thought, stunned thereafter. Equally surprised, Qin Yi Shu uttered, “This…” She was not Liu Er’s adoptive mother; her claim was a ploy to protect Jing Liu Er from the National Master. Yet, if a cultivator superior to the National Master proposed bringing Liu Er to the cultivation world, it would be an unfathomable blessing. An opportunity envied by countless, even the current emperor, fell simply into the laps of Jing Liu Er and the child Zhang Qiao Er. Turning to gauge Liu Er’s thoughts, curiosity piqued her. Jing Liu Er faltered, head aching under tumultuous emotions, delaying her response. After hearing the National Master, she shook her head resolutely, declaring, “I’m not going.” Embracing Jing Ao Xue tightly, she rested her little head upon Ao Xue's chest, unwilling to venture anywhere. For being framed by Zhang Qiao Er led to her capture by Liu Mansion’s people, resulting in her mother’s murder by the National Master. Because she could only cry, she had failed to stop her mother. In her heart, her mother was omnipotent, more powerful than even her other parent. Yet, ultimately, her mother was struck down by the National Master’s sword. Her mind was filled with thoughts of disbelief: "Impossible! It can't be!" That night, overwhelmed by too many events, she simply wanted to be with her mother and mother-in-law. If they were to die, she wished to be buried with them. She saw no point in living anymore. After all, life held no meaning! She closed her eyes. Seeing this, Qin Yi Shu's eyes softened with compassion. Turning to the powerful female cultivator who had suddenly appeared, she apologized, "If she doesn't wish to accompany you to the cultivation world, then she simply lacks that destiny." Duan Mu Yi Ren nodded, acknowledging that today's chaos bore some of her responsibility. Jing Liu Er was the hope for the future, inherently kind-hearted. If she stepped in to save her mother, perhaps Liu Er wouldn’t stray from the right path. Her special Li Mu spiritual root allowed her to cultivate wherever trees grew, meaning she could continue even in the mortal world... Moreover, her opportunity lay here. Pondering this, she suddenly questioned the purpose of her visit to the mortal realm. Sighing, she glanced despondently at Zhang Qiao Er, who she presumed would choose to stay with family. Yet, unexpectedly, the child hurried over, knelt, and pleaded, "Senior, I wish to accompany you to the cultivation world." Taken aback, Duan Mu Yi Ren looked down at the child whose eyes brimmed with the desire for strength. No wonder, she mused, why this type of child would become a formidable cultivator and, potentially, a beacon of hope for the entire cultivation world. So be it. Without Jing Liu Er, taking Zhang Qiao Er fulfilled her initial plan. Jing Liu Er's life was fraught with change. The more Duan Mu interacted with her, the more apprehensive she became, opting to let nature guide her growth. As for Zhang Qiao Er, her observations suggested she was sharper and more opportunistic than Liu Er—traits essential for survival in the perilous cultivation world. With this in mind, she smiled and agreed, "Alright." Taking out a storage pouch from her sleeve, she placed it in Liu Er's small hands. "You'll find use for these things when you're six. I know you’re still young and attached to your family, so..." Looking at Jing Liu Er’s open eyes, she continued, "In five years, I will return to the mortal realm for you. Hopefully, by then, you'll have changed your mind." Jing Liu Er, her voice hoarse, whispered a thank you. Zhang Qiao Er approached with a pained expression, "Liu Er, I'm sorry. I didn’t mean it before. I hope you can..." Without looking at her, Liu Er replied, "Zhang Qiao Er, next time I see you, I will definitely kill you. Now, go!" Lacking focus and strength, she temporarily spared Zhang Qiao Er. Yet, she’d never forgive her transgressions. Liu Er felt she’d matured; her mother would be pleased knowing she’d understood lessons previously ignored due to naivety and confusion. Though it cost her mother and mother-in-law's blood to see clearly, with her spirit beast Xiaohui aiding her and medicinal pills recently given, they’d likely survive. Resting against Jing Ao Xue's chest, she could hear the heart’s gradual beating. She wanted to think of nothing more, except for her mothers to survive! Zhang Qiao Er’s face flushed with discomfort at Liu Er’s verbal lashing, a breach of face in front of the female cultivator, along with a threat of vengeance. She bit her lip bitterly, not wanting to admit Liu Er’s words struck her deeply. Turning, she glanced timidly at the female cultivator, afraid her words might provoke dissatisfaction and jeopardize her chance to journey to the cultivation world. However, Duan Mu Yi Ren ignored her. Instead, she approached the National Master, whose submissive demeanor drew a cold ironic smile. "You think the scattered cultivators' league isn’t aware of your deeds? They’re simply preoccupied with internal strife, unable to address you!" Raising her hand, she considered killing the woman immediately to eliminate a future threat. Yet a thought crossed her mind: leaving her alive might benefit Liu Er, providing constant vigilance against such low-level threats as motivators for diligent practice. Therefore, amid the National Master’s pleading, she calmly declared, "Fine, I’ll spare you. But swear an oath of heart demon, vowing never to set foot in this town, nor near Jing Liu Er, lest your meridians shatter, and you die miserably!" Initially convinced of her impending death, the oath appeared as a lifeline. Quickly taking the vow, she heard the female cultivator's warning. "I will return in five years. Should I discover deceit, rest assured the Duan Mu family will pursue you to the ends of the earth!" The National Master’s eyes widened. A mid-Golden Core cultivator she might handle, but the Duan Mu family ranked among the top five in the cultivation world, comparable in strength to a large sect. Even with grand schemes, she wouldn’t dare oppose such a powerful family. She realized the mysterious trio in the Jing family were too bizarre, avoiding them rather than seeking trouble. With threats issued, Duan Mu Yi Ren departed with Zhang Qiao Er, soaring away on a flying artifact. Once the cultivator's aura had fully withdrawn, the National Master swiftly stood, her reputation and dignity shattered. Though seething with anger, the warning still rang clear, stifling her urge to retaliate. Gruffly, she barked to Qin Yi Shu, “Get them out of the Liu Mansion immediately. I never want to see them again!” Sensing an opportunity, Qin Yi Shu ended her retaliation gracefully, halting Gu Bai Wei’s urge to taunt further. “Let’s go,” she commanded. The elite soldiers she brought scattered, bringing Jing Ao Xue's family to the carriage for departure. Turning to Liu Wen Yao, she sneered, “Leave this place soon. I warn you, as leader of the warrior alliance, never set foot in the village again, or I will not hesitate to kill intruders!” Stifled by resentment, Liu Wen Yao could only watch them leave triumphantly. Approaching the National Master, intending to speak, he witnessed her unleash fury, slaughtering all servants and guards near the courtyard that evening. It wasn't his first time seeing the National Master kill, yet never with such anger. He silenced, witnessing her in bloodstained wrath command, “Pack up. We’re returning to the capital tonight!” Complying swiftly, the group departed overnight. With all witnesses in the Liu Mansion slain by the National Master, Liu Fu Ren was oblivious to the night's events. Summoning her maid Han Tao, she queried, “What happened tonight? Why did the National Master and Master Liu suddenly return to the capital?” Han Tao's eyes darted nervously. Earlier, she intended to visit Steward Zhang’s quarters to find him, only to discover his murder, leaving her terrified and floundering, inadvertently alerting the courtyard staff and Han Ju Ren. Recalling the sequence placatingly to Han Ju Ren, his refusal to release his grasp frustrated her further, holding her until discovering an anomaly in Liu Guan Shi’s quarters. This brought both Liu Wen Yao and General Qin. General Qin’s attractiveness captivated her, far surpassing the National Master and Liu Da Ren. Alas, he was a cripple, she chided inwardly. General Qin appeared at odds with Liu Wen Yao—their polite exchange belied the tense atmosphere, perceptible to even the unobservant. As tension neared snapping, an overwhelmingly dreadful sensation enveloped her body, making her fear for her life. But she survived, astonishment leading her to glance skyward, observing Liu Wen Yao's pallor before following him to the desolate courtyard. No longer watched, she cautiously followed, faintly hearing that Zhang Qiao Er, with Liu Guan Shi, kidnapped General Qin’s daughter. Seeking more details, she noticed terrified soldiers ahead. Assuming danger, she fled back instantly. Regret followed upon returning, wishing to see the drama. Yet halfway there, she caught a strong scent of blood, immediately retreating in fear. Later, a maid, stricken with panic, informed Liu Fu Ren of events, revealing her timidity and inaction had spared her life. Everyone near the courtyard perished! Frightful corpses lay strewn, irreparable, until Master Liu torched the courtyard and departed hastily by night. Hearing Liu Fu Ren's uneasy inquiry earlier, Han Tao had a suspicion and embellished the account of recent events. She hesitated before proposing, "I suspect General Qin was furious over the matter involving his adopted daughter, causing a clash with Master Liu. After reaching some agreement, General Qin left, followed closely by Master Liu." Liu Fu Ren gasped in surprise, fidgeting uncomfortably, "What do we do now? When gods battle, mere mortals suffer. All my servants are dead, and some were hired help—the compensation alone is not trivial." She sighed in distress, while Han Tao internally rolled her eyes, thinking: It’s amazing how, even now, madam can fret over money. Suspecting the matter wasn't so simple, Han Tao voiced her concerns, "Madam, General Qin left in a fit of rage, Master Liu remains unsure, and today's incident indeed involves our Liu Mansion. If it weren't for Zhang Qiao Er and Steward Liu..." Liu Fu Ren paused at this, then angrily exclaimed, "That troublemaker Zhang Qiao Er! I sensed something off about her from the start. Immediately casting flirtatious glances at our sons, and within days, my cherished one requested for her hand. I wanted to dispose of her immediately." "But who would’ve guessed her birth chart was pure yin, the person the National Master sought for years? I swallowed my indignation. After spending time with her, assuming her hard fate merited pity, I even allowed her to visit home, sending Steward Liu to accompany her. Who would have thought..." She clenched her teeth, anxiety rising over potential trouble from General Qin. Desperate, she turned to Han Tao for counsel, "Han Tao, what should we do?" Han Tao's eyes shifted cunningly, replying, "I suspect General Qin may have already dealt with Zhang Qiao Er, but there's still Steward Liu involved..." Having long disliked Steward Liu, Han Tao had intended to confront Steward Zhang because the two collaborated to manipulate her. The unexpected death of Steward Zhang worked in her favor. So why not let Liu Fu Ren handle Steward Liu’s removal? That way, she could rest easy. Feigning fear, she stated, "Everyone knows the Qin family fiercely protects their own. The child captured by Steward Liu is her adopted daughter—of course, she'd be furious." Liu Fu Ren, visibly frightened, stood and paced nervously, "What should we do then?!" Han Tao hesitated before suggesting, "I have an idea, but..." "But what?" Liu Fu Ren pressed, gripping Han Tao's shoulders anxiously. Enduring the pain without expression, Han Tao replied, "Every grievance has its perpetrator. This stems from Steward Liu and Zhang Qiao Er's audacity, unrelated to you, madam. General Qin is a reasonable person and won't blame us if she learns the truth. We simply need to hand over the true culprits..." Liu Fu Ren paused, slapping her forehead in realization, "You're right! An excellent idea. Why didn't I think of it?" Calling for her servants, Han Tao quickly intervened, "Madam, General Qin is still an official. Handing over a living person may lead to complications. If Steward Liu, in desperation, blames you, it would..." "Unthinkable," Liu Fu Ren hesitated, uncertain. Han Tao, worried, added, "Better safe than sorry. If Steward Liu rambles before General Qin, aren’t we bringing disaster upon ourselves?" Liu Fu Ren found sense in her argument. Though Steward Liu was a valuable servant, next to her life, he was expendable. With a face of resolve, she declared, "I promoted Steward Liu. He's caused great trouble for the Liu Mansion. I’d have punished him upon return. We might as well present his head to General Qin to quell her anger." Despite her words, discomfort lingered. Watching Liu Fu Ren, Han Tao internally sneered, realizing how little regard madam held for her servants' lives. She was pleased with her plan’s success but also felt a chill. Given Liu Fu Ren's agitation, she waved dismissively, "Fine, I can't bring myself to do it. Handle this matter yourself." Delighted, Han Tao replied, "Relieving my lady of burdens is my duty." After further flattery to lighten Liu Fu Ren’s mood, Han Tao left the courtyard. Outside, she addressed the robust servant gathered, "Steward Liu is likely at Zhang Qiao Er's family home in Duo Bao Village. With Zhang Qiao Er dead, she's guilty too. Kill her entire family and take Steward Liu's head to General Qin." She'd disliked Zhang Qiao Er for a long time. Now was the perfect chance to eliminate her and prevent any future questioning of Zhang Qiao Er's whereabouts. The servants exchanged wary glances before hastily agreeing as Han Tao's brows raised threateningly. That night, Zhang Qiao Er's family, along with Steward Liu and the Liu family servants at her home, were all slain, leaving no survivors. Far above the vast ocean, aboard a flying sword, Zhang Qiao Er clenched her fists resolutely: She would become someone of note, to show her mother that even with difficult fate and lacking a husband, she could forge a good life for herself!