Category: Why You Get to Be the Protagonist? [Transmigration]

Chapter 10: Sacrifice or Plunder

Even the most foolish person could read the situation. Shang Shang knew she was trapped and dejectedly followed the ice-blue figure, muttering, “You can’t watch me forever. If I get the chance, I’ll run away, and you won’t find me even if you search to the ends of the earth…”

The Small Mountain Hall, the Sect Leader’s residence, was built on the highest peak of the Tianyu Mountain range. It was visible from anywhere in the sect, a blue beacon reaching the sky, so they wouldn’t get lost. After descending the mountain, they headed straight for it.

Recalling the stares from the crowd, which made her uncomfortable, and the endless greetings, which were annoying, Mu Qiandan deliberately avoided the crowds, taking the forest path.

Their pace wasn’t fast, more like a leisurely stroll than a journey. On the one hand, there was no rush. On the other hand, this frail half-demon body was weak, despite its long legs. She felt tired after just a few steps and wondered how the original master had managed to reach her current position.

Seeing her slow pace, Shang Shang clicked her tongue, following at a distance. After walking quietly for a while in the silent forest, her restless nature took over, and she began swinging from trees, splashing in rivers, and generally causing mayhem.

Just moments ago, she had been unhappy, and now she was playing. Those who didn’t know her would call her heartless, but this was her nature. The more unhappy she felt, the more she needed to have fun.

The wind whistled as she grabbed a vine, leaping to another tree, shouting, “Whee!”

“…”

Strange noises came from behind. Mu Qiandan rolled her eyes, tuning them out.

One walking slowly, one flying wildly, they crossed two small hills. Suddenly, the view opened up, the sunlight, filtered through the trees, so bright it made her squint, her eyes stinging slightly.

Mu Qiandan stopped on the hilltop, waiting for her eyes to adjust, then gazed at the distant scenery.

Mojing Peak, the highest peak of Tianyu Gate, stood majestically amidst a sea of clouds, its exposed black rocks contrasting with the surrounding green vegetation, its summit capped with white snow. Flocks of immortal birds flew past, their calls echoing in the distance. A white hall, almost blending with the snow, clung to the mountainside, reflecting the sunlight, dazzlingly bright.

Thin clouds dispersed in the wind, the air filled with moisture. The distant scene made Mu Qiandan instinctively hold her breath, her clothes and hair swaying in the breeze.

For the first time since transmigrating, she felt a sense of peace.

Li Biyuan suddenly sighed, ‘So beautiful. There are so many genres of novels, but my favorites are always xianxia and western fantasy. They both have an indescribable beauty.’

Mu Qiandan said, ‘They’re both primitive, both about survival of the fittest.’

Li Biyuan: ‘Well… that’s one way to put it…’

Mu Qiandan paused, then chuckled, ‘No, I’m wrong, the real world is the same.’

Even more so, in fact.

Suddenly, her eyebrows rose, her eyes narrowing. The scenes from before the Assembly Hall flashed through her mind, the idea that had been forming while she restrained the protagonist on the Narrow Sea now becoming clear.

The footsteps behind her had stopped. Shang Shang, having just caught a fat carp from the river, twitched her ears and looked ahead.

That wicked woman had stopped!

She tilted her head, thought for a moment, then jumped out of the river, her dripping wet clothes and straw sandals slapping against the ground as she hurried forward, “We haven’t even walked that far, and you’re already tired! Truly…”

Opportunity seldom knocked twice. She had wanted to mock the woman and annoy her, but when she saw the snow-capped hall amidst the sea of clouds, she also stopped in her tracks.

Mu Qiandan, snapping out of her thoughts, glanced at her, “Uncultured.”

Then, she continued walking, her footsteps light.

Shang Shang, the mocked country bumpkin, snorted and quickly caught up, retorting, “You’re so rude! It’s not that I’m uncultured. It’s because we grew up in different places, so we’ve seen different things. I’ve also seen things you haven’t, would I ever say that to you?”

She still held the fat carp, its tail thrashing wildly, spraying water everywhere. Mu Qiandan frowned slightly, her expression disapproving, and quickened her pace, putting some distance between them.

Seeing her silence, Shang Shang assumed she had won the argument and said smugly, “Besides, what makes you so superior? We both have two eyes, a nose, and a mouth, we both eat, drink, and… ow!”

A surge of spiritual energy struck her, causing the fish in her hand to go berserk, its tail almost breaking as it leaped up, its head hitting her mouth, the fishy smell overwhelming.

Even someone who ate everything had standards. The strong stench almost made Shang Shang gag. She spat out the fish, grabbed it again, and chased after Mu Qiandan, “Resorting to violence when you can’t win an argument, how unladylike!”

Mu Qiandan said, “Did I?”

Shang Shang ran ahead of the woman, walking backwards, and challenged, “Can you look me in the eye and say you didn’t?!”

Mu Qiandan’s gaze was steady, “I can’t see you, shorty.”

Shang Shang, feeling insulted, jumped up, “See! See!”

The woman’s face remained cold and indifferent, her gaze not focusing on her.

Shang Shang raised the fish angrily, “I’m still young, you’re using your height advantage, that’s not fair! Let’s compete in something else.”

Mu Qiandan said, “Shorty.”

Shang Shang gritted her teeth, rolling up her sleeves to show off her shapely arms, her skin fair and smooth, radiating youthful vitality. “How do I look like a winter melon?”

Mu Qiandan stopped, too lazy to lower her head, only shifting her gaze downwards. Then, she extended her index finger, poking the girl’s forehead, repeating,

“Short. Winter. Melon.”

Each word was like a blow to the girl’s head, stunning her.

While she was frozen, Mu Qiandan walked around her and continued forward. By the time she heard the girl’s curses from behind, the gate of the Small Mountain Hall was already in sight.

A young immortal child, dressed in crane-patterned robes with a red dot on their forehead, approached. Without asking, as if knowing her purpose, they bowed and led the way.

Without turning back, she knew from the hurried footsteps that the idiot dragon had followed. Mu Qiandan entered the hall.

Shang Shang, still fuming, reached the gate and realized she had forgotten to release the fish. It was too late to go back, so she followed, relieved that the immortal children, despite probably never having seen a beggar offering a live fish to the Sect Leader, remained unfazed.

The immortal child led them to a quiet, elegant courtyard. Unlike the grand buildings in the distance, this place resembled a simple farmhouse, with a tree, a water jar, and a table in the courtyard, and inside, an incense burner, a screen, and a hanging scroll, nothing else.

The room was empty; the Sect Leader hadn’t returned yet.

She had thought that by walking slowly, she wouldn’t have to wait. But the meeting was still ongoing, it seemed the black dragon matter was truly troubling the immortal world.

A straw cushion sat in the center of the floor, the only place to sit and rest. Mu Qiandan glanced around, then naturally sat on the cushion, smoothing her skirt.

Shang Shang wandered around the room, then suddenly turned, “Where do I sit?”

Mu Qiandan didn’t look up, “Wherever you like.”

“Hmph.” Shang Shang went out to the courtyard and tossed the almost-suffocated fish into the water jar. Seeing its swollen belly, the jar seemed a bit small, but at least it was alive again. She returned to the room and sat on the floor. “You just like bullying me.”

Mu Qiandan said, “If you’re not convinced, we can fight.”

“That’s not fair, you have magic, I don’t.” Shang Shang’s gaze lingered on the woman’s slender wrists. “If you don’t use your immortal arts, just hand-to-hand combat, it’s not certain who would win.”

Mu Qiandan agreed. This body was too thin, likely due to childhood malnutrition, skinny and tall, looking frail and unhealthy. She definitely wouldn’t win a physical fight.

But why would she resort to hand-to-hand combat?

Mu Qiandan turned her head, a glint of cold light in her eyes, “Whether it’s honorable or not, if I can win with my height, I will. Whether it’s fair or not, if I can win with magic, I will. You shouldn’t condemn your enemy for using underhanded tactics, but hate your own weakness, and bide your time, waiting for the right moment to strike.”

Her voice was cold as ice, as if emitting a chill that even slowed the burning of the incense.

She continued, unhurried, “As long as you win, the methods don’t matter. The outcome is what matters most, understand?”

Although rarely sincere, these words were genuinely meant, reflecting her true thoughts.

She had come to this world because the protagonist had deviated from the original story, which meant the plot could be changed.

If that was the case, being eaten wasn’t her inevitable fate.

Li Biyuan considered the black dragon’s destruction a catastrophic prophecy, but for Mu Qiandan, the true catastrophic prophecy was the original story. If she didn’t want to suffer that fate, she had to plan and strive for change, perhaps altering the course of events.

Even with the black hand monitoring her heart, if she got the chance, she would try to seize the protagonist’s destiny.

Standing on the mountaintop earlier had made her realize something.

The real world represented reality, and reality was cruel. What was the point of completing this so-called mission and returning to that dark, oppressive world?

Morality was scarce, and vile people thrived. Even if she escaped her miserable life, she would still be just an ordinary person, with no guarantees, unsure when she might lose everything again.

Only in this cultivation world, where strength reigned supreme and laws were weak, could she truly reach the top.

Sacrifice or plunder, the shortest path was right beside her.

Looking away, Mu Qiandan said, “I’m your master, after all. This is the first lesson I’m teaching you. Remember it, shorty.”

Shang Shang retorted, “If I eat more, I’ll definitely grow taller than you!”

Mu Qiandan: “…”

So, she hadn’t been listening at all.

And wasn’t she eating enough already?

Mu Qiandan didn’t bother responding.

The fragrance of the incense drifted past her nose, a subtle scent of rain-soaked earth and blooming flowers. She looked up, following the scent, and saw the screen. Its white background was elegant, with only the crane totem painted at the center fold.

Cultivation families all had totems, a visual representation of their beliefs. For example, Tianyu Gate valued the crane, symbolizing longevity, virtue, spirituality, and peace.

And the young clan leader, Fu Li, whom she had seen in the hall, her family’s totem was the white snake, symbolizing mystery, seclusion, luck, and nobility, among other things.

Totems were often displayed on disciples’ uniforms, weapons, sect buildings, and were also used as abbreviations, like the Crane Clan and the White Snake Clan.

‘Hmm…’ Li Biyuan said, ‘Seeing this, there’s something I don’t understand. Since Tianyu Gate values the crane so much, even reveres it, why would Yao’e hide her identity? She’s a crane herself.’

Half-demons could choose to completely refine their demon blood and integrate it into their bodies, but Yao’e had chosen the more painful and difficult path of separating her flesh and blood, giving her sister, Bai Tong, a new life, independent of her own.

‘Revere?’ Mu Qiandan scoffed, ‘Using them as mounts, is that reverence? Being kind to a pet doesn’t mean you treat it as a person. If you can stand tall, why would you willingly submit?’

Li Biyuan said, ‘That’s true.’

The conversation reached a dead end. There was still no sign of anyone outside; she didn’t know how much longer the meeting would last.

Thinking of her plan, Mu Qiandan began taking stock of her resources.

The Narrow Sea and Cangqing Hall were merely shelters, inconveniently located. If Yao’e hadn’t stored anything elsewhere, the contents of her storage pouch were all she had.

The various talismans and artifacts inside, their uses unknown, could be ignored for now. She focused on the two weapons she carried on her back. Taking them off, she saw a bow and a sword. Laying them on her lap, she examined them carefully.

According to the book, the bow was Yao’e’s primary weapon. Tracing its slender, ice-like frame, she found two small characters: Gu Hong (Lone Swan).

Holding the bow, it looked light, but its weight was considerable, requiring both hands. Her fingers hooked the snow-white bowstring, her arm trembling with the effort, only managing to pull it back slightly. Using it to kill would be difficult.

Li Biyuan said, ‘Don’t worry, Yao’e knew her physical limitations, so she compensated. Look at your wrist.’

Mu Qiandan lowered her gaze, raising her hand. Her sleeve slid down, revealing a pale arm with clearly visible veins.

Just below her wrist bone was a gold bracelet, like a ring of runes, clinging to her skin, emitting a faint glow, almost invisible.

Li Biyuan said, ‘That’s the Power-Gathering Bracelet. Infusing it with spiritual energy temporarily increases your strength, making it easier to use Gu Hong. But there’s a side effect: weakness. So don’t use it casually, only in combat.’

Before she finished speaking, Mu Qiandan had already infused the bracelet with spiritual energy, its golden light intensifying, a surge of power flowing into her body.

But she didn’t try drawing the bow. Hearing Li Biyuan’s warning, she quickly withdrew the spiritual energy. Perhaps because she acted quickly, she didn’t feel any side effects.

Shang Shang, bored and with nothing to do in the quiet room, watched the woman to pass the time. Seeing her fiddling with the weapons, her slouching posture gradually straightened.

But after sitting for a while, she felt tired again and simply lay down on the floor, sprawling out, and fell asleep.

Securing Gu Hong on her back again, Mu Qiandan picked up the other weapon. This sword seemed unused, its surface covered in rust, its name illegible, its blade so dull that even pressing hard with her finger didn’t break the skin, practically useless.

It wasn’t any lighter than Gu Hong. If it was unusable, why carry it around?

The sound of pages turning came from the other side. Li Biyuan said, ‘I haven’t found any information about the sword, I don’t even know if it’s hers. She’s a ranged mage, and physically weak, so close combat isn’t her forte. Swordsmanship requires more than just arm strength…’

Hearing a few unfamiliar terms, Mu Qiandan said, ‘Hmm?’

Li Biyuan took a sip of water, ‘It’s like… do you play games? In games…’

‘I don’t,’ Mu Qiandan interrupted, ‘No need to explain, tell me something else.’

‘Alright.’ Li Biyuan set down her cup. ‘Besides the Power-Gathering Bracelet, you have other hidden weapons. For example, the crane flower hairpin in your hair is a poisoned dart. And your teeth…’

Before she could finish, Mu Qiandan felt a pang of anxiety, ‘What?’

Li Biyuan’s voice became muffled, probably because she was probing her own teeth, ‘The second to last tooth on the left side of your mouth, there’s a needle hidden inside, sealed with a spell, so it doesn’t affect normal use. But if you’re ever captured, you can pull it out in an emergency.’

She couldn’t help but comment, ‘Armed to the teeth, literally.’

Would she even have the strength to pull out a tooth in such a dire situation? Besides, any tooth-related pain made her scalp crawl. Mu Qiandan closed her eyes, ‘Don’t say anymore.’

Yao’e Immortal, born with a frail half-demon body, had spent all her savings on creating artifacts for self-defense, keeping them close at hand. This was understandable, but the initial question now became even more prominent.

If she was so afraid of death, why didn’t she have any medicine?

How did such a cautious person cultivate to the point of Qi deviation, causing her heart to rupture?

And why carry around a useless, rusty sword?

And why travel so far to the protagonist’s village to exorcise an insignificant ghost?

Mu Qiandan opened her eyes, saying slowly, ‘This master… has many secrets.’

Li Biyuan said, ‘There’s plenty of time. If you’re interested later, you can try to uncover your own fate, as long as it doesn’t affect the mission.’

Mu Qiandan paused, then turned to look at the girl sleeping on the floor, murmuring, ‘This isn’t my fate…’

Before truly becoming the protagonist, this was definitely not her destiny.

Chapter 9: My Newly Accepted Disciple Has Some Problems With Her Head

Pan Xiangyin, noticing her distress, asked softly, “Are you alright?”

The girl knelt on the ground, Pan Xiangyin still holding her arms, but she didn’t seem to notice, her gaze fixed on the black dragon. Her dark eyes reflected the image of the sphere of light and the apocalyptic scene, a flicker of hidden hope in their depths.

She wasn’t clean, her clothes damp and covered in dirt, sure to stain anything they touched. But Pan Xiangyin, dressed in white robes, didn’t seem to mind, carefully helping the girl up. Seeing she didn’t respond, she was about to examine her when a gust of wind swept past.

Someone appeared beside the girl, a flicker of sleeves, and the mask on her head was pulled down over her face, a hand pressing on the back of her head, forcing her to bow, unable to look up.

The movement wasn’t gentle, almost hostile. Pan Xiangyin said, “Yao’e?”

Mu Qiandan, without looking at her, intensified the spiritual energy flowing through the girl’s hair, pinching her lips shut, effectively silencing her. Then, she said coldly, “My newly accepted disciple has some problems with her head, please don’t mind her.”

Silence fell over the hall, followed by a chorus of gasps.

The perpetually single Yao’e Immortal had taken a disciple?

After their initial shock, they noticed how roughly she treated the girl she claimed as her disciple, right in front of everyone. Recalling the girl’s words upon entering the hall, they suspected she had been coerced or tricked.

After all, who would willingly become this person’s disciple?

The gazes directed at Mu Qiandan changed, many filled with disapproval. Those who already disliked her, harboring unspoken grievances, seized this opportunity to criticize her.

“Her own conduct is questionable, and she dares to take a disciple? What can she possibly teach? Misleading the younger generation.”

“I bet her disciple was kidnapped. With her ‘reputation,’ who would willingly associate with her?”

“Such an important meeting, and she’s the only one late. Does she think she’s so important, or does she simply not respect us?”

The large hall buzzed with criticism. Mu Qiandan rolled her eyes, thinking: Yao’e Immortal, you’re truly pathetic, tolerating these people talking behind your back for so long. If you had just made an example of someone, dared to retort, they wouldn’t be so bold.

She disdained arguing with such people, but their escalating insults were hard to ignore. If the setting wasn’t inappropriate, she would have retaliated verbally. She had never lost an argument in her past life; dealing with these people would be child’s play.

Just then, someone said, “I heard from their disciples that Immortal Yao’e hasn’t been teaching for a while. Neglecting her duties to focus on taking a disciple, she probably won’t accomplish anything in the end.”

She could filter out most of the insults, but this remark caught her attention. After a while, she asked, ‘I have to teach too?’

Li Biyuan replied, ‘You’re a Hall Lord, of course you have responsibilities, you can’t avoid them.’

Mu Qiandan asked, ‘What do I teach?’

‘I don’t know the specifics yet, we’ll have to wait and see. The only information I have is that it’s a large, open class, like a university lecture, with students from multiple classes combined, you know?’

Mu Qiandan’s eyes flickered, and after a moment of silence, she said, ‘I don’t know, I haven’t been to university.’

‘Huh?’ Li Biyuan was surprised, ‘How is that possible?’

‘…You’re a researcher, your family shouldn’t be short of money, so you wouldn’t understand. Education is a byproduct of a stable life, not a necessity. The same goes for entertainment and extracurricular activities…’

Mu Qiandan paused, fidgeting with her fingers, then chuckled, ‘Didn’t you research me beforehand? What’s so surprising?’

Li Biyuan said, ‘It seems my research wasn’t thorough enough… anyway, you do need to engage in some mundane activities that fit your character setting, like socializing and teaching, to avoid suspicion and any negative consequences.’

Mu Qiandan pressed her fingertips together, clicking her tongue softly.

It was obvious that the most troublesome aspect of replicating the original story as a transmigrated character was the expansion of details.

Just because something was briefly mentioned in the book didn’t mean she could easily skip over it. Recreating these everyday details was extremely difficult for a transmigrator, a potentially thankless task, yet necessary.

The mission’s difficulty had suddenly increased, dampening her mood. She decided to drag Shang Shang back to the Narrow Sea and deal with everything else later.

Seeing her about to leave without explanation, the people in the hall became even more agitated. Some hot-headed youngsters stood up, wanting to stop her.

Mu Qiandan glanced at them, the most prominent figure being Qin He, who was almost at the point of drawing her sword and charging forward.

Just then, Pan Xiangyin suddenly spoke, “You’ve worked hard on your demon-slaying journey. You just returned, and I haven’t had a chance to ask, how are you feeling?”

Demon-slaying? What demon?

The woman’s tone was calm and steady, her expression sincere, not at all like she was lying. Mu Qiandan immediately understood, taking the offered way out, “I’m fine.”

Pan Xiangyin continued, “I’ve heard you’ve been thinking of taking a disciple, but you’ve never tried before. And with your straightforward personality, I’m worried about misunderstandings between you and your disciple. I can share some experience with you later. Go and rest for now. We’ll discuss the disciple matter after the meeting, at the Small Mountain Hall.”

Her lateness and absence from teaching were attributed to injuries sustained during a demon-slaying mission for the common people, and her rough treatment of her disciple was due to inexperience. Although not true, these few words addressed everyone’s concerns and even allowed her to leave this awkward situation.

This Sect Leader seemed different from the “serious and strict” personality described in the book, at least she was relatively kind to her so far.

However, her plan to return directly to the Narrow Sea was foiled. She was clearly expected to wait at the Sect Leader’s hall and discuss the discipleship matter in detail.

“…” Mu Qiandan paused, then nodded in agreement.

Before leaving, she glanced back. The other youngsters had sat down after Pan Xiangyin spoke, or were restrained by their elders, but Qin He remained standing, tall and straight like a pine tree, her sword already drawn two inches, its cold light glinting.

Noticing her gaze, the beautiful woman in red, Jiang Zhouyao, who had been sitting to Mu Qiandan’s right, looked back, her expression calm, a gentle smile on her lips, yet the girl flinched.

Despite her defiance, she forced her sword back into its sheath and sat down with great difficulty.

Li Biyuan said, ‘Did I tell you? Jiang Zhouyao is Qin He’s master.’

Mu Qiandan replied, ‘I know now.’

After bowing to Pan Xiangyin again, she grabbed Shang Shang by the collar and dragged her out of the hall.

Stepping into the dappled sunlight, tree shadows passing overhead, Mu Qiandan listened to the birdsong, walking along the mountain path until the hall was out of sight, then released the girl.

Sensing her freedom, Shang Shang rolled on the ground, then sat up, lifting her mask, her face scrunched up in anger, glaring at the woman.

Mu Qiandan looked down at her, “Thanks to you, we have a meeting with the Sect Leader.”

Fastening her mask back on, Shang Shang muttered, “I’ll expose your crimes later.”

Mu Qiandan said, “Wasn’t that a good opportunity just now?”

The things she shouted upon entering the hall could have been easily explained away. But if she told the truth, those busybodies who already disliked Mu Qiandan wouldn’t let the matter rest.

Shang Shang turned her head, snorting, “For the sake of our brief master-disciple relationship, I didn’t want to make a scene.”

Mu Qiandan said, “So you’re still going to expose me later?”

Shang Shang waved her hand, “Yes! You just insulted me again, our master-disciple bond is officially broken!”

Their master-disciple relationship had barely begun, mostly spent traveling in silence, how could there be any bond to speak of?

Mu Qiandan said, baffled, “There was never any bond to begin with.”

Shang Shang’s mouth opened slowly, revealing rows of sharp, white teeth. After a while, she said, “You’re too much.”

Mu Qiandan retorted, “It’s foolish of you to still have expectations of me.”

She had never pretended to be kind, her attitude mostly prickly, showing no warmth whatsoever. Anyone could see it was a trap, yet with a single mention of fate, this girl had followed her willingly. Only a naive idiot like this would fall for it so easily.

Hearing those words, Shang Shang’s lips trembled, her throat tightening, managing only a single word, “You…”

She had lived freely for years in that small village, the carefree Cat Official. No one had sought her out, and she enjoyed her peaceful life.

But that day, under the clear sky, an immortal descended from the heavens, wanting to take her away. Despite the unpleasant events, she had still chosen to follow.

She thought it was a sign of trust, but her supposed master ignored her, even attacked her repeatedly, and harbored murderous intent. It was unforgivable.

Her anger growing, Shang Shang jumped onto a large rock, sparks almost flying from her mouth, “I regret it! I regret it so much! I shouldn’t have come with you! I want to go home and catch rats!”

Mu Qiandan’s voice was calm, “What good is regret now?”

Seeing the girl’s frustrated expression, she chuckled, flicking her sleeves, and walked down the mountain towards the sun, “As you saw, the Sect Leader is on my side. Even if I wanted to kill you, she couldn’t stop me, so you’d better behave yourself later.”

A few words couldn’t reveal the Sect Leader’s true intentions, but it was enough to scare this simple-minded girl.

Shang Shang looked back. The mountain path wound through dense trees, the golden hall out of sight, as was the way back.

Chapter 8: The Cat Official Will Learn Immortal Arts and Defeat You!(2)

Mu Qiandan dismissed Bai Tong, the spiritual light dissipating. They were in an alley, shadows dividing the walls, the noise of the crowd drifting from outside.

“I’m going to a meeting, wait for me outside the hall. I’ll take you to register your discipleship afterwards.”

Shang Shang touched her face, her eyes widening, “You were just about to kill me, and now we’re just going to forget about it?”

Mu Qiandan looked down at her, “When did I try to kill you?”

Shang Shang stamped her foot, “Just now!”

Mu Qiandan said, “I don’t recall.”

“You!”

“Let’s go.”

Shang Shang choked back her words, glaring at the woman’s back, her mind racing, plotting an escape.

Stepping out of the alley, the sunlight was suddenly intense. White walls and black tiles dotted the green hills, people in colorful, elaborate clothes milling about. They all looked young, walking in groups of two or three, their faces full of excitement.

Mu Qiandan thought: This is cultivation? They look more like tourists.

After walking a few steps, she overheard two young men talking. “Tianyu Gate is truly magnificent. Cultivating here must be wonderful.”

The other youth, chewing on a blade of grass, sounded less enthusiastic, “I think it’s nothing special.”

The first one said, “Among the five great sects, not mentioning the White Snake Clan, Tianyu Gate is the most vast and grand, even considered the orthodox blessed land of cultivation. And you say it’s nothing special?”

The youth spat out the grass, “Of course. In my heart, only… deserves to be called orthodox. You know who I’m talking about.”

They exchanged glances, nodding in agreement, then said in unison, “Too bad they’re already gone.”

After sighing, one of them looked at the sky and asked, “When will the meeting end?”

The other replied, “I don’t know.”

He asked again, “The Dragon Clan has been silent for centuries, why have they suddenly reappeared? Do you believe that prophecy?”

“Whether I believe it or not doesn’t matter. Whether it’s true or false has nothing to do with us. The elders will handle it.”

Hearing this, Mu Qiandan vaguely understood the meeting’s topic; it was likely related to the prophecy about the black dragon tearing the sky.

She also understood why there were so many people here—they were probably disciples brought by the elders from various sects to “broaden their horizons.”

As she continued walking, the young men who recognized her were startled, then hurriedly bowed respectfully. While lowering their heads, they stole glances at her, curious to see what the infamous, wicked immortal looked like.

After seeing her clearly, they quickly averted their gaze, their ears turning red.

Mu Qiandan ignored their stares, leading her newly acquired disciple through the crowd with an impassive expression, stopping before a young Tianyu Gate disciple responsible for answering questions. “Do you know where the Sect Leader is? Take me there.”

The Sect Leader was definitely in the Assembly Hall at this time, but Mu Qiandan didn’t know its location. As the long-resident “Yao’e Immortal,” she couldn’t directly ask for directions, so she took a roundabout approach. After all, the original master was a shady character; occasionally missing a meeting wouldn’t be unusual.

The young disciple obeyed, leading the way.

The higher they went, the fewer people they encountered, until they were surrounded by the quiet of the forest. After passing through several swaying shadows, a magnificent, circular golden hall appeared. The young disciple said, “It’s here.”

Mu Qiandan nodded in thanks. Seeing the disciple leave quickly, she took out a rope, preparing to tie up Shang Shang. The girl ducked and dodged, protesting, “No way!”

Mu Qiandan stood there with the rope, considering that pushing the girl too hard wouldn’t be good, so she put it away. “Wait here quietly, don’t go anywhere.”

Shang Shang deliberately ignored her, turning sideways, pulling her messy hair in front of her face and combing it.

With so many people around, the idiot dragon probably wouldn’t cause trouble. Mu Qiandan didn’t press the matter, turning to enter the golden hall.

As it turned out, she had been too optimistic. There was nothing Shang Shang wouldn’t do.

Leaving the girl behind, Mu Qiandan approached the golden hall. Reaching the wall, she looked up, almost blinded by the gleaming gold. Such white and gold buildings were common in the cultivation world, shining brightly like the heavens even in the human realm.

Inside, the hall was also circular, with an open space in the center and seats radiating outwards. The most prestigious sects and clans sat closest to the center, the less known ones further out.

Logically, at such a large gathering, many important characters from the book should be present. It would be beneficial to familiarize herself with them. But Mu Qiandan felt overwhelmed in crowds and had no interest in socializing, so she just wanted to find her seat quickly.

Some people had already noticed her, their expressions displeased, deliberately whispering to each other without lowering their voices, clearly meant for her to hear.

She caught snippets of their conversation: arrogant, disrespectful, late for the meeting, keeping everyone waiting.

Mu Qiandan thought: It’s not my fault, this is all beyond the original plot, how could I have known?

Just then, the woman standing in the center looked up and called out, “Yao’e.”

Her voice was calm and dignified, carrying weight, like a gentle yet powerful wave reaching every corner of the hall, silencing the whispers instantly.

Mu Qiandan followed the voice, seeing a woman who looked about forty, dressed in white robes embroidered with cranes and clouds, a crane-shaped jade crown on her head, simple yet commanding. Her features were sharp and heroic, her lips red and striking, the lines at the corners of her eyes and nose deep, yet not aging her, but adding an air of wisdom accumulated over time.

Li Biyuan said, ‘That’s Sect Leader Pan Xiangyin, Immortal Xi Meng.’

This person was almost two hundred years old? Cultivation truly prolonged life and preserved beauty.

Mu Qiandan stepped forward and bowed, “Greetings, Sect Leader.”

Pan Xiangyin said, “Take your seat.”

Mu Qiandan: “Yes.”

Tianyu Gate’s totem was a crane, so the disciples’ clothes were embroidered with a special circular crane pattern, easily recognizable. Mu Qiandan scanned the hall, finding an empty seat flanked by people who seemed to have some status, which should be appropriate for her identity, so she sat down.

No one corrected her, so she must have chosen correctly. She relaxed slightly.

Pan Xiangyin began speaking. Listening closely, there was no introduction, suggesting the meeting had already started, and she was quite late. No wonder those people were so displeased.

Li Biyuan said, ‘I was worried you would lose your temper and argue with them, good thing you held back.’

Above the center of the hall, a torrent of spiritual energy surged, gradually converging into a giant sphere of light. Mu Qiandan glanced at it casually, “I wasn’t holding back. What’s the point of arguing with nameless cannon fodder?”

Li Biyuan said, ‘…Actually, even characters who only appear once in the book are still living people in this world.’

Mu Qiandan said, ‘So?’

Li Biyuan said, ‘So you could be a little more considerate of them, like you were with the Liu family.’

She originally wanted to mention Shang Shang, but they had just argued about this, so it wasn’t a good time to bring it up. She hinted that Mu Qiandan should treat the characters better, or at least change her perspective slightly.

Mu Qiandan chuckled, ‘Was I considerate of the Liu family? If it wasn’t for their son accidentally discovering the ghost’s identity, and you being unable to find a way for it to cross over, I wouldn’t have wasted so much time and energy on them. I was forced to.’

Li Biyuan seemed exasperated, sighing after a moment, ‘You’re even colder than I imagined.’

A dark shadow gradually appeared within the sphere of light. Mu Qiandan narrowed her eyes, ‘Ridiculous, these paper people’s emotions are all predetermined by the author, they have no soul or personality. It would be strange to empathize with them.’

Li Biyuan wanted to say something, but then stopped, pouring hot water into a paper bowl and slurping her instant noodles.

The shadow within the light sphere became clearer, eventually forming a black dragon soaring through the sky. It opened its mouth, roaring towards the heavens. Its whiskers danced, its eyes like blue crystals, its body twisting and turning, its scales shimmering brightly.

This colossal creature soared through the clouds, leaving trails of lightning, scorching everything below, tearing a huge rift in the sky, a scene of apocalyptic destruction.

So, this was the content of the prophecy, truly terrifying. No wonder so many people from the immortal world had gathered.

If this threat wasn’t eliminated, everyone in the immortal world would be living in fear.

As she watched, Mu Qiandan suddenly felt a gaze fixed on her, so intense it couldn’t be ignored.

Looking around curiously, she saw a young girl sitting among the Tianyu Gate disciples. The girl sat upright, looking about thirteen or fourteen years old, with sharp eyebrows and long eyes, a keen and piercing gaze.

Mu Qiandan studied her carefully. The girl wore a bright blue pleated skirt and a white blouse with a crane pattern, blue ribbons crisscrossing her wrists, two swords and a dark ancient zither on her back. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail, giving her a heroic, almost chivalrous air.

She was a striking girl, so young, full of youthful vigor, yet she stared at Mu Qiandan with undisguised hatred.

Since arriving in this world, due to her initial unpopularity, Mu Qiandan had been cursed at openly and behind her back countless times, so she was used to it. But this was the first time she had encountered such blatant, intense hatred, as if the girl wanted to tear her apart.

Intrigued, she asked, ‘Who is that?’

Li Biyuan set down her bowl, clicked her mouse, and said with renewed energy, ‘This… well, do you remember the three most infamous deeds of Yao’e Immortal?’

Mu Qiandan replied, ‘Yes.’

Li Biyuan continued, ‘The third one, the betrayal at Demon-Slaying Mandarin Duck River, is about the original master’s senior sister, Qin Shuang. Many people in the immortal world believe Qin Shuang’s death was caused by you pushing her out as a decoy to save yourself. They say you’re ungrateful and heartless, and this girl firmly believes it. It wouldn’t matter if she were anyone else, but she’s Qin Shuang’s younger sister, Qin He.’

Mu Qiandan said, ‘No wonder she looks at me like that. In her mind, I’m one of her sister’s killers… but did the original master really betray and kill Qin Shuang?’

Li Biyuan replied, ‘It’s not clear, the book doesn’t mention it. But you should be wary of Qin He, because she genuinely wants to kill you. She even played a part in your capture later in the book, so it’s best to avoid her for now.’

Qin He, noticing Mu Qiandan looking at her, gripped the hilt of her sword, her expression fierce, as if she could scare her away with a glare. It only made her otherwise lovely face slightly unapproachable.

‘She’s still too young,’ Mu Qiandan, having seen enough, looked away. ‘At least for now, she shouldn’t be able to hurt me.’

Li Biyuan set down her bowl, wiping her mouth with a tissue, sighing, ‘Since you’ve met her, let’s introduce another one. Opposite you, the girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, see her?’

In the front row opposite them, a girl with light blonde hair and blue eyes sat upright.

She wore white robes, adorned with gold and silver, three red dots beneath each eye. Despite her proper posture, her expression was haughty, with a maturity beyond her years. Her attire and appearance had a foreign air, unlike the locals.

Li Biyuan said, ‘Her name is Fu Li. She’s the young clan leader of the Fu White Snake Clan from the northern Yuanwu Mountains. Her mother is a major antagonist in the later part of the story, fighting against the protagonist’s group, a very powerful figure.’

Mu Qiandan murmured, ‘Protagonist’s group…’

Li Biyuan said, ‘Look to your right.’

Mu Qiandan turned her head as instructed. Not far from her sat a woman in a water-red dress, a veil covering the lower half of her face, her exposed eyes gentle and kind. Her long hair was half-up, half-down, a faint smile on her lips, her demeanor calm and elegant, a picture of gentle beauty.

‘This is Immortal Feng Ling, Jiang Zhouyao. Her younger brother is very important, he’s the male lead of this book, Divine Lord Feng Tian, Jiang Yuanqi.’

Mu Qiandan’s expression turned serious. She glanced back and forth between the two women, her mind racing.

The female protagonist was currently outside the hall, the male lead’s sister was sitting beside her, and the antagonist’s daughter was opposite her. Many important characters and their relatives were present, yet she had to pretend to know nothing, continuing to walk into the flow of fate, watching these people stir up trouble, then suffer the consequences. She couldn’t decide if it was interesting or boring.

Thinking of the protagonist, she glanced at the entrance of the hall, wondering if the girl had obeyed her orders and was waiting patiently. But her hopes were immediately dashed.

The protagonist had snuck in!

And judging by her expression, she was about to cause trouble!

As Mu Qiandan expected, the little girl tiptoed to the edge of the crowd, carefully observing the people in the hall, then suddenly raised her hands and ran towards the center, shouting, “Please, kind elders, can you teach the Cat Official some immortal arts?”

Mu Qiandan: “….” Kind elders??

No one had anticipated this sudden outburst, and everyone froze. Those with quicker reflexes should have stopped her, but seeing she was just a little girl, and with so many people present, they didn’t intervene, simply watching.

So, Shang Shang easily reached the center of the hall, continuing her plea, “The Cat Official’s luck is bad this year, I encountered a villain! I can’t defeat her, and I can’t escape! I need to learn immortal arts to defeat her and go home, please, kind elders, help me!”

Mu Qiandan choked, her hand itching to strike. But the incident was so sudden that she hadn’t reacted in time. By the time she wanted to intervene, the girl had almost reached the center, about to come face to face with Pan Xiangyin.

Just then, Shang Shang, running too fast, tripped and fell forward. Pan Xiangyin swiftly moved, catching her.

“Phew! I didn’t fall!” Shang Shang looked up, about to thank her, when she saw the giant sphere of light above the hall and froze.

The image of the black dragon destroying the heavens, roaring, struggling, and circling in the clouds, was reflected in her eyes, clear and vivid.

Chapter 8: The Cat Official Will Learn Immortal Arts and Defeat You!(1)

Struggling to free herself, but with her limbs stuck in the crevices of the wall, Shang Shang couldn’t extricate herself immediately. She yelled furiously, “You liar! You broke your promise! I’m quitting!”

Mu Qiandan sat up, calming herself, “What were you doing standing by my bed?”

Shang Shang shouted, “I’m quitting! I’m going home!”

The hall was vast, her voice echoing endlessly, grating on the ears. Mu Qiandan frowned slightly, stepping off the coffin lid and approaching her. “Answer my question. What were you doing just now?”

Shang Shang’s eyes widened, “What else could I be doing? You brought me here and then went to sleep, completely ignoring me! This place is so big, where am I supposed to stay? Where do I eat? I can’t even ask?”

Even in her fury, the girl’s face was still endearing. Most people would soften at the sight of such a cute little girl, wanting to treat her kindly. But Mu Qiandan’s expression remained unchanged, cold as ice. “You could sleep on the ground in a cave, there’s plenty of space here to sleep. Why so many questions?”

Shang Shang retorted, “That’s different! A cave is outside, it doesn’t matter where you sleep outside, but no one sleeps on the floor at home… Besides, you hit me again! That’s too much, I’m quitting!”

Mu Qiandan nodded, “Fine, if you can defeat me, I’ll let you quit.”

Shang Shang froze, struggling again, “You haven’t taught me anything, and you want me to fight you? How can I win?”

Her movements caused more stones to fall. Mu Qiandan glanced at the ground, “If you can’t win, then stay put. Clean up this mess later.”

She turned and walked back towards the jade coffin, wanting to sleep some more.

However, before she reached it, she heard the cracking sound of spreading fissures in the wall, followed by a sudden collapse and the thud of something hitting the ground.

A gust of wind rushed from behind. Mu Qiandan dodged, and Shang Shang, missing her attack, twisted her waist for another strike, but her foot slipped on the rubble, and she lost her balance, falling to the ground.

She fell hard, like a heavy sandbag dropped from a height, a dull thud mixed with a sharp crack. Mu Qiandan’s heart skipped a beat, her eyelashes lowering. “…Why bother?”

Shang Shang, briefly knocked unconscious, came to, looking sideways to see the woman’s ice-blue skirt and spotless white boots. Her temper easily ignited, and after being repeatedly snubbed and even struck, her accumulated frustration erupted.

She pushed herself up, declaring angrily, “I don’t care! Let’s fight now!”

She reached for her waist, about to stuff gold into her mouth.

Being burned by dragon fire was far worse than being bitten; the former was painful, the latter deadly. Mu Qiandan swiftly lowered her head, pulling a rope from her storage pouch. Infused with spiritual energy, it coiled around the girl like a snake, then suddenly tightened, binding her like a caterpillar, the end of the rope landing in Mu Qiandan’s palm.

“Don’t move.”

Close together, with a height difference, Shang Shang could only look up at her. Her indignation was evident, but the fury on her face had cooled.

This calm, thoughtful expression had appeared once before at the Liu residence, also after being struck. Mu Qiandan thought: Does she only start using her brain after being beaten badly?

The black hand on her heart trembled, its eye squinting then widening.

Li Biyuan’s voice quivered, ‘My dear… can you be a little gentler with the protagonist? Even the original master never hit her this hard. If your relationship is this bad, how will the plot progress?’

Mu Qiandan replied, ‘Didn’t she attack me first?’

Li Biyuan said, ‘Yes, but… you’re her elder, can’t you be a little more tolerant of her mistakes? It’s not a big deal.’

Whether before or after transmigrating, this body and soul were twenty-seven years old, while the protagonist was only fifteen, twelve years younger. Ignoring appearances, she could practically call her “Auntie.”

Mu Qiandan started to say, ‘If she doesn’t respect her elders, why should I…’

Shang Shang suddenly interrupted, “Do you have other motives for taking me as your disciple?”

This question went straight to the core, a surprising display of intelligence. Mu Qiandan lowered her head, meeting her gaze. Flames flickered in the depths of those dark pupils, yet the surface was calm.

“You don’t seem to like me, and you don’t want to teach me. I’ve thought about it, and I realized that taking me as your disciple doesn’t benefit you at all. So why did you do it?”

Shang Shang’s eyes shifted, her words flowing more smoothly, “And in the beginning, you clearly saw me for the first time, yet you knew who I was and even called me by my name. Combined with what I just said, it’s like you approached me with some ulterior motive.”

Mu Qiandan tightened her grip on the rope, “I consulted a fortune teller, and they said we were fated to be master and disciple, so I sought you out.”

Hearing those words, ripples of emotion appeared in the girl’s eyes again, her voice trembling slightly—thin and wounded, “But you broke your promise. You said you wouldn’t hit me, yet you did.”

Mu Qiandan said, “Don’t sneak up on me next time, and you won’t get hit.”

Shang Shang snorted, staring at her, “But I don’t trust your words anymore.”

She was clearly not convinced, still wanting a clear promise or some reassurance. Mu Qiandan saw through her, but didn’t comply. Instead, she glanced up at the ceiling of the hall and sighed, “Whatever.”

Then, she continued, “Just stay put. Do as I say, don’t ask questions, and don’t bother me. If you can’t do that, then just die. Choosing how you die is the only right you have left.”

Shang Shang said, “No master and disciple interact like this.”

Mu Qiandan’s patience ran out, her tone hardening, “So? What do you want to do? Tell me your last wishes.”

“I want to talk, but not about last wishes, I don’t want to die,” Shang Shang shifted, trying to straighten her back, lifting her chin. “I don’t want much, just for you to talk to me properly, never hit me again, and tell me what you want me to do…”

Mu Qiandan replied, “Rejected.”

Shang Shang exclaimed, “Why?!”

The echo reverberated through the hall, fading gradually.

The silence continued. Half of Mu Qiandan’s face was hidden in the shadows, the other half too cold and expressionless to be read.

After a moment, she twirled the rope around her hand, then pulled sharply, instantly closing the distance between them.

Her eyes glinting with spiritual energy, she spoke softly, her voice like a murmur, “I really don’t understand what you’re so upset about.”

Her tone was stranger than before. Shang Shang was momentarily taken aback, “What?”

Mu Qiandan continued, “What do you have to be upset about? You’re the protagonist, your victory is predetermined. Even if there are detours, your ending is glorious. You’re destined to win, with the whole world as your supporting cast, aren’t you satisfied?”

She had wanted to say this since arriving in this world, but back then, she still had some patience. Now, it was completely gone, and she spoke her mind freely.

Confused by her words, Shang Shang instinctively shook her head, “I don’t understand…”

“Yes, you don’t know anything, you don’t understand anything, so you can enjoy the world’s favor without a care.” Her free hand rose, her palm resting on the girl’s throat, gently caressing it.

She didn’t have any reason to be jealous of a fictional character, but perhaps because of the constant emphasis on her role as the vicious supporting character, this resentment intensified, forcing her to vent.

She chuckled, “Even though I know you’ll become a calamity later, I can’t kill you directly. Why? Because you’re the protagonist, the chosen one, the one who enjoys all the benefits of the halo.”

“You’re unique, irreplaceable, so you have almost unlimited chances to make mistakes, everyone revolves around you, sacrificing themselves to nurture your growth. But why? Why should others sacrifice everything for a useless person like you?”

One phrase struck a nerve with Shang Shang, and she shouted, ignoring everything else, “I’m not! I’m just different from others, I’m not a calamity! I’ve always been catching rats, that’s a good deed! Why do you want to kill me? I’ve never provoked you!”

Her outburst caused her vocal cords to vibrate, and her abnormally high body temperature radiated through Mu Qiandan’s palm, a testament to the girl’s vibrant life force.

Mu Qiandan stared at her, tightening her grip, thinking: What good was being a Hall Lord of a major sect if she was just a tool, traveling thousands of miles to bring a little Cat Official who would eventually surpass her?

According to the original story, the protagonist would face numerous hardships and dangers, but the author always found a way for her to overcome them. A smooth path was paved for her; how could that be considered hardship?

Weren’t there people in the real world with lives as fortunate as a novel’s protagonist? Possessing wealth, power, status, and even a “perfect” personality, everything Mu Qiandan lacked.

She admitted she was jealous. Why? Why were these people so lucky?

Why did she have to be the supporting character?

Even after transmigrating, this absurdity continued!

It was as if the heavens had branded her with the word “supporting character.”

She couldn’t choose before, but now… the protagonist was in her grasp. If she killed her and took all the treasures meant for her, wouldn’t she be able to replicate the protagonist’s fate?

If she did that, why bother returning to the real world, remaining trash for the rest of her life?

“Ugh…” A sudden darkness and a sharp pain in her heart made Mu Qiandan groan, doubling over, her grip loosening, releasing the girl.

Seeing her falter, Shang Shang immediately jumped back, shaking off the rope, clutching her throat and staring warily at the woman.

It felt like a thunderclap had exploded in her chest, a searing pain spreading through her. Mu Qiandan felt dizzy, her muscles twitching. She hunched over for a while before her hearing returned.

Li Biyuan’s voice was unprecedentedly serious, ‘I know what you’re thinking. I’m telling you now, you can’t!’

Mu Qiandan gasped for breath, pressing her hand against her chest to alleviate the discomfort in her heart. Wiping the sweat from her forehead, her voice icy, “What did you just do?”

Li Biyuan replied, ‘I squeezed your heart, as punishment. This can’t happen again.’

“Heh… who gave you the right?” Mu Qiandan laughed coldly, her hand on her chest radiating spiritual energy. Moving it just an inch further would tear this frail body apart.

“Aren’t you afraid of variables? If I destroy this body by self-destructing, preventing you from using another soul to continue the plot, do you think the protagonist will still go to the real world according to the prophecy?”

Li Biyuan: ‘…’

“Let’s be clear, this is a partnership, not you unilaterally ordering me around, or even whipping me into shape. The protagonist wants to destroy the world, do I have to stop her? No, I’d be delighted.”

Mu Qiandan’s laughter turned cold, her tone turning menacing, “If you make me unhappy again, we’ll all die together, no one will survive.”

The black hand was silent as death.

The standoff continued for a long time, until Li Biyuan finally relented, ‘Alright… I understand. I won’t squeeze your heart again, but you can’t harm her either.’

Mu Qiandan didn’t reply. As the pain subsided, she straightened up, her bones cracking.

Holding her back, she cursed this rusty, useless body, then looked around. The hall was empty; the protagonist was gone.

Stepping outside, the gray sky hung low, the sunlight thin and weak.

The salty sea air made her skin damp. Mu Qiandan stood in the cool breeze, scanning the horizon, spotting a gray figure on a reef, trying to build a raft out of sticks to escape the Narrow Sea.

She flew over, “What are you doing now?”

Shang Shang, without turning back, continued building her raft, “I’m going home!”

Mu Qiandan said, “Where’s your home?”

Shang Shang replied, “Even if it’s just me, it’s still home. Anywhere but here!”

Mu Qiandan snorted, about to drag her back, when she noticed a spirit bird flying towards them.

She looked up. The bird had snow-white feathers, bright red claws, colorful plumes on its head, and a sharp beak. It spoke, “Immortal Xi Meng has sent me to inquire why Immortal Yao’e is delayed and hasn’t arrived at the Assembly Hall for the meeting.”

‘Immortal Xi Meng, whose name is Pan Xiangyin, is the Sect Leader of Tianyu Gate. She’s highly cultivated, powerful, and serious. In the cultivation world, where practice prolongs life, she’s one hundred and seventy-nine years old, but remains unmarried and childless.’

‘There’s also this introduction: She walks alone in both the mortal and immortal realms, unfazed by doubts, dedicated to her work, powerful and resolute, single-handedly raising Tianyu Gate from an insignificant sect to its current position as the leading sect. Her abilities are undeniable.’

‘Because she’s always on the move and rarely smiles, she’s known as the Iron-Faced Fragrant Immortal. But when you see her later, just address her as Sect Leader.’

Despite their earlier argument, Li Biyuan still provided a timely explanation, quoting from the original story.

Mu Qiandan understood and said to the spirit bird, “Tell the Sect Leader I’ll be there shortly.” The bird chirped and flew away.

She had agreed, but she didn’t know what the meeting was about.

Without the original master’s memories, her transmigration had caused a gap in the plot. Facing situations not mentioned in the book, it was easy to make mistakes, so she had to be careful.

Summoning Bai Tong, Mu Qiandan climbed onto the crane. Just as she was about to leave, she remembered that the protagonist’s discipleship still needed to be registered. The Narrow Sea was vast, and going back and forth was inconvenient, so it was better to do it now.

Having decided this, ignoring the protagonist’s thoughts, she urged Bai Tong to fly.

Poor Shang Shang, still squatting on the ground tying branches together, suddenly saw a shadow descend from above the shimmering water. A gust of wind swept past, and a sharp claw grabbed her waist, lifting her into the air.

The mirrored surface of the Narrow Sea receded rapidly below. Shang Shang froze, looking down at her waist to see the crane’s dark red claws. She shouted, “What are you doing?! Put me down!”

Mu Qiandan ignored her, focused on controlling the crane, flying at high speed.

The biting sea wind made it hard to open her eyes, and Shang Shang’s wide-sleeved robe billowed in the wind. She flailed her limbs, her long, curly hair whipping around her face like relentless slaps.

So, she fought with her hair while fuming inwardly. By the time they landed, her curls were a tangled mess, resembling a lion’s mane. Paired with her wrinkled beggar’s clothes, all she needed was a bowl to beg for money on the streets.

Chapter 7: I Said, That Was the Last Time! (2)

Tianyu Gate, the foremost of the five great sects, was located in the Tianyu Mountain range. The scenery was beautiful, with numerous blessed lands. The climate was mild and pleasant, with ample places to escape the summer heat or winter cold. Spirit herbs and rare beasts were plentiful, a simple sweep of a net in the river would yield a bountiful harvest. Jade pavilions and golden halls were everywhere, opulent yet elegant, silently proclaiming the prestige of the number one sect.

Under the azure sky, cultivators flew by on swords or rode various spirit beasts, mostly alone, rarely in groups, their hurried movements carrying an air of leisure and immortal grace. Nurtured by the land, the people here looked healthier and more vibrant than elsewhere.

Shang Shang, clinging to the edge of the crane, looked around eagerly, her eyes wide with wonder. From above, she could see that the buildings weren’t haphazardly arranged like those of a nouveau riche, but a harmonious blend of jade and gold, creating a grand and majestic scene, both idyllic and imposing.

She was filled with excitement, gasping and exclaiming, marveling at the sect’s vast scale, happy that she would be living here.

The crane flew over several green hills, and a large square suddenly came into view. A dense crowd filled the square, bustling with activity and noise.

Some kind of event must be taking place to draw such a large crowd.

Some people noticed the crane in the sky and waved. Shang Shang, ever drawn to lively crowds, waved back, but the distance was too great, the figures below blurry, their words indistinguishable.

Shang Shang felt a restless urge to join the crowd. But before she could express her desire, Mu Qiandan steered the crane away, avoiding the crowd as if fleeing.

The crowd below quickly turned into a sea, its surface as blue and clear as a mirror, almost motionless. Thin, light gray clouds obscured the sun, the sky overcast.

This was the coldest place in Tianyu Gate: the Narrow Sea.

The lively scene gone, Shang Shang retracted her head in disappointment, lying down on the crane’s back.

She jiggled the gold pouch, then couldn’t hold back any longer, asking, “There were so many people there, what were they doing?”

The wind ruffled Mu Qiandan’s hair as she searched for Cangqing Hall. She replied casually, “I don’t know.”

Shang Shang guessed, “Maybe it’s a temple fair? Or a market?”

Mu Qiandan scoffed, “Don’t apply your narrow-minded mortal concepts to an immortal sect.”

Shang Shang snorted, “You definitely don’t know.”

Mu Qiandan brushed away a stray cloud on the crane’s back, guiding Bai Tong.

The sound of flapping wings filled the air. After a melodious crane’s cry, Shang Shang swung her legs and said, “Guess how I knew you didn’t know.”

Mu Qiandan said, “Be quiet.”

Shang Shang continued, “Because you’re so bad at talking, you must have no friends, so no one told you what they were doing.”

A faint golden light appeared in the blue sea. Mu Qiandan guided Bai Tong downwards, the view becoming clearer. The hazy golden light gradually solidified into a magnificent golden hall, with glazed white tiles, serene and bright, standing on a mountain peak, overlooking the vast expanse.

Bai Tong cried out, slowly descending. As soon as they landed, Shang Shang jumped up, about to get off, but was kicked in the backside, tumbling from the crane’s back like a ball.

There happened to be a small pond below, and she fell straight into it with a splash.

Mu Qiandan, still on the crane, urged Bai Tong to return to her neck. As the crane’s physical form vanished, she also descended, landing gracefully, her skirt falling like delicate petals.

Shang Shang emerged from the water, drenched, sputtering angrily, “You, you, you, you!”

Mu Qiandan glanced at her sideways and walked towards the golden hall.

When she first arrived, she was urged by the system to start the mission, so even though she stood before the hall, she hadn’t examined it closely.

But judging by the original master’s attire, the artifacts filling her storage pouch, and her title as Hall Lord, she should have considerable wealth.

Filled with anticipation, she walked through every room in the hall, her disappointment growing with each step, her heart turning cold, her expression eventually turning indifferent.

This damn hall was all show and no substance, looking opulent on the outside, but practically empty inside!

She didn’t believe it, searching every corner, every possible hiding spot for treasure, but finding nothing.

It was cleaner than a dog bowl licked clean by a dog. Had the original master carried everything of value on her person?

Fine, it wasn’t essential. But the most outrageous thing was that there wasn’t even a bed, or any other furniture. How was she supposed to live here? It was no different from a cave!

Li Biyuan explained, ‘The master’s character setting is ascetic, not attached to material possessions, focused only on cultivating her mind, so her life is very simple, without worldly desires.’

Mu Qiandan: ‘Cultivating her mind? Then she failed miserably. After all that effort, she still resorted to shortcuts like sacrificing her disciple.’

Li Biyuan flipped through the book, sighing, ‘Perhaps people are fickle.’

Giving up on searching the other rooms, Mu Qiandan finally arrived at the main hall. The high ceiling was shrouded in darkness due to the lack of light, the entire hall illuminated only by a faint glow in the center.

‘This proves that blindly training the physical body is useless.’ She walked towards the glow. ‘Pretending to be detached and desireless on the surface, yet capable of anything, what’s the point of pursuing such false purity? It’s better to be a villain from the start; laying down the butcher’s knife leads to immediate enlightenment.’

The source of the glow was a jade coffin, like a fallen ancient tree, its six sides smooth and flat, carved with dragon and phoenix patterns, its jade surface cool to the touch. Looking through the slightly ajar lid, it seemed large enough to hold two people. Was it a coffin for a joint burial?

Normally, seeing a coffin would be considered bad luck, but this one looked incredibly valuable. The ominousness of the coffin couldn’t suppress the allure of wealth. Mu Qiandan even reached out to touch it.

Li Biyuan timely said, ‘You were just complaining about not having a bed, this is it.’

Mu Qiandan, who had been estimating the coffin’s value and how much it could be sold for, recoiled upon hearing this. After a while, she asked, ‘The original master slept in this?’

Li Biyuan replied, ‘That’s what the book says.’

Mu Qiandan couldn’t help but express her disgust, ‘Sleeping in a coffin every day, did she think she was invincible? No wonder she died suddenly.’

Li Biyuan said, ‘You can find another bed. This is a world of metaphysics, it’s better to be superstitious.’

Mu Qiandan agreed, turning to leave. But after taking a couple of steps, she seemed to remember something and returned to the coffin, climbing inside and lying down.

Li Biyuan: ‘…Why are you back?’

‘The Narrow Sea is too vast, it’s inconvenient to go out.’ Mu Qiandan shifted, finding a comfortable position. ‘Besides, I’m sleeping on the lid, not inside the coffin, it won’t be unlucky.’

‘Hmm… alright, if you don’t mind, just make do for now.’

Although made of jade, the coffin wasn’t hard or uncomfortable, similar to a cool summer mat, even emitting a slight chill that relaxed her muscles and eased her fatigue.

She hadn’t rested well in the cave, and the journey had been exhausting. As soon as Mu Qiandan closed her eyes, she drifted off to sleep.

She had thought that sleep after such exhaustion would be relaxing, but her tense nerves followed her into her dreams. The image of Liu He’s mother’s corpse lingered, turning her dreams dark and eerie.

Blood flowed in the snow, the warmth of a body melting the snowflakes, creating a warm wound on the white ground.

Snowflakes, like grains of salt, landed on her face, a slight sting. She swallowed, remembering the unseeing eyes, the gradually cooling body, and the repeated calls, “Sister.”

She shouldn’t be hearing that voice now. Mu Qiandan realized she was having a nightmare. She tried to break free, to run, but the dream held her captive, pressing her against the coffin, unable to move.

“Sister, sister…”

“Stop calling, stop…” she moaned softly, her voice strained and suppressed, trapped in her throat. “Don’t call…”

“Sister,” the girl in her dream raised her eyes, her voice suddenly louder.

“Don’t abandon me.”

Mu Qiandan sat up abruptly.

The hall was dark, with almost no light except for the faint glow of the jade coffin. The girl’s voice from her dream lingered in her ears, her vision blurry. She was drenched in sweat, her heart pounding painfully in her chest, her eyelashes trembling, unable to calm down.

Then, she noticed someone standing beside her.

The remnants of her nightmare still lingering, her eyes wide, before she could see who it was, she instinctively lashed out, a surge of spiritual energy sending the person flying, crashing against the wall.

A loud crash echoed through the hall, cracks appearing on the wall, small stones raining down.

After the attack, Mu Qiandan calmed down slightly, slowing her breathing, looking towards the figure almost embedded in the cracked wall, illuminated by slivers of sunlight.

The girl, still dazed, slowly raised her head, her face bathed in the light.

Then, she realized what had happened. Her eyes blazed with fury, “I said, that was the last time!”

Chapter 7: I Said, That Was the Last Time! (1)

The sentence echoed in her mind, disassembled and reassembled, always carrying the same meaning. Mu Qiandan’s expression changed drastically; she laughed in disbelief. “Get lost.”

Forget licking it, even recalling the feeling of being bitten made the pain worse, her mood as turbulent as a boiling pot. Was she crazy to let that girl near her again?

The single word wasn’t enough to vent her frustration. She almost unleashed a wave of spiritual energy to knock the girl over. She missed, but debris flew from the wall as Shang Shang dodged just in time, jumping up and pressing herself against the wall. “What are you doing?! I’m trying to help!”

Mu Qiandan braced herself against the ground, sweat dripping down her neck, gritting her teeth, “Biting me was helping?”

Shang Shang retorted, “You attacked me first, that’s why I bit you!”

Mu Qiandan knew that, but she hated admitting fault. Leaning against the wall, she said coldly, “I don’t need your help. Get away from me.”

Shang Shang had seen her restlessness in her sleep and wanted to help, but was met with such cold rejection. Anyone would be offended. Her cheeks puffed up, and she snorted, “Fine, I’ll get lost. Even if you beg me later, I won’t heal you. Just let the pain kill you!”

She brushed the dust off her ragged clothes and turned to leave the cave.

Seeing her furious expression and determined stride, Mu Qiandan placed her hand on her storage pouch, considering whether she could force the girl to stay in her current weakened state.

Winning a fight wasn’t the issue, but she was vulnerable now, and if the girl took another bite, she couldn’t handle it.

After a moment of thought, Mu Qiandan decided to try a different approach. “Is that how you speak to your master?”

As if just remembering this fact, Shang Shang stopped, turning back as if to say something, but then swallowed her words upon meeting Mu Qiandan’s gaze.

She changed her tone, “It’s because you’re my master that I’m trying to make amends and heal you, so we can be even. Otherwise, I would have left you a long time ago!”

Mu Qiandan frowned after a moment of silence. “Is that how you use the phrase ‘make amends’?”

“Oh, come on!” Shang Shang ruffled her hair in frustration. “Anyway, I’m trying to get along with you.”

Mu Qiandan said, “I don’t care about getting along. Just stop talking nonsense and behave yourself.”

Shang Shang retorted, “I’m speaking normally! And even if I was asleep, you could have just called me. Why did you have to attack me? And now you’re blaming me.”

Mu Qiandan pretended not to hear, closing her eyes and leaning back against the wall to rest.

“…” Shang Shang was dumbfounded.

She had never met such a horrible person!

Normally, she would just punch someone like this. But this woman was her master, someone she couldn’t defeat, so she had to suppress her anger. But she couldn’t do nothing; she had to make her feelings known.

She took out two gold nuggets, tossing them into her mouth and chewing loudly, the grating sound of metal against teeth deliberately meant for Mu Qiandan to hear. Seeing the woman frown, seemingly annoyed, Shang Shang swallowed the gold with a satisfied smirk.

The cold stone wall drew the warmth from Mu Qiandan’s body, also absorbing the cold sweat from her sleep. She ignored Shang Shang, slowing her breathing, one hand gently rubbing her wound, silent.

Sparks flickered in Shang Shang’s throat. She held the tip of the flame in her mouth and said seriously, “You said you wouldn’t hit me without reason. You probably forgot, so I don’t mind those two kicks.”

“But if it happens again…” she rubbed her backside with both hands, her face serious, “If you lay a hand on me again, I will leave!”

She added for emphasis, “And I won’t look back!”

The girl spoke earnestly, hoping for an equally serious response. Unfortunately, she was facing someone who enjoyed trampling on sincerity, her expectations doomed to be dashed.

The morning sun slanted into the cave, extinguishing the last embers, thin white smoke curling upwards. The rain had stopped, and dawn had broken. Mu Qiandan opened her eyes and stood up, without looking at the girl, walking straight out of the cave.

Her gaze following Mu Qiandan’s retreating figure, Shang Shang blinked and called out, “You haven’t answered me!”

The woman didn’t stop, her figure disappearing in the blink of an eye. Shang Shang stamped her foot in frustration, unable to contain her anger, breathing fire onto the remnants of the fire. The charred branches turned to ash instantly, even the cave floor scorching black.

Mu Qiandan, ignoring the commotion behind her, walked out of the cave and stood in a clearing.

She looked up at the sun. The forest, washed clean by the rain, was a vibrant green, swaying like waves. The air was fresh and pure, cleansing her lungs.

Her thumb rubbed against the tips of her other fingers, then rested in her palm, her fingers curling into a fist, a habitual gesture for calming herself. A moment later, her eyes, like eternally frozen glaciers, were calm and unreadable.

Temporary tolerance in exchange for resources in the real world, this was a profitable deal. Even if she felt disgusted and impatient with everything, she had to endure.

Besides, compared to her past life, even these chaotic few days were relatively peaceful.

She summoned Bai Tong. After a surge of spiritual energy, the giant crane stood facing the wind, its sharp claws gripping the stone. Its jade-like feathers, elegant posture, and graceful demeanor were the epitome of beauty.

These pure white feathers could undoubtedly be used as weapons, yet they looked soft and fluffy, like a thick blanket. Mu Qiandan regretted not summoning her last night.

Wouldn’t sleeping on her back be more comfortable than the cold, hard cave floor?

Bai Tong lowered her long, swan-like neck, looking at her with a gentle, caring gaze. Despite her blind, white eyes, she seemed to be looking directly at her, offering her sister endless warmth.

Mu Qiandan had never liked animals, big or small, but somehow, she instinctively reached out, touching the crane’s soft, warm feathers.

Bai Tong lowered her head, gently nudging her palm.

At that moment, Mu Qiandan’s eyes widened slightly, feeling a steady, vibrant resonance in her blood, emanating from the point of contact, a strong pulse like an amplified heartbeat, connecting them.

A thought naturally arose in her mind: She senses my poor condition, she’s worried about me.

Mu Qiandan suddenly remembered something. This wasn’t just a spirit beast crane; it was her sister, connected by blood.

‘Wait…’ she withdrew her hand, studying the blank white eyes. ‘This sister is related to me by blood, our minds almost connected. Won’t she realize I’m not the original sister?’

Li Biyuan said, ‘Actually, the reason I chose you is because your personality is similar to the original Yao’e, so she hasn’t noticed any difference yet.’

Mu Qiandan repeated, ‘Similar personality… the vicious supporting character?’

Li Biyuan hurriedly explained, ‘No, no, I mean you’re both beautiful, intelligent, aloof… uh…’

Mu Qiandan snorted, ‘You should have grabbed my brain instead of my heart, letting knowledge seep into that low-density area. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be so tongue-tied.’

Li Biyuan said, ‘You’re both sharp-tongued.’

Hurried footsteps approached from behind, deliberately heavy, as if the person wanted to emphasize her displeasure.

Mu Qiandan gestured downwards, and as Bai Tong lowered her body and spread her wings, she carefully climbed onto the crane’s back, looking down at the girl with the messy, curly hair. “Hurry up and get on, stop dawdling.”

Shang Shang glared at her before begrudgingly preparing to take off her clothes. But as she untied her belt, the woman said, “No need to undress.”

“Hmph,” the girl muttered, “So strange.”

Three days later, Bai Tong crossed Tianyu Gate’s protective formation, entering the sect’s territory.

The more renowned the sect, the more secluded and dangerous its location.

On the one hand, it was closer to nature, with more abundant resources and spiritual energy, beneficial for cultivation. On the other hand, it was far from human settlements, creating an air of otherworldly detachment. After all, most people associated with immortality preferred to avoid contact with mortals.

 

Chapter 6p2: How Does One Get Eaten in the Future?

Shang Shang finished her farewell and turned back, her voice clear, “I just remembered, I haven’t said goodbye to everyone yet.”

Mu Qiandan was about to lose her temper again when the girl changed her mind. “Forget it, I don’t like goodbyes. Let’s just go, let’s take the main road.”

Mu Qiandan said irritably, “You want to walk? Do you know how far Tianyu Gate is?”

She was able to arrive quickly yesterday because she had used a special talisman that shortened distances, allowing her to intercept the protagonist.

Such a valuable, life-saving treasure, she only had one, meant to be used in a later plot point. But Li Biyuan had been frantic about missing the plot, so she used it prematurely.

Now, without the talisman, the distance to Tianyu Gate was daunting.

Shang Shang shook her head dismissively, “I don’t know where the sect is, but as long as it’s in this world, there’s nowhere my feet can’t reach.”

“Would you swim across the ocean with your legs? What about flying in the sky? Try flying with your legs. Use your brain,” Mu Qiandan retorted, glancing around, pulling Shang Shang to a secluded corner. She placed two fingers on her forehead, chanting softly.

Soon, faint blue spiritual energy flowed along her skin, surging through her meridians, gathering in her neck, making the skin glow brightly.

Then, a clear crane’s cry pierced the sky. Large, pure white feathers sprouted from her neck, quickly forming a pair of beautiful wings. Her body was enveloped in a white whirlwind, rapidly solidifying, the wind scattering the surrounding dust and stones.

When the dust settled, a red-crowned crane, twice the height of a person, stood before them, elegant and pure white.

Seeing such magic for the first time, Shang Shang was stunned, “What kind of immortal technique is this?!”

It wasn’t an immortal technique, but Mu Qiandan’s unique ability: transforming into a demon form.

There were humans and demons in this world, their lives usually separate. Occasionally, humans and demons fell in love, and their offspring were called half-demons.

These children were often born with disabilities, prone to premature death, and those who survived usually had short lifespans and various ailments. Mu Qiandan was a rare exception, a healthy half-demon who had lived to her twenties.

She was supposed to be a twin, but her sister, severely deformed and lacking a human form, survived within her as an undeveloped demon fetus, resulting in her unique half-demon constitution.

This parasitic separation allowed Mu Qiandan to separate from her sister and live independently, healthier than most half-demons who died young.

But this health was relative. Compared to ordinary people, she was still frail, prone to illness, and lacking physical strength. If she hadn’t cultivated, she probably wouldn’t have been able to even support herself.

For years, she had hidden among cultivators, concealing her true nature, secretly refining her sister’s form. She kept her sister hidden within the enchanted vertebrae of her neck, summoning her when needed, telling others it was her spirit beast.

Tianyu Gate’s totem was a crane, and the sect raised many of them, so no one suspected anything.

The crane cried towards the sky, its call clear and distant. Its posture was graceful, its white feathers like snow, its black feathers like a raven’s, and the red crown on its head a perfect finishing touch. Unfortunately, its eyes were completely white, seemingly blind.

This was her “sister’s” disability: blindness.

“Bai Tong,” Mu Qiandan called, “Take us back.”

Bai Tong spread her wings, flapped them twice, and her body expanded several times, large enough to carry a small house. She bent her legs, presenting her broad, soft back.

The original master doted on her sister and rarely summoned her for tasks, preferring to ride a horse back to the sect, which gave the protagonist an opportunity. Mu Qiandan, however, couldn’t ride a horse and didn’t want to exhaust herself, so she made full use of the original body’s resources.

“This is incredible!” Shang Shang rolled up her sleeves, about to climb onto the crane. “I’ve never seen anything like this… hey!”

Before she even touched a feather, she was pulled back by the collar, looking up to see the woman’s cold, indifferent face. “Change out of those beggar’s clothes.”

Shang Shang protested, “These aren’t beggar’s clothes! They’re also a family heirloom!”

Despite their short acquaintance, Mu Qiandan felt this boisterous behavior suited her better. The overly calm demeanor of the girl after being beaten last night felt strange and unnatural, as if she had been possessed by a different soul.

“You’ve rolled around in dirt and grime in those clothes, they reek. If you stain my spirit beast’s feathers, I’ll have your hide.”

“I…” Shang Shang wanted to argue, but she knew it was true. She sniffed her sleeve and insisted, “They don’t stink!”

Mu Qiandan climbed onto the crane, “Either change your clothes, or walk back yourself. Your choice.”

Shang Shang snorted, tilted her head in thought, then exclaimed, “I have a solution!”

She carefully set down the table as if it were made of glass, then untied her red jade belt, pulled off her robe, revealing her naked body, and bundled the clothes together with the table, securing them to her back.

She patted her chest, “No problem now!”

The protagonist cleverly chose a third option: wearing nothing.

Mu Qiandan looked down at her for a moment. The model-like figure that Li Biyuan had praised so highly, even if she was reluctant to admit it, was undeniably beautiful. But she said, “Do you have no sense of shame?”

Shang Shang climbed onto the crane’s back, burying her face in the soft feathers. “No.”

Mu Qiandan rolled her eyes, urging Bai Tong to fly, lest this girl continue her indecent display.

Even on the back of a crane, the journey would still take half a month.

During this time, after finishing the food they had brought, they would land in the forest, hunt for game, and drink from springs when hungry. When tired, they would rest briefly in the trees. Time passed quickly, and in about three days, they would reach the sect.

The sky was overcast, dusk approaching, light rain starting to fall, soon to turn into a thunderstorm.

Mu Qiandan, estimating her remaining spiritual energy, calculated that she couldn’t fly back in one go, so she landed early. Fortunately, there was a cave nearby for shelter.

They gathered some dry branches before the rain intensified. By the time thunder rumbled outside, a fire was crackling inside the cave, radiating warmth.

Because Bai Tong was blind, she couldn’t fly alone, requiring Mu Qiandan to constantly monitor their direction. So, she still hadn’t rested well and was now exhausted, almost falling asleep against the cold, hard wall.

Shang Shang sat by the fire, hugging her knees, listening to the rain, chewing on gold nuggets. Swallowing the last one, she breathed out a stream of fire, making the fire burn brighter, then closed the gold pouch.

Mu Qiandan was startled awake by the sound of the flames, then realized she couldn’t sleep too deeply in the mountains. If someone else sought shelter or a wild beast entered the cave, it would be dangerous.

This wasn’t a modern city, but the wilderness.

She forced herself to stay alert, staring blankly at the fire.

Shang Shang put away the gold pouch, yawned, and lay down on the ground. Within a few breaths, she was fast asleep.

Mu Qiandan: “…”

So, only she was worried about safety.

During their journey, the lazy dragon had slept whenever she had the chance, while Mu Qiandan controlled Bai Tong. Now, exhausted, she couldn’t even rest. And this idiot had no awareness of guarding the cave entrance, simply falling asleep. How could she endure this?

Mu Qiandan was very good at redirecting her frustration. She extended her leg and kicked Shang Shang, sending her rolling. The girl looked up, sleepy-eyed, “What?”

Mu Qiandan replied, “Nothing.”

Shang Shang, thinking she had just rolled over in her sleep, mumbled and curled up again, continuing to sleep. Mu Qiandan, adding some spiritual energy this time, kicked her harder, sending her rolling three times, her face hitting the stone wall.

“What are you doing?!” Shang Shang sat up abruptly, fully awake, realizing who was responsible. “Why won’t you let me sleep?!”

Mu Qiandan looked at her coldly, “Go guard the cave entrance, watch out for wild beasts and passersby.”

Shang Shang retorted, “Why me?”

Mu Qiandan said, “Not you, then me? If I don’t rest well tonight, are you going to control Bai Tong tomorrow?”

That made sense, but her bruised backside and the bump on her nose from hitting the wall still hurt. Shang Shang rubbed the sore spots, stood up angrily, and sat down by the fire instead of going outside. “I’ll watch from here, it’s the same difference.”

Mu Qiandan said, “Whatever.”

Having this idiot dragon watch, although not very reliable, was better than nothing. At least she could raise the alarm in case of danger, allowing Mu Qiandan to relax slightly.

Exhaustion washed over her, her bones aching. She leaned against the wall, the firelight blurring in her eyes, bringing darkness as she drifted off to sleep.

She didn’t know how long she slept, but a sharp pain in her hand jolted her awake.

Stifling a groan, she opened her eyes, seeing the cold ground. She sat up, realizing she had somehow fallen asleep on the ground and had rolled onto her wound, causing it to bleed again.

Quickly bandaging it, Mu Qiandan pressed her temples, clicking her tongue.

This didn’t feel good; a slight dizziness lingered, and the pain was persistent. She closed her eyes, lay back down, and rummaged through her storage pouch, still finding no medicine.

Now, she finally sensed something was wrong.

The original master, although powerful, mainly in terms of spiritual energy reserves and a vast collection of artifacts, had a frail half-demon body. For someone so physically weak, aware of her vulnerability, to bring all sorts of weapons but no medicine, didn’t make sense.

She used spiritual energy to stop the bleeding, fuming inwardly. Opening her eyes again, she wanted to kick the culprit. But she found the girl also looking at her.

The moment their eyes met, Shang Shang quickly looked away, pretending nothing had happened.

The fire had died down, the smell of embers lingering in the air. The girl sat hugging her knees, facing the cave entrance, her mask removed, her face bathed in the cold moonlight.

Mu Qiandan thought: This girl must have been plotting something while I was asleep.

She lowered her hand, her voice slightly tired, “What are you thinking about?”

Shang Shang cleared her throat, wiggling her toes, “I was thinking… thinking… why could Liu He do such a thing? They’re family.”

Still dwelling on that pointless question, Mu Qiandan snorted, “Blood ties aren’t always reliable.”

“Oh, really?” Shang Shang pondered, “Then what is reliable?”

“Yourself.”

Mu Qiandan added, “Only yourself.”

Shang Shang nodded, “Oh.”

The wood crackled in the fire. She rambled on about random things, her thoughts jumping from one topic to another, without any logic. Mu Qiandan didn’t understand a word and simply ignored her.

Shang Shang didn’t mind, but finally, she suddenly asked, “Does your wound hurt a lot?”

Mu Qiandan, afraid of losing control and beating her again, continued to ignore her.

Shang Shang added, “Without my help, your wound won’t heal.”

Blood rushed to Mu Qiandan’s head, and she sat up abruptly, her face darkening. So that was why this damn bite mark hadn’t healed.

It made sense; a dragon’s bite was a form of curse. To heal it, the one who inflicted it had to lift the curse, though she didn’t know how.

Her eyes narrowed, “How can you help?”

Shang Shang’s eyes were clear as she pointed to her lips, “I need to lick it.”

Chapter 6p1: How Does One Get Eaten in the Future?

The discipleship ceremony was extremely simple, so simple that it was practically non-existent.

‘So, all she needs to do is verbally agree?’ Mu Qiandan couldn’t believe it, repeatedly confirming.

Li Biyuan replied, ‘That’s right, that’s right, no need to doubt, it’s done. When you return to Tianyu Gate, you just need to officially register her as your disciple.’

‘Why didn’t you say so earlier? Wasted my energy, all that fuss…’ Mu Qiandan grumbled, utterly speechless. She looked up at a crooked little wooden house perched on the thick branches of a camphor tree, the sounds of dismantling echoing from within.

She muttered, ‘What was the point of making that idiot willingly submit?’

She had thought there would be a complex ritual, requiring the protagonist’s cooperation. If she had known it was this simple, she could have just dragged her back to the sect.

If the girl refused to become her disciple, she could have beaten her into submission. Once she had her, there would be ways to make it official, much more efficient than wasting time with the exorcism last night.

Li Biyuan disagreed, ‘Haven’t you heard the saying? You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. Forcing things never ends well. With the protagonist, we need both her body and her heart. We have to go through this process eventually…’

‘Shut up.’

The door of the wooden house opened, and Shang Shang backed out, stepping onto a branch, then glanced around the inside of the house. After making sure she had everything, she jumped down from the tree, landing gracefully.

Mu Qiandan, feeling irritated, didn’t look at her directly, only glancing sideways.

The girl’s long, curly hair was messy, seemingly only hastily combed. If not for her naturally good hair, it would have looked like a beggar’s, yet she still managed to maintain a certain disheveled beauty. Damn it, even her hair benefited from the protagonist’s halo.

She still had the bag of gold tied to her waist with a simple string, as if she wasn’t afraid of losing it while moving around. Her demonic mask, reattached with a new string, completely concealed her face. She still wore her half-wet, half-dry beggar’s clothes, and on her back, she carried a square table…

Wait, a table?

Although it wasn’t her business, Mu Qiandan couldn’t help but ask, “Why are you bringing a table with you?”

Looking closely, aside from the items she had already noticed, the girl carried nothing else. A whole bag of gold nuggets was carelessly tied, yet the table was securely fastened to her back, as if she was afraid of dropping it. Such misplaced priorities were truly baffling.

“This is my family heirloom,” Shang Shang said, checking the knots in front of her, then glancing back to adjust the table. “Table, gold, me, all set.”

The square table was unpainted, its natural wood color plain and simple. It wasn’t clear why it was considered a family heirloom, or a treasure for that matter. Li Biyuan timely explained, ‘That’s a long story…’

Mu Qiandan interrupted, ‘Then don’t tell me, I don’t want to hear it.’

Li Biyuan: ‘Oh…’

The shadow of the camphor tree swayed on the ground. The sun was almost directly overhead. It had been a while since Shang Shang agreed to become her disciple. As to why they hadn’t left for the sect yet, that story began this morning.

Despite the unexpected turn of events, the discipleship matter was settled. Mu Qiandan had wanted to return immediately and get a good night’s sleep, recuperate, process the overwhelming amount of information she had received since transmigrating, and count her money to plan her future. But the idiot dragon insisted she had debts to collect and needed more time.

Debts? It turned out that yesterday, Shang Shang had been on her way to collect payment when she was captured. The villagers who had promised to pay her had a severe rat infestation, their rice jars filled with rat droppings instead of rice, but they couldn’t afford to pay her immediately, so they asked her to catch the rats first and pay her later.

The due date was yesterday, but due to various reasons, she hadn’t been able to go. Now, she needed to fulfill her agreement.

Upon further inquiry, it turned out that the villagers lived across the stream, meaning they would have to pass by the Liu family’s mud house. Now Mu Qiandan understood how the two met in the original story.

Mu Qiandan argued that it wasn’t a big loss if she didn’t collect the money, but Shang Shang insisted on going, saying that one should keep their promises. Since they had agreed to meet yesterday and she hadn’t been able to go due to unforeseen circumstances, she should at least go and explain.

Arguing with this stubborn person was pointless, and Mu Qiandan didn’t want to resort to violence immediately, so she let her be, waiting under the treehouse, figuring it wouldn’t take long.

By the time the sun was high in the sky, scorching hot, the idiot dragon finally returned, saying she wouldn’t leave yet, she wanted to have breakfast first.

“Three meals a day on time is essential for good health.”

Mu Qiandan gritted her teeth, her patience wearing thin, thinking that if she was angered by her any further, she definitely wouldn’t have good health.

She initially planned to just drag her away, but just as she was about to make a move, she felt a pang of hunger herself. After a moment of thought, she realized the journey back to the sect was long, and unlike modern times, it wasn’t convenient. Bringing some food was a good idea. Besides, she couldn’t keep a constant eye on Shang Shang, so she gave up, enduring it one more time.

Let her eat, it wouldn’t kill her.

They went to Shang Shang’s usual breakfast stall. Although Mu Qiandan had heard from Li Biyuan about the dragon’s enormous appetite, seeing it firsthand was still an eye-opener.

Five baskets of steamed buns, three large sesame seed cakes, four fried dough sticks, four bowls of spicy soup, her teeth tearing, her red tongue sweeping, her mouth switching between chewing and ordering. The stall owner and the other customers were unfazed, piling food beside her, counting soy milk by the bucket, the gold in her pouch clinking.

Enough food to fill an entire table disappeared into her stomach, yet her belly remained flat. A pig would have gained weight after eating so much, but in her stomach, it vanished without a trace.

Mu Qiandan, on the other hand, feeling tired and lacking appetite, only ate half a sesame seed cake and a bowl of soup. The contrast was even more striking.

Li Biyuan, as an observer of multiple small worlds, had seen all sorts of strange things and wasn’t surprised. She chuckled, ‘Well… you can consider this one of the protagonist’s abilities.’

Mu Qiandan sipped her soup, ‘Is there anything she can’t eat?’

Knowing this in advance would be useful, just in case there was an opportunity to poison her later.

Flipping through the settings document she had compiled overnight, Li Biyuan scanned it quickly and replied, ‘No.’

Nothing she couldn’t eat, nothing she couldn’t digest, the crematorium of all things—the protagonist’s stomach. Truly terrifying.

Li Biyuan picked out a sentence from the original text and read it aloud, ‘She loves to eat gold, silver, and jade, and can swallow stars and spit out the moon, even the sun melts in her hands. The protagonist in the later stages is just that invincible. Oh, wait, that last part wasn’t in the book.’

Mu Qiandan’s blurry reflection appeared in the bowl of soup. She held the rim, looking at the diced ingredients, and couldn’t help but think of the master’s fate in the original story.

On her way to find the protagonist yesterday, Li Biyuan had filled her in on some details, mainly about her role as the vicious supporting character.

In romance novels, the vicious female supporting character was usually the one vying for the male protagonist’s affections.

They were often talented, beautiful, wealthy, of high status, but also cruel and foolish, caring for nothing but love, the biggest obstacle to the protagonists’ happy ending, second only to the male lead’s parents. Their fate was almost always the same: after exhausting all their schemes, they suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the “kind” protagonist, a standard trope.

But this book was different. The master had no interest in the male lead; her malice was directed solely at the female protagonist.

The only constant was their tragic end.

Before learning about the protagonist’s dragon heritage, Yao’e Immortal, although cold and unwilling to teach her much, had never intended to harm her. But after the informant, Red Silk, revealed the secret of Shang Shang’s bloodline, the master developed a dangerous greed.

There was a widespread legend in the cultivation world: if one sacrificed a demon beast to the heavens, they would receive blessings and rewards. The higher the demon’s rank, the greater the reward, with fewer restrictions. A legendary demon like a dragon, if sacrificed, could grant the sacrificer a chance to become a god.

These were unverified rumors, but their very falsehood contributed to their widespread circulation. Among millions of cultivators, only a handful achieved godhood. The path to ascension was arduous, and this shortcut was too tempting to resist. The master, being only human, couldn’t resist.

Especially with a dragon within her grasp, the chance to become a god seemed within reach…

So, she changed her attitude towards the protagonist, becoming caring and nurturing, gaining her trust, making the then-naive protagonist completely dependent on her.

Finally, when the protagonist’s dragon blood fully awakened and she transformed into her dragon form, the master tricked her onto the sacrificial altar and cruelly killed her!

Of course, it didn’t work. The severely injured protagonist fell into a sea of lava, slumbering for three years in the intense heat, completing her transformation and soaring into the sky.

The first thing she did upon emerging was to kill her master and achieve enlightenment.

This was a crucial turning point. The protagonist was no longer naive and easily deceived, no longer trusting others easily, becoming more mature and composed, gradually embodying the true qualities of a powerful female lead.

After hearing this, Mu Qiandan thought the initial tasks were easy enough, but the part about dying at the protagonist’s hand was hard to accept.

It wasn’t the fear of death itself, but the way she died.

Because the protagonist killed her master by devouring her.

“Boss, two more… no, four more fried dough sticks!” Shang Shang ordered more food.

Mu Qiandan set down her soup bowl, her fingers touching the wound on the back of her hand under the table. It wasn’t healing at all; she could only use spiritual energy to alleviate the pain.

Just a bite was this bad, how would she be eaten in the future?

Did she really have to go through that?

She felt a sense of panic.

The flashback ended. The two were still standing under the camphor tree, the sun so bright that Mu Qiandan could barely keep her eyes open. “Can we go now?”

Shang Shang patted her stomach, “After eating, collecting the debt, and packing, yes!”

An elderly man with a cane passed by, greeting them with a smile, “Where are you going today, Cat Official?”

Shang Shang turned and waved, “Hello, Grandpa! I’m going to cultivate immortality!”

The old man asked, “Are there rats in the immortal realm?”

Shang Shang replied, “There are bad guys everywhere.”

“Be careful! Immortal rats must be very powerful. Don’t get hurt, and don’t be defeated.”

“Of course! The Cat Official never fails!”

She watched the old man’s feet, worried he might fall, seeing him off until he was far away.

Because he walked slowly, this farewell was particularly long.

Mu Qiandan: “…” Such an incomprehensible train of thought.

She had witnessed many unbelievable things from this girl, and her tolerance had increased, so she was somewhat less surprised now. But seeing the girl carrying the table on her back like a turtle shell, with its four legs sticking out, she couldn’t help but rub her temples. “That’s enough…”

 

Chapter 5: From Today Onwards, I Am Your Disciple p3

As Liu Ying grew older, the brothers played together. One day, while in the outhouse, the innocent Liu Ying asked why he was different. From that day on, Liu He became aware of his disability, shutting himself in his room, refusing to see anyone.

His mother always felt guilty, believing she shouldn’t have taken him out that day. Seeing his withdrawal, she stayed with him, comforting him, saying everything was alright, that his disability didn’t matter.

Over time, he became increasingly dependent on his mother and resentful of his indifferent father. Liu Ying, on the other hand, admired his tall, strong, and kind father, finding his reclusive mother and brother strange and difficult to understand.

Two sons, one favoring his father, one favoring his mother, one born into poverty, one born into wealth. Though a family, their temperaments and experiences were vastly different, preventing them from living a harmonious life.

As he grew older, Liu He realized his disability was permanent and believed he had lost his dignity. His emotional distress worsened, and his mother’s guilt deepened.

So, later on, she would give him whatever he wanted, regardless of its potential harm.

That was how he came into contact with dark magic.

Their father, discovering this, was horrified and tried to stop him, fearing he would stray down a dangerous path. But his mother protected him, believing he had suffered enough and that she would accept and care for him no matter what he became.

Mother and son moved to a secluded part of the Liu residence. Their father, unable to discipline him and ashamed to face him, could only give up.

At first, Liu He knew dark magic was harmful and only dabbled in it without any ill intentions. But years later, when his mother fell ill and the doctors were helpless, he tried to use dark magic to save her life.

Practicing such arts, even a small mistake could lead to irreversible consequences. His skills were inadequate, yet he attempted it anyway, failing to save his mother and instead causing his brother, Liu Ying, to fall seriously ill, almost dying.

Enraged, his father burned all his talismans and magical artifacts. Liu He watched the flames silently, his hands reaching into the fire, burning his flesh. At that moment, news of his mother’s death arrived.

After burying his mother, Liu He ran away from home in the middle of the night, attempting to drown himself in the river. His father, sensing something was wrong, saved him. But from then on, he became completely withdrawn, rarely leaving his room. He continued to dabble in dark magic, but his father didn’t dare to interfere. No one knew the extent of the resentment that festered in that secluded courtyard.

Then Miao Lan arrived, triggering another outburst from Liu He.

Mu Qiandan thought, ‘So, it was because of his own disability that he couldn’t bear to see his brother marry. And because of his resentment towards his father, he attached his soul to his granddaughter.’

Li Biyuan sighed, ‘I didn’t expect such a backstory to an event that was only briefly mentioned in the book. But, according to the original story, Liu Ying was supposed to unknowingly watch his father’s soul be destroyed.’

Mu Qiandan said, ‘That would have been better.’

She shouldn’t have opened her mouth and caused all this trouble.

Looking at the coffin again, Liu He was dead, his eyes still open in defiance. He had likely starved Liu Cailiang to death, and he himself had gone mad, unable to eat, driving himself to this state.

Did he know he was wrong? It seemed he did. He had brought his mother’s corpse here, constantly repenting, saying he had done bad things again. He wanted his mother’s comfort, to hear her say it was alright.

But he knew better than anyone that the dead couldn’t be resurrected, that what was lost could never be regained.

In his final moments, did he remember his childhood, when his father returned, tossing a bag of candy in the air and catching it, then dividing it equally between his two sons?

Dabbling in dark arts corrupted the mind. He wasn’t a person of strong will, and a mediocre person trying to take shortcuts was more likely to harm themselves.

And Liu Cailiang, after a lifetime of hard work, was left a lost soul. He had longed to hold his granddaughter, a wish fulfilled after his death, unaware that he had almost caused the death of his loved ones.

Even the most selfless parental love could cause harm and lead to irreversible consequences.

Life was unpredictable.

After the matter was resolved, the couple decided to rebury their parents and brother. Checking the family assets, they found Liu He had barely touched them.

Liu Ying offered more than half to Mu Qiandan and Shang Shang. Shang Shang waved her hand, saying they didn’t need it, that they needed the money to rebuild their lives. Mu Qiandan didn’t argue, accepting the money, including Shang Shang’s share, much to Shang Shang’s astonishment.

Liu Ying invited them to stay for a few days, but Mu Qiandan declined, saying she had other matters to attend to. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they parted ways. Before leaving the Liu residence, Shang Shang helped them catch rats again, putting them in a cloth bag and leaving it by the door. She said, “I’ve cleaned the house, you can move back in now.”

After a busy night, the sky began to lighten, and people gradually appeared on the streets, occasionally glancing at the unfamiliar figure.

Even martial artists were rare in this small village, let alone an immortal of such beauty, and she was walking with the Cat Official. This unusual pairing attracted the attention of more and more villagers.

The two walked in silence to the end of the street, where the road forked. Shang Shang stopped, and Mu Qiandan stopped as well.

Before transmigrating, she had been under a lot of stress for a long time, unable to rest properly. Now, after a busy night, in a frail body, having expended a significant amount of spiritual energy, she was exhausted and longed to sleep.

But she couldn’t, because the most important task remained unfinished.

Shang Shang retrieved the bag of gold, weighed it in her hand, hesitated for a moment, and then offered it to Mu Qiandan. “Here, this is for you.”

Mu Qiandan hadn’t expected her to initiate conversation, thinking she was still angry. She glanced at the gold, then looked up, “Why?”

Shang Shang said, “Didn’t you help them because you saw this gold?”

Mu Qiandan replied, “Do you think I’m short of money?”

She used to be, but after receiving a substantial sum from the Liu family, the fullness of her purse gave her the right to be sarcastic. And this master’s storage pouch was filled with artifacts, she was the Hall Lord of a major sect, so logically, she shouldn’t be lacking money, right?

Besides, the first thing she saw upon arriving in this world was a magnificent hall, the master’s personal quarters. It looked opulent from the outside, so the inside must be filled with treasures. She would have to search it thoroughly when she returned.

As for the protagonist’s gold, she would need it for later plot points, so it was better to leave it with her for now.

Shang Shang observed her appearance. Such an otherworldly person didn’t seem like someone who would be swayed by money, yet she had accepted the money offered earlier, and now her attitude had changed, confusing Shang Shang.

She tilted her head, thinking for a moment before asking, “If you didn’t help them for the money, then did you… pity them?”

The girl had put her mask back on, only her eyes revealing her emotions. Mu Qiandan looked into those eyes, seeing a gentleness clearer than water.

The protagonist asking this must mean she had been moved. This was a good opportunity. Mu Qiandan replied, “Yes.”

That’s right, Yao’e Immortal is this kind and powerful, quickly become my disciple like in the original story.

Shang Shang fell silent again. The morning sun filtered through the leaves, dappling her with light, like an old painting. For some reason, Mu Qiandan suddenly recalled the moment last night in the courtyard when the girl’s mask had fallen.

It was like opening a book and, instead of text, being greeted by a vibrant illustration, a striking and unforgettable image.

“Then how about this,” Shang Shang said seriously, having made up her mind. “I’ll keep the gold, but if you ever need help catching rats, just come find me. Everyone around here knows me. Just call for the Cat Official, and I’ll appear.”

Mu Qiandan: “…?”

Having said this, Shang Shang, satisfied with her solution, turned to leave. Mu Qiandan stopped her, “Wait!”

Shang Shang looked back, her eyes innocent, as if asking what else there was.

Mu Qiandan resisted the urge to tie her up again, trying to control her temper. “Have you forgotten what I wanted from you in the first place?”

Shang Shang replied smoothly, “For me to become your disciple.”

“So…” Mu Qiandan frowned, “You don’t want to cultivate?”

She was certain this little Cat Official hadn’t seen the world and could see her yearning for cultivation, so she was somewhat confident bringing it up. But Shang Shang said firmly, “I want to cultivate, but I don’t want to follow you, and I don’t want to be your disciple.”

She almost instinctively asked “why,” but after a moment of thought, she understood the reason and fell silent.

So, the starting mission had failed. Li Biyuan wailed, ‘Wuwuwu, what do we do? I told you not to treat her like that! Why don’t you apologize? Children don’t hold grudges.’

Mu Qiandan retorted, ‘What did I do wrong? Apologize? Are you crazy?’

Her exhaustion was intensifying. If she didn’t resolve this quickly and get some rest, she felt she might collapse. She said impatiently, “Cultivation requires resources. You won’t get anywhere on your own. I’m the Hall Lord of Tianyu Gate. Isn’t following me the wiser choice? Can’t you tell what’s good for you?”

Even as she spoke, she felt a sense of frustration.

In the original story, the protagonist had persistently pestered and flattered Yao’e Immortal, following her back to the sect and finally earning the opportunity to become her disciple after much effort.

Why was she being rejected now?

Shang Shang stared at her for a long moment, then asked instead of answering, “I’m actually curious, why are you so insistent on taking me as your disciple?”

Mu Qiandan sneered inwardly. If she had a choice, would she be doing this? Wasn’t it because of fate? Thinking this, she casually replied, “Fate.”

It was a simple and dismissive answer, yet, upon hearing this word, Shang Shang’s eyes widened, as if a lamp extinguished for a thousand years had suddenly been lit, piercing the darkness, brighter than the rising sun, dazzling and compelling.

For some unknown reason, captivated by the word “fate,” her voice trembled slightly, “If I go with you, will you teach me properly?”

Not understanding her sudden change of heart, but recognizing it as a positive development, Mu Qiandan didn’t bother questioning it, answering, “Yes.”

Shang Shang took half a step forward, one hand on her chest. “Will you hit me again?”

Mu Qiandan thought that was hard to say, but she replied, “No.”

Shang Shang thought for a moment, then asked, “Are you a person of your word?”

Absolutely not, never. Mu Qiandan: “I am.”

“Alright!”

Seemingly believing her without a doubt, Shang Shang’s eyes lit up. “From today onwards, I am your disciple!”

Chapter 5: From Today Onwards, I Am Your Disciple p2

Mu Qiandan conjured a ball of spiritual energy, the faint blue light not as bright as the flames, but enough to see vaguely.

She walked to the platform, slowly climbing the steps, one hand moving to her waist, gripping the hilt of her dagger. Her gaze fixed on the edge of the coffin, as she ascended, her view gradually falling into the coffin.

The faint light illuminated the interior, revealing an emaciated man, reduced to skin and bones.

He was curled up like a baby, his clothes unchanged for a long time, emanating a sour smell that had fermented in the enclosed space. His long hair was infested with lice, messy and unkempt, his face, however, clean-shaven.

He didn’t know how long he had been in this secret room, his cheeks sunken, clearly hadn’t eaten in a while. No one had locked him in here, yet somehow, he had starved himself to this state.

Mu Qiandan had a bad feeling. This guy seemed to have gone mad; could she really rely on him to release Liu Cailiang’s soul?

Shifting the light, she saw a well-preserved female corpse lying beneath Liu He. Her clothes were mostly decayed, her flesh decomposed, her eye sockets hollow, only the withered bones remaining.

A corpse…

Mu Qiandan’s eyelids twitched, a wave of nausea rising from within. She forced it down.

This wasn’t the first time she had seen a corpse. In fact, the last one she saw hadn’t even been dead for long, so what was she afraid of?

But the familiar headache returned, clinging to her like a spiderweb. She abruptly closed her eyes, the scene flashing in her mind again.

The cold wind outside was like a knife, the person’s body still warm, their unseeing eyes staring at her, like an omen of a curse.

Mu Qiandan’s hand trembled. She thought she could handle it, but the overwhelming memories made her dizzy. Her strength momentarily vanished, causing her to stumble, the spiritual energy in her hand dissipating.

A scream echoed in her ears, her heart pounding like a drum. She regulated her breathing, habitually biting her lip. As the dizziness subsided, she opened her eyes, seeing ragged clothes in her blurring vision.

She hadn’t fallen; Shang Shang had caught her.

Without waiting for Mu Qiandan to speak, seeing her steady herself, Shang Shang stepped back, conjured another fireball, and examined the inside of the coffin.

The chamber was silent, only Liu He’s mumbling breaking the quiet.

The coldness gradually receded, and Mu Qiandan’s dizziness faded. She glanced sideways, seeing the girl’s jade-like face in the firelight. She held the fireball in her palm, her serious expression unchanged, as if pondering why Liu He had become like this.

Li Biyuan suddenly exclaimed, ‘I found it!’

Mu Qiandan snapped back, asking, ‘The method for crossing over?’

Li Biyuan replied, ‘No, the method for guiding a soul. I found the simplest one. You just need to use your spiritual energy to create a bridge for the soul, and place something the soul cares about on the other side to guide it.’

Mu Qiandan repeated, ‘Something the soul cares about…’

She looked at the coffin again, deliberately avoiding the corpse, focusing on the emaciated man, an idea forming in her mind.

Just then, they heard footsteps in the passage, more than one person this time. Looking back, they saw Liu Ying and Miao Lan approaching.

They must have run back. Liu Ying was drenched in sweat, panting, one of his shoes almost falling off. His daughter, however, was nestled safely in his arms, not a hair out of place.

Miao Lan checked her daughter’s forehead, then looked at the cold stone walls, moving closer to Liu Ying, her eyes fixed on the two figures on the platform. Mu Qiandan said, “Don’t move, stay there.”

Turning back to the coffin, she tried to wake Liu He. But his eyes were tightly shut, his lips blue, his body trembling. It was no use relying on him; it seemed she had to use the soul-guiding method.

Li Biyuan explained the details of the spell, and Mu Qiandan, pressing two fingers to her temple, memorized them. It didn’t sound difficult, she just hoped it would work.

Earlier, in the rush, there hadn’t been time, but now, with a moment of respite, Liu Ying quietly explained everything to Miao Lan. Learning that Liu He was responsible for her daughter’s suffering, Miao Lan was heartbroken and furious, clutching Liu Ling’s small hand, tears streaming down her face.

Meanwhile, fortunately, Mu Qiandan’s pouch seemed to contain everything. She easily found the necessary items.

She uncorked a porcelain bottle, applied the special solution to Liu He’s forehead, drew a small cross with the tip of her dagger, and then released a surge of spiritual energy, creating a faint blue bridge between Liu He and Liu Ling.

The effects of the exorcism incense and green water had worn off, and the ghost had hidden itself. But summoned by the spiritual energy and drawn by the blood of his relatives, it slowly materialized.

Liu Ying finally saw his father’s ghost. Even though he knew it was a being from another world, he couldn’t help but call out, “Father.”

The ghost, no longer conscious, still responded.

Seeing him motionless, Mu Qiandan stepped down from the platform and approached Liu Cailiang. Noticing he was reluctant to let go of his granddaughter, she covered Liu Ling’s nose and mouth with her hand, briefly cutting off her breath.

Liu Cailiang’s expression turned blank, and he slowly released Liu Ling. He stood there, lost, then, drawn by the blood of his relatives, stepped onto the spiritual bridge, walking towards Liu He, as if crossing the bridge to the afterlife.

The moment the ghost left her, Liu Ling gasped deeply, like a drowning victim finally reaching the shore. The dark, deathly pallor on her face gradually receded; she should recover soon.

Liu Ying and Miao Lan exchanged glances, tears welling up in their eyes. Looking at Liu Cailiang, he had reached the coffin, looking down at his emaciated son, sighing softly.

Beside him, the fragmented soul of a woman appeared. Liu Ying recognized her, crying out, “Mother!”

The woman didn’t respond. She stood shoulder to shoulder with Liu Cailiang, her figure flickering, as if about to disappear.

Liu Cailiang took her hand and whispered something in her ear. The woman shook her head, also sighing, then gently placed her hand on Liu He’s head, stroking it, just like she used to when he was a child.

In the next instant, the spiritual bridge shattered, and the two ghosts vanished.

Silence returned to the chamber. Liu Ying stood there for a moment, then handed his daughter to Miao Lan and rushed to the coffin, only to find Liu He’s eyes open, but his breath gone.

Seeing his brother’s lifeless body, all past grievances vanished. Overcome with grief, Liu Ying knelt by the coffin, silent.

Mu Qiandan walked over, glanced inside, and asked casually, “He was your brother, why were your personalities so different?”

Having just lost his relatives, Liu Ying no longer had the heart to hide anything and told the whole story.

It turned out that when his older brother, Liu He, was born, the family was at its poorest. His father was busy with his business, and his mother worked outside the home, both toiling tirelessly. They lacked the time and energy for basic parenting and often neglected their son’s emotional needs.

Despite their shortcomings as parents, the child was always obedient, never causing trouble, even willingly helping with chores. Worried about leaving such a young child at home alone, his mother often took him along to do odd jobs.

One day, his mother took on a laundry job, taking Liu He with her to the riverbank. Needing to relieve herself, she told her son to watch the clothes and make sure no one took them.

Seeing his mother’s weary steps, Liu He, wanting to help, tried to do some laundry himself. But he was too young, and the winter clothes were heavy. Focusing all his energy on the task, he slipped on some moss and fell into the river.

Children often played in the river, so it shouldn’t have been dangerous, but he was extremely unlucky. That day, a large turtle, the size of a wok, was lurking in the river. Seeing a boy fall in, mistaking him for a fish, it bit him.

By the time his mother returned, he had been severely injured. He survived, but his health remained frail, and he could never marry or have children.

Five years later, their father’s business stabilized. With his mother’s health deteriorating from overwork, his father stopped traveling, staying home to care for them.

Soon after, his younger brother, Liu Ying, was born. The family was already wealthy by then, so despite being raised in the same family, his and Liu He’s early lives were vastly different.