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

Chapter 5: From Today Onwards, I Am Your Disciple p1

Upon hearing this, Liu Ying, instead of asking about the secret room’s location, looked at Shang Shang with concern and asked tremblingly, “Are… are you alright?”

With her face revealed, there was no need to hide anymore. Shang Shang examined the mask, making sure it wasn’t damaged, then placed it on her head, her fingers deftly tying the broken strings beneath her chin.

“I’m fine,” she said, suppressing her anger as she tied the final knot. “I’ll lead the way.”

She walked straight towards them, unguarded, but without glancing at Mu Qiandan, passing by her directly.

Li Biyuan’s heart trembled, ‘Is she angry? This is bad, this is really bad!’

The gathered spiritual energy, having no target, dissipated instantly. Mu Qiandan withdrew her hand, uncharacteristically silent, giving Liu Ying a look, urging him to follow.

Shang Shang walked out of the courtyard, stopped under a pine tree, briefly oriented herself, and then headed in a specific direction.

She had said she had caught rats in the Liu residence before. This was presumably her second time here, yet she seemed as familiar with the place as if she lived there. The original story mentioned the protagonist’s exceptional memory, able to remember any path she had walked once. It seemed to be true, another one of her numerous positive traits.

After navigating the maze-like corridors, Shang Shang stopped in front of a secluded building. “It’s here.”

Liu Ying looked up at the plaque, “This is indeed Liu He’s room, but I just checked, it’s empty.”

Shang Shang pushed the door open and entered, “Follow me.”

The three of them went inside, the room indeed empty. She walked past the gauze curtain, straight to the wardrobe, opened the door, pushed aside the hanging clothes, and felt along the wall.

While she searched, Mu Qiandan walked to the bed and examined it. The bedding looked like someone had just gotten out of it, but covered in a layer of dust, indicating that the owner had left in a hurry and hadn’t returned for a while.

Mu Qiandan glanced around, saying coldly, ‘This Liu He is definitely spoiled rotten. A perfectly good family ruined by him. If I were his father, I’d haunt his bedside every night.’

Perhaps she had found the mechanism, as a click came from the wardrobe, followed by the grating sound of a large stone against the wall. A few seconds later, a large hole appeared in the wall, pitch black and emitting a putrid odor.

Mu Qiandan continued, ‘Authors these days have really run out of ideas. I’ve seen this kind of plot device since I was a kid, over a decade ago. They’re still using it? Can’t they be more creative?’

She sounded like a critic, commenting on everything. Li Biyuan, finally unable to bear it, said, ‘Can I say something? You’re so harsh.’

Mu Qiandan replied, ‘Mm.’

Li Biyuan coughed, ‘And besides, just because it’s been done before doesn’t mean it can’t be done again. Hiding a secret room in a wardrobe might be cliché, but it’s practical! Why bother coming up with new details? Readers might not even notice, it’s a waste of effort.’

Mu Qiandan said, ‘Oh.’

‘…’ She wasn’t listening at all!

Shang Shang stepped aside, pointing into the hole. “Have you been here before?”

Liu Ying peered inside. Unlit, it looked like the mouth of a giant beast, bottomless, emanating a damp, cold air like a tomb, making him instinctively recoil.

“No,” he shook his head. “I’ve barely been in this room, and Liu He never mentioned it.”

“I discovered it by accident,” Shang Shang said, scooping up the clothes from the wardrobe and piling them on a chair. “I was chasing a yellow rat, came into this room, and happened to find the mechanism. I thought there might be a rat’s nest inside, but secret rooms like this usually hide the owner’s secrets, so I hesitated and didn’t go in.”

The original story described the protagonist as intelligent and calm, but influenced by her fiery dragon blood, she often appeared impulsive and impatient. As long as her emotions were stable, she could utilize her intelligence, which was evident in this situation.

Mu Qiandan listened to the explanation of the character setting, watching Shang Shang from behind, and snorted.

Liu Ying asked, “Do you think Liu He is in there?”

Shang Shang replied, “There’s definitely something in there.”

The hole was dark; entering directly might lead to a fall. She looked around the room, finding a cabinet that likely held valuables. She smashed the cabinet door with her elbow, rummaging through it and retrieving a gold hairpin. Examining it in the moonlight, she nodded and asked, “This is your family’s belongings, can I use it?”

The cabinet was filled with gold and silver; any single item would be enough for Liu Ying to treat his daughter, yet his brother would rather let them gather dust than offer any help. He said with a heavy heart, “Go ahead.”

Shang Shang put the tip of the hairpin in her mouth and, without changing her expression, bit it off, chewing it as if it were a delicacy.

Such a sharp object should have drawn blood, yet she swallowed it. Liu Ying’s sorrow was replaced by shock, “Hey, your mouth…”

Shang Shang waved her hand dismissively, swallowing the entire hairpin bit by bit. She commented that the gold wasn’t pure, then picked out two gold earrings and a bracelet, devouring them all. Her teeth were sharp, the only sound a faint crunching as she chewed the gold as casually as if it were pastries, but the sound made Mu Qiandan’s teeth ache.

A timely pang of pain in her hand reminded her of the sharpness of those teeth. Now that she thought about it, considering their strength, it was surprising she hadn’t lost a chunk of flesh. The protagonist must have shown mercy.

After consuming the gold, seemingly satisfied, Shang Shang stood up, patted her stomach, took a deep breath, and exhaled.

Sparks crackled in her throat, followed by a burst of flames, burning brightly and illuminating the entire room.

Liu Ying’s lips twitched, realizing his concern was unnecessary. Even if this person wasn’t an immortal, she was certainly no ordinary human.

Mu Qiandan’s gaze was indifferent, ‘This is also one of her abilities?’

Li Biyuan said, ‘Swallowing gold and breathing fire, it’s a characteristic of dragons. The book does mention it, but I didn’t expect her to master it so early.’

Mu Qiandan’s eyes reflected the firelight as she muttered, ‘She really gets all the good stuff…’

Her voice was so low that even Li Biyuan didn’t hear it and asked what she had said. Mu Qiandan closed her eyes, concealing her thoughts. ‘Nothing.’

Shang Shang extended her hand, and the fireball obediently landed in her palm. “Let’s go in.”

It turned out she had only created it for illumination.

The three of them entered the hole, descending the steps. As they reached the bottom, the stench intensified.

The firelight revealed a narrow passage, its end not yet visible. The walls were made of dark gray bricks, teeming with ants. Faint scratching sounds could be heard, likely rats.

Who knew what lurked in this dark, damp place. The thought of swarms of insects and rats made her scalp crawl. Mu Qiandan frowned, thinking of turning back, but seeing the two ahead walking deeper without hesitation, the firelight receding, she hesitated.

After a moment of silence, she covered her nose with her sleeve and followed.

After walking about thirty meters, the narrow passage opened into a chamber. It wasn’t large, almost empty except for some filth, with only a stone platform in the center, on which sat a coffin.

Their arrival and the commotion seemed to disturb the occupant, who mumbled softly.

Rats scurried past their feet, adding to the eerie atmosphere. Mu Qiandan frowned deeply, her impatience growing. She asked stiffly, “Is that your brother talking?”

Liu Ying stared at the coffin, as if trying to identify something. As the firelight revealed more details of the coffin, his expression turned to shock, then to sheer terror. “This… this coffin, it’s my mother’s!”

Could the person talking inside be his mother?

But the mumbling, though soft, was clearly that of a man.

Mu Qiandan focused her spiritual energy on her ears, listening intently to the mumbling.

“I did something wrong, but they were wrong first, weren’t they?”

“This is the only thing I’m good at. If I can’t make them suffer, they’ll all look down on me, everyone will look down on me! That can’t happen, absolutely not!”

“Mother will forgive me, right? You always loved me the most, you’ll definitely say I did nothing wrong…”

Calling the coffin’s occupant “mother,” the speaker must be Liu He. And from the content of his ramblings, it was almost certain that he was behind all the strange occurrences.

Mu Qiandan looked back, “Go back and bring your daughter here, quickly.”

She didn’t expect Li Biyuan to find a way for the ghost to cross over anymore, and there was no need. With Liu He in hand, the one who tied the bell had to untie it. She just had to force him to undo the spell.

She couldn’t help a dead person cross over, but she could certainly “persuade” a living one.

Liu Ying, realizing who was in the coffin, didn’t stop to question, rushing out, his footsteps fading quickly.

Only two people remained in the chamber. Mu Qiandan glanced at the girl beside her, realizing they would be spending a lot of time together. Wanting to break the ice, she said, “Move the fireball closer, let’s see what’s inside the coffin.”

Even when trying to be friendly, her tone unconsciously carried a hint of command. Shang Shang’s calm expression immediately rippled. She snorted and abruptly closed her hand, extinguishing the fire.

Li Biyuan said, ‘She’s definitely angry.’

Mu Qiandan retorted, ‘Shut up.’

The coffin wasn’t closed; before the firelight completely vanished, they had seen the lid leaning against the stone platform, and a pair of shoes lying beside the coffin. This meant Liu He was currently inside.

She was truly unlucky to have to deal with these crazy people.

 

 

Chapter 4: You Have Quite the Wicked Sense of Humor

“…There isn’t?” Mu Qiandan rubbed her fingertips. “So?”

Li Biyuan’s fingers flew across the keyboard, the clicking like a machine gun. “Hold on, let me keep looking! Try to stall for more time, please!”

Mu Qiandan took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. She flicked the dagger, shaking off the potion, leaving a wet streak on the ground.

Getting stuck on something like this, truly useless!

Since she needed time, she couldn’t just stand there. She had to do something. Putting away the dagger, she said to Liu Ying, “Take me to your father’s grave.”

Liu Ying, understanding that she had relented, immediately replied, “Alright! I’ll take you there.”

Knowing the ghost’s identity, and assuming it hadn’t harmed Liu Ling intentionally and wouldn’t hurt the family, they left Miao Lan at home to care for the child. Liu Ying led Mu Qiandan and Shang Shang to the Liu family’s ancestral graves, Shang Shang still slung over Mu Qiandan’s shoulder.

It was already dark outside. Looking up, they saw a bright starry sky, a rare sight in a modern metropolis. The air was refreshing, the evening breeze cool. As they walked through the forest, they occasionally heard the chirping of insects and birds. If their destination wasn’t a graveyard, it would have been a pleasant stroll.

After walking about two miles deep into the forest, the trees suddenly opened up to a clearing. A small stream flowed quietly under the moonlight, willow branches swaying gently on the bank, fireflies dancing above the water, a tranquil scene.

Following the stream, they reached an open area where many trees had been felled. The ground was paved with thick bricks, solid underfoot. Although it was a graveyard, the scenery was beautiful, not at all gloomy or eerie, and Mu Qiandan felt a bit more relaxed.

Further in, several tombstones appeared, each clearly crafted with care. The stones were imposing, carved with bamboo and plum blossoms on the sides, the inscriptions clear and polished, giving them a dignified air. Mu Qiandan looked around, noticing that all the graves in the Liu family’s ancestral ground shared this style.

She didn’t understand feng shui, but intuitively, she could tell this was a good location. Considering the obviously lavish tombstones and the family’s impoverished home, something seemed amiss. She asked, “You live in a thatched hut, why are the graves so extravagant?”

Was he someone who only cared about appearances after death? Such people existed.

Liu Ying hesitated for a moment before replying, “Our family used to have some assets…”

He stopped there, without elaborating. Mu Qiandan, remembering his seriously ill daughter, assumed those assets had been spent on medical treatment and didn’t press further.

They found the ghost’s tombstone. The inscription was long, but the useful information was limited. She learned that his name was Liu Cailiang, he lived to be 78 years old, and had passed away six months ago.

Mu Qiandan asked, “When did your daughter fall ill?”

Liu Ying replied, “About six months ago.”

The timing matched.

Mu Qiandan asked again, “Have you offended anyone recently? Is there anyone who holds a grudge against you? Has anyone threatened you with revenge?”

She was asking blindly, but if someone was behind the haunting, it was likely an enemy seeking revenge. Her questions weren’t entirely off the mark.

Liu Ying thought carefully, then said no. But then he seemed to remember something, his face momentarily registering surprise before he quickly masked it.

Mu Qiandan, focused on the tombstone, missed this subtle change in his expression. Hearing his denial, she walked around the graveyard, examining the other tombstones. They all belonged to members of the Liu family, offering no clues.

Stopping at the entrance, she concentrated, trying to detect ghostly Qi, but found none.

Li Biyuan still hadn’t responded. Finding a specific detail in a million-word novel wasn’t easy. Mu Qiandan was frustrated, but she could only endure and find something else to occupy herself.

“Do you have any other living relatives?” she asked casually.

Liu Ying’s face showed the same hesitation as before. Mu Qiandan caught it this time, realizing he was hiding something. She said, “Think of your daughter. Don’t hide anything from me, tell me everything.”

These words seemed to peel away a decorative veil, revealing the raw pain beneath.

Liu Ying hunched over, pounding his knees, sighing deeply. An age beyond his years etched itself onto his face. After a long while, he said, “I actually have an older brother, who currently lives in the main Liu family residence. I’ve never offended anyone in my life, but if you ask if anyone resents me or my father, it would probably be him.”

Everyone she met seemed to beat around the bush. Mu Qiandan grew impatient, “Stop stalling, just tell me.”

Although he didn’t quite understand the idiom, Liu Ying was in no mood to ask, and began his story.

He had an older brother named Liu He. They had grown up together in the main Liu residence. Though they had different personalities and often clashed, they mostly kept to themselves, their lives generally separate and peaceful.

However, seven years ago, this peaceful coexistence was shattered by his marriage.

Liu Cailiang had made his fortune through business. By the time Liu Ying was born, the family was quite wealthy, and he stopped traveling, focusing on his younger son’s education, grooming him as his heir. Liu Ying lived up to his expectations, exceptionally bright and able to assist with simple business matters from a young age, much to Liu Cailiang’s delight. Liu He was the opposite, gloomy and withdrawn, always staying indoors, avoiding contact with others. Liu Cailiang would sigh whenever he saw him.

Time passed, and both brothers grew into adults, remaining unmarried and childless. Liu He’s reasons were somewhat unique, while Liu Ying simply hadn’t met anyone he liked. However, fate always arrived at the right moment.

About ten years ago, while handling business for his father, Liu Ying met a kind and beautiful woman from a poor family named Miao Lan. They fell in love, and their ages were suitable, so Liu Cailiang readily agreed to arrange their marriage.

Everything for the wedding was quickly prepared, and Liu Ying was ready to welcome his bride. However, on the eve of the wedding, strange things began to happen, disrupting the proceedings.

Their pets suddenly died, black crows circled ominously above the Liu residence, servants collapsed, foaming at the mouth as if possessed. The auspicious dates chosen for the wedding repeatedly turned ominous, forcing them to postpone it again and again.

Three years later, Miao Lan became pregnant, and they could no longer delay. Liu Ying discovered that his older brother, Liu He, had been obstructing his marriage. He invited Liu He for a drink, hoping to resolve their long-standing conflict.

Liu He, holding his wine bowl, agreed readily. But after the wedding, he suddenly changed his face, threatening Miao Lan’s unborn child to force Liu Ying to relinquish his inheritance and leave the Liu family, never to return.

Liu Ying, knowing his brother dabbled in unorthodox and potentially harmful practices, didn’t dare risk his unborn child’s safety and agreed. He was confident in his abilities and believed he could start over.

So, he took the money he had saved over the years, bought a house outside the city, and prepared to resume his business after the child was born.

A year later, Liu Ling was born. Liu Ying’s joy was short-lived when he heard that his father, Liu Cailiang, had fallen ill. He rushed to the Liu residence to inquire, but was turned away at the door, unable to even see his father.

After that, he cared for his wife and daughter, resumed his business to support his family, and repeatedly tried to persuade Liu He to let him see his father, but to no avail.

One day, worried about his father’s condition, he snuck into the Liu residence at night, climbing over the wall. Before he could find his way in the darkness, he was discovered by the servants, beaten, and thrown out as a thief, breaking his leg in the process.

The servants dared to lay their hands on him, the former young master, only because Liu He had ordered it. Such disregard for family was heartbreaking. He recuperated at home, racking his brains, unable to understand how things had become so strained between them.

Miao Lan, tending to his wounds, wept, believing it was her fault that the brothers had fallen out, though she didn’t know the details.

Liu Ying, knowing his wife’s kind nature, comforted her, saying not to worry, that the Liu family wouldn’t shut him out forever.

When Liu Ling turned four, she was a lovely, intelligent, and charming child. Miao Lan, holding her daughter, wanting to ease her husband’s worries, went to the gate of the Liu residence, hoping the child could melt the ice between the brothers. She hadn’t held much hope, but upon seeing Liu Ling, Liu He seemed to be moved and agreed to let them see their father.

Overjoyed, Liu Ying rushed to the Liu residence and was heartbroken to see his father bedridden.

Illness could be treated, but old age couldn’t be helped. Liu Cailiang seemed to be nearing the end of his life. Though he had no obvious ailments, his eyes grew cloudy. He lost all his teeth and gradually couldn’t recognize his own son, unable to speak clearly, but he adored his granddaughter, Liu Ling, often wanting to hold her, but lacking the strength to lift his arms.

While still lucid, Liu Cailiang often apologized to his sons, to Miao Lan, and to his granddaughter, for the hardships they had endured.

At these times, Liu Ling would lean close to the bed, showing him the little clay figures she had made: a family of five sitting together at the table, smiling faces drawn with ink.

Tears welled up in Liu Cailiang’s old eyes as he stroked the girl’s forehead, saying he was fortunate.

Six months ago, after years of being bedridden, he finally passed away.

Although Liu He hadn’t treated his father well, the funeral was impeccable, everything proper and the tomb lavish. Liu Ying was relieved, believing their conflict was finally over. He invited his brother for a final drink, telling him that his family was happy, his business was thriving, and everything was well, hoping Liu He would also live well.

Liu He, holding his wine bowl, remained silent.

Later, Liu Ling suddenly fell ill.

Thinking back, Liu Ying regretted not connecting the dots sooner. His fingers crackled as he clenched them, filled with rage, “To treat Xiao Ling, I spent all our money, my business failed. I asked Liu He for help, but he refused. I thought he still resented me, but I never imagined…”

“You never imagined he would actually harm your child and insult your father’s soul,” Mu Qiandan finished his sentence.

Liu Ying raged, “I never thought he could be so cruel!”

Mu Qiandan scoffed, “That madman showed his true colors when he drove you and your wife out of the family home. It’s naive of you to still hold out hope for such a person.”

“He’s my brother… blood is thicker than water…” Liu Ying’s hands trembled with rage and grief. Suddenly, he shouted, “I’m going to confront him!”

He turned to leave, and Mu Qiandan, carrying Shang Shang, followed. Passing the tombstone again, she glanced at the inscription under the moonlight. At the bottom, the names of the deceased’s relatives were carved. Liu He, the eldest son, who should have been listed first, was absent.

The funeral was arranged by Liu He, so he must have seen the inscription, yet he had omitted his own name.

Perhaps this brother didn’t acknowledge Liu Cailiang as his father.

The three of them hurried to the Liu residence without stopping.

In the dead of night, the streets were deserted. The gates of the Liu residence were tightly shut, no lanterns lit, no servants on guard. The Spring Festival couplets on the door, unchanged for years, were faded and peeling, the character for “fortune” long gone.

Liu Ying rushed to the door, rolled up his sleeves, and pounded on the wood.

The sound echoed loudly in the silent night, loud enough for anyone inside the large residence to hear. But despite his persistent knocking, there was no response.

Mu Qiandan noticed the dead leaves and weeds growing in the cracks of the stone steps, clearly not having been cleaned in a while. She asked, “Are you sure he still lives here?”

Liu Ying replied, “Yes, he lives here, but he rarely goes out, that’s why the entrance is overgrown.”

He was about to knock again when Mu Qiandan stopped him, “No need.”

She had him step back and dropped Shang Shang to the ground. Walking to the door, she placed her palm on the cold wood, channeling her spiritual energy, gathering it in her wrist.

“Open,” she commanded sharply, releasing the spiritual energy from her palm.

A blue circle of light appeared on the door, and in the next second, the door shattered with a loud crash, splintering into countless pieces that flew into the courtyard, the sound echoing before fading.

Her skirt and hair, stirred by the spiritual energy, slowly settled. Mu Qiandan’s eyes flickered as she withdrew her hand, looking down at her palm.

This was a power she had never possessed in her past life.

Liu Ying exclaimed, “The Immortal’s divine power!”

Closing her hand, she lowered it to her side and said, “Such a loud noise, and still no one comes out. Your brother sleeps so soundly, he wouldn’t even notice if his house was robbed.”

Liu Ying replied, “There used to be many servants, but Liu He must have dismissed them all.”

His anger still simmering, and worried about his daughter, he didn’t say much, heading straight inside. Mu Qiandan turned, intending to pick up the protagonist again, but found she was already standing.

Still bound, she stood straight. Noticing Mu Qiandan looking at her, she hopped forward a few times, indicating she could walk and didn’t need to be carried.

After venting her frustration by shattering the door, Mu Qiandan felt much better and let her be, walking into the courtyard herself.

In that short time, Liu Ying had already searched several rooms, going in and out, calling Liu He’s name, his voice echoing in the empty residence, but no one answered.

Mu Qiandan walked along the corridor, observing the dark interior.

Not a single lamp was lit in any of the courtyards, making her wonder if anyone actually lived here.

The sound of hopping followed closely behind, neither too far nor too close. Mu Qiandan wiggled her fingers, the wound beneath her sleeve still throbbing, irritating her.

She glanced at her feet, narrowed her eyes, and said, looking back, “Keep up, or I’ll carry you again.”

Shang Shang gritted her teeth in anger, but knowing she was outmatched, she obediently followed, hopping vigorously.

Mu Qiandan continued leading the way. In the darkness, she deliberately chose paths with many stairs. Sure enough, after a while, she heard a thud followed by scrambling as the person behind her tripped and struggled to get up.

Li Biyuan said, ‘You have quite the wicked sense of humor.’

Mu Qiandan’s expression remained unchanged. ‘I am the villainous supporting character, after all. You can’t expect me to be kind.’

Her tone was sarcastic and subtly barbed. After a moment of silence, Li Biyuan said, ‘Hmm… you really have a strong dislike for her.’

Mu Qiandan rolled her eyes. ‘How dare I antagonize the esteemed protagonist? You overestimate me.’

This was even stranger. Li Biyuan didn’t know what to say. ‘Um…’

‘By the way,’ Mu Qiandan crossed her arms, twirling a strand of hair around her finger, ‘Since she has the protagonist’s halo, she should know how to help a ghost cross over, right?’

Li Biyuan sighed, ‘What does the protagonist’s halo have to do with skills? She doesn’t even have spiritual energy yet, where would she learn how to do that? And you say you don’t have anything against her.’

‘Nagging.’ Mu Qiandan hit her where it hurt, ‘She doesn’t know, I don’t know, and you don’t know. Yet you have the leisure to chat?’

The sound of frantic paper shuffling came from the other side. Li Biyuan groaned, “I’m already searching with all my might, but the information is vast and complex, and it’s highly likely there isn’t anything… I’m so frustrated. The settings in these cultivation novels are all different, I can’t even use them as reference. Can’t these authors standardize things?’

Another thud came from behind, louder than the previous ones, suggesting a harder fall. It took a while for the person to get up.

Mu Qiandan subtly averted her gaze, slowing her pace. ‘Standardize how? Share a brain? Stop talking nonsense and hurry up and find it. I don’t have the patience to wait any longer. If I end up killing the ghost, it won’t be my fault if the mission fails.’

Li Biyuan wrung her hands. ‘Alright, alright… I know.’

As their conversation ended, Liu Ying, having searched every room, returned, looking bewildered. “He’s not here.”

Judging by the emptiness of the residence, this wasn’t surprising. Mu Qiandan was speechless for a moment before asking, “When was the last time you saw him?”

Liu Ying thought back, “Two months ago, when Xiao Ling’s condition worsened, I asked him for money, but he refused. That was the last time I saw him.”

Mu Qiandan pondered silently.

That Liu He fellow knew how to manipulate evil arts. He went through the trouble of attaching Liu Cailiang’s soul to Liu Ling, clearly to see his brother’s family suffer, ready to add insult to injury if necessary. So, he shouldn’t have left before Liu Ling died.

Otherwise, what would be the point of the torment if he couldn’t witness it firsthand?

Mu Qiandan raised her hand, spiritual energy gathering at her fingertips, the blue light flickering like a living thing, illuminating a corner of her face, her lips pink, her skin pale, like a beauty in the mist.

Spiritual energy could break down doors, could it be used to find people?

As she was thinking, she suddenly heard hurried footsteps behind her. Mu Qiandan froze, turning to see Shang Shang, who had somehow broken free from the ropes, charging towards her!

Her first thought was that the girl’s delayed reaction after falling wasn’t from pain, but from searching for a sharp stone to cut the ropes!

Her second thought translated into action. The spiritual energy gathered in her hand instinctively lashed out, the blue orb of light striking Shang Shang like lightning, sending her flying into a corridor pillar. Two cracks split the silent night.

The girl groaned, crashing heavily to the ground. Wood splinters rained down, covering her, while larger pieces splashed into the pond, startling the fish.

Mu Qiandan: “….”

Li Biyuan shrieked, ‘The protagonist!!!’

Mu Qiandan immediately shifted the blame, ‘She charged at me, it’s not my fault.’

Liu Ying stammered, “Th-th-this…”

Mu Qiandan walked towards the girl. “She should be alright.”

She hadn’t realized she had spoken her thoughts aloud. Just as she took a couple of steps forward, the girl sat up amidst the wood splinters, the string of her mask snapping, sending it tumbling down.

Mu Qiandan stopped in her tracks.

As the demonic mask fell, the girl’s slightly disheveled wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders. She raised her eyes, like a shower of radiant light. Her tattered clothes couldn’t diminish her beauty, her disheveled hair and furious expression only adding to her captivating presence. Even the heavens would be ashamed of their own creation compared to her.

This face, which those fortunate enough to see had called “Cloud Radiance Fairy,” didn’t evoke the moon’s gentle glow, but the more passionate radiance of the sun.

No wonder she wore a demonic mask; wandering the world with such a face would undoubtedly attract unwanted attention.

Mu Qiandan sneered inwardly, thinking: Li Biyuan was right, the female protagonist, bestowed with all the author’s favor, truly had a meticulously crafted face.

Any ordinary person would have been unable to get up after such a blow, but Shang Shang merely coughed a few times, a trickle of blood appearing at the corner of her mouth, which she wiped away with her hand. She pushed herself up, patted her ragged clothes, picked up the mask, and walked towards them.

Mu Qiandan frowned, fearing a sudden attack, gathering her spiritual energy again.

But Shang Shang didn’t look at her, stopping after a few steps.

She opened her mouth, realizing she could speak again, and said to Liu Ying, “I caught rats here before, so I know there’s a secret room. The person you’re looking for might be there.”

Chapter 3: This is Bad

After she uttered the word “save,” Shang Shang, who had been wriggling like a worm, suddenly froze. On the way to Liu Ying’s home, as he led the way in ecstatic joy, she was unusually quiet, hanging from the bamboo pole without a fuss, as if asleep.

Mu Qiandan enjoyed the peace and didn’t bother asking why she had suddenly become so docile.

Liu Ying hurried ahead, glancing back repeatedly with a hesitant expression, as if he had something to say.

After turning a couple of corners, he finally couldn’t hold back any longer, but still spoke hesitantly, “Immortal…”

Mu Qiandan lowered her eyes to look at him.

Liu Ying, suppressing his fear, steeled his resolve and asked directly, “Did this young girl… offend you in some way?”

His expression clearly showed his concern for his family, his mind preoccupied with worry, yet he still had the capacity to care about a stranger. Mu Qiandan asked, “Do you know her?”

Liu Ying replied, “I haven’t seen her in person, but I’ve heard of her. Wearing a demonic mask, a patchwork robe, and carrying a bamboo stick, she must be the famous Rat-Catching Cat Official around these parts.”

He was right. Before following Mu Qiandan to the immortal sect, the protagonist had her own way of making a living: catching rats.

For those who relied on the land, every grain was as precious as gold and jade, a comforting weight in the granary. The thought of filthy rats infesting it was heartbreaking.

Even if they didn’t touch the grain, the sight of rats scurrying across the beams of one’s home brought fears of disease or damage to the house. So, people hated rats with a passion and wanted to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Shang Shang was a renowned rat catcher in the surrounding villages and towns.

The book described her skills:

【A young girl, barely in her teens, yet a true expert at catching rats. She didn’t bother with fancy tricks, simply rolling up her sleeves and pant legs and getting to work. Agile and quick, she could catch over a hundred rats in a large house in the blink of an eye, not even sparing the hairless baby mice.】

With such skill and reasonable fees, she was naturally popular. Anyone whose home or granary was infested with rats would call for her, and within two hours, the place would be clean, even the nests eradicated.

Over time, she gained a reputation, earning nicknames like “Rat-Catching Official,” “Demon-Faced Ghost,” “Rat Exterminator,” and the most common, “Demon-Faced Cat Official.”

However, there were also rumors that those fortunate enough to see the face beneath the demonic mask had glimpsed a radiant beauty, like that of an immortal, earning her the title “Cloud Radiance Fairy.”

So, it was normal for Liu Ying to recognize her.

Mu Qiandan said, “It’s her. What about it?”

Liu Ying said, “I’ve heard this child is upright and outspoken, not one for mincing words. I was wondering if she might have said something wrong to offend you, Immortal, which is why you’re punishing her like this…”

Despite his age and experience with strange people and events, he had never seen anyone carry another person like a pig. He couldn’t tell if the Cat Official was exceptionally light or the Immortal exceptionally strong.

Hearing someone speak up for her, Shang Shang lifted her head, trying to see who it was.

Mu Qiandan said, “This is none of your concern.”

Liu Ying quickly added, “Of course, I wouldn’t dare interfere in your affairs, Immortal. It’s just that this child has a good character, and I was worried there might be a misunderstanding, so I spoke up.”

Afraid of angering her and causing her to change her mind, after saying this, Liu Ying quickly shut his mouth, hurrying ahead to lead the way.

Her head drooping again, Shang Shang observed her surroundings, trying to figure out where she was.

The three of them—one carrying, one swaying, one walking—arrived at Liu Ying’s home before nightfall. On the edge of a large forest, a mud-walled courtyard enclosed a dilapidated thatched cottage, the light from within flickering like a tiny star.

As they got closer, Liu Ying’s anxiety grew. He opened the courtyard gate and rushed inside, calling out before he even reached the door, “Wife!”

Hearing the urgency in his voice, Miao Lan thought something had happened and hurried out to meet him. Liu Ying grasped her hand and stepped aside, urging her to kneel with him, “This is a celestial Immortal, here to save Xiao Ling.”

Mu Qiandan, just entering the courtyard, stopped them, “No need. Take me to her.”

Kneeling and observing formalities was a waste of time; it was better to get straight to the point.

The couple hurriedly led her inside. Liu Ying wanted to pour tea, but he stood frozen, holding a kettle, unable to even pick up a cup. Miao Lan squatted by the bed, holding a bowl of water mixed with talisman ashes, her hands trembling with nervousness.

This Immortal was their last hope for saving their daughter. If this didn’t work, they would truly have to bury their child.

Mu Qiandan entered the room, her ice-blue dress radiating a soft light that brightened the dim room, truly like an immortal from a painting.

She stood still, looking towards the bed where the curtains were drawn. The girl, pale and thin, lay nestled in a thin blanket, her face dark, her eyes closed, her chest rising and falling weakly, barely clinging to life.

Shang Shang also saw the girl on the bed, her eyes filled with pity. As her gaze wandered, she seemed to see something frightening, her body tensing, her eyes fixed on the pillow at the head of the bed.

Mu Qiandan noticed her gaze and followed it. The old, yellow wall was covered in patches of mold due to dampness, but nothing else seemed out of the ordinary.

The girl’s serious expression didn’t seem fake; her eyes seemed to be truly focused on something. Mu Qiandan concentrated, her senses picking up faint traces of ghostly Qi, though nothing was visible to the naked eye. It seemed further action was required.

Li Biyuan timely found a method for revealing ghosts from the book’s keywords: a special exorcism incense needed to be lit, and a few drops of green water, in which Devil’s Vine had been soaked for seven days, needed to be sprinkled. As a proper immortal from a major sect, Mu Qiandan had both items in her pouch.

She dropped Shang Shang onto the floor, making sure the girl could see her actions, then rummaged through her pouch for the incense and green water, asking mentally, ‘Can the protagonist see ghosts?’

Li Biyuan replied, ‘The book doesn’t mention such a setting, but she has dragon blood, so some special abilities wouldn’t be surprising. She’s the protagonist, after all.’

‘Hmph.’ Mu Qiandan scoffed.

She took out a flint and steel, lighting the exorcism incense. The sparks flickered and climbed down, while smoke curled upwards, spreading throughout the room as a thin mist.

The Liu couple, surrounded by the mist, looked around in confusion. Suddenly, they saw a clear patch above their daughter Liu Ling’s face, devoid of mist, shaped like the upper body of a person.

Someone was standing over their daughter’s head!

Miao Lan, squatting right beside the bed, was extremely close to the human-shaped void. The thought of a ghost right in front of her made her hair stand on end. She dropped the bowl of talisman water, shattering it into pieces.

Fear made people want to flee, and Miao Lan was no exception. But before she could scramble away, she saw the human-shaped ghost seemingly clutching her daughter’s neck. Fear instantly turned into rage.

She cried out, leaping up with outstretched hands, trying to pull the ghost away from her daughter. Liu Ying quickly tackled her, and they tumbled to the side in a heap.

At the same time, Mu Qiandan casually opened the porcelain bottle, flicking her fingers to sprinkle the green water. The human-shaped void at the head of the bed darkened, gradually solidifying into a shadowy ghost.

The exorcism incense burned out, and the white mist dispersed instantly. The ghost emerged halfway from the wall, its head bowed towards Liu Ling, its hands resting on the girl’s neck, seemingly without applying any pressure.

No wonder there was mold only on that part of the wall. The ghost must have been standing there, phasing through the wall, causing Yin Qi to gather and manifest as mold.

The couple only saw a blurry dark shadow at the head of the bed, but Mu Qiandan clearly saw the ghost’s appearance: a skeletal old man.

Ghosts retained the appearance of their last moments alive. Judging by the ghost’s emaciated limbs and sunken cheeks, he had likely died of starvation.

As if sensing their gaze, the ghost slowly raised its head, its empty sockets like two black pools, cold and gloomy, yet radiating a chilling light from within.

This was a ghost.

Mu Qiandan resisted the urge to step back, staring at it, her lower lip caught between her teeth.

Li Biyuan couldn’t help but ask, ‘Why aren’t you doing anything?’

Clenching her fist, Mu Qiandan muttered, ‘Less talking from the peanut gallery.’

A ghost of this level didn’t require her bow and sword, which she wasn’t proficient with anyway. She took out the dagger she had used to threaten the protagonist earlier, preparing to swiftly stab the ghost through the heart.

Taking a deep breath, she walked to the bedside, raised the dagger, coated the blade with ghost-repelling potion, and aimed the tip at the ghost’s chest.

Just as she was about to strike, she noticed the ghost was missing an ear.

Slightly nervous from her first ghost encounter, and noticing this unusual detail, she subconsciously murmured, “One-eared…”

It was an unintentional remark made out of surprise, but Liu Ying, who had been sitting on the floor, suddenly jolted, scrambling to his feet, “Wait! Immortal!”

The dagger, about to be thrust forward, was stopped abruptly. Mu Qiandan frowned at him, slightly annoyed, “What?”

“I… I want to ask you, Immortal…” Liu Ying trembled, turning to look at the ghost. With his mortal eyes, all he could see was a dark blur. “This ghost only has one ear, is it the right ear?”

Mu Qiandan replied, “Yes.”

Liu Ying asked again, “Is this ghost a thin old man?”

Mu Qiandan nodded.

Miao Lan, supporting herself against the bed, stood up, a look of unease on her face. Liu Ying could barely stand, steadying himself to ask, “Then, may I ask, Immortal, what are this ghost’s other features?”

Mu Qiandan took a breath, suppressing her impatience. Considering the protagonist was watching, she briefly described the ghost’s appearance. As she spoke, Liu Ying’s face grew paler, until he was filled with fear and panic.

He turned and dropped to his knees beside the bed, crying out, “Father!”

Miao Lan, tears streaming down her face, also knelt beside Liu Ying, softly crying out for her father.

This unexpected development stunned Mu Qiandan. Her gaze swept over the couple, her hand hovering with the dagger, unsure whether to withdraw or continue with the exorcism. She had a vague understanding of the ghost’s true identity, asking mentally, ‘Was it like this in the original story?’

‘Let me check.’ Li Biyuan pulled up the original text, quickly scanning the beginning, her voice turning serious, ‘No, the master just dealt with the ghost directly. There was no scene of the Liu family recognizing their relative.’

It wasn’t in the original story, but it had happened now. Mu Qiandan realized it was her unintentional comment about the missing ear that had caused this.

As she was berating herself, Liu Ying turned around on his knees, kowtowing again until his forehead thudded against the floor, “Please, Immortal, help my father cross over. He was a pitiful man, weakened by illness in his old age. I couldn’t fulfill my filial duty when he was alive, and now I almost caused his soul to be destroyed after his death, I truly…”

He slapped himself hard across the face, his cheeks instantly reddening. Mu Qiandan looked down at him, “Just help him cross over? You don’t blame your father for haunting your daughter, causing her to become like this?”

Liu Ying sobbed, “Absolutely not! He loved Xiao Ling the most when he was alive, but he was bedridden and couldn’t even hold his granddaughter, which must have left a regret in his heart, so he came looking for her. I believe my father didn’t mean any harm. Please, Immortal, don’t hurt him, just let him pass on peacefully!”

Mu Qiandan closed her eyes, tapping her fingers on the dagger’s hilt, her heart filled with frustration.

She should have just stabbed him earlier, why did she have to open her mouth?!

Now, with Shang Shang watching nearby, she couldn’t destroy the ghost in front of her. Knowing the protagonist’s temperament, she would definitely refuse to become her disciple, and the apprenticeship plot would be ruined.

Liu Ying, misunderstanding her silence and recalling the tavern owner’s words, made up his mind. He wiped his tears with his sleeve and kowtowed again.

“I know you’re a noble Immortal with great power, and my repeated requests are unreasonable, and I can’t offer you anything. But you can have my worthless life, do with it as you please. I only ask that my daughter recovers and my father can pass on peacefully…”

Miao Lan gasped, shaking her head with tears in her eyes. She stood up, wanting to search the house for something valuable to offer the Immortal in exchange for her husband’s life. But their family had been left destitute after spending everything on their daughter’s treatment, scraping together only a single copper coin to buy roasted fish. Despite searching high and low, she returned empty-handed.

Shang Shang blinked, suddenly moving. She hooked her foot, gesturing for Miao Lan to come closer.

Miao Lan glanced at Mu Qiandan and cautiously approached, squatting down. Shang Shang straightened her back, showing her the pouch hanging from her belt.

Miao Lan understood, carefully untying the pouch. The girl tilted her head, seemingly urging her to open it.

The pouch felt heavy in her hand; she didn’t know what was inside. Miao Lan glanced at Mu Qiandan again, seeing that she was only watching without stopping her, so she opened the pouch.

As soon as the opening was revealed, a golden light spilled out, almost blinding her.

It was a pouch full of gold nuggets, each the size of a date.

“Mmmpphh!” Shang Shang struggled to stand but failed, so she nudged her chin towards the bed, her gaze fixed on Mu Qiandan.

The meaning was clear: she was willing to pay, hoping the Immortal would save them.

Mu Qiandan glanced at her and asked the system, ‘What would happen if I destroyed this ghost’s soul in front of her now?’

Li Biyuan gasped, ‘No, then there’s absolutely no hope of taking her as a disciple. With the protagonist’s personality, she definitely won’t follow you.’

Mu Qiandan said, ‘Then hurry up and find a way to help it cross over!’

The sound of rapid keyboard typing came from the other side, indicating the owner’s panic. A moment later, Li Biyuan groaned, ‘Oh my god, this is bad…’

‘What?’

Li Biyuan cried out, holding her head, ‘The book… it doesn’t have any detailed description of how to help a ghost cross over. I don’t know what to do!’

Chapter 2: Awaiting Destined Admiration and Betrayal

Mu Qiandan snorted, scoffing, “What’s there to be afraid of? Little brats this age are all stupid, easy to trick. Dazzle her with some immortal artifacts and she’ll be completely disoriented.”

The black hand sighed, “You underestimate the female protagonist. She’s not easily fooled.”

“Really?” Mu Qiandan’s expression remained indifferent. “That stupid face of hers isn’t very convincing.”

Silence hung in the air for a moment before the black hand hesitantly said, “Um… you don’t seem to like her very much. Is it because she bit you?”

Mu Qiandan retorted, “What else? Should I enshrine her? Thank her for tasting my blood?”

The black hand closed its eye, seemingly occupied. A rustling sound came from the other side, as if plastic wrap was being torn. Her voice was muffled, “You’re the female supporting character in this book. Your purpose is to motivate the protagonist, serve her, guide her onto the path of cultivation, act as her stepping stone, and help her grow. As the one who actively approaches and influences her, even if you don’t like her, you can’t show such obvious hostility.”

These words ignited Mu Qiandan’s fury. She hated two things most in life: being told her existence was meaningless or solely for the benefit of others, and being forced to do things she didn’t want to do. Right now, both were happening at once.

She curled her lip in a humorless smile. “Actively approach? Was it my choice to actively approach her?”

Hearing her hostile tone, the black hand knew things weren’t good. Just as it was about to backpedal, Mu Qiandan continued in a chilling voice, “You said earlier that I volunteered to come to this small world for the mission, and that I signed a consent form acknowledging the risks of transmigrating into a book, but I have no recollection of this. I don’t remember ever interacting with you.”

“You’re not here, just a voice telling me these things. I’m stuck here, unable to verify if it’s true or false. How do I know you’re not lying to me?”

The rustling on the other side stopped, followed by the sound of water, as if pouring hot water from a thermos. When the sound ceased, she spoke, her tone much more cautious, “I don’t know why you lost that memory, but I definitely didn’t lie to you…”

Mu Qiandan interrupted, “You’d better tell me the truth. If I go back after completing the mission and find out it’s not true, you and your transmigration agency can expect a lawsuit. Forcibly abducting someone against their will won’t end well.”

Black Hand: “…”

Mu Qiandan: “Respond.”

Black Hand: “…Understood.”

She fell silent for a moment, then the sound of slurping noodles filled the air. Mu Qiandan asked hesitantly, “What are you doing?”

Black Hand: “Eating instant noodles.”

Mu Qiandan rolled her eyes slightly, looked up at the sky, and stopped talking.

The eaves on both sides of the alley were like knives, slicing the blue sky into a long strip, with clouds flowing like a river.

Just a blue sky and white clouds, nothing special, an everyday sight that could be seen anywhere, identical to the sky of her previous twenty-seven years of life, yet no longer belonging to the same world.

Her past life—she supposed she could call the life she lived before coming here her past life—her last memory was of a snowy night.

Because of a painful incident she didn’t want to recall, she had fallen pathetically in an alley, covered in snow, her body stiff and unable to move. The alley was deserted, and she thought that would be the end of her life.

Before completely freezing, she suddenly heard the loud honk of a car.

Forcing her eyes open, she saw a blurry image of a luxury car breaking through the snowstorm, its headlights like the eyes of a tiger, the roar of its engine shattering the darkness, finally stopping beside her.

She remembered the screech of tires on the snow as the car braked sharply, leaving two long, black tracks. She also remembered the flashing headlights, the car door opening, and someone in expensive boots stepping out and approaching her.

She couldn’t see who it was; she was too weak and lost consciousness.

When she woke up again, her surroundings had completely changed.

She stood before a magnificent golden hall, with swirling immortal clouds and radiating light in the distance. In front of her was a cliff, and below, a boundless ocean. The waves crashed against the rocks, shattering into millions of gray bubbles, the cold, damp air rushing towards her.

Where was this?

The strangeness of the unfamiliar place didn’t last long, quickly replaced by greater astonishment.

She saw her own heart, shattered into pieces deep within her chest, and a pitch-black hand covering it.

Three realizations hit her instantly.

She could see her own heart as if she were looking at an X-ray. Her heart was broken. There was a hand on her heart.

…Was this still within the realm of human possibility?

Her mind raced, quickly arriving at an answer.

She was dead. This beautiful place was probably heaven.

She hadn’t expected this. She had thought that with the way she had lived her life, she would definitely go to hell.

Of course, reality was different.

The black hand opened its eye and, like a customer service representative answering a call, eagerly introduced itself:

Its name was Li Biyuan, and it was a researcher and observer at the Small World Observation Bureau. Its physical body was in the real world, and this was a world inside a book.

A world inside a book?

“With so many transmigration novels these days, you must have read some, right?… You haven’t? What about TV shows? Anime? You must have read novels? Not those either? Is there no entertainment in your life?”

“Well, it doesn’t matter if you don’t know. I’ll explain what transmigration is and what you need to do. Just listen to me and complete the tasks like an NPC in a game. Think of this as your starting village.”

“…You don’t know what a starting village is?”

Out of touch with popular culture, Mu Qiandan spent a considerable amount of time understanding the complex settings and her current situation.

This was an ancient fantasy romance novel, focused on a female protagonist. It told the story of a young girl named Shang Shang who, after unexpectedly becoming the disciple of Yao’e Immortal, the Lord of Cangqing Hall in Tianyu Gate, honed her skills in the immortal world, experiencing friendship, love, family, and a range of emotions, before ultimately killing her betraying master to achieve enlightenment, discovering her true identity as a dragon, and finally overcoming all obstacles to become a god.

After learning the whole story from Li Biyuan, as if undergoing a census interrogation, and with the real scene unfolding before her eyes, even the staunch materialist Mu Qiandan had to believe: In the blink of an eye after losing consciousness, she had a new identity—the villainous supporting character, Yao’e Immortal, the master who would eventually be killed by the protagonist.

When asked about the purpose of her transmigration, Li Biyuan explained: If the main world was considered an aquarium, the small worlds within books were like complete, self-contained fish tanks. Their creation and destruction didn’t require intervention from the main world, so most researchers were merely “observers.”

However, in certain special circumstances, such as a cracked tank, contaminated water leakage, or even escaping fish, which could endanger the safety of the aquarium, intervention was necessary.

Mu Qiandan asked, “So Shang Shang’s book, the tank cracked?”

Li Biyuan replied, “To be precise, a big fish escaped.”

Not long ago, during her routine observation of multiple small worlds, she discovered a deviation in the plot of this book. The most powerful cultivators in the book gathered together, and one with the power of prophecy foretold a very ominous future.

One day, a black dragon god, its body larger than mountains, its eyes brighter than the sun, would tear open the sky from the highest point in the world, causing mountains to collapse, oceans to surge, and heaven and earth to shatter, bringing great calamity to both the mortal and immortal realms.

This was completely different from the original story.

The black dragon was undoubtedly the protagonist, Shang Shang. However, under normal circumstances, she would become a benevolent god, protecting the world and revered by countless people. She wouldn’t commit such destructive acts.

Moreover, to Li Biyuan’s horror, she discovered that the protagonist was desperately trying to tear open the sky, seemingly to reach the main world.

This was terrifying!

Although no protagonist had ever successfully escaped from a book’s small world since they were first observed, Shang Shang might be different. Even the slightest possibility couldn’t be ignored.

After all, a creature like a dragon god was beyond human comprehension. If it truly broke through the dimensional barrier and entered the real world, the consequences would be devastating.

After reaching this conclusion, Li Biyuan began to ponder.

What happened to cause such a drastic change in the protagonist’s path?

And why was she so determined to come to the main world?

Not daring to delay, Li Biyuan began observing the progression of the small world, trying to pinpoint where the plot diverged. Fearing she might miss a detail, she worked day and night, dark circles forming under her eyes, even eating at her observation station.

Her efforts paid off. Half a month after the prophecy was revealed, she discovered that Yao’e Immortal, the crucial character who guided the protagonist onto the path of cultivation, had suffered Qi deviation during cultivation, causing her spiritual energy to converge on her heart and explode!

With no time to think, Li Biyuan immediately used a special tool from the Observation Bureau to enter the small world, transforming into a black hand, and at the moment the heart shattered, she grasped it, preventing the master’s body from dying.

Then, she placed Mu Qiandan’s soul inside, hoping that she would take over the role of the unexpectedly deceased master, following the original plot, preventing the story’s framework from collapsing, and guiding the protagonist back onto the right path.

Feeling the surge of spiritual energy in her palm, Mu Qiandan asked, “Where is your Observation Bureau located? Why have I never heard of it?”

Li Biyuan replied, “We’re a confidential government organization. Ordinary people don’t have the right to know. But don’t worry, when you wake up, you’ll be there.”

Since she was here and couldn’t leave on her own, Mu Qiandan, despite her dissatisfaction, could only temporarily accept this. She turned to confirm more important information, “If I complete the mission, the things you promised… are they real?”

Li Biyuan: “Absolutely.”

Mu Qiandan fell silent.

Under normal circumstances, her unwillingness to be manipulated wouldn’t have made her interested in such an activity.

But Li Biyuan said that all procedures for this transmigration were carried out with mutual consent. She also said how meaningful it was to experience a completely different life in another world. Moreover, the reward upon completion was substantial, enough to change her life completely.

Whether it was meaningful or not didn’t matter. Mu Qiandan needed that money to salvage her messy life.

But why didn’t she remember any of this conversation?

Had she been lying in the snow for so long that her brain froze and she lost her memory?

Li Biyuan said, “I know you have many questions, and I’ll explain them to you gradually later. Now, the main plot has already begun. Go find the protagonist.”

After a brief moment of thought, Mu Qiandan said, “Send me the location.”

There was no time to dwell on the past. The flow of time couldn’t be stopped. She didn’t have a “go with the flow” mentality, and she didn’t understand the rules of this new game at all, but for the sake of survival, she was willing to try.

And in a distant town, the female protagonist, Shang Shang, whom she was destined to introduce to the world of cultivation, with whom she would have a thousand entanglements and eventually fall out with, was waiting there.

Awaiting the arrival of destined admiration and betrayal.

A crash echoed in her ears, shattering the flashback. Mu Qiandan snapped back to reality, looking towards the source of the sound.

It turned out that Shang Shang, in her struggles, had kicked a water jar, clear water gushing from the crack, quickly soaking her clothes, darkening the fabric and clinging to her body.

Li Biyuan said, “The protagonist is the absolute center of the world, often imbued with the author’s infinite favor. Just look at the female lead, the author must have spent a lot of time crafting her. Such game model-like proportions look surprisingly natural on a real person! She’s so beautiful!”

Mu Qiandan scrutinized her from head to toe. The female protagonist was only fifteen years old, but her figure was already exceptional. Despite being bound by ropes and wearing patched-together rags, her slender waist and long legs were evident, her curves accentuated by the wet clothes.

“I really want to see what she looks like after she becomes a god, what her dragon form, more majestic and awe-inspiring than mountains, looks like. It must be so cool and exciting, I’m so looking forward to it…”

The other person’s praises continued, grating on Mu Qiandan’s ears. She withdrew her gaze. “It’s just the creator’s setting. If they want her to be beautiful, she’s beautiful. If they want her to be ugly, she’s ugly. Same goes for strength and weakness. She’s essentially a virtual character subject to change. What’s the point of discussing this?”

Li Biyuan said, “Of course it’s meaningful. It’s good for the observer’s eyes, that’s the meaning!”

Mu Qiandan said coldly, “Meaningless.”

Static crackled. Li Biyuan was silent for a moment before quietly asking, “Do you think virtual characters have no value of existence?”

Mu Qiandan replied, “At least it’s not necessary to waste too much thought on them.”

Li Biyuan slurped up another mouthful of noodles, abruptly changing the subject, “Are you going to start the plot now?”

Mu Qiandan, also having no desire to continue the conversation, stood up. “I’ll make a decision after confirming one more thing.”

Seeing her finally react, Shang Shang thought her kicking the water jar had worked and tried to kick her again. However, even with her long legs, she couldn’t reach the person standing far away, despite her best efforts.

Mu Qiandan watched her actions coldly, placing her palm over the wound again. The bite marks and the surrounding area throbbed with pain, impossible to ignore.

She rummaged through her storage pouch, which contained all sorts of artifacts, talismans, daily necessities, and odds and ends, but no medicine. Li Biyuan suggested, “Just wait until you go back to treat it.”

Mu Qiandan frowned slightly, pulling down her sleeve to cover the wound.

The female lead was still thrashing about, her stamina impressive. Mu Qiandan flicked her fingers, sending out a bit of spiritual energy to dissolve the cloth gagging Shang Shang’s mouth. Her tongue freed, the words trapped in her throat finally exploded, “You unreasonable moth! When I break free from these ropes, you’re finished!”

The girl’s voice was clear and resonant, like a sharp arrow piercing through the fog, ringing in the ears like crisp rain. Unfortunately, the content wasn’t pleasant.

Mu Qiandan said, “Your ears must be malfunctioning. It’s Yao’e, not moth.”

Shang Shang raged, “I’ll call you whatever I want! If you don’t want to hear it, you should have cut out my tongue!”

Mu Qiandan leaned closer, “Alright.”

Shang Shang froze, subconsciously shifting her body. The water gathered in the hollow of her collarbone trickled down her pale neck.

Mu Qiandan flicked her skirt, squatting beside her, her emotionless eyes fixed on Shang Shang. Then, she took out a dagger, her jade-like fingers slowly caressing the hilt.

The sun shone from behind her, casting a shadow over Shang Shang’s upper body. The girl stared at her warily in the darkness.

“I’ll ask you one last time…” Mu Qiandan began slowly, her voice like ice shards, with a barely perceptible hint of softness on the surface.

“Do you want to become my disciple or not?”

Shang Shang kicked her legs and snorted. She didn’t want to answer, but seeing the hand gradually closing around the dagger’s hilt, she quickly blurted out, “You’re so strange!”

Mu Qiandan: “Oh?”

Fearing the crazy woman might suddenly attack her tongue, even with the mask as a shield, Shang Shang spoke without opening her mouth too much, “Suddenly appearing, suddenly wanting to take me as your disciple, suddenly beating me up, it’s all so bizarre. I don’t want to go with someone like you.”

Mu Qiandan’s gaze drifted as she recalled the original plot. It seemed she had indeed acted rather abruptly.

In the original story, their first encounter was when Shang Shang witnessed Yao’e Immortal exorcising a ghost for the Liu family’s young daughter.

That scene of saving a life ignited a desire for cultivation in the girl who had never been exposed to immortal arts, leading her to persistently pester Yao’e to take her back to the sect. Yao’e initially refused but eventually agreed after being worn down by the girl’s constant requests, though the process wasn’t without its difficulties.

However, after transmigrating, Mu Qiandan hadn’t taken long to travel from Tianyu Gate to find Shang Shang. She hadn’t yet fully detached from her modern habits and mindset, even now.

So, adhering to the principle that only the result mattered, not the method, she wanted to skip the scary exorcism part and directly persuade the female protagonist to become her disciple.

After all, she had lived in a world without ghosts for twenty-seven years. If possible, who would want to face such things?

This line of thinking wasn’t inherently wrong, but Mu Qiandan forgot her own terrible personality and lack of communication skills. The conversation with the protagonist quickly went south, and she ended up getting bitten.

She rarely experienced such physical pain, and extreme pain translated into rage. So, in her fury, she tied the girl up and went off to have tea and rest. She hadn’t expected to run into the Liu family, who needed her help with the ghost exorcism, according to the plot.

Seeing the protagonist’s fierce resistance, she probably wouldn’t back down willingly. It seemed the exorcism was unavoidable.

Li Biyuan suddenly said, ‘Wait… it just occurred to me, you didn’t want to help the Liu family at first, could it be because you’re afraid of ghosts?’

Mu Qiandan froze, speechless. “Ridiculous, how is that possible?”

Li Biyuan said, ‘Really?’

Mu Qiandan’s voice was laced with annoyance, “Don’t make wild guesses, absolutely not.”

She stood up, as if to prove a point, picking up the dog-beating stick beside Shang Shang with her toe. Infusing it with spiritual energy, she passed the other end through the ropes binding the girl’s waist and hoisted her onto her shoulder like a sack of rice, “That’s enough, let’s go take a look.”

Long hair cascading down, Shang Shang stared at the upside-down world, dumbfounded.

Was there any difference between this and carrying a pig?!

This was humiliating! She was about to protest again when her mouth was sealed shut by spiritual energy, reducing her to muffled whimpers.

Carrying Shang Shang like this, Mu Qiandan returned to the tavern.

Liu Ying was still sitting on the doorstep, his fingers tangled in his hair, his face etched with worry.

As Mu Qiandan approached, the tavern owner happened to come out, handing a package of roasted fish to Liu Ying, “Here, and some side dishes, you… oh my!”

He had seen her leave, yet now he was face to face with those cold eyes again. The tavern owner thought he was having a nightmare, but then he heard the Immortal say to Liu Ying,

“Lead the way. I’ll save your daughter.”

Chapter 1: That Annoying, Bitey Thing

“Immortal, I beg you, save my child!”

A shrill cry pierced the quiet of the second floor of the tavern, drawing all eyes.

A man in simple clothes knelt before a window table, his hands pressed against the floor as he kowtowed repeatedly, the sound of flesh and bone hitting the wood echoing sharply.

“My daughter is just seven years old, innocent, clever, and obedient. But she’s been possessed by an evil spirit and is bedridden. Medicine and exorcism haven’t worked, and now she looks like she’s fading…”

He wiped the tears from his eyes and cried out again, “…I don’t mean to disturb your peace, but please, Immortal, save my child! If she wakes up, I’m willing to be your ox or horse, I’ll even die for you!”

The man looked young, only thirty or forty, but his hair was completely white, likely prematurely aged by worry and grief. Unafraid of the stares, he knelt humbly in public, begging for help; he must have been truly desperate.

Listening to his pleas, it became clear it was for his child. A parent’s love knows no bounds. Such sincere grief, how could it not move one’s heart?

But the patrons of the tavern, looking at the one he was begging, felt that this particular person would not be moved.

The green leaves outside the window cast a shadow on the table. A woman sat by the window, enveloped in the shadow, her head turned towards the spring scenery outside.

The incessant kowtowing and crying were close at hand, unbearable to listen to, yet she seemed oblivious, simply sipping her tea.

In the sunlight, one could see her ice-blue dress, form-fitting and elegant. Looking at her face, her eyes were light, her lips a pale pink, and her features were as cold as frost and snow. In contrast to her pale skin, her long, black hair was lustrous and partially tied up, adorned with a crane flower hairpin crafted from gold and jade. The rest cascaded down, draping over a light blue bow and a slender, ancient sword.

She seemed to be recovering from a serious illness, her complexion pale, her waist too thin, and her face lacking flesh. Her thin eyelids gave her an aloof air, and her indifferent expression added to her cold demeanor.

The man was a mortal, likely unaware of this person’s identity, which was why he dared to approach her. But among the other patrons in the tavern were some rogue cultivators who recognized her.

The crane flower hairpin, the bow and sword, the ice-blue dress, the aloof and unapproachable demeanor—the characteristics were too distinctive. This was the infamous Mu Qiandan, also known as the Yao’e Immortal, the Lord of the Cangqing Hall, renowned throughout the cultivation world for her notoriously bad temper.

She had achieved fame at a young age, single-handedly slaying a small demonic creature, causing a sensation in the immortal world. Despite her relatively limited experience, she was promoted directly to Hall Lord. With her demon-slaying record and her position in Tianyu Gate, one of the five great immortal sects, almost every cultivator had heard of her deeds and her temperament, and most despised and looked down on her, believing her to be completely lacking in immortal qualities.

She was more disliked than some demons who wreaked havoc in the mortal realm.

She clearly possessed demon-slaying techniques, strength, and beauty, and held a high position. Why was her reputation so poor?

There were certainly several past incidents that contributed to this, but for now, let’s just mention the most unacceptable one: her disdain for mortals!

There were other arrogant immortals who, wielding power, considered themselves superior and mortals insignificant.

But even if they felt disdain in their hearts, they would at least maintain a facade. The Yao’e Immortal, however, didn’t even bother pretending. She was famously cold and heartless, aloof and detached.

In the towns and villages under the protection of Tianyu Gate, whenever faced with demonic disturbances, the people would seek help from the sect. For many years, they had petitioned the Sect Leader, the other four Hall Lords, even the disciples, but never her.

This was because, in the early years, all requests for help, regardless of their importance or the offered reward, were rejected by her without explanation. Over time, naturally, no one bothered to disturb her anymore.

So, hoping for this cold-blooded person to offer assistance was akin to dreaming.

The man’s forehead was bleeding from the repeated kowtows. Some onlookers couldn’t bear to watch, but they didn’t dare to intervene, fearing they would be mocked by the Yao’e Immortal.

Even if they were dissatisfied, no one was foolish enough to challenge the legendary demon-slaying bow.

Despite receiving no response from the woman, the man clung to her as his last hope, refusing to give up.

He thought he wasn’t sincere enough, that he hadn’t moved the Immortal. He didn’t realize she had other considerations.

‘Does it really have to follow this plot?’ Mu Qiandan closed her eyes, asking her heart one last time.

Deep within her chest, on her slowly beating, flesh-colored heart, were several deep, jarring cracks.

Despite these crisscrossing scars, the heart hadn’t shattered, only because a pitch-black hand held it within its grasp, preventing it from falling apart.

‘Following the original story exactly minimizes the chance of error.’ The black hand gripped the broken heart, and a crack appeared on the back of its hand, opening to reveal a rolling eye. ‘Besides, although this body is weak, its spiritual power is sufficient. Don’t worry.’

Mu Qiandan scoffed, ‘I’m the one who has to act and get hurt, of course you’re not worried.’

The black hand chuckled, ‘Trust me, if I could cross over, I would have long ago. But I can’t. Also, if you had listened to me from the beginning, you wouldn’t have been bitten. Hasn’t losing all that blood taught you a lesson? Just focus on the mission.’

Hearing this, Mu Qiandan curled the hand resting on her knee.

On the fair skin of her hand, where the meridians were slightly raised, was a ring of bite marks. The wound was deep, its edges white, revealing the red flesh within, like a freshly cut, dark watermelon.

This was the injury she had sustained when she tried to grab the female protagonist and was bitten by that annoying, dog-like creature.

She was still disgruntled, but she didn’t bother arguing. Suddenly, she set down her teacup, the bottom clinking against the table.

The patrons, already holding their breath, became even more silent at this sound.

The tavern owner had already come upstairs and was squatting behind the railing, observing the situation. Seeing that things weren’t looking good, he hurried forward, smiling apologetically.

“I’m so sorry, Immortal. I was busy downstairs and didn’t notice this old man disturbing your tea. I’ll take him away immediately and send up some small dishes as an apology. Please forgive me, Immortal.”

The man didn’t want to leave, his fingers gripping the floorboards, his cries intensifying. The tavern owner, sweating profusely, kept the smile plastered on his face as he gripped the man’s arm and dragged him downstairs, both stumbling.

Throughout this, the Immortal didn’t even glance at them.

Only when they reached the front door did the tavern owner release his grip. His back drenched in cold sweat, he put his hands on his hips and panted. The man slumped to the ground, his eyes vacant, as if the earlier pleas had drained all his strength.

Recalling the chilling aura of the Immortal, the tavern owner shuddered and said sharply, “I didn’t even dare say a word to her when I served her tea. Liu Da, are you tired of living?”

“What can I do…” Liu Ying fumbled to sit on the doorstep, murmuring, “Xiao Ling is dying, I really don’t know what to do…”

“I understand your anxiety, but… this person can’t be provoked.” The tavern owner sighed and squatted down, his hands tucked in his sleeves. After a moment, he said, “If she had taken offense at your disturbance and decided to attack you, you could have lost your life. Your family is already struggling, if something happened to you, what would your wife do?”

Wiping the blood from his forehead, Liu Ying sat up straight on the threshold. The breeze outside calmed him down somewhat. He thought of the Immortal’s cold face and felt a pang of fear, but he also couldn’t understand. “She’s an Immortal who eliminates evil and upholds justice. I’m just a mortal, not a demon. Even if she’s displeased, she might beat me, but how could she be so cruel as to take my life?”

The tavern owner lowered his voice, “No one ever said that cultivators only kill evil beings. There are plenty of immortals with wicked hearts who abuse their power.”

Liu Ying remained silent.

Fearing that he might lose his mind and go begging again, the tavern owner decided to explain the seriousness of the situation, hoping to scare him into submission. He glanced upwards, making sure they were far enough away that the Yao’e Immortal couldn’t hear, and then began to speak carefully.

“I’m not trying to scare you, you need to listen carefully. This Immortal has committed many evil deeds, countless in number, but there are three that are most widely known. They are: ‘Burning the Infant Spirit Manor, Resentment Filling the Sky’, ‘Standing Idly By in Tongling Town’, and ‘Betraying Kindness at the Demon-Slaying Mandarin Duck River.’”

Although he was a mortal, he ran a tavern, and his patrons came from all over, so naturally he had heard many strange tales. Among them, there were many about this wicked Immortal. He had pieced together a partial picture of the Yao’e Immortal from snippets of conversation he’d overheard.

These three incidents, in short, were as follows:

The first, which took place in Hu City in the north, referred to a time when the Yao’e Immortal was still young and eager to gain merit by slaying demons. Disregarding human life, she burned alive a great demon and hundreds of infants in a sea of fire, resulting in hundreds of deaths.

The second occurred in Tongling Town. While watching a play, her mother, whose family had fallen into ruin, knelt and begged her for help, saying that otherwise the entire family would die. She threw money onto the stage, asking for another song, completely ignoring her own mother’s cries beside her.

The third incident was when, to save herself, she pushed her senior sister, Qin Shuang, a kind and respected member of Tianyu Gate, into the jaws of a demon, causing the virtuous Immortal to perish, body and soul.

Each and every one of these incidents demonstrated her insidiousness, cruelty, and utter lack of conscience. She was truly disloyal, unfilial, inhumane, and unrighteous.

These stories were chilling, painting the Yao’e Immortal as utterly evil. However, she was still active in the immortal world, unpunished and not expelled from Tianyu Gate, suggesting that these rumors likely contained both truth and falsehood and couldn’t be entirely believed.

However, the tavern owner was a mere mortal, incapable of discerning the truth, so he simply recounted everything he knew, hoping to frighten the man and prevent him from doing anything foolish again.

“I used to think of these as just stories, not taking them too seriously. After all, how could such a terrifying person exist? But now, I think anything is possible.” The tavern owner shook his head, slapping his knee and sighing deeply.

He recalled how, not long ago, when the Yao’e Immortal entered the tavern to order food, her ethereal and immortal aura had stunned him, making it impossible to connect this woman with the vicious and cold image from the rumors.

That was why he hadn’t stopped Liu Ying immediately when he saw him begging. He, too, had held onto a sliver of hope, thinking that the rumors might be false, that this beautiful Immortal might actually be willing to help.

But alas, reality had dealt a harsh blow.

Liu Ying clearly wasn’t interested in listening anymore. Seeing his slumped shoulders, he had probably given up completely.

The tavern owner sighed again, took a copper coin from his sleeve, thought for a moment, then added a silver piece, pressing them into Liu Ying’s hand. “Next time you come for roasted fish, it’s on the house. Keep this silver, even if you can’t buy medicine, buy some snacks. Don’t refuse, it’s for Xiao Ling.”

The hand he touched with the silver was rough, the palm covered in scars and calluses from hard labor. The tavern owner knew his hardships and his family’s situation. Even if he wanted to help more, he was powerless.

Liu Ying’s young daughter, Liu Ling, had loved his roasted fish since she was a child, coming once a month, rain or shine. The tavern owner was familiar with the father and daughter, occasionally exchanging greetings, and considered them friends.

After Liu Ling suddenly fell ill, he had watched Liu Ying desperately seek medical treatment, exhausting his time, energy, and savings, all to no avail. Seeing the girl getting sicker and sicker, her father’s anxiety and grief turned his hair white. Unable to bear witnessing this, the tavern owner asked a rogue cultivator patron to take a look, and they accidentally discovered that Liu Ling wasn’t sick, but possessed by an evil spirit.

The rogue cultivator wanted to help, but the ghost was powerful, and ordinary cultivators were no match for it. A more powerful immortal was needed.

There were no immortal sects in the area. Inviting a renowned immortal would be expensive, and Liu Ying couldn’t afford it even if he borrowed money. Tianyu Gate, which offered free treatment, was too far away, the journey too long and costly to undertake.

He saw Liu Ling growing weaker day by day, her father’s heart filled with anxiety and sorrow. Wanting to make her happy, he scraped together his last copper coin to buy roasted fish. The kind-hearted tavern owner accepted the single coin and prepared the fish.

While waiting, he saw the Yao’e Immortal dining in the tavern. In a moment of desperation, thinking only of his daughter lying in bed, he knelt and begged, leading to the current situation.

The tavern owner sighed again and again, as if sighing was all he could do.

“This damned heaven, why doesn’t it give power to those who truly need it?”

That Immortal, she could have saved a life with a wave of her hand, so why wouldn’t she?

They grew up listening to stories of immortals rescuing the suffering, believing that all immortals were compassionate and upheld justice, only to discover in the end that immortals were just people too.

Liu Ying clutched the silver tightly, his eyes unfocused. “Perhaps it’s just bad luck. My daughter’s luck is bad, my luck is bad. Like this, how can…”

“Don’t say that,” the tavern owner patted his shoulder. “The fish is almost ready, hurry and take it back for Xiao Ling.”

Liu Ying’s eyes reddened, “You’re always helping me, I don’t know what to do.”

The tavern owner said, “Xiao Ling is smart and everyone says she’s lovely. I can’t help with the exorcism, but I can buy her some food. Things being as they are, I just hope you cherish your life and don’t bother that Immortal again.”

Liu Ying’s voice trembled slightly, “Even if that Immortal is truly a murderer, as long as she’s willing to save Xiao Ling, I’m willing to give her my life for her amusement. Stabbed with a sword, shot with an arrow, whatever she wants.”

As soon as he finished speaking, both of them felt a chill down their spines.

The tavern owner turned around and saw the frosty woman walking towards them.

Unsure if she had overheard their conversation, the tavern owner’s legs went weak, and the back of his neck broke out in a cold sweat.

Mu Qiandan walked up to them, lifting her skirt as she crossed the threshold, glancing at them indifferently.

She had a pair of beautiful almond-shaped eyes that should have been full of charm. On her face, however, they held neither tenderness nor emotion, only the coldness of a harsh winter wind.

The tavern owner’s mind went numb with fear, as if he already saw the sharp blades reflected in the woman’s eyes. But the cold Immortal had already looked away, tossing the payment for her meal to him without a word, and turned to leave.

Ignoring the complex emotions of the two men behind her, Mu Qiandan walked away, reaching a small alley.

The sound of shattering pottery could be heard from afar. Turning into the alley, she saw shards of clay scattered all over the ground. Among them lay a young woman tightly bound with ropes.

Her wavy, long hair spread across the ground, black and lustrous like satin, a hallmark of beauty. However, on her face was a jarring, demonic mask. The young woman, seeing the newcomer, glared with such fury that her eyes, not covered by the mask, seemed to spit fire.

Mu Qiandan approached, looking down at her. “Have you thought it over? Do you know what you did wrong?”

“Mmmpphh!” Her mouth was gagged with cloth, so the young woman could only let out muffled shouts.

It was unclear what she was saying, but it certainly wasn’t anything pleasant.

Finding a clean spot to sit, Mu Qiandan rubbed her wrist and chuckled. “You have no manners towards your elders. Were you raised in the wild? No one to discipline you? I’ll take care of that.”

The young woman struggled incessantly, thrashing from side to side like a fish. Written on the forehead of the mask in cinnabar were four large characters: “Greedy for Money.” A copper coin hung from each eyehole, swaying like fish scales with her movements, reflecting the sunlight in two golden gleams.

The wound on her hand was sealed with spiritual energy and no longer bleeding, but the pain hadn’t lessened in the slightest. Mu Qiandan frowned, wondering how that annoying creature’s teeth could be so sharp, the bite so deep. She still vividly remembered the searing pain of teeth slicing through her skin.

If she was uncomfortable, she had to make the other person uncomfortable too. She threatened, “If you bite me again, I’ll pull out all your teeth.”

The young woman thrashed violently, trying to break free from the ropes, her cries growing louder, clearly enraged.

Seeing her struggling and furious, Mu Qiandan felt satisfied and decided to keep her tied up for a while longer before continuing with the plot.

Just then, the black hand on her heart spoke: ‘Stop playing around. You’re enjoying this now, but your relationship with the female lead is getting worse. How are you going to take her as your disciple later?’