After My Death, the Female Lead Breaks the Heartless Path - Chapter 15

Ai Yanran’s expression remained unchanged, still relaxed and carefree. “So, you mean to refuse?”

Yin Ruolan glanced at the map and sneered. “I don’t see the need to form an alliance with you. Penglai is notorious for going back on its word.”

Xu Jingqiu continued eating leisurely while openly observing Ai Yanran. She noticed that the woman showed no change in expression whatsoever. If it were the previous Ai Yanran, she would have been hopping mad by now.

Her level was indeed different. The previous Ai Yanran’s intentions were obvious at a glance, but this one, the very person who had once caused her immense suffering was someone whose thoughts she genuinely couldn’t decipher now. All she could tell was that the woman harbored ill intentions.

However, as long as Yin Ruolan didn’t agree, everything would be fine. They couldn’t possibly force Yin Ruolan to consent, could they? They wouldn’t dare. The only worry was if they had some leverage over her.

Ai Yanran was not at all surprised by Yin Ruolan’s refusal and turned her gaze to Wen Banxia, who was sitting nearby. Upon receiving the look, Wen Banxia shook her head calmly and said, “Duyun Sect will not participate either.”

Ai Yanran’s expression shifted momentarily, as if the situation had slipped out of her control, but she quickly regained her composure. With a feigned look of concern, she asked, “What’s wrong? Has something happened?”

“Not at all,” Wen Banxia replied with a smile. “It’s just that the sect leader has ordered all Duyun Sect disciples to actively deal with the evil spirits. We truly lack the combat strength to spare at the moment, as our main forces are engaged in fighting them. If we were to withdraw, I’m afraid the situation would become unmanageable. My apologies for causing the Divine Maiden to worry.” Her words, though polite, were a clear indictment of Penglai’s inaction.

After all, dealing with evil spirits was not only the responsibility of minor mortal sects like theirs but also Penglai’s duty. Penglai was established precisely to maintain peace in the world not to stand aloof and indifferent to human suffering.

Someone as shrewd as Ai Yanran naturally understood the implicit criticism in Wen Banxia’s words. However, Penglai’s reputation was of no concern to her. In fact, Penglai’s inaction only served to highlight her own role as a Divine Maiden who cared for the people.

“What a pity,” Ai Yanran said. “According to our disciples’ preliminary investigations, the secret realm is rich in spiritual herbs, beneficial to practitioners of all schools. It’s said there are even herbs specifically for the soul, such as ‘Memory-Seeking Grass’ and ‘Soul-Summoning Grass.’ It would be a shame to miss out.”

Xu Jingqiu couldn’t tell if it was her imagination, but she felt Ai Yanran’s gaze lingered on her and Yin Ruolan as she spoke, as if certain that Yin Ruolan would agree.

But how did she know about the memory loss? Xu Jingqiu pondered for a moment but decided to remain still for now. She could only sense a faint trace of the Heavenly Dao’s aura on Ai Yanran. Had it leaked the information? How did it know?

Yin Ruolan also wondered how Ai Yanran had found out. A glance at Wen Banxia, who seemed equally unaware, made it clear: this was a trap, and it likely wasn’t aimed at her.

“It is rather surprising that Penglai hasn’t taken everything for itself and is instead truthfully informing us,” Yin Ruolan remarked coolly, one arm wrapped around a bemused Xu Jingqiu while the other tapped slowly on the table.

Ai Yanran replied without changing her expression, “After all, we believe it’s inappropriate for Penglai to always take the lion’s share. Other sects should also have opportunities to seek their own fortunes.”

Yin Ruolan sneered coldly, “No need to beat around the bush. I know exactly what you’re like. Rather than wasting time here, why not speak plainly about why you’re seeking cooperation?”

“The secret realm requires both spiritual energy and demonic energy to open, and it must be at the Nascent Soul stage with perfectly matched power, no room for error,” Ai Yanran explained, casting an ambiguous glance at Yin Ruolan. “At present, the most suitable candidates are myself and Your Excellency.”

Xu Jingqiu was still sitting there, yet Ai Yanran spoke as if she didn’t exist, clearly taking advantage of her inability to use spiritual energy. Xu Jingqiu merely chuckled softly, saying nothing and ignoring Ai Yanran’s subtle provocation, though she couldn’t help pondering the matter.

This setup felt strangely familiar, almost like one of the little experiments she’d tinkered with in her free time.

Whenever she had nothing to do, she enjoyed attempting to fuse opposing forces, often resulting in lab explosions that cost her half her salary.

It probably wasn’t her doing, she shouldn’t have been here before. It was likely the work of someone with similar interests.

Yin Ruolan narrowed her eyes disapprovingly at Ai Yanran but ultimately nodded in agreement. “Fine.”

The Memory-Seeking Herb only it could alleviate Xu Jingqiu’s symptoms now. Even if it was a trap, there was no other choice. Besides, she had previously checked, and that kind of environment was indeed suitable for the herb’s growth.

Seeing Yin Ruolan agree, Ai Yanran nodded in satisfaction and turned to Wen Banxia. Wen Banxia appeared conflicted but eventually nodded as well. “Although the sect cannot participate, I can join personally.”

“However, I wish to join the Demon Lord’s side.”

Yin Ruolan clicked her tongue in displeasure, further resolved not to let Xu Jingqiu go. “Reason?”

Wen Banxia met her predatory gaze openly. “To promote peace between the two races. On this journey, conflicts between humans and demons are inevitable. As one of the top cultivators, my presence in the demon realm’s team can help mitigate disputes and prevent unnecessary clashes.”

Yin Ruolan thought that since Xu Jingqiu wouldn’t be going, keeping Wen Banxia under her watchful eye would be manageable. “Fine, but on one condition: seventy percent of the herbs you collect must go to the demon realm. Otherwise, return to where you came from. We have no need for false peace.”

She had assumed her terms were harsh, but Wen Banxia agreed without hesitation. “Deal.”

Yin Ruolan had forgotten that Wen Banxia would likely give most of the herbs to Xu Jingqiu anyway, she was never one for grand ideals. A miscalculation.

After that, Yin Ruolan left the negotiations to her deputy, Liu Ruichu, secretly placing a protective barrier around her to prevent Ai Yanran’s influence.

There was a reason she kept Liu Ruichu by her side: she had rescued Liu Ruichu while searching for materials to resurrect Xu Jingqiu. Liu Ruichu had her emotional soul stripped away, leaving her unable to feel emotions. After healing her, Liu Ruichu stayed in the demon palace out of gratitude, climbing the ranks through her own efforts. Whether in negotiations or combat, she was among the best in the demon palace.

“Are you really at ease? This Ai Yanran is quite peculiar aren’t you afraid she might fall into a trap?” Xu Jingqiu glanced back, still uneasy, and tossed over a device to shield against mental attacks. Yin Ruolan understood and handed it to Liu Ruichu, instructing her to wear it.

Liu Ruichu nodded without hesitation, put it on, and left the back room to discuss the details of their cooperation with the immortal lord from Penglai, such as troop deployment and the distribution of spoils.

Yin Ruolan nodded reassuringly. “She lacks an emotional soul, so bewitching spells have no effect on her. Besides, I’ve left ‘eyes’ on her. There’s no need to worry.”

“Is she trustworthy?”

“She is. Right now, she’s the one I trust most in the demon realm. She voluntarily swore an oath of eternal loyalty to me.” Yin Ruolan paused, then added, “For this mission, you should stay behind for now.”

Xu Jingqiu looked at her, waiting for an explanation.

Yin Ruolan continued, “Ai Yanran’s target is you. This is a trap she set.”

Xu Jingqiu: “Then why did you agree to it?”

“Because of the Memory-Seeking Herb. You need it, or your memories will gradually fade completely, right?” Yin Ruolan lowered her gaze, the worry in her eyes no longer concealed.

Xu Jingqiu fell silent. When it came to matters concerning her, she couldn’t expect Yin Ruolan to back down. “Is this the only option?”

“We can’t enter either, or we wouldn’t have delayed until now,” Yin Ruolan shook her head. “And the credibility is high the warning restriction I left there has indeed been broken.”

Xu Jingqiu looked at her, silent for a moment before speaking. “Actually, it’s not necessary. I’m not that fragile.”

“But I’m not at ease.” Yin Ruolan insisted stubbornly, already resolved to go. As long as Xu Jingqiu’s memory issue remained unresolved, she couldn’t rest easy.

Xu Jingqiu rubbed her temples, considering ways to remedy the situation. If Yin Ruolan went alone, something was bound to go wrong, the Heavenly Dao was still watching her closely. “Have you considered why the restriction requires the neutralization of two types of energy? What’s the purpose? To promote friendly cooperation between the two races? Unlikely. More accurately, it’s to prevent either side from entering.”

Yin Ruolan remained silent, simply watching her.

“If you insist on going, I’m definitely coming along to see for myself,” Xu Jingqiu stated. “I’m very familiar with this kind of machinery, and with me there, the Heavenly Dao’s influence can be somewhat suppressed.”

Yin Ruolan didn’t want to agree. “But—”

“Two choices: we both go, or neither of us goes. You decide.” After saying this, Xu Jingqiu found a comfortable spot to sit down. “Or do you want me to unlock this seal and explore the world while you’re away?”

This undoubtedly struck Yin Ruolan’s weak spot. After struggling for a moment, she asked softly, “Can’t we find a middle ground?”

“You’re worried something might happen to me, but if you go to the meeting alone, do you think I won’t be worried?” Xu Jingqiu retorted.

But Yin Ruolan seemed to miss the point, instead gripping Xu Jingqiu’s hand excitedly. “You said you’re worried about me? Does that mean you’re willing to accept me now?”

Xu Jingqiu: …

Is that the point?

“No, you misheard.” Xu Jingqiu withdrew her hand expressionlessly and replied.

If Xu Jingqiu was truly determined to follow her, Yin Ruolan knew she probably couldn’t stop her. Using the Soul-Binding Chain was out of the question she couldn’t bear it, as the chain would inevitably affect the soul to some extent when exerting control.

“I’ll have Liu Ruichu accompany you. That’s my only condition, you must not shake her off. By then, I’ll likely be fully focused on guarding against Penglai and won’t be able to keep an eye on you.” After another tense standoff, Yin Ruolan finally relented.

Xu Jingqiu thought it over and found no issue with the arrangement, nodding in agreement. “Alright.”

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