After My Death, the Female Lead Breaks the Heartless Path - Chapter 17

Yin Ruolan wrapped Xu Jingqiu tightly in a heavy cloak, fussing as she did so. “Beyond the demon realm’s towns lies the frigid wilderness. While we have spiritual power to protect us, you don’t. You must be careful not to catch a chill.”

Xu Jingqiu, who could barely move with only her eyes visible, remained silent.

Wen Banxia couldn’t help but comment, “How is she supposed to travel like this? Isn’t this a bit excessive? How will she even move?”

Yin Ruolan glanced at her, then led over a demon-flame horse from the demon realm. She lifted Xu Jingqiu onto the saddle and said, “Like this.”

Wen Banxia sighed helplessly and mounted her own horse. Outside the demon realm, spiritual power drained rapidly, leaving one exhausted in no time.

The demon realm’s environment had once been harsh and nearly uninhabitable. It was only after Yin Ruolan became the Demon Sovereign that conditions improved, allowing for the establishment of proper settlements.

In this regard, Wen Banxia held great respect for Yin Ruolan. While the world labeled the former Divine Maiden as deranged and bloodthirsty, no longer caring for the world, Wen Banxia saw her as still the same Divine Maiden only now, she knew who truly deserved her protection.

Meanwhile, after being settled on the horse, Xu Jingqiu curiously reached out to touch the fiery mane. To her surprise, it didn’t burn. Her clothes remained untouched, and the flames felt warm instead of scorching.

“This is a unique breed from the demon realm called the demon-flame horse. Its fiery mane makes it well-suited for these freezing lands. You won’t find them in the mortal realm or on Penglai Island they’re seen as ominous creatures, symbols of evil,” Yin Ruolan explained as she signaled the troops to advance.

Xu Jingqiu asked curiously, “Is it because they come from the demon realm that they’re considered evil?”

Yin Ruolan shook her head. Wen Banxia, riding alongside them, took over the explanation. “These horses actually originated from the Fire Forest in the mortal realm. They’re labeled as evil simply because they can survive in a place where no human can enter. Their black coats and crimson flames also contribute to the superstition.”

Xu Jingqiu found it hard to believe. “So, just because of where they live and how they look?”

“Exactly. In truth, they’re quite gentle and affectionate toward people. They fled to the demon realm to escape human persecution. The demons discovered them, and they’ve thrived here ever since, adapting to the climate. They’re quite beloved among demonfolk,” Yin Ruolan added.

Xu Jingqiu nodded in understanding and gently stroked the horse’s cheek. The horse nuzzled her hand in response, letting out a pleased whinny.

Amid the harmonious atmosphere, Wen Banxia couldn’t help but feel a twinge of frustration. She changed the subject. “What about that little white beast from before? Why didn’t you bring it along this time?”

“I left it guarding the demon realm. If anyone from Penglai shows up, it can just swallow them,” Xu Jingqiu replied casually.

Wen Banxia blinked, processing the statement. “Swallow them?”

Xu Jingqiu nodded indifferently. “Well, aren’t Penglai people considered immortals? Don’t be fooled by its reputation as an auspicious beast, the Pixiu is actually quite ferocious. It can devour treasures and people alike, and it never spits anything out.”

Recalling Ai Yanran’s plans, Wen Banxia decided against mentioning that such a fierce creature was guarding the demon realm. She considered it an act of mercy merely lighting a metaphorical candle for Ai Yanran in her thoughts.

Arriving at the border of the secret realm’s territory, the Penglai cultivators had already gathered, each dressed in resplendent attire and adorned with immortal artifacts. Upon seeing the demonic clan’s procession, the disdain and contempt in their eyes were utterly unconcealed.

The demonic clansmen were accustomed to such treatment and couldn’t be bothered to engage. In their view, the Penglai cultivators were nothing more than a bunch of lucky fools favored by the heavens, arrogant yet utterly useless.

If not for the sake of their revered leader and his consort, who would willingly cooperate with these self-righteous individuals?

The two factions looked down on each other, but by ignoring one another, they managed to maintain a brief period of peaceful coexistence as they advanced toward the secret realm.

During this time, Ai Yanran openly approached Yin Ruolan. Given her previous performance in front of the Penglai cultivators, they assumed she was acting for the greater good by establishing a relationship with the Demon Lord. No one found it strange; instead, they believed Ai Yanran was making a significant sacrifice by willingly approaching the notoriously unpredictable Demon Lord.

The demonic clansmen, however, were deeply displeased. Their consort was right there, yet this human repeatedly drew near and subtly mocked her. How could they tolerate this? If not for the necessity of cooperation, they would have rushed forward to teach her a lesson.

Wen Banxia, too, was irritated by the remarks. To avoid arousing Ai Yanran’s suspicion, she maintained a similarly hypocritical smile and skillfully diverted the conversation. Knowing Wen Banxia’s affection for Xu Jingqiu, Ai Yanran remained unsuspecting.

Yet, as Wen Banxia felt the appreciative gazes of the demonic clansmen behind her, she only grew more annoyed.

Halfway through the journey, Yin Ruolan noticed Xu Jingqiu yawning and raised a hand to signal the demonic clansmen to halt. “We’ll rest here before proceeding.” With that, she helped Xu Jingqiu dismount, retrieved a specially prepared chair from her storage ring for her to sit on, and even brought out a crystal ball infused with phoenix flames to keep her warm.

Xu Jingqiu, as a “mortal” without spiritual power, gladly accepted the care and pulled Yin Ruolan down as well. “Join me. This chair is plenty spacious.”

Yin Ruolan nodded but didn’t squeeze onto the chair. Instead, she settled Xu Jingqiu on her lap, sitting contentedly and happily. Xu Jingqiu could almost see flowers blooming around her.

The other demonic clansmen also took out their small stools, sitting down and toasting with wine while discreetly watching their leader and consort, their faces lit up with delight.

Wen Banxia sat down as well, and a demonic clansman warmly handed her a flask of wine, surprising her. “Thank you.”

The demon grinned warmly. “It’s nothing. Since you’ve helped our leader and consort, you’re one of us.”

Wen Banxia gave a bitter smile and took a sip of wine before asking, “Your consort is a mortal. Have any of you ever minded that?”

The demon glanced at Yin Ruolan and lowered his voice. “At first, some did, since she has no spiritual power. But how could we object when our leader loves her? Besides, ever since the consort appeared, our leader has rarely lost control. Her temper has stabilized a lot though she’s still a bit aloof, she’s nothing like before. She treats us much more kindly now, and that’s all thanks to the consort.”

“Moreover, the consort never puts on airs. She treats everyone well, especially our leader. Who wouldn’t love someone like that?”

“You see, for this march, all these supplies were provided by the Honored Queen, and the wine was also distributed by her,” Xian Zhufu remarked.

Wen Banxia listened, took another sip of wine, lowered her gaze, and smiled bitterly. “Indeed, who wouldn’t like it?”

While the demon clan was enjoying a harmonious atmosphere, things were different on Penglai’s side. Seeing Yin Ruolan halt her troops, Ai Yanran quickly signaled her own people to stop as well.

The Penglai cultivators grumbled as they dismounted from their spirit beasts, casting a disdainful glance at Xu Jingqiu, who was warming herself by the fire. “Tsk, mortals are always so troublesome, needing to rest after just a short journey,” one of them sneered.

“Exactly,” another cultivator chimed in. “What’s the point of bringing a mortal here anyway? To scream for help when danger strikes? What was the Demon Lord thinking? She’s so unreasonable.”

“Who knows? The demon clan has no brains, hah. I’d like to see how long this mortal can last.”

“Is she so fragile that she needs to rest after every short stretch? When will we ever reach the secret realm at this rate? Why would the Demon Lord bring such a burden? To show off? What’s there to show off about a mortal?”

Ai Yanran listened to the Penglai cultivators’ remarks without any intention of stopping them. Instead, she glanced toward Wen Banxia’s location from afar and felt reassured only when she saw Wen Banxia subtly nod at her when no one was looking.

It seemed Wen Banxia was still on their side and had successfully infiltrated the demon clan’s inner circle. Well, that was some progress, at least.

As for that person. Ai Yanran discreetly observed Xu Jingqiu, her eyes flashing with intense malice. That woman had already tried to steal Yin Ruolan from her before, even taking her away. And now, she was here again, trying to snatch her once more.

Truly a lingering ghost. With Yin Ruolan keeping such a close watch, there was no opportunity to act now.

But it didn’t matter. Once they entered the secret realm, things would change. According to the system, the spatial layout inside the secret realm was random, providing plenty of chances to strike.

Since Ai Yanran made no move to stop them, the Penglai cultivators took it as tacit approval and grew even bolder, their words becoming increasingly vulgar and offensive. Disciples from other sects glanced at them and quietly stepped farther away, afraid of being implicated.

In their eyes, the Penglai cultivators were no better arrogant and bossy throughout the journey. And their leader, still clinging to the Demon Lord even after she had taken a wife, what was she trying to achieve?

Such lack of judgment. The mortal cultivators exchanged glances and sighed in unison.

If not for Penglai’s forceful demands, no one would have willingly joined them on this expedition.

The noise from Penglai’s side grew louder, reaching the demon clan’s camp. Their expressions darkened, and some even began polishing their weapons.

Xu Jingqiu opened her eyes, slightly drowsy, and rose from Yin Ruolan’s embrace. Yin Ruolan gently held her back. “Not resting a little longer? Are you sure you’re alright? Did they disturb you? Do you need me to handle it?”

Lately, perhaps due to the impact of her damaged memories, Xu Jingqiu had become more prone to sleepiness than before.

Xu Jingqiu shook her head, handed the Phoenix Fire Pearl in her arms to Yin Ruolan, and said, “I’ll handle it.” Then, she glanced toward Wen Banxia, who had been watching them, and shook her head again, signaling her not to act rashly.

Xu Jingqiu pondered for a moment, then removed the cloak she was wearing. Clad in a practical combat suit, she strode directly toward the Penglai faction and said coolly, “It seems you’re quite dissatisfied with me? Who do you think you are? And by what authority are you judging me here?”

Ai Yanran stood up, attempting to mediate, “Miss Xu, they’re just concerned about you. You!”

“Would you like me to show you the same kind of concern?” Xu Jingqiu glared at her displeasedly, a faint golden light flickering in her eyes. “If this is how the Penglai faction expresses concern, I must say I’m truly enlightened.”

“You’re not convinced, are you? Fine. Anyone who’s dissatisfied can step up and challenge me. I’ll take on every single one of you.”

“If you can’t defeat me,” Xu Jingqiu swept a cold gaze over the gossiping cultivators, her voice dropping to freezing temperatures, “then swallow your discontent and choke on it.”

Wen Banxia watched as Xu Jingqiu went over alone, feeling uneasy. She turned to Yin Ruolan and asked, “Is it alright to let her go alone?”

Yin Ruolan gestured for the restless demons to calm down, then replied, “Don’t worry, she’s not as fragile as you think. Otherwise, I would never have allowed her to come.”

“Besides, she’s not going alone.”

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