After My Death, the Female Lead Breaks the Heartless Path - Chapter 34.2

“The forbidden land, huh? There are indeed some issues, but they’re not too serious at the moment.” Ling took out the key and handed it to Yin Ruolan, Xu Jingqiu’s intention was clear: this time, the demon realm’s problems would largely be handled by the demon realm itself, with her only providing assistance.

Yin Ruolan accepted the key and put it away, surprised that Ling had handed it over so easily. She had brought it up before, but Ling had never even mentioned what was inside.

“I didn’t tell you earlier to prevent you from being influenced. Divine matters cannot be spoken of lightly sometimes, just mentioning them can draw attention. Now that she’s here, she can protect you from the corruption.” Ling seemed to read her thoughts and offered an explanation.

“However, that Outer God has already awakened, so merely approaching it will affect you. I suggest you think carefully about whether you still want to go.” Ling looked at Yin Ruolan and Ye Shuran as she spoke.

Yin Ruolan nodded without hesitation. “I won’t leave her alone.” Ye Shuran also nodded. Having seen the state of those who had been influenced, she was deeply concerned about Xu Jingqiu going alone. If she went along, she could at least help keep things under control.

Yin Ruolan asked another question, “Is there anything else you’d like to advise, Lady Siming? Or anything more about this Outer God?”

Ling waved her hand and picked up her book again. “Since she’s here, she can explain everything tomorrow. It’s best if I don’t say too much to avoid causing any trouble. Words can be dangerous.”

Xu Jingqiu interjected, “Tomorrow? Is it really okay to wait until tomorrow? But what if, Ouch!”

Ling rolled up her book and lightly tapped Xu Jingqiu on the head. “Don’t think you’re immune just because you’re going. The seal is still in place. At most, that thing can only incite those with ill intentions. But you’ll be in direct contact. If you’re not well-rested, you’re more likely to run into trouble. Lack of mental energy makes you vulnerable to interference. If you want to solve the problem, at least make sure you don’t mess up yourselves.”

“Impatience is not the way,” Ling sat back down, though she didn’t resume reading. Instead, she took out her phone and started messaging someone while speaking. “Go back and rest for now. Neither of you has a divine nature, so you’re naturally more susceptible to influence. On top of that, her corruption has deepened significantly. It’s better to be cautious.”

Xu Jingqiu pretended not to notice Yin Ruolan’s probing gaze beside her, nodded slightly, and bowed to take her leave. “Alright, we’ll head back first then.” After saying this, she tugged at Yin Ruolan’s sleeve and glanced at Ye Shuran.

Ye Shuran nodded, carrying the little white tiger as she followed them out, unsurprised by Zero’s words. Xu Jingqiu’s corruption was indeed worsening, which was why the Institute rarely assigned her external missions anymore, except for those that couldn’t be handled by others.

Otherwise, this person wouldn’t have so much free time to wander around looking for someone.

Speaking of looking for someone Ye Shuran’s thoughts drifted again, uncertain whether she should tell Xu Jingqiu about the other “Yin Ruolan.” She truly wasn’t sure if this Yin Ruolan had any connection to that person.

Moreover, she genuinely didn’t want something like that to happen again. The day Xu Jingqiu appeared before her covered in blood had given her a real scare, while the other party involved had vanished without a trace. At her most vulnerable moment, the person Xu Jingqiu needed most had never shown up.

She should tell Xu Jingqiu this person gave off a vibe far too similar to the other “Yin Ruolan.” It would be best to stay vigilant. When she saw Yin Ruolan, she was genuinely taken aback.

But it had been a long time since she’d seen Xu Jingqiu so at ease. Ever since her breakup with the Yin Ruolan from that other world, Ye Shuran hadn’t seen Xu Jingqiu smile so happily or relax so freely in conversation with anyone.

Forget it, she’d just keep a close watch herself. There was no need to bring up unpleasant memories. Ye Shuran sighed, cradling the little white tiger, who had just recovered, and followed along, stroking its head as she walked. “Hey, why so listless?”

The little white tiger let out a weary sound, swatting at Ye Shuran’s hand in frustration, though without much force. The pressure from that human earlier had been overwhelming uncomfortable, and entirely different from the aura Xu Jingqiu gave off. Both were powerful, but that unfamiliar woman radiated a strong sense of danger, whereas Xu Jingqiu’s power was completely restrained.

Truth be told, Ye Shuran had been nervous too, but thankfully, Zero had mainly spoken with Yin Ruolan, so there wasn’t much for a minor character like her to worry about. “Anyway, it’s over now. Let’s go, let’s go.”

“Oh, right, you’re going tomorrow too, so after we get back today, you’d better not go looking for that Pixiu again,” Ye Shuran declared matter-of-factly. “And you’re with me.”

Bai Yi: “Awo?” Why? Her father had ordered her to follow Xu Jingqiu. Why did she have to stick with this human?

Ye Shuran replied as if it were obvious, “Because I’m scared! If something goes wrong, those two will be busy protecting themselves. Shouldn’t I find myself some backup?”

The little white tiger rolled her eyes in exasperation and let out a dissatisfied growl, only to have Ye Shuran cover her mouth. “Awoo!”

“Hmm? You’re asking why I’m going if I’m scared? Of course, it’s because I care about her. Let me tell you, among everyone here, only that senior and I can restrain her if she loses control,” Ye Shuran explained. “That’s why we became partners in the first place. I have the switch to her suppressor, and right now, only I can activate it.”

“Grr…” So, troublesome.

Wait a minute? The little white tiger, who had been lying down, suddenly sat up and looked at Ye Shuran in disbelief. Could this human understand what she was saying?

Seemingly noticing the little white tiger’s surprise, Ye Shuran’s lips curled slightly. “I’m a Spirit Channeler. Not only can I control plants, but I also have a connection with animals and can soothe agitated souls. For me, understanding the language of the demon race is quite easy. Alright, I know you have many questions, but now isn’t the time to discuss them.”

Ye Shuran couldn’t resist stroking the little white tiger’s head, inwardly exclaiming how satisfying it felt. “Knowing too much isn’t good for either of us.”

Bai Yi felt the fur on her head being tousled and couldn’t help but struggle. However, this human shamelessly used her abilities again, making her feel comfortable and at ease.

Fine, I’ll endure it one last time.

While things were harmonious on this side, the atmosphere on the other side appeared relaxed, yet tinged with seriousness.

“What exactly is corruption?” Yin Ruolan asked gravely.

Xu Jingqiu, on the other hand, seemed indifferent. They had long been mentally prepared for this. “It’s similar to what you call demonization here, or like that demon who suddenly went mad before. ‘Corruption’ is the term commonly used in the era of our predecessors.”

Yin Ruolan fell silent for a moment before asking, “So, will you eventually become like that too?”

Xu Jingqiu glanced at her and, after a moment of thought, decided to be honest. “It will be even worse.”

“What about that person? Will she end up like you?”

Xu Jingqiu shook her head. “No, ordinary investigators like Ye Shuran either die in battle or live out their lives peacefully in retirement. They don’t have to worry about this. Only the Seven Kings face this outcome. You could say it’s the price we pay for gaining power strong enough to rival the gods.”

Yin Ruolan clenched her fists, her voice growing hoarse as she spoke. “Is there no way to stop it?”

“Death,” Xu Jingqiu said calmly, as if discussing something entirely unrelated to herself. “Only death can bring liberation.”

After that, neither of them brought up the topic again. Yin Ruolan deliberately steered the conversation toward lighter subjects but couldn’t help dwelling on the matter.

As they turned a corner, she glanced back unintentionally and noticed that Ye Shuran was also lost in thought, her expression filled with worry and conflict.

Yin Ruolan: …

It seems she knows quite a bit. I’ll ask her after Xiaoqiu falls asleep.

Unaware that she had been marked, Ye Shuran began to ponder how she would rest that night, whether she could still sleep holding the cat, and whether she would really meet her end the next day.

Just as she finally managed to convince the little white tiger to rest with her, the person at the door shattered her pleasant thoughts.

With a grim expression, Ye Shuran asked, “What brings you here so late, Your Excellency? Shouldn’t you be taking care of Xiaoqiu? She’s still suffering from the aftereffects. I need to rest, I haven’t slept in days.”

“I added a calming herb to tonight’s meal, as Siming suggested. She’s sleeping soundly now,” Yin Ruolan replied. “Now, it’s time for us to talk. Just the two of us.” She then pointed at the little white tiger. “She can’t listen either.”

Bai Yi, who had just settled down: …

First of all, I didn’t provoke anyone.

To be honest, Ye Shuran didn’t know all that much. After all, she wasn’t like Xu Jingqiu at the Institute, she was only considered a mid-level investigator, and one who wasn’t particularly skilled in combat at that. The reason she had come here was because her ability, combined with the suppressor, could curb Xu Jingqiu’s corruption.

Even though everything had been explained clearly from the start, Yin Ruolan still questioned her about every single detail, leaving Ye Shuran’s already somewhat weary spirit even more exhausted.

After Yin Ruolan finished questioning her and left, Ye Shuran collapsed onto the bed, completely drained. Without even changing her clothes, she fell fast asleep.

Bai Yi couldn’t stand watching any longer. She shifted back to her original size, thought for a moment, then gently pulled the blanket over with her mouth to cover the other person. After that, she transformed back into her smaller form and comfortably snuggled under the covers as well.

A cat bed could never compare to the comfort of a human bed besides, she wasn’t really a cat anyway.

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