After My Death, the Female Lead Breaks the Heartless Path - Chapter 40

Ye Shuran felt that ever since Xu Jingqiu woke up, her already busy life had become even more hectic. There were endless matters to attend to, and it seemed impossible to resolve them all.

For instance, at that very moment, another issue had arisen on the front lines. Originally, according to the plan, Tianzhi had intended to minimize disruption to the world’s normal development. Once the battlefield situation stabilized and reached the final stages, the affiliated sects under their command would take over to wrap things up. This would also allow the flow of fortune to gradually shift toward these capable and ambitious sects.

Unexpectedly, some people had hidden their true intentions quite well. They had put on a facade earlier, but as stability set in, their greed began to surface.

These sects had not only been suppressed by Penglai but were also held back by the major sects, unable to rise. If Tianzhi hadn’t stepped in, shielding them from Penglai and the major sects’ oppression and securing their rightful interests, their ultimate fate would have been annihilation.

Now, however, Tianzhi had become, in their words, an obstacle to their development.

“That’s the current situation. Some sects have led the rebel forces in during the final stages of the battle and prevented other sects from completing their tasks. They’ve publicly claimed that all resistance against Penglai was the work of the rebel forces, while we’ve been labeled as the villains hindering the rebels,” reported a scout from the other end of the phone.

Wasn’t this a blatant case of stealing credit and shifting blame? From the sound of it, some had even betrayed them? Bai Yi, who had been comfortably lying on Ye Shuran’s lap, grew genuinely angry upon hearing the detailed account. This was nothing short of biting the hand that fed them and turning their backs on their benefactors!

Ye Shuran quickly soothed the bristling kitten and said to the other end, “It’s fine, just a minor issue.”

Bai Yi lifted her head in disbelief. How could this be considered minor? “Awoo? Awooo!” How could it be a minor issue? Those people deserved to be taught a lesson!

Ye Shuran chuckled lightly, completely at ease. “Of course, we won’t let them off easily. I’ve investigated the rebel forces their leader, Qu Tao, makes nothing but empty promises. I’m surprised anyone still believes him.”

“This really is a minor issue for me! You have no idea how much filthier things are in our circle. Matters like this aren’t even worth mentioning there, and they’re easy to resolve. They’re acting all high and mighty, but they’ve forgotten one crucial thing.”

At this point, Ye Shuran paused. Bai Yi, not hearing the rest, looked up at her. Seeing that Ye Shuran had no intention of continuing, she bit her in frustration.

“Ouch, that hurts!” Ye Shuran grimaced and shook her hand. “Alright, I’ll tell you! Why bite me? Ahem, the crucial thing is that the initiative on the battlefield lies with us. Once we withdraw, they won’t be able to stand against Penglai. Penglai’s combat strength isn’t particularly strong, but they’re situated at the convergence of spiritual veins, so their overall power still surpasses that of the mortal realm, which lacks spiritual veins. The demon realm originally had limited cultivation opportunities and was fragmented, but under Yin Ruolan’s leadership, they’ve at least achieved superficial unity. With new cultivation methods, their overall strength has gradually surpassed Penglai’s, which is why Penglai initiated peace talks. In terms of pure combat ability, Penglai is weak, and the mortal realm is even weaker.”

Ye Shuran’s words were not only an explanation for Bai Yi but also meant for the investigator on the other end of the line. After a moment of silent contemplation, the investigator asked quietly, “So, are we withdrawing our forces?”

Ye Shuran nodded and said, “Not just withdrawing. Didn’t they claim we were restricting their development? Then let them have their freedom. Inform all major sects, including Penglai, that we are revoking our protection over them.”

“Let’s hope they find the freedom they seek. As for what comes after? It’s no longer our concern.”

Resolving this matter wasn’t particularly difficult for Ye Shuran, but being betrayed still didn’t feel good, even if she was used to it. Ah, the only silver lining was discovering it early, what a headache.

Ye Shuran rubbed Bai Yi’s head again and was pleasantly surprised to find that Bai Yi didn’t struggle this time. But before her joy could last, Bai Yi broke free from her embrace, leaped away, and jumped into someone else’s arms.

It was Xu Jingqiu.

“What’s wrong? She’s not with you?” Ye Shuran glanced behind Xu Jingqiu, noticing the rare absence of Yin Ruolan.

Xu Jingqiu gently stroked the little white tiger’s head and said, “An elder wanted to discuss something with her and suggested it’s best I don’t join, so I came here instead. It seems you’re dealing with quite a bit of trouble?”

Ye Shuran waved her hand dismissively, as if it were nothing major. “It’s manageable, just annoying. Sigh.”

Seeing Ye Shuran’s utterly drained expression, Xu Jingqiu couldn’t help but chuckle and sat down beside her. “Tired?”

Ye Shuran nodded in agreement. “Definitely. I didn’t expect so many things to pile up, but it’s nothing compared to what you’re handling. Seriously, Xiao Qiu, you really should take a break and relax.”

Xu Jingqiu didn’t respond immediately, instead giving an evasive answer. “We’ll see. At the very least, I need to resolve the current matters first. I do want to take some time off and rest.”

“Do you have any plans?”

Xu Jingqiu nodded. “I do. Let’s wait until she returns. This plan can’t proceed without the involvement of the Demon Realm. For now, focus on handling your affairs and get some rest. Tomorrow, I’ll bring her along.”

“Okay! So, will the little white tiger stay with me or go with you?” Ye Shuran asked, her eyes fixed hopefully on Bai Yi. Bai Yi wagged her tail and looked up at Xu Jingqiu.

Xu Jingqiu said, “That’s up to you. We won’t restrict your freedom.”

After a moment’s thought, Bai Yi followed her instincts and hopped over to Ye Shuran’s side. She had seen where that Pi Xiu lived, it was practically a doghouse, far worse than Ye Shuran’s place.

She was certain Yin Ruolan would toss her into a doghouse without hesitation.

For the first time, with Xu Jingqiu present, Ye Shuran felt honored to be chosen by a feline companion. Her spirits lifted instantly. Seeing this, Xu Jingqiu didn’t linger any longer and bid farewell before leaving.

The follow-up matters were actually quite straightforward. After receiving the orders, the sects that had been secretly notified quickly grasped Tianzhi’s intentions. They all tacitly agreed not to inform the sects that had been delisted. Likewise, no one felt any sympathy for them.

They had chosen this path themselves, and now they would have to bear the consequences alone.

Meanwhile, whether it was Qu Tao or the sects that had chosen to betray, none of them were aware of this development yet. They were still busy discussing their plans.

Qu Tao took out the elixirs he had stolen from Penglai and placed them boldly on the table. “If you agree to cooperate and join our rebellion, your sect will never lack such pills. Basic resources like these are the foundation of a sect’s development, aren’t they?”

The sect leader stared at the elixirs, sensing the dense spiritual energy within, and felt his resolve waver further. It was true, the Celestial Order hadn’t given them much, only offering a few things and claiming they were entitled to them. But even those meager resources weren’t enough to distribute among their own ranks, let alone share with subordinates.

Seeing the sect leader hesitate, Qu Tao flashed a confident smile and pressed on, “Are you worried about being criticized by others?”

The sect leader, who hadn’t actually been thinking along those lines, paused for a moment before nodding in agreement. It sounded more respectable than simply wanting more and would make bargaining easier.

Qu Tao, well-practiced in addressing such concerns, leaned back casually and replied, “There’s no need to worry. Once their reputation is tarnished, breaking free will be effortless. But we’ll need your help for that.”

The sect leader’s eyes flickered with interest. “What do you intend to do?”

“Nothing too difficult,” Qu Tao explained. “From what I understand, the Celestial Order tends to withdraw once the battlefield stabilizes and victory is assured, leaving the spoils and glory to their subordinate sects. All you need to do is let us in during such moments, block those other sects, and then publicly support us afterward.”

He gestured toward the elixirs on the table. “Once this is done, I can offer you even more. But what can the Celestial Order truly give you? Do you really believe that after a war, they won’t seize the lion’s share of benefits for themselves, leaving you with scraps as if out of generosity?”

The sect leader didn’t believe the Celestial Order was entirely selfless either. Since both sides were fighting against Penglai, if the Celestial Order could do it, so could they. “Very well, it’s settled.”

Everything proceeded smoothly afterward, just as planned. They successfully infiltrated and seized the Celestial Order’s achievements, even if it meant accidentally harming many members of the subordinate sects. But that was insignificant compared to their grand ambitions.

Still, Qu Tao couldn’t help but wonder why these sects had accepted their terms so readily. Had they also realized that the rebellion was superior to the Celestial Order? He stroked his chin, thinking it highly likely. After all, the organization he led was recognized by the world far surpassing some unknown outsider group like the Celestial Order.

What he didn’t anticipate was that the very next day, the Celestial Order withdrew its forces.

The Next Day, Demon Realm

After issuing the order to retreat, Ye Shuran felt a weight lift from her shoulders. From then on, it was no longer their concern, let the traitors and the rebellion deal with the mess themselves.

Xu Jingqiu and Yin Ruolan watched the unfolding events with mild amusement but soon lost interest. Once the Celestial Order withdrew, defeat was inevitable. Neither the rebellion nor those sects had the strength to stand against Penglai.

“As expected, we can’t rely on these people to confront Penglai and the Heavenly Dao,” Xu Jingqiu concluded. “If we want to completely break free from the fate imposed by the Heavenly Dao, we must rely on ourselves.”

“But we can’t just drag the [Heavenly Dao] over here, can we? As you said, to deal with the [Heavenly Dao], we must sever its connections. The isolation array can only be set up near the demon realm.” Ye Shuran sighed, sounding somewhat troubled.

Xu Jingqiu, however, smiled lightly. “It’s simple, we just wait for it to come to us. The Celestial Order has already backed Penglai into a corner. If it wants to achieve its goals, it must defeat me and seize my authority. Naturally, it will come looking for us on its own.”

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