After My Death, the Female Lead Breaks the Heartless Path - Chapter 43

Quelling the demons’ rebellion was no easy task, nor could it be accomplished overnight. Moreover, many of the demons adhered to the belief that “those not of our kind are inherently alien,” and such demons were far from few. While unwilling to abandon their lives in the major cities, they harbored deep-seated disdain for Yin Ruolan. As a result, the pacification efforts faced considerable obstacles, and the initial acceptance she had received became increasingly rare.

However, these obstacles vanished abruptly once people witnessed the frenzied demons slaughtering indiscriminately, friend and foe alike. After all, no one was willing to risk their lives to prove the validity of an unchangeable situation.

In the demon realm, demons accounted for roughly a quarter of the entire demon population, scattered across various regions. Since part of the rebellion was influenced by [Mad Calamity], Yin Ruolan rushed from one location to another as soon as an area was pacified, striving to prevent the contamination from spreading further. Meanwhile, members of the Heavenly Order collaborated in purifying the taint.

Although the demon soldiers were numerous enough that, in theory, her constant movement wasn’t necessary, Yin Ruolan still visited every conflict zone. After several days of this, she was genuinely exhausted.

“Honestly, I don’t think you need to push yourself so hard,” Fang Yu, the deputy of the Heavenly Order, couldn’t hold back any longer. Sporting dark circles under his eyes from following Yin Ruolan nonstop, he suggested, “Many of your subordinates are quite capable. Why not just leave it to them?”

Yin Ruolan studied the sand table, removing the small flags marking the previously troubled areas one by one. Shaking her head, she dismissed Fang Yu’s suggestion. “It’s not that simple. While it’s true we could do that, this rebellion is also a prime opportunity to establish authority at the very least, to discipline the unruly demons in the border cities. Besides, we never know when something unexpected might happen. Do you remember that fused monstrosity from the day before yesterday?”

She was referring to the mutated monster that had suddenly appeared on the battlefield of the fourth major city. That demon, deeply corrupted by [Mad Calamity], had spared no one, not even its own kind. Hidden within the chaos of battle, it had devoured countless demons before transforming into a multi-limbed fleshy tumor that rampaged across the field.

Had Yin Ruolan not arrived just in time, it was uncertain how many demons would have survived.

Fang Yu fell silent at the mention of the incident. At that time, Yin Ruolan had been utterly exhausted, yet she had insisted on going. Fortunately, she had, or who knew what might have happened? Afterward, he had managed to persuade her to rest for half a day by threatening to report her condition to Xu Jingqiu.

Thankfully, the situation had largely stabilized by now, with only minor cleanup operations remaining.

Throughout her journey, Yin Ruolan not only suppressed the rebellious demons but also provided support to residents of the border cities. She engaged in dialogue with demons willing to abide by the rules and return, granting them entry permits into the cities, on the condition that they work to repay their “debts.” This tactic of alternating discipline with rewards had become second nature to her, and it won over the hearts of many. More and more demons began to acknowledge their new Demon Lord.

Though Yin Ruolan concealed it well, many of the soldiers around her could sense her quiet satisfaction and indeed, it was a cause for celebration.

The turmoil in the fifth city had been quelled. After leaving a portion of the troops to handle the aftermath, Yin Ruolan led the main force back. Seated in the carriage, she closed her eyes briefly to rest, while Fang Yu took out a notebook to record the day’s events and check on what had happened elsewhere during this time.

The most significant incident was undoubtedly Chen Shang’s attempt to besiege the Demon Palace while Yin Ruolan was away. However, he had not anticipated the presence of the divine beasts Pixiu and the White Tiger within the palace. His coup had ended almost before it began.

Fang Yu glanced at the sleeping Yin Ruolan and ultimately decided not to inform her immediately. It would be better to let her personal guard deliver the news upon their return to the Demon Palace, lest someone disturb her rest.

Unexpectedly, Yin Ruolan awoke midway, her expression grave as she stared at her left wrist, where a golden chain bracelet had appeared, emitting a faint red glow.

With just one look, Fang Yu averted her gaze. She knew exactly what that bracelet was, the main body of the Soul-Binding Lock. It was best not to inquire further, especially since the other end was tied to that person.

Yin Ruolan’s expression darkened as she observed the glowing bracelet. This was a sign of Xu Jingqiu’s recurring corruption. Yet, they were too far apart now neither spiritual energy nor demonic energy could reach her. She could only hope the Soul-Binding Lock would respond to her command and suppress the corruption’s progression.

Fortunately, the red glow faded after a moment, allowing Yin Ruolan to breathe a slight sigh of relief. But then her brows furrowed again.

What had Xu Jingqiu experienced to trigger such a severe corruption? Could it be that lingering menace from Penglai again?

They soon arrived at the Demon Palace. With Xu Jingqiu’s condition stabilized, Yin Ruolan managed to suppress her inner turmoil. As she stepped out of the carriage, she was met with the sight of a partially ruined Demon Palace.

Yin Ruolan: “…”

She had expected some damage, but not to this extent. How could this have happened?

Seeing Yin Ruolan frozen at the entrance, Liu Ruichu emerged, holding Xiao Bai, while Bai Yi nimbly leaped onto her shoulder, looking smugly at the other. Xiao Bai, for once, tucked its tail and refrained from retaliating. One glance at Yin Ruolan told the whole story.

Sure enough, after bowing respectfully, Liu Ruichu reported, “Your Majesty, Chen Shang led a siege against the palace in your absence, intending to rebel. We captured him. Most participants were either killed or imprisoned in the dungeons. As the instigator, Chen Shang is confined to the lowest level. As for the palace, it was damaged during the battle. Full restoration will take a few days.”

Yin Ruolan rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. “All of this?” she asked.

To her surprise, Liu Ruichu shook her head, jiggling Xiao Bai in her hand. “Only about half of it is due to the battle.”

Yin Ruolan: “…”

Liu Ruichu continued, “The other half ended up in the stomach of this dog you’ve been raising.”

Yin Ruolan: “…”

Xiao Bai hated nothing more than being called a dog. Just as it was about to retort, it caught Yin Ruolan’s slightly angry gaze and immediately tucked its tail even tighter. Thinking quickly, it stuck out its tongue, wagged its tail, and let out a clear bark.

“Woof!”

Yin Ruolan let out a cold laugh and spoke bluntly to Liu Ruichu, “Let him do the work. This guy is clever enough, he can handle all these tasks.”

Liu Ruichu nodded, lifting Xiao Bai higher until they were at eye level. Xiao Bai resignedly nodded back, only to be unceremoniously tossed to the working demons, where he immediately began his duties.

After arranging for Xiao Bai to work off his debt, the group entered the demon palace. Yin Ruolan then asked, “Has Chen Shang revealed who is backing him?”

Liu Ruichu shook her head. “No, that old thing is stubbornly silent. Interrogation hasn’t worked, it seems some kind of restriction is holding him back.”

“A restriction?” Yin Ruolan nodded in understanding. “I’ll go confront him.” She also wanted to see what kind of restriction it was, suspecting it might be related to the outer god faction.

Fang Yu, thinking the same, tucked away his pen. “I’ll go with you. It’s part of my duty as well.”

Yin Ruolan agreed or rather, she had intended this from the start. When dealing with outer gods, it was best to involve professionals. With Yin Ruolan’s approval, Liu Ruichu naturally had no objections and led the two to the dungeon, leaving Bai Yi above to keep an eye on Xiao Bai’s work.

The dungeon was far from comfortable. Chen Shang, a senior elder of the demon realm who had grown accustomed to wielding power, had already lost weight after just a few days imprisoned. No one pitied him, he had brought this upon himself.

Standing outside the cell, Yin Ruolan sneered mockingly, “How are you finding your stay here, Elder Chen? Quite cozy, isn’t it?”

Hearing her voice, Chen Shang’s eyes snapped open, glaring at her with hatred, yet he couldn’t utter a word. He didn’t know what to say to provoke Yin Ruolan after all, both the demons and his own side had suffered complete defeat.

While he remained silent, Yin Ruolan had plenty to say. “Do you know who exposed you? It was Cui Ce. He even revealed the exact day you planned to attack. The demons fell apart after his capture. Elder Chen, your schemes were a complete failure. What were you even thinking?”

At these words, Chen Shang couldn’t hold back and spat out a mouthful of blood. Cui Ce, the one he had held in such high regard! To think he was so useless!

“What does it matter!” Chen Shang snarled with a sinister laugh. “Even if you’ve won these insignificant battles, so what? Our backer is a god! You’re just a mere mortal, how dare you oppose a deity?” He looked at Yin Ruolan expectantly, hoping to see some flicker of emotion on her face.

Unfortunately, Yin Ruolan remained expressionless. “I know. That’s why I’ve enlisted the help of Tian Zhi. As for your so-called god, it’s already mostly sealed away. If you’re counting on it to turn the tables, I suggest you give up that thought.”

Chen Shang’s eyes widened in disbelief, the chains rattling as he strained against them. “You! You actually sought outsiders! This is an internal matter of the demon race, how dare you involve other humans?”

Yin Ruolan replied indifferently, “Oh? I’m human myself. That doesn’t count as involving outsiders.”

Chen Shang was left speechless, his arrogance completely deflated.

“Now, it’s time to talk. Who is really behind you? Don’t try to pin this on ‘Madness’, I know there’s someone else pulling the strings.”

Chen Shang once again fell silent, relying on the restriction to shield him from any information Yin Ruolan might extract.

Yin Ruolan knew exactly what he was thinking. She nodded at Fang Yu, who understood her intention and waved a hand, casting an invisible barrier that enveloped the entire cell, firmly locking out the so-called “law.” This was her ability,【Seal】and precisely why Xu Jingqiu and Ye Shuran had left her here.

Yin Ruolan opened the cell door, grabbed Chen Shang by the hair, and forced him to look up into her eyes. “This place is sealed. If you’re counting on that restriction of yours, you’d better think again. Did you really believe I had no way to deal with it?” With that, she flung him heavily to the ground, flicking her hand in disgust. Liu Ruichu promptly handed her a handkerchief.

After wiping her hands, Yin Ruolan pressed a finger to Chen Shang’s forehead to begin a soul search, simultaneously casting a silencing spell to avoid any unnecessary noise.

Unexpectedly, the mastermind behind it all wasn’t Penglai, as she had suspected, but a faction called the “Resistance Army.” Their leader had promised Chen Shang something and placed the restriction on him. Chen Shang had only started the rebellion after receiving orders from that person, but no further details emerged.

Having obtained the information she needed, Chen Shang had outlived his usefulness. To prevent this treacherous man from causing trouble later, Yin Ruolan slit his throat with a single stroke of her sword. After a moment’s thought, she asked for a match.

Liu Ruichu fetched some oil and poured it over Chen Shang’s body. Yin Ruolan tossed the match, and flames instantly erupted. The lifeless “corpse” suddenly began to struggle, unable to speak due to the silencing spell, until it was completely consumed by the fire.

“It was a faction called the Resistance Army that provided assistance and set up the restriction or rather, it was mainly their leader’s doing. Do either of you have any leads?” Yin Ruolan asked the two.

Liu Ruichu replied, “The documents are still being organized. They will be delivered to your room later.”

Yin Ruolan nodded and turned to Fang Yu, noticing her grave expression.

“This matter is no small thing. Thank you for the information, I will inform the leader immediately to prepare,” Fang Yu said, handing Yin Ruolan a prepared file. “Read this after you’ve gone through the materials she prepared. The order matters, if it’s mixed up, the effect may not be as strong. Also, you should quickly stabilize the demon race internally, ensuring they can unite as one. The enemy is definitely not limited to just one faction.”

With that, Fang Yu hurried away, leaving Yin Ruolan somewhat puzzled by her urgency. Following Fang Yu’s advice, Yin Ruolan first reviewed the report compiled by Liu Ruichu. It only revealed that their leader, Qu Tao, was somewhat peculiar, but nothing more. By all appearances, this didn’t seem like a force that Tianzhi, an organization that didn’t even regard Penglai as a threat would fear.

But when Yin Ruolan opened the file Fang Yu had given her, she understood. She summoned Liu Ruichu to relay some instructions, officially designating the entire Resistance Army as an enemy faction.

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