After My Thoughts Were Read, My Master Led Me to Change My Fate - Chapter 40

After all, many disciples had just heard the people outside the barrier shouting that they would turn them into the likeness of the Myriad Spirits Valley from a thousand years ago—that kind of hell on earth. It was impossible not to feel a sense of dread. At this moment, the only option before them was to fight to the bitter end.

However, Cen Ran, who was observing the battlefield situation from the center, subtly changed her expression.

When the Battle of Myriad Spirits Valley happened, let alone these disciples, most of the people present had yet to be born or were still babbling. There was an old agreement between the various sects regarding the events of that year. Except for the detailed inside stories recorded in a few strictly confidential documents, everyone else only knew fragments. Why would they insist on using the annihilation of Myriad Spirits Valley to threaten them?

Moreover, back then, Myriad Spirits Valley was adjacent to Lingyuan Abyss. They practiced the Art of Beast Taming and had indeed deliberately hunted the Fiend Clan of Lingyuan Abyss, which sparked decades of conflict between humans and fiends, ultimately forcing everyone to surround and kill Myriad Spirits Valley…

No, that’s not right.

If people hadn’t repeatedly brought up Myriad Spirits Valley today, Cen Ran wouldn’t have connected it to the current situation, nor would she have suddenly realized how strange the events of that year were.

Myriad Spirits Valley had developed for thousands of years, regardless of anything else. The sect had been harmonious and amiable with the Fiend Clan for a long time. Why would they suddenly change their nature overnight, frantically slaughtering and plundering the Fiend Clan’s possessions, and even spewing provocative words toward everyone when facing the siege?

Looking at it now, the shadow of that Immortal Sect Old Ancestor was probably behind this, just like this time, except that time she disintegrated from within Myriad Sect, and this time she was disintegrating from outside Shangyun Sect…

Cen Ran’s palms broke out in a cold sweat.

The disintegration starting from outside Shangyun Sect was probably because they were lucky enough to occupy an entire grand formation. That Immortal Sect Old Ancestor had suffered losses from another great formation a thousand years ago and was extremely wary of them. The fact that she was reluctant to show up now was the best evidence.

This Immortal Sect Old Ancestor wanted everyone to deplete Shangyun Sect, just as the Demon Clan and the Human Clan mutually depleted each other in the story Ran Fanyin told her, so that she could reap the benefits. By doing this, she could possess the entire Nine Provinces without expending any effort, and the Four Outer Islands would be insignificant in her eyes.

But what was the point of a continent devoid of life? Fenghua wanted to become a Demon God. What did Venerable Wu Yan want?

As Cen Ran thought, another sword energy struck down, repelling the person who had not put down their weapon and was trying to attack the disciples within the barrier. She cautiously observed the entire field.

Even as a Tribulation Passage cultivator, it was impossible for her to stand inside Tiancheng Immortal Gate and command all these people. This Dao Venerable must be nearby. She needed to search carefully and guard against sneak attacks and hidden arrows that could wound people unexpectedly.

Suddenly, a “whoosh” sound of a cold arrow breaking through the air shattered the momentary silence. Cen Ran quickly found the person, but before her sword could strike, she heard a cry of pain from behind. She looked back. A single arrow had hit the cat’s glabella. Unfortunately, at this moment, all four paws and even the tail were useful. She could only bear the intense pain and continue to lead the counterattack with bared teeth.

Cen Ran was genuinely enraged. She located the person and struck with her sword, only retracting it after seeing blood splatter. She then looked at the others and said, “Are all of you determined to oppose my Shangyun Sect? Even if you have no legitimate reason, are you determined to wade through this muddy water to the end? Fine!” She scoffed heavily, seeing that the people outside the barrier were still unmoved, leaving only contempt in her heart.

A bunch of pitiful people who only follow the trend, only worthy of contempt.

“Cen Ran! Quickly reinforce the defense on the east side!” Qin Siyue almost roared.

The east side, wasn’t that…

He Lan’s responsibility?!

The woman looked back. The eight-tailed cat fiend, who had been majestic moments ago, had inexplicably reverted to her tri-colored true form. The small body was pitifully curled up on Qin…

Qin Siyue hurriedly landed on the ground. Sensing the gaze that moved with her, she shouted, “Cen Ran, don’t get distracted! She’ll be fine. Focus on the enemy!”

Cen Ran barely retracted her gaze and looked at her surroundings, wishing she could instantly chop down all these people. The Yellow Dragon had already come alive, quietly letting out a low roar in the air, its eyes wide open, merging with her state of mind, ready for her to strike her sword at any moment.

“All of you…” Cen Ran ground her teeth. “You confuse right and wrong, distinguish not between good and evil, and possess no loyalty or affection. Truly, what a siege this is!”

But under the influence of the medicine, most people were gradually regaining clarity, even actively putting down their weapons. Cen Ran’s burst of anger had nowhere to be vented, leaving only the increasingly pronounced fluctuation of the Yellow Dragon’s phantom behind her.

The next moment, the person who had been waiting for a long time appeared in the sky above the battlefield, speaking in her usual cool, elegant, and leisurely tone, “Everyone, do you feel that your behavior today is very strange?”

Ran Fanyin stepped into the sky, carrying a human figure in her hand as if she were carrying a small chick.

The sharp-eyed immediately recognized that the person she was carrying was the very reason for Tiancheng Immortal Gate’s punitive expedition. They immediately shrieked, “That traitor is indeed in your sect!”

The rest of the people suddenly realized this, and for a moment, the uproar nearly pierced the sky.

This was the effect Ran Fanyin wanted.

She was about to force everyone to quiet down, her spiritual energy already gathered in her palm, when the jade tassel hanging from her waist sword suddenly lit up.

This jade tassel?

Ran Fanyin’s hand paused for a moment. The prepared spell also paused. Then, a familiar voice came from the sword tassel—

“All of you listen to me carefully!”

It was Xiao Wanchen’s voice. Then, a surge of spiritual energy erupted from the sword tassel, spreading out from a single point. The air became somewhat dense, effectively blocking the idle chatter of many people.

The intensity of the spiritual energy fluctuation was so strong that it directly severed a giant tree.

It had to be said that Xiao Wanchen’s move was indeed effective.

Putting aside the suddenly silent crowd, the extremely unique spiritual energy fluctuation that abruptly rippled outside the crowd also did not escape Ran Fanyin’s eyes.

This was why she was standing here openly with Jiang Mang.

She likes to hide behind the crowd and manipulate all beings under heaven, does she? She likes to secretly sow discord, only wanting to reap the benefits, does she?

I haven’t even shown her that we can already suppress the thing she takes pride in. Was Xiao Wanchen’s single sentence enough to excite her so much?

Venerable Wu Yan is a bit too impatient.

But this is not enough. Without thoroughly forcing her out, even repelling the enemy would only be a temporary measure.

Ran Fanyin smiled loosely, casually waving her hand, allowing Jiang Mang’s body to quietly float in the air.

“Everyone, you have come a long way, presumably to seek an explanation for Tiancheng Immortal Gate. Thank you for your hard work. But even before the siege of Myriad Spirits Valley back then, this Sovereign remembers that several months were given to allow them to defend themselves. Why are you bullying my Shangyun Sect like this today, and even injuring my Junior Sister?” Ran Fanyin gently curved an unfathomable smile. She slightly pressed one hand in front of her, sending a chill down everyone’s hearts.

It was said that Elder Ran did not like to smile. When someone who disliked smiling actually smiled, it was even more unsettling! Furthermore, the energy emanating from the sword tassel on the warm-white long sword at her waist was so terrifying. Who knew what cultivation level this person in front of them possessed and how terrifying she was.

Therefore, even though she had mocked everyone to such an extent, the people who were gradually sobering up uniformly fell silent.

After all, the words this person spoke upon entering the field were clearly not groundless. Just now, many people in the crowd had indeed fallen into a state of crazed madness, disregarding even their own kin.

Ran Fanyin smiled casually, unsurprised by the current development. Her gaze seemingly fell casually on the crowd, but in reality, it was fixed firmly on the point of spiritual energy that had just flickered not far away. She said warmly, “This Sovereign only learned of this matter recently. Currently, a type of poison is lurking in the darkness of the Nine Provinces Continent.”

Seeing everyone’s expression change, she feigned surprise and said, “It can’t be called a poison, but rather an existence that magnifies people’s greed and even affects their minds.”

Outside the barrier, a certain sect that had long been displeased with Shangyun Sect and was merely capitalizing on the situation today shouted, “You say it exists, and it exists? Who knows if this is just an excuse for your sect to exonerate yourselves?”

“Oh?” Ran Fanyin looked at that person. “What crime do I have that needs to be exonerated?”

That person immediately fell silent.

【Since I promised not to drink, I won’t drink again. To avoid doing something irreparable like Wang Qiu…】

【After all, I’ve already cut myself. I can endure this pain.】

【But I’m not in a position to ask those questions… I…】

【Why do I always fall for people I shouldn’t fall for?】

【So, is she lamenting Wang Qiu’s experience, rather than thinking of someone?】

【Hahahaha, that’s great hahahaha.】

Jiang Mang straightened her shoulders and neck, like the frost of early winter, looking extremely cool, handsome, and proud. Her voice was faint. She simply said, “Jiang Mang came today to seek guidance from the Sword Immortal’s successor. But after fighting to the very end, I still haven’t seen the successor. I suppose my strength is still insufficient to warrant her presence. Therefore, I find it dull, and continuing the competition has no meaning.”

Immediately, the expressions of the various Elders were a mixture of surprise and delight. He Lan almost burrowed into Ran Fanyin’s arms to hide her smile. Elder Ran herself, who was the subject of the mention, raised her eyebrows, smiling faintly.

This little genius is not only silly but also a bit dense. Perhaps she can become friends with that silly little girl, Ning Songwu.

Unlike the colorful reactions on Shangyun Sect’s side, Daoist Mingde was so angry his mouth was crooked. Unable to flare up on the spot, he could only press one hand onto the other, breathing heavily, suppressing layers of fire to prevent himself from reaching out and taking this person’s life right then and there.

But Jiang Mang was not his disciple. Jiang Mang was the Vice Sect Master’s direct disciple. Since childhood, she had been single-minded about swordsmanship, sacrificing everything for it. He could only endure it, trying his best to speak calmly, “Jiang Mang, that’s one thing and this is another. I heard that Elder Ran’s disciple is in seclusion, which is why she didn’t participate. Don’t play around with the competition like this, right?”

On the stage, Jiang Mang softly ‘oh’ed, lowered her head to stare at her toes, and fell silent.

After a moment, she looked up at the position of the Elders, her gaze falling on the conspicuously white hair. She spoke boldly, “Fairy Ran, I heard you haven’t wielded a sword for a long time. I wonder if you would be willing to generously bestow your guidance here? I will certainly be eternally grateful and never forget it.”

Daoist Mingde was about to faint from anger. He pointed at the person on the stage, only managing to sputter out one “You!!” after another.

Ran Fanyin propped up her chin, leaning slightly forward, and said with a smile, “But you’ve already lost. There’s never been a rule of bestowing guidance on a loser.”

Jiang Mang quickly said, “No, the previous one was not agreed upon, so it doesn’t count. I’ll immediately…”

Ran Fanyin slightly lowered her chin and said coldly, “I agree.”

To the side of the platform, a disciple slipped in, ran to Cen Ran, and whispered, “Sect Master, a ‘Snowman’ broke into the main hall just now. We couldn’t stop it. It seems to be heading for the training ground.”

Cen Ran was surprised. “A ‘Snowman’? Since when did a ‘Snowman’ cultivate into a spirit inside the gate?”

The young disciple frowned, thinking hard. She didn’t know how to describe the person’s state, only saying that they did look like a snowman, completely white all over.

Cen Ran understood and said, “You go down first, or sit and watch the show.”

The little interlude on the side did not catch the attention of the crowd, because the young girl in the field had been so teased by Ran Fanyin’s few words that she couldn’t find a beginning or end. Gripping her sword, she said blankly, “Then I won’t admit defeat. I’ll keep fighting. I’ll keep fighting.”

“How can that be? Sword energy is like a rainbow, and a Sword Cultivator should be like a long sword—once a word is spoken, there is no turning back.” Elder Ran smiled, her desire to tease her disciple, whom she hadn’t seen for half a year, was already uncontrollable. Being able to tease this exceedingly dense young girl today was something she simply couldn’t suppress.

Jiang Mang was completely stunned. She looked down at the sword in her hand, her mouth opening and closing, unsure of what to say.

Ran Fanyin leaned on her hand, waiting for her to react.

Even though a little girl was about to explode her brain with noise.

It was full of sourness.

Out of the corner of her eye, Daoist Mingde was calling for several people, preparing to go on stage and pull Jiang Mang down.

The temperature dropped significantly, almost unnoticed. When the crowd finally reacted, a voice very familiar to the Shangyun Sect members, carrying a hint of anxiety and a smile identical to Ran Fanyin’s, came from the horizon—

“I’m out of seclusion! I’m out! Good thing I made it! Why did you all run so far? Also, Fellow Daoist…”

“If you want guidance from my Master, shouldn’t you defeat me first?”

A tall, slender emerald figure stood by the side of the cloud, one hand behind her back, the other holding a chilly silver sword.

What was even more striking was the long silver hair that reached her waist, scattered behind her and gently swaying in the wind.

【That’s great. That Music Cultivator, who keeps bothering me, is gone. That’s great.】

【Speaking of which, Master also reads f/f novels. Maybe I can share them with her later.】

【Hehehehe. I don’t have to hide from Master to stay up late and read anymore, hehehehe…】

【That’s so good, so good. Today is a good day~】

【This won’t do. I can’t be forced to weaken my strength by several layers every time I encounter a person with a Water Spiritual Root.】

【Ice is an extension of water, and water can also be an extension of ice. I need to change my approach. What if I control the water vapor directionally?】

This is very normal. As a cultivator, cultivation is about bearing the wishes of the people and fighting for the world. Therefore, one must possess both a heart of compassion for the world and the ability to change the world, and not just weep sadly.

Let’s start with this time.

Thinking of this, the woman’s eyes softened a bit more. She watched the young girl bite her lower lip for a moment, then gently nodded in agreement.

Xiao Tao turned her head to look at the two sisters who had suddenly stopped. Being short, she could only see a little bit of the gentle sister’s face past the handsome sister’s shoulder. To be precise, she could only see one eye.

So beautiful. Such… gentle eyes.

Xiao Tao was momentarily dazed. Recovering herself, she urged again, “Sisters, hurry up!”

Ning Songwu let out a breath and said loudly, “Coming! Thank you, Miss Xiao Tao.”

“Oh, you don’t have to call me that,” Xiao Tao scratched the back of her head.

That’s quite embarrassing.

Even though she was mentally prepared, Ning Songwu slowly exhaled when she clearly saw the two people sitting. “We were playing in the mountains today, Sister and I, and unfortunately got lost. We walked for a long time before we saw this village. It’s late, and my sister’s health is not very good. I wonder if there is a place in the village where we can stay?”

The man, who was fanning himself to cool down, slowly stopped his movement. He scrutinized the pair of “sisters,” frowning, “You dare not show your true faces. How can I trust you?”

Ran Fanyin gently coughed twice, her voice gentle and low, “Please forgive us, sir. Our family rules are very strict. We cannot see external men before marriage. Even coming out to play was a secret escape with my younger sister. However, my sister and I share the surname Chu. Do you recognize this surname, sir?”

Even though Ning Songwu knew it was a casual lie, her heart couldn’t help but pound when she heard the word “marriage.”

It hurt a little. It felt a little sour.

She subconsciously touched her wrist, and then, as if realizing something, she subtly let go of her hand.

Ran Fanyin’s mouth curled up. This silly child.

Before the man could reply, the woman slapped her thigh and then said with a smile, “The wealthy Master Chu of Yueping Town? Eh, you…”

“But I haven’t heard that Master Chu has any upcoming joyous events lately,” the man frowned, looking at the two with increased suspicion. “You two must not falsely claim an identity to deceive me.”

Ning Songwu said in a deep voice, “By seniority, we should call that person Grand-Uncle. We are merely here to stay temporarily while traveling. So, is there a place for us to lodge in the village?”

Beside her, Ran Fanyin gently squeezed her palm, as if to reassure her.

Receiving approval, Ning Songwu’s aura heightened a few degrees.

The man was about to say something, but the woman fiercely patted his thigh. Then, the woman smiled and said, “Two Miss Chus, if you don’t mind, my family has a small guest room. It should be enough for the two of you to spend the night. Please come in, please come in.” With that, she glared fiercely at the man.

“Xiao Tao, go fetch some hot tea to the side room.”

“Two Miss Chus, you can just call me Chunhua. My old man is Qian Tou (Money Head), the Qian as in silver money. The two of you… just try to remember it, if it’s not too much trouble.” Chunhua gently rubbed her hands in front of her, smiling. ⑨

Ning Songwu nodded in assent, looking around. The room was small but clean. The family seemed to be doing well, a typical self-sufficient small farming family.

So their thinking is also a bit feudal… Haha, what am I thinking? Isn’t this feudal society right now?

After the person left, Ran Fanyin pinched her cheek, “What’s wrong? Why have you been so uninterested since just now?”

“I briefly touched the woman’s shoulder just now. Her bone age is over twenty, and she has a late-stage Qi Condensation cultivation. The whole family is like this, except for Xiao Tao…”

Little Ning’er silently walked to the bed and quietly tidied the bedding.

Compared to the spacious premium room at the inn yesterday, this place felt very cramped. The girl measured the space, analyzing whether two people could lie down.

Ran Fanyin sighed, lifted the veil of her sun hat, and sat down by the small table, saying warmly, “Crying?”

“No, I just don’t know whether to feel fortunate or unfortunate.” Ning Songwu said muffledly.

“Naturally, you should feel fortunate.” The woman’s fingers moved slightly. The red string wrapped around the young girl’s wrist flickered with a warm glow, transmitting warmth and coaxing the young girl to turn around.

Ran Fanyin smiled, “Not bad. You really didn’t cry this time.”

The little disciple’s heart is truly too delicate. Fortunately, she only has this one little disciple. Since she’s delicate, we’ll take it slow.

Time is the one thing they don’t lack.

“Little Ning’er, then what do you think of those who are forced to exchange decades of lifespan for cultivation? Are they pitiful?”

Ning Songwu blinked, somewhat hesitant.

Ran Fanyin patted the impatient child’s head, “Alright, wait until I finish.”

“Do you remember what Ah Xin said just now? The Immortal Master actually did two things here. The first was to help them defend against the troublesome demonic beasts.”

“Look at this village. Logically, backed by a treasure land like Yuehua Mountain, it shouldn’t still look like a village. At the very least…” She touched the somewhat old table, “it shouldn’t be in this state of just barely surviving.”

Ning Songwu continued her thought, “The breach in the mountain’s barrier faces the village, and it’s not far. It must have caused a lot of trouble for the village…”

She slowly clenched her fist. “So, the Immortal Master gained the trust of the villagers by eliminating some demonic beasts, which is how she got them to accept this cultivation method of exchanging lifespan for spiritual energy?”

Ning Songwu pondered for a moment, then tilted her head, “But what benefit is there for the so-called Immortal Master in doing this?”

Blocking the demonic beasts for the villagers and then teaching them this evil technique.

It can’t be that she’s using them to practice spells, can it…

Wait, practicing spells?

Ning Songwu’s heart was suddenly alarmed. Her voice trembled slightly, “Master, do you think exchanging decades of lifespan for a cultivation level of mid-stage or even late-stage Qi Condensation is worth it?”

If it was worth it, why did the Heavenly Gift just now only accelerate growth by a little over a decade?

Elder Ran patted the young girl’s shoulder with satisfaction.

It wasn’t easy. She finally thought of this point.

“Would you like me to teach you a spell?”

Looking at Little Ning’er’s extremely clear eyes, Ran Fanyin said warmly, “A spell that can detect spiritual energy fluctuations within a certain range. I originally planned to teach you after you reached the Golden Core stage.” Ning Songwu was about to speak when a tender voice sounded from outside the door—