After Transmigrating into a Book as Cannon Fodder, I Pampered the Villain - Chapter 45

Chapter 45: Hobbies

I really want to see Yan Huaixi cry.

Upon hearing the young woman mention the Sect Master, the expressions of the elders present shifted some were guilt-ridden and solemn, others delighted or indifferent.

All these changes fell into Si Jinglan’s eyes. Her expression remained unchanged, but her heart let out a sneer.

Truly a bunch of sanctimonious hypocrites. Over the years, the “dirty laundry” she had uncovered from within and Sister Bai had investigated from without amounted to far more than just the withered bones hidden in these mountains. Her Master was right: the Sect Master was quite pitiable, unaware that the hearts of those beneath her had rotted to this extent.

However, this place wasn’t entirely rotten. There were still righteous souls—though the only one capable of leading seemed a bit dim-witted. It was precisely because of this that villains held sway, allowing even a mole like herself to climb to the position of the Sect Master’s Sword Attendant.

As if by accident, Si Jinglan glanced at Fang Yuetong, receiving, as expected, another innocently foolish gaze. Did all of this person’s wit go into her cultivation?

“So the Sect Master has come out of seclusion. We shall return immediately.” The elders’ tone was somewhat polite. Though Si Jinglan was not as strong as they were, she was the Sect Master’s Sword Attendant; they had to give her some face.

“Then this corpse…”

“I will take it. The Sect Master was furious upon hearing of the events here; she said she would personally examine the body.” Si Jinglan easily defused the tension. The elders nodded in agreement, though Yin Duo who had just put on a display of compassion saw his face darken.

“Didn’t the Sect Master say she was closing in on a breakthrough? Why trouble her with such a trivial matter? Better to leave it to me; I will investigate this thoroughly.” Yin Duo spoke as if he were concerned for the Sect Master.

But Yan Huaixi’s people wouldn’t fall for that. Si Jinglan said to Yin Duo in a gentle voice: “The Tianqiu Sect is a major righteous sect, yet such vermin have appeared within. If they are allowed to continue their evil deeds here, they will devour thousands of years of the sect’s heritage. The Sect Master takes this very seriously. If the mastermind isn’t caught, she won’t be able to go into seclusion in peace. If she forces it, she might fail to break through.”

The Sect Master of the Tianqiu Sect had reached the highest realm of this world. For her, spiritual energy was sufficient; it was now a matter of the “heart-state.” If her state of mind was unstable and she forced a breakthrough, she might even regress.

The elders who had a clear conscience supported the decision. The reasoning was flawless; to persist further would only arouse suspicion.

Yin Duo could only shut his mouth, but a sinister glint flashed in his eyes as he looked at Si Jinglan.

Afterward, the elders returned to the sect in small groups, with Yin Duo forced to follow. Once everyone was gone, Fang Yuetong immediately rushed to Si Jinglan’s side, anxious to explain the situation.

However, Si Jinglan covered Fang Yuetong’s mouth and made a shushing gesture with her other hand.

Someone is watching. Don’t alert them. I understand what you want to say. Seeing Fang Yuetong nod obediently, Si Jinglan withdrew her hand. She didn’t speak aloud but communicated via voice transmission.

Jinglan, that elder who just died is definitely not the culprit. He was involved, but with his strength and status, he couldn’t have accessed the items seized from the Changsheng Gate. Fang Yuetong felt half at ease seeing Si Jinglan. Si Jinglan had joined the sect many years after her; her talent wasn’t top-tier, but she was exceptionally clever. Within a few years, she had been taken in by the Sect Master. Though not an official disciple, being the Sword Attendant was effectively the same.

They hadn’t had much contact until recently, when an accident trapped them in a secret realm together. Since then, they had become close. With her around, Fang Yuetong felt she didn’t have to worry about complex schemes.

I know, and the Sect Master knows. Only inner sect elders could access those things. That’s why the Sect Master dares not go into seclusion. Even so, no matter who is found guilty, the sect will suffer greatly.

But if we don’t investigate, the sect will only seek its own destruction. Fang Yuetong’s tone was decisive. Only by cutting out the gangrene could the entire sect be saved from being buried with it.

Senior Sister Fang, any of those elders could be the mastermind, including your master. If it turns out to be him, what will you do? Si Jinglan smiled. Fang Yuetong was so certain, but if the one behind these atrocities was Yin Duo, could she remain so resolute?

Fang Yuetong seemed to daze for a moment. She looked into Si Jinglan’s eyes, which always held a smile that masked her true thoughts. But Fang Yuetong, blessed by fate with keen intuition, felt… she saw a hint of mockery in the depths of Si Jinglan’s eyes.

She had pondered this question the moment her trust in her master wavered. After a moment of silence, she gave her answer: Master always taught me that evil must be eradicated completely.

This was Yin Duo’s teaching. If the man who said those words had fallen into a bloodthirsty demon—no, looking at the failed “living corpses” hidden here, the culprit was more than just bloodthirsty; his heart was twisted to the extreme! If it came to that, those words would be her answer.

Si Jinglan almost failed to suppress a laugh. This was a classic case of someone shooting themselves in the foot. It wasn’t hard to guess that Yin Duo’s education was meant to make Fang Yuetong eradicate the Master and the Changsheng Gate, but as fate would have it, that sword would eventually fall on his own neck!

Si Jinglan pressed down the corners of her mouth and said to Fang Yuetong, “You should go back and help the Sect Master keep things in check. When the questioning begins, those elders will surely pester her.”

“Okay.” Fang Yuetong left obediently.

Si Jinglan watched her leave, then collected the corpse and the evidence hidden in the bone pit.

She had been sent here as a mole by her Master long ago, and only now had she received a direct order. Si Jinglan had a feeling her mission here was coming to an end; she might need to arrange a suitable way to withdraw.

As she mused, she noticed a darkening shadow nearby.

Her expression immediately became much more respectful, though, considering there might still be eyes on her, she pretended not to notice her Master’s arrival.

Be careful, Yin Duo has a grudge against you now.

Si Jinglan thought for a moment and revealed a playful smile. I have a plan. If it works, Master might not need to work so hard to drive a wedge between that master and disciple. But I’ll need a life-saving treasure from you first.

Yan Huaixi knew that among her followers, this seemingly quiet and harmless Si Jinglan had the most wicked ideas.

I can give you the treasure, but don’t mess with Fang Yuetong too much.

Si Jinglan immediately looked troubled. Just as Yan Huaixi suspected, the plan was likely not very “moral.”

Then… can I just mess with her a little bit? Si Jinglan tried to bargain.

… Yan Huaixi’s silence expressed her skepticism.

I promise to return a whole and unharmed Fang Yuetong to you.

That night was a sleepless one for the high-ranking members of the Tianqiu Sect, but for Yu Yingxia, who should have been plagued by nightmares, it was a deep sleep.

It wasn’t until the sky was bright that she groggily opened her eyes. The light made her shrink back into the quilt, but she couldn’t quite hide her eyes.

A soft chuckle came from the bedside, and a hand reached out to cover her eyes, blocking the sleep-disturbing light.

Who is it?

Yu Yingxia remembered she lived alone. Had a friend come over? No…

Her home didn’t have these antique furnishings. She had crossed into a cultivation world. Not only was her life in someone else’s hands, but she had also killed a person yesterday.

Recalling those eyes that wouldn’t close in death, Yu Yingxia snapped awake. Her reaction wasn’t as intense as yesterday; her strong will was working hard to digest and adapt to this world.

At this hour, the only person who would sit by her bed and cover her eyes was Yan Huaixi. Years ago, when her friend went on a business trip and left a cat with her, she was woken up every day by a paw swatting her face.

In comparison, this “bad cat” was much gentler, not only not waking her but even blocking the light… too bad this bad cat had other motives. In that case, she couldn’t let the bad cat’s acting go to waste.

Like someone who hadn’t fully woken up, Yu Yingxia slowly adjusted her position and snuggled into Yan Huaixi’s arms, seemingly intending to sleep a little longer.

Yan Huaixi hadn’t expected such a surprise. She instinctively held the person leaning against her tighter, afraid she might slip.

The little rabbit groggy from sleep was truly cute, even knowing to burrow into her arms. Why hadn’t she noticed how interesting this was before? Oh right, the last time they shared a bed, the little rabbit had nearly been scared out of her wits upon waking.

Looking at it now, the rabbit’s guard was lowering, which was why she dared to sleep in her arms.

Yan Huaixi’s eyes curved slightly as she gently patted the rabbit’s back.

Yu Yingxia almost actually fell back asleep. Yan Huaixi’s embrace was warm and provided an indescribable sense of security. It wasn’t until the last moment that she “startled” awake.

To avoid actually sleeping the day away, Yu Yingxia pretended to wake up bit by bit. When her sleepy, dazed eyes met Yan Huaixi’s, she seemed embarrassed and buried her face back into Yan Huaixi’s chest.

“Sister, is it late?”

Yan Huaixi glanced at the sky. “About half an hour until lunch.”

She had slept until 10:00 AM? Jiang Li’s calming soup was indeed powerful! She hadn’t had a single nightmare and slept excellently.

Yu Yingxia sat up. Feeling the suddenly empty embrace, the smile on Yan Huaixi’s lips faded slightly; it felt a bit hollow.

“It’s so late, why didn’t you wake me sooner?”

“There wasn’t much to do, so sleeping more is fine. You were sleeping so soundly, I couldn’t bear to disturb you. How was it? Did you sleep well? Any nightmares?” Yan Huaixi reached out to smooth Yu Yingxia’s slightly messy long hair.

“I slept very well. I really must thank Doctor Jiang,” Yu Yingxia nodded gently. “Yesterday, those two assassins broke many things in the bookstore. I didn’t get to clean up, and Sister Yang is back too. I wanted to go early to organize things.”

“Those are trivialities. Yang Xunzhou can clean it herself, and isn’t that little girl Nie Xuan there?” Yan Huaixi “tsked” internally. She had forgotten Yang Xunzhou was back; she was too busy watching the drama yesterday. Yu Yingxia would be running to the bookstore every few days again.

But now there was an obstacle. That little wolf cub Nie Xuan didn’t seem willing to share her “bone” with others.

“If I remember correctly, the assassins and I destroyed quite a few of Sister Yang’s books. I should let her know. Are the two of them okay? Is the Tianqiu Sect suspicious?” Yu Yingxia’s biggest worry was this. If not for her, Sister Yang might not have been dragged into the Tianqiu Sect’s conspiracy.

“The Tianqiu Sect itself isn’t clean. They’re too busy with their own mess to suspect anyone else. Rest easy, I have my people in the Tianqiu Sect; she will handle the narrative.” Yan Huaixi’s effortless tone was reassuring.

“If you’re going to the bookstore, eat breakfast first. Then I’ll accompany you, lest someone goes back there and cries from fright.”

Yu Yingxia was about to comment on how deep Yan Huaixi’s infiltration of the sect was when she heard the teasing. She gave the other a mock-annoyed glare.

“I will not.”

“Right, right, you won’t cry,” Yan Huaixi agreed, but her tone only made Yu Yingxia more frustrated.

Fine. Yu Yingxia sighed internally. She couldn’t beat her anyway, and her life was in Yan Huaixi’s hands. If she ever got the chance, she definitely wanted to see what Yan Huaixi looked like when she cried!

Sigh… She probably wouldn’t get that chance in this lifetime. She could only dream.

Her rich facial expressions didn’t escape Yan Huaixi. This little rabbit was likely thinking of things she shouldn’t. Yan Huaixi playfully pinched her cheek and rubbed it. Yu Yingxia’s skin was tender and reddened immediately; coupled with her aggrieved expression, it looked like Yan Huaixi had done something terrible.

Yan Huaixi didn’t think she shared the same twisted “hobbies” as the second-generation Master of the Changsheng Gate, but looking at Yu Yingxia now, a strange thought bubbled up.

Her face was so delicate it reddened with a touch; her fragile neck was the same. Yes, a little force would leave a bruise, a kiss would probably leave a mark, and further down…

Yu Yingxia had just woken up, and her clothes were loose. Yan Huaixi saw everything clearly and immediately looked away, scolding herself.

I must have spent too much time with the previous Master; I’ve picked up some bizarre hobbies!

Yan Huaixi forced herself not to think deeper. She stood up casually and said to Yu Yingxia, “Get dressed, wash up, and eat. Then we’ll go to the bookstore. I’ve finished my book and need to buy a few more.”

Out of Yan Huaixi’s sight, Yu Yingxia’s face suddenly flushed. Originally, she didn’t know what kind of novels Yan Huaixi was reading every day until she accidentally saw an illustration in one of them it was her own work. Even from a distance, she recognized it.

Since then, Yu Yingxia had played the ostrich. As long as it wasn’t mentioned, she would pretend she didn’t know what Yan Huaixi was reading.

However, because of this, she could judge based on the books what kind of suggestive teasing would be most effective on Yan Huaixi.

While washing up, Yu Yingxia splashed cold well water on her burning face. She looked at her reflection and reminded herself, as she did every day: Stay away from black-hearted scumbags.

After eating, Yu Yingxia and Yan Huaixi went to the bookstore. Passing the narrow alley where she had killed the man, Yu Yingxia glanced inside. All traces of blood had been cleaned by Yan Huaixi; it looked pristine, as if nothing had happened. No one knew two people had died there yesterday.

They were assassins who lived in the shadows; even in death, no one would seek justice for them.

Yu Yingxia closed her eyes tightly, and once the psychological “smell” of blood faded, she walked past without looking back.

Even though it was noon, the bookstore doors were still closed. Usually, if Yang Xunzhou was in, she’d have “Little Wood” open up early. Today was different.

Yu Yingxia opened the doors. The mess inside was exactly as it was when she was being chased yesterday. Had Sister Yang not returned?

She soon dismissed that doubt, as she heard Yang Xunzhou’s angry voice from the back room. It was the first time Yu Yingxia had heard her scold someone like that.

“You’ve got a lot of nerve! Do you know who those people are? Do you know how desperate they are to find a scapegoat for the filth they’ve done? If Miss Yu hadn’t covered for you yesterday, and those people caught you—even if your aunt rushed here from the Southern Realm… no, it would be too late.”

“Your bloodline is what it is. Those old foxes would recognize your identity at a glance. They wouldn’t kill you, but even if I stormed the Tianqiu Sect to save you, they’d make sure you spent your life carrying their blame, branded as a demon!”

Yang Xunzhou’s voice grew louder, and Yu Yingxia could hear her pacing.

Yan Huaixi used her spiritual power to lift the fallen shelves, manipulating the books to return to their rightful places. She had seen where they were placed during previous visits; her memory was good enough to get most of them right.

Hearing the noise outside, Yang Xunzhou stopped her lecture and hurried out, looking agitated.

“A-Sheng! Let me look at you. I heard you ran into assassins? Those bastards didn’t hurt you, did they?” Yang Xunzhou checked Yu Yingxia over. Finding her unhurt, she sighed in relief. She didn’t even ask about the assassins.

With Miss Yu there, those assassins probably didn’t even leave behind a scrap of meat, let alone a whole body.

“I’m fine. Their cultivation was similar to mine; they couldn’t hurt me.” Yu Yingxia suddenly felt her hand, held by Sister Yang, feel like it had been scorched by a spark! She instinctively pulled it back and looked up to see a pair of blood-red beast-like pupils. Those eyes were fixed on her hand, looking ready to bite.

It was the “wolf cub” Nie Xuan. Yu Yingxia rubbed the back of her hand. Yan Huaixi’s description was perfect—she really was a protective wolf cub.

Yang Xunzhou noticed the gaze behind her, turned around with a darkened face, and pointed to the back room. “Go back and reflect!”

The fierce wolf cub immediately hid its teeth, turning back into a puppy, and tried to act pitifully. But the shaken Yang Xunzhou wasn’t having it.

The scolded puppy hung its head and retreated to the room.

“Sigh…” Yang Xunzhou let out a breath. She pulled three chairs and a table from the corner, gesturing for Yu Yingxia and Yan Huaixi to sit, and brewed a pot of tea.

“Thank you for this time. Both I and the Nie family of the South owe you a favor. When that child’s aunt arrives, I’ll tell her,” Yang Xunzhou said to Yan Huaixi, her tone carrying a sense of self-abandonment.

Last night, she had traveled at full speed and then, to prevent the child from being discovered by the sect, she directly altered the “Book of Fate” to ensure the child was removed from the incident. The overexertion left her face pale.

Yan Huaixi nodded. Although it was a small effort for her, she accepted these two valuable favors.

“Sister Yang, if the Head of the Nie family comes, will it really be that bad? You… you didn’t actually do what the rumors say, did you?” Yu Yingxia looked at her “death row” expression and felt suspicious.

“Rumors?” Yang Xunzhou thought of distant memories and rubbed her head. “How could I! I don’t know who started those rumors; I think those people are better at writing stories than I am!”

“That’s good then. If so, why are you still hiding from the Nie family Head?” Yu Yingxia’s question made Yang Xunzhou fall silent.

“You… you didn’t actually write a book about those two sisters, did you?” Yu Yingxia had once joked that she’d sooner believe Yang Xunzhou wrote “forbidden” sister-romance novels than believe she was a heartbreaker.

To her shock, Yang Xunzhou looked up with eyes that shouted: How did you know?!

Even Yan Huaixi, sipping tea nearby, cast a surprised glance.

“…Sister Yang, if that’s the case, you really weren’t wronged when you were being hunted,” Yu Yingxia said with a complicated expression.

“I’m not that kind of person! They aren’t blood sisters! And the stories I write aren’t made up; they come from my family’s ancestral talent.” Yang Xunzhou sighed deeply.

“The heads of my family have the ability to sense the Book of Fate. What I suddenly feel like writing usually aligns with the flow of fate. It means they already loved each other; they just didn’t know yet that they weren’t blood-related.”

“I was young and reckless back then. I just wrote it on a whim… I didn’t show it to anyone… I don’t know how it fell into the hands of the youngest Nie sister. She almost split me in half!”

Yang Xunzhou wiped a corner of her eye and said to Yu Yingxia as if leaving a will: “If I really get taken away by the Nie girl, I’m giving this bookstore to you.”

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