Reborn as a Human Cauldron, But I'm the Top - Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Chaotic Scene Five People Squeezed into the Room

Shen Yirong would never forget that face: it was sixteen-year-old Song Yin.

Song Yin entered the Dao at the age of twelve. Compared to the children of the cultivation families and sect direct disciples, she started on the immortal path too late. Despite this, she still became the youngest Core Formation cultivator in the cultivation world.

The Great Peace Sect, having lost the Sword Venerable, no longer commanded the same prestige as before. Everyone in the sect looked forward to Song Yin becoming the next Sword Venerable.

For this reason, the normally secluded residence of the immortal became a bit lively.

They voiced their grievances for Song Yin, sending her all sorts of resources. Some quietly urged Song Yin to switch her master to Mei Xin.

Shen Yirong always turned a blind eye. She found these people too noisy, so she stayed in her room and didn’t receive guests.

Later, for some unknown reason, those people stopped coming up.

Then Song Yin experienced a deviation in her cultivation. One day, after meditating, she suddenly vomited blood profusely and remained unconscious for several days.

Fortunately, Shen Yirong discovered it in time. She forcibly raised her spiritual energy to stabilize the chaotic spiritual energy surging within Song Yin’s body, and this time, the system did not intervene.

The news of Song Yin’s injury quickly spread throughout the sect. Everyone believed that Shen Yirong had done something to cause Song Yin’s condition. It was only under the strong pressure from the Sect Master and Senior Sister Mei that these dissenting voices gradually disappeared.

The first thing Song Yin did after recovering was to ask Shen Yirong for leave, saying she wanted to go out for practical experience.

For some reason, Shen Yirong always felt Song Yin’s eyes darting away, but saving Song Yin had exacerbated Shen Yirong’s physical condition, leaving her no time to consider the minor details.

A year later, Song Yin returned from her training, having reached the mid-stage of Core Formation, but her personality was even more taciturn than before, and she practiced even more diligently.

Shen Yirong had quietly asked the Sect Master, who only knew that Song Yin had gone to a small country in the Southern Territory.

The Central Yue Kingdom was indeed a small country in the Southern Territory, and the person in the sky was indeed Song Yin.

So, they had truly traveled back to the past, over four hundred years ago?

Song Yin in the sky was clearly no match for Mei Xin. Her Great Peace Taoist robe was missing half a sleeve, while Senior Sister Mei’s clothes were perfectly intact, and the long sword at her waist hadn’t even been drawn.

However, Song Yin’s attention was no longer on Mei Xin. Seeing her Master being held by a demonic cultivator dressed entirely in black, she immediately roared, “Demonic cultivator! Release my Master now!”

Before the words finished, a bolt of lightning had already struck towards Li Xiu’s head, but Li Xiu acted as if she were paralyzed by shock, not even dodging.

Shen Yirong was frantic. She tugged at Li Xiu’s hand, trying to pull her aside, but couldn’t move her.

Seeing that Li Xiu was about to become electrocuted pear, and she might get electrocuted as well, Shen Yirong closed her eyes in despair.

After a moment, Shen Yirong opened her eyes and saw that Li Xiu had caught the bolt of lightning with her bare hands. Then, with a forceful squeeze, the lightning dissipated.

A deathly silence spread across the ruins of the palace.

It was a long while before Mei Xin’s voice was heard, “Your Excellency, what is your intention in capturing my Great Peace Sword Venerable?”

Li Xiu looked up and sneered contemptuously, “Does Venerable Mei also lie? Hasn’t the Great Peace Sword Venerable passed away for many years?”

Mei Xin looked at Shen Yirong, her eyes and brows filled with confusion.

And Song Yin’s voice from the sky was more furious than thunder, “Silence! You are not allowed to curse my Master!”

Shen Yirong raised her sleeve to wipe the sweat from her forehead. She knew Senior Sister Mei’s strength; even one hundred Li Xius would be no match for Senior Sister Mei. She quickly pulled down her hood and explained, “Both Immortals must be mistaken. I am not the Sword Venerable.”

The hood had partially obscured her face earlier. Now Song Yin saw the full profile and realized that this face was indeed not her Master’s, merely very similar.

The young Song Yin frowned, scrutinized her, and then nodded, “Yes, you are not Master. Master isn’t that weak.”

This little rascal!

What’s wrong with Foundation Establishment? Who hasn’t climbed their way up from Foundation Establishment?

She acts so meek in front of her, but she’s so venomous behind her back!

Mei Xin’s gaze fell upon Li Xiu, and then she drew the sword at her waist. In the next second, she was standing in front of Li Xiu.

Before Shen Yirong could react, someone wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her aside. The sound of clashing metal was continuous. Li Xiu, with only one hand, was able to fend off Mei Xin’s moves.

Mei Xin seemed to have held back, or else Li Xiu wouldn’t be alive.

But Shen Yirong was still anxious, “This Immortal, we are here to resolve the matter of the sentient beings falling unconscious. We are good people!”

Song Yin in the sky angrily shouted, “Shut up! There are no unconscious sentient beings here! The space in these two countries is chaotic, and demonic creatures are rampant! Are you the ones causing trouble?”

A bolt of lightning struck suddenly, aimed directly at Li Xiu’s brow. The two who had been confronting each other in the sky were now joining forces to bully the two of them.

A sudden chill went down her back. Shen Yirong looked back and saw Zhai Wenxu striking at Li Xiu’s back with a palm, clearly aiming for her heart.

What is going on! Aren’t you on our side?

Seeing the lightning, the palm wind, and the long sword about to land on Li Xiu, Shen Yirong was desperately anxious.

She closed her eyes and shouted, “Wait!”

All sounds ceased. Shen Yirong opened her eyes again and saw that everyone’s wrists were entangled in golden, ribbon-like light. The light came from behind her.

Lu Ci held the bronze mirror high, and the light that restrained them was projected from the mirror.

With the situation under control, Lu Ci held the bronze mirror to her chest. Her naturally captivating face was imbued with a sense of sanctity due to her embracing the mirror.

Her expression was displeased, “This is the Imperial Palace of the Central Yue Kingdom. Is the behavior of you Immortals not overly disrespectful?”

Ling Minzhi had already put on her armor and held her spear, guarding Lu Ci in front of her.

Shen Yirong hadn’t expected the bronze mirror to possess such power, capable of restraining even Senior Sister Mei. Seeing that the others remained silent, she had to speak up, “Grand Ruler, I apologize. We will compensate for the damages here.”

Song Yin and Zhai Wenxu tried to struggle free from the light ribbons on their hands, but they couldn’t break loose no matter what they did.

Mei Xin looked at Shen Yirong, her long sword shifted, slicing the ribbon, and she then stood quietly beside Shen Yirong, though her eyes were fixed on Shen Yirong’s face without stop.

Shen Yirong froze. Then, someone’s hand shifted her position. She looked at Li Xiu in confusion, only to realize that the ribbon on Li Xiu’s wrist was also broken.

She immediately slapped away Li Xiu’s hand that was resting on her waist, intending to strictly re-emphasize their respective statuses.

Li Xiu smiled, “Does Mistress have the money to compensate?”

Shen Yirong: “…”

The palace had been so heavily damaged by the wind that no area was intact. Since she didn’t have gold or silver currency for the mortal world, she truly couldn’t afford the compensation. She righteously declared, “Don’t we have you?”

This matter originally had little to do with Li Xiu, but upon hearing this, the other person merely smiled faintly, looking quite willing to be the scapegoat.

“I can also compensate.” Mei Xin looked at Shen Yirong, repeating, “I can also compensate.”

Shen Yirong looked at those pale blue eyes. It had been a long time since she had seen Mei Xin. The first time she saw them, she thought her eyes were beautiful, but because of her naturally detached nature, those eyes were never stirred.

“Are they beautiful?” Li Xiu’s voice was low.

Shen Yirong startled, immediately responding, “Not beautiful. How can they compare to the Venerable One’s beautiful eyes?”

She had been momentarily lost staring at an old acquaintance, almost forgetting the person next to her who could report her.

Zhai Wenxu and the young Song Yin, who couldn’t break free from the ribbons, also settled down. Seeing the situation, Song Yin immediately apologized, “This was my rashness. Please forgive me, Grand Ruler.”

Zhai Wenxu: “Please forgive me, Grand Ruler.”

Lu Ci reached out and touched the edge of the bronze mirror. The mirror’s light flashed, and the golden ribbons retracted back into the mirror. Everything then returned to normal.

Shen Yirong couldn’t help but stare at the bronze mirror. It looked no different from an ordinary bronze mirror.

A buzzing sound suddenly reached her ears, as if something was shouting.

Shen Yirong wanted to hear it clearly, but her ears suddenly cleared.

Lu Ci, holding the bronze mirror, looked at Song Yin, “You are the Immortal from the Yuexi Kingdom.”

Song Yin shook her head, “No, I was just passing through Yuexi and conveniently cleared out the demons there. The Yuexi Ruler said you possess a treasure mirror and that the chaos here is caused by the bronze mirror in your hand.”

Song Yin looked at the bronze mirror in the Grand Ruler’s hand, “It doesn’t seem to be the case now.”

She sheathed her sword and cupped her hands. This posture was one of youthful vigor that Shen Yirong had never seen, “Please rest assured, Grand Ruler, this incident is my fault. I will bear whatever punishment you deem fit without complaint.”

Lu Ci, holding the mirror, stepped forward but was blocked by Ling Minzhi. Lu Ci gently patted Ling Minzhi’s hand.

Ling Minzhi frowned but put down her spear and stood by the side.

Shen Yirong saw her approaching, finally stopping in front of everyone, and then suddenly kneeling and bowing.

She knelt closest to Shen Yirong. Shen Yirong was startled. She reached out to help her up, but the determination in the woman’s eyes made her retreat and let go.

The woman’s forehead struck the ground heavily. Shen Yirong even heard the sound.

“I do not seek compensation. I only ask that all you Immortals temporarily set aside your grievances and quell the demon scourge here.”

The Imperial Palace was uninhabitable. The Grand Ruler arranged for them to stay at the General’s Residence, which was not far from the palace and hadn’t been significantly affected.

Shen Yirong sat by the window, watching the snow, but her mind was even blanker than the snow.

She looked back and saw that the small room was surprisingly crowded with five people.

Song Yin and Mei Xin stood on one side. Mei Xin’s eyes were constantly fixed on Shen Yirong’s back, while Song Yin glared fiercely at Mei Xin, trying to kill her with her gaze.

Zhai Wenxu sat silently on the bed, looking at Li Xiu with apprehension and disbelief. Li Xiu stood behind Shen Yirong, blocking all the stares.

Shen Yirong let out a hollow laugh, then turned to Zhai Wenxu, “Sister Zhai, who exactly are you?”

Zhai Wenxu closed her eyes, “Are you still unwilling to leave? Venerable Mei is here. I advise you to give up on Li Xiu and return to the Great Peace Sect with us.”

This was actually a good idea. She had escaped before when the vessel mark was shallow, but now, this was a mark personally planted by Song Yin.

That is Song Yin. Shen Yirong always felt that the only one who could defeat Song Yin was Song Yin herself.

Shen Yirong roughly understood now. Zhai Wenxu was likely a spy sent by the Great Peace Sect. Her appearance and name were probably fake, and this commission was originally a bait.

Her head started to ache again. Shen Yirong directly refused, “I apologize, but I cannot go with you.”

Zhai Wenxu’s face contorted again. She pointed at Li Xiu, “What kind of love potion did that Song Yin give you? Or are you simply reluctant to leave this demonic cultivator!”

Song Yin, who was glaring at Mei Xin, was startled and stopped glaring, “Huh? Me?”

After a moment, Zhai Wenxu seemed to remember something, “Is it because of the vessel mark? Venerable Mei can help you with that vessel mark.”

Mei Xin shook her head, “Song Yin’s cultivation is higher than mine. I cannot remove it.”

The young Song Yin was shocked: “Ah?”

Zhai Wenxu, having been contradicted, had a stiff expression. She knew Venerable Mei was honest, but she hadn’t expected her to be this honest.

Shen Yirong looked at the chaos and couldn’t help but rub her forehead, “Stop talking. I won’t leave. Let’s focus on helping the Central Yue Kingdom solve its problems first.”

Shen Yirong glanced at Song Yin. Everyone in the room was from the future, except for Song Yin, who was from this timeline.

It had been a long time. Shen Yirong’s gaze softened uncontrollably. She spoke to Song Yin, “Immortal Song, you have already encountered the so-called ‘demon scourge’ in the Yuexi Kingdom. Do you have any leads?”

The sixteen-year-old Song Yin, seeing the face so similar to her Master’s looking at her gently, couldn’t help but blush slightly. Remembering that this person was not her Master, she regained her composure, “This place is spiritually barren; demons should not naturally appear. However, I have checked, and the space here is chaotic. Those demonic creatures are being transported from elsewhere, and it’s not just demons. Floods, fire, and plagues can also be transmitted here.”

Speaking of this, Song Yin frowned deeply. She looked at Shen Yirong’s face, “Who exactly are you people? Why do you keep mentioning my name?”

Shen Yirong thought for a moment, “We are from the future. I am…”

Hiss! How should I say this? Should I say I am your future exclusive cultivation vessel?

Shen Yirong couldn’t bring herself to say it. She gave a hollow laugh, “I am an unimportant person.”

Song Yin didn’t believe her, “Then what did you mean earlier about me giving someone a love potion? It sounded like…”

Song Yin stopped speaking.

It sounded like she was involved with this person. How could that be possible?

Shen Yirong shot a look at Zhai Wenxu, “Oh, she has a problem with her brain.”

Zhai Wenxu, “You!”

Shen Yirong quickly interrupted, “Speaking of which, why did you two start fighting?”

At this, Song Yin coldly snorted, “I came here originally to ask the Grand Ruler to let me examine the bronze mirror. She appeared out of nowhere and attacked me without a word!”

The silent Mei Xin finally spoke, “You should call me Senior Master.”

Song Yin scoffed, “Heh, I won’t.”

Mei Xin: “Oh.”

Looking at Senior Sister Mei, who had turned back into a wooden puppet, Shen Yirong felt her headache worsen.

So chaotic! What on earth is going on!

She actually really wanted to talk to Song Yin and Senior Sister Mei!

A knock on the door suddenly rang out, ending the tense atmosphere in the room.

“Immortals, dinner is served.”

The dishes on the dinner table were a bit humble. The Ling sisters were already seated.

However, aside from Shen Yirong, everyone else sat silently in their seats.

Again, a deathly silence. Shen Yirong looked left and right, and finally, she didn’t dare to eat.

Li Xiu suddenly reached out and placed a piece of turnip in her bowl, “Mistress, eat.”

Shen Yirong found it strange. Across the table was the youthful version of her true Master, yet she didn’t even spare a glance at her throughout.

Another piece of cabbage was added to her bowl. Shen Yirong looked at Mei Xin.

“Junior Sister made this before. You should like it too.”

With a “crack,” Shen Yirong heard the sound of chopsticks breaking.

The wooden chopsticks snapped into two pieces in Li Xiu’s hand. She calmly apologized to Ling Minzhi, “Apologies, I accidentally broke them.”

Ling Minzhi waved her hand, and someone immediately brought new chopsticks.

Li Xiu immediately picked up the cabbage from Shen Yirong’s bowl and then used her hand to put the turnip back.

Shen Yirong: “…”

What a childish person.

This meal was truly unappetizing. Seven people at one table, and six of them were watching her eat. It felt like she was back to the days of weaving in the Demonic Palace.

This wasn’t eating; this was torture!

Shen Yirong lost her appetite, “I’m full.”

When she looked up, she saw Song Yin across the table had also picked up a piece of turnip and was about to put it in her bowl, now awkwardly suspended in front of it.

Shen Yirong picked up her chopsticks and accepted Song Yin’s kind gesture, smiling, “Thank you, Immortal Song.”

Song Yin lowered her eyes, “Y-you’re welcome.”

Hiss! She’s blushing! So cute! A million times cuter than the current Song Yin!

Shen Yirong’s gaze couldn’t help but become affectionate. She reached out and put some food in Song Yin’s bowl.

“Immortal Song, eat more.”

Li Xiu: “Hehe.”

That laugh seemed to contain some kind of warning. Shen Yirong was shocked.

Isn’t that the youthful version of your Master? You’re not even allowing that?

The dishes on the table were cleared. Ling Minzhi said, “The rooms for the Immortals have been prepared. After nightfall, I ask the Immortals to accompany me to the area where the demonic creatures appear.”

This General was very decisive. After speaking, she left with Ling Yingzhi. Before leaving, Ling Yingzhi shot Shen Yirong a look, the kind of look that seemed to be cursing a heartless woman.

Shen Yirong knew this little girl who liked to ship people must have misunderstood something.

All she could do was give a wry smile.

It felt like from a certain point in time, reputation and integrity had nothing to do with her anymore.

However, there was good news: their rooms had been separated. Shen Yirong and Li Xiu were assigned to one place.

The room for two wasn’t so crowded.

Shen Yirong looked at Li Xiu, her eyes full of praise, “Protector, you were actually able to take Venerable Mei’s sword. You are truly keeping a low profile.”

Li Xiu suppressed the contempt in her eyes for Mei Xin, “Mistress, why didn’t you run?”

“Run?”

Li Xiu looked into Shen Yirong’s eyes, seemingly trying to find something.

“Yes, Zhai Wenxu and Mei Xin are both from the Great Peace Sect. Mei Xin’s cultivation is far higher than mine. If they killed me, you would be free, wouldn’t you?”

Shen Yirong was stunned. That sounded like a good idea, but she had the vessel mark on her. She had read books; if the Mark Master wanted to, they could sense the vessel’s location.

Moreover, the Mark Master was Song Yin.

For now, it was best for her to be obedient and not cause trouble for the Great Peace Sect. Based on current observations, Song Yin wouldn’t kill her.

Although she had many considerations, she needed to phrase it differently.

Shen Yirong stuck to her script, “I said I won’t leave. As long as I can stay by the Venerable One’s side, I will be content.”

A light flashed in Li Xiu’s eyes.

“Furthermore, Protector Li, you treat me quite well. Don’t speak of your own life so lightly.”

The light in Li Xiu’s eyes extinguished again.

She hated this disguise again. If she continued to wear this disguise, she might actually turn “green”.

Shen Yirong had no idea what the person beside her was thinking. She was still thinking about the Grand Ruler’s gaze.

Suddenly, she realized something, “Right, Protector Li seems to know a lot about this Central Yue Kingdom. How was this problem ultimately solved?”

Li Xiu was silent for a moment, “Back then, the Venerable One helped Central Yue eliminate most of the demons, but her cultivation was too shallow at the time to repair the spatial rift above this area.”

“And so?”

Central Yue still existed four hundred years later. Shen Yirong felt that it must have been Song Yin’s protagonist halo that came into effect, helping the region. But recalling Song Yin’s reaction in her past life, perhaps the outcome wasn’t so good.

Li Xiu merely shook her head, “The Venerable One did help, but the one who truly resolved the disaster here was the Grand Ruler.”

Shen Yirong looked at Li Xiu. The other person seemed overly familiar with this history, and there was always a sense of regret in her tone.

Could it be that Li Xiu was also a firsthand witness back then?

Shen Yirong sat up straight, “Where was Protector Li from before cultivating?”

“Changhua Town in the Shallow Azure Kingdom of the Southern Territory.”

Shen Yirong didn’t recall this place name, but it was in the Southern Territory.

Shen Yirong decided to ask in more detail, “How did Protector join the Demonic Palace?”

Li Xiu frowned slightly, “I was working as a carpenter in the town. It happened that the Venerable One passed by and saw my potential.”

Seeing that Shen Yirong was about to ask something else, Li Xiu quickly interrupted, “Does Mistress want to know more about me?”

Shen Yirong instantly felt a sense of crisis, “No, just pure curiosity. I have absolutely no improper thoughts about you.”

“That’s good.”

Shen Yirong felt she had to be careful with every word she spoke to this person, but she also admired her loyalty to Song Yin.

She didn’t know how Song Yin managed it. If she could learn it, perhaps she could teach Sect Master Liu how to manage his subordinates.

“Knock! Knock!”

The door knocked. When Shen Yirong opened it, Song Yin was standing there. Aside from a slight youthful innocence on her face, the sixteen-year-old Song Yin was the same height as the current Song Yin.

Shen Yirong was delighted to see her, smiling like a sunflower, “Immortal Song.”

The sixteen-year-old Song Yin was startled by the smile on her face. She had originally intended to act fiercely, since these two were demonic cultivators.

But now, she couldn’t be fierce. This face was too similar.

Song Yin’s eyes momentarily darted away, then became resolute, “Come with me.”

Shen Yirong agreed without hesitation, “Alright.”

Just one step out, Song Yin stopped again. She pointed at Li Xiu, her gaze unusually sharp, “She is not allowed to follow.”

Shen Yirong was in a difficult position, “Protector Li, she…”

“She is very dangerous, more dangerous than anyone I have ever met.”

Shen Yirong was puzzled. The most dangerous Li Xiu could be was Nascent Soul stage, although perhaps more.

But surely she wasn’t more dangerous than Senior Sister Mei, who was the future Senior Sister Mei?

Seeing Shen Yirong’s disbelief, Song Yin warned again, “Your cultivation is still shallow. You don’t know how wicked demonic cultivators are. Don’t be fooled by her facade. Leave her, the farther the better.”

Li Xiu: “…”

Shen Yirong glanced at Li Xiu. The other person seemed a little angry?

Perhaps it was because she was being lectured by her superior, and by the sixteen-year-old version of her superior at that.

Shen Yirong felt a strong sense of empathy. She quickly smoothed things over, “Immortal Song, you might be misunderstanding. Not all demonic cultivators are bad people.”

Song Yin sneered, “You are too young. There are no good ones among demonic cultivators.”

There were too many moments of amusement. Shen Yirong didn’t know which one to laugh at first.

Shen Yirong held back her laughter, turned around, and winked at Li Xiu, “Protector Li, I’m going with her. I’ll be fine.”

Li Xiu patted Shen Yirong’s shoulder, “Be careful. Don’t come back too late.”

The words were strange. Shen Yirong couldn’t immediately make sense of the meaning and could only nod woodenly.

The door closed with a thud, leaving Li Xiu locked inside.

But before the door closed, someone shot her a fierce glare.

“Heh.” She was amused and angered by herself.

Shen Yirong followed Song Yin. Finally having a chance to be alone with Song Yin, she couldn’t help but talk more.

“Immortal Song, are you out for practical experience? Why did you choose this place?”

Song Yin hesitated for a moment before answering, “Compared to other places, this area is more chaotic.”

Song Yin’s face was full of contempt, “The Southern Territory has been chaotic for so long, all because the current Demonic Venerable is incompetent. If it were me, it wouldn’t be this messy.”

Shen Yirong chuckled, “Does the Immortal want to become a demonic cultivator?”

Song Yin reacted like a cat whose tail was stepped on, “I would never!”

Shen Yirong watched Song Yin’s hair swaying in front of her eyes and suddenly felt the urge to reach out and pat her head.

Pressing her left hand with her right, she finally managed to suppress the impulse.

However, after walking for so long, looking back, the candlelight from the guest room had become blurred.

Song Yin stopped, “Alright, it’s here.”