Reborn as a Human Cauldron, But I'm the Top - Chapter 41

Chapter 41: Very Poor. Chaos, Heart Aflutter

At midnight, Shen Yirong excitedly placed the Myriad Manifestations Mirror, broken into two halves, over her heart. She kept her eyes wide open with anticipation, wondering what she should say to the young Song Yin when she emerged.

The winter wind blew, and the snow and thin ice on the leaves dropped to the ground with a rustling sound.

Shen Yirong looked at the blurred shadows of the objects in the room. She imagined the young Song Yin might emerge from the mirror like a wisp of smoke, which would then gather and take human form before her eyes.

Perhaps it wouldn’t be like that, but more like the memory stone, projecting an image in front of her.

Or maybe she would crawl out of the mirror?

Shen Yirong realized her imagination was heading in a terrifying direction, and she quickly stopped her wild thoughts.

But no matter how much she anticipated, the Myriad Manifestations Mirror remained motionless.

She abruptly sat up, gripping the blanket tightly, and lightly cursed, “Damn it, liar!”

Shen Yirong felt like a fool who had been played. The Myriad Manifestations Mirror dropped to the floor. She bent down to pick it up, but the mirror suddenly emitted a faint light. Just as she had imagined, a wisp of smoke drifted out of the mirror surface, then gathered into a human shape.

The Song Yin before her was wearing the white Daoist robe of the Great Peace Sect. The robe showed signs of washing, and the edges of the cuffs, which should have been black, were slightly faded to white. She seemed disoriented, not understanding where she was. After a moment of confusion, she saw Shen Yirong lying on the bed.

“Immortal Master Shen!”

Shen Yirong had still harbored some doubt that this was fake, but upon hearing this sentence, most of her suspicion subsided. Song Yin would never call her “Immortal Master Shen” so cheerfully.

However, given Song Yin’s past malicious actions under the guise of Li Xiu, Shen Yirong sternly halted her.

The abruptly rejected Song Yin was full of confusion and grievance, “Immortal Master? What’s wrong?”

Shen Yirong froze. If this really were the Demon Venerable in disguise, the sacrifice would be too great.

Her suspicion lessened further, and a hint of tenderness emerged in her heart.

To be safe, Shen Yirong still posed a question, “On the night we first met, when you invited me out, what was the first sentence you said?”

Shen Yirong stared intently at the Song Yin before her, who thought for a moment and answered, “Compared to other places, this place is more chaotic.”

Correct. Even the tone was the same.

Shen Yirong was relieved. She smiled so broadly that her eyes curved, and she completely relaxed, “It really is you.”

Shen Yirong was too happy to notice that this Song Yin almost shredded her own sleeve cuff.

Song Yin smiled, “It’s me. I didn’t expect to see Immortal Master again.”

Shen Yirong hadn’t expected it either. She asked with some anticipation, “Can I see you often in the future?”

Song Yin’s smile gradually became strained, but the darkness of the night obscured it, “Yes, as long as Immortal Master wants to see me, I will appear by your side.”

Shen Yirong felt she wasn’t that clingy, but Song Yin’s words made her feel a little embarrassed.

She laughed awkwardly, “It won’t come to that.”

Shen Yirong looked much happier than she had during the day. Song Yin’s tightly clenched fists subtly relaxed. She sat by Shen Yirong’s bed, “Does Immortal Master miss me very much? Why?”

The moonlight through the window couldn’t illuminate the darkness of the room. Shen Yirong tried to cast a spell to brighten the room.

The hand attempting the spell was gently caught. Song Yin’s voice was very soft, “Don’t light the lamp, okay?”

The area where their skin met transmitted the other person’s body temperature, and Song Yin’s voice was melodious, carrying a hint of coyness.

Shen Yirong tried to pull away but ultimately couldn’t bring herself to break free. She sighed, “I want to see your face clearly.”

In fact, Shen Yirong still missed the past very much. When she was controlled by the system, she always thought that if she were free, she would definitely love this child well, but they never had the chance.

The Myriad Manifestations Mirror was making up for a small regret, even if it was fake.

“Why?”

Song Yin’s voice sounded very calm, seeming purely curious.

Shen Yirong didn’t answer. She reached out, wanting to touch her face, but then retreated, thinking it was inappropriate. However, her retracting hand was slowly pulled back up until her palm rested against Song Yin’s cheek.

Song Yin’s cheek was cold, as if she had just come back from the snowy ground, but Central Yue Kingdom in the mirror was also snowing.

Although this sentence was superfluous for a cultivator, Shen Yirong had wanted to say it for a long time.

She cupped Song Yin’s face without reservation, “You don’t need to practice cultivation too diligently. You must take care of your body.”

The muscles under her palm twitched. Unfortunately, the expression Shen Yirong saw was too blurry. She heard Song Yin softly say, “Mhm, I will.”

After a while, Shen Yirong heard her ask quietly, “Will Immortal Master worry about me too? Why?”

Why?

Of course, Shen Yirong worried. She knew how outstanding this person was, knew she was delicate-minded, knew she didn’t actually like flying birds and swimming fish, but only loved them by extension.

She watched Song Yin grow up, watched her go from being obedient and sensible to finally falling into complete despair.

In this unfamiliar world, Song Yin was the person she had the deepest connection with.

But after thinking so much, Shen Yirong only said one thing, “Because you are Song Yin.”

Song Yin suddenly froze. Her emotions were very complex. She noticed that Shen Yirong was indeed gentler towards this illusion, while her current self always seemed separated by something.

She felt a little unwilling, but then thought, Let it be. What difference does it make?

But the inner demons surged up again. She tried desperately to suppress them, but a few coughs still escaped.

“Cough, cough, cough.”

Shen Yirong immediately became anxious. She wanted to check Song Yin’s pulse, but the hand on her wrist was too tight, and she couldn’t break free.

“I’m fine, just caught a little chill.”

Shen Yirong remembered that Song Yin hadn’t been wearing much when she took the photo with the young Song Yin, and Senior Sister Mei had summoned the snow too heavily at the time.

Shen Yirong couldn’t help but glance out the window. The three people outside were still in a confrontation, as if they couldn’t hear the commotion inside the room.

But if the two Protectors heard and saw, where would Song Yin’s dignity be?

It was better if they couldn’t hear. Shen Yirong couldn’t help but care, “Your health is still a bit weak. This won’t do. I know someone who can do sit-ups in the snow without any problem.”

Shen Yirong thought again that it wasn’t good, “No, just be healthy. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

Song Yin’s attention focused on the previous sentence. She had a guess but still couldn’t help but want to confirm the answer, “Who is that person?”

Shen Yirong opened her mouth to speak, but saying it would expose her identity. She glanced out the window, mumbling, “Someone in a dream. I can’t remember the face clearly.”

Shen Yirong’s gaze just now was clearly directed at Mei Xin outside the window.

Song Yin gritted her teeth inwardly. She hadn’t expected Shen Yirong to remain vigilant even in front of an illusion, and she didn’t believe a word the other party said.

Snowy weather was more suitable for Mei Xin’s cultivation, so she would meditate, practice her sword, do sit-ups, and push-ups in the snow.

Crazy! Absolutely crazy!

Doesn’t she have her own cave dwelling? Why does she have to show off on Northwest Peak!

The memory of the past attacked Song Yin again after four hundred years, and Song Yin was far from calm.

Although she was still using the voice of her past self, her tone was clearly much deeper when she spoke. She said, “I am not inferior to the person you mentioned.”

Shen Yirong was startled, but then felt that this person was still so eager to perform in front of those she cared about.

But the Song Yin before her was definitely not comparable to Mei Xin. To avoid hurting the child’s self-esteem, Shen Yirong placated her, “There, there. I know.”

Song Yin was almost provoked into laughter.

She doesn’t know at all!

Shen Yirong felt that something was wrong. Why did her obedient disciple seem like a volcano about to erupt?

“Heh heh.”

Shen Yirong shivered. Although the voice was still soft, why did it feel like a female ghost?

“Immortal Master, you don’t know at all. I will prove it to you.”

Shen Yirong’s pupils trembled slightly.

Pr-prove what?

The wind outside seemed even colder. Yao Ling’s jade pendant lightly jingled.

She stared intensely at Mei Xin.

Since nightfall, this person had closed her eyes, as if she were asleep.

Although she spoke about wanting to beat everyone up, Yao Ling was very clear about the strength of the person before her.

Qi Wu was also having a hard time. Unlike Yao Ling, she had fought Mei Xin. No matter what method she used, she would be frozen. If the Venerable One hadn’t arrived in time, she would have turned into a pile of ice shards long ago.

Thinking that the Venerable One was nearby, and Mei Xin didn’t seem to intend to attack, Qi Wu felt a bit relieved.

But Mei Xin suddenly opened her eyes. Qi Wu and Yao Ling instantly became vigilant. Vines immediately shot up, and Yao Ling also brought out her hammer.

But Mei Xin ignored them and looked towards the room.

“I found the way! Why is this useless compass wrong! What is the situation now?”

Hearing Sect Master Liu’s voice, Mei Xin looked into the window again.

The Illusion Spell blocked Mei Xin’s view, but her eyes were somewhat special. With a simple trick, she could see the scene inside the room.

The creaking of the bed boards inside the room also became very clear.

She saw Shen Yirong sitting on Song Yin, and Song Yin lying prone on the bed.

Doing push-ups?

Mei Xin felt that the number of things she couldn’t understand had increased. Why would Song Yin do push-ups on the bed board with someone on her back? Why is Song Yin wearing the Great Peace Sect’s clothes?

Mei Xin tilted her head slightly. She replied in her mind: Which situation?

Liu Qianfeng was hurrying on her way. She brushed the grass off her head. The compass had just led her the wrong way, causing her to fall into a trap set by hunters.

She was already anxious, and hearing Mei Xin’s dull voice made her even more irritated, but she felt she couldn’t argue with someone who didn’t understand love.

She calmed down and continued the telepathic message: What’s up with your junior sister?

Mei Xin glanced inside the window again. She saw Shen Yirong’s face was full of despair.

Mei Xin pursed her lips: She seems… very embarrassed.

Liu Qianfeng finally finished cleaning the grass off her head. She sped up her journey. A string of white jade tablets hanging from her waist clattered.

“Embarrassed? What happened?”

Mei Xin thought for a moment, then replied: She and Song Yin, on the bed, doing exercises.

“Ah!”

Mei Xin heard Liu Qianfeng’s scream in her mind. She raised an eyebrow: Sect Master?

“I’m fine.”

Liu Qianfeng was too shocked and accidentally crashed into a tree.

The snow on the tree shook down and completely buried her. She poked her head out of the snow, then pulled herself out.

The stunned Liu Qianfeng couldn’t believe her ears, but Mei Xin wouldn’t lie.

This person would boldly admit to stealing her wine, even if she would be punished.

So those master and disciple were indeed doing exercises on the bed.

Liu Qianfeng continued to fly on her sword. This time, she flew a little higher.

She thought while flying whether the feng shui of the Great Peace Sect was problematic, as there were always such master-disciple relationships.

She always thought Song Yin’s hatred for that face would prevent her from touching her. She actually made a move!

She pondered and pondered, completely unable to figure it out. In the end, she could only curse with a pained expression, “Such a sin! The Great Peace Sect already has a poor reputation!”

After flying for a while, Liu Qianfeng convinced herself. She gave up on worrying, “We’ve already lost face, losing a little more doesn’t matter.”

As she flew, Liu Qianfeng saw something running in the snow below.

It was a Nine-Tailed Fox with fiery red fur. The fur on its paws and tail tips was white.

This was no ordinary fox. Its nine tails were wrapped in crimson flames. Even a slight proximity could make one feel a scorching heat.

Liu Qianfeng smelled the murderous intent emanating from it. Suddenly, one of its tails lashed out, and a ball of flame shaped like an arrow attacked Liu Qianfeng.

Liu Qianfeng flicked her sleeve, and the flame arrow was sucked into her sleeve. When she waved her hand again, the flame arrow was twice as large and returned.

The Nine-Tailed Fox agilely leaped and opened its mouth to spit out a massive fireball.

The surrounding temperature rapidly rose. The snow instantly vaporized, and wisps of white mist rose from the trees.

Liu Qianfeng’s pupils contracted. The “Sleeve Universe” technique was useless against this.

The fireball grew bigger and bigger, gradually engulfing this small patch of forest. The cursed energy intertwined in the woods was also burnt clean.

The fireball flew straight towards Liu Qianfeng, its speed no less than the earlier arrow.

In this heat, Liu Qianfeng could even smell her hair burning.

Her expression remained calm. She jumped off her sword and leaped directly into the fireball, as if oblivious to the danger.

The next second, she emerged from the fireball completely unharmed. She clawed at the red fox’s neck with her five fingers, but just as she was about to succeed, the fox transformed into flames and slipped away.

The fireball exploded behind her, scattering into smaller fireballs.

Liu Qianfeng coldly watched the fox squatting on a dead tree, comfortably licking the fur on its paws, and coldly said, “What is the Fox Lord’s intention?”

The crimson fox lowered its paws, its rose-red eyes smiling as it looked at Liu Qianfeng, “It’s an honor that Sect Master Liu could recognize me.”

How could she not recognize her? In the past, before humans and demons demarcated their territories, many conflicts broke out. Although the two sides eventually defined their boundaries under the mediation of the Sword Venerable, there were minor skirmishes afterward, but they were generally peaceful.

However, humans and demons were fundamentally different, and coupled with the unexpected death of the mediator, the Sword Venerable, some demons in the Demon Realm began to have new ideas.

But the Demon Realm’s attack couldn’t bypass the Southern Territory, which belonged to Song Yin. After a few attacks, the Demon Realm was beaten into submission by Song Yin.

The cultivation world was very concerned about the Demon Realm’s movements. Naturally, they knew that the Fox Clan in the Demon Realm had a new king. The new king, Qing Li, had ascended to power by slaughtering the White Fox Clan. She was an extremely cruel tyrant, and the Great Peace Sect naturally focused on such a demon.

Liu Qianfeng looked at the fox with vigilance, “Is Your Excellency here for the Demon Venerable?”

The fox’s voice was lazy, “Ah, something like that. This Queen is very interested in the Demon Venerable’s life.”

After speaking, the flames originally wrapped around the nine fox tails slowly spread over the fox’s entire body. When the flames dissipated, a black-haired woman with pink eyes was sitting on the dead tree. Although she had transformed into a human form, her fox ears and tail remained.

She extended her hand to Liu Qianfeng, as if inviting, “This Queen acknowledges Sect Master’s strength. Why don’t we join forces and change the owner of the Demon Palace?”

“That Demon Venerable killed your sect’s Sword Venerable and has always troubled the Sect Master. Now that she is in trouble, it is the perfect time to kill her.”

Although they were far apart, the voice was as close as if it were in her ear.

Liu Qianfeng felt her eardrums being assaulted. She fiercely rubbed her ears and righteously declared, “I refuse!”

Qing Li chuckled softly, “Does the Sect Master also believe that humans and demons cannot be allies?”

Of course, Liu Qianfeng didn’t think so. Although the Great Peace Sect and the Demon Palace were at odds, she had reasons not to kill Song Yin.

As long as Song Yin was around, she could block those restless elements in the Demon Realm. But if Song Yin was gone, the Southern Territory would inevitably fall into chaos again, and the cultivation world would lose its peace.

The Demon Palace only steals things from the Great Peace Sect. If the Great Peace Sect is robbed, let it be. Anyway, there’s nothing left to steal.

Liu Qianfeng’s eyes suddenly turned cold. She drew her sword and pointed it at Qing Li.

Qing Li’s eyes seemed to hold regret. She lamented, “Alas, this Queen thought she could become friends with the Sect Master.”

The surrounding temperature rose again. The air was thick with tension.

Just as Liu Qianfeng was about to strike, Mei Xin’s voice rang out in her mind again.

“Sect Master, Yao Jun of the Nine Heavens, and Bai Yuzan of the Immortal Doctor Valley have arrived.”

Liu Qianfeng was startled. She no longer wanted to fight, and flew on her sword towards Mei Xin’s location at extreme speed.

“Watch out, don’t let Song Yin kill them!”

Mei Xin looked at the two people arriving in the sky. She gave an “Oh” and drew her sword, observing the situation on the ground.

With so many people arriving, how could Shen Yirong not feel it? She constantly lamented how unpopular Song Yin was, while simultaneously urging the young Song Yin to return to the mirror.

“Hurry up. It won’t be good if they mistake you for the Demon Venerable.”

Shen Yirong anxiously patted the Song Yin beneath her.

Song Yin looked at her worried expression, then transformed into smoke and slipped into the mirror.

This was merely her deceiving Shen Yirong’s eyes. She remained in the room, watching Shen Yirong push open the door and walk out.

Shen Yirong stepped out. She recognized the three people in the courtyard, and she also recognized the two people in the sky.

One was the Valley Master of the Immortal Doctor Valley who had treated her in her previous life. The other’s face was identical to Yao Ling’s. She also had red hair and carried a pipa, giving off a gentle and tranquil feeling.

Shen Yirong only felt a headache. So many people! Could there be more?

The moment something happened to Song Yin, the entire cultivation world seemed to flock to her.

Seeing Shen Yirong emerge, the two people in the sky spoke simultaneously.

“Sword Venerable.”

“Troublemaker.”

The long-unheard title made Shen Yirong tremble. She forced a bitter smile, “You two have mistaken me. I just happen to look like the Sword Venerable.”

Yao Ling stared intensely at the person holding the pipa. If Qi Wu hadn’t pulled her, she would have rushed up to strike that person with her hammer.

Yao Jun glanced at Yao Ling, then indifferently looked away. She bowed to Shen Yirong, “After a long separation from you, my Master often worries. Hence, she sent this junior to invite you for a gathering at the Nine Heavens.”

Bai Yuzan, still dressed in the same hemp clothes with a medicinal gourd hanging from her waist, frowned and interrupted, “You can set aside your Master for now. Why don’t you come to my Immortal Doctor Valley first.”

Yao Jun lowered her eyes, “The Immortal Doctor Valley is far from here. It wouldn’t be too late for the Sword Venerable to visit the Immortal Doctor Valley after going to the Nine Heavens first.”

Bai Yuzan sneered, “Why didn’t your Master come personally? Sending a junior like you, is it perhaps a lack of respect?”

“Master does not slight the Sword Venerable. It is just that her health is poor and she cannot move easily. We hope the Sword Venerable understands.”

Seeing the two people above start arguing, Shen Yirong slowly began to understand. Were these people here for her, not Song Yin?

Why were they all so sure she was the Sword Venerable? Did something go wrong somewhere?

Shen Yirong broke out in a cold sweat.

Stay calm! The most important thing now is to deny everything. She is Shen Yi, not the Sword Venerable!

Yao Ling could no longer restrain herself. She swung her hammer at Yao Jun. The sound of the pipa rose, blocking her from getting close. She swung her hammer again, shattering the sound barrier.

Yao Ling laughed wildly, “Die! My dear sister!”

Yao Ling and Yao Jun became entangled in a fight.

Shen Yirong watched the two sisters trading killing blows in the sky in shock.

There’s a scene like this?

Before she could watch for another two seconds, her vision was blocked by layers of vines. She heard Qi Wu’s voice, laced with suppressed anger.

“Shen Yi belongs to the Venerable One! You all dare to disregard my Demon Palace!”

Shen Yirong was enveloped by a cocoon made of vines. Now she could only hear sounds. It was dark inside the cocoon, but many small flowers were blooming. Smelling the fragrance of the flowers, Shen Yirong felt much calmer.

Everything outside was isolated. Qi Wu’s telepathic message echoed in her mind.

“Mistress, don’t be afraid. Wait for the Venerable One to return.”

Hearing the confidence in Qi Wu’s voice, Shen Yirong only felt like scoffing.

Song Yin was currently hindered by her inner demons and was not at full strength.

Shen Yirong wasn’t too worried. It seemed that none of these people intended to harm her.

In her previous life, she hadn’t left the house due to her poor health and had no contact with the people of the Nine Heavens. The Valley Master of the Immortal Doctor Valley treated her only because of her personal relationship with the Sword Venerable.

The more Shen Yirong thought about it, the more curious she became about the original owner.

She suddenly remembered the Suyu Sword and couldn’t help but communicate with it.

“Suyu, what kind of person was the Sword Venerable?”

Suyu was woken up from sleep. It said sleepily: Hmm? Master, did you lose your memory? The Sword Venerable is you. The scent of your soul is the same.

Shen Yirong was stunned. She frowned and doubted: You don’t even have a nose. You must be mistaken.

The sword spirit bristled, but suddenly shouted excitedly: I smell Aunt Liu! Huh? Why is there a fox too? Master, be careful, that fox has a very strong murderous aura!

The vines in front of her were suddenly split open by a burst of sword qi. Shen Yirong saw daylight again. She saw the Sect Master smiling, despite having tears in her eyes.

Qi Wu, who was entangled with Bai Yuzan, roared, “Liu Qianfeng! Put her down!”

Liu Qianfeng ignored her, only shouting, “Mei Xin!”

The wind and snow instantly intensified. Frost began to form on everyone’s bodies.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Liu Qianfeng grabbed Shen Yirong and ran.

Qi Wu and the others shattered the ice and tried to chase, but Mei Xin suddenly blocked their path.

She stood poised in the air with her sword, the wind and snow whipping her robes.

“Passersby will die.”

The powerful pressure made everyone present freeze. Qi Wu watched helplessly as Liu Qianfeng carried the person away. Her eyes were tearing with rage. She shouted at Shen Yirong’s retreating back, “Mistress!”

Shen Yirong was startled back to her senses by the shout. Not wanting to cause trouble for the Great Peace Sect, she struggled.

But Liu Qianfeng wouldn’t let go. She didn’t look back, only said, suppressing a sob, “I know you don’t want to cause us trouble, but the Great Peace Sect is not afraid of trouble. Everyone misses you very much.”

“Where did you go? We tried so many ways but couldn’t find your soul.”

The longing in her words was too intense, so intense that Shen Yirong didn’t dare to face it. She momentarily forgot to struggle.

Liu Qianfeng suddenly turned around and hugged her. Her voice sounded like she was crying, “Will you come home with the Sect Master? It’s time to come home for dinner. The book you wanted to read, I’ve kept it there all this time.”

“The immortal cranes you often feed are still waiting for you at your doorstep. Without you feeding them, they’ve become thin. You know I’m lazy; I won’t help you feed them.”

Shen Yirong suddenly wanted to cry too. She couldn’t deny that she was the Sword Venerable.

Just as she was about to agree, she smelled the fragrance of orchids again.

The emotion slowly subsided. She heard Song Yin’s voice.

“Are you going to go with her?”

Liu Qianfeng shielded Shen Yirong. She looked nervously at Song Yin, “She won’t go with you.”

Song Yin was silent, then looked at Shen Yirong and asked, “Is that true?”

Shen Yirong couldn’t answer.

Song Yin’s eyes darkened, as if she was about to explode with anger.

She angrily waved her hand, tearing open space.

Shen Yirong was startled, thinking the other party was about to pull out some Heaven-rank magical artifact.

The next second, Song Yin pulled out a bag of spirit stones from it.

Shen Yirong gasped.