Reborn as a Human Cauldron, But I'm the Top - Chapter 94

Chapter 94: Reluctance.

“You said the Heavenly Dao? Why would the Heavenly Dao open my coffin?”

Shen Yirong’s words were full of confusion. She walked over and extended her hand, and Shen Shuci naturally flew back into her palm.

Shen Shuci closed her eyes, then opened them after a moment. She shook her head. “I can’t contact the Heavenly Dao.”

The Heavenly Dao had never been able to control Shen Yirong; her destiny didn’t belong here. But the fact that Shen Shuci could talk to the Heavenly Dao greatly surprised Shen Yirong.

She rubbed Shen Shuci’s head. “Does the Heavenly Dao have consciousness?”

Shen Shuci nodded. “It has consciousness. Occasionally, she takes the initiative to contact me, but this is rare.”

Shen Yirong recalled the “fake system” that invaded her dream. That person spoke in her mind, pretending to be the system. Was it possible that this Heavenly Dao was also fake?

Thinking of the possible similarity between the two, Shen Yirong became much more serious. “What are the characteristics of this Heavenly Dao you speak of, and when did she lose contact?”

“The connection was lost recently. As for characteristics, a female voice?”

Shen Shuci thought for a moment. She recalled the excessive amount of heavenly lightning her host encountered when leaving the Central Yue Kingdom to break through the Golden Core stage.

Shen Shuci managed to absorb some of it at the time. She was injured and didn’t think much of it, but now it seemed that thing was explicitly trying to strike the host dead.

The more Shen Shuci thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. It seemed that the Heavenly Dao’s attention to her had been excessive for a long time. Was there some underlying motive?

The more Shen Shuci thought, the more terrifying it became. If the Heavenly Dao was truly behind this, it meant the world was rejecting the host.

In her panic, she couldn’t help but ask, “Host, how do you feel about your current body?”

Shen Yirong stretched her body. To be honest, her body’s condition was not optimistic, but fortunately, her cultivation was still present.

Shen Yirong was already very satisfied with this result, so she smiled. “I feel great.”

Shen Shuci was still worried. She looked at Shen Yirong, then at Song Yin beside Shen Yirong, and her worries disappeared again.

After seeing Song Yin’s perverse actions time and time again, Shen Shuci felt that even if she managed to escape back to the original world with her host, the other party would surely chase them down.

Seeing her sudden sense of relief, Shen Yirong couldn’t help but press. “What did you discover?”

Song Yin immediately isolated the space. “It’s safe, speak.”

The sense of security was unmatched. Shen Shuci had completely succumbed. The feeling of latching onto such a powerful person was too wonderful.

She straightened her little body and said very seriously, “I suspect that fake system is the Heavenly Dao. She opened your coffin to prevent you from coming back.”

Shen Yirong found this a bit far-fetched. She had spent centuries in this world, and in that long time, she had never seen the Heavenly Dao move against her.

If the Heavenly Dao wanted to destroy her, why not kill her before she grew up?

Shen Yirong didn’t think so. She turned to Song Yin, earnestly asking for her opinion. “What do you think?”

The residual Heavenly Dao aura was becoming thinner with the passage of time. Song Yin looked at the open coffin with a blank expression. She said, “What she says is very reasonable. This world cannot tolerate too many variables. To maintain the stable operation of this world, the Heavenly Dao has a reason to move against you.”

Shen Yirong felt this theory resembled some of the scientific knowledge she had learned previously.

Thinking carefully, what they said made sense. Moreover, during the dream last time, the impersonator seemed very familiar with her. Although she didn’t know the Heavenly Dao, the other party definitely knew her.

Shen Yirong only felt a headache. “Seriously.”

Song Yin looked at her distressed expression. “Is Master afraid?”

Shen Yirong scoffed with disdain. At this moment, she was full of arrogance. “Afraid? I wouldn’t be afraid. I just find this fellow unreasonable.”

The majestic Master.

Song Yin felt that this state of her Master was quite good. It seemed no hardship in the world could defeat her.

Of course, the way Master was when she first reincarnated was also great—brave, clever, and her acting was excellent, so good that Song Yin couldn’t even tell.

The cold Master with the bamboo hat she first met was also good. Beneath the indifferent exterior was a warm heart.

In short, Master was good in every way. Even the way she’d light up at the sight of spirit stones was adorable.

Now that a suspect was confirmed, Shen Yirong had to think about ways to resist, but she had been away from the mortal world for too long and was out of touch with many things. Thus, she turned to ask Song Yin.

Seeing Song Yin deep in thought with her head down, Shen Yirong’s Master complex surfaced. She walked closer and patted Song Yin’s shoulder, adopting the composed demeanor of a Master. “Don’t worry. It’s just the Heavenly Dao. Nothing to fear.”

Song Yin’s eyes curved into a smile. “Mm. With Master here, I’m not afraid.”

Watching Song Yin deliberately act weak, Shen Shuci felt goosebumps rise. She thought speechlessly: Why are these two people, who could shake the cultivation world with a stomp, putting on an act here?

In her frustration, Shen Shuci tried to contact the Heavenly Dao again. After failing, she sighed.

Honestly, she didn’t want the mastermind to be the Heavenly Dao, as she had communicated with the Heavenly Dao extensively.

But life was always full of surprises. Shen Shuci watched the two talking and laughing, and her mood slowly relaxed.

Since they were standing very close, Shen Shuci stretched out from Shen Yirong’s sleeve. She tugged at Song Yin’s sleeve to get attention. When Song Yin looked down at her, she asked, “How much longer until I can get my body back?”

Song Yin smiled. “Still in such a hurry?”

Shen Shuci retreated into Shen Yirong’s sleeve. She repeated her stance. “I want to look human.”

Shen Yirong was stunned upon hearing this. She said with some guilt, “You are you. It doesn’t matter if you don’t look human.”

Shen Shuci looked at her two round hands. She said dejectedly, “But this appearance is inconvenient, Host. I’ve learned a lot over the years and even learned divination from Su Zhao.”

Hearing the name of an acquaintance, Shen Yirong felt the world was truly small.

Shen Yirong smiled and said, “That’s great. Su Zhao is a very easygoing person.”

Shen Yirong didn’t dare to ask too many questions about certain matters. She was still afraid of separation. Instead of rushing back, she visited Yun Huiming’s tomb again.

Mei Xin, however, had arrived earlier. Shen Yirong called out to her back. “Senior Sister!”

Mei Xin turned around. “You’re alive.”

Those two words were quite a mood killer, but that was just Senior Sister Mei’s style. Shen Yirong couldn’t help but laugh. “Senior Sister, you still don’t know how to talk.”

A trace of guilt flashed in Mei Xin’s eyes. “I apologize.”

Shen Yirong had never blamed Mei Xin. She waved her hand nonchalantly. “What are you talking about? My memory is faulty; I don’t remember.”

Mei Xin opened her mouth, ready to fill in Shen Yirong’s memory, but Song Yin interrupted in time. “Do you need wine? I can pour her a cup. If you need offerings like joss paper or an incense burner, I have those too.”

These were all items used for memorializing. Mei Xin’s attention successfully shifted. “Master is not dead.”

Shen Yirong looked at Mei Xin with pity. She patted Mei Xin’s shoulder. “Senior Sister, life is full of farewells. Let go.”

Yun Huiming often said this, so Mei Xin was momentarily frozen.

By the time she recovered, the other party had already set up an incense burner and candles and was burning joss paper in front of the half-broken sword.

Shen Yirong’s sorrow was genuine. She folded the newly unwrapped joss paper, lit it on the white candle, and smiled bitterly. “Elder Yun, rest in peace. I will look after Senior Sister.”

Song Yin paused the hand burning the paper money. She said faintly, “Go well. Your disciple, Sect Master Liu, has gladly taken her.”

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew the joss paper flying everywhere, and the two white candles were extinguished.

Shen Yirong was plastered with joss paper. When the wind stopped and the paper fell down, she sensed something was wrong.

“Master, let Venerable Mei have some quiet time.”

Shen Yirong looked at Mei Xin’s dazed expression. She felt the other party definitely needed some space.

So, she followed Song Yin away.

Song Yin seemed very familiar with the Tai’an Sect, leading her to an orchard. The orchard was protected by a barrier, and a sign stood at the periphery, which read: “Mei Xin is Forbidden from Entry.”

Looking at Sect Master Liu’s familiar handwriting, Shen Yirong could imagine how irritated she must have been when writing it.

However, after laughing for a while, she sighed again.

Shen Yirong’s current body still needed recuperation, so Song Yin took action to break the barrier. After they entered, they saw many more signs, each saying: “No Stealing Wine.”

Instead of deterring thieves, the signs exposed the location of the wine.

Shen Yirong found it amusing. “Isn’t this ‘advertising where the treasures are hidden’?”

There were few normal people in the Tai’an Sect. Song Yin was not surprised by their actions.

Shen Yirong walked to a peach tree. Looking up, she saw small green fruits hidden among the peach leaves. She suddenly asked, “You are very familiar with this place. Do you come here often?”

Song Yin’s eyes flickered. “Yes, I sometimes come here to exchange sentiments with the members of the Tai’an Sect.”

Shen Yirong frowned. “Are you saying they still willingly exchange sentiments with you after you killed me?”

“Yes, this happened after you came back, of course. Because Master protects me, they let go of past grudges.”

Song Yin spoke half-truth, half-lie. Shen Yirong believed her.

“That’s possible. It seems you and Sect Master Liu get along quite well, since she can move freely in your Demon Palace.”

Song Yin smiled. “Yes, our Demon Palace has a good relationship with the various immortal sects in the cultivation world.”

Shen Yirong smiled, then the smile slowly faded. “It seems your suffering is all because of me.”

Song Yin knew what she wanted to say. “Master, don’t worry so much. Why not consider the future?”

Shen Yirong always felt she was trouble. She wasn’t afraid of the Heavenly Dao, but Song Yin’s destiny was tied to this world, and that made her scared.

But the Song Yin standing in front of her was very persistent. She had a premonition that if she kept talking, Song Yin would get angry.

Shen Yirong felt she was quite undignified as a Master, to be afraid of angering her disciple.

Shen Yirong put away her worries. She chuckled softly. “You’re right. It’s better to quickly recuperate my body. When the Heavenly Dao comes looking, I’ll have the strength to fight.”

Shen Yirong said this lightly, as in her full-power state, she could truly do it.

After settling her own matters, Shen Yirong looked at Song Yin. “As a territory ruler, shouldn’t you go back to preside over the overall situation?”

Song Yin just shook her head. “The Demon Palace can operate without me.”

It seemed Song Yin didn’t intend to go back, which meant Shen Yirong would have to stay with her for a while longer.

Their current residences were very close, separated only by a wall, making it easy to hear each other’s voices.

Shen Yirong was inwardly happy, but she still maintained her reserve. “You came here because of me. Now that I’m better, if the Demon Palace truly needs you, don’t worry about me. Just go back.”

This was the classic saying one thing but meaning another.

Song Yin found that the current Master was much easier to figure out than before. Perhaps she was cautious in the past due to survival pressure, but now that her strength was back, she could confidently show her true self.

Song Yin revealed an imperceptible smile. She thought seriously, then said sternly, “Master is right. The Demon Palace does need me.”

Shen Yirong didn’t expect her polite suggestion to lead to an outcome she hadn’t anticipated. The joy she had been secretly feeling immediately sank.

Although she felt very reluctant, Shen Yirong had to put on a generous expression. “Mm, go. As a Palace Lord, how can you abandon your subordinates? That’s too irresponsible.”

Song Yin looked instructed. She sighed contritely. “Master is right. I will set off soon.”

Shen Yirong was so startled that she couldn’t help blurting out, “So fast?”

She immediately tried to cover up. “I wanted to give you something, but now I don’t have enough time to prepare.”

Shen Yirong thought about having to live alone in that large house tonight. The reluctance in her heart surged like a tsunami. She continued based on her previous words. “If it’s not urgent, you can stay for one night, give me some time to prepare the things I want to give you.”

Song Yin showed a look of difficulty. She sighed. “Master might not know, but my subordinates all have problems to varying degrees. There are only two people who can really get work done, so I have to go back as soon as possible.”

Shen Yirong unconsciously pursed her lips tightly.

But she couldn’t stubbornly insist on keeping the person. The title of Demon Venerable was no small matter; being busy was expected.

Although the farewell gift was an excuse Shen Yirong made up, she still wanted to prepare something if it was truly a farewell. But she was awkwardly finding that she had nothing to give.

Looking around, Shen Yirong looked down at her feet. She coughed, then used a spell to dig up the soil. A jar of wine lay quietly there.

There was a piece of paper attached to the wine jar. Shen Yirong ignored it and presented the wine to Song Yin. “In that case, take this as a gift. But your alcohol tolerance is limited, so don’t try to force yourself to drink.”

Song Yin couldn’t help but smile even wider. She nodded obediently. “I will remember what Master said.”

Feeling a bit lonely for no reason, Shen Yirong couldn’t help but ramble. “Come back and see me when you’re done. Although the two places are a bit far, it’s not a problem for you.”

Shen Yirong then felt her words were unreasonable. She added, “If it’s inconvenient for you, I can come see you. Anyway, I’m an idle person now and have plenty of time.”

Song Yin suppressed her laughter. She pretended to be serious. “Yes, I will definitely come back after I’m done.”

The atmosphere slowly turned melancholy. Shen Yirong thought of the jade tokens she had distributed, but she couldn’t make such things now.

After much thought, she finally just said, “It’s good to be busy. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Song Yin felt her mouth was about to twitch, but seeing the genuine reluctance in her Master’s eyes, she was happy but also felt she had gone too far.

Putting the wine jar away, Song Yin said softly, “Where is Master’s All-Seeing Mirror?”

Shen Yirong took the mirror from her spatial ring. The mirror floated in her palm.

Shen Yirong corrected her. “This mirror is not mine. But why are you suddenly asking about it?”

Song Yin took the All-Seeing Mirror. After infusing spiritual energy, young Song Yin appeared in the mirror. Little Song Yin was walking up the mountain with a bamboo basket on her back, occasionally stopping, attracted by the flying birds in the forest.

Song Yin took Shen Yirong’s hand and placed the activated All-Seeing Mirror back into Shen Yirong’s hand. She smiled. “If Master misses me, you can enter this mirror world.”

The little Song Yin in the mirror seemed to sense something. She suddenly looked up, meeting Shen Yirong’s gaze.

Little Song wasn’t looking at her, but just at the sky in the mirror.

Shen Yirong looked up at her. “When can you come back, or I can go with you.”

Shen Yirong’s expression was very direct. Song Yin liked this directness. She smiled, hiding the emotion in her eyes. “Does Master miss me?”

“Mm. After all, you are my only disciple. It’s only right to pamper you a little.”

Song Yin truly doubted if she was dreaming, but the Master in her dreams wouldn’t be this gentle and kind.

Song Yin almost succumbed to the temptation to stay, but she couldn’t remain here. She took a step forward, then lowered her head and leaned on Shen Yirong’s shoulder. “Master, I will be back, very soon.”

Shen Yirong was about to call her sentimental, but seeing her like this, she couldn’t bear to. She gently patted Song Yin’s back. “Do I not need to follow you?”

“No need. Master just stay here.”

Shen Yirong accompanied her all the way, only separating at the foot of the sect mountain.

Song Yin disappeared on her sword, but Shen Yirong stayed put for a long time. She covered her chest. There was a slight pain when her heart beat.

She stood there until nightfall. Stars dotted the sky, and she finally returned to her room.

Shen Shuci sat on the table, in a very good mood. Seeing Shen Yirong looking lost, holding the All-Seeing Mirror, she comforted her. “Host, she will be back soon.”

Shen Yirong weakly hummed in acknowledgment. This feeling was strange. Although she had no memory of Song Yin in her mind, she missed her intensely.

Lost in thought, she looked at Song Yin in the All-Seeing Mirror, watching her continuously practice swordplay in the morning light.

Shen Yirong watched tirelessly.

Shen Shuci just shook her head, seeing her immersed in it. She suddenly thought that this also counted as a video recorder, but this object was more advanced, allowing one to enter and experience it.

Shen Shuci also flew over. Looking at the obedient Song Yin in the All-Seeing Mirror, she too felt a little nostalgic.

Shen Shuci knew the Demon Palace didn’t need Song Yin to supervise, and she also knew Song Yin would find every way to stay by her Host’s side, yet she left without warning today.

This situation only allowed for one possibility: Song Yin was doing something dangerous and didn’t want to involve her Host.

Shen Shuci couldn’t help but worry, but soon her mindset shifted to confidence.

Song Yin herself was the greatest danger.

It must be said that Shen Shuci’s guess was correct. Song Yin did not return to the Demon Palace. After getting out of Shen Yirong’s sight, she found a remote spot and landed.

As soon as she landed, she smelled a distinct odor of decay. The odor came from underground, but Song Yin’s spiritual sense didn’t find any corpses.

Looking up, the moon in the sky slowly split into two. The extra moon was a fragment of the original.

Some life forms began to hibernate. Song Yin closed her eyes, sensing everything around her.

After the time it takes an incense stick to burn, she opened her eyes again.

“It’s chaotic, somewhat similar to the situation in Central Yue Kingdom before.”

The Heart Demon scoffed. The Heavenly Dao has disappeared. The rules of this world are starting to collapse.

The soil beneath her feet suddenly became loose. Song Yin’s body slowly sank. The soil squirmed, like the stomach of some creature, trying to digest Song Yin.

Many piercing screams were heard at her ears. Some sounded like a broken bellows, others like fingernails scratching glass. All sounds were polluting to the ears.

Half of Song Yin’s body had sunk, yet she didn’t struggle.

The stench of decay intensified. Song Yin didn’t shield her senses. She felt many things clinging to her, trying to drive her soul away.

Sinking further, Song Yin finally heard the miscellaneous noises clearly.

“Give me the body!”

“Hahaha, such a delicious soul.”

“Junior, go to sleep. Sleep.”

The situation was the same as at the Nine Heavens Gate. The cultivators who died in battle here had turned into malevolent spirits.

Seeing Song Yin offer no resistance, the malevolent spirits became more reckless. Due to Song Yin’s cultivation, they couldn’t directly devour her, so they continuously tempted her.

Thus, in Song Yin’s vision, the darkness slowly faded. The sound of rain by her ear became clearer. After breathing, she felt not only the damp cold of the rain but also the smell of blood.

The Heart Demon could see the scenes woven for Song Yin by these malevolent spirits.

Seeing it, it couldn’t help but grow agitated. Aren’t you going to resist? If you don’t resist, let me take over!

Song Yin didn’t answer. The Heart Demon continued its own internal breakdown. These tasteless things dare to steal my business!

Song Yin still made no movement. She quietly watched the past replay before her.

The voices of these malevolent spirits continued to tempt her.

“It’s impossible between you and her already.”

“She won’t love you. Kill her and let her reincarnate, or imprison her and make her belong only to you.”

Song Yin’s eyes changed.

The malevolent spirits laughed.

“You’re very unwilling, aren’t you? You’ve done so well, yet you still can’t get her attention.”

“You are too weak. She is vulnerable now. It’s the perfect time to control her.”

“You can clearly manipulate her memory. You can make her into whatever you want.”

Song Yin’s gaze flickered, and most of her body had already sunk into the mud. Only the part above her eyes remained visible.

The Heart Demon grew anxious. It had been nagging in Song Yin’s ear for centuries, yet had never seen her completely break down. Did these malevolent spirits finish its job in just the time it takes an incense stick to burn?

How can this be!

The Heart Demon shouted in Song Yin’s Sea of Consciousness. Hey! Wake up quickly! How pathetic to die here!

The Heart Demon became so anxious it started acting as a therapist. It gently persuaded her: Don’t listen to their nonsense. They have no love. But you do! Your Master loves you!

But no matter how the Heart Demon yelled, Song Yin made no movement.

Finally, Song Yin completely sank into the mud.

The ground returned to its original state, as if nothing had ever happened here.

Everything seemed to have ended.

After an unknown period of time, the two moons in the sky merged back into one.

A figure slowly appeared on the previously empty treetop.

She was dressed in plain clothes, staring intently at the direction where Song Yin had disappeared. After waiting for a long time, she finally descended from the tree.

After cautiously approaching, she knelt down and touched the ground.

The person frowned, saying in disbelief, “Dead? How could that be?”

Suddenly, her pupils contracted. She wanted to jump up and push back.

Unfortunately, it was too late.

A hand suddenly reached out from the smooth ground and accurately clamped around her neck.

Song Yin crawled out of the dirt just like that.

In that moment, Song Yin looked more like a ghost than the malevolent spirits.

Song Yin looked at her. “Long time no see.”