The Female Lead Is A Supporting Female Character - Chapter 18

“Pampered.”

“Senior Brother!” Ming Yuemian shouted loudly. “What are you doing?”

Feng Cheng paused at the sound. He twisted his head toward the source of the voice and saw Ming Yuemian and Fu Shuang walking toward him.

Fu Shuang had originally been lost in thought, it was Ming Yuemian who had grabbed her wrist and forced her to come this way. Only then did she notice Feng Cheng’s presence.

Feng Cheng froze. His first reaction was to quickly release Xiao Ju’s hand. The golden spiritual energy, which had been winding like a stream between their pressed palms, snapped with a soft pop.

Ming Yuemian found it hilarious. This scene was no different from being caught red handed in an affair.

“Cough. Shuang’er, Mianmian, you’re finally up,” Feng Cheng cleared his throat, as if trying to cover something up. “We should get on our way then. We’ve already been delayed quite a bit. Though I’m not in a hurry, I’m afraid the princess of the Li Kingdom won’t be able to wait.”

The guy was clearly trying to change the subject. Ming Yuemian wasn’t about to let him brush this off so lightly. She brought it up again, asking despite knowing the answer: “Senior Brother, what were you doing just now?”

To eliminate any possibility of him making excuses, Ming Yuemian took the initiative and stated it plainly: “Why were you holding Miss Xiao Ju’s hand?”

“This…” Feng Cheng was momentarily speechless.

Xiao Ju hadn’t noticed the subtle atmosphere. Having a clear conscience, she said frankly, “Miss, Master Feng said my father hoped I could enter the immortal gate to practice. However, since I don’t have a spiritual root and cannot cultivate, Master Feng felt it was a pity. He wanted to try and see if he could help me forcibly open a spiritual root.”

Ming Yuemian: “…”

Listen to that, doesn’t it sound exactly like a line used to trick an innocent young girl? Was “forcibly opening a spiritual root” such an easy thing to do? He really just blurted it out, making his “hand-holding” sound so refined and noble.

An innocent village girl like Xiao Ju might believe it, but she certainly didn’t.

Ming Yuemian gave an “Oh” and asked, “Then, did Senior Brother succeed?”

Feng Cheng shot a quick glance at Fu Shuang’s expression. She was still as cold as frost, her face showing no ripples of emotion, making it impossible to tell if she was angry. Since things had reached this point, Feng Cheng couldn’t deny it anymore. He could only harden his heart and say, “No.”

“I had just released my spiritual power and hadn’t had time to do anything yet.”

Ming Yuemian thought to herself, By the time you “had time to do something,” would there already be an illegitimate child involved?

“Oh.” Ming Yuemian turned to Xiao Ju. “Do you want to open a spiritual root and enter the cultivation world?”

“Me?” Xiao Ju didn’t expect the topic to shift to her so suddenly. She froze for a moment before answering, “I… I’ll listen to my father.”

Ming Yuemian emphasized: “I’m asking you, not your father. Do you want to enter the cultivation world?”

Xiao Ju thought about it. “My life right now is quite good. As for cultivating the Way… first, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to learn it. Second, if I’m the only one who gains longevity, and my parents and relatives all die, what’s the fun in living in the world all by myself?”

Ming Yuemian nodded.

Although she hadn’t known this girl for long, their interactions had been pleasant overall. The Tianxuan Sect was wealthy enough, adding one more person wouldn’t hurt. If she truly wanted to cultivate, Ming Yuemian could go back and talk to her “cheap” father. With enough heavenly treasures piled up, opening a spiritual root for her wouldn’t be impossible.

But if it was Feng Cheng injecting spiritual power into her bloodline to “forcibly open” it… that was mostly nonsense.

It was simply impossible.

In the original setting of this novel, the male lead, Feng Cheng, eventually ascended to immortality. The novel’s title was No Immortals Under Heaven, referring to an era where spiritual energy was depleted and the path to heaven was closed, no one could become an immortal anymore, except for Feng Cheng.

The so-called “Protagonist Aura” he could flirt with girls across the world while leveling up and fighting monsters, occasionally “stumbling” upon spiritual treasures or secret manuals. He was like the “Chosen One,” coasting his way to the end.

But in the early stages, he hadn’t fully evolved and was far from being that powerful.

Like now.

With his current level, it was impossible for him to easily open a spiritual root for a common passerby.

Feng Cheng wasn’t a fool, nor did he lack self-awareness. He definitely knew he couldn’t do it. Therefore, what he told Xiao Ju was completely “drawing a pancake” (making empty promises) with impure motives.

Fu Shuang glanced at Ming Yuemian from the corner of her eye.

The girl in red was incredibly expressive, every smile and pout was so vivid. Even when saying unpleasant things, she didn’t make people angry.

“Senior Brother, since she doesn’t want to walk the path of cultivation, don’t force her,” Ming Yuemian said with a sweet smile and a sugary voice, while stabbing him with her words. “Besides, even if you did open a spiritual root for Miss Xiao Ju, what did you plan to do next? Bring her back to Tianxuan Sect to give us a new Junior Sister?”

“What is the process for recruiting new disciples at Tianxuan Sect again?” Ming Yuemian tilted her head, pretending to recall. “I believe the Sect Leader has to see the person himself and test their abilities before they can officially join, right?”

“Ah, I forgot. My father is in charge of Tianxuan Sect, not you, Senior Brother.”

Feng Cheng: “…”

He had only chatted with Miss Xiao Ju for a bit; he hadn’t thought that far ahead.

He certainly had no intention of bringing this girl back to Tianxuan Sect. He was left speechless by Ming Yuemian’s verbal blockade.

Fu Shuang couldn’t help but chuckle softly, though she quickly masked it.

Being so indirect must have been difficult for her.

Fu Shuang felt that Ming Yuemian was probably angry after seeing the two holding hands, which is why she spoke so bitingly.

However… the target of her sarcasm wasn’t the little maid, but Feng Cheng. This realization left Fu Shuang feeling both surprised and a strange sense of approval and happiness she hadn’t yet noticed.

Ming Yuemian keenly caught that faint laugh beside her and whipped her head around, catching the trace of a smile that hadn’t yet faded from Fu Shuang’s face.

She’s not even angry? Why is she laughing? Ming Yuemian was both shocked and confused.

Has she gone insane from seeing her rivals increase?

As for Feng Cheng, he had also come to a conclusion. He shared the same thought as Fu Shuang, he felt Ming Yuemian was jealous.

The three of them had different thoughts; only Xiao Ju was completely lost.

“Mianmian, are you angry?” Feng Cheng coaxed. “Should Senior Brother apologize to you?”

Ming Yuemian: “…”

He didn’t state what exactly he was apologizing for. It seemed he knew his behavior was improper and was just playing dumb.

Who wants his apology! People who apologize without being specific are the most annoying! It makes it seem like he’s the only one being reasonable and magnanimous, while everyone else is just throwing a tantrum for no reason!

Just then, the door of a nearby house opened, and a person leaned out. “Xiao Ju! What’s taking you so long just to pour some water?”

“Coming, coming!” Xiao Ju felt like these people were speaking in riddles and the atmosphere was weird. She couldn’t wait for an excuse to leave. This was the perfect opportunity. Out of the three, she was most familiar with Ming Yuemian, so she only said to her: “Miss, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be going now.”

“Mhm.” Ming Yuemian waved her hand at her.

Xiao Ju left.

The three of them stood in silence for a moment before Feng Cheng suggested, “Alright, we should get on the road.”

“Fine,” Ming Yuemian huffed.

Feng Cheng felt like he had been granted an amnesty, thinking he had finally moved past the situation. Just as he breathed a sigh of relief, Ming Yuemian, who had walked a few steps away, suddenly turned around and called him: “Oh, right, one more thing.”

Feng Cheng: “…”

He forced himself to stay alert and asked “Mhm?” in a softened voice.

Actually, his nerves were tight, fearing she was doubling back. Feng Cheng realized that this Junior Sister of his was becoming harder and harder to coax. In the past, as long as he said something sweet, Ming Yuemian’s mood would brighten. But now, it wasn’t so easy to brush her off.

If Fu Shuang was angry, Feng Cheng wouldn’t be that worried. But if Ming Yuemian got angry and went back to complain to Ming Ye, Feng Cheng would really be in for it.

Therefore, he was exceptionally careful.

Feng Cheng couldn’t help but swallow, his heart hanging by a thread, fearing Ming Yuemian would strike again.

In the end, Ming Yuemian said: “Just now, Sister and I used a bit of honey from this family’s kitchen. Senior Brother, remember to pay them.”

Feng Cheng: “………..”

His heart slammed back down. Feng Cheng was speechless for a long time, practically caught between laughter and tears. “Fine.”

The three of them didn’t carry much heavy luggage, except for Ming Yuemian, who had a Sumeru pouch filled with random things, but since it was enchanted, it wasn’t a burden. Within fifteen minutes, they had bid farewell to the boatman, left the small village, and were on their way.

In the wild mountains, the three traveled through a green bamboo forest. Over this mountain, there was a city called Qujiang City. Entering the city meant they had reached the border of the Li Kingdom.

Only the soft rustling of wind through the bamboo leaves could be heard in the forest. No one spoke, and the atmosphere felt a bit cold.

Feng Cheng was silent because of his guilty conscience. He had been caught red handed by Fu Shuang and Ming Yuemian while holding another girl’s hand. These two women happened to be the one he liked and the one who liked him… Feng Cheng was suffering internally, feeling like he was in a total “crematory” situation.

He didn’t speak because he feared that as soon as he opened his mouth, Ming Yuemian would say something he couldn’t handle, causing more trouble.

Who would have thought that Ming Yuemian wasn’t paying attention to him at all? She was staring blankly at Fu Shuang’s slender back in front of her.

The mountain forest was lush. Fu Shuang kicked away a piece of broken wood at her feet and used her sword to brush aside some overhanging bamboo leaves, walking forward expressionlessly.

She could sense a burning gaze from behind her, constantly fixed on her with a strong sense of presence, but she didn’t look back.

It must be Feng Cheng, Fu Shuang thought. Since she had seen him entangled with another girl, he must be anxious to explain himself to her. He was likely only holding back because Ming Yuemian was present.

Facing the scene from earlier, Fu Shuang hadn’t even raised an eyebrow. As someone who had been reborn once, she already knew what kind of person Feng Cheng was, she wasn’t surprised and didn’t want to waste time listening to his explanations.

They were all nonsense anyway, either evasive or playing the emotional card to blur the point.

When they were at Tianxuan Sect, Fu Shuang could endure the disgust and patiently listen to him, but that was entirely for the sake of the Yeguang Sword. Since he hadn’t fulfilled his word, Fu Shuang felt there was no need to force herself anymore.

Fu Shuang suddenly felt that Feng Cheng wasn’t even as good to her as his Junior Sister. Regardless of Ming Yuemian’s motives, she had indeed taken care of her during the night and even made her honey water.

“Judge a person by their actions, not their intentions,” as the saying goes.

The voice of the girl in red suddenly echoed in her ears. On that night at Tianxuan Sect, she had leaned by her pillow and asked both confusedly and seriously: “Sister, what exactly do you like about him?”

It was like a quiet inspiration and guidance.

Yes… Fu Shuang thought absentmindedly. What do I like about Feng Cheng? What exactly do I like about him? Thinking back on everything, what part of him was worth her deep, undying love?

She questioned herself, even interrogated herself, but found no answer.

The noise in her heart grew louder, her mind shaking so much that her spiritual power began to fluctuate slightly.

Fu Shuang’s eyelashes trembled. She closed her eyes and walked faster, shaking off these cluttered thoughts.

Half an hour later.

“I’m so tired. Can we rest for a bit?” Ming Yuemian panted heavily, hugging a thick bamboo tree like a koala. She looked like she wouldn’t let go even if she were tortured. “I can’t go on.”

“You’ve barely walked any distance and you’re already exhausted.” Feng Cheng shook his head, but his expression showed clear indulgence. “Shall we rest here for a moment then, and continue in a bit? Shuang’er, what do you think?”

Since the incident this morning, he hadn’t spoken directly to Fu Shuang and didn’t know her attitude. Using this situation to talk to her was a bit of a subtle attempt to please her.

Fu Shuang didn’t notice and shot a glance at Ming Yuemian.

Ming Yuemian was wearing red, and her snowy-white cheeks were also flushed red, as if the red from her clothes had spread to her face. She looked a bit disheveled, but even more vivid, bold, bright and striking.

Fu Shuang retracted her gaze. “Alright.”

Ming Yuemian ignored her image and sat down on the grass with a thump as soon as she heard those words. She leaned her back against the bamboo and started massaging her own legs.

“So thirsty,” Ming Yuemian muttered.

Ming Ye had given her plenty of food, but no drinks. After all, water could be found everywhere; why bother carrying it?

Feng Cheng opened the water gourd and found it was empty. He thought for a moment and said, “I remember seeing a small stream halfway up the mountain. Should I go get some water?”

“Mhm.” Ming Yuemian ordered him about quite naturally and nodded. “Come back quickly.”

Feng Cheng didn’t really want to go because if he left, Ming Yuemian and Fu Shuang would be alone together. Given the current situation, Feng Cheng wanted to talk to them separately to appease them. He felt fine being alone with either Ming Yuemian or Fu Shuang, but definitely not the two of them together.

But Ming Yuemian wanted water, and he couldn’t send Fu Shuang to get it, he wasn’t even sure if she was willing to talk to him right now.

Feng Cheng had no choice but to go himself.

Ming Yuemian wasn’t used to physical labor. After walking for a while, her whole body felt a bit sore. She was rubbing her knees to massage them when a flat, indifferent comment drifted down from above her head: “Pampered.”

Ming Yuemian: “…”

She looked up and saw a cold face that hadn’t changed in a thousand years. Fu Shuang had black hair and snowy skin, and her lips lacked color. She looked like a stark black and white ink painting, but her personality was as cold as the frozen snow on a mountain peak, never melting. She was always distant with people.

She rarely mocked others like this, because most people’s flaws were like passing clouds in her eyes.

But after being teased verbally by Ming Yuemian several times before, Fu Shuang felt displeased and wanted to pay her back in kind.

After being called “physically weak” on the boat that day and receiving this evaluation again, Ming Yuemian felt she had truly solidified her persona as a pampered young lady who couldn’t endure hardship.

But… Fu Shuang clearly looked indifferent and hadn’t said anything nice, so why did Ming Yuemian somehow feel she was in a good mood?

Ming Yuemian stared at the barely perceptible curve at the corner of her lips, stunned.

She didn’t understand.

You just saw your boyfriend holding hands with another girl, why are you in such a good mood? That’s strange.

This morning too, she even laughed out loud!

No way, has she been cursed? Does it mean no matter how much Feng Cheng flirts with other girls, she can tolerate it all without regret?

That’s not right! The original ‘No Immortals Under Heaven’ is a ‘chasing the wife at the crematory’ story! Later on, Fu Shuang gets her heart completely broken and resolutely leaves Feng Cheng, which is why there’s a plot about Feng Cheng chasing after her! Doesn’t that at least show she can get sad and will break up with a scumbag? Why is the one I’m meeting so indifferent to Feng Cheng’s scummy behavior!

Is it possible that no matter how hard I try, I can’t change the ending where she insists on jumping into the fire pit??

The little person in Ming Yuemian’s heart was screaming and scratching its head. Her expression was solemn and complex, and her hands unconsciously stopped their movement. She called out: “Sister.”

Fu Shuang looked down at her, not answering, but gesturing with her eyes for her to continue.

Ming Yuemian asked directly: “Weren’t you angry when you saw my Senior Brother holding hands with a stranger this morning?”