The Vicious Beauty Faked His Death Three Times [Transmigration] - Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Reunion

“Biewan?”

He Yuzhi stepped into Red Maple Valley and called out softly.

Red Maple Valley was Shen Biewan’s residence, a secluded and quiet place within the Lingxiao Sect. It was rich in spiritual energy and sparsely populated—an ideal place for cultivation.

It was now early spring, but the maple trees in Red Maple Valley still bore red leaves; they remained so throughout the four seasons.

He Yuzhi walked deeper in. At the end of the pebble path was a dense maple forest; he knew Shen Biewan was there.

Only after entering did he discover that the maples were not rooted in soil, but rose directly out of a massive lake.

A breeze blew, and fiery red maple leaves detached lightly, swirling in the air before descending slowly like spirits, brilliant and passionate. What made He Yuzhi hold his breath, however, was the person at the center of this romantic scenery.

The man wore a thin, pale green gauze robe, his long hair flowing freely over his shoulders. He stood in the center of the lake, his bare feet treading upon the water, causing ripples to spread across the surface.

As large numbers of maple leaves drifted with the wind, he merely tilted his eyes slightly to watch them dance.

Like a deity descended to the mortal realm, untainted by the world.

Suddenly, the man seemed to sense something and looked over. Those beautiful peach-blossom eyes gazed back with a faint sense of detachment, heart-stoppingly pinning He Yuzhi to the spot.

In just the span of a daze, the man had changed his appearance. His hair was tied up, and he wore the standard disciple uniform of the Lingxiao Sect as he walked slowly toward him.

“Brother He?”

When the person before him approached and looked at him with a questioning gaze, He Yuzhi snapped out of it. A flash of panic crossed his eyes, and he instinctively averted his gaze to hide it.

“On my way here, I ran into a Lingxiao Sect disciple delivering a message. He said Perfected Yunyin knows you are awake and has important matters to discuss with you at the Star-Gazing Terrace.” After speaking, He Yuzhi breathed a silent sigh of relief in his heart, waiting a moment before looking up at the thoughtful person before him.

“Thank you, Brother He.” Shen Biewan’s brows curved slightly, the detachment about him vanishing. “Please sit in the room for a while, Brother He; I will return shortly.”

He Yuzhi had just recovered, but was now thrown into disarray again by the man’s smile. He turned his head and responded: “No matter. I was just afraid you’d be bored while recovering and came to keep you company.”

When he looked up again, he realized the person before him had already left at some unknown point.

After walking out of Red Maple Valley, Lin Qinghan retracted the smile from his eyes.

He had been awake for only two days and had just figured out the current situation.

This identity was not like the last one; he even knew the original host’s memories and name, whereas before he could only deduce things based on the pitifully small amount of plot. This time, he had obtained both the memories and the name of the original host.

Shen Biewan, the closed-door disciple of Perfected Yunyin, the senior brother of Ling Yanhe, and a child of a branch family of the Shen clan. He entered the Lingxiao Sect at age five and was personally accepted as a disciple by Perfected Yunyin. He formed his core at seventeen, reached the Nascent Soul stage at nineteen, and now, at only twenty-three, he was already at the God Transformation stage. In the Immortal Realm, he was a top-tier genius and the person most likely to take the top spot in this trial assembly.

But all of this changed after Ling Yanhe entered the sect. Not only did Ling Yanhe break through his realm within two months of joining, but he also became famous in one battle during the trial assembly, pointing his sword at the top spot and directly overshadowing Shen Biewan’s genius.

Shen Biewan appeared kind on the outside but was arrogant within. After having his spotlight stolen several times, combined with his dishonest nature, he developed wicked thoughts. In the final stage of the trial assembly, he conspired with others to push Ling Yanhe into a forbidden zone, hoping to eliminate him entirely.

But unexpectedly, he ended up falling in along with him.

In that forbidden zone, Ling Yanhe not only obtained a peerless manual and the world’s number one sword but also signed a contract with an ancient divine beast. He even encountered the daughter of the Demon Emperor who had wandered in, gaining her favor. After leaving, because he saved her, he was handpicked by the Demon Emperor to be his son-in-law, gaining the support of the Demon Realm.

Shen Biewan, on the other hand, was a cannon fodder who led the way. At most, he caused a few minor, inconsequential troubles for Ling Yanhe in the forbidden zone, and he was eventually stabbed to death by Ling Yanhe before even leaving the area.

If one had to describe him, he was an NPC for Ling Yanhe to grind levels. Since Shen Biewan’s cultivation was high, the level-gap battle forced Ling Yanhe to awaken his Heavenly Spirit Root; other than that, he had no other purpose.

“A pity.”

This was Lin Qinghan’s first reaction upon receiving the information.

He had talent and family background, yet he lost to his own temperament.

When Lin Qinghan woke up, the second stage of the trial assembly had just ended.

The trial assembly was divided into three stages. The first stage was a one-on-one competition within the Lingxiao Sect based on a lottery. This was the beginning of Ling Yanhe’s emergence and also when Shen Biewan discovered that this junior brother, whom their master had randomly picked up, was extraordinary.

The second stage took place in the mortal realm and was a team operation. Disciples formed teams to deal with demon cultivator missions, with comprehensive scores given based on each person’s performance.

In this stage, because his spotlight had been stolen by Ling Yanhe in the first stage, Shen Biewan proactively teamed up with him, wanting to give this tactless junior brother a lesson in the mortal realm. The result was not only that Ling Yanhe didn’t take him seriously, but he was also outmaneuvered during the mission, becoming the main force in completing it. Due to his performance in the second stage, Ling Yanhe leaped into the top three on the rankings, only two places behind Shen Biewan.

Many people shifted from favoring Shen Biewan to feeling that the top spot might go to Ling Yanhe.

Consequently, Shen Biewan, filled with jealousy and panic, grew impatient for success and tried to forcibly break through his realm. As a result, his Heartless Dao nearly shattered, leaving him on the verge of going into a frenzy. Fortunately, Perfected Yunyin discovered it in time and intervened, leaving Shen Biewan merely with damaged meridians and in a coma.

When Lin Qinghan woke up, Shen Biewan had been unconscious for over half a month.

A clear breeze swept past. Lin Qinghan stopped and looked at Perfected Yunyin atop the Star-Gazing Terrace.

The elder with half-white hair appeared to have been waiting for a long time. He now looked down at him; those clear eyes, which defied his age, seemed to look into the depths of Lin Qinghan’s soul when they landed on him.

“You are finally here.”

Tsk.

No matter how many times it happened, meeting Perfected Yunyin’s eyes always made Lin Qinghan feel irritable—a displeasure at being completely seen through.

Lin Qinghan looked up, the feigned kind mask of Shen Biewan completely withdrawn, revealing his inner detachment.

“How did you recognize me?”

Perfected Yunyin shook his head and said cryptically: “Heaven’s secrets must not be leaked.”

Lin Qinghan gave the man a speechless look and walked onto the Star-Gazing Terrace without hesitation to stand before him: “Did you call me here to seek revenge for your possessed disciple?”

“But unfortunately, he won’t be coming back. Ever.” Lin Qinghan waved his hand, appearing indifferent to the provocation in his words.

Upon hearing this, Perfected Yunyin continued to look at him. Those eyes held the pity Lin Qinghan loathed most like the helplessness and indulgence shown to an ignorant child making grand claims.

After a long while, the other party finally spoke, sounding steady and reminiscent: “He has already returned.”

Lin Qinghan turned to look over, his brow furrowed as he was about to ask.

“Someone has wiped away the memories concerning you,” Perfected Yunyin spoke first. “This is more important than your question.”

Lin Qinghan raised an eyebrow slightly, understanding the meaning behind the words: “Then how did you remember me?”

Perfected Yunyin lightly raised his hand, and a vast nebula appeared before them.

“Glimpsing destiny.”

“He likely has forgotten you as well.”

Lin Qinghan sat at his table. He looked at the pastries left by He Yuzhi and fell into deep thought with lowered eyes.

“Check the first character card.”

This content is under maximum security measures. The Host’s authority is too low to view.

The finger lightly tapping on the table paused.

“Did you replace the traces I left in my previous identity, or did you wipe them out completely?” Lin Qinghan asked.

This content involves maximum security measures. The Host’s authority is too low to view.

Lin Qinghan laughed softly, leaning back slightly against the chair. His voice was casual but full of pressure: “Then how do I increase my authority?”

As the words fell, a phantom gradually manifested before his eyes—it was a sparrow.

Lin Qinghan looked at the object that appeared out of thin air on the table, appearing unsurprised.

“The previous character card consumed too much of my energy, making it impossible to communicate with the Host through autonomous consciousness. My apologies.” The sparrow opened its mouth, the words coming out stiff and without texture. ” I have no ill intent toward the Host; I will prove this to you henceforth.”

The smile on Lin Qinghan’s face vanished, and a trace of coldness appeared in his eyes.

“Why should I believe you?”

“Because you chose me.”

“I chose you?” Lin Qinghan narrowed his eyes, reaching out to grab the sparrow on the table, but his fingertips passed right through it. “I do not choose things I cannot control.”

The sparrow looked at him, blue data streams appearing to flow within its round eyes. After a moment, the data vanished, and it spoke again: “It was you who chose me.”

Hearing the system’s words, Lin Qinghan laughed softly and leaned in closer: “How did I choose you?”

“The Host’s authority is too low; I cannot inform you.”

“A different question: how do I increase my authority?” Lin Qinghan said, withdrawing his expression.

“That is what I will prove to the Host henceforth.”

As the words fell, the system appeared to have run out of surplus energy to talk with him. The sparrow’s phantom began to become faint and flickering.

“Please, the Host must believe me.”

The sparrow’s form began to become extremely unstable.

“Insufficient energy. Returning to automatic mode shortly.”

Finally, the phantom vanished, and the familiar mechanical notification rang in Lin Qinghan’s mind.

Plot bug fixed. Issuing current mission for the Host.

Current character Main Mission: Help the protagonist obtain the Independent Heart Manual and the Hidden Dragon Sword, sign a contract with the Frost Moon Divine Beast, and awaken the Heavenly Spirit Root.

Current character Side Mission: The protagonist’s Hatred Value reaches 100.

System Update New Features: Storage Space, Scanning Appraisal.

Storage Space: Infinite. The Host can place any object inside; cannot be living things.

Scanning Appraisal: The Host can select an item for scanning. After the scan, an appraisal file will be printed for the Host, including the item’s origin, components, relevant plot, etc.]

The Host is expected to complete the mission diligently.

Long after the notification ended, Lin Qinghan slowly emerged from his thoughts. Those calm eyes now surged with waves.

“I see.”

Lin Qinghan raised an eyebrow slightly at the Scanning Appraisal feature.

After entering the forbidden zone, he would inevitably come into contact with the Hidden Plot; that so-called appraisal file should be a very useful thing.

Is this the system surrendering to him?

During the first identity card, the system indeed hadn’t had any autonomous conversation with him; this was the first time.

If what the system said was true, it meant something was restricting it. What restricts a high-intelligence virtual creature? A Master System?

Lin Qinghan lifted his eyelids, emotions churning in his eyes.

To confirm this, he had to wait for the system to engage in conscious conversation with him again. It was too passive—not a method he liked.

He needed to seize the initiative before the system approached him next time.

Is there anything that can restrain this virtual creature?

Slender fingers tapped lightly on the table, once, twice, revealing Lin Qinghan’s unpleasant mood.

Suddenly, the tapping stopped. Lin Qinghan lifted his eyelids and pushed aside the layers of fog; he saw the center of the world.

Ling Yanhe.

The forced plot progression, the countdown that appeared suddenly at critical points, and even the wiping of his traces—all of it was for a single person: the protagonist of the story.

“Ha.”

A short laugh fell. Lin Qinghan leaned back against the chair with a slack expression, strange emotions flashing in those beautiful eyes.

The bargaining chip had been placed before him from the start; what allowed him to negotiate with the system or even higher-level entities was Ling Yanhe.

Coincidentally, he had just left a brand on the man. He just didn’t know if that brand was still there after the memory wipe.

He needed to see Ling Yanhe once to confirm.

Lin Qinghan stood up. He didn’t head outside, but used Shen Biewan’s memories to search for what he wanted in the room. When he saw a pure white long sword in the corner, he stopped and reached for it.

The sword unsheathed; the body was as white and translucent as jade. It was an excellent sword.

Lin Qinghan sheathed the sword and held it in his hand as he walked out of Red Maple Valley. He didn’t go to Yuye Residence where Ling Yanhe lived, but headed outward until he reached the place where he had previously been “interned” by Perfected Yunyin—Qiming Peak.

The place where Lingxiao Sect disciples went into seclusion when near a breakthrough.

Lin Qinghan scanned the surroundings and stepped into the cave.

He needed to find Ling Yanhe, but not now. Whether or not the other remembered him, the Symbiotic Gu in his body was a hidden danger, even though he could now occasionally break free from the other’s control.

But it wasn’t enough; he needed to be so strong that Ling Yanhe couldn’t harbor any thoughts of manipulating him and couldn’t manipulate him—that would be the time for him and Ling Yanhe to sit down and talk properly.

Until then, they could only fight to the death with their strength.

As his figure vanished, a powerful formation sealed the cave entrance, completely cutting off everything from the outside world.

Yuye Residence.

The youth in the room slowly opened his eyes. The blood-red mark on his brow manifested, matching the dead stillness in his eyes, like a demon climbed out of hell.

“Your dear senior brother is awake. Not only is he fine, he’s gone into seclusion. Aren’t you going to finish him off?”

The heart demon transformed into black mist, circling the youth and enticing him.

“No need. He is not worthy of my hand.”

The youth suppressed the overflowing black mist, the murderous aura in his eyes gradually dissipating.

“But if he wins, the Ice Soul Lamp will be snatched by someone else, and the person you want to find will never return.”

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew in, forcefully tearing the black mist apart.

“Tsk. Still thinking of them even after the memory is gone. I truly don’t know whether to call you stupid or infatuated.”

Before the next gust of wind struck, the black mist dove into the youth’s body first.

The room returned to silence, but the youth did not move. He merely looked down at a ring on his right hand, his brow slightly furrowed, the Heart Demon Seal on his brow growing increasingly scarlet.

“Who on earth are you?”

He was answered only by endless silence.

Atop Qianren Peak.

The peak was like a sword pointing straight to the sky. Layers of clouds piled and swirled, and gurgling mountain springs flowed down the peak; a heroic spirit was fully displayed under the sunlight.

The Seven-Colored Immortal Boat soared into the sky from this peak, its massive wings pushing aside the flowing clouds, traveling a thousand miles in an instant yet remaining perfectly steady.

The trial assembly had reached its final stage. Most disciples were already familiar with each other and had even formed factions; they were currently gathered on the deck, talking and laughing.

Naturally, the subject of conversation included the new disciple of the Lingxiao Sect who had emerged brilliantly. This person had fought through all obstacles and practically crushed his way into the finals; many were betting on him to be the top winner of this trial.

“I heard he was personally brought back by Perfected Yunyin. Participating in the trial assembly is just to make a name for himself,” a female disciple of the Hehuan Sect was saying. “If that’s the case, it’s truly impressive. So many cultivators aren’t a match for a new disciple who only joined two months ago. Truly a genius.”

Another male disciple traveling with her snorted and countered: “He’s just a green newcomer after all. He’s only won a few matches and his tail is already pointing to the sky, wearing a sour face and acting peerlessly arrogant all day! He can’t compare to Brother Shen in the slightest. In my view, the top spot will still be Brother Shen’s.”

The female disciple became thoughtful upon hearing this, feeling somewhat conflicted: “Brother Shen and that disciple are both students of Perfected Yunyin, and Brother Shen is from the Shen family; indeed, the two are neck and neck. It’s just that Brother Shen’s points after the first two rounds of competition seem to be lower than those of that new disciple.”

“That’s because Brother Shen was letting him win!” The male disciple slammed the table upon hearing this, instantly drawing the gaze of those around him.

Who among those present didn’t know Shen Biewan? From the Shen family, formed his core at seventeen, entered the Nascent Soul stage two years later, and was now at the early stage of God Transformation. He was originally the person everyone had decided on in their hearts to be the top winner.

Who knew a Lin Yan would come out of nowhere? No one had even heard of him, only knowing that he had once emerged brilliantly at Sihai Hall.

But what did that count for? Just a gathering place for ordinary rogue cultivators. People with talent were scouted by the Lingxiao Sect when they were young; at worst, they were picked by other sects or cultivated separately by Great Families.

But this Lin Yan was neither in the six great families—Ye, Shen, Su, Ling, He, or Qi nor in any other sect. He had only joined for two months and was only at the late stage of Nascent Soul. How could he compare to Shen Biewan of the God Transformation stage?

But this was only the male disciple’s thought. Most people had seen Lin Yan’s matches in the first two stages; the man had strength. He was a latecomer, but his swordsmanship was not inferior to anyone present, not to mention he had suppressed several God Transformation stage contestants by his own strength alone.

Truth be told, if Lin Yan and Shen Biewan were to be compared, it was truly uncertain who the top winner would be.

“How do you know Shen Biewan was letting him win? This is a trial assembly seen once in a decade; who wouldn’t want to emerge brilliantly? Perhaps you’re just making excuses for Shen Biewan!” a disciple in the crowd said.

“I think he just can’t afford to lose! When his strength is insufficient, he finds excuses. A coward!”

The male disciple was indignant and was about to argue.

But before he could act, several petals fell from the sky.

Before the male disciple could see clearly, a pure white sword scabbard was placed across the cultivator’s neck.

A man dressed in a pale blue, gradient-dyed satin casual robe suddenly appeared in the center of the crowd. He had an upright figure and held the hilt of his sword; the petals drifted past him, making him look like a deity descended to earth.

At this moment, his eyes curved slightly, and those beautiful peach-blossom eyes were looking at the panic-stricken cultivator, his tone provocative.

“Can’t afford to lose, hm?”

A powerful God Transformation stage pressure descended, and the faces of those around them changed instantly.

“It’s… it’s the late stage of God Transformation! He actually broke through to the late stage of God Transformation!”

Someone shouted, and everyone’s expressions immediately became envious and amazed.

The previous stage was only two months ago. In just two short months, Shen Biewan had broken through two realms within the God Transformation stage; it was something that had never happened in the entire Immortal Realm.

If the outcome between Lin Yan and Shen Biewan had been uncertain before, it was now a settled matter.

After the Nascent Soul stage, every step forward is as difficult as climbing the heavens. Even if Lin Yan were a god descended to earth, it was impossible for a late-stage Nascent Soul to cross three realms and defeat someone who was only a step away from entering the Great Success stage.

This trial’s top winner would surely be Shen Biewan.

The cultivator pinned by the scabbard clearly realized this, and cold sweat surged. He looked at the person beside him in panic.

But Shen Biewan was not looking at him. Instead, he scanned the crowd, appearing somewhat as if searching for someone, but he soon withdrew his gaze, a trace of imperceptible disappointment flashing in his eyes.

Without giving the cultivator a chance to react, the scabbard pressing on his neck was withdrawn.

“Brother Shen is magnanimous! My words were abrupt; please do not take offense, Brother Shen.” The cultivator apologized hurriedly.

Lin Qinghan, having not found the person, nodded without interest. He didn’t even pay attention to what the cultivator was saying, turning back to the hanging terrace.

“I told you Brother Shen was letting that Lin Yan fellow win.”

After Lin Qinghan left, that male disciple of the Hehuan Sect immediately spoke proudly to the junior sister beside him, while not forgetting to whisper a prayer: “If I could practice the Hehuan Sect’s methods with him, I’d be willing even for a fleeting romance.”

The female disciple beside him had long been stunned by his appearance and now nodded in agreement with a blush.

Lin Qinghan was unaware of the commotion below; he was standing on the hanging terrace, enjoying the breeze.

Originally, he wanted to cause a bigger scene to find Ling Yanhe, but he clearly hadn’t found him.

True, the other wasn’t someone who liked joining crowds; it was normal not to find him.

“Biewan, why are you staying here? The wind is strong up here, and your body is still weak; don’t catch a cold.”

A gentle voice fell, and Lin Qinghan turned his head to look at the newcomer.

The newcomer wore a light ink gauze robe, with refined and gentle features; his brows revealed a humble aura of a cultured scholar.

It was He Yuzhi, from the He family, Shen Biewan’s childhood playmate. At the middle stage of Nascent Soul, he was specifically cultivated by the He family and had not joined the Lingxiao Sect.

“No matter. I just came out to get some air,” Lin Qinghan replied casually.

He Yuzhi shook his head helplessly, trying to drape the cloak in his hand over him: “You, when will you learn to cherish your own body?”

Lin Qinghan was not used to such intimacy with people. He reached out to take the cloak, then stood straight and inconspicuously pulled away some distance: “What is it?”

He Yuzhi reacted for a moment to his hand meeting air before looking at Lin Qinghan: “Still can’t hide anything from you.”

“I found this in your room. The content isn’t very good; someone likely placed it there by mistake. I wanted to ask how you’d like to handle it?” He Yuzhi said, pulling an item from his sleeve and holding it before Lin Qinghan.

A silver-white orb engraved with tiny runes a Reflection Pearl.

Lin Qinghan understood upon seeing it. This was Shen Biewan’s item, containing the scene of the clash between Ling Yanhe and Ling Yuan at Sihai Hall.

In the original text, Shen Biewan had teamed up with Ling Yuan to push Ling Yanhe into the forbidden zone. Ling Yuan had taken the initiative to seek out Shen Biewan for discussion, but in reality, Shen Biewan had already planned to use Ling Yuan; this Reflection Pearl was information he had gathered.

At that time, Lin Qinghan had been in seclusion for two months, only emerging before boarding the Immortal Boat; the servant who went to investigate the matter had only then hurriedly delivered it to him.

Lin Qinghan hadn’t taken it seriously, casually leaving it in the room.

If He Yuzhi hadn’t mentioned it, Lin Qinghan wouldn’t have remembered this matter.

This thing was useless in the original text, and it was even more useless in his hands now.

Lin Qinghan originally wanted to throw it away, but then he heard a commotion below the terrace.

He Yuzhi also heard it, turning his head to look, his brow furrowed slightly: “They are competing again down there.”

Hearing the disapproval in the other’s tone, Lin Qinghan also looked over. It was two people who had just entered the Nascent Soul stage competing.

Lin Qinghan had seen such scenes in Shen Biewan’s memories; it was a common occurrence after the trial assembly began.

Youths were full of competitive spirit, always feeling they were stronger than others, and thus liked using simple and crude duels to prove it.

Lin Qinghan felt nothing for it, but he did not withdraw his gaze.

Outside the crowd of onlookers, a youth also dressed in a pale blue, gradient-dyed satin casual robe walked past. He had a slender figure and a sword at his waist; he emitted a sharp aura that seemed out of place with the lively scene nearby.

It was Ling Yanhe.

Lin Qinghan raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze falling on the other’s hanging right middle finger; he could vaguely see a gray-black accessory.

Someone like Ling Yanhe would also wear an accessory?

“System, appraise that for me,” Lin Qinghan called the system in his heart.

Distance is too far to perform a scan.

“Useless trash,” Lin Qinghan said heartlessly.

Before that silhouette was about to vanish, Lin Qinghan raised his hand slightly. A paper crane flew from his sleeve and drifted slowly downward.

Seeing this, He Yuzhi also followed the paper crane with his gaze.

The tiny paper crane swayed as it drifted toward the youth who was about to leave. Before it could enter within a zhang’s range of the other, it was directly sliced apart by an invisible object.

The next second, the youth stood still and slowly lifted his head to look toward the hanging terrace.