When a Yandere Cannon Fodder Meets a Dark, Twisted Villain - Chapter 32

The words were spoken with such bluntness that the tips of Shi Yining’s ears grew warm. Her voice carried a hint of faint indignation: “Cease your nonsense! Yu Chang would never behave like you, acting so recklessly…”

Jiang Liuyue leaned in slightly. “Miss Shi, by saying that… are you admitting that you have long known of that young girl’s feelings?”

Shi Yining remained silent for a moment before turning her head away with a soft sigh. “Indeed, Yu Chang has expressed her heart to me before. However, she has always been strictly observant of etiquette, not in the least bit like you…”

“In the presence of the one one loves, there is no such thing as observing etiquette. Miss Shi, you are so unguarded around her; it makes it hard for one to feel at ease…” Jiang Liuyue’s voice was tinged with bitterness.

“Under the circumstances just now, how was I supposed to be on guard?” Shi Yining looked up at her, her tone laced with helplessness. “If my Junior Sister discovered you were here, Master would know shortly after. When that time comes, you would be in great danger.”

“Miss Shi is worried about me; I am very happy…” A gentle ripple of tenderness appeared in the depths of Jiang Liuyue’s eyes, and her voice softened unconsciously. “I have a secret to tell Miss Shi… In truth, others cannot see me at all, so you need not worry about me being discovered.”

“But there are no absolutes in this world…”

Jiang Liuyue suddenly became fixated on a single point. “Miss Shi, regarding your behavior just now—were you truly worried about me, or were you afraid I would harm your Junior Sister?”

An unprovoked sense of guilt surfaced in Shi Yining’s heart.

For a brief moment just then, she had thought that way. Jiang Liuyue’s strength was not weak, and her Junior Sister was no match for her. If they were truly discovered, it was hard to imagine what the outcome would be.

She absolutely did not want anything to happen to her Junior Sister, but… she also didn’t want Jiang Liuyue to be hurt.

“Miss Shi’s silence proves I have guessed correctly.” Jiang Liuyue moved a few inches closer, her voice thick with obvious jealousy. “Tell me, Miss Shi—compared to your Junior Sister, who do you like more?”

Shi Yining turned her face away. “Does that even need asking?”

“I want to hear Miss Shi say it with her own lips.” Jiang Liuyue stared at her obstinately.

“Lest you forget, my memories have not yet returned.” Shi Yining lightly massaged her temples, her voice carrying a trace of exhaustion. “Any words I speak now may not necessarily be my true heart.”

Jiang Liuyue gently took her hand, her gaze firm. “To me, regardless of whether Miss Shi has lost her memory, every single word that comes from your mouth is of extraordinary significance.”

Feeling the warm sensation emanating from her palm, a ripple stirred in Shi Yining’s heart. After a moment, she gently withdrew her hand and shifted the topic. “Didn’t you say earlier that you would help me recover my memories? Let us try it now, shall we?”

“Alright…” Jiang Liuyue nodded. Her fingertips traced lightly through the air, and rows of characters glowing with spiritual light instantly appeared. “I shall write down the secret technique; Miss Shi, please memorize the mantra first.”

Shi Yining gave a soft hum of affirmation, her attention turning to the text floating in mid-air.

As long as she did not exert spiritual power, she did not grow drowsy. Her original innate talent for comprehension remained, and thus she quickly committed the incantations to heart.

Half a tea-time later, Shi Yining began attempting the cultivation. Just as before, not long after mobilizing her spiritual power, a wave of fatigue washed over her heart.

Beside her, Jiang Liuyue’s aura suddenly became exceptionally tranquil. After a few moments, a complex spiritual sigil emerged from her forehead.

This sigil was precisely the “Soul Covenant” she had mentioned before.

As the mantra circulated, a wisp of golden light gradually emerged from the Soul Covenant, instantly enveloping the woman of celestial grace and jade-like beauty opposite her.

At that same moment, the drowsiness that had been constantly surging in Shi Yining’s heart was swiftly suppressed by a miraculous power. She smoothly immersed herself in cultivation, no longer affected by any outside influence…

The next morning, the dawn light grew bright.

Inside the house, Shi Yining was surrounded by a swirling, ceaseless aura of misty spiritual light.

Jiang Liuyue sat cross-legged opposite her, palms pressed against hers, providing a silent guardianship.

After a long time, the secret technique was finally completed.

Shi Yining slowly withdrew her spiritual power and opened her eyes, which were as bright as the stars. A single trail of clear tears followed and slid down her face.

Observing her expression, Jiang Liuyue’s heart raced with anxiety. “Miss Shi…”

Shi Yining sighed softly and shook her head slowly. “Those blurred memories still haven’t returned. However… I felt the state of mind of different scenes—either sorrow or joy. There wasn’t a single moment of peace…”

Jiang Liuyue leaned forward, embraced her tenderly, and used her thumb to wipe away the tears on her cheek bit by bit.

“Do not be discouraged. Take it slowly; I believe we will eventually find a way.”

Just as her voice fell, the melodious sound of a bell suddenly echoed through the sect from outside.

Shi Yining was momentarily stunned. “The Mysterious Clarity Bell? It seems a distinguished guest has arrived.”

Jiang Liuyue continued to hold her. “As long as they aren’t here for Miss Shi, it has nothing to do with us.”

Shi Yining nodded slightly. “That is true. In the past, when distinguished guests visited, they either sought out Master or paid respects to several elders of high prestige and virtue. No one has ever sought me out. We should continue finding ways to restore your memories.”

“The secret technique wasn’t of much help to Miss Shi… Have you ever tried searching through your old belongings?”

“Of course I have… On the first day I woke up, I rummaged through my storage bag and didn’t remember anything. Jiang Liuyue, let go of me first. I’ll take the items out and look at them again.”

“Alright…” After an extremely soft response, the constraints around her body gradually loosened.

Shi Yining stood up, unfastened the palm-sized storage bag, and with a flick of her divine sense, a pile of treasures instantly appeared before her eyes, a dazzling array of items.

Jiang Liuyue’s gaze suddenly fixed on a corner of the side table. There stood a palm-sized wooden puppet.

She lifted her fingertip, and the puppet instantly drifted lightly into her palm.

“Miss Shi…” Her voice betrayed no emotion. “This puppet… who gave it to you?”

Shi Yining looked over. After staring at the familiar silhouette for a moment, she spoke with uncertainty: “This seems to be… a gift from Fellow Daoist Fang of the Qishan Sect during the Three-Sect Debate.”

The corners of Jiang Liuyue’s mouth immediately slumped in grievance, and a watery sheen glistened in her eyes. “Miss Shi has forgotten me, yet you remember her name so clearly…”

The sourness in her words was too obvious. Shi Yining looked up and saw that the knuckles of Jiang Liuyue’s hand gripping the puppet were turning slightly white. Seeing this made her heart soften inexplicably.

“At the time…” she explained softly, “this puppet was carved in my likeness. If I hadn’t accepted it, it would have been quite a slight to her face…”

“Without rhyme or reason, why would she give you this?” Jiang Liuyue’s voice carried a suppressed urgency. “She must have harbored ulterior motives toward you!”

Shi Yining was startled and subconsciously refuted: “Surely… not?”

Though she had lost many memories, she vaguely knew she was a reincarnated soul. In her past life, her relationship with Zhao Mingfang was very poor. As for the reason, she couldn’t remember it for the time being…

If their relationship was like that in the past life, even if it had improved in this life, it should be impossible for her to like her…

Before she could finish, Jiang Liuyue had already pressed close, holding the puppet before her eyes and gently stroking its features with her fingertip.

“Look, Miss Shi, every stroke of this carving is so deliberate… even the arc of your temples is perfect.” Her voice dropped low, filled with an indescribable grievance. “If one did not yearn for you day and night, how could they carve it so lifelike?”

Shi Yining gazed at the face inches away. Those affectionate eyes were currently filled with insecurity and jealousy.

She suddenly recalled in her blurred memories that it seemed someone had also been jealous for her like this… How had she responded then?

As if possessed, Shi Yining reached out and took the puppet, placing it gently to the side without looking closely at it. “It is but an ordinary gift; there is no need to mind it.”

This action caused a faint light to instantly ignite in Jiang Liuyue’s eyes.

She tentatively moved a bit closer. Seeing that Shi Yining did not dodge, she pushed her luck and lightly rested her chin on her shoulder. “Does Miss Shi still keep any other ‘ordinary gifts’?”

Shi Yining shook her head slowly, a comforting smile blooming on her face. “None others. Just this one.”

“Senior Sister…” A clear call from Yu Chang suddenly came from outside, the voice approaching from a distance. “Master requests you to go to Qinghe Peak.”

Shi Yining was slightly taken aback. She pushed Jiang Liuyue away slightly and called out in inquiry: “Junior Sister, the Mysterious Clarity Bell just rang. The sect is currently receiving a distinguished guest; why would Master call for me at this time?”

Yu Chang’s footsteps paused outside the door as she explained, “I heard Master say that the distinguished guest… is here specifically to seek you out, Senior Sister.”

A look of surprise flashed in Shi Yining’s eyes. “Is that so… I shall head over immediately.”

She turned to look at Jiang Liuyue, whose gaze was slightly resentful, and lightly pushed her shoulder, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness: “I must go out for a while. You stay here and do not cause trouble.”

Jiang Liuyue took the opportunity to seize her wrist, lightly traced a stroke on her palm, and left reluctantly. “Miss Shi, please return early…”

Shi Yining gave a low response, but as she turned around, she unconsciously stroked the palm that had just been touched.

A warm sensation seemed to linger there, causing a tiny ripple in her heart.

The moment she pushed open the door, the morning sunlight poured in.

Seeing her come out, Yu Chang immediately stepped forward to meet her: “Senior Sister, I shall go with you.”

Shi Yining nodded gently. As she departed, her gaze inadvertently swept across the half-open carved wooden window. There, a familiar figure stood quietly, appearing to watch her leave.

“What is Senior Sister thinking about?”

The inquiry brought Shi Yining’s thoughts back to the present. “I was wondering… which distinguished guest would want to see me? I have rarely left the sect and do not know any of the great seniors of the cultivation world.”

Yu Chang hesitated for a moment, then lowered her voice. “When the bell rang, I went to steal a peek. I saw the visitor’s entourage from afar; their attire and bearing were extraordinary. Later, I heard the Elder of the Welcoming Peak address her. If I heard correctly, the visitor should be the Sixth Princess of the Tiansheng Empire.”

“The Tiansheng Empire?” Shi Yining paused, surprise surfacing in her eyes. “The powerful cultivation empire that stands independent of the Three Sects?”

Yu Chang nodded repeatedly. “The very one.”

A hint of confusion appeared between Shi Yining’s brows. “The founding ancestor of the Three Sects and the first Empress of the Tiansheng Empire made an agreement long ago not to interfere with one another. For a thousand years, they have coexisted in peace with no contact. Why would they suddenly…”

Yu Chang scratched her head. “I find it strange too. Master didn’t say anything in the transmission, only told you to head over quickly… Senior Sister, have you ever had any dealings with this Sixth Princess before?”

Shi Yining shook her head slowly. “I have barely even passed through the mountain gates, let alone set foot in the territory of the Tiansheng Empire. How could I know such royalty?”

As she spoke, her gaze unconsciously drifted toward Qinghe Peak.

The mountains were shrouded in clouds and mist, veiling the halls and pavilions on the summit—and the figure of the guest waiting there.

A faint, inexplicable premonition began to linger in Shi Yining’s heart… This Sixth Princess had likely not visited by chance. What was her purpose in seeking her out?

A tea-time later, inside the Yingyue Pavilion atop Qinghe Peak.

Shi Yining and her Junior Sister walked in slowly, bowing respectfully to Qin Wu, who sat in the main seat. “Disciple pays respects to Master.”

“There is no need for such formality, Ning’er, and you too, Shang’er.” A gentle spiritual force quickly lifted them up. “This is the Sixth Princess of the Tiansheng Empire. She has come to visit our sect today and specifically asked to meet you, Ning’er.”

Hearing this, Shi Yining’s gaze instinctively shifted toward the figure seated in the guest’s chair.

She saw a woman dressed in azure palace robes, her dark hair tied in a “Flying Immortal” bun, adorned with two elegant green jade hairpins. She carried the composed aura of one long accustomed to high status, her phoenix-like eyes containing a smile.

“So, you are Shi Yining.” Sheng Huan set down her teacup, her gaze falling upon her with unusual warmth.

Shi Yining bowed her head slightly. “Princess, it is I.”

“May I call you Ning’er?” Sheng Huan’s tone was natural and intimate.

“It is but a name; the Princess may use whatever she pleases.”

Sheng Huan nodded, then turned to Qin Wu. “Sect Leader Qin, I have come this time to invite Ning’er to visit the Tiansheng Empire for a few days. I wonder what your thoughts are?”

Hearing this, Qin Wu’s willow-like brows furrowed imperceptibly, showing a hint of reluctance.

Sheng Huan’s visit today had already caught her off guard. After observing the formalities, she had asked the purpose of the visit; the other had only said she wanted to see Ning’er. Qin Wu figured that with her present, she needn’t fear the woman would harm her disciple. However, she had not expected the Princess to want to take Ning’er away directly.

“Ning’er has been unwell recently, and her memory is fragmented,” Qin Wu said, her tone gentle yet firm. “Letting her travel far alone… as her Master, I truly cannot feel at ease.”

Sheng Huan’s expression remained unchanged as she rose composedly. “I swear by the honor and future of the Tiansheng Royal Family that I shall protect Ning’er’s safety on this journey and not let her suffer the slightest grievance.”

Qin Wu was still reluctant, turning her gaze toward her disciple with a softer look. “What do you think, Ning’er?”

Shi Yining said softly, “I shall follow Master’s arrangement in all things.”

In truth, she was curious about the Tiansheng Empire and did not feel averse to going. Moreover, her intuition told her that going there might yield unexpected rewards. However… thinking of the figure waiting at Xigui Peak, she felt deeply hesitant. Thus, she simply handed the choice back to her Master.

Seeing this, Sheng Huan added at the opportune moment: “Before coming here, I heard of Ning’er’s situation. I have a way to help her escape her current predicament.”

Qin Wu immediately asked, “Is this true?”

Sheng Huan nodded. “Absolutely.”

Qin Wu still harbored a trace of vigilance. “Everything has a purpose. May I ask what the Princess seeks in return?”

Sheng Huan replied with a beaming smile, “Consider it as forging a good karmic bond. I have no other intentions.”

Seeing that her smile was frank and open, Qin Wu pondered for a moment. For the sake of her disciple’s path, she finally relented. “I can allow Ning’er to leave with the Princess, but I have one condition: Shang’er must accompany her to look after her. If the Princess does not agree, the matter ends here.”

Sheng Huan seemed to think of something, the corners of her mouth curling slightly. “Very well. With a fellow disciple accompanying her, Ning’er will likely adapt better.”

She stood up and walked toward Shi Yining, her hairpins swaying gently. As she drew near, she reached out and naturally took the woman’s arm in a slightly intimate gesture.

Yu Chang frowned at Sheng Huan, hesitating several times. Just as she was about to speak, she received a mental transmission from her Master: “I trouble you to accompany her on this journey, Shang’er. Try not to clash with Sheng Huan. If you discover anything amiss, transmit word to me immediately; I will arrive at once.”

In front of Sheng Huan, Yu Chang couldn’t express herself directly. She only glanced obscurely toward her Master and nodded secretly to show she understood.

Beside them, Shi Yining vaguely sensed Sheng Huan’s gaze lingering on her for a moment longer. That look was complex and hard to decipher—it seemed like concern, yet also seemed to hide deeper thoughts.

Had Sheng Huan seen her before? Why did she have no recollection of it?

Sheng Huan’s silhouette was not the same as the person in her memories. She was certain that this was not the person she was looking for…

“If it is convenient for Ning’er, shall we set off immediately?”

The image of the figure waiting for her in the house instantly surfaced in Shi Yining’s mind. “Forgive me, Princess, but may I return to collect a few personal belongings?”

“Of course.” Sheng Huan’s lips curled into a smile. “Remember to return quickly, Ning’er.”

Shi Yining soon returned to Xigui Peak. The moment she pushed open the door, however, the familiar figure was nowhere to be seen.

“Jiang Liuyue?” she called out softly, her voice sounding exceptionally clear in the empty room.

For a long time, there was no response.

Did she actually leave? Just like that, without saying goodbye?

Shi Yining stood frozen on the spot, a surge of unspeakable loss washing over her heart. Clearly, not long ago, that woman had been clinging to her, telling her to come back soon…

Two lines of clear tears fell uncontrollably from the corners of her eyes. Shi Yining quickly reached out to brush them away and turned to leave Xigui Peak.

When leaving the sect, Sheng Huan keenly noticed the change in her companion’s expression. “What is wrong, Miss Shi? Are you feeling unwell?”

Shi Yining forced herself to suppress her emotions, finding an excuse: “I am just a bit tired from using spiritual power to hurry back.”

Upon hearing this, Sheng Huan immediately swept her up into her arms and flew into the Phoenix-patterned Carriage.

Shi Yining’s body stiffened, and she instinctively struggled.

“Don’t move.” Sheng Huan increased her strength, confining her in her embrace. “The journey is long. There is soothing spiritual incense burning in the carriage; it will make you feel more comfortable.”

At that moment, Yu Chang followed them inside.

Seeing her, Sheng Huan spoke immediately: “Fellow Daoist Yu, I must trouble you to take the carriage behind this one.”

Yu Chang refused, saying in a heavy voice, “Master told me to follow Senior Sister and never leave her side.”

Sheng Huan gave her a deep look. “Never leave her side… If that were truly the case, would you not have to sleep in the same bed at night?”

Seeing the atmosphere growing tense, Shi Yining quickly spoke to change the subject. “Princess, you said before that you had a way to help me escape my current predicament…”

At the mention of this, Sheng Huan’s lips curled slightly. “I am taking Ning’er to meet someone… Once you see her, your memories might just return…”

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