Chapter 14 014

Chapter 14 014

Xiang Xian's pupils constricted. Despite having constructed Jiang Xingzhuo's image in his mind countless times, seeing her in person still felt like a world-shattering event. The indescribable, ineffable, and unlookable feeling she brought was something human imagination could never conjure or articulate.

Never before had there been a more convincing moment than this one, proving the existence of such power and beings in the world.

Even his breathing became instinctively lighter.

If even Xiang Xian reacted this way, Mo Yao was even worse. Her entire body went cold, her mind blank, unable to think, like a small animal frozen in terror under the gaze of a top predator.

And this feeling, due to Xian's open door, seeped out slightly.

An Rui, who was cultivating flowers in the guest room, suddenly looked up, dropped his small shovel, and rushed over.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" The sniper who had taken down Zhou Jin, cigar in mouth, saw An Rui heading towards Xiang Xian's dormitory building and immediately rushed to stop him. That place wasn't for just anyone to enter, especially since An Rui wasn't from their District 6!

The security personnel responsible for the dormitory building also tried to intervene, but they were no match for the steel-bodied An Rui. They quickly fell to the ground, disoriented, while the sniper shot at him from behind, to no avail. He could only curse and chase after him.

Their boss was a frail, limping scientist; An Rui could probably kill him with one punch.

The closer he got, the stronger the feeling became. An Rui subconsciously slowed his steps, steadied his breath, and walked forward cautiously.

"An Rui, you fucking—!" The people chasing behind him abruptly shut their mouths, braked hard, and stood rooted to the spot, hair standing on end.

In an instant, their minds flashed with those two cards, and they understood without any doubt that the creature Xiang Xian had them pray for had appeared—good heavens, it was real!

Several more people gathered, yet the suffocating silence remained.

Jiang Xingzhuo smiled, her hood casting shadows, and said softly, "Someone's core card has appeared in my pool. Want to draw? Ten cards per set, ten million each."

Xiang Xian, having adjusted his mindset as much as possible, glanced at his sister's brain in the tank and then looked at Jiang Xingzhuo.

"Draw."

"Very well." Jiang Xingzhuo's lips curved gently.

A small wooden stick magically appeared in her hand, and with a light wave, a white mist swirled in the heavily girlish pink room. Then, ten glowing cards flew out from the spinning vortex, standing before Xiang Xian.

This fantastical, beautiful, and unbelievable scene left the onlookers spellbound. At this moment, Mo Yao finally regained her senses and became even more terrified. Looking at the ten cards, cold sweat poured down her face.

Jiang Xingzhuo: "Please flip your cards."

Xiang Xian took a deep breath and reached out to touch the first card. Everyone watched tensely and curiously.

The card flipped, the glow vanished, revealing a clean, transparent surface.

"Unfortunately, you drew an empty card."

They already knew the game rules from Zhou Jin and An Rui. Gambling was never easy. Xiang Xian immediately reached for the second card.

The card flipped, revealing another clean, transparent surface—an empty card again.

The third card flipped, another empty card.

The fourth card flipped, still an empty card.

The fifth, sixth, seventh... ninth card—all empty.

An Rui: No worries! He had experienced this before. Such bad luck early on meant saving all the good luck for later! The last card would definitely turn things around, maybe even be an SSR card!

The last card stood in the air, glowing softly, attracting everyone's attention. The final chance always made one the most nervous.

Xiang Xian glanced at An Rui, sensing his encouragement, and reached out to touch the card.

The last card flipped, revealing a clean, translucent surface with mysterious patterns and words.

Finally!

Mo Yao swayed, terrified as if about to faint.

Jiang Xingzhuo's smile was gentle: "Congratulations, you drew an ordinary knife."

The card transformed into light, falling into Xiang Xian's palm, becoming an ordinary knife.

An Rui: ...

Xiang Xian: ...

Mo Yao felt a surge of relief—it wasn't a Restoration Pill!

Even Xiang Xian, looking at the ordinary knife, froze. But he maintained his composure.

"I want to draw another set." He remembered that he could draw more than one set, as long as he had the money and her permission.

Jiang Xingzhuo readily agreed, deducting the cost from Xiang Xian's account, and ten more cards flew out from the pool, landing before him.

This time, Xiang Xian's luck was still poor, frequently drawing empty cards and ordinary knives. The only different card was a Fasting Pill that allowed one to go a month without eating.

He drew a third set, facing the same fate.

Even Xiang Xian felt a slight throbbing in his temples. Witnessing one's terrible luck firsthand was never pleasant, even if he still had money to continue.

"Does this game have a fixed winning rate?" Xiang Xian couldn't help but confirm. Even lottery tickets had fixed prize amounts and numbers, and every game had predetermined drop rates and winning probabilities. He wanted to know if there were other factors affecting his odds.

That gentle, mysterious, and melodious voice answered his question: "No. It depends only on what you deeply desire."

"What do you mean?"

Jiang Xingzhuo, of course, wouldn't tell him that the truth was she saw him as a fat sheep, ripe for the slaughter. She said in a grand yet logically coherent manner, "Theoretically speaking, the stronger your desire, the more likely you are to draw anything you want from my card pool. However, if what you desire goes against your predetermined fate, the difficulty of drawing it will also increase."

Xiang Xian instantly understood, and so did the others.

Xiang Xian's inner desire was for his sister to truly come back to life, but this was an impossible dream, hence his low odds of success.

When Xiang Xian had previously flipped the cards, Mo Yao had been on edge. Hearing this now, she suddenly relaxed. Miracles don't happen so easily; paying a mere thirty million to snatch someone from the clutches of death is absurd! Hahahaha, how wonderful! She knew her luck wasn’t that bad; otherwise, it would have been her who died instead of Xiang Qin!

However, in the next second, Xiang Xian looked towards the door and at the sniper: "Xiao Ke."

Xiao Ke had been with Xiang Xian for many years and understood him well. He immediately grasped Xiang Xian’s intention and stepped forward, saying, "Let me draw a set too."

Xiang Xian immediately transferred ten million to Xiao Ke. He certainly wouldn’t give up easily; if he drew, the chances of getting the Revival Pill were slim, so letting someone else draw might work.

Mo Yao, who had just relaxed, felt her heartstrings tighten again. Intense fear welled up from within, and she couldn’t help but look at Jiang Xingzhuo. What was this? A god? No, no, there are no gods in this world; people here don’t believe in them. She must be a demon, and demons don’t serve justice, right?

Jiang Xingzhuo smiled, absorbing the intense fear emanating from Mo Yao like squeezing a lazy horse, transforming this negative emotion into energy that filled her dominion system, finally giving her some surplus.

Ten cards flew out from the card pool and stood before Xiao Ke.

"Please flip your cards."

Having witnessed Xiang Xian’s abysmal luck with three sets of cards, and knowing that these draws were free, Xiao Ke, being naturally laid-back, didn’t feel much tension or anticipation. He approached the cards calmly.

The first card revealed a transparent body with mysterious patterns and text.

With patterns and text, it couldn’t be an ordinary knife, could it?

Everyone looked at Jiang Xingzhuo, remembering Xiang Xian’s misfortune, and no one expected anything good from the first card.

Jiang Xingzhuo said, "Congratulations, you’ve drawn an SSR Copy Card, a special life card called 'Tiny Soul.' Use this card on any object within a certain weight range, and it will gain a soul, responding to your call. Within the summoning range, it will overcome all obstacles to reach you upon hearing your call."

Xiao Ke was stunned. Wh-what?

The instructions for using the card appeared in his mind automatically. Curious and eager, he tried it. He looked at a gun on a companion’s belt.

The card transformed into light and entered the gun on the companion’s belt. In the next moment, the gun seemed to come alive, struggling violently, shocking the companion.

The gun quickly pushed aside the clip and wriggled out of its holster. The owner instinctively reached for the weapon, knowing that in such a place, weapons can never be left unattended. You never know when a monster might crawl to your bedside while you sleep.

But as if sensing the obstruction, the gun aimed at its original owner, as if held by an invisible hand, threatening him.

The original owner froze, raising his hands, not daring to move.

The gun then turned and flew towards Xiao Ke, settling in his hand, becoming completely docile.

"…Holy shit!" Xiao Ke was stunned. Could something like this actually happen?!

The other onlookers, except for An Rui who had already experienced it, were equally astounded.

Could something like this actually happen? With this card, Xiao Ke could easily take anything from anyone’s hands! During battles with monsters, he would no longer face situations where his weapon was out of reach or insufficient. Survival rates would skyrocket! Even further, the phrase "overcome all obstacles to reach you" implied endless possibilities!

Even without those possibilities, bringing an item to life was already incredible!

"Tiny Soul" returned from the small gun to Xiao Ke’s hand, turning back into a card. The gun’s sense of life vanished instantly. Touching the card now, Xiao Ke’s mood had changed dramatically.

No one could resist the allure of such power, which was beyond human imagination. Possessing it sparked infinite possibilities and hope.

Not just Xiao Ke, but everyone else, except An Rui, who had either lacked imagination or had lost interest due to Xiang Xian’s poor luck, now felt their breathing and expressions change.

Jiang Xingzhuo watched, absorbing the energy, her eyes gleaming with delight.

Different sheep require different shearing methods, and once the purse is opened, the money inside is as good as hers.

When Xiao Ke touched the second card, his emotions of tension and anticipation were far greater than before, and the same went for the others. Each card flip was like opening a destiny box, influencing one’s future!

Unfortunately, the mastermind behind the scenes had deep tricks. After offering a tempting carrot, continued possession wouldn’t be so simple. Good things can’t keep appearing without losing value.

Xiao Ke didn’t draw another "Tiny Soul"-level item, but his luck was better than Xiang Xian’s. He drew a few blank cards and ordinary knives, but also a small bottle of universal antidote and a flattering mirror.

Xiao Ke was delighted. Even Xiang Xian couldn’t cure every virus, but with this bottle of medicine, he had another chance to survive. The flattering mirror had no practical use, but it would shower compliments upon looking into it—everyone likes to hear nice things. He had hit the jackpot, especially since this was a free draw.

Others’ eyes turned red with envy.

Still, Xiao Ke had some conscience and said to Xiang Xian, "Sorry, boss."

He hadn’t drawn a single Revival Pill.

"Let me try next!" someone pushed Xiao Ke aside.

Xiao Ke pushed him back. "I’m not done yet. I still have enough savings for another set."

"You have terrible luck! Let me go first. Boss, I’ll definitely draw the Revival Pill for you!"

"…"

Cards continued to fly out from the card pool, each flip causing hearts to race and adrenaline to surge. The temptation grew, and the card-drawing became increasingly addictive.

Mo Yao was both fearful and greedy. She envied those who could draw cards and coveted every miraculous item they won. She wanted to draw too. But she was terrified, fearing that one card might reveal a Revival Pill, delivering a fatal blow.

At this moment, no one paid attention to the brain in the fish tank, its EEG line jumping, symbolizing a struggling soul, mirroring the tense anticipation and longing of the people.

...

Inside the wall, in City B, the Murong family residence.

Murong Ying withdrew his palm from Murong Xue’s back. Murong Xue spat out blood tinged with black, and someone immediately came to help her rinse her mouth and wipe her lips.

"How wonderful! Little Xue can practice martial arts now!" her mother exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes.

Father was immensely relieved. "Very good, very good."

Murong Ying was drenched in sweat, her face pale, feeling a dull ache in her dantian. However, she had grown accustomed to it. Generally speaking, mastering one family's unique martial arts was already quite an achievement for someone in their lifetime. Learning too much could lead to mishaps, and there was always the risk of going mad from overexertion.

But Murong Ying was different. She was a prodigy in martial arts. Her family gave her several secret manuals that others couldn't comprehend, including one on internal cultivation techniques. The internal energy cultivated through this method was incredibly powerful, causing pain throughout her meridians during practice. But she had to endure it because once she mastered it, she could expel the toxins from Murong Xue's body.

Murong Ying no longer remembered how Murong Xue had been poisoned, but her parents said it was done for her sake. Years ago, a demoness who violated the hidden world's rules emerged, causing a bloody storm and nearly tarnishing the reputation of the ancient martial families. This demoness was hunted by various families but managed to escape. Perhaps because the Murong family had led the pursuit, she came for revenge. Originally, the poison was meant for Murong Ying's milk formula, but Murong Ying fed it to Murong Xue instead, leading to Murong Xue's poisoning.

The hidden world had many families with extraordinary abilities, and some ailments that modern medicine couldn't cure could be resolved through these mystical internal powers.

Expelling the toxins from Murong Xue involved channeling this painful internal energy into her body. It was agonizing for both Murong Xue and Murong Ying, but this was the last time, and they would finally be free.

"Thank you, Sister. Let's get some rest," Murong Xue said.

"Come along." Mother lovingly supported her, not even glancing at Murong Ying.

Murong Ying felt a pang of disappointment, knowing that her mother blamed her for feeding Murong Xue the poisoned milk formula.

At that moment, a large, dry hand rested on her head, gently rubbing it. Murong Ying looked up to see her father, Murong Changfeng, looking at her with concern.

"How are you? Does it hurt? Do you need help?"

Murong Ying's mood lifted slightly as she shook her head. "I can manage."

"Good. You've worked hard these years." Murong Changfeng looked at her with a complex expression.

"It's not hard; it's what I should do."

Murong Changfeng ruffled her hair again before leaving.

Murong Ying practiced her internal healing techniques, then lay down on the bed, a smile spreading across her face. With Murong Xue's recovery, she could finally train in martial arts. Perhaps now she could contribute when the slaughterhouse appeared.

Murong Ying was strong, only nineteen but already the strongest among the younger generation. Her natural talent was exceptional, and her elders praised her as a prodigy. However, due to Murong Xue, she hadn't competed with other families' members. She longed to spar with other skilled martial artists and fight when the slaughterhouse appeared, becoming a hero like many of her peers.

...Perhaps then, she and Wen Qing would have more to talk about.

Murong Ying dreamed of a future of freedom and no constraints, while elsewhere, Murong Changfeng and his wife Wan Rong left Murong Xue's room.

Wan Rong said coldly, "Now that the toxins are expelled from Xiaoxue, we can proceed to the next step."

Murong Changfeng pondered for a moment. Wan Rong sneered, "What? Feeling reluctant?"

"Of course not. Don't jump to conclusions."

"You'd better not. Hmph."

...

Outside the wall, in the abandoned land, Zone 6.

No one knew what fantastical events were unfolding inside the dormitory building.

Cards flew out and flipped, dropping incredible items. Xiang Xian's accumulated wealth was rapidly depleting.

Unfortunately, he hadn't drawn a single Restoration Pill.

"One more try!" Xiang Xian's eyes were bloodshot, gripped by intense emotions—anger, frustration, and despair.

He ignored the incredible cards, focusing solely on the Restoration Pill, which he couldn't seem to draw. Even Zheng Feng, that idiot, had managed to draw one, but not him! It felt like fate was mocking him, telling him that his sister was dead, that he had no family, and that he had been fooling himself all along.

He couldn't accept it!

This time, no card emerged from the swirling mist.

Jiang Xingzhuo: "I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money for another transaction."

Xiang Xian froze, a hint of panic crossing his face. Borrowing was out of the question. He looked at An Rui.

An Rui was just as poor and couldn't help. Xiang Xian's subordinates couldn't either, as he paid for their card draws.

Mo Yao had some jewelry she had scavenged, which could cover the cost, but why would she give it to Xiang Xian? She wanted the transaction to end so Jiang Xingzhuo would disappear, relieving her anxiety.

So she shook her head, looking anxious. "What should we do, Brother Xiang?"

Xiang Xian looked at An Rui, not to borrow money, but remembering something.

"Why can An Rui draw a set for free?" Xiang Xian asked, unwilling to accept it. Could it be that only those who seemed favorable got free draws?

Jiang Xingzhuo explained gently, "Because his core card appeared in my pool."

"What about me... Not me?" Xiang Xian was stunned. He had thought Jiang Xingzhuo had come because of him. Was it not him? But she had appeared in the room, so...

Xiang Xian looked at Mo Yao.

Jiang Xingzhuo also turned to Mo Yao.

Mo Yao was stunned. What? It was her?!

Her heart raced with joy. If summoning Jiang Xingzhuo allowed a free draw, everything would be solved!

Mo Yao wasn't foolish. She believed she wouldn't draw the Restoration Pill because if the cards reflected one's desires, she didn't want to see Xiang Qin alive. How could she draw it?

She was blessed by fate, a chosen one. That's why she survived fifteen years ago and lived without hardship, unlike other girls in the abandoned land!

Xiang Xian, unaware of Mo Yao's true nature, saw hope. Summoning Jiang Xingzhuo must be special, perhaps lucky like An Rui. Maybe Mo Yao could draw the Restoration Pill!

Others thought similarly, assuming Mo Yao summoned Jiang Xingzhuo through her prayers. They didn't notice the fish tank beside her, where the brain's lines gradually calmed, as if the struggling soul had seen its end and given up, filled with despair.

How could Mo Yao draw the Restoration Pill? It was the last thing she wanted. And why did someone like her receive so much favor? Why?

Mo Yao trembled with excitement. "M-me?"

Jiang Xingzhuo looked at her, her smile deepening.

"No."

Mo Yao froze. W-what? Not her? If not her, then who?

"It's her," Jiang Xingzhuo said.

Everyone was confused about whom Jiang Xingzhuo referred to until two seconds later when their attention shifted to the fish tank next to Mo Yao. Inside the nutrient solution floated a brain, connected to numerous wires, much like a severely ill person struggling and desperately clinging to life through tubes. The flat EEG line paused for a moment before intensifying its activity again.

Xiang Xian was stunned, his eyes welling up. It... no, she.

Mo Yao's expression solidified like cement.

Jiang Xingzhuo waved her small wooden stick, and cards flew out from the white fog vortex, hovering above the fish tank.

"This is my first encounter with such a special client. Let me flip the cards for you," Jiang Xingzhuo said gently. With a light wave of the stick, ten cards turned in unison, the white light shattering like glass into starry points that vanished, revealing clear card faces.

Unbelievable, each card had a pattern and text, none were blank, causing onlookers' hearts to skip a beat, feeling inexplicably moved.

Moreover, they noticed that not only were there no blank cards, but two of them were golden, clearly more advanced and powerful than the others.

"SSR," An Rui whispered softly.

"Congratulations, you've drawn seven Restoration Pills and two core cards: an SSR-level Restoration Pill and an SSR-level Special Life Card, 'Shadow Person.'"

As Jiang Xingzhuo methodically listed the Restoration Pills, Mo Yao's face paled, turning ashen as she slowly retreated, her body shaking uncontrollably.

Unfortunately, no one could spare a glance for her.

Ordinary Restoration Pills couldn't make a brain grow a body, but Jiang Xingzhuo gave Xiang Qin an SSR card, second only to the highest level UR cards, with all the grandeur befitting an SSR.

The SSR Restoration Pill card transformed into light, descending into the brain in the fish tank. Instantly, the light intensified, forcing everyone to close their eyes.

Only Mo Yao, driven by sheer survival instinct, moved. She rushed out the door, pushing past Xiao Ke and others blocking her way. Though they were momentarily stunned, they were too curious and eager about what was happening within the light.

"Hey, you..."

"Is that Mo Yao? What's she doing? Is there a ghost chasing her?"

Everyone who saw Mo Yao was taken aback, watching her back in confusion.

Mo Yao ran frantically, her mind fixated only on escape. District 6 was no longer safe; her secret was exposed. Xiang Xian knew she was responsible for Xiang Qin's death and would surely seek revenge!

The intense light gradually subsided, revealing a figure. Jiang Xingzhuo kindly waved her wooden stick, using a bit of energy to create a plain red cloak that draped over the newly born girl.

Xiang Qin was only 14 when she died, and the SSR Restoration Card could only return her to her former self, not accounting for the time passed. Thus, the girl standing before everyone was wrapped in a red cloak, still carrying baby fat, resembling a little Red Riding Hood.

Xiang Xian was stunned, almost believing it was a dream. His only family, his sister he had raised with great difficulty, had truly returned.

She stepped barefoot onto the ground, and Xiang Xian pushed his wheelchair forward. "Qin..."

But Xiang Qin suddenly turned and rushed to Jiang Xingzhuo, hugging her tightly.

"Ah..." Jiang Xingzhuo was startled.

An Rui's heart jolted, his eyes widening as if shocked, instinctively stepping forward but ultimately restraining himself.

Xiang Qin hugged Jiang Xingzhuo tightly, but after a moment, an invisible force gently yet firmly pushed her away. Such close proximity was not allowed.

Xiang Qin felt a sense of loss but realized that even being able to hug her once was a significant gain. Besides, she had other emotions building up inside her, ready to explode.

Her eyes were red, though her body remained 14 years old. After 15 years trapped in the fish tank, she knew everything—how Mo Yao used her to gain her brother's protection, the vile and twisted thoughts. Her gaze was no longer innocent and naive.

She clenched her fists and looked at Xiang Xian. "Brother, it was Mo Yao! She pushed me!"

Xiang Xian was stunned.

Xiao Ke and the others were equally shocked, never imagining that Mo Yao was a wolf in sheep's clothing, a murderer disguised as an innocent victim. The thought of her lurking so close to the victim made them shudder.

No wonder she ran out earlier!

Xiang Xian's face darkened with rage, his forehead shadowed.

He looked at Xiao Ke, who immediately turned to chase Mo Yao.

But Xiang Qin stopped him. She took out her other core card. As the card transformed into light and entered her body, she closed her eyes. A thick, ink-like substance emerged from her, forming a dark humanoid figure beside her.

Xiang Qin: "Bring Mo Yao back to me."

The dark figure received the order and disappeared into the shadows.

"What the hell was that?!"

"What?"

"I think I saw something black dart past... Must be my imagination."

The Shadow Person moved swiftly through the shadows, leaving District 6 in moments. Occasionally passing through lit areas, it appeared like a snake, startling those who saw it but quickly dismissed it as an illusion.

By now, Mo Yao had already sped away in a jeep from District 6, heading towards District 5.

She planned to seek refuge in District 5, where the leader disliked Xiang Xian and would gladly oppose him. Moreover, the leader's son was infatuated with her, always at her beck and call despite being repulsive.

Fortunately, District 6 regularly cleared nearby monsters and sprayed repellents, ensuring her journey was safe. Seeing the gates of District 5 ahead, she finally relaxed slightly.

But at that moment, a dark shadow suddenly emerged from the ground ahead, blocking her jeep. The jeep, caught off guard, crashed heavily into it, as if colliding with a half-melted rubber mass, sinking deeply in.

Wh-what?

Mo Yao froze, staring at the blackened face smeared across the windshield, her eyes filled with terror. It felt as if time had slowed down.

In the next second, the car was flung out and slammed into a wall.

The sound was so loud that it startled the people in Zone 5. They rushed out to see a blackened figure, resembling a stick man, carrying the jeep away in an odd posture.

...Something seems wrong? Did I see that correctly?

The people from Zone 5 blinked hard, utterly confused.

Tonight's card-drawing game had ended, and Jiang Xingzhuo was about to leave.

The silent An Rui finally spoke up, "Please wait!"

Jiang Xingzhuo paused.

An Rui took a deep breath, his gaze slightly lowered, showing respect and reverence.

"How should we address you?" An Rui did not believe she was a demon; that title was unworthy of her.

Jiang Xingzhuo's lips curved slightly. "My title is: Sovereign."

In that instant, An Rui felt that this title truly matched her.

After saying this, Jiang Xingzhuo disappeared, along with the indescribable feeling brought by the Cthulhu aura. In an instant, they felt as if they had emerged from a special alternate space, the air becoming lighter, and the flow of time returning to normal.

A commotion outside startled those still immersed in tonight's fantastical encounter.

Outside the dormitory building, the blackened stick man dropped the jeep from overhead. The elites, holding their guns, cautiously watched this strange entity. When Xiang Xian and the others came out, everyone made way.

The car door opened, revealing Mo Yao, bleeding from the forehead, eyes full of terror, and trembling all over.

Mo Yao looked around, thinking that Xiang Xian, the madman, was what she feared most. But when she saw Xiang Qin, a 14-year-old girl with a red cloak and black hair, standing there alive, an unprecedented sense of horror overwhelmed her, especially when she met Xiang Qin's dark, seemingly evil eyes. She screamed and fainted.

...

Lady Murong, Wan Rong, had just put Murong Xue to sleep after another failed attempt at martial arts practice. Murong Xue's face was streaked with tears, realizing that learning martial arts at her age was impossible.

Murong Changfeng and Wan Rong had always told her that once the poison in her body was expelled, she could learn martial arts and become as skilled as Murong Ying. Murong Xue had believed them until today, when she sensed something amiss and realized she had been deceived.

But in fact, Wan Rong had not lied. The title "Murong Family's Hidden Genius" was meant for Murong Xue, not Murong Ying.

Wan Rong looked at her beloved daughter's delicate, pale face, her eyes filled with affection. After leaving the room, her expression turned sharp.

Murong Changfeng stood at the door with his hands behind his back. He had a refined and handsome face, still looking like a handsome older man even now. Unfortunately, his thin lips betrayed his cold nature.

Wan Rong both loved and hated him. This man, who moved through a sea of flowers, always made women feel special, watching them fight over him with cold eyes, even taking pride in it.

Unfortunately, she had seen through him too late, using underhanded means to snatch him from her sister, Wan Fu, and successfully marry him. What good was it when he still had many mistresses outside? She had tried to deal with them, but there were too many!

Now that he was older and had settled down, the mistresses had dispersed, and he doted on Murong Xue. She felt some relief, but the resentment remained because of Murong Ying.

Fortunately, tonight would resolve everything.

"Are you going to change your mind at the last minute?" Wan Rong asked her husband warily.

Murong Changfeng gave her a helpless look. "People's hearts are biased. Can't you see whose side I'm on?"

Wan Rong's expression softened slightly. Since Murong Xue's birth, Murong Changfeng had indeed settled down, caring for her despite her illness, which surprised and moved her.

Murong Ying was practicing swordsmanship in her courtyard. A single slash severed a tree nearly 20 centimeters in diameter. She had improved again. Putting away her sword, she imagined saving many lives, feeling happy. Years of hard training were for this day. Her parents had said they feared upsetting Murong Xue, so she had held back, focusing solely on her training, waiting for the day she could shine.

Now that Murong Xue was better, that day must be coming soon.

Murong Ying smiled upon seeing Murong Changfeng and Wan Rong enter the courtyard. "Father, Mother, is there something you need?"

Wan Rong found her smile annoying. Murong Ying, noticing her mother's glare, looked hurt. Murong Xue was already better, so why was she still like this? Despite being twins, how could she be so partial?

Murong Changfeng spoke gently, "We have something to discuss with you."

"What is it?"

"Your sister's poison has been cured, and she can start practicing martial arts. However, you've seen her condition; she's too old and lacks talent. She won't achieve much on her own." Murong Changfeng looked worried. "I fear we'll need your help."

Murong Ying was taken aback, confused. "How can I help her?"

Wan Rong said, "It's simple. Transfer your skills to her."

"What?" Murong Ying was stunned, doubting if she heard correctly.

"Do you refuse? Don't forget, if it weren't for you, Xiaoxue wouldn't have missed the best time to train. You owe her this!" Wan Rong scolded sternly.

Murong Ying stepped back, tears streaming down her face, disbelief evident. "Mother, why are you doing this to me?"

She was willing to endure the pain of practicing dark arts for Murong Xue, but why should she give her own skills to her? From childhood, she had trained tirelessly, enduring countless hardships. Even after finishing junior high, she returned home to focus on training. Everything she had achieved was through blood and sweat.

Did Wan Rong truly feel no sympathy for her? How could she so easily ask her to give everything to Murong Xue, not just a portion, but everything?

Was she misunderstanding something?

Murong Ying waited for Wan Rong's response, but then a hand pressed against her back. She felt her hard-earned internal energy being drained away.

Murong Ying cried out in disbelief, "Father..."

The person behind her did not respond, showing no mercy.

"Mom..." Murong Ying instinctively sought help from her mother, but when she turned around, she met Wan Rong's eyes filled with glee. It felt as if she had fallen into a terrifying nightmare. How could she be seeing this? Her parents appeared in her courtyard like vengeful spirits, taking away the very essence of her life.

Wan Rong said, "Shut up. I am not your mother. Your mother, that wretched woman, died long ago!" As she spoke, she glanced at Murong Changfeng, hoping to see an unpleasant reaction. Finding none, she felt quite pleased.

"You should know this well; I've told you many times before. Every time you say it was good that they were killed."

Murong Ying felt as if she had been plunged into an icy cellar. Told many times... good that they were killed... that female demon? But, how could she look so much like Wan Rong, more than Murong Xue... Suddenly, Murong Ying thought of something and froze.

Wan Rong... there was an elder who everyone always spoke of in hushed tones, a sister?

Indeed, Murong Ying did not resemble Wan Rong; she resembled Wan Rong's sister, Wan Fu. Wan Fu had always been superior to Wan Rong, both in appearance and talent, even her fiancé was better. Wan Rong grew up in the shadow of her sister's superiority, yet she fell for her gentle future brother-in-law, becoming infatuated.

In the end, she resorted to a despicable scheme, sleeping with Murong Changfeng and discarding all sense of propriety, making it known throughout the reclusive family. Under these circumstances, the marriage alliance between the Wan and Murong families had to change.

The betrayal by her beloved man and her sister drove Wan Fu mad, causing her to lose her mind. She disappeared for a while and returned as a demoness. When she appeared at the slaughterhouse, unable to distinguish friend from foe, she killed monsters and innocent people alike. At that time, Wan Fu was a superhero followed by over five million people on social media, shocking everyone and drawing harsh criticism.

At that time, Wan Rong had just given birth to her daughter and discovered that the child was poisoned. She believed Wan Fu had poisoned her out of revenge, leading her to hate Wan Fu fiercely. According to the agreement between the government and the reclusive families, after Wan Fu went mad, the martial arts families had to deal with her. Wan Rong, disregarding her postpartum confinement, rushed to kill Wan Fu herself.

Wan Fu was a martial genius, already reaching the pinnacle of her skills at a young age. With such vast territory, hiding was easy, and no one could find her. However, Wan Fu herself appeared. She still had feelings for Murong Changfeng and, after a brief moment of clarity, came to him, only to be killed by Wan Rong. It was then that they learned Wan Fu had also given birth to a baby girl, Murong Changfeng's child.

It turned out that Wan Fu and Murong Changfeng had already been intimate, but she was too ashamed to tell anyone. By the time Wan Rong and Murong Changfeng got together, Wan Fu was already pregnant, unbeknownst to them.

"I originally wanted to kill you, but you inherited your mother's exceptional talent, showing remarkable potential at such a young age. Perfect for my pitiful child to use as a battery," Wan Rong said.

For so many years, her hatred for Wan Fu never diminished. Whenever she saw Murong Xue's frailty and compared it to Murong Ying's excellence, she felt like she was seeing her past self and Wan Fu. It was too pitiful; she would never let her precious daughter live in Murong Ying's shadow.

Hearing this truth, Murong Ying felt a surge of blood in her throat. Her father, who had drained her inner strength, treated her like a stranger, mercilessly draining every last bit until he could extract no more, then released her.

Murong Ying collapsed to the ground.

But this was not the end. Losing her inner strength was recoverable, given Murong Ying's exceptional talent. Wan Rong did not want to see that happen, nor did she want to leave a potential enemy behind. What if Murong Ying returned to avenge her mother?

So, Wan Rong crippled Murong Ying's talent, ensuring she could never practice martial arts again, leaving her imprisoned in the courtyard like a cripple.

In the courtyard, Murong Ying's screams echoed through the sky, but this remote corner of the vast Murong estate could not awaken many.

...

Jiang Xingzhuo, seeing this through her omniscient eye, found the story of the previous generation quite dramatic. However, Murong Ying and Wan Fu were truly tragic, victims of a scoundrel and a vile woman.

She pitied Murong Ying, but unfortunately, it was not yet time for her to intervene.

Speaking of which, there were many doubts about the Murong family's situation. Did Wan Fu really poison Murong Xue? Would Murong Changfeng, a scoundrel, genuinely pity and love Murong Xue because of her frailty? Shouldn't a martial arts family favor the child with better talent and roots, especially one that takes in many disciples from other families? This is crucial for the future of the family.

...

Outside the wall, in the Abandoned Zone, District 6.

Mo Yao woke up, finding herself back 15 years ago, hiding in the dormitory with Xiang Qin, amidst the terrifying chaos outside.

The Great Western Evacuation...

Mo Yao was stunned. Had she... been reborn?

"Yao Yao, don't be afraid. My brother will come to save us. When he does, we'll go together and live happily," Xiang Qin comforted her, holding her hand, her eyes bright and clear.

Mo Yao looked at her and suddenly felt a deep sense of relief. After extreme fear, seeing such gentle and pure eyes, she could no longer feel any jealousy, only immense gratitude.

She knew Xiang Xian would arrive soon, and she would not push Xiang Qin away in fear. This way, 15 years later, she would not be killed by Xiang Xian and could draw cards!

Feeling reassured, she waited with Xiang Qin for the rescue team. Sure enough, they encountered the snake monster that had just laid eggs and the salamander monster again. This time, she did not let go of Xiang Qin's hand, pulling her to escape together.

Suddenly, she was pushed. Shocked, she looked up and saw Xiang Qin... no, not Xiang Qin, but her face! Staring at her with an evil gaze, terrifying and ghostly.

She fell to the ground as the monster lunged, tearing open her abdomen. The excruciating pain overwhelmed her, and she screamed in despair.

Was this what Xiang Qin experienced? Help!

Mo Yao abruptly opened her eyes, realizing it was a dream, and breathed a sigh of relief. However, a familiar yet strange face loomed before her—it was Xiang Qin!

Terrified, Mo Yao tried to scream, but liquid suddenly flooded her mouth. She realized where she was.

In the pink room, the fish tank that had held a brain for 15 years welcomed a new guest—Mo Yao's head floated inside, alive, thanks to some unknown method by Xiang Xian.

Xiang Qin, mirroring Mo Yao's demeanor over the past 15 years, leaned comfortably, looking at her submerged head.

This terrifying and bizarre scene made Mo Yao cry out in fear. She stared at Xiang Qin, trying to make a sound, but without vocal cords, she could only plead silently with her eyes.

"Are you begging for mercy?" Xiang Qin asked, her voice tinged with cruel innocence. She wore the red cloak Jiang Xingzhuo had given her, tilting her head cutely like Little Red Riding Hood, beautiful yet slightly sinister.

Mo Yao blinked, tears mixing with the nutrient fluid.

"Sure." Xiang Qin smiled, revealing two sweet dimples: "In 15 years, I'll let you out of the fish tank."