Abused Female Lead And Beautiful Villainess (Quick Transmigration) - Chapter 161. Becoming Cultivation Partners? The Spiritual-Roots-Excavated Kind (13)

That day, Xie Yunfu naturally didn’t kiss back. She wasn’t truly foolish, merely falling into Shen Wan’s trap due to her own issues.

Once calm, she understood.

But she couldn’t blame everything on Shen Wan. The main problem lay with herself.

Because of Shen Wan, she could no longer meditate or cultivate. Her mind was filled with images of herself being struck down by heavenly tribulation, then Shen Wan happily walking away hand-in-hand with someone else. With that green feeling hanging over her head, how could she focus on cultivation?

“What are you thinking about?” Shen Wan sat beside Xie Yunfu, affectionately linking arms and resting her chin on Xie Yunfu’s shoulder. “Wife, you smell so nice.” Before Xie Yunfu could react, Shen Wan leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Truly fragrant.”

Xie Yunfu had gradually grown accustomed to this. She raised her hand to wipe the spot Shen Wan had kissed.

“Why are you wiping? I didn’t use my tongue, there’s no saliva. Though next time, I could try.”

Xie Yunfu glanced at her. “I’ve misjudged you.”

“What happened? You’ve misjudged me already?”

“I used to think you were just shameless. Now I realize you’re a female hooligan.”

“Fufu, your memory is terrible. We’re Cultivation partners, remember? You agreed yourself. I didn’t force you,” Shen Wan said innocently. “Isn’t it normal for Cultivation partners to hold hands and share a few kisses? Besides, we haven’t even done anything more intimate yet. How am I a hooligan?”

“Fufu, why don’t we try other ways of interacting? Real Cultivation partners should actually…”

Xie Yunfu stopped Shen Wan’s next words. “Not so fast. Let me adjust.”

“Alright, alright. We can take it slow. I didn’t want to rush either. Some sweet interactions during courtship are good too. Consuming everything at once leads to quick boredom. After all, it’s rare to find someone so compatible.”

Xie Yunfu frowned upon hearing this. “So you’ve been with others before?”

“No, never.”

“Then what did you mean just now?”

“Not having found anyone before doesn’t mean I won’t in the future, right? Didn’t you say you have no future? You’ll either die from cultivation problems or be reduced to ashes by heavenly tribulation. I need to plan ahead and be mentally prepared, don’t I?”

“Rest assured, I have at least a few thousand years to live. You don’t need to think about that for those thousands of years.”

“I know. I’m just thinking, not planning to do anything. Don’t worry. Even if one day I tire of you, stop liking you, or get bored, I’ll tell you honestly. Only after we separate will I seek new love.”

Xie Yunfu felt a surge of anger she couldn’t express. This naughty girl was truly infuriating.

She hadn’t gone mad from cultivation, but she might soon be driven mad by Shen Wan.

“Don’t be so certain. Perhaps I’ll be the one to tire of you first. When that time comes and I want to leave you, don’t cry and beg me not to go.”

“Fufu, don’t go…” Shen Wan suddenly hugged Xie Yunfu, looking at her pitifully. “Is that how it would be? Could you bear it?”

Xie Yunfu: “…”

“Alright, I’m not tired of you yet. I’ll let you know when I am.” Though it was clearly an act, Xie Yunfu found herself unable to resist Shen Wan’s pitiful look. It was as if she had committed some heinous crime.

For now, she truly wasn’t tired of Shen Wan. Even if this naughty girl was sometimes annoying, she had no real flaws.

Since the two had agreed to try being Cultivation partners, Shen Wan always walked arm-in-arm with Xie Yunfu. Xie Yunfu went from initial discomfort to acceptance, embracing it all.

At night, they lay together, with Shen Wan always hugging her as they slept. Xie Yunfu would unconsciously wrap an arm around Shen Wan’s waist.

When Shen Wan kissed her, she no longer asked why or wiped her face, lest Shen Wan mention not using her tongue.

Imperceptibly, she had grown accustomed to this way of interacting. Occasionally, when they went out and Shen Wan held snacks instead of linking arms, Xie Yunfu felt a bit uncomfortable and would actively place her hand on Shen Wan’s arm.

That naughty girl must truly be toxic!

But what could be done? She seemed to have grown used to having someone by her side. When she thought of her former solitary, carefree life, she found she didn’t miss it at all.

“I heard something happened at the Clear Void Sect.” Shen Wan went out early to buy buns, returning with vegetable sprout filling for Xie Yunfu and beef filling for herself. As she handed the buns to Xie Yunfu, she shared this news while eating.

“The details are still unclear.”

“Is it related to Yin Jue?” Xie Yunfu now despised Yin Jue even more. If not for Shen Wan’s plan, she would have secretly gone to kill him.

“Yes, who else could cause such a commotion but Yin Jue?” Shen Wan swallowed her mouthful of bun before continuing, “Yin Jue went to confront Chu Qing and Lan Wanling. The latest news is that Yin Jue defeated Chu Qing, but apparently didn’t kill him. I guess Lan Wanling must have pleaded for mercy. They’re probably entangled in all sorts of drama now.”

“Would Yin Jue really spare Chu Qing just because of a few words from Lan Wanling, after being betrayed by her and humiliated by him, suffering so much?” Xie Yunfu didn’t believe Yin Jue was the type to value sentiment and loyalty.

Even for those who did, could they truly forgive someone who betrayed and harmed them? To forgive in such circumstances would require either a stroke of insanity or pure foolishness.

“Why don’t we go take a look?” Shen Wan suggested.

Xie Yunfu glanced at her. “Are you curious?”

“Of course I’m curious about such a big event. I really want to know if they’ve rekindled old feelings or if they’re all harboring ulterior motives. We’re too far away here. The news we get is probably outdated.”

“Then let’s go tomorrow.”

Xie Yunfu wasn’t interested in Yin Jue’s affairs, but because Shen Wan wanted to go, she found herself wanting to go too. She hadn’t even noticed how many of her actions were gradually aligning with Shen Wan’s, unconsciously considering this person in everything.

Early the next morning, the two left the small courtyard they had lived in for some time, heading towards the Clear Void Sect.

A day later, they arrived outside the Clear Void Sect at a leisurely pace.

Shen Wan noticed that the characters on the stone tablet outside the Clear Void Sect had changed to “Void Sect.” This meant Yin Jue must have taken control and restored the sect’s original name.

As they approached the mountain gate, they were stopped. Shen Wan gave her name, asking to see Yin Jue. The disciple at the gate hurriedly went to report, and soon Yin Jue came rushing out with many others.

Seeing Shen Wan, a gentle smile appeared on his face as he landed before her. “Xiao Wan, why have you come to see me?”

Yin Jue’s affectionate gaze irritated Xie Yunfu. She unconsciously tightened her grip on Shen Wan’s wrist, perhaps fearing Yin Jue might snatch her away.

“I heard something happened here and guessed it might be related to you, so I came to see.”

“Is Xiao Wan worried about my safety? I knew you were still the same Xiao Wan as before.”

Yin Jue’s behavior made Xie Yunfu regret coming. She shouldn’t have brought Shen Wan here. Even if Shen Wan had no feelings for Yin Jue, his eager manner made her want to take action.

“Xiao Wan, let’s talk inside. I’ve long prepared a place for you, all set up. You can stay here to cultivate in the future.”

Yin Jue knew it would be difficult for Shen Wan to accept him immediately. After all, he had personally extracted her spirit root before. But there was no rush; they had plenty of time. Xiao Wan would forgive him one day.

“Xiao Wan, it’s good you’ve come. I said before I’d help you get revenge.”

Under Shen Wan’s confused gaze, Yin Jue invited her in. Xie Yunfu held tightly to Shen Wan’s wrist throughout, fearing Yin Jue might snatch her away.

Yin Jue noticed Xie Yunfu’s dislike for him, which he reciprocated. If not for Xiao Wan, they would likely have come to blows already.

“Cousin, I heard someone came to see you?” Lan Wanling rushed out hurriedly, immediately spotting Shen Wan hand-in-hand with Xie Yunfu. Her expression changed, her lips paling. Shen Wan?

Wasn’t she dead?

The people Chu Qing had sent before said Shen Wan’s spirit root had been extracted, her cultivation lost. She had fallen off a cliff and shouldn’t have survived.

Shen Wan also examined Lan Wanling again. She looked unchanged, her eyes still beautifully watery.

“Yes, this is Xiao Wan.” Yin Jue gave Lan Wanling a deep look. “You seem to recognize her?”

“No, Cousin, I don’t know her.” She had just regained her cousin’s trust. He absolutely couldn’t find out about her involvement in sending people to kill Shen Wan.

Lan Wanling lowered her head in thought, a flash of viciousness crossing her eyes. This meant Chu Qing truly couldn’t be kept alive. She needed to find an opportunity to kill him. That man had already been crippled by her cousin and was useless now, just a worthless invalid.

Rumors outside claimed Lan Wanling had pleaded for Chu Qing’s life, but the truth was different. In fact, Lan Wanling had tearfully claimed Chu Qing had forced her, saying she had to submit to him for Yin Jue’s sake, begging Chu Qing to spare his life.

Of course, she had discussed this with Chu Qing beforehand. Yin Jue was exceptionally talented, and Chu Qing had been defeated. Lan Wanling came up with this compromise, saying it would deceive Yin Jue for now, and she’d find a way to rescue him later.

Chu Qing, believing in Lan Wanling’s devotion, thought this plan was to save him, so he fully cooperated in this act. Later, when Lan Wanling secretly sent him food and medicine, it deepened his trust. He even gave her some life-saving items as a precaution.

Lan Wanling did this, not abandoning Chu Qing even after Yin Jue crippled him, fearing that one day Chu Qing might rise again like Yin Jue had, surpassing him. If she broke ties completely, she’d be left with nothing.

Now, she played the victim for Yin Jue while secretly communicating with Chu Qing, claiming to be enduring humiliation to save him. Even if she couldn’t rescue him and he died, she wouldn’t lose out.

Because in Yin Jue’s eyes, she had been forced to submit to Chu Qing.

If Chu Qing ever regained power and faced off against Yin Jue, regardless of who won, neither would blame her. She would always come out on top.

Unfortunately, Lan Wanling miscalculated one thing: Yin Jue was not Chu Qing. After enduring decades of humiliation, Yin Jue had seen through her facade. Moreover, in Shen Wan, he had found someone truly good to him, not just in words but in actions.

Even if he still didn’t particularly like Shen Wan, her unwavering affection for him, sparing his life even after he extracted her spirit root, showed her devotion. Such a wholeheartedly loyal person was what he needed.

Besides, his recovery was thanks to Shen Wan’s help.

“Oh, so you don’t know her?” Yin Jue wore a faint smile. “This is Xiao Wan. Her surname is Shen; you can call her Miss Shen. Xiao Wan is very important to me.”

Lan Wanling’s heart sank. Her guess was correct; Yin Jue and Shen Wan must have developed feelings after spending so many years together. How had Chu Qing’s people failed back then?

“Go pour some tea for Xiao Wan.”

Though unwilling, Lan Wanling complied.

Now that her cousin was so fond of Shen Wan, if he learned of her past actions, wouldn’t it cost her life? This absolutely couldn’t be discovered.

She knew Chu Qing’s chances of recovery were slim. If so, it was best to dispose of that useless man.

Shen Wan agreed to stay, with Xie Yunfu naturally sticking close. Yin Jue didn’t say much. There was no rush; he had many matters to handle. Perhaps in a couple of days, there would be an interesting show to watch.

Sure enough, when no one was paying attention, Lan Wanling secretly went to see Chu Qing, who was imprisoned in the back mountain.

Under Chu Qing’s grateful gaze, she fed him.

“Wanling, when I get out, I’ll definitely take you away. Have you been mistreated lately?”

“No.”

“That’s good, that’s good.” Chu Qing, eager for a fresh start, failed to notice Lan Wanling’s oddness.

“Brother Chu, I’m sorry.”

Chu Qing smiled, thinking she was feeling guilty about not being able to free him. He never expected Lan Wanling to suddenly plunge a dagger into his heart. His dantian had long been destroyed, leaving him powerless. A stab to the heart was certainly fatal.

“Why… why?” Chu Qing couldn’t believe it. After all his kindness, why would she kill him?

Lan Wanling spoke softly, still looking pitiful, “Brother Chu, you have no hope for this life. Let me end your suffering. Shen Wan didn’t die. If anyone finds out we were behind the attempt on her life, given Cousin’s current regard for her, he certainly won’t spare me.”

Hearing this, Chu Qing laughed. Suddenly, he looked behind Lan Wanling and asked weakly, “So you’ve chosen Yin Jue?”

“Brother Chu, I have no choice. He’s recovered, and you can’t defeat him. If I don’t follow him, who else can I rely on?”

Chu Qing laughed loudly, then breathed his last.

Lan Wanling sensed something amiss. Turning around, she saw Yin Jue, Shen Wan, and Xie Yunfu standing there. Her face instantly paled, and she collapsed to the ground.

Yin Jue approached Lan Wanling step by step, crouching down. “So it really was you who hurt Xiao Wan.”

“Cousin, I…”

“Xiao Wan suffered so much. You should repay that debt.”

Before Lan Wanling could react, she felt intense pain throughout her body. Struggling to open her eyes, she saw Yin Jue’s hand emitting a green glow from a wood spirit root.

“I was wrong before, hurting Xiao Wan for your sake. So I’ll take this spirit root back from you.”

“Cousin, you’re so heartless.”

“And you? Aren’t you heartless? Chu Qing was wholeheartedly devoted to you, yet you could still strike him down. I don’t want to share his fate. In this life, I’ll only trust Xiao Wan. I wronged her, so I won’t kill you. I’ll let you experience the pain she once endured.”

Lan Wanling cried out in agony, tears streaming down her face, “Was it I who asked you to extract her spirit root?”

“Take her away and lock her up!”

Yin Jue walked to Shen Wan, holding the spirit root in both hands. “Xiao Wan, I said I’d help you get revenge.”

“Keep it away. I don’t want that thing. I don’t need it anymore,” Shen Wan quickly said. Xie Yunfu hastily pulled Shen Wan away.

Yin Jue didn’t pursue them. They had plenty of time; Xiao Wan would forgive him one day.

“Damn, that’s one ruthless guy,” Shen Wan said once back in their room, after setting up several sound-blocking arrays. “He really just extracts spirit roots at will. Brutal!”

“Should we leave?” Xie Yunfu still hadn’t let go of Shen Wan. “If you’re scared, I can go kill him to prevent future trouble. Who knows what he might do to harm you later.”

For the first time, Xie Yunfu understood what it meant to worry.

“Let’s wait a couple more days.”

Things weren’t over yet. Didn’t Lan Wanling have another move planned? They’d leave after everything was done. Yin Jue was indeed a potential threat.

Shen Wan stayed at the Void Sect for three months. When 188 reminded her that Lan Wanling would likely take action soon, she told Yin Jue she wanted to leave.

Yin Jue tried to make her stay, but Shen Wan insisted on going. With her current strength, he couldn’t force her to stay, so he had to let her go.

After Shen Wan and Xie Yunfu left, they returned to their small courtyard.

Half a month later, a bloodied Yin Jue knocked on their door.

“What happened?”

Seeing Shen Wan come out, Yin Jue relaxed and fainted.

Shen Wan and Xie Yunfu exchanged glances. Xie Yunfu crouched down to examine him. “He’s badly injured, looks like he was beaten by many people.”

“Also, I’ve noticed a problem with his spirit root.”

Shen Wan perked up with interest. “What kind of problem?”

“It seems he’s been poisoned, drugged by someone.”

Shen Wan’s eyes lit up. She knew it was Lan Wanling’s doing, using the drug Chu Qing had given her for protection. It was a forbidden cultivation drug; even a small amount would poison the spirit root.

Shen Wan eyed Yin Jue, a smile spreading across her lips. She had finally waited for this moment.

The next day, Yin Jue woke up. Seeing Shen Wan by the bedside, he felt slightly relieved. “Xiao Wan, thankfully I still have you.”

“What happened?”

Yin Jue briefly explained. Essentially, Lan Wanling had used underhanded methods against him. Though he reacted quickly, it was a forbidden drug in the cultivation world. Even a small amount would automatically enter the spirit root. If he hadn’t instantly sealed it with his technique, he might have lost all his cultivation by now.

He had killed Lan Wanling with one palm strike, but staying there was clearly unsafe in his condition. In desperation, he thought of Shen Wan and decided to try his luck here.

Sure enough, she must have been unable to let him go, waiting for him here.

However, on the way, he encountered many people who beat him without a word. He knew these people were acting on the spirit root girl’s instructions from before. With his technique focused on protecting his spirit root, he couldn’t fight back and had to endure the beatings.

After great difficulty, he finally arrived here. The journey had been brutal; if not for his resilience to beatings, he might have died.

“I just checked. Your spirit root is poisoned. Even though you used all your spiritual energy to protect it, half of it has rotted away.”

This was the terrifying nature of that forbidden drug. It would directly rot the spirit root, completely destroying one’s foundation.

“Can Xiao Wan detoxify it?”

Shen Wan shook her head. “I have no clue about this forbidden drug. It’s beyond my abilities.”

“It seems I’m still useless. I had hoped to protect Xiao Wan in the future, but Heaven truly won’t give me that chance.”

“Don’t be discouraged. Actually, cultivation doesn’t necessarily require a spirit root.”

Xie Yunfu frowned upon hearing this, carefully observing Shen Wan. Knowing Shen Wan as she did, she wouldn’t possibly pass this technique to Yin Jue. Still, she reacted appropriately, “What are you planning?”

“Half his spirit root has rotted. He can’t cultivate anymore. The only way now is for him to cultivate the same technique as me to continue.”

Xie Yunfu instinctively mocked, “Have you gone mad? He extracted your spirit root. Haven’t you learned your lesson?” Though she knew Shen Wan wouldn’t really do it, Xie Yunfu was still furious.

“I can’t just watch him die, can I?”

“Xiao Wan, I…”

“You should focus on recovering for now. Once you’re better, I’ll pass the technique to you.”

Yin Jue refused a few times but eventually agreed. In the following days, he indeed focused on recovery, all while enduring Xie Yunfu’s glares that could almost devour him.

Ten days later, Shen Wan deemed his condition satisfactory.

“To cultivate this technique, you need to extract your spirit root. I can’t do that, so you’ll have to do it yourself.”

“Here, I’ve left the technique on this jade slip.”

Shen Wan placed a jade slip on the table. “After extracting your spirit root, cultivate on your own. I have some matters to attend to.”

With that, Shen Wan pulled Xie Yunfu out.

Back in their room, Shen Wan packed up all her bottles and jars, then pulled Xie Yunfu outside.

“What’s going on?” Xie Yunfu was a bit confused. It looked like they were leaving?

Shen Wan winked at Xie Yunfu. “My great revenge is about to be complete. Of course we’re going sightseeing! You’re my wife, so I have to take you along.”

Xie Yunfu: ?

“There’s no technique in the jade slip?” Xie Yunfu realized.

Shen Wan flashed a row of neat white teeth. “That’s right. Dream on if he thinks he can learn my technique.”

“Pfft-” Xie Yunfu finally broke into a long-absent smile. “Want to visit the demonic cultivators’ territory?”

“Let’s go! No need to be so indirect about visiting your family.”

“Shameless.”

Meanwhile, Yin Jue steeled himself and extracted his own spirit root in one go. Without spiritual energy to protect it, the spirit root instantly rotted completely.

Enduring the excruciating pain, he took the jade slip from the table and placed it against his brow. Instantly, he saw its contents:

Kid, how does it feel to have your spirit root extracted? Still want to scheme for my technique? Dream on.

You’re truly foolish!

Yin Jue immediately spat out a mouthful of blood, staring at the jade slip with bulging eyes. Blood seeped from the corners of his mouth, his fury overpowering even the pain in his body.

He had been tricked!