The Ginseng Child's Strategy

I've transmigrated into a cultivation novel, becoming the fourteenth strategist sent to capture the villain Jing Yong.

The previous thirteen strategists all failed, and according to the system, they died in gruesome ways.

This time, I chose to become the medicinal ginseng fruit that Jing Yong would one day devour, planning to spend seventeen years raising him with love and affection.

But who could have known that the villain would start treating me like his own daughter?

And when I finally discovered that my mission was to eliminate him, it was already too late—I couldn't bear to harm my own father.

---

Chapter 1

I was born as a ginseng fruit.

Upon opening my eyes, I found myself in a cradle. Looking up, a handsome face appeared above me. The man's features were striking but his eyes held an indescribable coldness, as if the world's warmth had been drained from them.

This was Jing Yong, the future Demon Lord who would later massacre the righteous sects and slaughter hundreds.

The system in my mind frantically issued warnings.

【Warning! Current villain's blackening rate: 99%! Survival rate: 0%!】

【Strategist, please immediately implement the first phase of your capture strategy: show weakness, gain pity!】

I ignored the system and instead reached out my chubby little hand, grabbing Jing Yong's finger. I squeezed it with all my might, then burst into tears.

"Waaahhh—"

This wasn't acting—I was truly terrified. The system had described Jing Yong's cruelty in chilling detail. In the original novel, anyone who approached him would eventually meet a miserable end.

Now this baby-like me had to spend seventeen years with this mass murderer.

"Quiet."

Jing Yong's voice was cold, devoid of emotion. His large hand covered my eyes, and a strange force compelled me to stop crying. My eyelids grew heavy, and I fell into a deep sleep.

This must be his demonic cultivation technique.

The last thing I heard was the system's frustrated roar.

【Useless! You've wasted a perfect opportunity!】

When I woke again, I was no longer in the cradle but lying on a soft bed. Looking around, the room was decorated in shades of black and red, with intricate carvings of demonic beasts on the furniture. Every detail exuded an oppressive atmosphere.

A man in black stood silently by the bed.

"Where... is this?" I asked, my voice still that of a child.

The man in black bowed: "This is the Youming Palace. The Demon Lord has ordered this servant to take care of you."

"Where is he?"

"The Demon Lord is in cultivation seclusion."

I nodded, my gaze falling upon my own hands. They were small and fair, with a hint of translucent quality. I reached up to touch my head and felt a few soft leaves growing there.

So I really had become a ginseng fruit.

【Strategist, please quickly execute the capture strategy!】 the system urged. 【The villain is currently in seclusion—this is your best opportunity to establish your image as a weak, pitiful creature!】

I still ignored it and instead crawled to the edge of the bed, carefully climbing down. The floor was cold beneath my feet, sending a chill through my body.

"Miss, be careful!" The man in black immediately rushed to help me.

I dodged his hand and slowly walked to the mirror in the room. Looking at my reflection, I saw a child of about one year old, with fair skin and a delicate face. On my forehead was a red mole, and on my head grew several green leaves.

Truly a ginseng fruit in human form.

【Strategist, what are you doing!】 the system screamed anxiously. 【The villain will return in three days! If you haven't completed the first phase of your capture strategy, everything will be too late!】

I turned away from the mirror and asked the man in black, "What's your name?"

"This servant is Black Hawk."

"Black Hawk, I'm hungry."

Black Hawk hesitated for a moment, then replied, "The Demon Lord instructed that you don't need to eat mortal food. As a spiritual ginseng fruit, you absorb spiritual energy from heaven and earth to sustain yourself."

But I insisted, "I want to eat."

I knew that as a ginseng fruit, I could survive without eating, but I wanted to experience the feeling of being human.

Black Hawk was helpless and had someone prepare some simple porridge for me. Though it was plain, it tasted wonderful to me.

For the next three days, I spent my time exploring the Youming Palace. The palace was immense, with countless rooms and courtyards, all decorated in the same oppressive style.

I also discovered that besides Black Hawk, there were many other guards in the palace, all of them respectful and fearful of me. This was Jing Yong's power—no one dared to disrespect his "ginseng fruit."

On the evening of the third day, Jing Yong returned from seclusion.

Chapter 2

I sat in the main hall, watching Jing Yong step out of the cultivation room. He wore black robes, and his entire being seemed to exude a chilling aura. The moment he appeared, the temperature in the hall seemed to drop several degrees.

The system in my mind went crazy.

【Warning! Villain approaching! Please immediately implement the capture strategy! Show weakness, gain pity! This is your only chance!】

I remained seated, quietly observing Jing Yong.

His gaze swept over me, and his brow slightly furrowed, as if surprised by my calmness.

"You've grown," he said, his voice still cold but perhaps a trace softer than before.

I nodded. "I'm one year old."

Jing Yong walked over and sat across from me. "Are you afraid of me?"

I thought for a moment, then honestly answered, "A little bit."

But not because he was the villain who would later massacre hundreds, but because he was too cold, too distant, making it impossible to get close.

Jing Yong seemed somewhat surprised by my answer. He looked at me for a long time, then suddenly asked, "What's your name?"

I froze. The system had never given me a name.

"I don't have a name," I answered.

Jing Yong fell silent, then after a moment said, "From now on, you'll be called Gu Guo."

"Gu Guo?" I repeated the name, feeling it suited me.

"Yes, because you are my ginseng fruit," Jing Yong said, a faint smile on his lips, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

【Strategist! He's given you a name! This is progress!】 the system excitedly exclaimed. 【But please quickly implement the capture strategy! Let him see your weak, pitiful side!】

I ignored the system and instead asked Jing Yong, "Can you tell me a story?"

Jing Yong was taken aback. "A story?"

I nodded. "I want to hear a story."

I had never truly been a child in any of my previous transmigrations. This time, I wanted to experience what it felt like to be one.

Jing Yong looked at me for a long time, then suddenly began to speak.

"Once upon a time, there was a little girl who was very lonely..."

Chapter 3

Time flew by, and soon I was three years old.

In these three years, I had gotten to know Jing Yong better. He was indeed cold and ruthless, but he never treated me poorly. He would have someone prepare food for me every day, though he rarely appeared himself, mostly in cultivation seclusion.

But whenever he appeared, he would sit with me for a while, sometimes telling me stories, sometimes teaching me some simple things.

【Strategist, the situation isn't right!】 the system anxiously said. 【You've been here three years, but the villain's blackening rate hasn't decreased at all! It's still at 99%! Your capture strategy is failing!】

I knew my current approach wasn't what the system wanted. They wanted me to show weakness, gain pity, make Jing Yong feel protective of me, thereby lowering his defenses.

But I couldn't do that. I didn't want to deceive Jing Yong with fake emotions. Even if he was the villain, I wanted to establish a genuine relationship with him.

Today was my third birthday, and Jing Yong had someone prepare a celebration for me. The hall was filled with various spiritual fruits and pastries, all emitting enticing aromas.

"Happy birthday, Gu Guo," Jing Yong said, his voice still cold but perhaps a trace softer.

I smiled at him. "Thank you, Father."

When I called him "Father," Jing Yong visibly stiffened. He looked at me, an indescribable emotion in his eyes.

"Did you just call me Father?" he asked.

I nodded. "Aren't you my Father? You gave me life, you gave me a name, you take care of me."

Jing Yong fell silent, then after a long while, he reached out and gently patted my head.

"Yes, I am your Father."

【Strategist! What are you doing!】 the system screamed. 【You're treating the villain as family! This completely deviates from the capture strategy!】

But I ignored it, looking at Jing Yong and saying, "Father, can I give you a hug?"

Jing Yong was taken aback, then after a moment, he nodded.

I ran over and hugged his leg. Though Jing Yong's body was stiff, he didn't push me away.

This was the first time I had initiated physical contact with him.

In that moment, I felt Jing Yong's body slightly tremble.

Chapter 4

As I grew older, I spent more time with Jing Yong.

He was no longer always in cultivation seclusion, but would often take me out to play. Sometimes we would walk in the woods, sometimes by the lake, and sometimes he would even teach me some simple cultivation techniques.

【Strategist, the situation is getting worse!】 the system anxiously said. 【The villain's blackening rate is still at 99%! And you're actually letting him teach you cultivation! This is completely wrong!】

I knew my approach wasn't what the system wanted, but I didn't care. I wanted to genuinely understand Jing Yong, not just treat him as a target to be captured.

Today, Jing Yong took me to a valley. The valley was filled with all sorts of flowers, and in the center was a clear lake.

"This is where I used to play as a child," Jing Yong said, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia.

I looked at him in surprise. "You were a child once too?"

Jing Yong smiled faintly. "Of course. I wasn't born a Demon Lord."

I thought for a moment, then asked, "Father, why do you want to become the Demon Lord?"

Jing Yong's expression changed, a flash of pain in his eyes. "Because this world is unfair, and I want to change it."

"Unfair?" I didn't understand.

Jing Yong looked at me for a long time, then suddenly began to tell his story.

He was originally a child from an ordinary village. His father was a blacksmith, and his mother gathered herbs. They lived a simple but happy life.

But one day, the righteous sects came, claiming his village was harboring demon cult remnants. They killed everyone in the village, including his parents.

Young Jing Yong hid in a cave and witnessed the entire massacre.

Afterward, he was saved by a traveling Daoist, but he never forgot the tragedy. He practiced cultivation frantically, wanting revenge.

Later, he discovered that his father was actually the son of the previous Demon Cult leader, and he inherited the position, becoming the new Demon Lord.

"Revenge?" I asked. "Against whom?"

"Against the entire so-called righteous path," Jing Yong said, his voice cold. "They call themselves righteous, but they indiscriminately killed innocent people, including my parents. I want them to pay the price."

I listened to his story, my heart filled with sympathy. No wonder he hated the righteous sects so much.

【Strategist, don't be deceived!】 the system warned. 【The villain is just trying to gain your sympathy! His so-called revenge is just an excuse to satisfy his own desires for power!】

But I didn't think so. From Jing Yong's eyes, I saw genuine pain and hatred.

"Father," I said, "I understand your pain, but is violence really the only solution?"

Jing Yong looked at me, surprise in his eyes. "What other way is there?"

"I don't know," I shook my head. "But I believe there must be a better way, a way that doesn't require more killing."

Jing Yong fell silent, then after a long while, he gently patted my head.

"Perhaps you're right. But for now, this is the only way I know."

Chapter 5

Time passed, and I was now ten years old.

In these ten years, Jing Yong and I's relationship had grown closer. He would often tell me his thoughts, and I would share mine with him. Though we still had different views, we could understand each other.

But today, something happened that made me begin to doubt everything.

Jing Yong had me start learning from an old teacher. The teacher was strict, often making me recite boring classics, teaching me that women should be virtuous and obedient.

I couldn't stand it and ran away.

When Jing Yong found me, I was crying.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I don't want to study with that old teacher anymore," I said through tears. "He teaches horrible things, saying women should be virtuous and obedient, that women should just stay in their rooms embroidering mandarin ducks..."

Jing Yong put down the scroll in his hand: "How dare you be disrespectful to the teacher."

"He's not a teacher! He's clearly a monster you dragged from some cave to torture me!" I lifted my flushed little face, ready to face death: "I'd rather you eat me right now than go back and recite those ghostly words with him!"

Jing Yong's brow furrowed slightly: "What did he have you recite?"

"Women need to be virtuous and kind, women should regard their husbands as heaven and children as fate, women should just sit in their rooms embroidering mandarin ducks..." I said it all in one breath, every word making my teeth ache.

Jing Yong's long fingers tapped lightly on the table surface, making soft sounds: "If you don't want to learn that, what do you want to learn?"

"I want to learn cultivation! With you!" My eyes immediately lit up: "I want to learn sword techniques and magical arts from you, be as strong as you, so I'll never be bullied by thieves like last time!"

Jing Yong said calmly, his voice showing no emotion: "You are formed from spiritual essence of heaven and earth, with natural spiritual power within you. When you turn eighteen, you will naturally mature and don't need cultivation."

"But I'll die when I'm eighteen." I looked up at him, my eyes still filled with tears from my earlier crying: "I don't want to die so confused and empty-handed."

Jing Yong was silent for a long time, then he stood up: "Follow me."

I quickly wiped my tears and nose, following him through the corridors and courtyards of the Youming Palace to an area I had never seen before.

It was a courtyard I had never seen before, surrounded by iron walls with talismans carved on them, looking extremely secure, where ordinary disciples couldn't enter.

Jing Yong made a hand seal, and the courtyard door slowly opened.

Inside was a completely different world.

In the center of the courtyard stood an ancient stone platform carved with strange patterns, with wisps of spiritual energy flowing through them. On both sides of the stone platform were dozens of long swords, all gleaming coldly with powerful spiritual energy.

And what surprised me even more was that the courtyard walls were covered with cultivation manuals, each one exuding an ancient aura.

My eyes went straight: "Father, what is this?"

"This is where I usually practice." Jing Yong's tone was flat: "Let me see how much talent you really have."

"So you've agreed to teach me?" I excitedly jumped up and hugged Jing Yong's waist: "Father, you're the best!"

Jing Yong's body stiffened for a moment, then he gently pulled away: "Stand properly."

He stood with his hands behind his back, looking down at me: "I'll teach you a few simple cultivation formulas first. If you can remember them, we'll talk about more."

I immediately tensed my little face and nodded seriously: "Okay!"

A strange emotion flashed in Jing Yong's eyes, then he began to recite in a deep voice: "Heaven and earth are natural, all things live and grow..."

That day, we spent the entire afternoon in the small courtyard.

When the sun set in the west, Jing Yong finished his practice: "That's enough for today. From now on, every afternoon, you will cultivate with me for one hour."

"Thank you, Father!" I cheered and happily rushed over to hug him tightly again.

This time Jing Yong didn't push me away, just patted my head, his movements somewhat stiff.

And my cultivation talent turned out to be unexpectedly high.

In just two months, I had mastered basic techniques and could mobilize the spiritual energy within my body.

Though Jing Yong remained expressionless on the surface, I could still feel the occasional approval and satisfaction in his eyes.

And happier than me was the system that was constantly spying in my mind.

【Current survival rate: 65%】

【Current blackening rate: 70%】

Facing these excellent statistics, the system was overjoyed:

【The strategist has lived longer than the previous thirteen strategists. This reverse nurturing approach is indeed correct】

【As long as we continue this warm interaction and let the villain develop feelings over time, diluting the blackening value, the task will be completed!】

But I said nothing, quietly looking at the unsharpened sword in my hand.

Now that I had skills, it was time to rebel a bit.

Life had been too smooth lately—time to rebel a bit.

Chapter 6

In the blink of an eye, another four years passed.

On the eaves outside the Youming Palace, a figure flew past like an arrow, chased by a black-clad man.

The former was clearly a graceful young woman, her face still showing traces of her childhood appearance but with added coldness and agility. The red mole on her forehead was more vibrant, and the green leaves on her head were no longer just thin layers, swaying like exquisite hairpins in her black hair.

"Princess Gu Guo! Please wait!" the man called out.

"Then catch up to me and I'll stop!"

Black Hawk was chasing behind, sweating profusely: "I beg you, Princess, today is your birthday, the Demon Lord instructed you to dress up properly—"

"I'm not celebrating my birthday!" I suddenly stopped. "Go tell Jing Yong I'm not interested in playing along with his act!"

Black Hawk showed a pained expression, still not accustomed to me calling Jing Yong by his name instead of "Father."

But what was more surprising was that Jing Yong actually allowed it, ignoring this disrespect.

Red Crow also caught up, panting: "Princess Gu Guo, the Demon Lord specially prepared gifts and a banquet for you. If you don't go..."

I put my hands on my hips and sneered: "What right does this fruit have to celebrate a birthday? I'm just a spiritual medicine you're hoarding, waiting to be swallowed by you."

Red Crow choked and exchanged glances with Black Hawk.

Everyone in the Youming Palace with eyes could see that since I entered my teenage years, my personality had changed dramatically. The once clingy and soft little fruit had now become rebellious and untamable.

Especially toward Jing Yong, I no longer had the childhood dependence and affection, instead becoming distant, sensitive, and even defiant against him at every turn.

This made everyone nervous—Jing Yong had always been cold and ruthless, tolerating no disobedience. If I continued like this, I would inevitably anger the Demon Lord.

"Princess," Black Hawk finally said helplessly, "if you insist on defying orders, I can't stop you, but the Demon Lord has been waiting for a long time and might take his anger out on me and Red Crow."

This was half complaining, half threatening.

I took a deep breath: "Fine, fine, so annoying! I'll go, okay?"

I jumped down from the eaves, leaving Black Hawk and Red Crow breathing sighs of relief as they hurriedly followed.

In the main hall, lights were bright, and incense smoke curled.

Jing Yong sat in the center, with high-level demonic cultivators seated on both sides, the atmosphere solemn and oppressive.

After several years, Jing Yong's appearance remained as handsome as ever, but his killing intent was even stronger, making the surrounding air feel凝固.

"My Lord, Princess Gu Guo has arrived."

Black Hawk bowed to report, and everyone turned their eyes to the hall door, anticipating the arrival of the increasingly mature ginseng fruit.

After a long while, the door opened.

I entered the hall wearing red hunting clothes, with a short knife at my waist.

"You're late," Jing Yong said expressionlessly.

"I thought you wouldn't care, since I still have four years until maturity." I retorted coldly.

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly froze.

The elders exchanged glances, their palms sweating.

But Jing Yong seemed accustomed to it, just narrowing his eyes slightly before looking away and waving his hand: "Begin the banquet."

The high-level elders took their seats, and I was arranged to sit at Jing Yong's lower left.

Fine wine and delicious food were served one after another, with singing and dancing, making it very lively.

But I remained uninterested, mechanically moving my chopsticks.

"Doesn't suit your taste?" Jing Yong's deep voice suddenly sounded.

I glanced at him, deliberately speaking coldly: "I came already full."

Jing Yong's eyes flickered: "You still hold a grudge."

"How dare I." I turned away, my voice mocking: "I'm just a fruit, food而已. What grudges can food have?"

Silence spread, and the singing and laughter in the hall seemed distant, with only the cold war between us particularly conspicuous.

Suddenly, Jing Yong stood up, making everyone hold their breath.

"Everyone withdraw."

As if shattering the surface harmony, the singing and celebration suddenly stopped.

No one dared object, everyone bowing their heads and quickly exiting the hall.

From afar, I could hear whispered conversations.

"Sigh, ever since Princess Gu Guo's cultivation broke through the three-day curse of withering, she's become more and more rebellious, and the Demon Lord has become more and more indulgent."

"Yes, if anyone else dared speak to the Demon Lord like that, they'd probably be torn apart by five horses and their bones ground to dust!"

"Hush, keep your voices down. The Demon Lord can't bear to kill her but can kill us. The Demon Lord must have his plans—there are only four years left until she turns eighteen. We can't give up now..."

Finally, only Jing Yong and I remained in the hall.

With a wave of his hand, a large bright red fruit appeared before me, crystal clear like agate, emitting a faint spiritual energy.

"Ginseng spiritual fruit."

Jing Yong said flatly: "Just brought it back from the Northern Domain this morning. It can enhance cultivation—it's a good spiritual item."

"Hmph, I thought I was the only ginseng fruit in this world." But I was completely ungrateful, my hands clenched white, showing more unease: "So there are many substitutes."

I stood up, stimulated by an even more piercing tone: "What do you mean by showing me this? Are you hinting that even without me, you have plenty of good fruits to eat?"

Jing Yong looked at me, his black eyes deep, calm with a hint of helplessness: "This is for you. A birthday gift."

"For me?" I froze, then loosened my hands, sneering: "What's the difference between this and giving a box of pork to a piglet?"

Jing Yong was speechless for a long time before speaking again: "...If you don't like this gift, I can grant you one wish."

Only then did my eyes show some excitement, but I still hesitated: "Really? Can I make any wish?"

Jing Yong's expression didn't change: "I keep my word."

A smile was about to spread across my face when I immediately said: "Then I want freedom!"

Jing Yong's eyes turned cold: "No."

My smile immediately collapsed: "Didn't you say any wish would be granted!"

"Except that." Jing Yong's voice turned cold. "You know what you mean to the outside world."

I smiled again, but this time it was an angry laugh: "How strange, who was it that said 'I keep my word'? Liar! Big liar—"

I suddenly turned to leave.

"What counts as freedom?" Jing Yong suddenly asked, his voice oddly dry.

I stopped, my back to Jing Yong, and after a long while, I answered in a muffled voice.

"Being able to go wherever I want, see whoever I want, without being bound by rules, living according to my own heart, even with nothing, it would be freedom."

The hall fell silent for a moment, with only the sound of two people's breathing echoing.

"Few people in this world can obtain that kind of freedom," Jing Yong finally said.

I turned around: "Then be practical! I want to experience ordinary life. Let me go down the mountain to play... for a month!"

"One week."

"Twenty days!"

"Five days."

"Wait, then one week!"

"Three days."

"Deal!"

I quickly agreed, then asked in disbelief: "You... you're really willing to let me leave?"

Jing Yong stood up, his black robe swaying as he nodded slightly.

"But remember this, Gu Guo."

Jing Yong's deep eyes stared directly at me: "You will always be my ginseng fruit. No matter how far or how long you leave, one day, you will return here."

【Current survival rate: 95%】

【Current blackening rate: 62%】

Chapter 7

On the day of departure, Jing Yong didn't appear, only Black Hawk and Red Crow standing in the distance, full of worry.

I made a face at them, and Red Crow even turned away to wipe tears, with Black Hawk patting his shoulder.

And as soon as I went down the mountain, I sensed someone secretly following me.

That well-hidden aura was concealed very well, but my years of cultivation perception couldn't be wrong.

Unlike Black Hawk and Red Crow, and not Jing Yong himself, it should be other "bodyguards" arranged by Jing Yong.

Then as soon as I entered the nearest market, I was stunned.

But under the daylight, the place was already decorated with lanterns and banners, with a joyous crowd.

A vendor enthusiastically called out: "Sir, buy something! Today is Qixi Festival, I have excellent sachets and hairpins here!"

I came back to myself: "Qixi Festival?"

"Yes, Qixi Festival for seeking skills and eternal love! Buy something, sir, guaranteed to be effective!"

Seeking skills, finding love... I faced the vendor with a serious expression: "These are useless to me."

With that, I turned and walked into a silk fabric shop.

It was a two-story building, and I directly squeezed into the women's fitting area.

Then I removed the cloth wrapped around my head leaves and forehead red mole, and put on a cloak to cover myself again.

Afterward, I left silver coins nearby and jumped out the back window, my figure melting into the crowd, heading straight for the south of the city.

Looking back, sure enough, at least four disguised demonic disciples stood guard before the silk shop, not daring to rashly enter the women's fitting area, only anxiously peering around.

"What do we do? Princess Gu Guo still hasn't come out?"

"Could we have lost her? Or did she sneak away after discovering us? Should we report to the Demon Lord?"

"Damn it—report!"

【Strategist, your behavior deviates from the predetermined trajectory, and the risk will greatly increase】

At the same time, the system couldn't hold back anymore.

But I wasn't worried at all: 【This's called playing hard to get. Just watch my operation】

Now, in a bamboo grove in the south of the city.

Fragments of sunlight through bamboo leaves fell on the bluestone path, like scattered gold.

I hadn't been there long when I saw a white figure standing deep in the bamboo grove, a gentle breeze blowing his clothes.

The person turned, was startled for a moment, then revealed a warm smile—

"Miss Gu Guo."

Ever since Jing Yong agreed to give me three days of freedom, I found a way to send the jade pendant I had "exchanged" for the Clear Stream Sword down the mountain.

Along with a message, inviting an old friend to a ten-years-delayed appointment.

Ten years without seeing each other, Lin Qingfeng looked more mature than when we first met, his temperament still clear but with hard-to-conceal worry in his eyes.

As I studied him, Lin Qingfeng also looked at me with a smile: "Long time no see, you've grown so tall, you're a young lady now."

Accustomed to Jing Yong's cold-faced style, suddenly facing this gentleness, I felt somewhat at a loss, only managing a low "um" for a moment, not knowing how to respond.

Lin Qingfeng smiled: "Regardless, seeing you safe puts me at ease. Ten years ago, you used a transmission talisman to invite me to meet at the market, I waited a day but you didn't come, then I made inquiries everywhere but got no news."

I quickly waved my hands: "I didn't mean to stand you up! I just encountered some, uh, trouble on the way, and was later captured by Jing... my father and locked up at home."

"I see..." Lin Qingfeng nodded: "Then why did Miss Gu Guo seek me out today? Is there something?"

I cleared my throat: "Actually, I want to know more about this world."

"I heard that Demon Lord Jing Yong once massacred the Qingyun Sect, killing more than three hundred people, and you were the only survivor."

I looked directly into Lin Qingfeng's eyes: "I want to know what the truth behind this is."

Lin Qingfeng's smile faded, his eyes darkening: "Miss, why are you suddenly interested in this topic?"

I casually broke off a bamboo branch, twisting it in my hand, putting on a casual appearance: "Just... curious. About the legendary Demon Lord, I only know he's a very, very bad person who has done many bad things."

Lin Qingfeng was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Bad person... that word is too simple, not enough to summarize someone like Jing Yong."

"Why?"

Lin Qingfeng guided me to sit on a bluestone, while he stood not far away, seemingly weighing his words: "He wasn't born a demon."

"When I was young, I once followed my father past a place called Qingxi Village, where there was an ordinary boy whose father was a blacksmith and mother gathered herbs for a living—that was Jing Yong."

"One Qingming Festival, the Qingyun Sect was ordered to eliminate remaining demon cult forces. My father led the sect's disciples to Qingxi Village, but in fact, that village did have connections to the demon cult. The villagers' ancestors included many demon cult remnants, but..."

His voice grew lower: "But in reality, not everyone was a demonic cultivator. Most had been living in seclusion for years, living lives no different from ordinary people."

A wind passed through the bamboo grove, and Lin Qingfeng's voice seemed to be scattered by the wind.

"That day, I saw everything from the mountaintop. Qingyun Sect cultivators rushed into the village, indiscriminately raising swords to kill. Jing Yong's father, Jing Tianming, fought dozens of cultivators alone to protect his wife and child, and was eventually killed by my father... personally."

"What about his mother?"

"She didn't survive either." Lin Qingfeng clenched his fists. "And Jing Yong, it's said he hid in a cave behind the ancestral tombs during the chaos, witnessing the entire tragedy of his parents' deaths."

I actually already knew this background from the system, which also explained why Jing Yong's personality was so cold and cruel.

A ten-year-old child, witnessing such a tragedy firsthand—how could such trauma heal?

"What happened later?" I continued to ask.

"Later, what I heard was just rumors. Legend says Jing Yong was saved by a traveling Daoist, wandered for several years, and at fourteen traveled with a merchant caravan. During a mountain bandit attack, he fell into a cliff and discovered the "Netherworld Classic" hidden within—it's the most evil cultivation technique of the demon cult, capable of transforming resentment into power."

"The Netherworld Classic has nine volumes. When cultivated to its depths, one's mind inevitably becomes distorted. Jing Yong cultivated bitterly in the cave for three years. After leaving, he began traveling everywhere, searching for the Qingyun Sect and more demon cult classics."

"Then he became the Demon Lord?" I interjected.

"Yes, at twenty he arrived in the Northern Domain, where he was recognized by the then-demon cult leader Mo Qianqiu. It turned out Jing Yong's father was the only son of the previous demon cult leader Jing Xuanming. Before his death, Mo Qianqiu passed the leader position to him. After Jing Yong succeeded, he reorganized internally and began his revenge."

"At twenty-three, he led elite demonic cultivators to confront the Qingyun Sect directly, killing three elders and severely injuring my father." Lin Qingfeng brushed away a bamboo leaf, his fingertips trembling slightly. "Within three years, he broke through eighteen righteous sects. At twenty-five, he... personally killed my father, completing his revenge."

"Brother Lin..." I asked softly, "do you hate him?"

Lin Qingfeng was silent for a long time: "Hate, of course I hate. But over the years, the more I hate, the more powerless I feel. This is an endless cycle of hatred. The Qingyun Sect wronged Jing Yong, and Jing Yong wronged those innocent people. Like a snowball, it grows larger and larger with no end."

Silence surrounded us, with only the gentle rustling of bamboo leaves in the breeze.

"Miss Gu Guo," Lin Qingfeng's voice was gentle, his eyes as clear as water. "Forgive my rudeness, but what exactly is your relationship with Jing Yong? Those two people around you ten years ago... clearly carried the aura of demonic cult disciples."

The bamboo branch in my hand silently broke.

Several birds flew past deep in the bamboo grove, their shadows dancing.

"I am, Jing Yong's ginseng fruit." I finally decided to be honest: "On my eighteenth birthday, he will eat me."

Lin Qingfeng froze, his brow furrowing: "What?"

"I mean, I am a thousand-year-old ginseng fruit that has taken human form." I lifted my cloak to reveal the green leaves on my head: "Jing Yong raised me by his side just to eat me when I mature."

Lin Qingfeng stood there frozen, his eyes full of disbelief.

After a long while, he spoke in a deep voice: "So it is... I always felt you were different from ordinary people, the red mole on your forehead, your unique aura..."

He stared at me: "The thousand-year ginseng fruit, a legendary spiritual medicine. Eating it can increase one's cultivation by a thousand years. Jing Yong wants to..."

"He wants to use my power to achieve the great path." I deliberately put on an unconcerned expression, but the bamboo leaves in my hand were crushed to juice: "This is my only value in existing..."

"No!" Lin Qingfeng suddenly said seriously, his expression more serious than ever before: "No one's value is just to be used by others. Since you've already taken human form and have your own thoughts and emotions, your destiny should be in your own hands!"

【Current survival rate: 90%】

【Current blackening rate: 65%】

Hmm?

I casually looked around. The quiet bamboo grove clearly only had me and Lin Qingfeng.

Black Hawk? Red Crow? Had they followed me here?

Or—was it Jing Yong himself.

I casually withdrew my gaze: "Easier said than done, but he'll find out. He can always sense my location, so I just want to make the most of the time I have left, see more of this world, leave more memories."

"I understand." Concern showed in Lin Qingfeng's eyes. He took a deep breath, his voice carrying determination: "Miss Gu Guo, we can fight Jing Yong together, not only to avenge the Qingyun Sect but also to help you gain true freedom."

【Current blackening rate: 70%】

【Current blackening rate: 75%】

【Current blackening rate: 80%】

【Current blackening rate: 97%】

【Warning! Warning! The villain's blackening value is rapidly increasing!】

I lowered my head, my thoughts churning: "But if... I don't really want to escape from him?"

The blackening value suddenly stopped.

Lin Qingfeng's expression changed: "Miss Gu Guo?"

"Jing Yong hasn't treated me badly. Perhaps he no longer wants to eat me, but I always want, freedom."

I looked up, meeting Lin Qingfeng's eyes: "So if you help me hide, I'll tell you everything I know."

"In that case..." Lin Qingfeng fell into thought, his eyes deep: "If I agree, can you truly accept betraying Jing Yong?"

"I can."

【Current survival rate: 0%】

【Current blackening rate: 99%】

The system screamed angrily in my mind.

But I softly comforted it.

【Don't worry, system. We've been working together in this world for thirteen years. Don't you trust me yet?】

【Rest assured, my capture strategy has never failed before. Just watch me turn the tables】

Chapter 8

The storm was coming, the sky growing increasingly dark.

Seventeen sects gathered at Peach Blossom Valley, originally planning to ambush the Demon Lord Jing Yong, but unexpectedly, he had detected them early and led his elite forces to surround them instead.

For a moment, Peach Blossom Valley was filled with flashing swords and battle cries, blood staining the peach blossoms.

At the highest cliff in the valley, Lin Qingfeng stood in white clothes, the Clear Stream Sword in hand, his face grave as he looked down at the battle below.

"Miss Gu Guo, what we're doing is right." He said softly, not turning back.

As if convincing himself, as well as me.

And I stood several steps behind him, silent.

The leaves on my head swayed gently in the mountain wind, and the red mole on my forehead faintly ached.

Three days ago, Lin Qingfeng brought me out of the bamboo grove, traveling to this northern border.

And as promised, I told him all the secrets I had overheard, and the weaknesses Jing Yong had unconsciously revealed during cultivation.

The battle between good and evil was imminent.

Now, the fighting in Peach Blossom Valley was nearing its end.

Despite the intelligence I provided, Jing Yong's strength exceeded everyone's imagination. Coupled with the demonic disciples' fearlessness in battle, the situation had reached a stalemate.

"The time has come." Lin Qingfeng finally turned, his gaze gentle but firm as he looked at me: "Please stay here, Miss, and do not act rashly. When everything ends, I will return to take you away."

I nodded slightly, watching him leap down, his white clothes billowing in the wind like lightning striking toward the valley floor.

And I stood on the cliff edge, my thoughts torn apart by the system.

It kept warning me sharply in my mind, piercing my nerves:

【Danger! Danger! The villain's blackening value has reached its peak!】

【Multiple abnormal signals detected! The villain's main body is extremely angry!】

【Advise the strategist to immediately appear and appease the villain! Withdraw from this location!】

【Strategist! If this continues, the task will surely fail! Strategist—】

I ignored it, just waiting quietly.

In Peach Blossom Valley, a black figure harvested all lives that dared to block its path like a grim reaper.

Jing Yong was expressionless, each sword stroke taking a life, the killing aura around him almost substantial.

"Where is Gu Guo?"

His voice wasn't loud, but it echoed like thunder in everyone's heart. The air was filled with fear and the smell of blood.

"I'm asking you. Gu Guo. Where."

No one dared answer.

Just then, Lin Qingfeng descended from the sky, the Clear Stream Sword pointing at Jing Yong's throat: "Demon! Today is your day of death!"

Jing Yong dodged, the killing intent in his eyes growing stronger: "Lin Qingfeng, if you dare touch a single hair on Gu Guo's head, I will make you wish you were dead."

"Miss Gu Guo has her own will; she is not your private property!" Lin Qingfeng's sword moves were like rainbows, but he could never get close to Jing Yong.

"Foolish!" Jing Yong sneered, the sword in his hand creating countless sword shadows: "Gu Guo was raised by me. Thirteen years of cultivation—how could an outsider like you interfere!"

"Your obsession is too deep!" Lin Qingfeng pressed forward step by step. "She once saw you as a father, but in your eyes, there is only yourself! She has her own thoughts and emotions; she has the right to choose her own life!"

Jing Yong's movements paused slightly, then erupted with even sharper attacks: "Shut up! What do you know!"

Their sword lights intertwined, killing intent filling the air.

Lin Qingfeng, relying on the Clear Stream Sword and the intelligence I provided, was actually able to fight evenly with Jing Yong.

Jing Yong also sensed something unusual and suddenly withdrew his sword, stepping back as he stared coldly at Lin Qingfeng: "You already know."

Lin Qingfeng didn't deny it: "Miss Gu Guo told me everything. Your weaknesses, your flaws—this is your retribution!"

Jing Yong's pupils suddenly contracted, killing intent like a tidal wave: "Where is she?!"

"She is free now and will never return to your side."

In an instant, the temperature in Peach Blossom Valley dropped to freezing.

A mountain breeze passed by, and peach blossoms fell one after another.

At the cliff top, I slowly stood up, looking down.

The wind blew my long hair, revealing the red mole on my forehead and the green leaves on my head.

Jing Yong seemed to sense something and suddenly looked up toward the cliff,正好 meeting my eyes.

In that moment, I saw intense hatred in his eyes, mixed with complex, unspeakable emotions.

Anger, confusion, worry, loss—all intertwined.

Lin Qingfeng suddenly turned back, looking anxiously at me on the cliff: "Miss Gu Guo? Please don't come over!"

I didn't answer, just slowly walked down the cliff.

With each step, invisible steps condensed beneath my feet, like a miracle.

When I approached, Jing Yong's face had returned to its usual coldness, but the hand holding his sword trembled slightly: "The three-day agreement has passed. I should have taken your life directly."

"Miss Gu Guo, come to my side!" Lin Qingfeng urgently reached out his hand.

"Do you think she would choose a righteous hypocrite like you?" Jing Yong sneered. "Gu Guo, come back with me."

"Good and evil have never been a simple choice, and you've already strayed from the righteous path, Jing Yong!" Lin Qingfeng shouted, the Clear Stream Sword carrying tremendous force, stabbing straight at Jing Yong's heart!

The gleaming sword tip carried an aura of certain death.

But Jing Yong didn't dodge or evade, allowing the sword point to pierce his chest.

But at the same moment, his palm struck like a viper toward Lin Qingfeng's throat!

Both were hit simultaneously, blood spraying.

Lin Qingfeng retreated several steps, spitting black blood, unable to stand.

And Jing Yong had a blood hole pierced through his chest, but he could still move.

"Don't... hurt her... she's still just a child..." Lin Qingfeng continued to cough up blood on the ground.

Jing Yong ignored him, walking step by step toward me, blood dripping to the ground, leaving a crimson trail.

"I told you, no matter where you flee, you are mine."

His voice carried a hint of fatigue, but remained firm.

I looked at Jing Yong, at his chest pierced by the Clear Stream Sword I had given to Lin Qingfeng, at the fury and disappointment swirling in his eyes.

"Answer me, Gu Guo." His voice was as cold as when we first met: "Why did you betray me?"

I shook my head: "I didn't betray you."

"Lies." Jing Yong sneered, thinking I was desperately quibbling.

But I just repeated, gazing into his eyes: "I never betrayed you."

I slowly raised my hand, pointing to my own forehead: "It was this."

"This was never about the grudges between you and me."

I said word by word: "I wasn't the first person sent to your side, Jing Yong. Before me, thirteen innocent girls were sent to your side. Every one of them came with the task of 'capturing you,' and every one of them was killed by you."

Jing Yong frowned: "What nonsense are you talking about? I only raised one ginseng fruit—you."

"Because you don't remember at all!" I almost shouted: "Every time the mission failed, your memory would be erased, and the entire world would be reset! And those thirteen girls who died in vain!"

I took a deep breath.

"They feared, they despaired, they were oppressed, forced to pursue a man they didn't know at all—they were just like me."

"Just slaves driven by the system."

"...The system?" Jing Yong froze, his eyes like torches.

【Strategist! What are you doing! This is a violation! Immediately stop!】

The system's voice in my mind was sharp and piercing, like countless needles simultaneously piercing my brain.

"You can't feel it, but it's always watching us, evaluating, controlling—ah!"

Punishment descended, every nerve in my body torn apart, the pain almost making me faint, but I bit down and continued: "It sets goals for me, demands I lower your 'blackening value,' makes me your 'strategist,' demands I sacrifice myself to change you!"

"But that's an unsolvable dead end. Hatred can never be resolved. You're an impossible task, but that so-called system still keeps sending innocent girls one batch after another, like human traffickers, like vampires! It's the real murderer!"

【Shut up! Shut up! I order you to immediately shut up!】

The system roared in my mind, my head splitting. An invisible force tried to control my body and thoughts.

Making me shut up, making me obey, making me return to the established path.

But I gritted my teeth and continued, every word carrying the taste of blood: "So I spent thirteen years planning this betrayal, making it believe me, and making you believe me too."

"This time, I want to end this damn cycle."

Jing Yong stood frozen.

【Resistance is futile, foolish slave】

The system's screaming stopped, its voice suddenly becoming calm.

It was a voice that didn't belong to this world—cold, mechanical, without any human fluctuation.

【The game won't stop. When you die, everything resets, and I'll still find the next slave. This game will never end】

The wind in Peach Blossom Valley stopped, and the sounds of battle disappeared.

Everyone maintained their original positions, as if frozen in time.

Only Jing Yong, Lin Qingfeng, and I could still move, isolated in a special time and space by some force.

Jing Yong stood in place, the wound on his chest still gushing blood, but he seemed no longer concerned with this physical pain.

His eyes gradually turned from anger to a deep shock, then to an indescribable coldness.

"Thirteen times..." he said softly, "Thirteen women like you, forced to come to my side, pursue me, save me, then die."

"And I have no memory of it."

His gaze fell on me, and in that moment, I saw something I had never seen in his eyes before—confusion.

"What exactly is this system you speak of?"

I was about to answer when I suddenly felt a sharp pain surge through my limbs, my soul about to be torn apart.

I immediately fell to my knees, curling up in pain like a trampled bug.

It was the system's punishment.

It was trying to stop the spread of truth by destroying my body, just as it had done to the previous thirteen girls.

Lin Qingfeng struggled to crawl up: "Miss Gu Guo!"

"Gu Guo!" Jing Yong also strode toward me, reaching out to touch my forehead.

The moment his fingertips touched me, a strange tremor passed between us.

Jing Yong's pupils suddenly contracted, and I saw a scene I had never seen before—

A giant, invisible network covering the entire world, drawing every person, every event into it, connecting them in series.

And at the center of this network was a模糊, nearly transparent entity, like a fog constantly absorbing the life force around it, with some kind of terrifying will.

"That is... the system." I said with difficulty.

Jing Yong's expression became exceptionally cold: "The puppet master who dares to control my destiny."

He suddenly looked up, shouting sharply toward the void: "Show yourself!"

A powerful spiritual force erupted from his body, and the air in the entire Peach Blossom Valley trembled.

【Impossible, he can't possibly sense me... Damn it! The villain's blackening value is too high now, the plot is out of control】

The system's voice carried fear for the first time, like the sound of nails on a blackboard, piercing the eardrums.

"Thirteen lives, thirteen cycles of reincarnation—and you treated me as prey, as plaything?" Jing Yong's face was expressionless.

The sky suddenly darkened, and a strange power flowed through the air.

The peach blossoms on all sides withered one after another, from pink and white to withered yellow, finally turning to powder that scattered in the wind.

Jing Yong's hand rested on my head, transmitting a warmth, then he released it, turning to face Lin Qingfeng: "Lin Qingfeng, our grievances will be set aside for today."

Lin Qingfeng's face was grave, but he also nodded: "For Miss Gu Guo's safety, I can temporarily travel with this demonic cultivator."

Jing Yong no longer looked at him but closed his eyes, beginning to mobilize his entire body's spiritual power.

An unprecedented terrifying aura emanated from his body, madly absorbing the spiritual energy between heaven and earth.

"What are you doing?" Lin Qingfeng exclaimed in alarm.

"Tracing to the source." Jing Yong opened his eyes, which had turned completely black. "Since this so-called 'system' can see me, control me, it must have some connection to me."

【Impossible, this is impossible! You are just a character, a set piece! You will destroy everything!】

The system's voice became hysterical.

"I was going to destroy everything anyway. You brought so many strategists to approach me—don't you understand that?"

A black spiritual force spread from Jing Yong's body, quickly diffusing in the air, forming countless filaments extending in all directions.

"And destroying you is just a matter of convenience!"

In that moment, I clearly saw something in the void being entangled by those black filaments, struggling and twisting.

And as Jing Yong flipped his palm, those black filaments suddenly tightened, and the talisman ball violently trembled, emitting an ear-piercing shriek.

【You're really crazy! If you destroy me, this world will also collapse! Everyone will die! Including Gu Guo!】

"Then I will die." I said expressionlessly. "I'll die together with you, and no more girls will be bound by the system."

【Ridiculous! Your sacrifice will only be wasted! He never saw you as a daughter! He only saw you as an object!】

The system's voice became twisted and terrifying, like a beast in its death throes, trying with its last strength to hurt others, to hurt me.

"I raised a fiery little fruit."

Jing Yong suddenly smiled, and I saw him smile for the first time.

Not a mocking cold smile, but a warm, genuine smile from the heart.

That smile softened his features, as if returning to the carefree boyhood days in Qingxi Village.

"Or rather, you were always such a fiery woman."

"Gu Guo." Jing Yong's gaze shifted, studying me for a long time: "Leave the rest to me. You are free."

He raised his hand and gently tapped my forehead, a gentle force pushing me toward Lin Qingfeng: "Take her and go."

Lin Qingfeng hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded, reaching out to support me: "Miss Gu Guo, let's go!"

【Stop! This isn't right! You don't know what risks you're taking!】

The system's voice was almost pleading, no longer its previous high-and-mighty attitude, but genuine fear.

It seemed truly afraid of Jing Yong's uncontrollability, afraid of being completely destroyed.

Jing Yong sneered even more: "My life has always been a risky game. One more game, what's the harm?"

He suddenly clapped his hands together, his spiritual power surging. Those black filaments instantly tightened, and the talisman ball emitted an ear-splitting shriek, beginning to collapse.

At the same time, countless cracks appeared on Jing Yong's body, with blood seeping from each crack.

"Father—" I blurted out.

Lin Qingfeng desperately pulled me, carrying me as we flew toward the distance.

Jing Yong looked back one last time, his gaze falling on me.

In an instant, a blinding white light burst forth between Jing Yong and the talisman ball.

Swallowing everything.

Chapter 9

Sunlight filtered through bamboo leaves, casting mottled shadows on the ground.

A gentle breeze blew, and the bamboo grove made a rustling sound, like soft whispers.

I slowly sat up, feeling a wave of dizziness.

I sat quietly for a moment, waiting for my chaotic mind to gradually clear.

Fragmented memories flooded in like a tide—the battle between good and evil in Peach Blossom Valley, the system's true nature revealed, Jing Yong's mutual destruction, and finally that white light that swallowed everything...

But why did I still exist, still have consciousness?

For thirteen years, no, more than thirteen years, plus the countless capture missions I had been forced to complete under the system's oppression.

I collected information bit by bit, explored patterns bit by bit, and finally discovered those system's loopholes.

Just as Jing Yong described it, "the puppet master"—once there were too many roles on stage, with emotions too intense.

Especially when the protagonist and villain, as the main puppets, developed feelings and actions beyond the plot.

Those controlling strings would easily tangle together, even dragging that controlling hand into the drama.

So I orchestrated the great battle between good and evil, angered Jing Yong, accumulating emotions to their peak before directly revealing the truth.

Destroy to create, face death without fear.

I thought I would surely die, exchanging one life for one system.

It could be considered my final revenge against this damn fate forcibly bound by the system.

But now I looked around, confirming this was neither Peach Blossom Valley nor the Youming Palace.

And when I looked down at my own hands, they were still human, but not that of a spiritual fruit in human form.

I reached up to touch my forehead, the cinnabar mole seemed to have disappeared, and the green leaves on my head were also gone.

More importantly, the voice in my mind was gone.

For countless years, that voice that monitored me, warned me, commanded me, that had never truly disappeared, was now gone.

Now, only my own thoughts remained in my mind, independent and clear.

No Jing Yong, no Lin Qingfeng, no system.

I was free.

This realization struck me like lightning, leaving me momentarily unable to move.

No more missions, no more capture strategies, no more worrying about blackening values and survival rates, no more struggling in endless transmigrations.

I could live for myself, only for myself.

I felt as if I were in another world as I slowly stood up, bare feet on the soft soil, feeling the earth's temperature, still somewhat in disbelief.

But the touch of the wind, the warmth of the sun, the scent of the bamboo grove—all were so peaceful and real.

Just then, I noticed a black-clad man standing at the edge of the bamboo grove.

His back was to me, his figure tall and straight, with half of his black hair tied up, his clothes swaying gently in the wind.

Even just his back gave off an incredibly familiar feeling.

"Jing Yong?" My heart skipped a beat, and I couldn't help but call out.

The person turned, but his face had softened: "What?"

I froze, carefully studying the person before me: he did look very similar to Jing Yong, but his temperament lacked the decisive killing intent.

And there was no hatred, no pain in his eyes, only peace and gentleness.

"You... you're not Jing Yong?"

"My surname is Jing, given name Tianming." The man smiled warmly, his eyes full of kindness: "Young lady, where did you come from? Why are you alone in this deep mountain bamboo grove?"

Jing Tianming—Jing Yong's father, the blacksmith from Qingxi Village who was killed by the Qingyun Sect cultivators.

I was silent for a moment, not knowing how to answer.

"I... I don't know, I seem to be lost." I finally said.

I was indeed lost, in the cracks between time and space, on the boundary between reality and illusion.

Jing Tianming's expression softened further, his eyes showing concern: "Is that so? Then come with me first. My home is not far ahead. You can rest there first, and we'll help you find your family."

I silently followed behind Jing Tianming, passing through the bamboo grove to a quiet small village.

A clear stream flowed at the village entrance, with a dozen thatched cottages built against the mountain, arranged in an orderly fashion. Cooking smoke rose gently, forming a pastoral picture against the blue sky and white clouds.

"This is Qingxi Village." Jing Tianming introduced, his voice carrying pride: "Though remote, the mountains and waters are beautiful, and the people live and work in peace."

As we walked to a small courtyard surrounded by stone walls, there was a blacksmith shop inside, with crisp and pleasant tinkering sounds.

"Tianming, you're back?" A gentle female voice came from within the courtyard, followed by a woman in goose-yellow cloth clothes coming out. Her features were lovely, with deep warmth in her eyes.

"Ruoxi, I met this young lady on the way. She seems to be lost." Jing Tianming's eyes were full of tenderness as he introduced me to his wife.

"Oh, this child, you must be hungry! Come in and have a bowl of hot soup."

I was invited into the small courtyard, sitting at a wooden table.

Liu Ruoxi brought a bowl of hot vegetable soup, its fragrance appetizing.

"Drink slowly, don't burn yourself." Liu Ruoxi said gently, her eyes full of concern.

I picked up the bowl, took a small sip—it was very warm.

"Child, why... are you crying? Are you homesick?" Liu Ruoxi asked with concern.

Only then did I shake my head, wiping away tears: "It's just... it's just too delicious."

Just then, childish laughter came from outside the courtyard, with a group of about ten-year-old boys and girls running and playing.

I put down the wooden bowl, my thoughts churning: "That, your son is at..."

I thought, perhaps this was the result of the world's reorganization after the system collapsed.

Time had turned back, returning to the very beginning, before Jing Yong had experienced suffering.

In this world, the Qingyun Sect cultivators had not yet arrived, the tragedy of Qingxi Village had not yet happened, and Jing Yong's parents were still alive.

And he, should still be a carefree youth, or perhaps a young child.

Waiting to open his eyes and see the world, beginning his life's journey.

However, Liu Ruoxi paused, her face reddening: "We don't have children yet, and we don't plan to..."

I froze.

Beside me, Jing Tianming smiled softly, reaching out to put his arm around his wife's shoulder: "We don't plan to have children. After our work is done, Ruoxi and I want to travel the world and enjoy its beautiful scenery."

So Jing Yong would not be born.

From now on, there would be no Demon Lord in this world, no Jing Yong.

No hatred, no killing, no pain or struggle.

The trajectory of the entire world would change, and countless people who should have died would survive, countless tragedies that should have happened would not unfold.

...

After staying for a few days, I bid farewell to the couple, really unable to stomach their displays of affection.

Saying I had received a letter from family and needed to go to the Qingyun Sect.

Waving goodbye, I turned, shouldered my pack, and walked lightly down the mountain path.

Before me, there was no longer the system's surveillance, no mission constraints, no fixed ending—only infinite possibilities.

But just then, something seemed to block my path.

I looked closer, and it seemed to be a wild fruit.

Then, it suddenly started dancing! Hip-hop!

I froze for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh out loud.

And as a breeze blew, it picked up a few fallen leaves, which spun in the air before landing in the distance.

【The End】