Chapter Twenty-Three: The Collapse of the Plot

"System, system, what does he mean, why is he looking at me like that, is he measuring how many pieces I could be sliced into?" Ning Xianyu’s legs trembled with fear; if not for the physical strength of this body, she would have collapsed to her knees.

The system quivered and replied, "I—I don’t know, but I feel like he’s calling you a fool."

Ning Xianyu thought, at a time like this, couldn’t you refrain from joining in the insults? Choose your moments wisely.

Just then, the familiar voice of Xuanyuan Tunhan echoed in her mind: "Stand straight. Come here."

What for?

She hadn’t even decided what to do before she reflexively straightened her posture and walked over, careful, measured, as if treading the edge of a blade, heading for her execution.

As she approached, Su Yun’er and Yi Tianling grew anxious too. Yi Tianling already knew this man was Xuanyuan, the infamous demon, and feared he might suddenly lose control. Rumor had it this old demon could kill without blinking, crush them all with a flick of his hand, and never needed a reason for murder. To him, they were mere ants.

Su Yun’er was frightened as well; if this ancestor took offense over yesterday’s poisoning, today’s ten great sects might become nine.

Xuanyuan Tunhan merely walked over, rigid and formal, and took the only empty seat.

The system had already told her: these were the main characters of the novel, Yi Tianling and Su Yun’er.

"Yesterday, Yi Tianling took out the Nine-Branch Epiphyllum to detoxify you, and over there, Su Yun’er concealed the fact that Xuanyuan Tunhan killed Long Yue, saying instead that someone had infiltrated the island and slain several disciples."

In fact, those dead disciples were Long Yue’s closest followers; Su Yun’er had cleared them out and conveniently blamed it on bandits.

Ning Xianyu had no time for gossip now. All she wanted to know was, "What’s with this bizarre situation? Why is a background character sitting with the main protagonists, drinking tea so harmoniously?"

The system claimed Xuanyuan Tunhan was just a background character in the book and an enemy of the main characters, yet here they sat together, the scene oddly peaceful.

By rights, this part of the story should have seen several battles, with Xuanyuan Tunhan and Yi Tianling forming a feud, Xuanyuan’s persecution serving as the catalyst for the protagonist’s growth.

Even the system found it strange. "No, in the original story, at this point, the protagonist and Xuanyuan Tunhan had already become enemies over the Nine-Branch Epiphyllum, fighting for years until Xuanyuan Tunhan became cannon fodder."

So what was happening now?

"You ask me, who am I supposed to ask? You’re the system, you know the entire plot!"

Ning Xianyu felt the system was unreliable—mixing up the plot, botching her wishes—what else could it do?

The system protested, "Maybe your presence has changed the storyline?"

"Oh my god, could the plot be collapsing, the world dissolving, and we’ll vanish like bytes in this universe?"

Ning Xianyu imagined a chubby little girl in her mind, scrambling in panic, making her head ache.

"Enough, stop yelling. Look, everything’s stable, where’s the sign of collapse?"

She was convinced the system was just incompetent, misremembering the story. But the system was certain it hadn’t made a mistake; something had indeed changed.

Could the real variable be her, the unreliable host?

All their words were overheard by Xuanyuan Tunhan, who now realized the plot could be altered. If that was so, what did it matter who was the destined protagonist, or what fate awaited him? Destiny ought to be in his own hands, not dictated by some book.

With that thought, Xuanyuan Tunhan’s mood improved; even Ning Xianyu seemed less annoying. When the time came to kill her, he could let her suffer less.

Yi Tianling, sensing the awkwardness, took the initiative, "Senior Xuanyuan, how did the Nine-Branch Epiphyllum feel after you consumed it?"

"Ah?" Ning Xianyu hesitated, recalling, "Nothing much, just a cool sensation in the mouth."

The taste was pleasant, but she felt nothing else. By rights, this was a holy treasure, newly matured, more precious than the Peach of Immortality, and its effects should have been far more potent.

Why had she only used it to detoxify herself?

Even Xuanyuan Tunhan must think it was a waste; even she felt it was too extravagant—a cow chewing on peonies, what a pity!

Yi Tianling sighed, "If the Nine-Branch Epiphyllum could detoxify you, that’s fortunate. But the villagers must wait a while longer."

Ning Xianyu found his words odd. "What villagers?"

A plot driver?

Yi Tianling explained, "Earlier, while traveling, I passed through Xu Town, where the villagers had been infected by demonic energy. When it flared up, they tore at each other, a vision of hell."

"Seeing this, I was deeply saddened and searched everywhere for a cure. I learned the Nine-Branch Epiphyllum of Flower Melody Island was about to mature and came here to obtain it."

Ning Xianyu glanced at him, "Did Long Yue agree to give it to you?"

Not a chance.

Yi Tianling grew embarrassed. "Of course she refused. I had no choice but to take extraordinary measures."

He looked gratefully at Su Yun’er. "Thank you, Sister Su, for your generous help. I am endlessly grateful."

Su Yun’er lowered her head shyly. "Brother Yi, you’re too polite. Without you, we couldn’t have solved Flower Melody Island’s troubles either. But now that the Nine-Branch Epiphyllum is gone, what will happen to the villagers of Xu Town?"

At this moment, Xuanyuan Tunhan asked, "Are you familiar with the villagers of Xu Town?"

Yi Tianling replied respectfully, "No, but as cultivators blessed by the heavens, we must act with chivalry and repay kindness to the people. If we have the ability, it is our duty to serve the common folk; otherwise cultivation loses its meaning."

His words shone with righteousness, his gaze bright and resolute, leaving Su Yun’er full of admiration.

Even Xuanyuan Tunhan’s stern features softened, showing a hint of appreciation.

Ning Xianyu looked at the three and felt increasingly uneasy.

Yi Tianling, as protagonist, possessed not only unparalleled talent but also a spirit of integrity. Su Yun’er admired his noble character, falling for him at first sight, later giving her heart without reservation.

But what was Xuanyuan Tunhan doing? Wasn’t he the villain? Why did the great demon show such admiration?

Could the book’s settings have been wrong, and he was actually a good person?

As Ning Xianyu pondered, Xuanyuan Tunhan asked, "Is Xu Town near the Demon Realm?"

"No, Xu Town is in the southern region, close to the Central State, far from the Demon Realm."

At this, Yi Tianling’s gaze flickered slightly.

Xuanyuan Tunhan frowned, "After the great war between immortals and demons, the demon clan withdrew into the Demon Realm and hasn’t crossed the border in tens of thousands of years. Why has demonic energy appeared in Xu Town?"

His expression was grave, shadowed with worry.