The sensation struck Bai Yang suddenly, without warning. A strange discomfort bloomed in his chest, heavy and inexplicable. He tightened his grip around the egg, his expression turning unusually tense.
But now was not the time to show weakness. This was the moment to earn back his master's forgiveness. He forced a smile onto his face, trying to appear normal.
Song Wanníng noticed, and her mood only grew better. Her gaze softened with an almost affectionate warmth.
"This egg," she said with a smile, "I found it deep in the mountains. It looked promising, so I thought it might taste good. Let's roast it together."
Wasn't this the spirit beast egg that was supposed to bond with Bai Yang? The one destined to become his contract beast?
Well, now that it was dead, it could stay inside Bai Yang forever. In a way, she thought, it would probably thank her for that.
A soft chuckle slipped from her lips.
"Hehehe…"
It had been so long since Bai Yang had seen his master smile like this. Just that single moment swept away all the unease in his heart.
The odd feeling still lingered faintly, but he quickly pushed it aside and began preparing the egg for roasting. He moved with eager precision, setting it over the fire and brushing it with layers of seasoning, turning it slowly. His whole body buzzed with excitement.
Across the flames, Song Wanníng watched him with a steady gaze and a faint, ever-growing smile.
Of all the betrayals she had suffered, Bai Yang's had hurt the most—far more than Gu Qingyuan's.
Because she had genuinely treated Bai Yang like a son. She had taught him with care, guided him with patience, and poured every good thing she could into his path.
And in return, he had thrown it all away.
So now, she would repay him in the most fitting way—wait for the moment when he trusted her the most, when his guard was completely lowered… then cast him aside with her own hand.
She could already picture it: the shock, the devastation on his face.
And afterward, when she crushed him to dust with her own power, wouldn't that be fun?
Her smile deepened.
Before long, the egg was ready. A rich aroma rose from it—far more enticing than any ordinary beast egg.
"Master," Bai Yang said with surprise, "this spirit beast egg smells incredible!"
Song Wanníng raised her eyebrows slightly. "If you like it, then eat as much as you want."
"Yes!" he nodded quickly, his heart brimming with emotion.
Master hadn't said anything directly, but her actions had already made everything clear.
She had forgiven him.
This egg—so obviously different from an ordinary beast egg—she hadn't saved it for herself or even for her beloved little disciple Li Ruo. She had waited to share it with him.
In the end, he was still her most cherished disciple.
Bai Yang carefully peeled away the shell and split the egg in half, offering one portion to Song Wanníng while keeping the other for himself.
Song Wanníng accepted it without hurry, picking up a fork and taking a small bite.
Mmm…
As expected of a spirit beast egg. The flavor was exquisite.
On the other side of the fire, Bai Yang was just as amazed. He took big, delighted bites, quickly devouring his share. Maybe to earn even more favor, he kept praising her cooking between mouthfuls.
"This egg tastes amazing! Seriously, it's too good! It's incredible!"
Song Wanníng's smile widened further.
Such a glutton. Honestly.
...
On Xuelai Peak, Gu Qingyuan still hadn't spoken to Ye Chuxue.
For days, he remained in seclusion. She couldn't even catch a glimpse of him.
It left her frustrated, but deep down, she understood. Her master wasn't angry just because she had gone off without permission—he was worried for her safety. His coldness came from concern.
"Ugh…"
Ye Chuxue let out a sigh.
Why was nothing going her way lately?
After thinking it over, she decided to go to him. They needed to talk.
Under the cover of night, she approached his door and knocked gently.
Inside, Gu Qingyuan sat alone, his aura restrained and cold. A quiet fury lingered beneath his surface.
Ye Chuxue had risked everything for Bai Yang, even to the point of entering the forbidden mountain range.
And where did that leave him?
What was he to her?
Hadn't things between her and Bai Yang already ended?
He clenched his eyes shut, trying to force down the dark haze in his chest.
The beast tide suppression had not resolved his inner demons. Instead, the sight of that terrifying heavenly tribulation had only added another layer of fear.
His Dao heart was no longer stable. The proud man he once was… felt like a distant memory now.
He didn't understand it.
He had always been a step ahead of his peers. Why had things turned out like this?
A knock pulled him out of his thoughts.
"Master? Can I come in?" It was Ye Chuxue's voice.
Gu Qingyuan froze.
He wanted to stay cold. To push her away.
But in the end, he couldn't bring himself to do it.
With a dark expression, he opened the door.
Ye Chuxue stepped inside—and without hesitation, threw herself into his arms.
She knew this trick worked every time. If she acted sweet enough, Master would never stay angry for long.
"Master, I was wrong," she said softly. "Please don't be mad at me. You ignoring me these past few days… it really hurt."
She clung to him tightly, her voice delicate and warm.
Feeling him stiffen, she couldn't help but smile to herself. Her master was always so restrained. Never stepped out of line. That was why she dared to act like this.
Holding onto him, her mind drifted.
Last night, she'd had a dream.
In it, Song Wanníng had succumbed to jealousy and become a demon cultivator. Bai Yang and Gu Qingyuan had both turned against her, abandoning her completely in favor of Ye Chuxue.
In the end, Song Wanníng had been crushed to dust, her bones scattered, and the entire Song Clan destroyed.
It had been… satisfying.
But when she woke up, reality hit hard.
She wasn't the center of this story.
She was supposed to be the main character—the chosen one who had transmigrated here with endless fortune and opportunity.
The dream had shown her what her life should have been like.
But ever since Song Wanníng appeared, nothing had gone her way.
That woman… was ruining everything.
Song Wanníng was supposed to be a vicious supporting character with a tragic end, not someone who kept winning.
Ye Chuxue pushed down the bitterness rising in her chest.
It didn't matter. She was going to take back everything—people, power, status. One piece at a time.
In Gu Qingyuan's arms, she kept whispering sweetly.
For a moment, he felt dazed, as if lost in a fog.
Then, a memory surged to the surface.
On the return voyage aboard the spirit ship, Song Wanníng had spoken to him with a mocking laugh.
"Tsk tsk, our dear Gu Zhēnjūn is so devoted to his little disciple. What a shame she doesn't feel the same. She braved the mountains alone for Bai Yang. What about you? Would you have done the same?
Truly, our prodigy Gu Qingyuan has become a joke… hahahaha…"
That sharp, taunting voice echoed in his ears. A wave of violence surged from deep within. Without thinking, he wrapped his arms tightly around Ye Chuxue and pushed her down onto the nearby couch.
Her eyes widened in shock, and she began to struggle.
"Master, have you lost your mind? Let me go!"
But his body pinned her in place. His hands caught hers and pushed them above her head.
His bloodshot eyes locked onto hers, wild and burning.
Like a beast gone mad.
He crushed his lips against hers.
"Master, stop! What are you doing?!"
Panic rose in Ye Chuxue's voice.
She had never expected this.
In her dream, Master had stayed restrained his entire life. He had never laid a finger on her.
But now… he was terrifying.
Too terrifying.
Tears streamed down her face.
Seeing her like that—face pale, eyes wide with fear—snapped Gu Qingyuan out of his frenzy.
He stumbled back.
His gaze fell on her torn clothes, her half-exposed shoulder.
As if burned, he turned and fled without another word.