Release the Heroine, Let Me Handle This

Chapter 190: Has She Really Become the Protagonist? [Part 1]

'Ye Meijing' wondered if it was just her imagination, but she noticed a faint golden glow surrounding Gu Xiangsi, as if Gu Aotian's fate had rewritten hers as well.

"He tricked me into going to the back mountain, saying he had something important to tell me before leaving Cangyu Sect," Gu Xiangsi explained, pointing towards the distant boundary of the back mountain as she recounted how she was deceived.

"I thought that with my current cultivation on par with Su Mei's and having my master backing me, Su Mei wouldn't dare act against me within Cangyu Sect's territory, so I agreed to go." Gu Xiangsi retold the story, and 'Ye Meijing' listened attentively, still feeling she had been too careless.

A mad dog, when cornered, could do anything. Although Gu Xiangsi now matched Su Mei in strength, her lack of battle experience was a concern. Moreover, hidden threats are the hardest to guard against, and there was no telling what underhanded tricks Su Mei might use.

Fortunately, Gu Xiangsi was safe. If something had happened, 'Ye Meijing' wouldn't know whether to feel sad or pitiful.

Noticing Gu Xiangsi pause, 'Ye Meijing' frowned slightly, voicing her displeasure. "You should have called me."

Gu Xiangsi clung tighter to 'Ye Meijing's' arm, her tone tinged with grievance. "Sis, have you forgotten? You just turned me down, and I'm still upset. If it weren't serious, I wouldn't have come to you."

Her emotional state shifted, transferring her sadness elsewhere.

"But you could have asked your master for help."

'Ye Meijing' chuckled, realizing Gu Xiangsi was genuinely upset by her refusal. Otherwise, why not turn to the person she should trust the most instead of seeking out Ye Wenxin?

"He's still my brother. If he dies, it should at least be with some dignity. If my master found out, he'd probably desecrate the corpse in anger." Gu Xiangsi leaned closer, her graceful figure capable of stirring certain thoughts.

'Ye Meijing' felt trapped between heaven and hell, unsure if it was her imagination or if Gu Xiangsi had matured since six months ago.

The softness against her arm was tempting, yet 'Ye Meijing' resisted any improper thoughts. The sensation, like soft cotton with a hint of elasticity, was almost maternal, reminding her of a mother's gentle embrace.

Reluctant to withdraw her arm, 'Ye Meijing' let Gu Xiangsi lead her along the path, avoiding drawing further attention.

If Gu Aotian were truly dead, that was one thing. But 'Ye Meijing' feared he might not be entirely dead, revived by some divine artifact, and return with a vengeance.

If resurrected, Gu Aotian might challenge for the protagonist's role or even compete with 'Ye Meijing' for survival.

"By the way, they mentioned you have some kind of artifact. Is that true?" As the silence returned, 'Ye Meijing' broached a topic that had been on her mind.

Gu Xiangsi hesitated for a moment before continuing, making 'Ye Meijing' suspect Gu Aotian's claims might hold some truth.

After all, Gu Xiangsi's swift advancement from Qi Refining to the fifth stage of Foundation Establishment was astonishing.

First, Gu Xiangsi's aptitude was average. Even if Jin Xiaoqin, the Elder of the Teaching Hall, doted on her, she wouldn't lavish all her resources on Gu Xiangsi.

Second, cultivation requires significant support from techniques and pills. While 'Ye Meijing' had provided pills early on, their contact had been limited since.

Su Mei, though also at the fifth stage of Foundation Establishment, relied on plundering with Gu Aotian and others, barely reaching her current level.

So how did Gu Xiangsi advance so rapidly? 'Ye Meijing' speculated she might soon break through again.

"No," Gu Xiangsi finally replied, but 'Ye Meijing' sensed deceit in her eyes. However, she chose not to press the matter. In this world, where protagonists and heroines were as common as cabbages, everyone had secrets.

"That's good. Otherwise, who knows what might happen."

'Ye Meijing' nodded, feeling Gu Xiangsi's grip loosen slightly. Her face showed greater unease as she tentatively asked, "Sis, if I really had such an artifact, what would you do?"

Her apprehension made 'Ye Meijing' realize Gu Xiangsi wasn't adept at hiding her emotions.

"I'd tell you to throw it away."

"Huh?" Gu Xiangsi was incredulous, but 'Ye Meijing' continued with a straight face, "So I could pick it up."

"Hehehe..." Gu Xiangsi couldn't help but laugh. Despite 'Ye Meijing's' blatant greed, her words were oddly reassuring.

Her gaze drifted to her bracelet, making 'Ye Meijing' smile wryly.

"Xiangsisi, if you want to protect something, don't keep staring at it."

'Ye Meijing' advised kindly, worried that Gu Xiangsi's innocence would lead to her being deceived one day.

"Huh? Why do that?" Gu Xiangsi was puzzled, not understanding why 'Ye Meijing's' advice differed from conventional wisdom.

"The more you value something, the less you should show it. Look, your brother misunderstood your bracelet because he saw you eyeing it often. Did that make him suspect it held a secret?"

'Ye Meijing' subtly suggested, watching Gu Xiangsi's face light up with realization.

"I see. But I don't think my brother is that clever. It's Su Mei who keeps manipulating him, trying to get my bracelet."

Recalling Su Mei, Gu Xiangsi's expression darkened, and 'Ye Meijing' chuckled, recognizing Su Mei's villainous nature. Unfortunately, to a true villain, Su Mei's actions seemed petty.

As they continued, they reached the mountain's edge. From a distance, 'Ye Meijing' spotted a headless corpse hanging from a tree.

"Why is he hanging like that?"

'Ye Meijing' looked up, examining the dangling, headless body. The head was gone, and the mangled remains were unrecognizable. She searched for fragments but found none, likely obliterated by the Zanghua seeds' explosion.

---

I've conducted a popularity poll, but since the Boluobao APP isn't fully developed yet, you can only vote through the desktop website.