However, both of those situations were extremely rare. Even in sacred lands, most cultivators had never seen them firsthand and had no idea such things even existed—let alone in a remote place like this.
So it was understandable that Shen Mengting mistook the talent-testing stone as being broken.
But regardless of which scenario it was, both pointed to the same truth—his newly accepted junior sister had an extraordinary future ahead.
If she could grow strong enough, wouldn’t that mean the tragic fate of becoming nourishment for the Blood Demon could be avoided entirely?
Perhaps the future destruction of their sect could even be averted!
With that thought, Ye Ping’an unconsciously tightened his grip on Ye Mengyao, who was still on his back—as if holding on to hope itself.
“Mm!”
Ye Mengyao let out a soft sound in her unconscious state, seemingly reacting to the pressure.
Startled, Ye Ping’an quickly snapped back to himself and adjusted his hands to support her properly instead. He muttered internally—despite her age, she was surprisingly well-built.
But then he froze. Wait—she’s supposed to be the future heroine of the story. Was that thought inappropriate?
As the realization dawned on him, cold sweat started forming on Ye Ping’an’s forehead. She’s just a kid… What the hell is wrong with me?
Am I turning into a creep?
He glanced around nervously. Thankfully, there was no one around except for Ning Yue. Since she was on his side, he trusted she wouldn’t mention this to the protagonist.
And as for Ye Mengyao—well, she was still unconscious. Whew. Maybe I dodged a bullet this time.
Letting out a long sigh of relief, Ye Ping’an refocused on what truly mattered: the plot.
Every reincarnated powerhouse carried a unique spiritual imprint called the Mark of Reincarnation.
To confirm whether Ye Mengyao was truly special, Ye Ping’an decided that tonight… he would act like Xiao Yan.
She just happened to be unconscious. Wasn’t this the perfect chance to check?
As this thought crossed his mind, Ye Ping’an’s young face unknowingly twisted into a mischievous grin.
Ye Ping’an begins to show signs of acting impulsively toward his unconscious junior sister, driven by curiosity about her identity and talent.
However, this moment is interrupted by Ye Ningyue, who has been silently watching and is increasingly concerned about his behavior.
She misinterprets his actions as signs of a darker preference and becomes determined to “correct” him for his own good.
Ye Ningyue, always watchful, had clearly seen Ye Ping’an gripping the girl’s waist. She froze. He actually did it… and with that expression too!
Thankfully, his face soon turned guilty. Just as she was about to believe he had regained his conscience, that mischievous look came back. Ningyue’s heart sank.
Is young master really turning into someone who prefers children?
She began to worry deeply. What about me? I’m growing up. What if, one day, he doesn’t even look at me anymore?
Determined, Ningyue swore to steer him back to the right path. But… how? Her body was still underdeveloped.
Even if she tried to tempt him, it might only reinforce his tastes. Should she reveal her true form? But that was dangerous—she was still a wanted fugitive.
Besides, she had promised herself she’d never use that identity again.
She fell into deep thought.
Later, Ye Ping’an laid Ye Mengyao on her bed.
Thanks to Ningyue’s strong insistence when they brought her back, she had been given a private room—though, under Shen Mengting’s arrangement, it was located very close to Ye Ping’an’s.
Originally planning to act immediately, Ye Ping’an turned around—only to meet Ningyue’s cold, piercing gaze. His heart skipped a beat.
Could Ningyue know what I was planning? That stare felt like a warning. What if she rats me out to the protagonist later?
Frustrated, he thought, Fine. If I can’t act now, I’ll just wait until nightfall. She probably won’t wake up by then anyway.
At night, things would be quiet. Whatever happened then would be between him, the heavens, and… the reader.
He convinced himself: Surely, readers wouldn’t want me to die, right?
That way, there’d be no risk of exposure. No future protagonist cutting him down in fury.
Time dragged on like years. Ye Ping’an had never felt this kind of anxious anticipation. He waited until Ningyue left. Finally, night arrived.
Dressed in black, Ye Ping’an opened the door to his room silently. After checking that no one was around, he closed it gently behind him and tiptoed down the hallway.
Years of training had allowed him to move with barely a sound, aided by a trace of spiritual energy.
Within moments, he arrived at Ye Mengyao’s room. Quietly, he pushed the door open and slipped inside, closing it behind him.
Unbeknownst to him, Ningyue had done the same. Dressed in black as well, she peeked out from her room, saw no one, then made her way to Ye Ping’an’s room.
From her robes, she pulled out a thin cylindrical tube. She located a hidden vent she had previously discovered and inserted the device, blowing in a puff of sleep-inducing incense.
Her movements were smooth and practiced—clearly, this wasn’t her first time doing this.
She had only used this trick occasionally in the past, but today, Ningyue had made a decision.
She would do this every night from now on.
Once Ye Ping’an was in a deep sleep, she’d sneak into his room and whisper the benefits of strong, mature women—hypnotizing him slowly, night after night.
That way, even if she couldn’t reveal her true identity, her future adult self—with full confidence—would one day win his heart.
After all, her mother had once taught her: If you want something, fight for it with everything you have.
But when she thought of her mother, a trace of sorrow flashed across her face.
Ten minutes later, she opened the door to Ye Ping’an’s room and stepped inside, quickly closing it behind her. Her movements were smooth—far better than his.
But then her eyes widened in shock.
The bed was empty.