The Villainous Supporting Character Ended Up with the Female Lead - Chapter 9

Yun Weiyan’s farewell lingered like a feather, drifting lightly onto the tip of Yun Hanmian’s heart.

Her face remained serene and detached, like a goddess enshrined in a temple, untouched by joy or sorrow. Yet deep within her heart, an inexplicable emotion stirred.

The river flowed gently, its surface shimmering with silver ripples as the night breeze brushed across it. The reflections of riverside lanterns danced on the water, mingling with the moonlight.

Yun Hanmian suddenly reached out, wanting to grasp Yun Weiyan’s wrist.

Could it be her? But what if it isn’t?

Her hand froze mid-air, as if touching a searing flame, and she watched helplessly as Yun Weiyan and Xu Zijin gradually disappeared into the crowd.

Perhaps I’m just being suspicious.

Sect Leader Yun, a rare sight indeed, a deep, mature, and magnetic voice sounded beside her.

Yun Hanmian turned to see Ye Yazi leaning against the stone railing by the riverbank, her arms crossed.

Elder Ye, long time no see, Yun Hanmian replied, suppressing her inner turmoil. She nodded in acknowledgment, holding her mask in one hand.

Ye Yazi studied Yun Hanmian intently, her willow-leaf eyebrows arching slightly as she recalled the scene she had just witnessed. She couldn’t help but chuckle.

It’s been ten years since we parted ways at Yun Chuan Zhengde Hall. Sect Leader Yun’s grace remains undiminished. Do you recognize those two disciples from earlier?

No, Yun Hanmian said, her lips pressed into a firm line. If Ye Yazi hadn’t sent that urgent message, she would have avoided meeting her again.

While Yun Weiyan’s crimes were undeniable, Ye Yazi’s act of gathering cultivators from various sects to attack Yun Chuan had brought utter disgrace upon the sect.

Yun Hanmian glanced indifferently at Ye Yazi, unwilling to waste time on polite formalities. She cut straight to the point

You sought me out. Have you uncovered any new leads regarding Yun Weiyan’s whereabouts?

Sect Leader Yun, must I have a reason to visit you? Ye Yazi replied, bending down to pick up the lantern Yun Hanmian had placed on the ground. Her bright yellow gauze dress glowed vividly in the night. She smiled nonchalantly, a hint of cunning glinting in her perceptive eyes.

Sect Leader Yun, Ye Yazi continued, stepping closer with the lantern in hand, her gaze fixed on Yun Hanmian’s suspicious expression. While we haven’t found any new leads yet, we do have a suspect whose identity remains unconfirmed.

Yun Hanmian followed Ye Yazi’s gaze across the bridge. On the opposite bank, shadowy figures flickered into view, all clad in the distinctive robes of Floating Beam Disciples.

These… are the same senior and junior sisters I just encountered.

Ye Yazi draped an arm casually over Yun Hanmian’s shoulder, her posture languid. She glanced sideways at Yun Hanmian’s furrowed brow and continued

The woman who removed your mask earlier is named Bai Ke. She’s the sole surviving disciple from this tragedy. Xu Yue even made an exception to promote her from the Outer Sect to the Inner Sect.

Sect Leader Yun, dare to make a wager with me? I bet Bai Ke is the Demonic Cultivator who died ten years ago.

Yun Hanmian gazed deeply at the slender figure before her, pondered for a moment, then took the lantern from Ye Yazi’s hand. Her voice remained steady as she asked, What do you need me to do?

Ye Yazi wore a confident smile. Simply return to the Sect’s headquarters with me, she said with a low chuckle.

A cool breeze stirred, as if disrupting Yun Hanmian’s thoughts.

Just as she was about to discuss the matter further with Ye Yazi, a series of urgent shouts erupted.

Demonic Cultivator! It’s a Demonic Cultivator!

Someone! Check on the person! Heavens! Half of her Spirit Root has been gouged out!

This oppressive aura—this cultivation level! Quick! Run!

A Great Ascension Stage Demonic Cultivator in the Cultivation World besides Yun Weiyan?!

They exchanged a glance, almost simultaneously guessing each other’s intentions.

Ye Yazi drew her sword and leaped into the chaotic crowd, slashing through the oppressive black mist. Though the mist parted briefly, it quickly reformed, enveloping her once more.

Among the crowd were many experienced cultivators who immediately recognized the eerie phenomenon, exclaiming in shock

It’s the Corrosion Art—a technique that vanished six thousand years ago!

The Jade Rainbow Sword slid from its sheath, its blade slicing through the black mist. Yun Hanmian soared into the air, her dark hair dancing wildly with the surging spiritual power.

Her mind and blade became one. The luminous sword shadows overlapped, and the cold moonlight bathed her flawless profile.

Yun… Sect Leader Yun! someone shouted, their voice cutting through the chaos.

The chaotic crowd instantly fell silent, then erupted into a thunderous cheer.

We’re saved! We’re saved!

Could this be Yun Chuan’s Phantom Sword Technique?!

That sword! Is that the Jade Rainbow Sword?!

A majestic sword cry reverberated through the air, lingering like the thunderous war drums on a battlefield.

Yun Hanmian moved with the sword, the black mist swirling around her like soft water, gradually expanding.

The razor-sharp blade pierced the dense wall of mist. Yun Hanmian glanced at Ye Yazi, confirming their shared intent.

Guided by her will, Yun Hanmian tightened her grip on the hilt and aimed the sword at the black mist before Ye Yazi. Refusing to be outdone, Ye Yazi raised her blade with one hand. Together, they thrust their weapons into the swirling darkness—

Break!

The black mist dissolved into the night. Ye Yazi’s gaze swept coldly over the panicked faces around her as she shouted, Where is the Demonic Cultivator?

Several Rogue Cultivators at the Nascent Soul Stage recognized her. While helping their injured companions, they recounted the events to Ye Yazi.

A dense fog separated the crowd. In broad daylight, someone reached into a person’s Dantian with their bare hands and tore out their Spirit Root!

This cruel method rivals that of the female demon Yun Weiyan from ten years ago!

Yun Hanmian moved to the injured woman’s side and knelt down, pressing two fingers against her neck. She slowly channeled spiritual power from her Dantian into the woman’s body.

But even if the woman survived, losing half her Spirit Root meant she would likely never cultivate again.

The woman looked at Yun Hanmian with despair. Her pale, weak hand suddenly gripped the fingers on her neck, her eyes filled with agony. She moved her lips, trying to speak and stop Yun Hanmian from saving her.

Everything will be alright, Yun Hanmian said, anticipating her thoughts. As long as you’re alive, there’s hope.

The woman cradling the injured woman wiped away her tears and clumsily began channeling spiritual power into her, mimicking Yun Hanmian’s actions.

That Demonic Cultivator is outrageously audacious! Elder Ye, Anyang City falls under Floating Beam’s jurisdiction!

The woman, barely suppressing her sobs, glared at Ye Yazi. I am a disciple of Sect Leader Xu of Jade Terrace, and she is the closed-door disciple of Elder Tao Li of Shangxuan. For this to happen within Floating Beam’s territory—

She spat out each word of her accusation

Floating Beam! You cannot escape responsibility!

Hidden in the deep shadows, the woman watched the scene unfold in Anyang City with satisfaction. She glanced up and her gaze collided with Yun Weiyan’s probing stare.

Just as I suspected.

Yun Weiyan immediately understood the entire situation. A name she knew by heart almost slipped from her lips.

She winked playfully at the mysterious woman and mouthed, Help me.

The woman chuckled silently. Her sharp mind instantly grasped Yun Weiyan’s intention, and she mouthed back

I’ll come for my reward later. For now, your wish is granted.

The dispersing black mist coalesced again, silently spreading through the pitch-black night to envelop Xu Zijin and Yun Weiyan from behind.

Junior Sister, Xu Zijin said, gripping Yun Weiyan’s hand tightly. The warmth of her skin seeped into Yun Weiyan’s heart through their seamless contact.

Yun Weiyan tilted her head to look at Xu Zijin, who had remained steadfastly by her side. Even after witnessing such a bloody spectacle, Xu Zijin hadn’t abandoned her.

Though clearly terrified herself, Xu Zijin had stood before her, sword raised, shielding her.

Truly…

Yun Weiyan withdrew her hand from Xu Zijin’s palm, cupping Xu Zijin’s face in both hands. She gazed at Xu Zijin’s delicate features and murmured, Hmm?

Xu Zijin pressed her cheek against Yun Weiyan’s hand, her expression earnest as she looked up at Yun Weiyan. Don’t be afraid, she said. I’m here.

Before she could finish, Yun Weiyan burst into laughter.

Truly adorably foolish.

How could anyone be so naive?

Taking someone as a close friend simply because they showed her kindness, whether intentional or not, and then treating them with such unwavering devotion.

Junior Sister, I know you can’t let go of our tragically deceased sect members. But don’t worry, I’ll protect them—

Thank you for your kindness, Senior Sister, Yun Weiyan interrupted, her tone sharp.

Xu Zijin froze, startled by the interruption. She immediately averted her gaze, trying to hide the sorrow in her eyes.

She cherished her junior sister, Bai Ke, deeply.

Back in Zhongshan, Xu Yue had been ostracized by the other Elders, making her life in the Inner Sect nearly impossible.

Later, when she followed her Master to Anyang City, the disciples there remained distant as well.

At her birth, her mother had consulted the Dao Xing Sect to have her fate read. They foretold that she would bring misfortune to those around her, destined to live a solitary life.

Her mother had sent her to the Xu Clan’s main family. Though her Master treated her exceptionally well, he couldn’t always attend to her needs.

To others, Junior Sister Bai Ke was different.

She was the second person, after her Master, to show her genuine kindness.

Xu Zijin occasionally found herself secretly grateful that her Master had rescued Bai Ke and brought her back to Anyang City. Otherwise, they might never have met.

Junior Sister—

Xu Zijin wanted to say more to Yun Weiyan, but when their eyes met, she swallowed hard and ultimately kept her words to herself.

Junior Sister, why did your eyes reveal such an indescribable sorrow when you first saw Sect Leader Yun?

Never mind. Sometimes, maintaining relationships requires feigning ignorance.

Yun Weiyan, oblivious to Xu Zijin’s inner turmoil, signaled the mysterious woman with a glance that the moment had arrived.

The mysterious woman manipulated the swirling black mist, directing it to plunge straight toward Xu Zijin’s Dantian.

Before Xu Zijin could even react, Yun Weiyan shoved her aside. She felt a dizzying whirl, her ears ringing with the words

Senior Sister, watch out!

The commotion between Yun Weiyan and Xu Zijin immediately drew Yun Hanmian’s attention. After entrusting the injured to Ye Yazi, she summoned the Jade Rainbow Sword and teleported to Yun Weiyan’s side in an instant.

Tendrils of black mist were burrowing into Yun Weiyan’s Dantian. Her fingers clamped tightly around Yun Hanmian’s wrist, crimson bl00d streaming relentlessly from the corner of her mouth.

So… so painful, Yun Weiyan gasped, her voice ragged. Please… protect my Senior Sister.

Straining to hold her shattered body together, she choked out the words, barely forming a coherent sentence.

She collapsed weakly into Yun Hanmian’s arms, her internal organs feeling as if they were being seared inch by inch with a scorching brand. Her vision began to blur, the faces around her fading into indistinct shapes.

Scarlet bl00d gushed from her throat, staining her deathly pale face and crimson lips. Yun Weiyan looked like a person on the verge of death.

Junior Sister!

Xu Zijin scrambled to her feet and rushed to Yun Weiyan’s side, only to be repelled by Yun Hanmian’s spiritual power.

Stay back, Yun Hanmian warned, her voice sharp.

With a swift strike of her sword, Yun Hanmian dispersed the lingering black mist around Yun Weiyan’s body. She retrieved a pure white medicinal pill from her Storage Ring and fed it to her, her expression grave.

Thank heavens, at least her heart meridian is protected.

Xu Zijin stared blankly at Yun Weiyan for a long moment, her mind haunted by an almost cursed prophecy. Her gaze fell, and she murmured to herself, her voice dazed.

That dark mist was meant for me. Junior Sister… she pushed me aside. Why? I should have been the one to bear it. Why her?

The crowd exchanged uneasy glances. Two Demonic Cultivator attacks had already occurred in Anyang City. Lingering here now meant risking another encounter.

Who’s to say I won’t be next?

The crowd gradually dispersed, forming small groups as they hurried away. The once-bustling Lantern Festival street was now eerily deserted.

Xu Yue, having received Ye Yazi’s message, immediately rushed to the scene with a physician and several sect disciples.

Recent Demonic Cultivator attacks in Anyang City had given Xu Yue a splitting headache. She longed to confront the ruthless cultivator in a decisive battle.

She had thought that after failing to thrive in Zhongshan, retreating to Anyang City would bring peace and stability. Yet the situation had spiraled out of control.

It wasn’t just disciples from Floating Beam Sect involved now those from Jade Terrace and Shangxuan Sect were implicated too.

Xu Yue sighed inwardly as she walked over to Xu Zijin. Seeing her disciple staring blankly at the bloodless Bai Ke, anger surged through her.

She yanked Xu Zijin up by the arm, scolding her with frustrated exasperation

What good is your regret now?! Bai Ke shielded you from harm. Instead of wallowing in grief here, come with me to hunt down that Demonic Cultivator!

At the mention of Demonic Cultivator, a flicker of light finally returned to Xu Zijin’s vacant eyes. She nodded woodenly at Xu Yue and followed behind her Master.

Xu Yue gazed worriedly at Yun Weiyan, who was curled up in Yun Hanmian’s arms, her heart aching with pity.

That Demonic Cultivator is utterly despicable! He’s already murdered thirty-three of Bai Ke’s senior brothers and sisters. Does he intend to slaughter her entire lineage in his madness?

Elder Xu, Yun Hanmian suddenly called out, waving her hand to dismiss Xu Yue’s greeting. Instead, she transferred Yun Weiyan to Xu Zijin’s arms.

Sect Leader Yun? Xu Yue, as an Elder of Floating Beam, had met Yun Hanmian before. She suspected Yun Hanmian’s presence in Anyang City was likely related to the Demonic Cultivator.

After all, the methods used in the massacre of Floating Beam’s Outer Sect Disciples that night bore a striking resemblance to Yun Weiyan’s style.

Yet tonight, Xu Yue was certain the Demonic Cultivator wasn’t Yun Weiyan.

The Corrosion Art hadn’t been seen in a millennium, and the texts detailing its cultivation methods had been lost six thousand years ago.

Yun Weiyan’s lifespan was barely over four hundred years. How could she have mastered such an ancient and forbidden technique?

Still, Xu Yue couldn’t decipher Yun Hanmian’s intentions.

She tentatively called out again, Sect Leader Yun.

Yun Hanmian finally snapped out of her thoughts and instructed Xu Zijin to take Yun Weiyan to a physician for treatment, using spirit herbs over a thousand years old to sustain her life.

Xu Zijin nodded, suppressing the tears in her eyes, thanked Yun Hanmian, and flew off to the physician’s residence with Yun Weiyan cradled in her arms.

Yun Hanmian stared intently at Yun Weiyan’s deathly pale profile for a long time, a growing sense of unease settling in her heart. The events of the night felt deeply suspicious.

Bai Ke…

Yun Hanmian murmured the name silently, a most improbable suspicion taking root in her mind.