The Male Lead I Wronged Has Blackened
CHAPTER 16: Return
Si Yao swallowed the words she had wanted to say to Jiang Shuo and turned blankly toward the little Vermilion Bird.
The tiny bird blinked its big, dark eyes at her, opening and closing its little beak as it let out a soft, childlike voice. “Mommy.”
Si Yao nearly fell over in shock.
What do you mean mommy? You’re a bird! Who are you even calling that?
Even though it was ridiculously cute, seeing a fiery red bird speak human words right in front of her completely startled this traditional 21st-century girl.
Si Yao stared at the little Vermilion Bird, completely dumbfounded, while the hatchling looked back at her with big, pitiful eyes.
Feeling a bit sorry for it, she waved a hand at the bird. “I’m not your mommy.”
Then she pointed toward Jiang Shuo, who was standing nearby. “He’s the one you should call mommy.”
Jiang Shuo: “…”
The divine Vermilion Bird was far smarter than ordinary creatures. Upon hearing her words, it glanced at Jiang Shuo before quickly looking back at Si Yao. “Mommy.”
Si Yao: “…”
Helpless, she had no choice but to beckon it over. The little Vermilion Bird perked up the moment it saw her signal, flapping its wings and aiming for her arms.
But before it could reach her, someone grabbed it midair by both wings.
Jiang Shuo held the little Vermilion Bird in one hand like it was a chick. The hatchling flapped desperately, trying to escape, but it couldn’t move an inch. Its large eyes shimmered with tears as it looked at Si Yao, as if begging for help.
“I told you, with your current cultivation, if it touches you, the flames will burn you instantly,” Jiang Shuo interrupted coldly, shutting down her plan to take the Vermilion Bird. Then, holding the hatchling up in front of her, he added with a hint of teasing, “Want to try touching it?”
Si Yao shook her head immediately. No thanks.
Jiang Shuo, pleased with his little prank, set the hatchling down on the ground. His voice turned icy. “I remember divine beasts can transform even in their youth.”
Once the Vermilion Bird transforms, its divine fire will no longer harm anyone unintentionally.
The little hatchling shivered at his cold tone, taking a few tentative steps back.
Jiang Shuo’s gaze sharpened. “Hurry.”
Startled, the hatchling’s body glowed with a brilliant red light.
When the light faded, the Vermilion Bird had transformed into a small boy with fiery red hair.
The boy looked around two or three years old, adorably dressed in a little red vest, standing barefoot on the ground.
His big, dark eyes glistened as if still frightened. The moment he became human, he dashed behind Si Yao, leaving only his tiny head peeking out, looking pitifully at Jiang Shuo.
He clutched the edge of Si Yao’s clothes with his chubby little hands. Si Yao’s heart melted. She glared at the culprit who had scared the little cutie, then reached out to stroke his short, fiery hair, soothing him gently. “It’s okay, it’s okay.”
The little Vermilion Bird was incredibly affectionate. Si Yao named him A-Xuan, a simple and easy-to-remember name.
For some reason, A-Xuan immediately trusted and clung to Si Yao, as if she were the safest person in the world.
—
The next morning, just as the first light of dawn crept in, Si Yao hadn’t fully woken when the system buzzed in her ear.
【New plot unlocked. Host, you must change the broken storyline.】
Still half-asleep, Si Yao rubbed her eyes.
Work again, ugh, the life of the unlucky.
“What’s the next plot?” she asked the system with a tired yawn, voice weak.
【Originally, Jiang Shuo returns to Xuanming Sect, inherits the position of Sect Leader, and reforms the sect with an iron fist, purging the corrupt elders and leading the sect to fend off attacks from other factions, making Xuanming Sect the number one sect in Canglan Continent.】
【Along the way, he befriends Mu Yuanbai, who becomes Jiang Shuo’s trusted right-hand and contributes greatly to his conquests across the continent.】
Si Yao nodded. That plot sounded manageable. As long as no one deliberately caused trouble, it should go smoothly.
“Mommy——”
Suddenly, a heart-wrenching cry rang out. Si Yao’s heart skipped a beat and she was instantly awake. Could it be A-Xuan in trouble?
She didn’t hesitate, rolling out of bed and rushing toward the sound.
Bursting into the room, she saw A-Xuan sitting on the floor, his new clothes—just changed yesterday—dirty and messy.
Across the room, Jiang Shuo sat calmly at a table, elegantly pouring himself a cup of tea and taking a small sip.
Si Yao’s tension eased immediately. Of course—it had to be Jiang Shuo teasing him again. She hurried over to help A-Xuan up, scolding him while fussing over him. “Didn’t I tell you? You have to call me sister…”
The system’s timing was impeccable. Early that same morning, Jiang Shuo received a summons from the Sect Leader of Xuanming Sect, asking him to return immediately.
After all, Xuanming Sect had trained him, and Jiang Shuo couldn’t refuse. He prepared to head back.
Si Yao, wanting to help Jiang Shuo follow the plot, asked to go with him. Jiang Shuo seemed somewhat surprised by her request, but agreed nonetheless.
Si Yao also insisted he bring A-Xuan. That little rascal had been rescued from the Yun clan—he couldn't be left alone.
Si Yao’s cultivation had reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, giving her the ability to fly with her sword. She had even spent 10 points to trade for a sword from the system, perfect for speeding along the journey.
Flying was leagues faster than riding a horse, and soon they arrived at Xuanming Sect. From afar, Si Yao gazed at the towering gates, afraid to step closer.
She had gone too far with Jiang Shuo back then, and many in the sect still knew about it. She worried that if she returned now, someone might tie her up and beat her to a pulp.
Si Yao quietly took out the mask she had prepared beforehand and put it on, covering the upper half of her face. Only then did she follow behind Jiang Shuo as they entered the sect gates.
Jiang Shuo’s fame as the number one genius spread far and wide, and he was the pride of the entire Xuanming Sect. The Sect Leader had sent a large entourage to welcome him, and the moment he stepped through the gate, he was immediately surrounded by them.
Seeing that no one paid any attention to her, Si Yao slipped away from the crowd and quietly made her way toward the back mountains.
During her first mission, she had spent three years in Xuanming Sect and knew the paths inside like the back of her hand. The back mountain was remote and rarely visited, making it the perfect hiding spot.
Si Yao strolled leisurely along the back mountain. With the mask on, she had no fear of being noticed. The roadside was dotted with wild fruits, tart and sweet. She had loved these fruits back then, and it had been ages since she’d tasted them. Unable to resist, she picked a large handful and nibbled as she walked.
She continued forward, only to realize this place wasn’t as empty as she had thought. Just as she reached the mountain peak, she saw a man in blue robes holding a long sword, moving with sharp precision. Every step, every swing radiated deadly force.
Si Yao didn’t want to meet anyone from Xuanming Sect, and was about to leave, when she accidentally stepped on a dry branch, which snapped loudly underfoot.
“Who’s there?”
A sharp voice rang out, followed by the sound of someone springing into the air. When she looked up, the man in blue was suddenly right in front of her.
The cold edge of his sword pointed straight at her throat. His clear eyes stared into hers as he asked in a crisp, even tone, “Who are you?”
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