"Your birthday? What a coincidence."
"Slaying demons and devils on your birthday—you really do look a bit like a protagonist."
"Fine then, I'll stay a bit..."
The voices gradually faded above the waters of Yeshan Lake.
Roughly two shichen later.
A fair, tender little hand clutched a slender brush, crooked writing wandering across the xuan paper.
"I haven't written in my diary for the past few days because I went and did a great and meaningful deed!
"...The blade spun in my hand as myriad bolts of lightning surged forth. Everywhere my gaze fell, every guiling was slain!
"In the end, the Luotong River Lord, that mighty guiling that brought disaster to the four quarters, didn't struggle at all beneath my heroic strike.
"In the final moments before its life faded, the Luotong River Lord told me its story.
"It turns out it had once been a human being who joined the Heavenly Sect, and had a childhood-sweetheart senior brother.
"However, when the two ventured out on an adventure together, it met an unfortunate demise in the outside world, and upon waking, it was no longer human..."
"As expected, behind every great villain lies a touching story."
Jiang Yunxi set down her brush and glanced at the kitchen knife beside her, feeling both delighted and a little regretful.
What a pity the kitchen knife hadn't bled and shattered in her arms—or perhaps, had she been blinded in one eye or lost a leg, this world-saving expedition would have been even more legendary and unforgettable.
Although her diary depicted this world-saving journey as fraught with perils—where she had even endured several bloody battles—in reality, she had crushed everything in her path without the slightest danger.
"Indeed, the world-saving journey beneath my brush is far more interesting than in reality."
In this moment, Jiang Yunxi lived through her writing.
"Is it because reality went too smoothly and was too exhilarating that... it feels lacking in style?"
"Old Cai, what are you doing?"
Jiang Yunxi's thoughts drifted as she cast another glance at Qi Yuan.
"I'm summarizing the gains from this trip,"
Qi Yuan answered simply and said no more.
His words were half true, half false.
At this moment, his thoughts were rather complicated.
"The reward for fully completing the roleplay is actually... Wood."
The first reward he had received for playing the kitchen knife was the sharpness of Iron. The second had been similar, granting Qi Yuan a body comparable to a Heaven-rank artifact.
Now that the roleplay was fully complete, the reward was the vitality of Wood.
Vast, inexhaustible vitality flooded Qi Yuan's body.
"So this wood... is the knife handle?"
Qi Yuan couldn't help but make that connection.
The final reward seemed related to the handle.
"Originally, I was a skill-based warrior. After gaining a powerful physical body, I became invincible and unstoppable. Now, with so much wood vitality, am I truly... immortal?"
To a certain extent, the rewards from this roleplay could be considered exceptionally generous.
The endless flow of vitality was like a surging river. Coupled with the ultimate skill Dying Radiance, he would erupt with tremendous power when besieged.
If surrounded by experts of the same rank, he could practically be unkillable!
[Kitchen Knife roleplay complete. Character Role Four unlocked.]
[Character Role Four: Blind Implement Master.]
Instantly, a vast torrent of information flooded into Qi Yuan's mind.
The Blind Implement Master was born blind. His parents were impoverished and could not support a blind infant, ultimately throwing him into a river on a rainy night.
The blind baby was fortunate; he drifted into the deep mountains and was picked up by an old man.
The old man was a down-and-out apprentice implement master whose lifelong wish was to become a true implement master.
Unfortunately, he lacked the talent, so he pinned his hopes on the blind child.
When the Blind Implement Master was seven, the old man passed away, leaving the boy with an inner demon.
He wanted to become a God-rank... implement master to fulfill the old man's lifelong wish!
His talent was actually extraordinary, with an astounding memory; he mastered implement-crafting arts at a single glance.
Unfortunately, he... was blind.
Even searching out powerful medical saints had yielded no cure.
Blindness placed far too great a limitation on crafting implements.
Despite his astounding talent, the Blind Implement Master peaked as a Heaven-rank implement master.
His greatest wish in this life was to become a God-rank implement master, or even go further, to take a look at the higher realms.
"Mm, this actually looks like something born of my blood. As for matrilocal son-in-law Qi Yuan... he's just too useless."
Qi Yuan had already formed a guess.
Back when this game collapsed, he had poured his essence blood into it to keep the game world from being destroyed.
The roles he was currently playing were essentially continuations of his essence blood.
Still, Qi Yuan was surprised by just how much variety his essence blood could take on.
Not only was there the matrilocal son-in-law Qi Yuan, but there was also a kitchen knife.
Fortunately, there were also figures like the Blind Implement Master.
He carefully recalled the Blind Implement Master's life.
In an instant, various forging techniques and repair arts flowed into his mind.
Qi Yuan gained a deeper comprehension of the Dao of implement crafting.
"This Blind Implement Master is truly a genius with great talent—unlike the son-in-law Qi Yuan, who spends all day thinking about getting bullied and pouring foot-washing water for his mother-in-law."
Qi Yuan felt quite gratified.
At least his blood was good for something.
"Hm?"
Suddenly, Qi Yuan's expression shifted slightly.
In the Blind Implement Master's memories, he heard a familiar voice.
"Is this... the voice of son-in-law Qi Yuan's father?"
"Did he have dealings with the Blind Implement Master?"
Qi Yuan felt curious.
He hadn't expected the world to be so small.
"Sir, your talent is astounding, with hopes of stepping into the God rank or even further. Please join us, and together, for the Qingshan Realm and for our homeland, let us disperse the darkness and bring back the light!"
These were the words of son-in-law Qi Yuan's father.
According to the Blind Implement Master's memories, son-in-law Qi Yuan's father had joined a mysterious organization. This organization was somewhat eccentric, constantly rambling about how the world was facing destruction, and that only by uniting all implement masters to forge the ultimate artifact could doom be averted.
Qi Yuan's father had invited the Blind Implement Master to join their organization and forge the ultimate artifact.
However, the Blind Implement Master had refused.
"I need to make note of this. After all, to play the role of the matrilocal son-in-law Qi Yuan, I have to understand and master all the information related to him."
"As for playing the Blind Implement Master..."
Qi Yuan pondered.
Suddenly, he narrowed his eyes.
"This roleplay is peculiar. Once I begin, I will actually become blind. Moreover... if the completion isn't perfected, will I stay permanently locked in the Blind Implement Master state?"
The other roles had no such issue.
He could be the kitchen knife, Divine Descent, or son-in-law Qi Yuan, switching at will.
Playing the Blind Implement Master, however, was different; once begun, it had to be cleared in a single run.
"Is this because his will is the strongest among all the roleplay characters, taking dominance?"
Qi Yuan guessed.
"It seems I can't play the Blind Implement Master just yet; I still need to play son-in-law Qi Yuan and Divine Descent."
"However, even if I don't initiate it myself, I'll be forced to play it within five months at most."
Qi Yuan sighed inwardly.
There were limits to the roleplay system. Right now, he didn't want to be locked exclusively into the Blind Implement Master.
Yet if he didn't initiate it, in five months at most, he would be forced into it automatically.
"No matter. I still have five months. I need to rapidly raise my strength, and... study more.
"After all, the Blind Implement Master's lifelong wish was merely to become a God-rank implement master. If I become a God-rank implement master within five months, wouldn't I pass the roleplay the moment I start it?"
Qi Yuan had no desire to go blind.
He couldn't help looking toward Jiang Yunxi, a subtle glint in his eyes.
"Shouldn't I put these connections to good use?"
...
The fall of the Luotong River Lord triggered an immense shockwave.
Especially since that day, ten weapon wielders had entered the underwater palace, and the strongest among them, Sorrowful Wind Hand Wei Kun, had chosen to remain behind.
Yet who could have known that not long after the other weapon wielders left, an earth-shattering roar erupted from the underwater palace, and the sturdy artifact collapsed on the spot, reduced to nothingness.
Sorrowful Wind Hand Wei Kun perished within the underwater palace, never to emerge.
This caught the remaining weapon wielders off guard, making them suspect there might be a conspiracy afoot.
Each harbored their own thoughts, but news of the River Lord's demise and the words Jiang Yunxi had left carved on its back spread like wildfire.
In particular, the Prince of Zhenshan sought out Jiang Yunxi the following day.
Regarding the events in the underwater palace, Jiang Yunxi was hesitant and evasive. That night, however, the Prince of Zhenshan coincidentally stumbled upon her personal diary, revealing the 'truth' of what had transpired.
"Jiang Yunxi is actually a Child of Destiny! A mysterious old man took a liking to her, lending her an artifact kitchen knife with which she slew the River Lord!"
"Hiss! A mere Mystic-rank weapon wielder managed to slay the Luotong River Lord, an existence even the Heavenly Sect struggled to handle—just what rank was that artifact?!"
"From this day forth, I am Commandery Princess Jiang Yunxi's dog!"
"The Luotong River Lord is actually gone... gone just like that?"
All who heard the news felt as though they were living through a dream.
Everyone had been holding the implement master conference with fiery fervor, discussing the restoration of Weilong Xuanyuan, while various weapon wielders had prepared themselves to die in battle against the River Lord.
Yet now, they were told that the River Lord was suddenly gone—slain by an obscure commandery princess.
Today's Jiang Yunxi could well be called heaven's favored daughter.
At the Prince of Zhenshan's temporary residence, crowds arrived every day bearing gifts.
The prince beamed from ear to ear every day, thoroughly delighted.
In contrast, Jiang Yunxi kept a low profile, remaining indoors and having the implement masters from the conference send over ancient texts on implement crafting every day, which earned her widespread admiration.
"Neither arrogant nor impetuous, Commandery Princess Yunxi possesses the grace of a true phoenix!"
"What a pity, though. I heard from an old storyteller at the tavern that when that terrifying, legendary artifact slew the Luotong River Lord, it took several blows from the monster to protect Commandery Princess Yunxi, turning to ash in the process."
Someone sighed with regret.
In the end, Jiang Yunxi had truly immersed herself in her writing, having even revised her diary.
In her story, her artifact kitchen knife had heroically shattered to protect its master.
"I wonder when I'll ever obtain an artifact like that?"
At the same time, outside a certain courtyard, Xie Danran wore a solemn expression, appearing full of righteous integrity. A closer look, however, would reveal a sliver of anxiety buried deep within his eyes.
He stood respectfully outside the courtyard, straight and upright.
Right then, a maidservant walked out.
"Young Master Xie, please come in. The commandery princess is waiting for you inside."
Xie Danran hastily gave a salute.
Yet his heart was filled with conflicting emotions.
A few days ago on Yeshan Lake, he had run into that foolish commandery princess.
A confrontation had broken out between them back then.
She had claimed she was going to save the world and told him not to stop her.
He had scoffed, mocking her in his heart.
Who could have imagined that the River Lord would actually be slain by Jiang Yunxi?
"The commandery princess detests evil and possesses an innocent, naive nature... I must have offended her last time. During this meeting, I must turn my image around. I might not be able to fool someone as clever as Shen Lingxuan, but can't I fool someone like her?"
Xie Danran's thoughts churned, and he drew himself up even straighter, the very picture of a modest gentleman.
He had to rehabilitate his image before the princess.
Led by the maidservant, he soon came before Jiang Yunxi, who sat behind a sheer curtain.
Xie Danran quickly bowed. "Xie Danran of the Heavenly Sect greets Her Highness the Commandery Princess! Your Highness stepped forward and delivered the common people from dire straits; Danran is filled with boundless admiration!"
He stooped low, practically kneeling on the ground, his attitude exceedingly humble.
"Back at Yeshan Lake, Danran failed to recognize a true phoenix and offended Your Highness. Whenever I look back upon it, I feel overwhelmed by inexhaustible guilt!"
Behind the curtain, Jiang Yunxi's toes practically curled with delight; she clearly relished being flattered.
However, recalling the serious task Qi Yuan had given her, she spoke up, her voice crisp and delicate, like a fawn nibbling young lotus root: "I heard you once offered a vicious scheme, wishing to present Shen Lingxuan to the visitors from the Central Land's Rakshasa Country?"
Xie Danran was slightly puzzled. Had the princess summoned him not over his past obstruction, but to ask about this instead?
He immediately dropped to his knees, his expression turning fervent and impassioned: "Your Highness may not know, but the person I adore and cherish most in this life is my junior sister, Shen Lingxuan.
"If you ask who hurt the most at sending Junior Sister to the people of the Rakshasa Country, it was naturally me! That agony—gouging my heart out ten times over wouldn't match it!
"Yet despite the pain, for the sake of the three hundred million commoners of Jining Prefecture, I had to voice that vicious scheme!"
Kneeling on the ground, Xie Danran wept bitterly, appearing thoroughly racked with guilt.
He pounded his chest as he spoke, tears streaming down his face.
Behind the curtain, Jiang Yunxi was somewhat moved by Xie Danran's performance.
Could Old Cai have been mistaken?
Was Xie Danran actually a good person, and they had misunderstood him?
Still, recalling Old Cai's instructions, she huffed coldly, "Hmph, who knows what wicked intentions you harbored!"
"If it can save the masses, what do I care if my own body is broken?"
The two continued talking back and forth.
With Jiang Yunxi's wits—she possessed a bit of cleverness, but not much—after an hour of conversation, she was completely swayed by Xie Danran.
The confidence in Xie Danran's eyes swelled, and his posture straightened more and more.
He had a feeling that given another few hours, he could wrap Jiang Yunxi around his little finger.
"You may withdraw," Jiang Yunxi dismissed him with a wave of her hand.
This left Xie Danran rather melancholy, feeling he had many more tricks left unused.
Even so, he could only take his leave.
"Old Cai, I feel like this Xie Danran really is a good person. When he speaks, he's so upright and impassioned—he looks just like an honorable hero straight out of a storybook.
"Alas, I followed your instructions and tried to provoke him, but he didn't get angry at all, and he didn't even say a single foul word," Jiang Yunxi whispered.
Not far away, the kitchen knife flipping through books paused.
"Ah, you are still too young. I'm leaving tomorrow, so consider this the final lesson of your life."
"Come, let me ask you: the whole time, did Xie Danran utter a single profanity or insulting remark?" Qi Yuan asked.
"No," Jiang Yunxi nodded.
"That proves he knows profanities and insults inside out, which is why he was able to avoid them so flawlessly."
"Huh?"
"Do you understand now? How could anyone who knows all that inside out be a good person?
"This isn't an ordinary morally bankrupt man; this is a morally bankrupt man who is an expert at disguising himself!"
Jiang Yunxi's eyes went wide. "Old Cai, that makes total sense!"
It was as if clouds had parted to reveal the sun, a sudden epiphany dawning upon her.
"Furthermore, during all those hours, did he ever deny being a murderer, a rapist, a bandit, or a guiling?"
"It seems... he didn't."
"Then the answer is obvious."
"The more I think about it, the more terrifying it is! Old Cai, if not for you, I wouldn't have known he was so good at hiding it. I'll have someone execute him right away!" Jiang Yunxi said hastily.
Having slain the Luotong River Lord and saved Jining Prefecture, she now wielded tremendous influence, and her words carried immense weight.
Xie Danran had crossed her; for him, there was only the path to death!
"Old Cai, you truly are a great teacher. A single casual remark from you enlightens me like nectar poured upon my head. What a pity... that I cannot remain by your side for long," Jiang Yunxi said with a hint of dejection in her tone. "Otherwise, with my talent, besides becoming the world's greatest cook and its savior, there's no reason I couldn't have become the cleverest person in Great Ning!"
Because of her birthday, Old Cai had stayed by her side for one extra day.
Later, because Old Cai wanted to read books, he had stayed a few more days.
Now that the books were finished, the time had come for Old Cai to depart.
Chapter 515