Let Me Explain in Three Sentences

Along the way, Jiang Ningshu began carrying out what seemed like nonsensical tasks.

She would stir up trouble for no reason, then casually justify her actions with flimsy excuses—all to manipulate Liu Ruwen into doing her bidding.

The goal was to subdue Liu Ruwen through these tasks.

Whenever Liu Ruwen performed well, Jiang Ningshu would reward her with resources useful for someone of her cultivation level.

Jiang Ningshu was also exceedingly patient, always speaking to Liu Ruwen in a gentle, encouraging tone.

She even offered her occasional guidance.

But in Liu Ruwen’s eyes, this senior was a fool—too quick to trust, with methods that were passable but far from refined.

Liu Ruwen believed that while Jiang Ningshu’s cultivation surpassed her own, her wisdom was questionable at best.

More importantly, Liu Ruwen noticed one critical detail: Jiang Ningshu was incredibly wealthy in resources.

The temptation to kill and plunder grew unbearable, especially since Jiang Ningshu trusted her so blindly—it would be effortless.

Yet, for now, Liu Ruwen chose to keep up the act.

She still couldn’t gauge the strength of Jiang Ningshu’s two companions.

Indeed, throughout their journey, Su Luo and Little Yu had merely observed, never lifting a finger during these so-called "tasks."

This made Liu Ruwen proceed with extreme caution.

"Senior, it’s done."

Another "task" completed.

Liu Ruwen beamed at Jiang Ningshu like a child seeking praise for a good deed.

"Good job."

Jiang Ningshu nodded approvingly, handing over the usual rewards.

"Thank you, Senior!" Liu Ruwen’s voice trembled with feigned emotion. "No one has ever treated me so kindly."

Her tone dripped with such sincerity that anyone would feel a swell of pride.

Jiang Ningshu was no exception—her lips curled smugly beneath her hood. Who says I can’t win people over?

Though her expression was hidden, Liu Ruwen was certain: Jiang Ningshu trusted her completely.

How gullible.

The time was ripe. Liu Ruwen, never one to hesitate, began plotting in earnest.

Deceiving someone this naive had taken far too long—it was almost an insult to her reputation.

That night, Jiang Ningshu, Su Luo, and Little Yu spoke in hushed tones.

"Well? Liu Ruwen is practically devoted to me now. Getting her to do anything won’t be a problem."

"Impressive. Little Yu and I will take our leave and follow you in secret."

"Why?"

"Having us around might cramp your style."

Su Luo shrugged, offering a flimsy excuse.

He’d figured it out: Liu Ruwen hadn’t acted yet because she feared him and Little Yu.

By removing themselves, they’d spare her the trouble of scheming to separate them.

"Fine," Jiang Ningshu agreed, though she’d have preferred Su Luo’s company when dealing with Liu Ruwen.

But if this sped things up, so be it. Once Liu Ruwen was fully under her thumb, she’d send her off to Soulreturn Valley—away from her and Su Luo.

Soon after, Su Luo and Little Yu departed.

Liu Ruwen, feigning curiosity, asked, "Where are they going?"

"Oh, they had urgent matters. Let’s keep moving."

"Of course." The heavens themselves are aiding me.

Another "incident" was resolved, and Jiang Ningshu lavished Liu Ruwen with yet more resources.

"Thank you, but this is too much. I only did what was expected."

Jiang Ningshu waved her off. "Take it. Good work deserves rewards."

Such generosity.

Liu Ruwen’s gratitude was a mask—her greed raged unchecked. This woman is a walking treasure trove.

Then, she set her plan in motion.

Traps were laid. Poison was prepared. The dagger, too, was coated.

Coincidentally, Jiang Ningshu proposed another "task."

Assuming Liu Ruwen’s preparations were for that, she paid no mind—until a bowl of soup was offered.

"Senior, you’ve worked hard these days. Please, have some soup." Liu Ruwen’s voice was sweet, her demeanor docile.

Jiang Ningshu stared at the bowl in silence.

The poison within was odorless, tasteless, nearly undetectable.

But Jiang Ningshu was no fool. Such tricks couldn’t deceive her.

When Jiang Ningshu didn’t drink, Liu Ruwen added, "I’m ashamed to admit—it’s made from the ingredients you gave me. I hope it’s not beneath you."

She took a slow sip herself.

Jiang Ningshu paused. Does she not know it’s poisoned?

Then it struck her—Liu Ruwen must have taken an antidote beforehand.

Tch. This isn’t going well.

The poison posed no threat; Liu Ruwen couldn’t harm her even if she tried.

No, the real loss was the wasted effort of these past days.

Maybe it was an accident. Maybe she didn’t mean to poison me.

Jiang Ningshu nearly sighed.

That’s a stretch.

Still, she drank.

Liu Ruwen’s heart soared.

The next instant, Jiang Ningshu collapsed.

"Senior!" Liu Ruwen rushed forward, her concern a perfect act—until her dagger flashed. "Senior, you should just—die!"

The strike wasn’t fatal; she wanted Jiang Ningshu immobilized, suffering.

After all those days calling her ‘senior,’ she owes me pain.

But in a blur, Liu Ruwen’s arm—dagger still clutched—hit the ground.

A scream tore from her throat.

Jiang Ningshu rose slowly.

"You drank the poison!" Liu Ruwen shrieked. "You shouldn’t be able to move!"

Jiang Ningshu spat out the soup. "Better?"

"No! That poison dissolves on contact! Even with demonic energy shielding, it—"

"Your demonic energy is simply too weak."

Liu Ruwen’s traps and spells erupted in desperation—all useless.

Jiang Ningshu brushed them aside effortlessly.

How?! Liu Ruwen’s mind reeled. I’d gauged her strength!

Then it hit her.

She was pretending.

But why? If Jiang Ningshu wanted her dead, why not kill her when she was wounded by the Earthrat? Why play this charade for days?

Is this some kind of game?!

Rage and terror warred within her. She still wanted to live—there had to be a way.

Think, Liu Ruwen! You’re smarter than her!

Jiang Ningshu’s voice cut through the silence.

"You have three sentences to explain yourself."

Three sentences.

A death sentence.