It’s Not Easy To Be A Villain This Time

Ji Rong prided herself on having seen it all, but this was a first.

The protagonist smiled gently at her, eyes clear as water, as though the bloodstains on her prison clothes were no more than embroidered peonies.

Ji Rong, however, didn't share that perspective.

She could already foresee the protagonist towering over her, sword poised to plunge straight into her heart.

In that instant, blood would spray everywhere, and her villainous career would come to an abrupt end.

Ji Rong's heart clenched painfully for a moment, but she feigned calmness and retorted, "Utter nonsense."

Gu Baiyi merely smiled and replied, "If you don't want others to know, don't do it in the first place."

The atmosphere instantly grew tense.

Looking at Gu Baiyi bound by the spirit-locking chains, Ji Rong was suddenly reminded that even though the protagonist's character setting had collapsed, she was in a dire situation now. Who knew who might kill whom in the future?

Moreover, the original host's decision to poison herself had been utterly bizarre. Ji Rong had searched the room yesterday and found no antidote hidden anywhere.

If not for Sect Master Mei's intervention, the original host would've already perished. Naturally, no one would believe Ji Rong was ruthless enough to poison herself so severely.

Ji Rong couldn't wrap her head around the original host's logic and self-sabotaging antics, let alone explain them to the Wan Jian Sect members.

Having sorted through her thoughts, Ji Rong regained her composure.

Now, she regarded Gu Baiyi like a bucket of clear water—calm and devoid of emotion. "Junior Sister Gu, you misunderstand. I never outright accused you of harming me; there's no need for unnecessary speculation."

The next moment, Gu Baiyi burst into laughter, tears glistening at the corners of her eyes.

In a hoarse voice, she said, "Senior Sister, only you and I were present that day. Either you or I should be locked up here. If you didn't accuse me, then are you taking my place?"

Ji Rong coolly replied, "You've lost your mind."

"So what if I have? It's better than living as neither human nor ghost." Gu Baiyi's laugh was graceful, her beauty undiminished even in the dungeon's gloom.

Hearing this, Ji Rong admitted she felt a flicker of sympathy for the protagonist.

As a player who had cleared the game, she fully understood how difficult the protagonist's journey had been—but that wasn't the point.

The point was, Ji Rong had once been the kind of player to spam the game forums with "Why isn't Ji Rong dead yet?"

Unconsciously, her gaze toward Gu Baiyi softened, imbued with a tender warmth akin to maternal love—a glow of pity for a tragic daughter.

[Ding! Gu Baiyi's Favorability -10]

Ji Rong: "..."

Tch. Late-blooming affection is always worthless.

Gu Baiyi smiled faintly and asked, "Senior Sister, are you pitying me?"

Ji Rong shook her head.

No, you're overthinking it. I'm just reminiscing about my thrilling gaming exploits.

The next moment, Ji Rong lifted Gu Baiyi's chin, locking eyes with her.

In a soft voice, she said, "I pity you for being so intelligent yet making such foolish choices. Why do you think everyone protects me instead of believing you? Still don't understand?"

Ji Rong leaned closer to Gu Baiyi's ear, her voice low and deliberate. When she raised her head, her expression was arrogant and cold—truly embodying Ji Rong's persona.

"Junior Sister Gu, you must admit I am stronger than you and more valuable. That's why you're the one imprisoned here."

She chuckled lightly and released Gu Baiyi's chin.

Taking out a silk handkerchief, Ji Rong meticulously wiped each blood-stained finger clean.

She then burned the handkerchief with a fire incantation and said indifferently, "When your value surpasses mine, we can talk about fairness."

Gu Baiyi was visibly stunned, seemingly unprepared for Ji Rong's words.

After a moment, she recovered and smiled. "Thank you for the lesson, Senior Sister."

[Ding! Gu Baiyi's Favorability +10]

Ji Rong: "..."

Gu Baiyi must be a masochist.

Ji Rong initially felt she had been incredibly cool just now, but the thought of the harsher survival challenges ahead left her conflicted.

Being cool was fun in the moment, but for villains, it always ended at the crematorium.

Not wanting to waste more words with Gu Baiyi, Ji Rong decided to stay in character and avoid lowering her favorability any further.

With an air of mystery, she said, "Take care of yourself."

She then turned and left without another word.

"Senior Sister, wait a moment."

Ji Rong turned back, only to see Gu Baiyi smiling sweetly—a blend of charm and tea-like bitterness that made Ji Rong deeply uncomfortable.

Gu Baiyi said gently, "Senior Sister, don't forget the sect's trial three days from now. Make sure to attend."

Having grown accustomed to the protagonist's unpredictability, Ji Rong didn't bother responding and walked away.

Thus, she missed what happened next.

The dungeon returned to silence.

The white figure faded from Gu Baiyi's sight.

The smile on Gu Baiyi's lips gradually disappeared. She lowered her head, looking at the bloodstains on her prison robes, a hint of disgust flashing across her face.

The pile of ashes remained at her feet.

Gu Baiyi stared at it quietly, her black hair cascading over her shoulders, concealing the madness and killing intent in her eyes.

After a while, she calmed herself, lifted her head, and smiled. "Elder, have you heard enough?"

The dungeon corner appeared empty, but footsteps echoed on the stairs.

It seemed someone adept at the Riding the Wind realm's concealment spell had been present.

The invisibility spell faded, and Shen Mingyun slowly revealed himself. "When did you notice me?"

Gu Baiyi's smile remained gentle. "From the incense on your robes. The cold sandalwood scent gave you away the moment you entered the dungeon."

Shen Mingyun nodded approvingly. "Impressive. You're quite sharp."

"Thank you for the compliment, Elder."

"So, you were baiting Ji Rong just now to let me hear?" Shen Mingyun's tone was casual, but his words carried weight.

Gu Baiyi's voice was soft and unassuming. "You overestimate me, Elder. How would I dare to scheme against Senior Sister?"

Shen Mingyun paused briefly before laughing. "No need to be so tense, little friend. This old man was merely jesting."

Seeing Shen Mingyun return to his usual demeanor, Gu Baiyi suddenly said, "Then let me tell you a joke, Elder."

"Go ahead."

"Since you're so meticulous, did you also notice when those three came in to humiliate me earlier?"

"Oh? Are you blaming this old man now?"

Shen Mingyun's smile remained, but his gaze sharpened.

Gu Baiyi shook her head. Regardless of her grievances, what could she do now?

Coughing up blood, she said faintly, "How would I dare? Just a joke, Elder. Please don't mind it."

Shen Mingyun studied her, his sharp gaze softening. He sighed and conjured spiritual energy, cleansing her wounds and clothing.

He then handed her a rejuvenation pill from his sleeve.

Though Gu Baiyi disliked taking pills, she obediently swallowed it.

As the bitterness lingered in her mouth, the pain in her wounds eased, though the spirit-locking chains remained firmly in place.

Looking at Gu Baiyi's youthful face, Shen Mingyun wondered how someone so young could harbor such depth of thought.

He sighed again. "This situation is partly my fault. But it was a necessary measure. I hope you understand."

Gu Baiyi smiled faintly. "Thank you for the medicine, Elder. However, I don't understand what happened, nor what fault you bear. How can I forgive?"

"Ah, the arrogance of youth. Your potential is boundless."

For the first time, Shen Mingyun felt troubled by a disciple. Rubbing his temples, he said, "Rest here until the trial. No one will disturb you before then."

"Thank you, Elder. I'll be waiting," Gu Baiyi replied, her eyes gleaming briefly. "Waiting for the sect trial in three days."