The Heroine Must Die

“That disciple went to Sky-covering Valley to approach Herbert. He almost succeeded. Fortunately, Herbert and the others were prepared.”

Lauren felt a chill.

They knew almost nothing about the Lower Realm, yet they’d nearly outmaneuvered Herbert. If the Upper Realm ever gained full knowledge of this world’s layout and power structure…

It would be a nightmare.

“Oh. Kareem’s now their dedicated messenger,” Edmund added. “They don’t trust anyone else.”

Good. At least that channel was contained.

“I don’t think the next one will descend as just a spirit,” Edmund said thoughtfully.

Lauren’s brows knit together. “You mean… body and soul together? That’s possible?”

“It is. But there are restrictions. Even with a Substitute Talisman, they can only remain for half an hour.”

“Half an hour here?”

“In the Upper Realm.”

She calculated quickly. Half an hour above equaled half a month below.

That was… not short at all.

She hadn’t expected so much chaos during her six months of seclusion.

Master was currently in closed-door cultivation, preparing for ascension. She absolutely could not disturb him over this.

Her senior brother…

Her expression darkened.

Three years ago, after dumping Wayne into her care, he’d vanished into the Dark Souls Land and hadn’t returned since. No communication. No trace.

If not for the fact that his soul lamp was still burning steadily, she would’ve assumed he was dead.

Master had told her to consult the Sect Leader if she needed anything.

But every time she saw Gerald, she felt his gaze linger on her in a way that was… complicated.

Envy? Jealousy? Frustration?

When she’d first joined the sect, he’d thought her temperament wasn’t pure enough. He’d even advised Master not to accept her.

Later, she’d proven him wrong with her talent and speed. And now…

Well. Maybe the old man was a little bitter about it. She clicked her tongue.

.......

A little over a month later, Lauren was suddenly summoned by the Sect Leader. “Sect Leader, you called for me?”

Gerald didn’t answer directly. “Come with me.” His tone was strange—too calm.

He led her to a tall tower on the back mountain. The moment she stepped inside, the air turned heavy. Rows upon rows of soul lamps flickered quietly in the dim light.

This was the Soul Pavilion. Every disciple’s soul lamp was enshrined here.

A chill crept up Lauren’s spine. “Sect Leader… whose lamp is acting up?”

Gerald didn’t reply until they reached the upper level. Only a handful of lamps remained here—those belonging to their generation.

He stopped in front of one. “Look.”

Lauren’s eyes landed on the lamp—and her breath caught.

“Senior Brother?”

The flame wavered violently, shrinking and flaring as if struggling against an invisible wind.

“Yes,” Gerald said grimly. “Tarot’s soul lamp has been flickering like this for days.”

Just over a month ago, she had asked about it. Back then, it had burned steadily.

Now it looked like it could go out at any moment.

Her fingers clenched. “Does this mean… something’s happened to him?”

“It means he’s in danger,” Gerald replied. “But we can’t contact him. We don’t even know where he is. Do you?”

Lauren forced herself to stay calm. “He said he went to Dark Souls Land. But I don’t know where that is.”

Gerald’s expression changed instantly.

“What did you say? Dark Souls Land?” His voice rose. “He went there three years ago?”

“Yes. Sect Leader… is there something wrong with that place?”

“Wrong?” Gerald said in disbelief. “That’s a training ground for demonic cultivators. Ordinary demonic cultivators wouldn’t even dare step foot there. Only the most powerful demons survive in that place. Why would he go there?”

Lauren shook her head slowly. “Master didn’t stop him.”

Gerald staggered back a step. “Mr. Drake didn’t stop him either?”

“No.”

Gerald fell silent. His mind was in chaos.

He had personally witnessed Mr. Drake accept Tarot—a rare Dark Spirit Root—as a disciple. And now he had allowed that same disciple to walk straight into the heart of demonic territory?

Was he cultivating a genius… or raising a future demon?

After a long pause, Gerald waved a tired hand. “What Starfell Summit does… I have no authority to interfere. I’ve told you what I know.”

He turned to leave.

Lauren hurried after him. “Sect Leader, you can’t just leave it at that! His soul lamp is unstable. He’s in real danger. You have to send someone to bring him back!”

Gerald stopped and shook his head.

“Dark Souls Land belongs to the Demonic Cult. After the great war between the righteous sects and the Demonic Cult, we signed an agreement. A clear boundary. Neither side steps into the other’s territory. Violators are killed without exception.”

Lauren’s lips parted, but no words came out.

Gerald’s expression hardened. He looked every inch the leader of a righteous sect.

“Lauren, I am one of the signatories of that agreement. So are the leaders of the Moonlit Sect, the Calculation Sect, and the Gods and Immortals Sect. I cannot break it on my own authority.”

She nodded slowly. She understood. In his position, he couldn’t sacrifice the stability of the entire cultivation world for one person.

After a moment, she said quietly, “Sect Leader, I’ll be away for several months. I’ll need you to look after Starfell Summit.”

Gerald’s eyes snapped to her. “You’re going?”

“Yes.”

He lowered his voice urgently. “Do you even understand the situation? We’re on the brink of something massive. How can we do this without you?”

“I understand. But my senior brother is in danger. It’s inconvenient for others to go. I have to.”

Her voice was steady. “I can’t stand here and watch his soul lamp go out.”

Gerald’s expression turned complicated.

“Mr. Drake is in seclusion. If something happens to you, how is he supposed to ascend? He can’t endure another blow…”

Lauren finished the thought for him.

“Master is about to ascend. He can’t afford to bury his son.” Her eyes didn’t waver. “Tarot has been with him since he was six years old. Master raised him with his own hands.”

Gerald clenched his jaw. “You…”

“Don’t worry,” she said firmly. “I’ll bring him back alive.”

Gerald let out a cold snort, though there was worry behind it.

“Who do you think you are? Even I wouldn’t dare promise to return alive from the Demonic Cult’s territory. And you’re so confident?”

Lauren’s lips curved faintly. “Didn’t you once say I was the chosen one?”

Gerald: “…”

He rubbed his forehead in exasperation. “Fine. Even if I agreed—how would you even find the place? You don’t know where Dark Souls Land is.”

“I have a way. I just need to borrow Kareem.”

Gerald frowned. “Why him?”

“The people of Sky-covering Valley only recognize him. I want him to pass a message to someone… a friend in the Demonic Cult.”

Gerald’s eyes widened. “You are a disciple of the righteous path. Mr. Drake’s personal disciple. Since when do you have ‘friends’ in the Demonic Cult?”

Lauren didn’t answer.

Gerald muttered under his breath, “Mr. Drake had Tarot cultivate demonic arts. Now you have Demonic Cult friends. I’m too old for this world.”

He waved his hand in resignation. “Fine. Borrow whoever you want.”

......

Lauren handed Kareem a jade slip containing everything she wanted to say.

“Give this to Flower Wife,” she instructed. “No one else.”

The people of Sky-covering Valley found it odd. Why specify Flower Wife?

When the jade slip arrived, the group gathered instinctively. Butcher leaned forward with a grin. “Flower Wife, what did she write?”

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