The Abusive Novel System Pleads with Me to Resign

Everyone present knew her well. The moment Shen Ying made that expression, they could tell she was plotting something mischievous.

Instantly, they trembled with fury.

The ongoing squabbles halted, and the interrogations about relationships were postponed.

All eyes fixed on Shen Ying with terrifying intensity.

If these were real people, Shen Ying might have bothered to coax and guide them a little.

But knowing this was an illusion, why would she waste the effort?

She strode straight to the center of the sofa and reclined sideways.

Addressing the crowd, she commanded, "One of you, pour me wine. Another, massage my feet. The rest, prepare some entertainment—you know what I like to see."

"Let's start with Lu Linwei and Gao Yingli. It's been a while since I've seen you two. Quite refreshing."

The group exchanged bewildered glances, stunned by her shameless audacity.

Shen Ying urged impatiently, "Hurry up—"

"If you don't move, I'll just leave. I didn't come here for a bland reunion."

The scene was teetering toward something risqué, but the Old Ancestor was inwardly cursing.

What the hell? What's going on? Why isn't this chatterbox junior succumbing to the heart demon illusion?

Her mind remained clear, her movements unrestrained.

The Old Ancestor was certain that if she wanted to leave now, she could just stand up and walk out the door.

But how was that possible? Even prodigies like Ji Liantan and Ye Qingchen, despite their extraordinary talent, were limited by their youth and cultivation level.

How could she remain unaffected by such an illusion?

As if hearing his doubts, Shen Ying, who was currently indulging with a crowd of ex-lovers, suddenly spoke up.

"Oh, right. Forgot to mention, Old Ancestor—my soul's resilience is quite high due to unique experiences. You're welcome to send more illusions of this level."

Having traversed so many worlds, Shen Ying's soul would have dissipated long ago if it weren't strong.

The Old Ancestor was left speechless, silently berating himself for rewarding her.

After her indulgent escapade, Shen Ying emerged from the room with a satisfied expression.

Ji Liantan crossed his arms and eyed her. "Why do you look so pleased? Like you went in there to enjoy yourself."

Shen Ying waved a hand dismissively. "It was quite fun, actually. But Senior Brother, you've learned to read my expressions now?"

Ji Liantan scoffed. "Do I even need to? The smugness is practically oozing from your eyes, and your steps are lighter. You think I'm blind?"

Shen Ying feigned confusion. "But Senior Brother never noticed such things before. I remember once when I was severely injured in a duel, you didn't even realize."

Ji Liantan stiffened, his face flushing red. "You—that—I—I've just refined my cultivation and become more observant, that's all."

It wasn't like he was paying extra attention to her.

He quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, since you're out, it seems the Old Ancestor couldn't find a perfect way to trap you."

"Wait your turn. It's my go now."

With that, he hastily opened a door and slipped inside.

Little Nine hurried after him. "Senior Brother, I'm coming too!"

After the two vanished, Ye Qingchen finally spoke. "I didn't expect you to finish so quickly."

Shen Ying asked, "How long was I in there?"

Ye Qingchen replied, "Less than an incense stick's time. You were right—the Old Ancestor can manipulate the duration."

"Though I'm curious how you emerged so effortlessly."

Shen Ying smiled. "Senior Brother Ye seemed quite composed too."

Ye Qingchen explained, "I developed a heart demon in childhood and learned to coexist with it. That's why I appear calmer than most."

"Ordinary cultivators don't face heart demons until the Divine Transformation stage, so first encounters are often disastrous."

"My case is unusual. I wonder what your reason is."

Shen Ying grinned. "Maybe it's because I'm so open-hearted and well-liked that even my heart demon wants to be friends?"

Even Ye Qingchen, usually unflappable, was stunned by her shamelessness.

After a long pause, he chuckled faintly. "It seems you and your heart demon get along well."

Shen Ying studied his expression and suddenly asked, "Does it make you happy, Senior Brother Ye, that I can coexist with my heart demon?"

This time, Ye Qingchen didn't evade the question. Instead, he answered plainly, "Yes. It does."

"Knowing someone else is like me… makes me feel less like the only hopeless case."

In demonic cultivation, heart demons were a trial to overcome.

But in orthodox cultivation, they were signs of demonic corruption—especially in children.

What else could it mean but being born wicked?

With the blood of demons flowing in his veins, no wonder he was this way.

Ye Qingchen had never heard those words aloud, but he'd seen them in the eyes of those who knew—pity, reluctant tolerance, and, as his power grew, wary vigilance.

He lowered his gaze, sneering inwardly at Ji Liantan.

Ji Liantan, who had everything, was so eager to discard what was precious.

Well, if he didn't want it, Ye Qingchen would gladly take it.

But first—

Ye Qingchen glanced at the surrounding demonic cultivators. Before entering, Shen Ying had declared that no one could leave the third floor until she returned.

Now that she was out, that forceful rule was technically fulfilled.

A few cautiously tried ascending the stairs. Seeing no opposition from Shen Ying or Ye Qingchen, those who'd passed their trials hurried upward.

The two of them remained unhurried, as if the competition no longer concerned them.

After another incense stick's time, Little Nine's door opened.

He stumbled out, looking utterly drained.

Shen Ying rushed to support him. When he lifted his head, trails of bloody tears streaked his face.

Startled, she quickly wiped them away and fed him a rare pill to soothe his spirit.

Only ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​‍then did his pained expression ease slightly.

Moments later, he slumped against her, whimpering, "Wuwu… Senior Sister, I was so scared. I almost died in there."

"Do you know what I saw? Senior Brother and that guy were trying to kill you! I tried to stop them, but they were insane!"

Shen Ying recognized his dramatic flair and pinched his cheek. "Rest first. Even in this state, you're still scheming against your Senior Brother."

Still, his offhand remark had accidentally brushed against half the original plot.

How amusing.

Too exhausted to continue, Little Nine finally quieted down.

Then he asked, "Senior Brother isn't out yet? He went in before me."

Ye Qingchen said, "We'll wait a little longer. The Old Ancestor might have altered the time flow again."

Little Nine didn't question it—after all, Shen Ying had emerged slightly earlier too.

But Shen Ying suddenly declared, "No more waiting. We're going in to bring him out."

Ye Qingchen froze, then realized his oversight.

No one had ever said you couldn't enter another's trial room.

But since heart demons were inescapable and no outside help was possible, the idea had never crossed his mind.

Yet he and Shen Ying were exceptions. They could navigate the illusions freely—so there was no risk.

Ye Qingchen nodded in agreement, and the two of them set Little Nine down before turning to open the door Ji Liantan had mentioned.

The Old Ancestor quickly interjected, "Those who intrude on another's trial will be disqualified."

Shen Ying scoffed. "Disqualified? You'd never dare, Old Ancestor."

"The most talented ones are right here—you wouldn't let any of us leave, no matter what."