After Rebirth, the Heroine is Consumed by Overwhelming Regret Chapter 40

With a series of clicks, like a mechanism activating, a passage suddenly appeared above their heads. The speaker was Hua Yayun. She descended gracefully from above, looking like a divine goddess.
“I knew I wasn’t mistaken about you. Only someone with your incredible luck could have successfully obtained the Holy Grail and completed such a difficult task.”
Her face wreathed in smiles, she approached Qi Qing warmly and said, “What’s even more admirable is that you managed to resist temptation and didn’t covet these treasures. To thank you, I’m willing to gift all of them to you!”
Qi Qing didn’t believe her sugar-coated words and simply asked, “Where is Yu Yan?”
When the passage opened, Yu Yan’s soul had hidden. So, from Hua Yayun’s perspective, Qi Qing had completed this task alone, making her question quite natural.
Hua Yayun quickly replied, “Oh, right. We agreed that I’d let her go once you got the Holy Grail. I’ve already brought her; she’s just outside the secret realm.”
“Really?” Qi Qing didn’t believe she would be so agreeable.
“It’s true, I can already feel it.” Yu Yan’s voice secretly reached her. “I’ll go reclaim my body first. Wait for me.”
Qi Qing nodded slightly, but her expression remained neutral. Her current task was to stall Hua Yayun and prevent her from discovering Yu Yan’s intentions.
Once Yu Yan was free, they could regain the upper hand.
Hua Yayun didn’t seem to notice Yu Yan, her gaze fixed on the Holy Grail. She said softly, “I never imagined it would actually appear one day. Fellow cultivator Qi Qing, you’ve helped me so much; it’s only right that I give you a thank-you gift. Please take these treasures. I have no use for them anymore anyway.”
Perhaps to show her sincerity, as she spoke, she actually took out a storage bag, gathered all the treasures from the ground into it, and handed it to Qi Qing.
Qi Qing had no choice but to take it, saying slowly, “If you insist on giving it, I suppose I can accept. But I don’t understand why you were so determined to obtain this Holy Grail. What magical properties does it have?”
“This…” Hua Yayun pointed a finger, summoning a clear stream of water that filled the Holy Grail. The water’s surface shimmered with a beautiful golden light. Just as Qi Qing was about to lower her head to look, Hua Yayun stopped her.
“Wait,” Hua Yayun said. “Did you see anyone in the secret realm?”
See anyone? Yu Yan. Oh, and Hua Jiaolian.
Qi Qing wasn’t sure if this was what Hua Yayun meant, but there were no other possibilities. She certainly couldn’t betray Yu Yan, so she said, “I did see a woman, but it was only in dreams…”
Hua Yayun waved her hand, and her fox-like face transformed into a human one.
It was the spitting image of Hua Jiaolian, only a little more mature.
“Doesn’t she look a lot like me?” Hua Yayun’s tone was tinged with pride, clearly very pleased with her own appearance.
Qi Qing could only reply, “Yes.”
“Let me tell you, she is my daughter, named Hua Jiaolian. What do you think, does she appeal to you?” As soon as these words were spoken, Qi Qing’s heart lurched. What does she mean? Could Yu Yan’s guess have been right after all?
“Er…” Qi Qing didn’t know how to answer and could only say vaguely, “That’s… hard to say. Please just say what you mean directly.”
She had wanted to say that she already had Yu Yan, but she was afraid that would alert Hua Yayun. This person’s cultivation was high, and she might have other tricks up her sleeve.
Hearing that Qi Qing didn’t refuse outright, Hua Yayun felt the matter was almost settled. She said, “Alright, I won’t beat around the bush. You know my daughter is frail and weak, unable to handle great responsibilities. I have so many assets and can’t find a successor. So, I’ve been looking for someone with a clean background and excellent character to take over my estate and, at the same time, take good care of my daughter.”
She spoke with great sincerity, yet it strangely felt like one of those “rich reward for a simple task” scams. Such too-good-to-be-true offers were usually traps, and Qi Qing naturally wouldn’t fall for it. Besides, she had a history with Hua Jiaolian, making it absolutely impossible. However, not wanting to be too blunt, she said, “Palace Master, I appreciate your kind intentions, but I’m afraid I cannot accept this.”
Hua Yayun was somewhat surprised. “Why?”
Qi Qing countered, “Then why me?”
“Because you obtained the Holy Grail, naturally…” Hua Yayun said half a sentence, then suddenly changed her tack. “Are you dissatisfied with my daughter in some way? Or do you already have someone you love?”
“I do indeed have someone in my heart,” Qi Qing said. “You’ve met her, it’s…”
She had only spoken half a sentence when a sound came from the entrance above. She looked up and saw Yu Yan, having broken free, falling in. Qi Qing couldn’t help but smile. “She’s here.”
Hua Yayun also looked up. Seeing Yu Yan enter, she was momentarily confused, but then she understood. Does this mean… she killed everyone outside?
Her gaze instantly sharpened. “I treated you with such kindness, yet you two conspired to ambush me!”
She seemed to have forgotten that she was the one who had kidnapped someone first.
Immediately, she sealed the secret realm and lunged for Qi Qing’s arm. Qi Qing instinctively used the Holy Grail to block. Hua Yayun, apparently wary of damaging the cup, awkwardly maneuvered around it. This slight hesitation was enough to give Yu Yan an opening to strike.
Youyu was unsheathed, its power shaking the heavens and rattling the earth.
The same move, ‘Sword That Settles the World’—when Qi Qing used it, she merely cut down trees for several miles around. But when Yu Yan unleashed it, she leveled the entire ground.
The sword energy, like raging ocean waves, spread out from Qi Qing’s side, madly sweeping through and affecting the entire secret realm. If not for the barrier, it would have probably even reached the outer sea.
This strike caused tiny cracks to appear even on the barrier.
Of course, they didn’t know this yet. With the sudden turn of events, Hua Yayun had to desperately defend herself. Qi Qing, being at the center of the sword move, was unharmed. After the two reunited and flew into the air, they saw Hua Yayun managing to dispel the shockwaves a few hundred yards away, apparently not seriously injured.
“What do we do?” Qi Qing asked.
“What else can we do? We have to find a way to escape,” Yu Yan said. “She struck so quickly; how could she have been sincere about negotiating with you? People aren’t kind to others for no reason. If they are, it means they want something much bigger. That’s a basic principle.”
Qi Qing slowly nodded.
Actually, for a moment just now, she had truly felt Hua Yayun was somewhat reasonable. Although Hua Yayun had hidden things, Qi Qing had also hidden the fact that she knew Hua Jiaolian, so…
But Yu Yan saw things more clearly, without any hesitation.
Qi Qing felt a little ashamed. She still lacked real-world experience and wasn’t as clear-headed as Yu Yan. But to be frank, she really couldn’t figure out what Hua Yayun wanted to use her for.
She vaguely sensed it was related to the Holy Grail. Looking down, she saw the water in the cup had completely spilled due to the earlier turbulence. Hua Yayun was chasing them from behind, seemingly wanting to snatch the Holy Grail back.
But why hadn’t Hua Yayun taken it earlier?
Qi Qing hadn’t intended to refuse giving it, but Hua Yayun hadn’t seemed to want to take it then. They had talked for so long, and Hua Yayun had even packed up all the treasures for her, but she hadn’t taken the Holy Grail at that point.
Does that mean the Holy Grail can only work in my hands? Combined with Hua Yayun’s earlier words, ‘Because you obtained the Holy Grail, so…’, it’s very likely that only the person who obtained the Holy Grail can wield it. And Hua Yayun’s insistence on me marrying in… it isn’t because of me as a person, but because I have the Holy Grail?
Qi Qing figured out all the cause and effect in an instant. Her intelligence was already considerable, so she naturally pieced most of it together.
Having figured this out, she put the Holy Grail into Yu Yan’s storage ring. This way, no matter which of them Hua Yayun captured, she wouldn’t be able to force their hand regarding the Cup.
The Holy Grail was leverage against Hua Yayun.
But Hua Yayun didn’t know she had already taken precautions and just kept chasing, wanting to seize her. The two sides chased each other for a long time. Since there was no exit, they could only go in circles within the secret realm.
“This won’t do. We need to break the barrier,” Yu Yan said. “Otherwise, we’ll fall into her hands sooner or later.”
Qi Qing nodded. “Then how do we do it?”
“Breaking the barrier is something only I can do. Three strikes. Give me time for three strikes; that will be enough.”
“Then I’ll go stall Hua Yayun,” Qi Qing said.
“No, what if she hurts you?” Yu Yan said. “Why don’t you hide? If she can’t find you right away, maybe…”
“If I hide, she’ll go after you. Her cultivation is high, and she has so many magic artifacts; she won’t let you break the barrier that easily,” Qi Qing said. “Don’t worry, she won’t do anything to me. I’m still useful to her. Stalling her won’t be a problem.”
Saying this, she flew off Yu Yan’s sword and headed back.
Yu Yan didn’t stop her. In truth, it would have been useless to try. Qi Qing was right; with Hua Yayun’s interference, she couldn’t possibly break the barrier. This secret realm was a relic left by an immortal. Even at her full power, she couldn’t break it instantly, let alone now when half her spiritual power was sealed.
She had to trust Qi Qing and risk everything.
She flew towards the spot on the barrier that had cracked earlier; it would be faster to break through there. Moreover, if Hua Yayun discovered her plan to destroy the barrier, she would never give her another chance. So, she couldn’t waste time and had to act decisively when she was sure of success.
Meanwhile, Qi Qing turned and flew back. Soon, she came face to face with Hua Yayun. Hua Yayun hadn’t expected her to return and was momentarily unsure of her intentions. She stopped, hovering in mid-air, and asked where Yu Yan had gone.
“What’s between us has nothing to do with her. Why don’t you let her go, and I’ll go back with you?” Qi Qing said slowly.
“I see.” Hua Yayun sneered. “She pushed you out to face the danger while she tries to save herself. You’re still protecting such a cold-blooded and heartless person? You truly are a devoted one.”
Qi Qing remained noncommittal and just said, “I can go back with you, but I have one condition.”
“What condition?” Hua Yayun asked, crossing her arms.
“You need to show your sincerity and tell me what the actual outcome will be,” Qi Qing said. “I’m not a fool. You should know that only mentioning the benefits might fool others, but it won’t fool me. What are the side effects of using this Holy Grail? I need to know now.”
“Side effects…?” Hua Yayun didn’t quite understand the term, but she grasped the meaning from the context. She said, “There are no side effects. You don’t have to sacrifice anything. My only request is that you marry in and stay by Jiaojiao’s side.”
“What’s the point of marrying in?” Qi Qing asked. “I don’t think that will change anything. If you want the Holy Grail, I can give it to you right now. But marriage—that’s something I can’t compromise on.”
Hua Yayun was silent for a moment, then said, “I don’t know what’s so bad about Jiaojiao that makes you so reluctant. To be honest, that Yu Yan abandoned you; you don’t need to stay faithful to her, do you?”
“That’s not the reason,” Qi Qing said. “You don’t need to speak in riddles with me. Just tell me what you really want me to do, and how does this Holy Grail actually work?”
“I won’t tell you,” Hua Yayun said. “If you’re unwilling to marry Jiaojiao, I can only capture you and chain you to her bedside. Make your choice: will you do this the easy way or the hard way?”
She paused, then added, “Qi Qing, I’ve truly been more than patient. Don’t push me. I won’t harm you. I’m just a desperate mother with no other options.”
Her expression was somewhat forlorn; she didn’t seem to be lying.
But Qi Qing no longer cared whether she was lying or not. Since neither of them was willing to back down… negotiations had failed. Conflict was inevitable.
Just then, an earth-shattering bang suddenly erupted.
Hua Yayun jumped in fright. She looked around but saw no one attacking nearby. Where did that sound come from? I’ve already sealed the entrance and exit of the secret realm; no one else can get in. The only one who could make that sound is… Yu Yan?
Yu Yan didn’t flee. Where is she? What is she doing?
Hua Yayun looked at Qi Qing. Her expression wasn’t surprised at all. It seemed she had colluded with Yu Yan long ago. So, what have they done?
She said angrily, “What are you two trying to do? Where is Yu Yan?”
Qi Qing didn’t answer, only slowly shook her head.
“You schemed against me!” Hua Yayun trembled with anger. “Don’t think you can scheme against me so easily! Whatever she’s doing, make her stop! You’re here with me now; I can kill you at any moment!”
Qi Qing said, “I can’t. She’s a cold-blooded person; she won’t stop for me. I have no value as a hostage, so your threat is meaningless.”
“You…!” Hua Yayun had only spoken half a sentence when another tremendous bang sounded. This time, she pinpointed the exact direction and understood Yu Yan’s plan—she was actually trying to cleave the secret realm open!
How is this possible? How could this be!
This is a secret realm left by an immortal! How could an ordinary cultivator possibly have the power to split it open? This is simply unbelievable!
She knew it was impossible, but her heart still leaped into her throat.
Should I stop her, or grab Qi Qing to threaten her? No, even if I use Qi Qing as a hostage, she won’t stop. I have to go there myself and stop that madwoman!
Yes, as long as the secret realm is intact, neither of them can escape!
Hua Yayun shot off in that direction. But just as she took off, someone tugged her, and she tumbled off her sword. The one who pulled her was, of course, Qi Qing. But Hua Yayun couldn’t believe it. A mere Golden Core cultivator dared to confront her? Where did she get such confidence?
She turned her head and saw Qi Qing had already drawn White Dragon.
The White Dragon Sword.
Hua Yayun recognized it and knew how difficult this sword was to tame. When she had first obtained it from a tomb, she saw it was a peerless blade, and her immediate thought was to claim it for herself.
But White Dragon refused to submit.
Her cultivation had already surpassed the Void Transcendance realm; she was only half a step away from immortality. It could be said that very few in the current world had a higher cultivation level than her. If it wouldn’t even submit to her, then who would it submit to?
She didn’t know that White Dragon was not a sword that submitted simply to strength. Moreover, it would absolutely never yield to demonic beings. In its eyes, all demonic beings were equally vile.
Qi Qing’s ability to subdue it was a complete accident.
At that time, Qi Qing had used ‘Sword That Settles the World,’ which was its previous master’s technique. After so many years, it had forgotten the name of that sect, but it could never forget those moves. Seeing its familiar sword techniques again, it had almost shed tears of emotion.
It couldn’t help but think, how wonderful it would be if it could be wielded by her.
So, it eagerly pleaded with Qi Qing, wanting to become her sword.
Qi Qing was rather reluctant, which only made the sword feel she was even more precious. It insisted, almost tearfully, on becoming her sword—and eventually, it got its wish. These days, it shared all of Qi Qing’s worries and thoughts, completely becoming her most loyal servant.
And at this moment, it hummed, defiantly facing the enemy.
Hua Yayun didn’t understand why such a fierce sword would serve Qi Qing. What was so special about her that made the White Dragon Sword so utterly devoted?
Of course, the same question was also in Qi Qing’s mind.
Hua Yayun would not let Qi Qing know that she planned to use her as a ‘cultivation vessel’ for her daughter. Though ‘vessel’ wasn’t entirely accurate; Qi Qing wouldn’t need to sacrifice her cultivation or her body. She only needed to stand by her daughter’s side and constantly observe her.
The profound secret behind this all traced back to the Holy Grail.
This Holy Grail was extremely difficult to obtain, and whoever managed to get it became its sole master. Its method of use was this: fill it with water, have its master picture someone’s appearance in their mind, then open their eyes and look at the water’s surface. This would transform the actual person into the image held in the master’s mind.
Theoretically, it could transform anyone into any desired appearance—be it their age, strength, health, or beauty. Anything imaginable, it could make true.
Therefore, some called it the ‘Wish-Fulfilling Holy Grail.’
She had chosen Qi Qing back then, firstly because Qi Qing’s luck was exceptionally good, and secondly, because Qi Qing had never met her daughter, Jiaojiao. This ‘never met’ factor was not to be underestimated. The human subconscious is a mysterious thing. Those who had seen Jiaojiao would involuntarily have a preconceived image. If their mind wavered while looking into the Holy Grail, they might easily picture Jiaojiao in her sickly state—thus wasting the Holy Grail’s effect entirely.
Even she herself couldn’t guarantee she could control her own subconscious, so she had simply found a stranger, Qi Qing, who didn’t know Jiaojiao. This way, she could completely manipulate Qi Qing’s dreams, ensuring her impression of Jiaojiao remained fixed on her most beautiful and perfect image.
Of course, to prevent her own subconscious from interfering while manipulating the dreams, she had meticulously edited her own memories, materializing them into tangible images. She deliberately stayed out of the process itself to ensure Qi Qing’s perception of Jiaojiao was perfectly pure.
She even collected her daughter’s hair and blood to make the image tangible, making Qi Qing’s perception even more real. She was very confident in her daughter’s beauty; she believed it would be hard for anyone not to be captivated.
Being captivated was a good thing. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If Qi Qing developed feelings, she would surely transform Jiaojiao into an even better version. Though Hua Yayun wasn’t greedy, she wouldn’t mind her daughter being even more beautiful and perfect.
Only then could she ascend to immortality with peace of mind.
She had planned everything perfectly. The only unexpected factor was that Qi Qing hadn’t fallen for Jiaojiao.
This was truly beyond her expectations. Her daughter was so beautiful, so charming. What kind of blind person would ignore such a wonderful girl to pursue a cold-blooded creature who only had looks?
Yu Yan, how could she possibly compare to Jiaojiao?
Hua Yayun thought resentfully. In truth, in her heart, Qi Qing wasn’t worthy of her daughter either. What she wanted wasn’t for Qi Qing to fall in love with Jiaojiao, but for Qi Qing to be Jiaojiao’s captive, dedicating her entire life.
To think she dared not to be captivated! Who did she think she was?
Of course, if it were merely resentment that her daughter hadn’t been fancied, she wouldn’t have gone to such great lengths. The ultimate reason was that bringing Qi Qing back was a necessary step.
Because the Holy Grail’s effect wasn’t permanent. If Qi Qing left, Jiaojiao would slowly revert to her sickly appearance, perhaps even worse than before due to a backlash.
Only by keeping Qi Qing constantly by her side could this illusion be maintained. This was the true reason she wanted Qi Qing to marry in—only Dao companions would never leave each other.
She needed Qi Qing to exist as an observer.
Or, to put it bluntly, as a tool.
Of course, she couldn’t reveal the truth. Even her most direct statement, ‘I’ll just take you back and chain you to her bedside,’ was blurted out in a moment of desperation. She had immediately realized her slip of the tongue, but how could Qi Qing possibly deduce such a profound reason from that single sentence?
She was indeed a desperate mother. Her daughter’s illness was worsening, already at a terminal stage. Without this Holy Grail, she could die at any moment.
How could she just watch her daughter die?
So, even if it meant betting everything, she had to seize this hard-won chance. She had to take Qi Qing back; there wasn’t much time left for choices.
So, she transformed into her true demon fox form and let out a long howl.
Qi Qing had just taken her stance when Hua Yayun before her changed form. Qi Qing had always thought Hua Yayun’s appearance at the casino was her true form, but it wasn’t so at all. Her true body was frighteningly massive, as large as a mountain, with countless tails spreading out behind her, encircling the entire secret realm.
Standing opposite it, Qi Qing looked laughably tiny.
But she couldn’t retreat. She hadn’t heard the third sound yet.
Before Yu Yan destroyed the barrier, she had to stall Hua Yayun—even if it meant sacrificing her own life, she had to buy Yu Yan the chance to survive.
So, she took a step forward and poured her spiritual energy into White Dragon.
Her long hair and robes billowed in the wind, making a fluttering sound. White Dragon, having absorbed so much spiritual energy, hummed joyfully. It finally had a chance to take revenge, to deliver a fatal blow to this wretched fox who had dug it out from its master’s tomb.
“Sword Art: Wheel of Desolation!”