Chapter 56: Cooperation

“Girl, Granny promised you I would help your child find peace. Bai Xiaoli is also my apprentice. Whatever grievance exists between you, let it wait until the child has been released,” Granny Wan said.

Xu Yingying still refused to let go. In my mind, a fierce, threatening voice sounded: “Let her go, or all of you will die here.”

Granny Wan and Bai Xiaoli clearly heard the voice of the female corpse as well.

I turned to look at Bai Xiaoli. There was not the slightest trace of fear on her face; instead, it was full of sympathy. She crouched down, reached out, and gently touched Xu Yingying’s abdomen, saying, “Sister, I know your grievances and resentment. Let me help you deliver the child first. Afterwards, whether you wish to drink my blood or flay my skin, I won’t resist.”

The female corpse still refused to release her grip.

Bai Xiaoli continued, “It’s all right. Don’t worry about owing me anything. Helping you deliver the child is my own choice. We will settle our scores afterwards.”

As soon as Bai Xiaoli finished speaking, the female corpse finally released her hold on me, and the eyes that had been glaring so fiercely slowly closed.

“Yang Xi, bring the mother aboard,” Bai Xiaoli turned to me and said.

I didn’t want to bring Xu Yingying onboard—just now, I had clearly felt her hatred towards Bai Xiaoli. Even if Bai Xiaoli succeeded in delivering the child, Xu Yingying would never forgive her.

Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Bai Xiaoli reached out herself, preparing to retrieve the body. Knowing there was no stopping her now, I followed her lead and pulled Xu Yingying from the water, laying her flat on the straw mat on the boat.

The dim lantern light shone on Xu Yingying’s deathly pale skin, casting an eerie glow.

Bai Xiaoli tied her short hair into a small ponytail, put on the gloves Granny Wan had prepared for her, then lifted Xu Yingying’s clothing and pressed a hand to her belly. She began to speak: “Spirit child, the heavens cannot accept you. Little one, I know you harbor resentment, but things have come to this point. This world is neither as good nor as bad as you imagine. Come out peacefully, and in your next life you will be able to experience this world for yourself.”

At the same time, Granny Wan scolded, “Little ghost, think carefully. If you remain stubborn, there are plenty of masters in this world who will deal with you. Don’t think your mother can protect you forever. When that time comes, both mother and child will be struck by thunder.”

Bai Xiaoli and Granny Wan played good cop and bad cop, and it worked. I heard a splash and, amid the cold scent of blood, Bai Xiaoli extracted the infant.

This time, the stillborn child slept peacefully in Bai Xiaoli’s hands, no longer turning into a vengeful spirit.

Granny Wan quickly took out the cat bone pottery, and after Bai Xiaoli cut the baby’s umbilical cord, she placed the stillborn inside. Bai Xiaoli soothed, “Don’t be afraid, little one. I’ve prepared a home for you; go there and rest.” Then, she neatly severed the umbilical cord and placed the infant into the cat bone pottery.

Once everything was finished, Bai Xiaoli began to chant the Rebirth Mantra. Her enunciation was clear, her tone gentle, making it pleasant to listen to. Even the pain etched on the corpse’s face from childbirth seemed to ease.

“All done, it worked!” Bai Xiaoli completed the mantra flawlessly, and Granny Wan put the cat bone pottery into a black cloth bag.

But before we could breathe a sigh of relief, Xu Yingying suddenly opened her eyes on the boat. She sat up abruptly and seized Bai Xiaoli’s throat.

“Ah!” Bai Xiaoli shrieked in terror.

My heart leapt into my throat. I shouted at Xu Yingying, “Xu Yingying, don’t be ungrateful! Bai Xiaoli just helped your child find peace!”

Xu Yingying showed not a shred of gratitude. Her grip on Bai Xiaoli’s neck tightened as she hissed, “Heh heh heh, darling, now you’re sentimental, aren’t you? I wonder, when you and this wretched woman are in bed, do you also use a whip?”

Xu Yingying’s twisted logic was beyond comprehension—she had not heard a word I said.

“Xu Yingying, don’t be so hasty. Let me ask you: is this child truly your flesh and blood with Pi Yangxi?” Granny Wan, holding the cat bone pottery, looked at Xu Yingying and asked.

Xu Yingying replied without hesitation, “Of course!”

Under the lamp’s glow, I saw the corner of Granny Wan’s mouth curve into a smile. She said, “Good, then. I have a way to prove whether this child is really yours and Pi Yangxi’s.”