"...The Great Elder of the Red Lotus Sect revealed everything to me. She had connections with the Sword Sect all along, and the person she was in contact with was Mu Yunyan."
Mu Yunyan had no idea who Hong Rui was because Hong Rui was the one who initiated contact and concealed her identity while conducting various transactions with Mu Yunyan.
But her ultimate goal was still to kill Dongfang Hongyue.
By killing Dongfang Hongyue, she could become the Sect Hierarch.
Exploiting the Sword Sect's desire to gain reputation, Hong Rui lured them onto the ship. She thought she had everything under control, especially since Dongfang Hongyue always seemed to trust her, not expecting Dongfang Hongyue to have so many contingencies in place.
The most infuriating part was the sudden appearance of a pretty boy, whose kiss gave Dongfang Hongyue a chance to turn the tables.
Thinking that she had no hopes left and, having been caught by Ming Xin, Hong Rui also gave up on treatment.
