Chapter 118: Bonus – An Unending Dream p1
With a twang, the string snapped, the sound piercing, as if the guqin was weeping.
Meng Zhen looked at her hand. Each finger was flawless, as if sculpted by the heavens, without a single scratch.
She was gone, and the guqin no longer recognized its owner.
Meng Zhen withdrew her hand and, with a flick of her sleeve, the guqin with its broken string disappeared.
The scenery remained unchanged. The crabapple blossoms still filled the garden, their fragrance carried by a gentle breeze. The delicate petals trembled on the branches, then drifted down like rain.
The crimson petals swirled around her, and for a moment, Meng Zhen saw her standing under the tree, smiling.
She instinctively reached out, but her hand grasped nothing.
When she looked again, there was only a carpet of fallen petals beneath the tree.
Meng Zhen composed herself and turned away.
After killing her with her own hands, every time she instinctively turned to look for her, she would ask herself, “Do you regret it?”
Meng Zhen, true to her name, had always been honest with herself.
She couldn’t lie to herself. She didn’t regret it.
Even though she was gone, and Meng Zhen would never see her again, even in her next life, she would still make the same choice.
She did love Qiao Shuang, but she loved herself more.
She had learned from a young age that the weak had no voice. Life was fragile, and she didn’t want to die. She wanted to live, to live forever.
Both Meng Zhen and Qiao Shuang were orphans. Meng Zhen had witnessed her parents and family being killed by an evil cultivator. The cultivator had left in a hurry, and she and Qiao Shuang had survived by hiding in the cellar.
The so-called righteous cultivators arrived late and rescued them, taking them into their sect.
Everything seemed to be going well, but fate was cruel. Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse, something even worse happened.
Both Meng Zhen and Qiao Shuang were talented in cultivation, but not exceptionally so. Their cultivation levels were similar to those of the children from wealthy families who relied on pills to advance.
They had no background, their talent wasn’t outstanding enough to attract the attention of the sect leader and elders, and they were both beautiful.
In the cultivation world, relationships were much more open than in the mortal world. After all, they had long lifespans, and clinging to chastity was meaningless. So they pursued whomever they desired.
Many cultivators in the sect had expressed interest in Meng Zhen and Qiao Shuang, but they had made a pact to focus on their cultivation and not waste time on love.
Most people accepted their rejection and moved on. But there were always those who enjoyed a challenge, believing that the harder a woman was to get, the more appealing she was.
The young master of a wealthy family had set his sights on Meng Zhen. He loved cold beauties and enjoyed seeing them break down and beg for mercy.
Wang Ershao’s cultivation level was at the Deity Transformation stage, the same as Meng Zhen’s, but his progress was solely due to consuming rare treasures. If they actually fought, he wouldn’t be a match for Meng Zhen.
However, Wang Ershao came from a powerful family, and his parents doted on him. He didn’t need to do anything himself, he could just order his subordinates around.
In his eyes, using numbers to capture a beauty and force her into submission was just a game, nothing serious. He ordered a few senior disciples, all at the peak of the Deity Transformation stage, to capture Meng Zhen.
Although Meng Zhen trained diligently and had rich combat experience, she couldn’t defeat several cultivators who were stronger than her.
As she was being subdued, memories from her childhood surfaced. When her parents were killed, she had been just a child, powerless to stop it.
She had also been unable to resist when she was captured and almost violated, even though she was a Deity Transformation cultivator.
The world was cruel, both in the mortal realm and the cultivation world. Why was she always the victim? Why?
Meng Zhen kept asking herself this question. Her lips were bitten raw, blood dripping down, her eyes filled with hatred, as if she wanted to tear Wang Ershao and his accomplices to pieces.
Wang Ershao, however, wasn’t discouraged. He was even more excited. He caressed Meng Zhen’s smooth face, his eyes filled with lust and obsession.
“Look at that defiant look. Be even fiercer. But no matter how fierce you are, you’ll still be writhing under me.” He licked his lips, his eagerness evident as he threw her onto the couch.
Meng Zhen’s cultivation was sealed, and she was bound by immortal-binding ropes. She could only move her legs slightly. Her clothes were torn from the previous fight, and her struggle had exposed more of her fair skin.
Wang Ershao licked his lips again and said to the other cultivators, “You can all leave now.”
The other cultivators were also tempted. Such a stunning beauty was rare, and a cultivator at her level could endure any kind of play.
Seeing that they weren’t moving, Wang Ershao’s expression darkened. “What are you waiting for? Get out!”
The other cultivators reluctantly left, closing the door behind them and reinforcing the barrier.
Wang Ershao wanted to enjoy his time with the beauty undisturbed. It was a pity that these ordinary cultivators couldn’t even eavesdrop.
Although Meng Zhen was filled with hatred, she remained calm. She knew that panicking wouldn’t help. She had to analyze the situation and find a way to escape.
She wouldn’t let this disgusting man violate her. If he touched her, she would cut off that part of his body.
She pretended to be submissive, and Wang Ershao, lowering his guard, started sweet-talking her.
“Beauty, as long as you cooperate, you’ll have access to all the cultivation resources you need. If you please me, I’ll even give you a spot in the Bodhi Secret Realm.” He unbuttoned her clothes, his lustful gaze making her sick to her stomach.
Meng Zhen lowered her eyes, feigning shyness and hesitation. “Really?”
Wang Ershao chuckled lewdly. “Of course, beauty. Let me kiss you.”
It was a lie, of course. Wang Ershao wouldn’t bother getting a spot in the Bodhi Secret Realm for Meng Zhen. He was just trying to deceive her with empty promises.
Meng Zhen knew this, but she didn’t let on. She played along, pretending to believe him.
Wang Ershao eagerly tore at her clothes, his touch rough and forceful. If he had looked up at her face, he would have seen the unconcealed killing intent in her eyes.
Although she had already killed him a thousand times over in her mind, her voice was soft and seductive.
“These immortal-binding ropes are uncomfortable, Young Master. Can you untie them for me?”
Wang Ershao paused, his lips buried in the crook of her neck. He hesitated.
Meng Zhen continued, “Young Master, how can I please you if I’m tied up? And my cultivation is sealed, what are you afraid of from a weak woman like me?”
Wang Ershao also thought it wasn’t much fun to keep her tied up, so he untied the ropes. With her cultivation suppressed, Meng Zhen’s strength was no different from an ordinary mortal’s. It would be effortless for him, a Deity Transformation cultivator, to subdue her.
Finally free from the ropes, a flicker of killing intent flashed in Meng Zhen’s downcast eyes, but she quickly masked it.
She played along, further lowering Wang Ershao’s guard, making him feel invincible.
Just as he was about to take the final step, Meng Zhen forcefully circulated her spiritual energy, her entire body feeling like it was being torn apart by invisible blades. But her expression remained unchanged as her delicate hand reached for his chest.
Her hand slowly moved upwards, stopping at his throat.
“The Land of Bliss is even more enjoyable than this,” she said with a smile.
Wang Ershao didn’t understand what she meant at first. Then his eyes bulged, and he struggled, his mouth open wide in a silent scream.
Just as he was about to be strangled, Meng Zhen released her grip.
It would be a pity to let him die so easily. She chuckled softly and crushed his jaw, silencing him.
Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, her lips painted red, her appearance seductive, but her eyes were cold. She looked down at him, her gaze filled with disgust.
“Someone like you wouldn’t go to the Land of Bliss, you’re destined for hell.” She crushed his testicles, her smile chilling.
Wang Ershao was in excruciating pain, but his jaw was shattered, and he could only make muffled sounds.
He was like a lamb to the slaughter, powerless to resist. His eyes were wide with fear and pleading. But it was useless. He had tortured countless others without mercy, and now it was his turn.
Blood splattered on Meng Zhen’s cheeks, like red plum blossoms blooming in the snow.
The couch was stained with blood. Meng Zhen calmly wiped her hands with a silk cloth. She knew she couldn’t stay here any longer. After killing Wang Ershao, she would have to face the consequences.
As for regret, she didn’t know the meaning of the word. She never regretted her actions.
After killing him, Meng Zhen’s mind was clear. She thought about how to escape. There were still a few Deity Transformation cultivators outside.
She scanned the room, her gaze landing on Wang Ershao’s storage ring.
After searching through it, she found a useful treasure: a temporary disguise talisman. It could change her appearance for three hours. It was probably considered too weak and useless for Wang Ershao, so he had never used it.
A moment later, “Wang Ershao,” adjusting his slightly messy clothes, walked out of the room. The cultivators guarding outside curiously peeked inside, but before they could see anything, “Wang Ershao” closed the door.
“The beauty is still resting, don’t disturb her.”
“Wang Ershao” walked a few steps and noticed that the cultivators were still following him. He took out two bottles of pills from his storage ring. “Here’s something good for you.”
The young master of the Wang family always had good stuff. The cultivators immediately started examining the pills, not noticing that “Wang Ershao” was acting differently.
This “Wang Ershao” was actually Meng Zhen in disguise. She didn’t care about revealing flaws because she knew she couldn’t hide for long.
After leaving Wang Ershao’s pleasure house, she bumped into Qiao Shuang, who had rushed over after hearing about what had happened.
Qiao Shuang was only at the early stage of Deity Transformation. She knew she was powerless and her cultivation was average, but she would help Meng Zhen regardless of the consequences.
However, she couldn’t even enter the pleasure house, she was stopped at the entrance.
The guards, seeing Meng Zhen, immediately bowed respectfully. Meng Zhen, wearing Wang Ershao’s face, snorted in response.
“The little beauty is here to see your friend?” Meng Zhen said, her tone flippant. With Wang Ershao’s appearance, she truly resembled a scoundrel.
Qiao Shuang glared at her. “Where did you hide Meng Zhen?”
Meng Zhen chuckled and put her arm around Qiao Shuang’s slender waist. “Want to know? Be a good girl and listen to me, and I’ll tell you.”
The servants who served Wang Ershao were used to his behavior. It was normal for him to talk to beauties like this.
Qiao Shuang usually seemed gentle and agreeable, but when it came to her principles, she was unyielding.
She pushed Meng Zhen’s hand away and said angrily, “I don’t believe you. Let me see Meng Zhen first.”
Meng Zhen secretly transmitted a message to Qiao Shuang, briefly explaining what had happened and asking her to play along.
Qiao Shuang’s eyes flickered for a moment, then she resumed her angry expression.
“Believe it or not, you have no choice but to trust me,” Meng Zhen said, her tone frivolous.
Qiao Shuang pretended to struggle internally, then reluctantly agreed.
“Fine, I’ll listen to you.”
“That’s more like it. Come with me to the Spring Breeze Pavilion first. Make me happy, and I’ll let you see her.” Meng Zhen put her arm around Qiao Shuang’s waist again.
These words were typical of Wang Ershao, so the guards didn’t suspect anything, watching as they walked away.
As soon as they left the sect, Meng Zhen and Qiao Shuang summoned their flying swords and headed towards the Northern Sea, leaving everything behind without even packing.
The Northern Sea region was a lawless land, a haven for rogue cultivators and those on the run. Besides them, there were also rare beasts and powerful demons, their cultivation levels no weaker than average cultivators.
It was a chaotic and dangerous place, but Meng Zhen and Qiao Shuang had no other choice.
Wang Ershao’s life token had shattered. Even if Meng Zhen hadn’t killed him, the Wang family, with their domineering nature, would still seek revenge on everyone who had been in contact with him before his death.
So Meng Zhen had no choice but to seek refuge in the Northern Sea.
Before entering the Northern Sea, she said to Qiao Shuang, “This is as far as I go. Don’t follow me. I killed Wang Ershao, it has nothing to do with you. You can change your name and live a carefree life.”
Qiao Shuang shook her head. “No, I’m coming with you. You’re my only family. Wherever you go, I’ll go with you. Besides, the Northern Sea is dangerous, it’s better to have someone with you.”
Meng Zhen understood. They had grown up together, cultivated together, and had never been apart. She didn’t want to be separated from Qiao Shuang either.
Finally, she said, “Okay, you can come with me. A’Shuang, we need to become stronger, or we’ll always be bullied. I don’t want to live like this anymore. A’Shuang, when we ascend to immortality, let’s find a secluded paradise and live there together, okay?”
Qiao Shuang took Meng Zhen’s hand. “Okay, it’s a promise.”
“Mm.”
They crossed the border of the Northern Sea, hand in hand, leaving their past behind.
Meng Zhen eventually achieved immortality and lived in a secluded paradise, but Qiao Shuang wasn’t by her side.
Promises were unreliable, but Qiao Shuang had chosen to believe.
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