Category: Bloodthirsty Countess’s Overbearing Love

Chapter 55

Since Li Xinjun had been banished from the Qing Dynasty, her former residence had been seized. Brother Wu and the others had moved Uncle Wang and her belongings to the Grand General’s Mansion, so Li Xinjun naturally took up residence there as well.

One night, when everyone was asleep, she went down to the dungeon to visit Uncle Wang. He had grown plump and healthy under Brother Wu’s care, no longer the battered and bruised creature she had left behind.

“Roar! Roar! Roar!”

“Uncle Wang, I’m back! Did you miss me?”

“Roar! Roar!”

“Let me tell you a secret, but don’t tell anyone else. You know, I’m a jiangshi now, just like you.”

“Roar! Roar! Roar!”

“You don’t believe me? I’ll show you.”

Li Xinjun channeled her inner energy, allowing her suppressed power to surge through her body. After months of training and consuming animal blood, she had gained complete control over her transformation. If not for the urgent matters at hand, she would have already returned to find Song Ling.

Her eyes turned a pale green, and Uncle Wang, sensing her immense power, bowed his head submissively, as if paying homage. A moment later, she withdrew her energy, her appearance returning to normal.

“Well? Do you believe me now?”

“Roar! Roar! Roar!”

“Uncle Wang, I have something important to do, and I need your help. But in your current state, you wouldn’t understand what I’m saying. So, I’m going to give you some of my blood. It won’t make you as powerful as me, but it will enhance your abilities. You’ll be able to understand me completely, not just bits and pieces. What do you say? Will you help me?”

Li Xinjun took out a small dagger from her belt and approached Uncle Wang’s cell, unlocking the door. Uncle Wang didn’t lunge at her. He simply stepped back, giving her space to enter.

She cut her wrist with the dagger, letting the blood flow freely, and then held her wrist to Uncle Wang’s mouth. He eagerly lapped up the blood, his thirst insatiable. Li Xinjun didn’t resist, letting him feed.

“Easy there, Uncle Wang. There’s no need to rush. Drink slowly, drink your fill. This is good for you, unlike that bland chicken blood you’ve been drinking. My blood is much more nourishing.”

Uncle Wang drank greedily, the power surging through his veins intoxicating him, like a drug addict getting his fix. He couldn’t stop.

“Okay, that’s enough. You’ll drain me dry.”

Li Xinjun pulled her wrist away. Uncle Wang looked at her longingly, but she didn’t offer him any more. She wiped the blood from her wrist with a clean handkerchief and waited as the wound healed, the flesh knitting back together, the bleeding stopping. Satisfied, she looked at Uncle Wang.

“How do you feel? Do you feel stronger?”

Uncle Wang closed his eyes, not answering. After a while, he opened them again. Their color had changed, a faint green tinge now visible. Li Xinjun’s blood had indeed enhanced his abilities.

He clenched his fists, swung his arms, and then let out a deafening roar. Li Xinjun winced, covering her ears with her fingers, her face contorted in disgust. When Uncle Wang calmed down, he bowed to her again.

“How do you feel? Better?”

“Roar!”

“Hmph, still can’t talk. But it’s okay. As long as you can understand me. Uncle Wang, I’m going to let you out. I need you to find the other jiangshi in the city and gather them together. Prevent them from harming anyone. If they don’t listen to you, kill them. You’re stronger than them now, thanks to my blood. You should be able to handle them. I’ll come find you when I’m done with my business.”

“Roar!”

“Good. You can go now.”

“Roar! Roar!”

Li Xinjun released Uncle Wang and then left the dungeon. Under the cover of darkness, she snuck into the Prime Minister’s Mansion. The mansion was heavily guarded, even at this late hour, with patrols constantly circling the grounds.

However, these guards were no match for Li Xinjun’s skills. She scaled the wall, leaping onto the roof, her movements swift and silent. She used her enhanced hearing and senses to locate the Prime Minister, pinpointing his location within the mansion. She then moved across the rooftops, her steps light and graceful, like a cat, making no sound.

She stopped above a room and lay flat on the roof, listening intently. She could hear voices from below, one of them belonging to the Prime Minister.

“How are the preparations coming along?”

“Everything is in place, Prime Minister. We await your command.”

“Hahaha, good, very good. Soon, our plan will come to fruition. That young brat’s reign is coming to an end. The capital is in chaos. Even with fifty thousand soldiers guarding the city, they will be no match for us. Send word. Tomorrow morning, all our troops stationed outside the city will attack.”

“As you command, Prime Minister. May you reign for a thousand generations!”

“Hahaha, excellent!”

Li Xinjun, having obtained the crucial information, left the Prime Minister’s Mansion. She snuck into the palace and informed Hongli of the impending attack, urging him to deploy all available troops to defend the palace. She then followed Uncle Wang’s scent to a street in the city, where she found a horde of jiangshi roaming freely.

She navigated through the horde and finally found Uncle Wang, who had successfully gathered most of the jiangshi in the city. She approached him, releasing a surge of energy. The jiangshi, sensing her power, retreated, making way for her.

“Uncle Wang, you’ve gathered quite a few jiangshi. We have less than two hours until sunrise. Gather as many as you can and assemble them outside the palace gates. Understood?”

“Roar!”

Time was running out. Li Xinjun had to act quickly. She returned to the Grand General’s Mansion and instructed Brother Wu and Ah Qi to gather all the soldiers and station them outside the palace gates as well. Brother Wu, receiving her orders, immediately set off with Ah Qi.

Li Xinjun then returned to the palace and had Hongli change into a soldier’s uniform. Concerned for his safety, she decided to keep him by her side, where she could protect him.

As dawn approached, the Prime Minister, accompanied by his supporters, entered the palace. Over a hundred officials, led by the Prime Minister, knelt outside the grand hall, ostensibly demanding that the Emperor address the nation and provide a solution to the crisis, but their true intention was to force him to abdicate.

The Prime Minister knew that Hongli wouldn’t relinquish his throne easily, so he had a backup plan. At the appointed hour, his troops stationed outside the city would attack. Whether Hongli agreed to abdicate or not, the outcome would be the same.

If Hongli refused, the Prime Minister’s army would storm the palace and depose him. If he agreed, the invading army would become the Prime Minister’s saviors, rescuing the people from the jiangshi threat, earning him the support and loyalty of the citizens.

“We, the officials of the imperial court, implore Your Majesty to appear before us and provide a solution to this crisis! The people are suffering! We are helpless! As the Emperor, it is your duty to lead us through this difficult time!”

The officials chanted in unison, their voices echoing through the palace. However, the Emperor didn’t appear. The Prime Minister wasn’t surprised. Everything was going according to plan. He turned to one of the officials and gave him a subtle signal. The official, understanding, stepped forward.

“An Emperor who fails to ensure the safety and well-being of his people is incompetent! To witness the people’s suffering and do nothing is unjust! To ignore the pleas of his officials and hide at a time like this is disloyal! Such a disloyal, unjust, and incompetent ruler is unworthy of the throne! I, as Minister of [Name], propose that the Emperor abdicate! Let us choose a new leader who can guide us through this crisis!”

“Minister, this is treason! We cannot do this!”

“Prime Minister, you are mistaken! The throne belongs to the capable! Since the Emperor is incapable of leading us out of this crisis and even refuses to face us, it is our duty, as officials, to choose a new leader for the sake of the nation and its people!”

“I agree!”

“I second the motion!”

“I also agree!”

“Sigh… The people’s will is paramount. Since all the officials agree that the Emperor should abdicate, I, as Prime Minister, cannot continue to cling to my loyalty to him. Let us choose a new Emperor! However, His Majesty is not yet married and has no heirs. Who do you propose as our new ruler?”

“Since the Emperor has no children, I propose that we choose the Prime Minister, who has always been dedicated to serving the nation and its people! What do you say?”

“We agree!”

“No, no, I am unworthy of such a position. Please, don’t be hasty. If we must choose a new Emperor, I have someone in mind. Prince Anling, known for his compassion and love for his people, is a descendant of the Aisin Gioro clan. He is the most suitable candidate. What do you say?”

“The Prime Minister is wise! Prince Anling is a virtuous man, loved by the people. And most importantly, he is of royal blood! He is the perfect choice!”

“We agree!”

Chapter 54

Song Ling, without prior notice, arrived at Mark’s castle. She inquired about Mark’s whereabouts and was informed that he was inside. The butler led her to the living room, where she found Mark and his servants busily packing boxes, seemingly preparing to move.

Curious, she approached Mark and greeted him. Mark, surprised and delighted to see her, set aside his task and rushed over to greet her.

“Miss Song, you’ve finally appeared! I’ve been looking for you everywhere! I thought I would have to leave without you. This is perfect timing!”

“What do you need me for? And why are you packing? Are you moving?”

“Oh, no, no. I’m going back to the Qing Dynasty. These are my belongings. I don’t think I’ll be returning anytime soon, so I’m taking as much as I can. That’s why I was looking for you. Where have you been all this time? I couldn’t find you anywhere.”

“What are you going back to the Qing Dynasty for? And why are you looking for me? You know I’m searching for Jun’er. I won’t leave until I find her.”

“That’s why I’m asking if you want to come with me. I received a message from the docks. It seems Miss Li has already returned to the Qing Dynasty. I did some investigating and learned that there’s been trouble there. It seems she went back to help. I’m also going back to assist.”

“She went back to the Qing Dynasty?! What happened? Why so suddenly? And the Emperor forbade her from returning! Why would she go back?”

“There’s been another jiangshi outbreak, and it’s worse than before. And the imperial court is facing a threat from the Prime Minister, who’s trying to take advantage of the chaos to overthrow the dynasty and force the Emperor to abdicate.

I suspect Miss Li received news of this and went back to help. I don’t know the details. I only learned a little from my correspondence with the prince. So, do you want to come with me? You can look for Miss Li while you’re there.”

“Yes, I’ll go with you. When are you leaving?”

“We’ll leave for the docks tonight and sail tomorrow morning. Do you need time to prepare?”

“No, I’m ready.”

“Alright, I’ll let you know when everything is ready. Go and rest for now. I need to finish packing. I’ll tell you the details on the ship.”

“Okay, I won’t disturb you any further.”

Mark finished his preparations quickly and had his servants load the boxes onto the carriage. Around evening, they set off for the docks.

They traveled through the night, arriving at the docks at dawn the next day. Mark supervised as the servants unloaded the boxes and carried them onto the ship. Once everything was settled, he and Song Ling boarded the ship. Mark’s butler and servants drove the carriage back to the castle.

This ship was larger and faster than the one Mark and Li Xinjun had taken. They would reach the Qing Dynasty in about two and a half months.

Meanwhile, Li Xinjun, upon returning to the Qing Dynasty six months ago, had immediately gone to the Grand General’s Mansion. Grand General Duoluo, bedridden from his injuries, his age working against him, was in critical condition. Li Xinjun, using her knowledge of medicine, did her best to treat him.

Thanks to her efforts, he was no longer in danger, but his recovery was slow. He would likely never be able to wield a weapon again.

Fortunately, he had already retired from the battlefield, his sons having convinced him to focus on managing the city’s defenses. Therefore, this setback was bearable for him.

Li Xinjun stayed by his side day and night, tending to his needs, until his condition stabilized. She then turned her attention to the jiangshi problem. From Brother Wu and Ah Qi, she learned the details of the situation. She knew that if she wanted to help, she had to contact Hongli to get a clear understanding of what was happening in the capital.

She instructed Brother Wu to inform the Emperor of her return. Brother Wu was now a junior general, serving as Grand General Duoluo’s right-hand man. With the general incapacitated, Brother Wu had taken over his duties, so attending court was no longer unfamiliar to him.

Initially, he was hesitant to inform the Emperor of Li Xinjun’s return, remembering the Emperor’s decree forbidding her from ever setting foot in the Qing Dynasty again. However, Li Xinjun persuaded him, arguing that they needed the Emperor’s help to resolve the crisis. He reluctantly agreed.

He went to the palace, informed the Emperor of Li Xinjun’s return, and then presented him with a letter she had written. Hongli recognized Li Xinjun’s handwriting. In the letter, she briefly explained her reasons for returning and expressed her confidence in her ability to help the Qing Dynasty overcome this crisis, but she needed the court’s cooperation.

Hongli read the letter and then, after a moment of silence, looked at Brother Wu.

“Where is she now?”

“Your Majesty, she is at the Grand General’s Mansion. Shall I summon her?”

“No. The palace has many ears. I want to speak with her privately. I’ll come with you to the mansion.”

Hongli, as he had done before, disguised himself as a commoner and left the palace secretly with Brother Wu. They arrived at the Grand General’s Mansion, where Brother Wu escorted Hongli to the living room and then went to inform Li Xinjun.

When Li Xinjun entered the living room, Hongli felt a pang of nostalgia. She was still as captivating as ever, her presence making his heart race. But things had changed. He knew they could never go back to how things were. He composed himself and stood up to greet her.

Li Xinjun bowed respectfully and then sat down with him to discuss the purpose of their meeting. Although there was no awkwardness between them, they both felt a sense of distance. Li Xinjun no longer addressed him as “Brother Hongli,” using the formal “Your Majesty” instead. Hongli didn’t mind. He was focused on discussing the situation with her.

“Your Majesty, I returned not only because I learned of my grandfather’s injury, but also because I believe I can help you and the Qing Dynasty overcome this crisis. However, I cannot do it alone. I hope Your Majesty will listen to my suggestions and consider my ideas. If you find them feasible, I hope to receive your support and manpower to implement my plan.”

“Miss Li, I am grateful for your willingness to assist the Qing Dynasty. I came here because I found your proposal in the letter promising. I will do my best to cooperate with you. However, times have changed. Although I am the Emperor, my power is not what it once was. Those who support the Prime Minister are constantly challenging my authority, trying to force me to abdicate. They’re practically plotting treason.”

“I know, Your Majesty. That’s why I want to expose the Prime Minister’s treachery. Then you will no longer be threatened.”

“You have a way to expose him?”

“If my suspicions are correct, the Prime Minister is the one behind the jiangshi outbreak. We’ve suspected it for a long time, but we haven’t been able to find any evidence. This time, I want to uncover the truth and find proof of his crimes.”

“If we discover that he is responsible, I will punish him and his entire clan! He will not escape justice!”

Hongli slammed his fist on the table, his face flushed with anger, his eyes blazing with determination. Li Xinjun and Hongli continued to discuss the details of her plan. After their meeting, Hongli returned to the palace to prepare the necessary arrangements for Li Xinjun’s investigation.

With the Emperor’s support, Li Xinjun made significant progress, uncovering evidence that strongly suggested the Prime Minister’s involvement in the jiangshi outbreak. His goal was to overthrow the dynasty and seize the throne. It was only a matter of time before he launched his attack on the capital.

Chapter 53

After two days of relentless training, Song Ling finally stopped. She had mastered her new abilities, able to control her power at will. She was now as powerful as Mark, the seasoned jiangshi king, who finally acknowledged his own inferiority.

“Song Ling, you’ve reached a point where further training is unnecessary. You’ve mastered your abilities. You can go find her now.”

“Yes, I feel confident in my abilities. I’ll leave after I freshen up. Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?”

“No, I have some things to attend to. And besides, you’re as powerful as I am now. I wouldn’t be of much help. Let’s part ways here.”

“Alright. Thank you for everything, Mark.”

“Don’t mention it. I didn’t do anything. It was all your own effort. Enough with the pleasantries. I’ve prepared a supply of blood for you to take with you. It will save you some trouble. Take it with you. I’m leaving now. I won’t wait for you.”

“Okay, thank you again. You can leave if you have things to do.”

Mark left without another word. Song Ling went inside, washed up, packed a few necessities, and then set off. She had no idea where Li Xinjun had gone, but she knew that if Li Xinjun was deliberately avoiding her, she wouldn’t go anywhere Song Ling might think to look. So, Song Ling chose a random direction and started walking.

She figured that if she were trying to avoid Li Xinjun, she would seek out a remote and isolated place. She decided to focus her search on such areas.

She had heard of a place called the Black Forest, far to the west. It was a place shrouded in legends and rumors, some claiming it to be a cursed forest, inhabited by demons and monsters, a place where those who entered never returned.

Such a terrifying reputation kept people away. It would be the perfect place for Li Xinjun to hide, a sanctuary from the world.

Song Ling traveled for days, finally reaching the entrance to the legendary Black Forest. She entered without hesitation. A thick fog blanketed the forest, obscuring her vision. She hadn’t gone far when she sensed a strong demonic aura, confirming the rumors of its supernatural inhabitants.

She was a powerful jiangshi now, one of the strongest beings in the demon world. She wasn’t afraid. She continued deeper into the forest, her senses heightened, searching for any trace of Li Xinjun’s scent.

The trees grew thick and close together, the fog adding to the sense of claustrophobia. It was the perfect place for an ambush. Even her enhanced vision was of little use here. She hadn’t been in the forest long when she felt a predator’s gaze upon her.

The creature had been watching her since she entered the forest. It had been a long time since any human had dared to venture into this domain, so it was intrigued by Song Ling’s presence.

Its black fur made it almost invisible in the shadowy forest. The trees were mostly a dark black, hence the name Black Forest.

It resembled a leopard, but it was larger than a lion and had two heads. Its claws were more powerful than a bear’s, capable of disemboweling its prey with a single swipe.

The two-headed leopard stalked Song Ling, observing her every move. When the opportunity arose, it leaped from behind a tree, pouncing on her. Song Ling, sensing the attack, swiftly dodged and then, with surprising strength, pinned the creature to the ground, her hands firmly gripping its two heads.

The two-headed leopard, stunned by her agility and strength, struggled to escape, its claws raking across Song Ling’s face, leaving three bloody gashes. Song Ling, her hands occupied, couldn’t block the attack.

The pain and the sight of her own blood enraged her. With a surge of power, she twisted the creature’s two heads, snapping its necks.

Blood gushed from the severed necks. The headless body twitched and convulsed. The scent of fresh blood filled the air, and Song Ling, unable to resist, bent down and drank deeply from one of the wounds, satisfying her thirst. She then collected the remaining blood in a bottle from her bag and continued deeper into the forest.

She heard the sound of a waterfall in the distance and, looking down at her blood-soaked clothes, decided to wash up. She followed the sound and soon came to a beautiful waterfall. She smiled and, without hesitation, removed her clothes and stepped into the pool of water beneath the cascading falls.

The cool water was refreshing. She had been traveling for days and had just fought a fierce battle. She could smell the blood on her clothes and was eager to wash it away.

She submerged herself in the water, emerging a few minutes later. Water droplets clung to her long hair, creating a shimmering halo around her, like a goddess emerging from a spring.

She touched her face, where the leopard had scratched her, and was surprised to find that the wounds had vanished, leaving no trace. She realized that being a jiangshi wasn’t all bad.

If she were still human, those scratches would be swollen and infected, leaving ugly scars. But now, they had healed perfectly.

She sighed contentedly and stepped out of the water, drying herself and putting on her clothes. She sat down beneath a large tree to rest, closing her eyes and extending her senses, searching for Li Xinjun’s scent, but there was nothing.

This had become her daily ritual. She searched for Li Xinjun tirelessly, her senses constantly scanning the surroundings, even while she rested. She didn’t want to waste a single moment.

However, her efforts had been futile. She had found no trace of Li Xinjun, not even a hint of her scent. With her enhanced senses, she could easily detect anything within a radius of fifty miles. If Li Xinjun were nearby, she would have sensed her by now.

She began to wonder if she was searching in the wrong direction, but she couldn’t bear to leave the forest unexplored, fearing she might miss Li Xinjun. She had no choice but to continue her blind search.

As a result, she had spent almost half a year exploring the Black Forest, a place teeming with demons and monsters. However, the creatures of the forest, upon seeing her, fled in terror, like demons fleeing from an avenging angel.

During those six months, she had slain almost every beast in the forest. Initially, some of the more powerful creatures had challenged her, underestimating her strength, but after witnessing her devour their comrades, they learned to fear her.

Her martial arts skills had reached new heights, surpassing even Mark’s abilities. And thanks to her exploration of the Black Forest, the world would be free from those terrifying creatures for many years to come. But that was a story for another time.

Song Ling had just finished slaying a giant, ferocious bear-man. The creature, unfortunate enough to encounter her while she was hungry, had been decapitated. She was now collecting its blood in a bottle, preparing to leave the Black Forest, which she had thoroughly explored.

“Thank you, Mr. Bear. Your contribution will allow me to continue my journey.”

She packed the bottle of blood away and, with a final glance at the dead bear-man, turned to leave. She hadn’t found any trace of Li Xinjun in the Black Forest. She decided to return to their cottage, checking in with Henry and Mark along the way, and then decide where to go next.

Chapter 52

Song Ling stared at the letter in her hand, her eyes red-rimmed, her jaw clenched. Mark entered the cottage and, seeing her distress, remained silent, observing her from the doorway.

After about half an hour, Song Ling stood up from the table and turned to face Mark, her expression resolute. Mark watched as she approached him, her gaze unwavering.

“Mark, can you help me?”

“Tell me what you need.”

“I want you to turn me into a jiangshi.”

“Why?”

“I’m going after her. Since she refuses to turn me, I have to ask you. This way, she won’t have to worry about hurting me.”

“Are you sure? You’ve seen how Jun’er is struggling with her transformation. Do you think you can handle it?”

“I’m sure.”

“Alright, I’ll help you.”

“Thank you, Mark.”

Mark closed his eyes. When he opened them again, they were blood red. He bared his fangs and leaned towards Song Ling’s neck. She stood still, offering no resistance, allowing him to sink his teeth into her flesh.

As his fangs pierced her artery, she felt her life force draining away. She closed her eyes, her fists clenched, accepting her fate.

“Li Xinjun, just you wait! No matter where you hide, I will find you!”

Her sadness transformed into anger. She was furious at Li Xinjun for leaving without a word, for breaking her promise to never leave her. She was determined to find Li Xinjun, punish her for her betrayal, and then make her suffer for leaving her.

“Achoo!”

Li Xinjun, waiting for a ship at the docks, suddenly sneezed. She felt a chill run down her spine and rubbed her arms, seeking warmth. She moved further into the shadows.

Song Ling, weakened from the blood loss, collapsed, losing consciousness. Mark carried her to her bedroom and laid her gently on the bed before leaving.

Song Ling remained unconscious for two days and one night, finally awakening on the afternoon of the third day. She opened her eyes, her throat parched, her head throbbing. Mark entered the room, carrying a goblet.

“You’re awake. I brought you something. Drink this.”

Song Ling sat up and took the goblet from him. She peered inside and saw that it was filled with blood. She hesitantly sniffed it and then downed it in a single gulp.

“You’re adapting well. I wasn’t so accepting at first.”

“It’s just blood. No big deal.”

“If only Xinjun were as accepting as you. Things wouldn’t be so complicated.”

Song Ling’s expression hardened at the mention of Li Xinjun’s name. She narrowed her eyes, a sinister smile playing on her lips, as if plotting something.

Mark, observing her transformation, felt a pang of sympathy for Li Xinjun. He had a feeling that she would suffer greatly once Song Ling caught her. He silently offered Li Xinjun his condolences.

“You’ll experience some discomfort as your body adjusts. In a few hours, you’ll start to feel a surge of energy. Try to control it. When you release this power, your eyes will change color, and your fangs will grow. Once you’ve mastered controlling it, you can transform at will.

You’ll also find that your senses are enhanced. You’ll be able to see in the dark, hear sounds from miles away, and so on. Explore your new abilities. You’ll discover how powerful you’ve become. If you have any questions, ask me. I’ll be staying here for a few more days until you’ve fully adjusted.”

“You’re leaving?”

“Yes, now that you’re a jiangshi, you won’t need my help once you’ve adapted. I don’t want to intrude on you two lovebirds.”

“Okay, thank you, Mark. I appreciate everything you’ve done.”

“Don’t mention it. It was nothing. And besides, it wasn’t entirely selfless. I haven’t had time to find any corpses for blood and have been relying on chicken blood. I’m grateful that you two provided me with fresh human blood. You have no idea how long it’s been since I’ve tasted it. Fresh human blood is the best.”

“…”

Song Ling glared at him, her face expressionless. Mark, realizing he had said something inappropriate, blushed and scratched his head, chuckling awkwardly.

Song Ling, seeing his foolish grin, ignored him. She threw off the covers, got out of bed, and left the room. Mark, relieved to be alone, sighed. He had noticed a change in Song Ling since Li Xinjun’s departure.

She now carried an aura of power and determination, no longer the gentle and kind woman he had known before. “Well, it’s not my problem,” he thought to himself. “Let Li Xinjun deal with her.”

As the hours passed, Song Ling began to feel the changes within her body, just as Mark had described. A surge of energy coursed through her veins. Her dantian, the energy center in her abdomen, felt warm, similar to when she had first started cultivating inner energy, but this power was far greater and continued to grow.

She closed her eyes and tried to control this new energy, channeling it through her body, just as she would with her inner energy. She focused her energy in her dantian and then slowly moved it through her limbs, finally releasing it through the top of her head. As the energy surged out, she opened her eyes, their color now a brilliant blue. She raised her hands and drew a bagua symbol in the air, then pushed forward from her chest. A large boulder in front of her exploded, shattering into pieces.

Mark, drawn by the sound, arrived just in time to witness the display of power. He was stunned. It had taken him almost half a month to master his abilities to this extent.

This young woman had done it in less than a day! He wondered if he was simply incompetent or if Song Ling was truly exceptional.

Song Ling drew another circle in the air and then slowly lowered her hands. Her eyes returned to their normal amber color. She exhaled softly and turned to see Mark staring at her, his mouth agape. She raised an eyebrow and waved a hand in front of his face. Mark snapped out of his daze and closed his mouth, looking at her with a mixture of awe and fear.

“What’s wrong?”

“How did you do that?”

“Do what?”

“How did you master your powers so quickly?”

“I just channeled my energy, like I do with my inner energy cultivation. It worked. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I’m just impressed.”

Mark didn’t tell her how long it had taken him to achieve this level of control. He had decided that this woman was not human. Well, she wasn’t human anymore. She was a jiangshi. But she was unlike any jiangshi he had ever encountered. He decided to stay on her good side, no matter what. He wasn’t ready to die.

Song Ling, unaware of his thoughts, was pleased with her progress. She didn’t want to waste any time. She wanted to find Li Xinjun as soon as possible, so she trained diligently, pushing herself to master her new powers.

Mark, seeing her determination, quietly left the room, feeling a twinge of jealousy. He decided to go hunting in the forest, hoping to catch some animals for Song Ling to feed on. Consuming fresh blood would accelerate her progress. He wanted to feel useful, not just a freeloader.

Chapter 51

Song Ling waited in the living room for Li Xinjun, but after a long while, Li Xinjun still hadn’t emerged. Unable to bear the suspense any longer, she decided to check on her in the ice cellar. However, as she reached the kitchen, her heart sank. The back door was wide open. A sense of dread washed over her. She ran to the ice cellar, and as she feared, it was empty.

She gasped, her heart pounding with anxiety. Her intuition told her that Li Xinjun had left and wouldn’t be coming back. She rushed out the back door, her bare feet pounding on the cobblestone path, her eyes scanning the surroundings, desperate to find any sign of Li Xinjun. She reached the castle’s main gate and was shocked to find it open as well. Ignoring her bare feet, she ran out of the castle grounds.

“Jun’er! Jun’er!” she called out, her voice echoing through the night, but there was no response. Mark, having sensed her distress, caught up to her, his speed inhuman.

“What’s wrong? What happened?”

“Jun’er’s gone!”

“Gone? How can she be gone?”

“I waited for her in the living room, like you said, to give her time to calm down. But she didn’t come out. I went to check on her and found the ice cellar empty. The back door and the main gate were both open. I think she left. I chased after her, but I couldn’t find her. Please help me find her!”

“Calm down. Let me track her scent.”

Mark closed his eyes, using his heightened senses as a jiangshi to search for Li Xinjun’s scent. However, he couldn’t detect her within a radius of several miles. She must have left a while ago.

He sighed and shook his head, looking at Song Ling. Song Ling, seeing his reaction, panicked, tears blurring her vision. Mark patted her shoulder gently.

“She’s been gone for a while. Even I might not be able to catch up to her, especially since I don’t know which direction she went. Why don’t you think about where she might have gone? Knowing her, where would she go in this situation? That way, we can narrow down our search and follow her trail.”

Song Ling, realizing he was right, forced herself to calm down and think. They were in Britain, a foreign land. They hadn’t been here long, and the only places Li Xinjun was familiar with were General Henry’s castle and their small cottage in the countryside.

“That’s it! She might have gone back to our cottage! We only know you and General Henry here. She wouldn’t go to General Henry now, so the most likely place she would go is home.”

“Alright, let’s go to your cottage immediately.”

Mark took Song Ling back to the castle so she could wash up and change. They then prepared the carriage and set off. Mark, knowing Song Ling’s urgency, drove the carriage at breakneck speed. For a human, driving through the night on those dark country roads would be suicidal, but for a jiangshi, the darkness was no obstacle. His vision was as clear as day.

Meanwhile, Li Xinjun, fueled by her newfound strength as a jiangshi, was like a cheetah hunting in the night, moving swiftly through the forest. Her speed was astonishing. She was a blur, a gust of wind, her passage barely noticeable.

She covered the two-day journey by carriage in just three hours. Seeing their small cottage in the distance, her heart ached with longing. This was where their life together had begun, a life built on a promise of love and protection. They had dreamed of spending their days in this humble abode, but fate had intervened, separating them, turning one into a monster.

She slowed down, her footsteps heavy, and wandered through their neglected field. She crouched down and picked up a handful of dry soil. It wasn’t long ago that they had worked this land together, their days simple but fulfilling.

She would work the fields while Song Ling prepared breakfast. Song Ling would then bring the food out to the wooden table they had built together and call out her name. Li Xinjun would stop working and join her for breakfast.

Sometimes, Song Ling would gently wipe the dirt from Li Xinjun’s face with a handkerchief, teasing her about being a messy kitten. Li Xinjun, remembering those happy moments, closed her eyes, savoring the memories. She then stood up and entered the cottage.

The house was dusty and neglected. She looked at the familiar furniture and every corner, each brick and tile holding memories of their time together.

She instinctively lit the oil lamp, illuminating the room. Although she could now see clearly in the dark, the light from the lamp brought her comfort, a reminder of her humanity.

As she was reminiscing, she noticed an envelope on the floor near the door. Someone must have delivered it while they were gone, slipping it through the door when they found no one home.

She picked up the envelope and turned it over, surprised to see her name written in Chinese. They were in Britain. No one here knew her Chinese name. This letter must be from the Qing Dynasty.

It was the first letter they had received since arriving in Britain. They had sent letters back, but due to the distance, it took months for them to reach their destination.

She eagerly opened the envelope and unfolded the letter. As she read, her brow furrowed. The letter was from Brother Wu. It stated that shortly after their departure, another jiangshi outbreak had occurred in the capital.

This time, the scale was unprecedented. The court was overwhelmed, desperately trying to contain the situation. Grand General Duoluo, as the commander of the imperial army, was leading the fight against the jiangshi. However, during a battle, he had been severely injured while rescuing Brother Wu, who was now in a coma, his condition critical.

Countless civilians had been killed, and the number of jiangshi was growing with each death. The army, without their general’s leadership, was in disarray, struggling to fight back. The capital was in chaos. The Prime Minister, seizing the opportunity, had launched a rebellion, accusing the Emperor of incompetence and inability to protect his people. He was preparing to overthrow the dynasty. The Emperor was trapped, his options limited.

Li Xinjun’s heart sank as she read the letter. Grand General Duoluo was like a father to her. Hearing that he was injured, she couldn’t sit still. But even if she returned, what could she do alone? She wasn’t invincible. Then she remembered. She was a jiangshi now, immortal and powerful. Perhaps she could actually help.

And she couldn’t stay here anyway. She knew Song Ling would eventually track her down. Until she could control her bloodlust, she didn’t want Song Ling near her. Instead of hiding, she could return to the Qing Dynasty, visit her grandfather, and avoid Song Ling at the same time.

After careful consideration, she decided to go back. She took out a brush and ink and wrote a letter to Song Ling, then left the cottage, heading towards the docks.

Meanwhile, Song Ling and Mark were still on their way to the cottage. They had been traveling nonstop, even losing a horse to exhaustion. Finally, on the evening of the second day, they arrived. Before the carriage had even come to a complete stop, Song Ling jumped out and rushed into the cottage, calling out Li Xinjun’s name.

“Jun’er! Jun’er!”

She flung open the door and searched the cottage frantically, her heart pounding with hope and dread. Finding no one inside, she emerged from the back room, her shoulders slumped with disappointment. Then she noticed a letter on the table. She grabbed it eagerly and tore it open. It was the letter Li Xinjun had left for her.

-Sister Ling, please forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye. I know you’re worried, and I’m sure you’ve guessed that I would come here, so I’m leaving this letter for you.

I wanted to stay with you, to forget everything else and be together forever, like you said. But I’m not the same person I used to be. I’m a monster now.

I thought I could pretend that nothing had changed, but I was wrong. Terribly wrong.

No matter how hard I try, I can’t control my monstrous instincts. The craving for blood overwhelms me. I don’t want to hurt you. I can’t imagine what I would do if I ever bit you. I could never forgive myself.

So I’ve decided that until I can control myself, I won’t come back to you. Promise me you won’t come looking for me.

With all my love, Jun’er-

Chapter 50

Three days had passed since Li Xinjun’s awakening. During those days, she hadn’t touched a drop of blood, only consuming ordinary food and water alongside Song Ling. Song Ling, caught up in the joy of their reunion, had completely forgotten that Li Xinjun was now a jiangshi.

They lived a peaceful and carefree life, but Li Xinjun was still a jiangshi. If not for the large amount of blood Mark had fed her, she wouldn’t have been able to survive this long without consuming fresh blood.

Mark had offered her blood every day, but she had steadfastly refused. Worried that she would lose control and become a mindless, bloodthirsty monster, he took advantage of a moment when she was alone and dragged her to the ice cellar in the kitchen. He retrieved a bowl of preserved blood, intending to force her to drink it, but Li Xinjun swatted it away.

The blood splattered across the floor, staining the ice-cold stone a gruesome red. The metallic scent of blood filled the air, triggering Li Xinjun’s suppressed hunger. Her eyes turned a pale green, her fangs elongated, and she felt an overwhelming urge to lap up the blood from the floor.

“Look at you! You’re starving! And you still refuse to feed! Do you want to become a mindless beast, attacking anyone in sight?!”

Mark’s harsh words snapped Li Xinjun out of her trance. She looked at herself, her body contorted in a grotesque pose, and a wave of disgust washed over her. She punched the floor in frustration and stormed out of the ice cellar. She bumped into Song Ling, who, seeing her distress, rushed over to her.

“Jun’er, what’s wrong? Why are you so upset?”

Li Xinjun, seeing Song Ling, quickly masked her emotions. She didn’t want Song Ling to worry, so she made up an excuse. Song Ling, unsuspecting, simply comforted her, trying to cheer her up.

Mark didn’t follow them. He shook his head, knowing that Li Xinjun was determined to deny her nature. He sighed. He had been the same way once. Who could readily accept the reality of becoming a monster?

“She’ll give in eventually. I’ll just have to keep a close eye on her and make sure she doesn’t harm anyone,” he thought to himself.

That night, Li Xinjun lay in bed, holding Song Ling close. Song Ling was fast asleep, but Li Xinjun couldn’t sleep. She kept replaying the scene in the ice cellar, her own monstrous reflection staring back at her. She couldn’t accept it.

She didn’t know how much longer she could resist. The hunger pangs had started two days ago, but she had been suppressing them with sheer willpower.

She frowned, looking at Song Ling’s sleeping face. She leaned closer, her gaze lingering on her beloved. She reached out and gently caressed Song Ling’s cheek, her hand trailing down to her neck. She could feel the pulse throbbing beneath her fingers. She leaned in closer, drawn by an irresistible force.

Her eyes turned a pale green, and she could smell the alluring scent of fresh blood emanating from Song Ling’s pulse. She opened her mouth, her fangs extended, and she moved towards Song Ling’s neck.

Song Ling, as if sensing something, stirred in her sleep, brushing her hand against her neck. The movement startled Li Xinjun.

Realizing what she was about to do, Li Xinjun shook her head violently, jumped out of bed, and ran out of the room. She raced down to the kitchen, flung open the ice cellar door, and grabbed the bowls of fresh blood, gulping them down one after another, her thirst insatiable. She didn’t stop until she had drained every bowl in the cellar.

She was covered in blood, her eyes glowing green, her fangs bared, her appearance monstrous. She looked like a wild beast, not a human.

The blood temporarily satiated her hunger, allowing her to regain control of her thoughts. She looked at her blood-soaked hands and clothes and finally accepted the reality of her transformation. She had become a blood-drinking monster.

She stumbled towards a cabinet, knocking over the food inside, and found a copper plate. She held it up, her reflection staring back at her, a horrifying image. She roared in anguish, the sound echoing through the castle, and then threw the plate aside, collapsing to her knees, her head in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably.

“It will be alright once you get used to it. I know it’s difficult to accept. I understand how you feel. But just remember that you did this for the person you love. That makes it all worthwhile.

Think about it. You haven’t harmed anyone, have you? You only drank the blood of the dead. You didn’t kill them. And now, you have great power. You can use it to help those in need. Doesn’t that make you feel better?”

Li Xinjun looked up and saw Mark standing in the doorway, his expression sympathetic.

“You don’t understand! I almost bit Sister Ling! I almost killed her! How can I accept this?!”

“Sigh… That’s because you haven’t fed in days. If you had listened to me and drank the blood I offered you, this wouldn’t have happened.”

“No, you don’t understand! No matter how hard I try, I can’t control the urge to bite! That was Sister Ling! The person I love most! How could I be so monstrous?!”

“You know that Song Ling is waiting for you to turn her into a jiangshi. She’s only holding back because you keep resisting.

Since you’ve both decided to live as jiangshi, why don’t you just bite her? I’m sure she’d be happy.”

“Look at me! Look what I’ve become! You want me to turn the person I love into a monster like me? Do you think that’s right?!”

“I told you, this is because you refused to feed. If you drink blood regularly, this won’t happen.”

Song Ling, awakened by Li Xinjun’s roar, followed the sound to the ice cellar. She saw Li Xinjun kneeling on the floor, covered in blood, and rushed over, worried.

“Jun’er? What’s wrong? Let me see.”

“Stay away! Don’t look at me!”

“Jun’er, what’s going on? Why are you covered in blood?”

“Go away! I don’t want you to see me like this! Don’t come any closer! Please, I beg you!”

Song Ling froze, unsure what to do. She slowly crouched down, reaching out to touch Li Xinjun, but Mark grabbed her arm, pulling her back. Song Ling looked at him, confused. Mark shook his head, urging her to leave.

Song Ling wanted to stay and comfort Li Xinjun, but Mark pulled her out of the ice cellar, his grip firm. He didn’t stop until they reached the living room. He turned to her and said,

“She’s agitated right now. Give her some space to calm down. Don’t go near her.”

“What happened to Jun’er? Why is she covered in blood?”

“She’s fine. She was just hungry.”

“Hungry? But she already ate dinner.”

“Miss Song, do you remember that your beloved is a jiangshi now? Food can’t satisfy her hunger. Only blood can. Understand?”

Mark’s words were sharp, his frustration evident. Song Ling suddenly remembered. They had been so caught up in their reunion, enjoying their peaceful life, that they had forgotten about Li Xinjun’s transformation. She cursed her carelessness. How could she have forgotten such a crucial detail? Guilt and regret washed over her.

“So, she went to the ice cellar to drink blood? But why was she making so much noise?”

“Because she’s been refusing to drink blood. And just now, she almost lost control and bit you. She can’t accept what she’s become. She’s angry. And the prolonged hunger triggered her primal instincts. She transformed. She probably doesn’t want you to see her like that.”

“She’s so foolish! I wouldn’t care what she looked like! And I wanted her to bite me! Why is she so stubborn? No, I have to go talk to her!”

“Let her be for now. Talk to her when she’s calmed down. She’s too agitated now. She won’t listen to anything you say.”

Chapter 49

As the first rays of dawn illuminated the sky, Li Xinjun awoke, feeling a surge of energy coursing through her body. There was no trace of the pain or weakness she had felt before. She sat up, surprised to find that she felt completely healed.

She looked at Song Ling and Mark, who were still asleep. She stretched her arms and legs, testing her body, confirming that she was indeed fine. She stood up and moved around, feeling a newfound agility and strength. She practiced a few punches and then, unable to contain her excitement, began to practice her martial arts, her movements fluid and powerful. She felt like she had consumed a magical elixir, her abilities enhanced. “Perhaps surviving a near-death experience grants you special powers,” she thought to herself.

The commotion woke Song Ling and Mark. Song Ling, seeing Li Xinjun moving around effortlessly, smiled and rushed over to her, embracing her tightly. Li Xinjun, startled, quickly returned the embrace, their bodies clinging to each other, savoring the warmth and familiar scent of their beloved. After a moment, Song Ling spoke, her voice filled with relief.

“Jun’er, you’re finally awake! I was so worried!”

“Sister Ling, look! I’m fine! I can move freely! It’s like I was never injured! No, it’s better than before! I feel so strong, like I’ve been given some kind of magical boost! Isn’t it a miracle?”

Li Xinjun, eager to prove her recovery, released Song Ling and demonstrated a few martial arts moves. Song Ling, watching her with a smile, felt a mix of emotions. She knew that Li Xinjun’s recovery wasn’t a miracle. It was because she had consumed Mark’s blood.

She wanted to tell Li Xinjun the truth but couldn’t bear to shatter her happiness. She opened her mouth to speak, then hesitated, unsure how to approach the subject.

Li Xinjun, seeing her hesitation, stopped and approached her, her brow furrowed with concern.

“Sister Ling, what’s wrong? You look strange. Are you shocked by my recovery? I’m fine, really! I’m not lying!”

“I know, I’m just… so happy.”

Song Ling couldn’t bring herself to tell her the truth. Mark, observing them, shook his head, deciding not to interfere. This was between them. He stood up, brushed off his clothes, and gathered his belongings, heading towards the carriage outside.

“We should go.”

“Okay, we’re coming.”

Song Ling and Li Xinjun followed him out. Li Xinjun nimbly climbed into the carriage and then turned, offering her hand to help Song Ling up. Once they were both inside, Mark quickly fed the horses some carrots and then climbed onto the driver’s seat, setting off.

They traveled for a while, reaching a small village. It was a farming community, the fields stretching out before them. Li Xinjun and Song Ling watched the scenery through the carriage window. Li Xinjun turned to Song Ling.

“Sister Ling, I’m fully recovered now. Do we still need to go to Mark’s castle?”

“It’s best to go. You’ve just recovered. We don’t know if there will be any side effects.”

“Okay, you’re right. How long has it been since the accident?”

“Four days.”

“Wow, I’m completely healed in just four days! Did you find some magical medicine and feed it to me? How else could I have recovered so quickly? I thought I was dying.”

“Jun’er… I…”

“What is it?”

Li Xinjun finally noticed Song Ling’s troubled expression. She looked at her intently, waiting for an explanation.

Song Ling, knowing she couldn’t avoid the truth any longer, took a deep breath and met Li Xinjun’s gaze.

“Jun’er, what if I told you that I made a drastic decision to save your life? What would you think?”

“What did you do?”

“I mean, what if you could never live as a normal human again? Would that be a problem?”

“What do you mean, ‘not live as a normal human’? Sister Ling, I don’t understand. Can you be more specific?”

Song Ling sighed and, mustering her courage, said,

“Jun’er, I’m sorry… To save your life, I asked Mark to turn you into a jiangshi… I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?”

Li Xinjun frowned, studying Song Ling’s serious expression. She knew Song Ling wasn’t joking, but she couldn’t believe her ears.

“You’re saying… you asked Mark to turn me into a jiangshi?”

“Yes.”

“But… Mark… How could he…? I don’t understand…”

“Mark… He’s the jiangshi king…”

“Mark is the jiangshi king?!”

Li Xinjun stared at Song Ling, stunned into silence. She then remembered Song Ling mentioning that she had sensed the jiangshi king’s aura from Mark. She turned to look at Mark, who was focused on driving, his back to them.

She frowned and looked back at Song Ling, who nodded silently. Li Xinjun tried to process this shocking information, her mind reeling. She asked again, wanting to make sure she understood correctly.

“Sister Ling… You’re saying that Mark is the jiangshi king, and to save my life, you asked him to turn me into a jiangshi too? Is that right?”

“Yes…”

Li Xinjun, confirming that she hadn’t misunderstood, fell silent. She lowered her head, her brow furrowed, her fists clenched, deep in thought.

Song Ling, worried, reached out to touch her back, wanting to comfort her, but Li Xinjun flinched away.

Song Ling, surprised by her reaction, withdrew her hand, her eyebrows raised in concern. Li Xinjun, realizing her overreaction, took a deep breath, trying to calm down before speaking again.

“So, I’m a jiangshi now?”

“Jun’er…”

“Answer me!”

Li Xinjun’s voice was laced with panic. She couldn’t accept this. She wished Song Ling would burst out laughing and tell her it was all a joke, but deep down, she knew Song Ling wouldn’t joke about something like this.

“Jun’er, please… No matter what you become, I will always love you… Calm down, okay?”

Although Song Ling hadn’t directly answered her question, her meaning was clear. Li Xinjun closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then tears streamed down her face. Song Ling immediately embraced her, holding her close. Li Xinjun didn’t resist, simply letting Song Ling comfort her.

After a moment of silence, Li Xinjun pulled away, her hands gripping Song Ling’s shoulders, her gaze intense.

“Sister Ling, what about you? Are you a jiangshi too?”

“No. You pushed me out of the way. I was seriously injured, but my life wasn’t in danger. But Jun’er, don’t worry. I’ve decided to let you turn me into a jiangshi too.

The moment I decided to let you become a jiangshi, I decided that I would become one with you, so we could be together forever. I believe that as long as we’re together, it doesn’t matter if we’re human or monster. We’ll be happy.”

“No… You can’t! I don’t want you to become a jiangshi!”

“Jun’er… Are you angry with me? Please forgive me! I just didn’t want you to die! I couldn’t bear to lose you! Can you understand?”

“I know. I’m not angry with you. I understand why you did it.”

“Then why…”

“Sister Ling, I don’t want you to become a jiangshi. You’ve dedicated your life to slaying demons and monsters. If you become a monster yourself, I can’t imagine…”

“Jun’er, I don’t mind. As long as I can be with you, I don’t mind anything.”

“But I mind! How can I bear to watch you become a monster? To watch you feed on innocent people? To live a life neither human nor ghost? How can I let you endure that?”

Mark, listening to their conversation, wanted to scream. He felt insulted, but he couldn’t interrupt them. He rolled his eyes, seeing that they had arrived at his castle. He stopped the carriage and got out.

“Ladies, we’ve arrived. I, as a creature neither human nor ghost, will leave you two alone. I’ll be inside resting. Join me when you’re done.”

Li Xinjun and Song Ling realized that their conversation had unintentionally offended Mark. They both felt awkward, watching him walk away. The tension between them dissipated.

Li Xinjun looked at Song Ling apologetically. Song Ling, seeing her adorable expression, couldn’t help but laugh. Their situation was a strange mix of sadness, humor, and awkwardness. Li Xinjun, also amused, felt her anger fade. She sighed.

“Sister Ling, let’s go inside. We can discuss this later.”

“Okay.”

As Li Xinjun was about to get out of the carriage, Song Ling pulled her back and kissed her passionately. Li Xinjun, caught off guard, surrendered to the kiss.

They had missed each other dearly, and this kiss allowed them to express their love and longing. Li Xinjun forgot her worries, lost in the moment.

After a while, Song Ling broke the kiss. They were both breathless. Song Ling looked at Li Xinjun, her eyes filled with love.

“Jun’er, I love you.”

Her simple confession warmed Li Xinjun’s heart. Suddenly, everything seemed alright. As long as they were together, nothing else mattered.

“I love you too.”

They got out of the carriage and entered the castle. The grand hall, although not as lavish as General Henry’s, was still elegant and impressive. They saw Mark sitting at a table laden with food. He wasn’t eating but was sipping a drink from a metal goblet.

Li Xinjun and Song Ling, hand in hand, approached the table and sat down. Li Xinjun looked at the food but felt no appetite. She was puzzled. She hadn’t eaten in days and should be famished, but the food held no appeal.

Mark, observing her, guessed what she was thinking. He picked up a goblet and pushed it towards her. Li Xinjun looked at the red liquid inside and realized it was blood. The reality of her transformation hit her again.

She pushed the goblet away. Mark didn’t say anything, simply shrugged and continued to drink his blood. Song Ling, oblivious, took some food from the table, placing it on her plate and also on Li Xinjun’s plate.

Li Xinjun, realizing that Song Ling hadn’t noticed anything, didn’t stop her and began to eat, taking small bites. Song Ling, seeing her eat, also started her meal.

Mark, watching them, didn’t say anything. They would adjust eventually. He didn’t need to worry about them. He savored his blood, ignoring the two women. After a few bites, Li Xinjun put down her fork and looked at Mark.

“Are you the jiangshi king?”

“I’m not a king. That’s just what you call me. But I am a jiangshi.”

“Then why do you harm innocent people?”

“… Have you seen me kill anyone?”

“No…”

“Then why do you assume I’m a villain?”

“Because you’re a jiangshi! And the jiangshi in the capital were all bitten by you, weren’t they?”

“You two are unbelievable… I already explained to Song Ling. It wasn’t me.”

Li Xinjun looked at Song Ling, who nodded in confirmation. She then turned back to Mark.

“During our voyage, I never saw you bite anyone. So you don’t need to drink blood to survive?”

Mark, remembering his ordeal on the ship, became agitated.

“Don’t remind me! Now that you know my identity, I’m going to settle the score! You have no idea how miserable I was!

Every time I tried to sneak away and drink my chicken blood, you would appear out of nowhere, forcing me to swallow the entire chicken whole! Do you know how many chickens I had to swallow?!

I wanted to bite you so badly! And you dare accuse me of being a bloodthirsty monster! If I were truly evil, I would have bitten you first!”

“Pfft!”

Li Xinjun and Song Ling burst out laughing, listening to his rant. Mark, seeing their amusement, felt even more frustrated. He continued to complain and rant until they had all calmed down.

Chapter 48

As Mark predicted, Li Xinjun soon regained consciousness. Her fingers twitched, her eyelids fluttered, and then she slowly opened her eyes. Song Ling leaned over her, her voice trembling with relief.

“Jun’er, you’re awake! Can you hear me?”

Li Xinjun turned her head slowly, meeting Song Ling’s gaze, a faint smile gracing her lips. She weakly raised a hand, wanting to touch Song Ling’s face. Song Ling quickly took her hand and brought it to her cheek, her own face filled with joy. Although she had known Li Xinjun would wake up, seeing her alive and smiling at her brought tears to her eyes.

Li Xinjun weakly moved her fingers, wiping away Song Ling’s tears. She then spoke, her voice hoarse and weak.

“Is it… really… you? Am I… alive?”

“Yes, it’s me. You’re alive. Don’t ever do that again! Why did you shield me? Do you know what would have happened if you had died? I couldn’t live without you! Why were you so foolish?”

“Because… I love you…”

Li Xinjun’s words, though few and labored, touched Song Ling’s heart deeply. Tears streamed down her face as she embraced Li Xinjun, unable to contain her emotions. Li Xinjun, letting her cry, also shed tears of relief and gratitude. She was alive, she was with Song Ling, and they could continue their journey together.

After a while, Song Ling calmed down. She released Li Xinjun and, wiping away her tears, looked at her with concern.

“How are you feeling? Are you in pain anywhere?”

“I’m… thirsty.”

“Wait here. I’ll get you some water.”

Song Ling rushed to their belongings by the fire and retrieved the water pouch. She returned to Li Xinjun’s side and helped her drink. After a few sips, Li Xinjun’s throat felt less parched, and her voice was stronger.

“Where are we?”

“We’re on our way to Mark’s castle. We’re resting at an abandoned house for now.”

“Mark? Why are we going to his castle?”

“Um… Because… He can treat your injuries.”

Song Ling, unsure how to explain the situation, fabricated a reason. Li Xinjun, still groggy, didn’t question her. She simply nodded and then drifted back to sleep.

Song Ling breathed a sigh of relief, watching Li Xinjun sleep. She realized that she couldn’t bring herself to tell Li Xinjun the truth, that she had become a jiangshi. But she had to tell her eventually.

Li Xinjun would discover the changes in her body sooner or later. Song Ling fell silent, trying to figure out how to break the news gently. At that moment, Mark entered the house, carrying a rabbit.

“Look what I caught for dinner. Is she awake?”

Mark held up the rabbit, glancing at Li Xinjun, who was still asleep.

“She woke up briefly, but she’s asleep again.”

“That’s normal. Her injuries were severe. It will take time for her to heal. But don’t worry, she’s a jiangshi now. She can’t die. By tomorrow, her wounds will have healed, and she’ll be back to her old self.”

“Shh, keep your voice down! Don’t let her hear you!”

Song Ling frantically shushed him, glancing at Li Xinjun to make sure she was still asleep.

“You haven’t told her yet?” Mark looked at her in surprise.

“No, she doesn’t know yet. So please, be quiet.”

“You’re not planning to keep it from her, are you? She’ll find out eventually.”

“I’m not keeping it from her. I’m just trying to figure out how to tell her gently.”

“I think you should just tell her directly. You don’t have a choice. She’ll start craving blood in a couple of days.”

“Shh, be quiet!”

Mark sighed, seeing her distress, and chose to remain silent. Song Ling, her voice low, said,

“I understand. I’ll tell her tomorrow, when she’s feeling better.”

“Alright, suit yourself. I’m not getting involved. Come and eat.”

Mark skinned the rabbit, removed its innards, and then skewered it on a stick, roasting it over the fire. Once it was cooked, he handed it to Song Ling.

“Aren’t you going to eat?”

“No, you eat it. I don’t need to eat. I just need to drink… You know… That’s enough for me.”

“But I saw you eating at General Henry’s castle.”

“I can eat. It’s not a problem. I just don’t need to. Understand?”

“Don’t you feel hungry?”

“I do, but only blood can satisfy my hunger. Eating this only provides a sense of taste. And if I eat too much, it upsets my stomach. A little bit is fine, though.”

“That sounds boring.”

“It’s not so bad. I don’t really feel anything. Maybe my body has changed, and I’ve lost interest in food. I only ate with you to blend in. You would have found it strange otherwise.”

“So, you were pretending to eat to hide your identity?”

“You could say that.”

“Okay, then I won’t be polite.”

“Go ahead. I’m going to check on her.”

Mark went to Li Xinjun’s side and crouched down, examining her carefully. He then took out a small dagger from his belt and cut his wrist, blood flowing freely from the wound. He held his wrist to Li Xinjun’s lips, the blood dripping onto her mouth.

Song Ling, about to protest, saw Li Xinjun, still asleep, twitch her nose, as if seeking the source of the blood. Her nose touched Mark’s wrist, and she began to suck greedily. Song Ling gasped, watching in shock.

Mark’s eyes turned blood red as he lost a significant amount of blood. His fangs elongated, and a strong demonic aura filled the room.

Song Ling was familiar with Mark’s aura, but the demonic energy emanating from Li Xinjun shocked her. Her body instinctively tensed, her senses on high alert.

She should be drawing her sword and attacking these monsters, but these were her beloved and her benefactor. Her heart was torn.

She clenched her fists, closed her eyes tightly, and turned away, unable to bear the sight. Li Xinjun, driven by instinct, grabbed Mark’s arm and continued to suck his blood through the wound. As the blood flowed into her body, she felt a surge of energy, a warm and comforting sensation.

The discomfort in her body faded, replaced by a new and invigorating energy that spread throughout her limbs, making her feel strong and revitalized. She greedily continued to feed, but Mark pulled his arm away. As he did, Song Ling noticed two sharp fangs emerging from Li Xinjun’s mouth.

Mark pressed his hand against Li Xinjun’s forehead, restraining her, and withdrew his wrist. After a while, Li Xinjun calmed down and continued to sleep, oblivious to what had happened. Song Ling, seeing that the situation had stabilized, opened her eyes and looked at them. Li Xinjun was sleeping peacefully, and Mark was about to get up.

Song Ling approached Li Xinjun and wiped away the bloodstains from her lips with a handkerchief. Satisfied, she stood up and sat down beside Mark.

Mark, seeing her approach, asked softly,

“Uncomfortable?”

“Yes…”

“Her injuries were severe. I wanted her to recover quickly, so I let her drink my blood. It’s the best medicine for her. It not only speeds up her healing but also enhances her energy. It’s very beneficial for her.”

“I understand. It’s just a bit shocking. But I’m grateful. Thank you for helping us. Is your wrist alright?”

Mark showed her his wrist. The wound had healed completely. Song Ling stared at it in amazement. Mark chuckled.

“My wounds heal naturally. Don’t worry about me. But she did drain a lot of blood from me. I’m a bit tired and need to rest. You don’t need to worry about her. My blood will accelerate her recovery. She’ll be fully healed within two hours. You should get some rest. You’ll see her back to her old self in the morning.”

Mark leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes, falling asleep. Song Ling, watching them both sleep peacefully, felt her own eyelids growing heavy. Soon, the only sounds in the abandoned house were their steady breathing and the crackling of the fire.

Chapter 47

Mark, despite his reservations, agreed to Song Ling’s desperate request. He asked her to leave the room and then looked at Li Xinjun, who was on the verge of death, lying pale and still on the bed. He sighed and whispered,

“Don’t blame me for this.”

He leaned down, revealing his sharp fangs, and sank his teeth into her neck, drawing blood from her artery. His eyes turned crimson, his body surging with power.

A strong demonic aura emanated from him. Song Ling, standing outside the door, sensed the surge of energy and knew what was happening. She closed her eyes tightly, her fists clenched, her breath catching in her throat. Tears streamed down her face.

She knew that everything would be different from now on, but she had no regrets. She knew she would never regret this decision. As long as Li Xinjun lived, no matter the form, it didn’t matter.

A short while later, Mark emerged from the room. Song Ling rushed to him. Mark said nothing, simply nodding before leaving.

Song Ling entered the room and saw Li Xinjun still unconscious, two puncture marks on her neck, blood staining the edges. Her heart ached as she gazed at the wounds. She went to fetch a wet cloth and gently wiped away the blood.

“Jun’er, no matter what you become, I will always love you.”

She leaned down and kissed Li Xinjun’s lips softly. Although she had saved Li Xinjun’s life, her heart was heavy with worry. She held Li Xinjun’s hand tightly, refusing to let go.

She was also injured, but she was determined to stay by Li Xinjun’s side until she woke up. Exhausted, she slumped against the bed, her head resting on Li Xinjun’s arm, and drifted off to sleep.

When she awoke, it was morning, but Li Xinjun was still unconscious. Song Ling watched her chest rise and fall with each breath, her heart filled with uncertainty. She didn’t know what state Li Xinjun was in, whether she was human or monster, alive or dead. The only sign of life was the slight movement of her abdomen.

Ignoring her own injuries, she got out of bed and went downstairs to the living room, where she found Mark and General Henry chatting. She sat down and joined their conversation.

“Miss Song, I just spoke with Count Mark. He wants to take Miss Li to his castle for treatment. Although the chances are slim, there’s still a glimmer of hope. What do you think?”

Song Ling looked at Henry and Mark, confused. Mark gave her a subtle look, and she understood. He was trying to protect his secret. Henry didn’t know Mark’s true identity, so Song Ling had to play along.

“Count? Since when is Mark a count?”

“Oh, I only learned recently through correspondence. It turns out that he’s a descendant of Count Marcus, who was the only son of Charles, Earl of Name, and a Qing princess. There was a terrible plague in the Qing Dynasty, and everyone thought they had died.

No one knew that Count Marcus had any descendants. When Mark returned to his homeland, he discovered his heritage and rightfully inherited his ancestor’s title.

I invited him here to celebrate, and it was fortunate that he was here when you had your accident. Otherwise, you might not have been rescued. It’s just a pity that Miss Li… Sigh…”

“General Henry, it seems we’ll have to postpone our celebration. The priority now is to take Li Xinjun to my castle for treatment. We’ll return and celebrate with you once she’s recovered.”

“Yes, of course. But your physician said that Miss Li… Is there really any hope? Will she survive the journey?”

“General Henry, no matter what the physician said, as long as there’s a chance, I have to try. Since Count Mark believes he can help, I must take Jun’er to him.”

“Alright, if that’s what you both believe, then I won’t stop you. I also hope for Miss Li’s recovery. Good luck. I’ll be waiting for good news. Are you leaving tomorrow morning?”

“No, we’re leaving now,” Mark replied firmly.

“Now? But it’s still raining,” Henry said, looking at Mark in surprise.

“Yes, now. We can’t delay any longer.”

“Very well. I’ll have a carriage prepared for you immediately.”

“Thank you, General Henry.”

Once the carriage was ready, Song Ling went upstairs and carried the unconscious Li Xinjun down. Mark, wanting to keep his secret, declined Henry’s offer of a coachman and chose to drive the carriage himself. He instructed Song Ling to stay inside the carriage and tend to Li Xinjun.

Song Ling watched as Li Xinjun stirred in her sleep. She noticed movement beneath her eyelids, a sign that she was about to wake up. She grabbed Li Xinjun’s hand and called out to her softly,

“Jun’er, Jun’er, it’s Song Ling. Can you hear me? Jun’er, wake up.”

Li Xinjun’s eyelids fluttered, but she didn’t open her eyes. Song Ling went to the front of the carriage and opened the small window, calling out to Mark.

“Mark, I think Jun’er is about to wake up. Her eyes are moving. Can you come and take a look?”

Mark stopped the carriage and turned around, looking at Li Xinjun through the window. He nodded.

“Yes, it seems she’s about to wake up. There’s an abandoned house not far from here. Let’s stop there and rest for a while. We can assess her condition then.”

“Okay, thank you, Mark.”

“Don’t thank me. Whatever happens next is up to you. I’m just offering transportation.”

Song Ling understood what he meant. Her heart was a mix of hope and fear. She was relieved that Li Xinjun was about to wake up but also worried about her condition. However, she was determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as long as she could be with Li Xinjun.

They soon arrived at the abandoned house Mark had mentioned. It looked dilapidated, with parts of the roof caved in, but it would suffice for a night’s shelter. Song Ling carried Li Xinjun inside. Mark arranged two long benches side by side for her to lay Li Xinjun down.

Mark gathered some twigs and dry grass to start a fire. Song Ling, curious, approached him.

“Why aren’t you afraid of fire?”

Mark looked at her, confused.

“Why should I be afraid of fire?”

“Aren’t all jiangshi afraid of fire? The ones we encountered before were.”

“You’re comparing me to those low-level jiangshi? How insulting…”

“Are you different? Can you tell me more about jiangshi? You know, since Jun’er and I… I need to learn to adapt.”

Mark looked at her sincere expression and sighed, sitting down by the fire.

“Come, sit with me.”

Song Ling sat down beside him, her gaze fixed on him, waiting for him to speak. Mark, throwing more twigs onto the fire, began to explain.

“The jiangshi you encountered before weren’t true jiangshi. They were different from me. They were created by humans, while I was transformed by a celestial being. Although our essence is similar, our abilities are vastly different.”

“But weren’t you working with them? I saw them obeying your commands in Chen Family Village.”

“They did obey my commands, but that’s not because we were allies. It’s because they could sense the energy emanating from me. They perceived me as powerful, as their leader, but I didn’t know them.”

“But you were in that cave with them. I sensed your demonic aura there.”

“You were in that cave?”

“Yes, Jun’er and I went there. That’s how we discovered your existence. I even tracked you for a while, following your aura.”

“I know. I thought you first encountered me in Chen Family Village. I didn’t realize you had been to the cave. So, you killed the jiangshi in the cave?”

“Yes, Jun’er and I killed it.”

“Why? Why did you kill it?”

“Because it was a monster. My master taught me to slay demons and monsters, to protect the innocent.”

Mark stared at her, speechless, her self-righteousness annoying him.

“So, should you kill me and Li Xinjun now? We’re monsters too.”

Now it was Song Ling’s turn to be speechless. She looked down, embarrassed, and mumbled,

“That’s not what I meant…”

“Sigh, I understand why you did it. But those jiangshi were just tools, manipulated by someone else. They only attacked humans because they needed blood to survive. And most importantly, they couldn’t think. They were like wild beasts. The real enemy is the mastermind behind their creation, the one who refined them.”

“But if that’s the case, why could the jiangshi in the capital think like humans?”

“Those were different. They were transformed through bites, while still alive. Their brains hadn’t died yet, so they could still think. I suspect those people discovered that they couldn’t control the jiangshi created from corpses, so they started using live humans instead.”

“So, you had nothing to do with it? Then why were there so many jiangshi wherever you went?”

“I was also trying to find the mastermind, so I followed the trail of jiangshi.”

“Who is this mastermind?”

“I’m not sure yet, but it must be someone in the imperial court. When I arrived in the capital, I discovered that the jiangshi were being controlled by the soldiers.”

“Soldiers?!”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you continue investigating?”

“You killed all the jiangshi in the capital. How could I continue investigating? And besides, I had the opportunity to return to Britain with General Henry, so I took it.”

“So, you’re not going back?”

“Sigh… Although I want to find the mastermind, I’ll have to see. It’s difficult to do it alone. And besides, I have nothing left in the Qing Dynasty. My wife is dead, and I have no other family. It’s better to start a new life here, isn’t it?”

“You had a wife?”

“Yes, I became a jiangshi because of her. Sigh… But that was a long, long time ago…”

Mark recounted his story, how he had become a jiangshi and how he had chosen to be buried alive to prevent further harm. Song Ling’s perception of him, and of jiangshi in general, changed completely.

She looked at Li Xinjun, still unconscious, and sighed, hoping that Li Xinjun wouldn’t resent her for this decision. She turned back to Mark.

“Do you regret it?”

“Regret what?”

“Becoming a jiangshi for your wife.”

“No. I only regret that I couldn’t save her. If I had, I wouldn’t be so alone now. But sometimes, I think it’s for the best. If I had turned her into a jiangshi, I don’t know if she could have accepted it. She couldn’t even bear to kill a mosquito. If she had to live on blood, she might have chosen death instead.”

Song Ling, seeing the sadness in his eyes, understood. When Mark had asked her if she regretted her decision, he was probably thinking of his own past. He had helped her because he had made the same choice himself.

“How have you been surviving all this time?”

“I’ve been relying on animal blood and the blood of the recently deceased.”

“But won’t the dead turn into jiangshi?”

“I don’t bite them directly. I use a knife to draw blood from their wrists and collect it in a bottle. As for animals, it’s fine to bite them directly. They won’t turn into jiangshi. But animal blood isn’t as potent. I get hungry again soon. Human blood can sustain me for several days.”

“I see. So, will Jun’er be like you or like those other jiangshi?”

“Like me, of course. Because I bit her directly. Those other jiangshi were transformed by the refined jiangshi. It’s different. Don’t worry. Aside from needing blood to survive and having enhanced strength, she’ll be mostly human. She’ll still have emotions and desires. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have helped you. If she were like those mindless jiangshi, I think death would be preferable.”

“That’s reassuring.”

“What you should be worried about is whether she can accept being a jiangshi. If she can overcome that, everything else will be fine.”

“I’m going to become a jiangshi too. That way, I can be with her forever.”

“I figured you would say that. Wait until she wakes up. It’s tiring enough taking care of one of you. I don’t want to have to deal with two.”

“No, I want Jun’er to do it.”

“Yes, I understand. Well, it’s almost time. Li Xinjun should be waking up soon. Go and see her. I’ll go see if I can catch some rabbits or pheasants for dinner. Give you two some time alone.”

“There’s no need. It’s getting dark. Will you be able to find anything?”

“Haha, we can see perfectly well at night. Our vision is much better than humans’.”

“… Alright, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Enjoy your reunion.”

Chapter 46

Despite her anger at Li Xinjun for venturing out in the rain, Song Ling couldn’t help but smile upon seeing her. She stopped pushing the carriage and waved back. At that moment, the hillside, weakened by days of relentless rain, gave way, sending a torrent of mud and rocks crashing down towards them.

The mudslide slammed into a boulder perched precariously on the edge of the cliff, dislodging it and sending it tumbling down the slope. The couple in front of the carriage were swept aside by the mud and fell into a nearby field.

Song Ling could have escaped, but she was determined to save the little girl inside the carriage. She ran towards the carriage, reaching through the window to pull the girl out, but the child, terrified, cowered back, delaying their escape.

The mudslide slammed into Song Ling, pushing her and the carriage over. She was pinned beneath the weight of the mud, unable to move. Li Xinjun, witnessing the scene, gasped and sprinted towards Song Ling with incredible speed, arriving just a second before the boulder struck.

Without hesitation, Li Xinjun shielded Song Ling with her own body. The boulder slammed into her back, and she coughed up blood, collapsing unconscious. Song Ling, her face splattered with Li Xinjun’s blood, screamed in horror.

“Jun’er!!”

But Li Xinjun was unresponsive. No matter how much Song Ling called out to her, she didn’t stir. Song Ling wanted to turn and check on her, but she was pinned beneath the mud, unable to move. She could only watch helplessly as Li Xinjun’s blood dripped down her face and onto her hand.

“Jun’er, please answer me! Don’t scare me like this! Jun’er!”

“Jun’er~ What’s wrong? Please, if you can hear me, answer me! I’m scared…”

“Jun’er… You can’t do this… Jun’er… I don’t want you to be like this… Waaah…”

No matter how much she called out, Li Xinjun remained unresponsive. Song Ling’s cries turned into desperate pleas, then into soft whimpers.

“Jun’er… You promised you would be with me forever. Remember?”

“Remember how you said… you loved those white wedding dresses the foreigners wear?”

“You said you wanted to see me wear one for you… Please answer me… Say something… Jun’er…”

“If you don’t answer me, I won’t wear a wedding dress for you… Just say something… Jun’er… Please…”

Li Xinjun remained silent. Song Ling, her strength failing, slumped against the carriage, tears streaming down her face. For the first time in her life, she felt utterly helpless. She had not only failed to protect herself but had also caused Li Xinjun’s injury. She couldn’t even check on Li Xinjun’s condition.

Guilt and self-reproach consumed her. She blamed herself for her incompetence and for interfering in a situation that wasn’t her concern. If she hadn’t tried to help those strangers, she wouldn’t be in this predicament. She wouldn’t have been late getting home, and Li Xinjun wouldn’t have come looking for her and ended up in this life-threatening situation.

She didn’t know how long she cried. She only remembered that eventually, exhausted from weeping, she lost consciousness. When she awoke, she was in a guest room at Henry’s castle. She sat up abruptly, her eyes scanning the familiar surroundings, confirming her location. Seeing that she was alone, she forced herself out of bed, determined to find Li Xinjun.

She stumbled out of the room, her hand trailing along the wall for support. She encountered Henry in the hallway and immediately grabbed his sleeve, her voice frantic.

“General Henry, where’s Jun’er? How is she? Is she alright?”

She bombarded him with questions, but Henry remained silent, his head bowed, his expression grim. He shook his head slowly. Song Ling’s heart sank.

Her remaining strength drained away, and she collapsed to the floor. Henry, quick to react, caught her before her head hit the wall.

“Miss Song, please don’t do this. She wouldn’t want to see you like this. Let me take you to her.”

Song Ling didn’t respond. Henry helped her up and led her to another guest room. He opened the door, revealing Li Xinjun lying on the bed. Song Ling hesitated, her legs trembling, but she forced herself to approach the bed.

“The physician said that Miss Li’s internal organs are severely damaged. She might not survive the night. If you have anything to say to her, say it now. I’ll leave you two alone. And please, don’t grieve too much. Call for me if you need anything.”

Henry sighed and left the room, closing the door behind him. Song Ling, her body trembling, sat down on the bed beside Li Xinjun. The physician had treated her wounds, and she was no longer covered in blood. She looked peaceful, as if she were merely sleeping. Song Ling reached out, her hand shaking, and gently touched Li Xinjun’s face, afraid of hurting her.

She traced the lines of Li Xinjun’s eyebrows with her finger, her touch featherlight, and then let her finger linger on Li Xinjun’s lips. Silent tears streamed down her face, soaking the pillow.

“Jun’er, why won’t you wake up? Don’t you want to see me?”

“Are you really leaving me? Are you really so cruel? Please, say something… “

Song Ling whispered, her voice barely audible, afraid of disturbing Li Xinjun. She leaned down and kissed her lips softly. Li Xinjun remained unresponsive. Song Ling continued to gaze at her until the door opened behind her. She didn’t even notice.

It was Mark. He had been invited to Henry’s castle a few days ago and had stayed on due to the bad weather. He had heard about Song Ling and Li Xinjun’s accident and had come to offer his condolences.

He approached Song Ling and placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it gently. Song Ling turned to look at him. Mark smiled sadly but didn’t speak.

Suddenly, Song Ling’s eyes widened. An idea had struck her. She stood up abruptly, grabbing Mark’s arms, her expression a mix of hope and desperation. Mark looked at her, confused.

“Mark! Tell me the truth! Are you the jiangshi king?”

Mark frowned, his eyes wary. He stepped back but didn’t answer her question. Song Ling, seeing his reaction, felt a surge of hope. She was right! She grabbed his arms again.

“Please tell me! Don’t lie to me! I tracked the jiangshi king for a while. I recognize its aura, and it’s very similar to yours. I just haven’t had time to confirm it.

But don’t worry, I’m not going to harm you. I just need to know the truth. If you are the jiangshi king, please help her! Please tell me the truth!”

“You want me to turn her into a jiangshi, to let her live as a monster?” Mark, seeing her desperation, decided to reveal his true identity.

“You really are the jiangshi king?”

“I’m not a king, but I am the one you fought in Chen Family Village.”

Song Ling had never imagined herself begging a jiangshi for help. She had dedicated her life to slaying demons and monsters. But now, knowing Mark’s true identity, she felt a surge of gratitude that she hadn’t killed him. She dropped to her knees, looking up at him with pleading eyes.

“Please, help Jun’er! I can’t lose her!”

“Do you understand the consequences?”

“Yes, I know what it means. But I also know that it’s the only way to save her. No matter what she becomes, I won’t abandon her. I just want her to live.

Please, I beg you, save her! Only you can do this! I’ll do anything!”

Song Ling kowtowed repeatedly, the sound echoing through the room. Mark, unable to bear the sight, stopped her.

“Stop this! Listen to me! Get up and speak properly, or I’m leaving.”

Mark, exasperated, threatened to leave. Song Ling immediately stopped kowtowing and stood up. Mark sighed and said,

“Miss Song, saving her is not difficult, but I must warn you. If I do this, she will crave blood for the rest of her life. She will never be able to live as a normal human again. Do you understand? She will become a monster that everyone fears. Can you accept that?”

“Yes! As long as she lives, I can accept anything!”

“You say that easily, but have you considered her feelings? She will become a terrifying monster, a creature that will never age or die. No matter how hard she resists, she won’t be able to control her bloodlust. Do you understand?”

“Mark, I don’t care anymore. If she can’t accept it, I’ll become a jiangshi with her. I’ll share her bloodlust, her immortality. I’ll be with her forever.”

“Since you’re so determined, then fine! I’ll do it! But don’t come crying to me later when you regret this.”

“I will never regret this!”