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  • They All Want to Be My Female Lead 109

    Chapter 109: Cousin Brings Cousin (Finale)

    Yan Zhen maintained his composure.

    It was just Yan Meng’er, after all. She was still wearing that “Subordination Collar.” As long as he didn’t consent, she couldn’t do anything to him.

    Even though their blood ties were incredibly distant, he couldn’t bring himself to be too harsh with his mischievous, yet adorable cousin. He decided to try reasoning with her first.

    He knew that sometimes, excessive kindness could be more hurtful than a clean break, but he couldn’t be heartless. It wasn’t in his nature.

    He held her restless hand, gently turning his head away, her passionate kiss landing on his cheek instead of his lips.

    “Stop it, Meng’er. Our relationship doesn’t need… *this* to be strong. We’re fine as we are.”

    “No, it’s not enough! I’m greedy, Cousin! I want more from you!”

    She clung to his waist, preventing him from escaping. Her other hand, poised to strike, remained still, her wrist captured in his grasp.

    They had reached a delicate balance: as long as she didn’t touch him *there* or kiss him on the lips, he wouldn’t resist her affections.

    This filled her with a secret delight. He still cared about her! He couldn’t even bring himself to speak harshly to her when rejecting her advances.

    Normally, this would have been enough to satisfy her. But now, she wanted more.

    “You need it too, Cousin, don’t you? Let me and Cousin Ruyu take care of you~”

    “No, thank you. I don’t need anything!”

    “You’re lying! Your little elephant is already standing at attention! Look at it! It’s so pitiful~”

    “It’s not pitiful at all. If you like elephants so much, I’ll give you a few pairs of my boxers. They all have elephants on them.”

    “I want the ones you’re wearing right now, Cousin~” she purred. “Take them off and give them to me~”

    — *Holy shit!*

    Her words nearly broke his defenses. His heart pounded in his chest.

    As he froze, momentarily stunned, she seized the opportunity, her hand reaching for the waistband of his boxers, pulling the elastic down, releasing the beast.

    Both she and Yan Ruyu gasped, their faces burning crimson as if they had heard a mighty elephant trumpet.

    Mortified, he quickly released her hand and restored his “seal.”

    This, however, gave her another opening. Her free hand cupped his face, her lips finally capturing his.

    His eyes widened. He grabbed her wrist, struggling to break free, but her tongue slipped into his mouth, sending a jolt of electricity through him, his rational thought short-circuiting.

    Her kiss wasn’t aggressive, but soft and hesitant, as if waiting for his response, his affection.

    Just like her usual behavior, she was teasing him, showcasing her charm, seeking his attention, his love.

    His heart softened. His free hand, no longer resisting, reached out to embrace her, returning her kiss with a gentle tenderness.

    — *It’s not like it’s my first time. Maybe she’ll stop after this.*

    They finally parted, both breathing heavily, their eyes locked. Hers were filled with love and longing, while his held a hint of indulgence.

    “We’ve kissed. Is that enough now?”

    “No, I want more, Cousin~”

    “No, you don’t!”

    He couldn’t take it anymore. He turned to Yan Ruyu, who was staring at them with wide eyes. “Cousin Ruyu, stop just watching! Do something about Meng’er!”

    She glanced at her cousin, their eyes meeting. Yan Meng’er’s gaze clearly said, “Don’t just watch, Cousin! Join us!”

    She bit her lip, torn. They had agreed beforehand that she would follow her cousin’s lead. If she backed out now, their friendship would be over.

    She felt dizzy with shame, but if Yan Meng’er was going for it, she had to as well.

    Closing her eyes, as if embracing her fate, she cupped his face in her hands and kissed him.

    *Chu~*

    “?!”

    He stared at her in shock. *What is she doing?! I asked her to *stop* Meng’er, not copy her! And she just… kissed me?!*

    Even though their blood ties were practically nonexistent, this was still taking advantage of him!

    He tried to push her away, but his hand was captured by Yan Meng’er. He could only endure her kiss.

    Her kiss was still clumsy and eager, like a child’s, but as she experienced the pleasure of their lips meeting, her movements slowed, savoring the sensation.

    She resembled a little girl begging her father for a candied hawthorn, then taking tiny bites, reluctant to finish it.

    They finally parted, both gasping for air.

    He stared at her, his mind reeling. “Cousin, why are you copying Meng’er?! I asked you to *stop* her, not kiss me!”

    Her face flushed crimson. “My parents told me to do this! I had no choice!”

    “That’s ridiculous! Even if we didn’t do this, I would still take care of your family after I become Clan Leader.”

    “But they don’t trust your words!” she retorted. “They need… proof. A real relationship is more secure.”

    “Are you really willing to be a pawn? To marry someone you don’t love?” He was exasperated.

    She had a ready excuse. “I don’t love anyone else anyway. If it makes my parents happy, then I’ll let you take advantage of me.”

    He was speechless. *You’re young and beautiful! Why are you so cynical about love? You haven’t even experienced anything, and you’re already acting like you’ve seen it all, listening to songs about heartbreak and lost love.*

    “Cousin, don’t just stare at Cousin Ruyu! Look at me too!”

    Yan Meng’er turned his face towards her, her lips, as delicate as flower petals, meeting his once more.

    Yan Ruyu, not to be outdone, wrapped her arms around him, kissing his neck.

    Trapped between them, he finally resorted to his trump card.

    “Meng’er, I command you to stop! Kiss Cousin Ruyu!”

    She froze, the collar around her neck glowing, compelling her to obey his command.

    “No!” she protested. “I want to kiss Cousin Yan Zhen!”

    He smirked, his confidence returning. “You think you can disobey me while wearing that collar? Hurry up! Kiss Cousin Ruyu! Leave me alone!”

    She remained stubbornly still. The collar glowed again, punishing her disobedience.

    “Mmm~”

    A soft moan escaped her lips, a seductive sound that stirred his “dragon” from its slumber.

    *What’s going on?* He felt a sense of foreboding. Then, a wave of information flooded his mind, and he understood.

    That measly Tier 3 Subordination Collar? Its commands could be disobeyed, as long as she endured the punishment.

    And the punishment Yan Meng’er had set was…

    Arousal.

    Once activated, it wouldn’t stop until she found release… by serving him.

    *What kind of messed-up setting is that?!*

    Wait, it was *her* collar.

    — *I’ve been tricked again!*

    “Cousin~”

    Her eyes, now filled with a seductive glint, met his, her gaze bolder, more possessive. She whispered, her voice husky with desire, “I love you, Cousin. So much. Let me… please you~”

    She kissed him again, her movements forceful, determined, unlike her previous hesitant kisses.

    His heart pounded in his chest. His hands, trapped between their bodies, were useless. He couldn’t escape unless he used his Mystic Power to injure them.

    But he wouldn’t do that. He had one last weapon!

    — *System! Come out! I need to use a Trump Card (First Rank) to send Meng’er and Cousin Ruyu back to their rooms! I need to escape!*

    That’s right! He still had his invincible Trump Cards (First Rank)! With them, he could overcome any obstacle! All he had to do was smile and face the challenge!

    *Ding!* The system interface appeared, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

    The system would save him! Those two were just side characters! They couldn’t possibly reverse the plot! They were being naive!

    Then, the system’s emotionless voice shattered his hopes.

    [*Ding! Friendly System Reminder: As the Host is not currently in danger, Trump Cards cannot be used.*]

    *What?* He froze.

    — *System, don’t joke at a time like this!*

    [*The system does not joke. Trump Cards are intended to ensure the Host’s safety. Please do not abuse them. It is wrong.*]

    The interface vanished.

    He stared blankly for a moment, then exploded.

    — *What the fuck, System?! Get out here and explain yourself! What do you mean I can’t use them?! I’m facing a major crisis! My persona is crumbling! The plot is collapsing! If this isn’t a crisis, then what is?! System! Hello?!*

    As he raged at the system, his cousin, lost in a haze of desire, took advantage of his distraction, undoing his “seal” once more, seizing control.

    His other cousin, equally enthralled, showered his ears, neck, and collarbone with kisses.

    Trapped between them, his resistance crumbled. He had been holding back for so long, and he was reaching his limit.

    He had thought that after experiencing the “baptisms” of his Beautiful Sect Master and Instructor Yu Xuan, he could easily withstand his cousin’s little temptations. But he hadn’t anticipated Yan Ruyu joining in, her passion even more intense than Yan Meng’er’s.

    As Yan Meng’er released his lips, Yan Ruyu immediately took her place, greedily claiming his mouth, kissing him until he was breathless.

    *Damn it! If it weren’t for Cousin Ruyu, Meng’er would be no match for me!*

    He stared at the bedframe above, his voice laced with a petulant defiance. “You have a secret crush on me, don’t you, Cousin Ruyu? Why else would you kiss me so passionately?”

    Even lost in a haze of desire, she couldn’t resist refuting his accusation. “I’m not being passionate! I’m just… doing what I have to do!” Her tongue darted out, licking and sucking at his neck, her voice thick with lust.

    “Then stop kissing me! My neck is covered in your saliva!”

    “It’s not mine! It’s Meng’er’s!”

    “…”

    Yan Meng’er, ignoring her cousin’s attempt to shift the blame, straddled him, her body pressing against his.

    She was naked beneath her dress, her soft, round buttocks resting on his thighs, their texture like jelly.

    Yan Ruyu moved behind him, pulling him against her chest, her arms tightly wrapped around his waist, her lips nibbling on his earlobe.

    Her shawl had vanished, leaving her clad only in her sleeveless dress, just like her cousin.

    They had shifted from a two-sided assault to a front-and-back pincer attack.

    His last shred of resistance shattered.

    — *I’m tired… I’ll just indulge them this once… and then reset.*

    He surrendered to their advances, his arms wrapping around Yan Meng’er, his head turning to kiss Yan Ruyu.

    Her youthful face and ample bosom… Her soft, round buttocks… Their combined efforts, their unwavering passion… it was intoxicating.

    …

    The sun had risen by the time they finally calmed down.

    The three of them lay side-by-side on the damp bed, covered by a thin blanket, their limbs entangled.

    The girls, each clutching one of his arms, were fast asleep. He was the only one awake, his eyes staring blankly at the imaginary starry sky above.

    Once with Yan Meng’er, twice with Yan Ruyu… three times in total. They had nearly drained him dry.

    Yan Meng’er, usually so aggressive, was surprisingly… vulnerable. He had easily overwhelmed her. Yan Ruyu, on the other hand, usually so reserved, had been surprisingly demanding, wanting more, even attempting a third round.

    *I actually did it… I was planning to treat them like sisters…*

    Well, there was no point in dwelling on it. He had no choice but to reset.

    The plot was a mess, and he had failed to maintain his persona.

    — *System! Hello?! Stop playing dead and come out!*

    [*How may I assist you, Host?*]

    — *Reset.*

    [*Ding! Friendly System Reminder: The Host’s performance has not exhibited any significant issues. A reset is not necessary.*]

    He stared at the system interface with a deadpan expression.

    — *Are you serious?*

    [*Affirmative. As long as the Host successfully acts out the key plot points and maintains their persona outside of those points, there should be no major issues requiring a reset.*]

    — *Wait, I just had a threesome with my cousins! And you’re saying that’s not a persona violation?!*

    [*The Host endured the intense seduction of two beautiful women for a considerable amount of time, ultimately succumbing to their youthful instincts. This does not constitute a persona violation.*]

    — *Huh…? Are you… praising me?*

    [*The Host’s willpower is commendable. You are truly worthy of the protagonist role. The system approves. Heart emoji. Mua~*]

    — *Wow, I’m amazing.*

    He pondered this for a moment, then asked, “So what about the fact that I… *slept* with my cousins?”

    [*The Host is free to improvise outside of key plot points, as long as it does not significantly affect the progression of future key plot points.*]

    — *That again? So I have to figure it out myself. You can’t offer any guidance, can you?*

    [*The Host is incredibly wise.*]

    — *Fuck off!*

    The system interface vanished, the voice in his mind falling silent. Only the girls’ steady breathing remained.

    He was sandwiched between their soft, warm bodies, their limbs entangled with his. He felt his “dragon” stirring again.

    — *This is ridiculous! Am I some kind of stud?*

    He forced himself to calm down, closing his eyes.

    Beside him, Yan Meng’er and Yan Ruyu simultaneously opened their eyes. As if sharing a single thought, they reached out, their hands clasping over his stomach.

    “Cousin…”

    “…What?”

    “Heehee~”

    “Go to sleep.”

    “Mmm.”

    They both kissed him gently on the cheek, then closed their eyes, drifting off to sleep, their dreams filled with happiness.

     

  • Come, Let Me Take You Home 53

    No. 53 Reaching Out to Grasp Hope

    The sun blazed mercilessly, its heat radiating from a distant star, threatening to incinerate Upper Capital City, leaving no shred of hope behind.

    The city center shimmered in the heat. Withered plants and flowers drooped by the roadside. Drivers, agitated and irritable, honked their horns in frustration, creating a cacophony that echoed through the streets, converging at the central intersection.

    Xiaodie stopped walking and let go of my hand.

    I turned to see her sink to the ground, her small frame swallowed by the harsh sunlight.

    “Drip.”

    Two teardrops fell onto the scorching pavement, like delicate flower petals wilting in the desert heat.

    “I can’t… anymore…”

    Her voice was a whisper, laced with despair, helplessness, and utter bewilderment.

    It was a familiar scene, echoing memories from Yi Yao’s past.

    Being kicked out of the house after failing an exam, wandering the streets with no money or destination.

    Being caught by thugs from another district, narrowly escaping, too afraid to go home, spending the night huddled in an internet cafe, stomach growling, clutching a ten-yuan note.

    There were countless people in this world living such lives—misunderstood, disrespected, unwanted. Even their own kind kept their distance, seeing them as harbingers of negativity. Over time, these souls learned to be silent, to let go, burying their sorrow deep inside, maintaining a facade of normalcy for the sake of a world that preferred to look away.

    We were destined to be supporting characters in our own lives, never the protagonists of our own stories.

    “Let’s go home. You’ll get heatstroke if you stay out here.”

    I swallowed my own sadness and walked towards her.

    “Home?”

    She spoke as if in a dream, the word detached from any real meaning. “Where is my home…?”

    “Then let’s go back to that small, safe haven.”

    You have no home, and neither do I.

    The real Yi Yao was gone, sacrificing herself for my future because this world held no place for her. I was left behind, forced to witness the tragedies of her past unfold once more.

    Even I, who had inherited her life, couldn’t build a simple, ordinary “home.”

    Tell me, where does someone like me belong…?

    “Yi Yao…”

    In the blinding sunlight, I noticed beads of sweat glistening on Xiaodie’s delicate neck.

    “You go on ahead. Leave me alone.”

    She stood up, wiping her tears, her voice strangely calm.

    I grabbed her arm, my grip firm. “No. My gut tells me you’ll do something foolish if I leave you alone now.”

    She remained silent.

    “Where do you want to go?”

    “…The detention center.”

    “Absolutely not.”

    “My dad is there!”

    She ripped her arm free, tears streaming down her face. “He promised me! He said once he recovered, he would spoil me, love me, never remarry, never leave me. He kept all the other promises, so why… why did he break the last one…?”

    “Promises are meant to be broken.”

    “But he’s my father!”

    Her eyes were red-rimmed, her face a picture of heartbreak. “There must be something we can do! If I talk to those uncles who are close to my dad, they can help… I’m sure of it…”

    “Help with what? What are their names? Where are they from? What did your father do for them?”

    “You don’t understand anything!”

    She was nearly hysterical. “You have a loving family! I have nothing! I called everyone in my contact list, and no one is willing to help! All those so-called brothers, who swore eternal loyalty…”

    I took a step closer. “You didn’t call me.”

    She avoided my gaze.

    I took another step. “You believe that if it were me, I would have come for you, even without a phone call, right?”

    When you’ve seen enough death, you learn to bow your head to the world.

    The heat shimmered, distorting everything around us.

    I advanced, and she retreated.

    Backed into a corner, she suddenly shoved me away and assumed a fighting stance.

    “Why do you always look at me like you can see right through me? You have no idea how infuriating it is!”

    I didn’t answer, merely observing her with a neutral expression. “Shouldn’t you show your senior some respect before challenging her?”

    “Shut up!”

    With a perfect 360-degree spin kick, she launched her attack.

    “Not bad. Your form is good, but too stiff. You hesitate in a real fight, and that hesitation exposes your weaknesses.”

    I blocked her kick effortlessly, offering advice as I would during our usual training sessions.

    “Thud! Thud! Thud!”

    She didn’t let up, her legs a blur as she unleashed a furious barrage of kicks.

    “What are you waiting for? This isn’t the gym. There are no targets here. Aim for my waist or head, not my hands.”

    The pain in my arms, combined with the relentless heat, was pushing me to my limit.

    “You’ll get yourself killed fighting like this in a real fight.”

    I dodged two more kicks, then lunged, grabbing her wrists and pulling her close.

    “Your heart is in turmoil.”

    “Let go of me!”

    She struggled in my grasp. “You don’t know anything! Stay out of my life! Get away from me!”

    Our breaths mingled in the hot air, our bodies pressed close.

    Images from the past month flashed through my mind—moments of laughter, shared secrets, playful banter. Our struggles had left red marks on both our arms.

    “Let go! I said let go! Yi Yao, if you don’t let go, I…”

    Her emotions were spiraling out of control. I sighed inwardly, releasing her wrists and instead wrapping my arms around her waist.

    And then, I kissed her, my lips pressing against hers.

    “Mmm…”

    Her lips were soft and warm, sending a ripple of unexpected emotion through me.

    Our eyes met, and in her bewildered gaze, I saw a reflection of my own future self.

    All those dreams, those hopes, those forgotten aspirations, withered and fell away like petals scattered by the wind.

    A delicate, lily-like fragrance lingered in the air.

    The suddenness of my action stunned her into silence. She stared at me, her eyes wide, her chest rising and falling rapidly. I gently brushed a stray strand of hair away from her forehead.

    “Well? How was it? Unpleasant?”

    I chuckled, releasing her from my embrace. “You said you wanted to be my girlfriend. Did you think it would be like in those anime, a sweet and innocent yuri romance?”

    It didn’t bother me. After all, I was still half-boy in my mind. But Xiaodie was different. Before we met, she was an ordinary girl, dreaming of falling in love, of a prince charming sweeping her off her feet. To be suddenly kissed by another girl… it must have been jarring, even repulsive.

    “You…”

    She blinked, as if waking from a dream. “Yi Yao… you…”

    “Yes, it’s me.”

    If she mentioned the detention center or the police again, I would resort to more drastic measures.

    “That was my first kiss! And you just…”

    Her face was flushed, a mixture of anger and embarrassment. She grabbed the violin case containing her sniper rifle. “And in the middle of the street, no less…”

    I glanced around. “There’s no one around.”

    Was that really her biggest concern right now? The fact that I had kissed her in public?

    “Don’t change the subject!”

    She raised the case threateningly. I held up my hands. “Hey, hey, think about it! That rifle is practically worth a down payment on an apartment…”

    “It’s mine! I bought it with my own money!”

    …

    We ended up in a newly renovated villa, Xiaodie sprawled on a plush bed, still fuming.

    The house was sparsely furnished but had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It was simple yet elegant, comfortable and inviting.

    “So, what are your plans now?”

    I poured myself a glass of water from the dispenser and took a seat, observing her.

    The villa was quite luxurious, with two floors and a garden. I had heard that Xiaodie’s father had purchased it with his life savings, leaving her the house and his remaining savings—a total of one million yuan. This was all that remained of the man who had been vilified by the entire city.

    “During the trial, my dad and the court people asked me if I wanted to live with some distant relatives.”

    “And you agreed?”

    “I refused.”

    She sat up abruptly, her cheeks flushing again as she avoided my gaze. “They used to be close to our family, but after my dad’s arrest, they distanced themselves. I refuse to live with hypocrites like them.”

    “But you won’t be able to afford living here on your own.”

    One million yuan might seem like a lot, but half of it would go towards her high school tuition. That left her with five hundred thousand yuan, which would have to last her three years of high school and, potentially, university. Less than one thousand yuan per month wouldn’t be enough for a growing girl.

    “That’s where you come in, right?”

    She hopped off the bed and padded over to me in her slippers, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Yi Yao… will you… be my girlfriend?”

  • Come, Let Me Take You Home 52

    No. 52 Fear Etched on Their Faces

    The scorching sun beat down on the residential complex, a hazy heat rising from the pavement.

    I stood at the edge of the rooftop, staring at the deserted concrete below and the agitated crowd gathering on the other side. Despite the precarious situation, a strange calmness settled over me.

    The two buildings, mine and Xiaodie’s, were separated by a narrow gap, barely a meter wide. My rooftop was also about two meters higher. Which meant that once I jumped across, there was no way to return without assistance.

    “Yi Yao… maybe we should reconsider. It’s a nine-story drop. It’s too dangerous.”

    Liang Zhenyi, who had accompanied me to the rooftop, looked down at the ground, his voice filled with concern. “It’s broad daylight. They wouldn’t hurt Xiaodie, right? We’re just kids.”

    “You’re suggesting we leave Xiaodie’s fate in the hands of these strangers?”

    The crowd had blocked the stairwell. We couldn’t get through. If we did nothing, there were only two possible outcomes: one, Xiaodie would emerge from her apartment and face the mob alone, risking a confrontation or a stampede. Two, the mob would force their way into the building and her apartment.

    Either way, without a friend by her side, she would be vulnerable. And in this volatile situation, the consequences could be devastating.

    Xiaodie, already on the verge of a breakdown, might completely lose hope in humanity, in her own future.

    “But they wouldn’t hurt a little girl, right?”

    Liang Zhenyi, as indecisive as ever, even after ten years. Perhaps some things were truly predetermined.

    “Listen, Huang Yingdie is my friend. You’re my friend too. If you ever face a similar situation, I’ll come for you.”

    I took a few steps back, my eyes fixed on the landing spot I had chosen. “There are many things in life you have to fight for. This is one of them. If we don’t try, we’ll never reach new heights.”

    I ran, leaped, and soared through the air.

    My windbreaker, jeans, and sneakers blurred as I crossed the gap between the buildings. I landed, tucking my head and rolling to absorb the impact, just as I had practiced in the Taekwondo gym.

    Pain shot through my body.

    I stood up, my heart pounding, my clothes disheveled. The rooftop was a desolate expanse of concrete, littered with debris and dead branches.

    I had made it.

    “Yi Yao!”

    Liang Zhenyi called out from the other side, his voice filled with worry. “Are you okay?”

    “I’m fine.”

    I licked a small cut on my hand, the metallic taste of blood clearing my head. “Tell Hua She and the others to go back. I’ll handle this.”

    That girl really was a troublesome friend…

    I followed the rooftop access corridor and reached the stairwell leading to Xiaodie’s floor. Ignoring my messy clothes, I called her as soon as I reached her door.

    “I’m outside.”

    The door opened, and Xiaodie emerged, wearing a crop top and short harem pants, a large violin case-shaped backpack slung over her shoulder.

    “Did you get everything?”

    She nodded, then glanced back at her empty apartment, a hint of sadness in her eyes.

    The self-proclaimed “righteous citizens” had already searched the place and confiscated several items. I had been present when she moved out. She had taken only a few clothes and her manga collection.

    If I remembered correctly, that case contained the M200 sniper rifle she had purchased from Ouyang Dati. It was the same rifle used by Yuri Nakamura in the anime “Angel Beats!” She had fallen in love with it at first sight.

    Of course, it was incredibly expensive. And since she was a minor, Ouyang Dati hadn’t given her any ammunition or taught her how to use it, claiming such a powerful weapon was unsuitable for beginners.

    Despite that, she treasured it.

    “Let’s go.”

    I took her hand and said, “Stay close behind me.”

    “Okay.”

    She followed me obediently, like a kitten.

    It took us less than three minutes to reach the ground floor.

    Through the glass door of the stairwell, I saw a sea of faces, a scene straight out of a zombie apocalypse movie.

    “They’re coming down!”

    “Heh, couldn’t handle the guilt, huh?”

    “They should arrest the daughter too. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

    “Why is that Yi Yao girl with her? Do they live together?”

    Xiaodie’s hand trembled in mine.

    Her fear was palpable, transmitted through her clammy palm.

    Confusion, fear, helplessness, despair—I saw a dark cloud descend over her, her inner world a blood-soaked nightmare.

    “It’s okay. I’m here.”

    I had witnessed countless scenes like this in my previous life.

    A year from now, in June 2017, during the summer break after the college entrance exam, Upper Capital City would experience a far larger and more chaotic panic, fueled by extremist groups. The entire city would be paralyzed for a month.

    And there would be two more similar incidents, in 2019 and 2020. Compared to those events, this current situation was child’s play.

    I opened the door and stepped out, pulling Xiaodie along. The crowd parted instinctively, their gazes filled with a mixture of scorn, curiosity, and hatred. The world fell silent.

    “Hold it right there!”

    Just as we were about to escape the encirclement, someone finally spoke up. “You’re just going to walk away?”

    I turned to face the speaker. “Didn’t you want to search her apartment? The door is unlocked. Go ahead.”

    He scoffed. “Oh, so confident? You must have already removed the evidence.”

    Humans were predictable creatures. If you refused to let them search, they accused you of hiding something. If you let them search, they claimed you had already removed the evidence. In short, you couldn’t win.

    “You can leave, but let us check that case.”

    He gestured towards Xiaodie’s backpack.

    I stepped between them, shielding her. “That’s personal property. I refuse.”

    “Then don’t blame us for being ruthless. We’re doing this for the sake of Upper Capital City.” He turned to the crowd. “Am I right?”

    “Yes!”

    “We can’t let another Huang Zhiqiang incident happen!”

    “I love Upper Capital City! We won’t let you leave!”

    The crowd roared, their faces flushed with righteous indignation, as if they were ready to charge into a hail of bullets.

    “See? We’re not asking for much. Just let us search you. If you’re innocent, we won’t give you any trouble.”

    He grinned triumphantly and waved his hand. Several burly men stepped forward. As they reached for us, I retreated, drew the knives from my pants, and assumed Pai Ge’s offensive stance, shielding Xiaodie.

    “Whoa, whoa, whoa, you’re just a kid. You think you can threaten us with knives? Aren’t you afraid of juvenile detention?”

    Emboldened by the crowd, he chuckled. “Come on, you wouldn’t dare stab anyone.”

    “Swish! Swish!”

    Two flashes of steel. His shirt was sliced in a cross pattern, revealing a thin line of blood where the blades had grazed his skin.

    “Do you believe me now?”

    I said coldly, maintaining my stance.

    This was my first real fight, and I was using lethal weapons. But with Xiaodie behind me, I felt no fear, only a fierce determination to protect her.

    “These knives are sharp. Don’t push your luck.”

    The information I had downloaded from the Queen Bee server wasn’t just about Huang Zhiqiang and the other politicians. Zhui Feng had told me about a mysterious group operating in the shadows, seemingly intent on destabilizing the city. Their motives were unclear, but they were definitely up to no good.

    “You… you’re just a girl. What are you going to do?”

    The man I had injured stumbled backward, his face pale.

    “Hey, Da Wei, what’s the age of criminal responsibility again?”

    “Fourteen or sixteen? I can’t remember.”

    “Don’t ‘can’t remember’! There’s a big difference between fourteen and sixteen! If it’s sixteen, and this little girl accidentally hurts us, we’re screwed.”

    Just then, I saw a few familiar faces charge through the crowd, tackling the men who were blocking our path.

    “Yi Yao, run! Take Xiaodie and run!”

    Hua She, Liang Zhenyi, and the others, like a herd of bulls, created a path for us, their arms wrapped tightly around the aggressors.

    “Run!”

    I hesitated for a moment, then grabbed Xiaodie’s hand and, before the crowd could react, we sprinted through the gap.

  • Come, Let Me Take You Home 51

    No. 51 In This Twisted World

    **November 29, 2015, Sunday, Rain.**

    After a week of continuous drizzle, the sun finally peeked through the clouds today. This relentless rain has severely impacted Dad’s fruit business. Not only has customer traffic dwindled, but even the fruits that could usually be preserved have started to rot. And worst of all, the clothes hanging on the balcony never dry. If this continues, I’ll be forced to wear dresses at home.

    I bumped into an elementary school classmate on my way back from training tonight. Maybe it was because I was wearing my Taekwondo uniform, or maybe it’s been too long, but he didn’t recognize me.

    Thinking about it now, maybe it’s for the best. I’m not worthy of associating with such accomplished people. It saved us both from an awkward encounter.

    I wonder what stories about the future my brother will tell me tonight…

    **December 13, 2015, Wednesday, Sunny.**

    It’s incredible! Last night, my brother told me in a dream that Lan Zhuoyue and Tan Lijiang would fight today, and they actually did! It even escalated to the point where the school administration got involved. It seems like they’ll both be punished. I hope they’ll be okay, although I don’t really like Tan Lijiang. He seems so arrogant.

    But lately, I’ve noticed something strange about Lan Zhuoyue. Sometimes, he’ll be reading a novel in class, then suddenly fall asleep, his face pale and lifeless. I hope he’s not sick.

    **January 9, 2016, Saturday, Sunny.**

    It’s my birthday, but I don’t feel happy at all.

    The monthly exam results are out, and as usual, they’re terrible. Dad scolded me harshly. I went out and played streetball with Hua She and Liang Zhenyi for a while. When I came back, Dad had already gone to the hospital to see Mom. No birthday cake, no presents, not even a single birthday wish. Hmm… I’ve been used to Dad’s indifference since I turned thirteen, but for some reason, the emptiness of our home fills me with a deep sadness.

    I feel so useless, incapable of doing anything right. I’m slowly losing the will to live.

    **January 21, 2016, Thursday, Overcast.**

    My stomach hurts so much. Knowing this pain will last for a week makes me feel even worse.

    My brother’s illness seems to be getting worse. He used to tease me occasionally, but now he barely speaks.

    Hmph, serves him right. He always said girls have it easy. If he were a girl, he’d probably hate it even more than I do. Not to mention those weird monthly periods. Dad always says that even if I get good grades, I’ll eventually get married. A married daughter is like spilled water. And with my terrible grades, I might not even find a husband. He’s just wasting his money raising me…

    Wait, what if my brother became a girl?

    **February 1, 2016, Monday, Sunny.**

    I did it!

    I can actually switch consciousness with my brother!

    At first, I just wanted to experience his world. I never imagined we would actually swap bodies. When I opened my eyes, I was in a dark hospital room. My body ached all over. I didn’t realize his illness was this severe. Even lifting my hand was a struggle. In that state of pain, I couldn’t even tell the difference between a male and a female body. And based on his memories, his illness seemed incurable. The doctor said the surgery had less than a one percent chance of success.

    When we switched back, my stupid brother didn’t even realize he had been in my body. He was still his usual clueless self. It made me wonder if it was all just a dream. But when I asked him if there was a vase of lilies by his bed, he confirmed it.

    Well, there’s nothing left for me in this world anyway. I’ve tried to jump off the roof countless times, but I always chickened out. I didn’t want to burden others with my death. Since my brother said he had unfinished business, I’ll let him use my body to fulfill it.

    It’s so strange… my brother is actually me from the future…

    **February 2, 2016, Tuesday, Overcast.**

    This is probably my last diary entry.

    I researched it online. The brain can remain active for six to ten minutes after death. During that time, the person is forced into a dream state.

    If I switch consciousness with my brother during that time, even if he figures out the method later, his body in that world will already be dead. My consciousness should dissipate along with my body, forcing him to remain in my body and live as a middle school girl.

    So, I bought a lot of sleeping pills. I’ve been switching consciousness with him occasionally, checking on his condition.

    Our situation must be unique to people from parallel worlds. Or maybe it’s because we have a special connection? After all, there are still many things science can’t explain.

    Our final parting will probably be in a few days.

    Brother… thank you for always being there for me. Yi Yao is a bad girl… please burn this diary after you read it…

    …

    I reached the last page of the diary, staring at the familiar handwriting, my heart heavy with emotions.

    Yes, I had those memories, but whether my sister had deliberately suppressed them before she left, or perhaps because of the recent events, I hadn’t remembered this diary entry for almost two months.

    I knew she had sacrificed herself for me, but I never imagined the extent of her despair. If I hadn’t found this diary while cleaning my room today, I might have buried this memory forever.

    “Yi Yao…”

    I stood up from the bed, walked over to the vanity table, and stared at my reflection. The girl in the mirror was me, yet I felt a profound sense of disconnect.

    My phone rang.

    “Hello…”

    “Yi Yao, what’s wrong with your voice? Are you sick?”

    Hua She’s concerned voice filled my ears.

    I wiped my tears. “No, I was just lost in thought. What’s up?”

    “We have a problem. Come quickly. It’s urgent.”

    “What happened?”

    “Remember the mayor’s request to see his daughter? Huang Zhiqiang, the one they’ve been talking about in the news?”

    “Yes. Is the verdict out?”

    After returning from the Air Force complex, Xiaodie had met with her father. I didn’t know what they had discussed, but she had been withdrawn ever since, locking herself in her room, refusing to see anyone but me. Even when I was with her, she would just fiddle with her unloaded sniper rifles, barely speaking. I was worried about her.

    “The verdict is out. Death sentence.”

    Hua She’s voice was urgent. “But that’s not the main problem. You were probably in class and didn’t see the live broadcast. They revealed a lot of evidence during the trial, implicating him in embezzling over eighty million yuan. They even presented evidence linking him to several child abduction cases. The public is outraged.”

    My heart sank. “And?”

    “And? Last night, someone started spreading rumors that there’s more evidence hidden in his home. Now, his daughter’s apartment building is surrounded by angry protesters. They’ve blocked all the entrances.”

    “What?!”

    I quickly changed into my outdoor clothes. “Where’s Xiaodie now?”

    “She’s been holed up in her apartment for days, of course. Come quickly, Yi Yao. I think they’re about to break down the door.”

    “I’m on my way!”

    I hung up, grabbed my knives, put on my shoes, and rushed out of the apartment, dialing Xiaodie’s number as I ran.

    “Xiaodie, Xiaodie, are you home?”

    “Yes…” Her voice sounded tired.

    “Why didn’t you tell me about this?”

    I hailed a taxi and reassured her. “Listen, stay inside, don’t open the door for anyone. Wait for me, okay?”

    “Okay.”

    Her voice was unusually docile.

    I arrived at her complex at noon. As Hua She had said, the building was surrounded by a large crowd. Banners with slogans like “Return our children! Down with Huang Zhiqiang’s lackeys!,” “Drive corruption out of Upper Capital City!,” and “Cooperate with the people’s inspection!” were draped across the trees.

    “Yi Yao, you’re finally here! These people are crazy!”

    The Black Dragon Society members, who had been waiting for me, swarmed around me.

    “What’s the situation?”

    “The building management initially refused to open the door, and there was a scuffle. But now it seems like they’re giving in.”

    I frowned. “I don’t understand. Why are they targeting her apartment? What do they want?”

    “They want to search her apartment. Someone online claimed there’s more evidence hidden there. These people are just riled up by the rumors. They’re saying they won’t leave until they search the place. I suspect some of them are just opportunists, hoping to loot the place.”

    “Are they stupid? If they want to search the apartment, they should get a warrant from the court or the police.”

    “Don’t ask me. The priority now is to get Xiaodie out of there. Once the building management opens the door, it’ll be chaos. It’s not safe for a girl to be alone in that situation.” The harsh sunlight cast a demonic shadow on Hua She’s scarred face. “We checked earlier. You can probably jump from the roof of the adjacent building to her building, but you won’t be able to jump back. You go up there, find Xiaodie, and come down the stairs. We’ll be waiting for you downstairs. I doubt they’ll give two girls any trouble.”

  • Come, Let Me Take You Home 50

    No. 50 Echoes of Hope

    My days fell into a routine: attending classes during the day, visiting Mom in the evening, then heading to the basement of the entertainment complex to train in the Pai family’s fighting style.

    Mid-March arrived, and the weather gradually warmed.

    More girls were wearing skirts on the streets, and ice cream shops were bustling with customers.

    Upper Capital City, being in the south, experienced an early spring. However, in most northern cities, the weather remained relatively unchanged, with some areas still blanketed in snow.

    A sense of foreboding lingered in the air, despite the warm spring sunshine.

    “Left! Right! Horizontal slash!”

    I parried Pai Ge’s attacks with two playing cards, sweat dripping from my face as I retreated under his relentless assault.

    “Yi Yao, your movements are fluid. What you lack is confidence in your offense. Humans are inherently aggressive creatures. Every successful person’s path is paved with the bodies of those they’ve defeated. You don’t need to feel guilty.”

    Two more blurs of motion, two cards colliding in mid-air. My cards were sliced in half with a crisp “snap.”

    Exhaustion weighed heavily on my body. I stood in the middle of the empty living room, my breaths ragged, my heart pounding in my chest.

    It’s okay, Yi Yao, you’ve been through this before. If you could do it then, you can do it now.

    For your sister, you have to be strong.

    I gritted my teeth, drew a new card from my pocket, and charged towards Pai Ge.

    “Joker Slash!”

    As I closed in, I swung both cards towards his neck in a crisscrossing motion.

    He smiled, a hint of pride in his eyes, and swiftly retreated.

    He countered with two cards, his movements fluid and precise. I couldn’t dodge in time. My attack landed—on his hat.

    Two white lines appeared on the black fedora, sending it flying.

    “Huff… huff…”

    Exhausted, I dropped to one knee, sweat dripping from my face, forming patterns on the wooden floor.

    “Excellent.”

    Pai Ge retrieved his hat, clapping his hands. “It seems you’ve finally awakened.”

    I looked up at him, wiping the sweat from my face.

    “You know, a girl who works hard is always endearing. That’s why I didn’t teach you everything at once.” He crouched down beside me, his usual playful smirk replaced by a thoughtful expression. “Yi Yao, is there something you want to protect? Or someone you want to save?”

    “No.”

    I stood up, my breathing returning to normal.

    The only thing I needed to protect was myself.

    “That first card you used, it wasn’t an ordinary playing card, was it?”

    I had been wanting to ask this for a while. Cutting a beer bottle with a playing card? Impossible!

    “Ah, you noticed. I guess you could say I’m a bit of a magician.”

    He chuckled sheepishly, pulling out a card from his pocket. It looked identical to an ordinary playing card.

    “It’s made of a special material. It’s not quite nanotech, but it can definitely stop a bullet.”

    He flicked the card towards me, and I caught it with one hand.

    I turned and slashed at an empty soda bottle Ouyang Dati had left behind.

    “Crack.”

    The bottle split cleanly in two. The top half wobbled in the air before crashing to the floor. The bottom half remained standing.

    How sharp was this card?

    “Actually, Yi Yao, I don’t recommend using this type of weapon.”

    He took the card back and glanced at the knives concealed in my shorts. “Your hands are too delicate. These cards require a firm grip. Stick to knives unless absolutely necessary.”

    “Okay.”

    I walked over to the water dispenser and poured myself a glass of water.

    But I didn’t even know who my enemy was.

    It seemed I had inherited the original Yi Yao’s tendency to wander blindly down unknown paths.

    She had trained in Taekwondo for seven or eight years, unsure of its purpose.

    And now, I had been practicing these strange hidden weapons for over a month, clueless about their true use.

    “It’s strange. You haven’t asked me about my motives.”

    Pai Ge said from behind me.

    “What?”

    “Aren’t you curious about my intentions? I’m a mysterious stranger, after all.”

    “Your intentions?” I turned to face him. “Are you saying I should question a friend’s motives every time they invite me for dinner?”

    I had investigated Pai Ge’s background.

    He was a rich kid, a playboy, and he played the role well.

    His real name was Luo Wei. He was born on August 6, 1990, 1.78 meters tall, and hailed from another city in Yixian Province. His only family was his uncle, who was involved in some shady business. Two years ago, they had offended a powerful figure and had been on the run ever since. His current net worth was estimated to be around fifty million yuan. He could easily open three more entertainment complexes like this one, but he chose to live a carefree life, pretending to be a delinquent, messing with other delinquents, and treating them to meals and internet cafe sessions.

    His romantic exploits could fill a 100KB text file. I didn’t have the patience to read through them. All I knew was that he had money, he didn’t crave power, and he probably didn’t even care about restoring the Pai family’s glory. He was teaching me these fighting techniques simply because he found it amusing.

    “Haha, that’s a very Yi Yao-like answer.”

    He glanced at Xiaodie’s brightly lit room, then tucked his hands in his pockets. “So, how are you, a sixteen-year-old girl, planning to help her through this crisis?”

    I looked down. “I don’t know.”

    Losing both parents at fifteen… words couldn’t express the pain.

    And she had to watch helplessly as her father was arrested, convicted, sentenced.

    “She’s working hard.”

    I had witnessed her transformation from a girl who could barely hold a gun to a skilled markswoman who could assemble and disassemble a large-caliber sniper rifle with ease.

    Dedication could change a person, even their aura.

    Since she didn’t have to attend school during this sensitive period, she spent her days practicing in her room, assembling and disassembling the sniper rifle hundreds of times.

    Alone in an empty house, sitting on the bare floor, day after day.

    Like me, she knew she might never have to use a gun, but she still trained diligently. Every time I saw Ouyang Dati, he would praise her dedication.

    Pai Ge shrugged. “Do your classmates know about this?”

    I shook my head. “They’re too busy with exams and their petty rivalries.”

    Expecting a bunch of ninth-graders to pay attention to the news? Fat chance.

    They probably only knew that something big had happened in their city in March, something that might appear on their high school entrance exam for Chinese composition or politics. If you asked them the mayor’s name or his daughter’s name, they wouldn’t have a clue.

    They were more concerned about the rising temperatures, how many bottles of iced tea they needed to buy each day, and when the Education Bureau would inspect the school for illegal weekend classes.

    “The online reaction is quite intense.”

    After the corruption scandal broke, public opinion was overwhelmingly against the mayor, demanding severe punishment.

    That was probably why Xiaodie avoided the internet…

    “Sorry… we can’t help you.”

    “It’s okay.”

    I stood up and walked towards Xiaodie’s room.

    Based on the information from the Queen Bee Hacker Alliance, those people were operating on a level I shouldn’t be involved in.

    Politics was like a murky pond. Even the slightest ripple could create a chain reaction, spreading outwards.

    All I could do was stay by Xiaodie’s side, support her through this difficult time, and prevent her from doing anything rash.

    “Woof!”

    As I opened the door, a large feline leaped onto me.

    “Go play, Xiao Bai.”

    I gently pushed the tiger cub, which Xiaodie had named Xiao Bai, aside and stared at the disassembled sniper rifle parts scattered across the floor. “Are you sure you can put this back together?”

    “Of course.” She turned away from the window, where she had been aiming the rifle at a distant building, and smiled faintly. “Is training over?”

    “Yes, Pai Ge said I’ve mastered the basics.” I sat down on her bed. “How are you doing? Are you used to living here?”

    “It’s fine, except it gets lonely during the day.”

    She lowered the rifle, which was longer than her, and stood up, her nightgown slipping down, revealing her bare shoulder.

    “Yi Yao.”

    “Hmm?”

    “I want to go home.”

    “Home? Where?”

    “My old home.” She sat down beside me and leaned her head against my shoulder, like a lover. “Dad managed to get a morning off tomorrow. It might be the last time I see him.”

  • Come, Let Me Take You Home 49

     No. 49 As If Guided by a Dream of Stars

    A hundred square meters of space, seven or eight computers, two servers, eight bunk beds like those in a student dormitory, an empty living room devoid of even a television, replaced by a tangle of wires and cables—this was the Queen Bee Hacker Alliance’s headquarters in Upper Capital City.

    Ten years could truly change a lot…

    I entered the room, led by Wang Cai. As the only girl present, I immediately drew the attention of the four young men inside.

    “Wang Cai, is this your girlfriend?”

    “Didn’t you go to pick someone up? Who’s this little sister?”

    No one would have guessed that the prestigious Queen Bee Hacker Alliance, ten years from now, would have such humble beginnings.

    These young men, all in their late twenties or early thirties, looked disheveled and exhausted, their faces greasy, their eyes shadowed with dark circles. They looked nothing like successful professionals. They must have been pulling all-nighters for days. The floor was littered with instant noodle cups and takeout containers, the air thick with the smell of sweat and stale food.

    Hmm… was it because I was a girl now that my sense of smell was heightened? I had experienced similar situations in my previous life, but I hadn’t been this bothered by the smell.

    Coincidentally, I knew all of them.

    “Uh… she’s the little bee.”

    Wang Cai stammered under their scrutiny.

    “What little bee? Where’s the person we’re waiting for?”

    A man with a scruffy beard grumbled. “And didn’t I tell you not to bring girls here? Sorry, little sister, we’re a bit busy these days, that’s why it’s such a mess. How about I take you to a milk tea shop?”

    Are you trying to abduct a child?

    “She’s the little bee.”

    Wang Cai repeated himself.

    “Who the hell is called ‘little bee’?” Another young man stood up, then his eyes widened in realization. “Wait, what did you say?”

    Gouzi, the future owner of the largest bakery chain in Upper Capital City. He was a kind and genuine person, but he could be a bit goofy and disrespectful at times.

    Wang Cai shrugged. “Are you guys traumatized or something? I’ll say it again. She’s the little bee. We don’t use real names in the Queen Bee Alliance. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

    The young man stared at me, his jaw slack. “You mean she’s…”

    “The one and only. The one who’s been tormenting us for the past seven days.”

    “She… how old is she?”

    “Just turned sixteen.”

    “Thud!”

    Gouzi, who had just stood up, collapsed back onto his chair, his eyes glazed over as he stared at the ceiling. “I think I’m officially useless.”

    “That’s impossible! How could she be so skilled at such a young age?”

    A young man with curly hair and a square jaw approached us. “Wang Cai, are you messing with us? Is this your cousin or something?”

    “I don’t have a cousin!”

    Wang Cai sighed, placing his laptop on the table and taking a sip of water. “Little Bee, why don’t you tell them yourself? These guys are good people, but they’re a bit slow.”

    “Tell you what?” I asked playfully.

    It was so good to see them again.

    Like reuniting with long-lost friends, a chance encounter at a familiar street corner.

    “Tell us how you hacked into our server.”

    “Well… my software handled most of the attacks and defenses during the day. I only had time after seven in the evening. You’re using a Linux operating system, which made it quite challenging.” I smiled at Gouzi. “But I remember you made a fatal mistake on Thursday, I think.”

    I noticed that everyone, except for Wang Cai, had turned pale.

    “You intercepted my main data packets, but you confidently ignored a small, disguised packet, only 9KB in size. Were you planning to analyze it?”

    Yes, if they hadn’t been so arrogant, thinking they could crack my code, I wouldn’t have won so easily.

    “The server’s root password is JKR*bee.678914. I’ve already sent you the patch for the main vulnerability. Is that enough to prove my identity?”

    Several gasps filled the room.

    A slightly older man in a floral shirt, sunglasses perched on his nose, looked up from his computer and walked towards me. “You’re only sixteen?”

    “Yes.”

    “You used a regular home computer?”

    “Yes.”

    “You were at school for most of the day, and you managed to block all our attacks with a few custom-made programs?”

    “Yes.”

    “You only had less than three hours each night to actually engage with us.”

    “Well… not always three hours. Sometimes my dad made me do my homework.”

    “Damn.”

    He took off his sunglasses and ran a hand through his hair, his face etched with awe. “A genius. A once-in-a-millennium genius. To achieve this level of skill at your age… I can’t imagine what you’ll accomplish in the future…”

    “I, Zhui Feng, am honored to be defeated by such a talented individual.”

    Zhui Feng, Jing Lei, Shan Dian, Gouzi, Wang Cai—those were their nicknames. Zhui Feng was the leader of the Queen Bee Hacker Alliance in Upper Capital City and the main investor in this headquarters.

    “Honestly, we barely slept for the past few days, trying to defend against your attacks. But we never imagined that our combined efforts, five people and eight computers running at full capacity, would be defeated by a single home computer and a sixteen-year-old girl.”

    “I apologize for the trouble I caused.”

    Technically, I had spent far more time studying computer science than they had.

    I was an anomaly in this world.

    “Don’t worry about it. We’re thrilled to have such a talented member join our ranks.”

    Zhui Feng handed me a glass of water, then pulled out a notebook from a folder on his desk. “You know the rules, right?”

    “Yes.”

    “Nickname.”

    “Bee.”

    “Date of birth.”

    “January 9, 2000.”

    “Hmm… just to be sure, you’re a girl, right?”

    “Yes.”

    At least physically.

    “Okay, welcome to the Queen Bee Alliance. I’ll apply for your membership card. It should be ready in about a week. You can pick it up here.” He closed the folder, then asked, “Can you tell us why you wanted to join us?”

    “I need information about the current political situation in Upper Capital City.” I was direct. “Specifically, about Mayor Huang Zhiqiang and those who are accusing him. I need their information.”

    They exchanged glances. “That’s sensitive information. Even if you hadn’t asked, we have people monitoring the situation. It’s a major case… but why do you need this information?”

    “The mayor’s daughter is my friend. I don’t want her to get hurt.”

    I knew that admitting this would expose my identity.

    But it didn’t matter. I was already a semi-public figure after those news reports. There was no point in hiding my true self from them.

    “I see. I understand.”

    Zhui Feng nodded, then led me to a computer with a glowing screen.

    “Bee, the accusers aren’t individuals. They’re a group, a politically motivated group. Like a rebellion in ancient times. Do you understand?”

    I had already anticipated this. I nodded.

    “I understand your concern, but unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do. The mayor’s actions have had a significant impact on Upper Capital City and the entire Yixian Province.”

    “What’s the worst-case scenario?”

    “There’s no ‘worst-case scenario.’ Everyone connected to the mayor is scrambling to clear their names. By the end of this month, the leadership in Upper Capital City will be completely reshuffled…”

    “I’m not asking about the city’s political landscape. I’m asking about the mayor’s fate.”

    “Most likely, execution.”

    …

    An hour later, I arrived at the temporary residence Ouyang Dati had arranged for Xiaodie, carrying a USB drive containing all the information I had downloaded from the Queen Bee server about the corruption case.

    It was an apartment complex funded by the Air Force, mostly occupied by retired soldiers. Apparently, Ouyang Dati had pulled some strings to secure a unit for Xiaodie.

    “Yo, Yi Yao, you’re late tonight.”

    Ouyang Dati opened the door, his face brightening as he saw me. He put down his gun and walked over to me. “I have two pieces of good news. Which one do you want to hear first?”

    I glanced around and changed into the slippers by the door. “Where’s Xiaodie?”

    “She’s in her room. Hey, aren’t you going to ask about the good news?”

    “Oh, right. What’s the good news?”

    I asked, my voice flat. I pushed open Xiaodie’s bedroom door.

    Before I could even process the scene before me, a dark figure, smelling faintly of feline musk, pounced on me.

    “Woof!”

    Something soft and wet licked my face. I instinctively picked it up and, under the fluorescent lights, saw… a tiger cub?

    “Heh, it seems to like you and Xiaodie. It always tries to bite me whenever I approach it.”

    Ouyang Dati entered the room, a smug grin on his face, and grabbed the cub by the scruff of its neck. “That’s the first piece of good news. The little tiger you found in the cave has recovered.”

    It was sick?

    “The other good news is, Xiaodie has a natural talent for shooting. During her first target practice, she even outperformed our best sniper.”

    Ignoring the cub, which was squirming in his grasp, trying to reach me, I looked at Xiaodie, who was fiddling with a sniper rifle in the middle of the room. Our eyes met, and I saw a reflection of myself in her gaze.

    After a long silence, she looked away. “Well… I was bored, stuck at home with nothing to do. So, I asked Ouyang Dati to teach me some self-defense techniques…”

  • As a villain, I just want them to behave 87

    Chapter 87: Release the Princess!

    “That damn thief! He dares to humiliate me like this! Once I return to my territory and gather my forces, I’ll make him pay!”

    Duke Colette, standing outside the royal city in a small hut, cursed at the direction of the royal palace, his anger burning.

    “Your Grace, we only have a little over thirty thousand ordinary troops. We absolutely cannot engage in a head-on battle with Kailun.”

    A retainer waiting nearby hurriedly stopped Colette’s dangerous idea.

    Although the Duke commanded thirty thousand direct troops, those troops were not of high quality. They could handle other nobles, but against Kailun’s well-trained Knights, it was uncertain.

    “I was just saying. And I’m not fighting alone. Didn’t so many nobles escape? If we unite, we can definitely give him a taste of his own medicine.
    And we don’t need to aim for victory. All we need to do is hold him down and create chaos within the kingdom, and our mission will be accomplished.
    Then, when the Second Prince takes over the Xiya Kingdom with the Divine Temple, I might even be able to become a Duke.”

    Colette indulged in his future fantasies. Except for his slightly chilled bottom, he was no longer as angry as before.

    The retainer looked towards the royal city, then found a coat for Colette, “Your Grace, let’s leave quickly. This place is too close to the royal city. I have a bad feeling about it.”

    “Hey, you’re being too cautious. There’s such a vast area outside the royal city. Kailun can’t keep an eye on every corner, can he? And it’s not just me. Can he catch all those nobles who escaped?
    No, it’s impossible. As long as we retreat according to the planned route and spread the news about the palace, then his cruelty will make everyone fearful.”

    Duke Colette glanced at the dozens of attendants accompanying him and laughed, “I laugh at that fool Kailun for being blind. If it were me, I would have taken a gradual approach, win over some nobles, divide others, and finally, watch them fight each other and then capture them all.
    So, he’s still too young. Wants to be King? In his next life!”

    “Report! Your Grace, a large force of Knights has appeared ahead. We are surrounded!”

    As soon as the words were spoken, an attendant knelt before Colette and reported the situation.

    “Say that again?” Colette asked incredulously.

    He had just left, and he was already surrounded? Could it be that the other side was just lucky?

    “Your Grace, we are surrounded. Based on the current situation, the possibility of us breaking through is zero.”

    The attendant’s words once again pierced Colette’s heart, causing his blood pressure to rise again.

    Skillfully taking out a blue potion from his pocket and drinking it, he pounded his chest and asked the retainer beside him, “Are there any other teleportation anchors?”

    The retainer said helplessly, “Your Grace, have you forgotten? A teleportation scroll of this level can only establish one anchor at a time. It’s too late now.”

    Colette was silenced by the retainer’s words.

    After a long silence, he wrapped his coat around himself and said, “Do you think we have a chance if we surrender to the great new King now?”

    The retainer: “???”

    …

    In the royal palace hall, the bloodstains had been cleaned up.

    The reason for such high efficiency this time was due to Kailun’s warning. He kindly reminded the palace staff who were slacking off, telling them that if they cleaned slowly, they would be replaced.

    Of course, the kind Kailun also gave them a choice, such as choosing between being cut in half at the waist or beheaded.

    When the hall was filled with the fragrance of flowers, Kailun sat back on the throne and said, “According to the estimated time, the nobles should have been captured. I will have people take back their territories, wealth, and military power.
    During this process, you may need to help manage things. I assume those of you who have signed the contract will not do anything wrong, right?”

    The ones who escaped were the big fish. Those who died in the hall were just small fry used for intimidation.

    Although this method was a bit extreme, it was considered a mission accomplished as long as it achieved its purpose.

    Everyone left in the hall was his person. As long as no one leaked the news, who would know what happened today?

    Besides, Kailun didn’t mind being a tyrant. As long as he grew fast enough, no one could punish him.

    “We will obey your will, Your Majesty!”

    The ministers in the hall responded in unison.

    How dare they be greedy anymore? Their homes were surrounded, and they had signed a contract that was worse than slavery. Now, they were nothing but tools who only knew how to work.

    Every time they closed their eyes, they would dream of their colleagues being cut in half at the waist. They would wake up from their dreams many times in a single night.

    In their eyes, Kailun was like a Great Demon King, a great evil that could not be resisted by human power.

    Now, they dared not resist Kailun. They could only silently hope in their hearts that someone would punish this devil.

    “Your Majesty, now that you have become King, should we have a coronation ceremony so that the people of the whole country can celebrate together?”

    A minister in the hall offered a suggestion, hoping to please Kailun.

    “Coronation? Who will crown me, the Divine Temple? I don’t have time to waste on such trivial matters. It’s just an empty title. No matter what the world calls me, it won’t affect my control over the kingdom.
    If we really want to hold a ceremony, just being King is too narrow-minded.
    I’m not like some people, obsessed with the throne.”

    After dealing with the ministers, Kailun looked at the older princess, who was squatting in a self-imposed exile on the throne, “Do you think I’m right, Your Highness?”

    Hilna: “…”

    She didn’t want to talk. She just wanted to squat here for the rest of her life, until the end of time.

    At this moment, she suddenly understood why Winnie always huddled in the corner and squatted with her head in her hands.

    “How about this? Since Your Highness likes the throne so much, let’s have a bet with the throne?” Kailun tugged at the collar around her neck.

    The older princess had lost all face today. Everyone knew that she had become a little slave who massaged his legs.

    “A bet? What do you want to bet on?”

    A ripple of curiosity appeared in Hilna’s eyes. She didn’t understand what she could possibly bet with Kailun.

    Kailun leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Let’s bet on whether I can conquer the neighboring Malaga Kingdom within a week. If I lose, I’ll give you the throne you’ve been longing for.”

    Hilna swallowed nervously, “What do I need to pay if you win?”

    “Since I’m putting up something as important as the throne, shouldn’t Your Highness also put up something equally important?” Kailun stared into her eyes, his lips curling into a smile.

    Vivian, standing beside him, saw Kailun’s smile and knew that her sister was in for a rough time. Betting with this manipulative demon, Kailun, was definitely not a wise decision.

    Hilna, who was now a little afraid to look at Kailun, turned her head away, “Just tell me.”

    Kailun said, “No, I won’t tell you what I want. You can use your imagination and think carefully about what you have that’s worth taking.”

    Faced with such a cunning statement, Hilna was a little annoyed. She knew very well that her current value was limited.

    Hilna saw in Kailun’s eyes that he seemed to only want to play with her. As for something of equal value to the throne, Kailun probably couldn’t even find it himself.

    It was a sad truth. Hilna had never imagined that she would one day fall to such a level.

    Hilna said, “I agree to your bet. I hope you won’t lead the Xiya Kingdom to its destruction.”

    “I’m not like you. Wouldn’t it be pleasurable to watch the Xiya Kingdom gradually grow stronger under my feet?” Kailun pinched Hilna’s face in response.

    Although the older princess wasn’t a good person, it was quite fun to bully her.

    Speaking of which, Shirley hadn’t appeared for almost three days. Who knew what kind of preparations she was making.

    He just hoped she would make her move before tomorrow, otherwise, he would have to lead his troops on an expedition.

    In Kailun’s plan, it would take exactly a week to conquer the Malaga Kingdom to the west.

    For Kailun, this seven-day journey was more like a picnic than an expedition.

    Besides, this was a good opportunity to max out the older princess’s favorability. Just thinking about it made him involuntarily focus his gaze on her.

    When her eyes met Kailun’s, she instinctively pulled away from his grasp and obediently shrunk back onto the throne. It seemed that the bloody scene just now had left a considerable psychological shadow on her.

    After completing the harvest of the nobles, Kailun had the ministers announce the reduction of taxes, lowering the tax levied on commoners and merchants from 40% to 30%. He also announced many favorable development policies.

    He did all this to win over the hearts of the people and smoothly complete the transfer of power from the nobles. In this world, class was an insurmountable barrier. For ordinary people, the nobles who held power were like gods.

    Only by breaking the stagnant situation would new vitality emerge. Although this method had many flaws, it was the best choice for Kailun at this moment.

    The chaos of the Abyss was less than a month away. During the period when the Divine Temple’s main force confronted the Abyss, he still had many things to do.

    It’s worth mentioning that after completing the harvest of Winnie, Kailun’s attribute points had reached the level of a 7th-rank. If he chose to max out his attribute points, he could even engage in a trial battle with an 8th-rank Epic.

    In fact, there were no 8th-ranks in the entire Xiya Kingdom. The highest level was currently 7th-rank early stage. Such strength couldn’t make up for the difference in numbers.

    The lower the class, the greater the impact of numbers. For the current Xiya Kingdom, the main factors influencing the balance of war were the differences in numbers and quality.

    After dismissing the ministers, Kailun planned for tomorrow’s expedition. The necessary supplies had been prepared, but the only thing that was a bit heartbreaking was the cost of gold.

    The Xiya Kingdom’s treasury was poorer than he imagined. Even with the reserves of the older princess and the Second Prince, it was only about two hundred thousand gold coins. Even with the gold coins that the Grand Duke would send in the afternoon, it would only be about three hundred thousand.

    Just the pre-war preparations had cost Kailun over one hundred thousand gold coins. When the real fighting started, he had to factor in the huge consumption of magic cannons.

    War is about money. Until Ella’s merchant guild could supply him, Kailun could only live frugally.

    The Malaga Kingdom was a strategic point that Kailun had to conquer. It was a key part of his plan, not just because the other side had malicious intentions, but also because the Malaga Kingdom was an important center of trade routes.

    After conquering the Malaga Kingdom, he would be able to push his merchant guild to the world. This was his second important plan.

    However, he still lacked a trigger, a trigger to connect with the Abyss.

    “I’m so poor. I hope the nobles can cough up some more gold coins. Otherwise, the kids are really going to starve.”

    On the carriage returning to the manor, Kailun sighed, lying on Winnie’s smooth thighs.

    He never intended to live in the royal palace. For him, the gloomy royal palace was nowhere near as comfortable as his own courtyard.

    “Oh, right. When are you going to give me the one hundred thousand gold coins you promised?” Kailun looked at Isabella and asked about the whereabouts of the gold coins.

    “Didn’t we agree on fifty thousand gold coins? When did it become one hundred thousand?” Isabella widened her eyes, “We have all these terms written in the contract. Don’t try to cheat me.”

    Kailun clicked his tongue regretfully, “Did we? Oh, it seems it was indeed fifty thousand. I must have remembered wrong.”

    Isabella: “…”

    She felt that if she had hesitated for a moment, the amount would have become one hundred thousand.

    They were supposed to be allies. But Kailun had not only taken her dance troupe away, but he also wanted to cheat her out of money. He was just too bad.

    【Isabella is on her guard. Favorability -5, Total Favorability -20】

    “We’re going on a long trip tomorrow, so if you want to come along, you have to tell your people in advance. Don’t let them suspect that I’m kidnapping children.” Kailun glanced at Isabella’s favorability change.

    “I’ll say it again. I’m an adult. I’m a year older than this guy!” Isabella said unhappily, pointing at Vivian.

    But Vivian, right in front of Isabella, stood up and gestured above Isabella’s head, “But I’m taller than you.”

    Her simple words mercilessly shattered Isabella’s pride. Kailun thought Vivian had the potential to be a devil.

    Stopping in front of the entrance to the Loya Ball, Kailun handed Isabella over to Jennice, asking her to prepare her luggage for tomorrow’s departure.

    It wasn’t until the carriage started moving again that Vivian asked, “Can we really conquer the Malaga Kingdom within a week? It would take four or five days just to march there, right?”

    Hearing Vivian’s question, Hilna, who was squatting on the floor of the carriage, raised her head and listened intently.

    “Normally, it wouldn’t be easy to conquer the Malaga Kingdom. But my good friend Paul has infiltrated their territory and helped me gather their main forces together so that we can capture them all.
    Simply put, as long as we take down the Divine Temple’s followers, the Malaga Kingdom will be more than half defeated.”

    Kailun answered Vivian’s question while playing with Winnie’s black silk. Because she had been caught by her weakness, Winnie was behaving quite obediently.

    The Malaga Kingdom was a kingdom deeply influenced by the Divine Temple. Most of the powerful figures in the kingdom had joined the Divine Temple, leaving the kingdom in a state of being controlled by the Divine Temple.

    To be precise, the combined forces of the King and the nobles couldn’t defeat Justin’s two hundred thousand followers.

    Don’t think that Kailun would be at a disadvantage because Justin had a large number of followers. Strictly speaking, those two hundred thousand followers were a temporary gathering of “rabble.”

    Some of them were quite strong, but under Justin’s management, they didn’t know how to march or fight, and their quality was low. A single crushing defeat would be enough to break their morale.

    In fact, the followers under Justin’s management had already acquired all the vices of the Divine Temple. They gambled, drank, and prostituted themselves, not to mention that they owed debts all over the place. The people of the Divine Temple that Isabella and the others spoke of were like this.

    Because they were sucking blood from the Malaga Kingdom, the kingdom, despite its location on a major trade route, wasn’t particularly wealthy.

    However, for Kailun, those two hundred thousand people were walking free miners. With their help, his little treasury would soon be rich again.

    Hilna couldn’t help but ask, “Why are you so confident that you can defeat two hundred thousand people? Even if you add up all your people, it’s still only half of their number.”

    “Curious? Want to know? If you come to my bedchamber tonight and take the initiative, I’ll tell you.” Kailun teased Hilna with a smile.

    “Don’t even think about it.”

    Hilna snorted coldly. Even if she was forced by Kailun, she wouldn’t take the initiative. It was a matter of her last bit of dignity.

    Although she had repeatedly abandoned her original bottom line, this bottom line was not bottomless. As long as she was unwilling to go further, she could touch that soft and sturdy bottom line.

    Kailun agreed with this. He had already broken several of his bottom lines. Anna, Ella, and Afra, as for the older princess, it was only a matter of time.

    “No, you will take the initiative.”

    Kailun gave Hilna a meaningful look and closed his eyes.

    He found a comfortable position on Winnie’s legs and took a nap. He had been sitting on the throne for too long, and he preferred the softness of a beautiful girl’s thighs.

    …

    “You guys go back to the manor and pack your luggage. The older princess and I are going fishing.”

    After the carriage arrived at the manor, Kailun put on a robe that covered his body. Then, under everyone’s puzzled gazes, he led Hilna off the carriage.

    So-called fishing, if your heart is sincere, it will work.

    On the way here, Kailun had already felt someone’s sneaky gaze, so he naturally had to give them a chance.

    As for whether they would take the bait, it depended on whether the fish had learned its lesson.

    “Your Highness, come with me. I’ll take you fishing.”

    Kailun pulled the thin chain extending from the older princess’s collar and led her towards the secluded grove behind the manor.

    “What are you trying to do?” Hilna tugged anxiously at the chain in front of her. She felt that Kailun was up to something.

    “Of course, I’m going fishing. With such a perfect bait as the older princess, how could I not catch a big fish? Don’t you think?”

    Kailun wrapped the chain around his wrist and said without looking back.

    Through Kailun’s words, Hilna immediately thought of Shirley. This demon was clearly trying to lure Shirley out.

    No wonder he was wearing a robe, no wonder he was taking her to the secluded grove. Hilna understood everything.

    Just as she was about to warn Shirley, Kailun’s voice came from in front of her.

    “If you’re planning to shout loudly, I’ll just eat you right here in the grove. Maybe Shirley can even see you being bullied by me.”

    Hilna heard a hint of malicious amusement in Kailun’s voice. It seemed that if she dared to speak, she would face such a fate.

    She shuddered in fear and quickly covered her mouth.

    Although she had a premonition that she would be eaten by Kailun, she didn’t want that day to come so soon. She couldn’t accept the outcome of losing everything.

    After about ten minutes, Kailun led Hilna to the center of the grove. This place was rarely visited, so no one would come here.

    Kailun found a relatively clean tree stump and sat down. He waved to Hilna, “Kneel down. I have something delicious for you.”

    Hilna: “???”

    “Hmm? Can’t you hear, or are you actually longing to be rubbed against the grass by me?” Kailun frowned and reached for his pants.

    Hilna’s gaze followed Kailun’s hand downwards. In a split second, she imagined many bad things.

    This demon wouldn’t want to do that to her, would he?

    “Please, please let me go. I’ve already agreed to be your and Phil’s teacher. You can’t do this to your teacher.” Hilna kept making excuses.

    “Where did you hear that? Your Highness was a teacher and could still attack me. So, as a student, isn’t it normal for me to ‘fight back’?”

    Kailun pointed to the grass in front of him with his other finger, “I’ll give you one more chance. Wasting my patience will only lead to your family being exterminated.”

    “Thump!”

    Hilna knelt down in humiliation. This wasn’t the first time she knelt before Kailun, so it didn’t lower her favorability towards him any further.

    “I hate you!”

    She sobbed, her eyes filled with tears, and she pouted her lips, leaning towards Kailun’s lower body to kiss him.

    She had decided that she would bite Kailun hard later… No, she should bite lightly. Otherwise, she would really be rubbed against the grass.

    Just as Hilna was about to reach Kailun’s abdomen, a hard object pressed against her forehead, “What are you thinking, little slut? You dare to kiss me?”

    The mocking words made Hilna open her eyes. When she saw the fresh banana on her forehead, she was completely stunned.

    No, would a normal person carry a banana, a fruit, on them?

    This bastard wouldn’t be thinking of feeding a dog, would he?

    【Hilna feels that her charm has been insulted. Favorability -1, Total Favorability -96】

    “Open your mouth, I’ll feed you some fruit. Ah~”

    Kailun fed the peeled banana to Hilna’s mouth, but this time, his movements were much gentler, “Oh, right. I have to remind you not to bite it. You have to lick it slowly, understand?”

    “You’re a demon…”

    She mumbled pitifully, brushing the red strands of hair behind her ear and slowly sticking out her tongue to lick, lick, lick.

    No matter what, at least the fruit tasted good.

    “You pervert! Release the princess!”

    Just as she was relieved, an angry cry came from the grove.

    “…”

    Hilna couldn’t help but bite off a piece of banana and put it in her mouth. Why did she suddenly feel like crying?

  • As a villain, I just want them to behave 86

    T/N: The three women introduced in the last chapters will be referred to as Eve, Kirin, and Charlene(sometimes I called her Helene or Selene , something like that) I already edited that.

    Chapter 86: Despair for a While, Good Days Are Yet to Come

    “Bang!”

    The doors slammed shut, dimming the light in the entire hall.

    “What are you doing, Kailun? Are you planning to attack us?
    Think carefully. Almost nine out of ten nobles stand here. To oppose us is to oppose the entire Xiya Kingdom!”

    The speaker was Duke Colette, standing at the forefront of the nobles. His territory and influence were even stronger than Duke Stamp, making him one of the most powerful nobles present.

    From his position, he seemed to be the representative of the nobles.

    In stark contrast to the arrogant nobles, the ministers on the other side remained silent, their heads bowed obediently, their eyes glancing at the arrogant nobles.

    In their eyes, the fate of these nobles would probably be no better than that of the ministers who were executed earlier.

    “Please do not raise your voice in the hall. Such behavior amounts to disrespecting the princess and the royal family. According to Xiya’s law, you should have your finger cut off as punishment.”

    Kailun, stroking the head of the little princess on his lap, reprimanded Duke Colette for his rudeness.

    To dare to be so disrespectful to the princess, he truly deserved to be cut.

    Colette’s face turned black. He pointed at the little princess sitting on Kailun’s lap and said, “Look at what you’ve done! You dare to hold Princess Vivian in your arms and humiliate her! You are defying the law!
    And you, you have the audacity to kidnap Princess Hilna and make her a slave! You are the one who deserves to be beheaded and displayed as a warning!”

    Colette was out of breath after speaking so much at once. He pounded his chest, catching his breath before continuing, “And what makes you worthy of sitting on the throne? This position doesn’t belong to you! Get down!”

    In fact, he envied Kailun. Holding the petite princess on his lap, playing with her, leading the older princess by her collar, and finally, sitting on the lofty throne, overlooking everyone. What a magnificent display!

    But sadly, he had no chance of defeating Kailun, who commanded tens of thousands of troops.

    His audacity to speak out here was entirely due to the teleportation scroll in his arms. With that, he could leave whenever he wanted, ensuring his safety.

    According to the orders of the Divine Temple, he only needed to provoke conflict between Kailun and the nobles, igniting the flames of civil war. After completing these simple tasks, he could take his territory and join the Divine Temple’s jurisdiction.

    Not only him, almost all the nobles behind him made the same choice.

    For them, this was an olive branch extended by the most powerful organization in the world, a stepping stone to their future.

    To show their sincerity, the Divine Temple gifted valuable Legend Scrolls to those nobles who were deemed valuable. Their teleportation distance was up to five kilometers, enough to safely transport them out of the royal city.

    “This is the seat that the little princess kindly invited me to. Why shouldn’t I sit here?”

    Kailun mocked Duke Colette, “And the so-called older princess you mentioned is just a defeated dog under my command. What’s wrong with me making her a slave to serve me?
    If Duke Colette has any grievances, feel free to challenge me. I assure you, my Knights will arrive at your doorstep tomorrow and scatter your mother’s ashes to the wind.”

    “You, you, you!”

    Colette, who valued gentlemanly conduct, had never heard such vulgar insults. He was so angry that he almost couldn’t breathe.

    “Don’t be angry, Duke Colette. Don’t argue with a young brat.”

    “Yes, yes. Calm down, old man. Don’t let that little bastard kill you.”

    “…”

    Seeing the Duke’s face turning blue, the surrounding nobles rushed over to pat his back and persuade him. If he were to die of anger right here, they would truly be ashamed to face the world.

    “Don’t get yourself ill, Duke Colette. Someone, get the Duke a chair. Otherwise, if he dies, we’ll have to deal with the aftermath.”

    Seeing that the Duke was about to calm down, Kailun kindly added fuel to the fire and even thoughtfully ordered someone to bring a chair.

    “Just you wait!” Colette quickly took out a blue potion from his pocket and drank it. Then, he sat down on the chair, taking deep breaths.

    Ten seconds later, his complexion turned rosy, and his breathing returned to normal.

    But when he tried to stand up again, he found his pants stuck to the chair. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get up.

    Unless he was willing to risk tearing his pants and exposing his bare bottom, he wouldn’t be able to break free from the chair’s grip.

    Thinking about this, his freshly rosy face turned black again. That damn Kailun had poured glue on the chair. He was clearly determined to make a fool of him.

    To avoid being humiliated, Colette could only calmly sit on the chair.

    He couldn’t tell if it was an illusion, but he suddenly felt his butt itching.

    Kailun, sitting on the throne, pulled the older princess’s collar close to his ear while the chaos unfolded below, “Don’t even think about any tricks. Behave yourself. Otherwise, I’ll whip you in front of everyone. Understand?”

    “You will regret this. The Xiya Kingdom will be destroyed in your hands.” Hilna looked at Kailun with a face full of sorrow.

    “If it’s destroyed, we’ll rebuild it.” Kailun shrugged indifferently, releasing Hilna’s collar, “You’re just a lowly slave now. If you don’t want me to truly destroy the Xiya Kingdom, then obediently massage my shoulders and legs.”

    Hilna clenched her fists. After enduring for a long time, she knelt down and began to massage Kailun’s legs.

    She dared not resist Kailun now. She knew very well that if she dared to resist him in such a public setting, he would only torment her even more.

    This demon had no sense of morality or shame. He only cared about obtaining greater pleasure.

    “Think of it as biding your time,” Hilna kept telling herself.

    “Your Highness, you are mistaken. How can you bow down to a thief?”

    Seeing Hilna massaging Kailun’s legs, a noble cried out in agony.

    Among those nobles who were close to the royal family, Hilna was the representative of the royal family. Now, Kailun’s actions had offended all the nobles.

    Hilna remained silent. If she could, she wouldn’t just massage Kailun’s legs. She would also bite him hard.

    “What are you talking about? You are the ones who are mistaken. Princess Hilna has abandoned darkness and embraced the light. Otherwise, she would have been dead and the kingdom would have perished.”

    Kailun pointed at the noble who had spoken and cursed him.

    The latter was just a small viscount. After exchanging glances with Kailun, he automatically retreated into the crowd.

    “Viscount Laurist, do you think this kid Kailun has gone crazy? He dares to challenge so many nobles. Isn’t he afraid of everyone uniting against him?”

    The viscount tugged at Laurist’s sleeve and whispered.

    Laurist nodded dumbly, “Yeah, yeah, yeah!”

    Then, he realized his mistake and shook his head quickly, “What are you talking about? Lord Kailun is wise and far-sighted. He must have his reasons for doing this.”

    Laurist wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. He was worried that he would be beaten to death by the nobles today.

    Although Kailun would let him live to play a role in his daughter’s performance, who knew if he would be accidentally injured? If Kailun hadn’t sent someone to his house to pick him up, Laurist wouldn’t have left home for anything.

    Seeing the gunpowder smell in the hall getting stronger, his heart was about to jump out of his throat.

    Hearing Laurist’s words, the viscount looked at Laurist with suspicion. He felt that a traitor had appeared among the noble ranks.

    When the atmosphere in the hall calmed down slightly, Kailun scanned the crowd and said, “First of all, I want to point out that six nobles have failed to arrive at the hall. According to the previous agreement, these six nobles will be dealt with as traitors. Starting today, the kingdom will confiscate their territories, titles, and wealth. Those who disobey will be beheaded directly. Does anyone have any objections?”

    “We will obey your will, Your Majesty!”

    While the nobles were still savoring Kailun’s words, the ministers made their statement.

    Seeing those ministers who had once been arrogant and domineering now behaving like obedient puppies, the nobles began to have bad thoughts.

    Not only that, they also discovered that the ministers were addressing Kailun as “Your Majesty,” not the little princess.

    “Wait!”

    Noticing the anomaly, Duke Colette quickly raised his hand to interrupt Kailun, “I have no objections to the treatment of the six nobles, but we need an explanation about the ministers addressing you as Your Majesty.”

    “The old man wants an explanation. Explain it to him.” Kailun poked Vivian’s cheek.

    She rolled her eyes at Kailun before turning to the crowd with a cold expression, “They are addressing me, Your Majesty. Do you have any objections?”

    Well, the little princess, dressed in her gorgeous attire, did have a queenly air, noble and unyielding. The stark contrast made Kailun even more eager to bully her.

    Hilna watched her sister with envy. Originally, this position of Queen should have been hers.

    And now, her sister became the Queen, while she became a slave. What a cruel blow.

    “But didn’t you call us here to vote for the little princess?”

    Duke Colette was completely confused. He felt that his brain couldn’t keep up with the young people’s out-of-the-box thinking.

    “Oh, right. There seems to be such a thing.” Vivian nodded in realization, following the procedure Kailun had instructed her with, “From now on, we will vote. Each noble and minister present has one vote. Those who agree with my candidacy for Queen raise your hands. If more than half of the votes are in my favor, then I will be crowned Queen of the Xiya Kingdom.”

    Vivian finished speaking nonchalantly, repeating what Kailun had told her. In fact, she already knew the outcome. The so-called voting was just an excuse for Kailun to lure these nobles here.

    The ministers raised their right hands in unison, expressing their agreement. Naturally, it was a unanimous vote.

    But on the noble side, only Viscount Laurist raised his hand. And even he lowered his hand under the threatening gazes of the other nobles.

    Thus, the nobles, who outnumbered the ministers, won the “vote.” Duke Colette, sitting in the front row, smiled contentedly, “It seems the result is clear. What else would the little princess like to say?”

    Even though she had anticipated the result, Vivian looked at Kailun unhappily, “It’s up to you. Just kill them all.”

    “Are you a devil?” Hilna asked in a small voice.

    Vivian calmly stretched out her hand and stroked Hilna’s chin like she was petting a dog, “Good doggy, be good. I’ll give you a bone with no meat to gnaw on for a whole day when we go home.”

    Hilna: “…”

    “Oh, what a pity. Since everyone disagrees with the little princess being Queen, then I have no choice but to take over.”

    Kailun placed Vivian beside him on the throne and stood up. He took out a scroll from his sleeve, “In fact, your old King has already gifted the Xiya Kingdom to me.”

    “Impossible! You…!”

    “Whoosh!”

    Colette stood up from his chair in excitement. The next moment, his pants tore, revealing his wrinkled buttocks.

    He hadn’t finished speaking before he sat back down, his old face turning blacker than ever.

    “Oh, Duke Colette, is there something you want to say? Then, please stand up and speak.” Kailun asked Colette as if he hadn’t seen anything.

    He loved to see others in a state of discomfort, yet unable to do anything about it.

    Any intelligent person would know that his coronation was a done deal. None of the nobles present could resist him, who commanded a large army.

    Perhaps they could still cause trouble for Kailun, but this was not the time to do so.

    Understanding this, Colette stopped arguing. All he needed to do was endure.

    Now, Kailun and the nobles had a deep grudge against each other. He only needed to endure until the end, and then he could raise the banner of rebellion, dragging the Xiya Kingdom into the flames of civil war.

    When everyone had beaten each other to a pulp, he would lead the Divine Temple’s forces to march directly into the royal city and seize control.

    The envoy had said that as long as he performed well, he could ask for a position as a Blue-Robe Archbishop from the Holy Son.

    Kailun said, “It seems Duke Colette has no objections. Does anyone else have any objections? If not, I will make new arrangements.”

    Seeing that Colette was sitting silently in his chair, the other nobles naturally dared not speak.

    The destruction of Duke Stamp was right before their eyes. They didn’t want to face Kailun’s wrath.

    If someone stood in front of them, they would follow behind and pick up the scraps. If no one was willing to be the first, then they would choose to back down.

    The Xiya Kingdom’s nobles had been at peace for too long. Generation after generation, their edges had been dulled. When the enemy invaded, they couldn’t muster even a shred of fighting spirit.

    To be honest, keeping them was useless.

    Sighing sadly, Kailun threw the scroll back to Vivian and said, “Since everyone has no objections, then listen to my arrangements. First, we will change the taxes levied on the nobles. It will be adjusted from 20% to 40%.
    Do you agree?”

    After speaking, Kailun looked at Viscount Laurist among the nobles.

    Only two seconds passed before Laurist couldn’t bear Kailun’s gaze. He raised his hand tremblingly and shouted, “I agree!”

    Duke Colette turned his head in shock and looked at Viscount Laurist, “Do you know what you’re saying?”

    Laurist looked at Kailun, then at Colette, “Precisely because I know what I’m saying, I agree with the new King’s point of view.”

    As soon as he said those words, the other nobles distanced themselves from Viscount Laurist. Although Kailun currently held a huge advantage, he wouldn’t be able to defeat the Divine Temple. No one believed that Kailun could win against the Divine Temple.

    In their traditional view, the Divine Temple was the strongest symbol of humanity, an invincible force.

    “A wise choice. Are there any others who want to make a choice? If you are too late, there will only be death.”

    Kailun smiled evilly. He snapped his fingers in front of everyone.

    “Click!”

    “Boom!”

    This time, it was the sound of the hall doors opening. Along with the bright sunlight, the nobles saw magic siege crossbows aimed at them.

    Such things, even if they weren’t fired at people, would blast a huge hole in the city wall if they hit it.

    “Are you crazy? Do you want to kill us all?” Duke Colette asked incomprehensibly.

    Kailun nodded, “That’s exactly what I intend to do.”

    Colette took out the teleportation scroll in his arms and held it in his hand, confident, “So, you’re still too young. Do you think you can exterminate us all with such actions?
    Foolish, utterly foolish! Your madness is nothing but a last-ditch effort in our eyes. You are unworthy of ruling the Xiya Kingdom.
    You will pay the price for your recklessness today. Our army will arrive in the royal city soon and fight you.”

    As Colette moved, many nobles who had prepared beforehand took out their teleportation scrolls. Only some poor minor nobles stared at each other, feeling cheated.

    “Unfortunately, I won’t give you a chance to fight me. All of you are too stupid. I don’t want to waste more time on you.
    Since you don’t want to agree with my point of view, then stay here. If you think you can escape, then try teleporting now.”

    Kailun raised his right hand above his head. The soldiers outside who were responsible for aiming the siege crossbows locked onto the nobles present. As soon as Kailun lowered his hand, they would turn the nobles present into sieves.

    Because the nobles themselves were of average strength, they didn’t even need to enchant the crossbow bolts.

    Looking at Kailun’s confident face, Colette felt a strong sense of unease.

    He didn’t want to think about it. He directly activated the Legend Scroll. Fortunately, the precious teleportation scroll didn’t fail. He turned into a beam of white light and disappeared from the hall.

    Following Duke Colette’s teleportation, half of the nobles in the hall managed to teleport away.

    Quietly winking at Viscount Laurist, Kailun waved his right hand, “Fire!”

    With his command, the crossbow bolts shot out like lightning, turning the nobles present into sieves.

    Blood splattered, red and white mixed together. For a moment, the hall was filled with the scent of blood.

    “No!”

    Along with the sound of the crossbow bolts, Winnie’s desperate cry rang out. She watched from the corner and saw Kailun’s brutal actions clearly.

    In her eyes, her father had also become a sacrifice. For a moment, her heart shattered, and her mind exploded.

    【You have broken Winnie’s heart. Favorability -1, Total Favorability -100. You have obtained Winnie’s future attributes at a certain point in time.】

    Afra put a black blindfold on Isabella, who stood beside Winnie. Kailun was always more considerate towards “children.”

    Vivian had already put on a black blindfold when Kailun waved his hand. There were some things Kailun didn’t want her to see.

    But this bloody and brutal scene was witnessed by the older princess. She sat on the throne, her entire body becoming numb.

    In her eyes, Kailun was destroying the Xiya Kingdom with his own hands.

    【Hilna hates your brutality. Favorability -3, Total Favorability -95】

    Even the ministers, who had witnessed a scene of hell once before, were still vomiting, as if they were going to throw up their stomachs.

    “According to the predetermined plan, hunt down the nobles outside the city. Try to capture them alive. We will need them to receive their territories later.”

    Kailun looked coldly at the crimson below. He had seen such scenes countless times, but in his memories, most of the time, it was his own people who ended up in such a tragic state.

    It seemed that the old steward was pierced by a siege crossbow bolt.

    After briefly arranging the subsequent plans, Kailun walked towards the corner where Winnie and the others were.

    In a short time, he knelt in front of Winnie and stroked her head, “Why are you making such a face? Is it because I couldn’t fulfill your wishes?”

    “Demon! I’m going to kill you!”

    This time, Winnie went crazy and lunged at Kailun, trying to bite his neck with all her might. Winnie’s eyes were filled with hatred.

    She desperately wanted to kill Kailun, to drag him to hell with her.

    But Winnie’s strength was far inferior to Kailun’s. He restrained her with just one hand.

    “Such a disobedient puppy. Such puppies should be whipped and punished by their masters. If you still have eyes, then look again and see if your father is dead.”

    Kailun helplessly used his hand to tilt Winnie’s chin. Her teeth were only three centimeters away from his neck.

    She froze for a moment, looking at the hall with her peripheral vision. Viscount Laurist, covered in blood, crawled up from the ground and ran towards them, his steps hurried and eager.

    Winnie: “???”

    “Lord Kailun, thank you for your generosity in letting me live. Oh! Isn’t that my little girl? What is she doing?”

    Laurist ran to Kailun’s side, sincerely thanking him. The warmth splattered on his body made him realize how wonderful it was to be alive.

    He couldn’t believe that his daughter was in Kailun’s arms, doing something unknown.

    【Because you kept your promise, Winnie’s favorability has increased by 30. Current Total Favorability -70】

    When it came to feelings, Winnie was quite honest. At least Kailun didn’t have to worry about being bitten by her now.

    Releasing his hand from Winnie’s chin, Kailun allowed her to pounce on his neck. Before Winnie could get up, Kailun said, “Hey, isn’t Winnie being affectionate and licking my neck? Oh, really, it’s so itchy, just like a little puppy.”

    Winnie: “…”

    She really wanted to bite Kailun, the shameless man, to death, but she could only think about it.

    If she really bit Kailun, then Kailun would also have someone shoot her father again.

    Don’t doubt it, Kailun really would do something like that.

    So, Winnie could only endure the humiliation, using her small, smooth, pink tongue to gently lick Kailun’s neck.

    Seeing his daughter really licking Kailun’s neck, Laurist relaxed and said happily, “Daughter, you must serve Lord Kailun well. If you do anything wrong and make Lord Kailun angry, I’ll go back and tell your mother to give you a good lesson.”

    “Okay~”

    Winnie replied with a tearful voice. To pretend to have a good relationship with Kailun and not worry her parents, she obediently satisfied Kailun’s request.

    “Viscount Laurist said it well. If Winnie doesn’t listen, I’ll take her to see you.” Kailun said with a smile.

    Laurist nodded happily, “Definitely, definitely. Just come. I’ll have her mother give this disobedient child a good lesson.”

    Perhaps only Winnie could understand that this was clearly a threat from Kailun. The implication was that if she didn’t listen, he would go find her family to settle the score.

    “Mmm~”

    Winnie was heartbroken. She could only obediently lick Kailun’s neck, acting like a pet.

    【Winnie has come to her senses and realizes that you are still very annoying. Favorability -10, Total Favorability -80】

    Actually, Kailun thought Winnie was quite interesting. He would first bully her mercilessly to lower her favorability, then use mental pollution to torment her and raise her favorability, then bully her mercilessly again to lower her favorability…

    This cycle would keep Winnie’s favorability at a very negative level. Kailun wanted Winnie’s body to be dependent on him, but her spirit to always loathe and reject him.

    It was truly evil, the mother of evil, evil to the core.

    After teasing Winnie, Kailun looked at Afra and said, “Afra, please help me with the next step of the plan. None of these nobles can escape.
    Although I have already arranged for twenty thousand men to lie in wait at the designated locations, I still need you to oversee the overall situation.”

    “Leave it to me. I’m not good at other things, but no one can surpass me in leading troops.” Afra nodded seriously. A touch of seriousness appeared on her usually cold face.

    After Afra left, Kailun also sent Laurist away. As soon as Laurist left, Winnie wanted to run out of Kailun’s arms, but he held her tightly, “I am very dissatisfied with your attempt to bite your master just now. If you don’t dance for me again like you did last night, then I will punish your family again. Understand?”

    “…I understand.”

    As Kailun had expected, Winnie, who had been caught by her weak spot, immediately caved. Then, she obediently stayed in Kailun’s arms.

    He stood up with Winnie and looked at Isabella, “How is it? Have you felt the change in fate?”

    Isabella, who was blindfolded, carefully sensed her surroundings, “You are right. You are at the center of the world’s change.
    It’s hard to imagine that you could influence the world to such a degree. In my eyes, your basic destiny should be quite ordinary. If you hadn’t had those fate lines protecting you, you might have lived a very miserable life.”

    Kailun said, “Although what you said is true, I don’t like hearing it. Pay attention to your wording next time, otherwise, I might just bully you.”

    Hearing that Kailun was going to bully her, Isabella immediately took a step back and crossed her arms, “We are allies. You can’t do that.”

    Kailun corrected her, “Don’t think too much. I’m not interested in those who are too young and small. Vivian is the youngest I can accept.”

    Isabella: “???”

    In an instant, she felt deeply insulted.

  • It turns out, they are the protagonists 152

    Chapter 152: If You Want to Make a Scene, Go All Out

    Are they trying to harvest the cabbage already?

    Mu Zhi’an’s mind raced as he met their gazes.

    But I haven’t even reached the Core Formation Realm yet! What good would harvesting me do now…?

    Senior Sister is the best. She’s always so aloof and has no ulterior motives… He bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Peak Masters.”

    He nodded to Lan Mulian.

    “Senior Sister.”

    She simply hummed in acknowledgment, then bowed to the silver-haired beauty behind him. “Senior Ling Long.”

    The three Peak Masters also bowed respectfully to Lin Ling.

    She simply chirped, “Aaa,” seemingly uninterested in the situation. She glared at the three Peak Masters, recalling Mu Zhi’an’s earlier words.

    If he was taken away, who would prepare her meals?

    “Master Yan, what brings you all here?” Mu Zhi’an asked, his gaze lingering on Yan Ruyu.

    “We sensed a disturbance and came to investigate,” she replied with a smile, her true intentions hidden.

    After all, with others present, she couldn’t very well state her purpose outright.

    However, it was surprising to see even Yi Hao’s Master here…

    “How is your cultivation progressing?” she asked, her voice filled with concern.

    “Thanks to your pills and the pills from the other Peak Masters, I’ve reached the Eighth Stage of Foundation Establishment,” he replied with a smile.

    Eighth Stage… his progress is quite fast.

    She nodded approvingly.

    Ying Guhuan narrowed her eyes, a playful smile gracing her lips. “I sensed an unusual spiritual aura emanating from here while I was at the back mountain of Boundless Sea Peak, but it disappeared by the time I arrived.”

    “Do you know why that might be, Young Master Mu?”

    Their gazes settled on him.

    Lan Mulian’s expression remained unchanged, but her eyes flickered towards Mu Zhi’an.

    The proud Senior Sister had no interest in his Innate Celestial Vessel, but she cared about his well-being. She didn’t want him to be exploited by these three “Great White Sharks.”

    “An unusual spiritual aura?” he asked, feigning confusion.

    His bewildered expression might have fooled those who didn’t know him well.

    However, these women were cunning foxes. Even if they couldn’t see through his act, they could guess.

    “Senior Lin Ling said she had an opportunity for me and brought me to her Dongtian. I’ve been meditating ever since.”

    He paused, then continued, “Could the ‘unusual spiritual aura’ you sensed have come from Senior Lin Ling?”

    His words dispelled their suspicions.

    They had initially suspected that his Innate Celestial Vessel had undergone another transformation, but despite their subtle probing, they couldn’t detect anything unusual.

    Therefore, they had no choice but to accept his explanation, however reluctantly.

    After all, a unique being like Lin Ling could very well emit an aura similar to that of an Innate Celestial Vessel during cultivation.

    Yan Ruyu studied him silently, then reached out to touch him.

    Suddenly, Lin Ling grabbed his shoulder and pulled him behind her, protectively shielding him like a mother hen guarding her chicks.

    Yan Ruyu stared at her, surprised.

    It was the first time she had seen Lin Ling behave this way.

    “Senior Lin Ling experienced something unsettling in her Dongtian today. She’s feeling a bit insecure,” Mu Zhi’an transmitted his voice to Yan Ruyu. “Master Yan, I’ll cultivate diligently and reach the Core Formation Realm soon. I’ll bring glory to the Book Pavilion. Please rest assured!”

    So his Innate Celestial Vessel hasn’t changed… Yan Ruyu confirmed once again, but she couldn’t detect the alluring aura she had sensed earlier. She was disappointed.

    However, she consoled herself with the thought that his Innate Celestial Vessel would still be effective once he reached the Core Formation Realm.

    Besides, she wasn’t entirely comfortable with the idea of using him to advance her cultivation.

    After all, this innocent young man respected her deeply.

    How would he feel if he discovered that the Master he admired and trusted was actually…

    Guilt gnawed at her. “I have faith in your talent, Mu Zhi’an. If you encounter any difficulties in your cultivation, come to the Shao Le Residence,” she said with a smile.

    She stared at the seemingly fragile young man, her guilt morphing into a strange sense of pleasure.

    Yu Ziyan smiled warmly. “As I mentioned before, Mu Zhi’an, my Junior Sister and I share a close bond, so Dao Peak is like another home for you. Don’t hesitate to visit if you need anything.”

    She was slightly disappointed that she couldn’t sense the alluring aura from his Innate Celestial Vessel.

    However, it didn’t matter. Even without the amplified aura, his constitution was still incredibly valuable.

    Yan Ruyu glared at her Senior Sister, who was usually aloof and distant in front of the other disciples, yet acting like a friendly older sister towards Mu Zhi’an. “Don’t be fooled by her sweet words, Mu Zhi’an,” she transmitted her voice. “My Senior Sister is a cunning fox.”

    Yes, yes, the Peak Master of Dao Peak is only after my body. Only Master Yan truly cares about me… He nodded subtly. “I understand, Master Yan.”

    Satisfied, she turned away.

    Ying Guhuan remained silent, her gaze lingering on Mu Zhi’an.

    The aura she had sensed was definitely from an Innate Celestial Vessel… But despite her thorough examination, she couldn’t detect anything unusual.

    Could Ling Long have done something…?

    “Senior Ying, the pills you sent were very effective. I’ll cultivate diligently and reach the Core Formation Realm soon. I’ll be at your service,” Mu Zhi’an transmitted his voice to her.

    She narrowed her eyes, a seductive smile gracing her lips as she replied, “My, my, what a sweet talker you are~”

    “I’ll send you more pills later. If you need anything, come visit me at the back mountain.”

    It didn’t matter if his Innate Celestial Vessel had undergone a transformation or not. She would know for sure once he reached the Core Formation Realm.

    For now, his cultivation was her priority!

    As a seasoned Peak Master, she recognized his attempt to flatter her, but she didn’t mind.

    Powerful figures didn’t necessarily dislike flattery. They simply disliked blatant, insincere flattery.

    Mu Zhi’an was handsome and eloquent. His repeated use of the term “Sister” pleased her immensely.

    He employed the same tactic with all three Peak Masters: delay, delay, delay.

    And it was surprisingly effective.

    With Ling Long present, Yan Ruyu and the others didn’t linger. They offered him a few words of encouragement, urging him to focus on his cultivation, then departed.

    Lan Mulian, who had remained silent throughout the encounter, glanced at him, her voice reaching his ears through a discreet transmission.

    “Were you the one emitting that unusual spiritual energy earlier?”

    He hesitated for a moment, then decided to answer truthfully.

    “I received a destiny inheritance from Senior Ling Long, which amplified my Innate Celestial Vessel. However, I asked Senior Ling Long to seal it temporarily,” he replied.

    Lan Mulian was a sharp and perceptive woman. It was best to be honest with her.

    It would earn her trust.

    She raised an eyebrow. “A destiny inheritance shouldn’t affect an Innate Celestial Vessel.”

    “Did Ling Long give you a Heavenly Dao Aura?”

    He was surprised. She knew about Ling Long’s Heavenly Dao Aura, even its effects…

    I was right not to hide anything from Senior Sister. She knows too much…

    He nodded. “The destiny inheritance included a Heavenly Dao Aura.”

    She nodded, unsurprised. She had likely deduced this already.

    “The Peak Masters might be kind to you, but they’re not doing it out of pure altruism. They want something from you,” she warned.

    “Thank you for the warning, Senior Sister. I’ll be careful,” he said sincerely.

    They chatted for a while longer, then he remembered something. “By the way, I haven’t seen Feiying since we arrived at the Two Polarities Sect. Do you know where she is, Senior Sister?”

    She smiled faintly. “My younger sister is in seclusion. She should reach the Core Formation Realm in about three months. If you want to see her, you can visit the Peak of Celestial Secrets.”

    “However, the Peak Master is quite aloof and rarely grants audiences. Whether you can see Feiying depends on your own abilities.”

    He understood.

    Boom!

    A thunderous roar echoed in the distance, drawing his attention towards the Pilgrimage Palace.

    Ruoxi’s tribulation isn’t over yet?

    He decided to go and check on her.

    He reassured Lin Ling, urging her to return to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

    He knew she wasn’t interested in such things.

    He made an excuse to leave, bidding farewell to Lan Mulian before flying towards the Pilgrimage Palace.

    …

    The Pilgrimage Palace.

    The plaza was filled with blooming peach blossoms, but the sky was dark and oppressive, shrouded by storm clouds.

    Mu Zhi’an arrived to find the Ye sisters standing outside the palace.

    Lightning flashed, illuminating Ye Lingxuan’s slender figure.

    The flickering light highlighted her delicate features, and her youthful beauty drew the attention of numerous disciples who had gathered to observe the tribulation.

    “Sister Ruoxi’s tribulation has been going on for a long time. Will she be alright?” Ye Qian asked, her voice filled with worry. Unlike her elder sister, she possessed a gentle and delicate aura. If not for her personality, most people would assume she was the elder sister.

    As for the reason…

    Well… it’s a sad story.

    Preoccupied with the powerful tribulation, the sisters hadn’t noticed Mu Zhi’an’s approach. Their gazes were fixed on the white-clad figure in the sky.

    Suddenly, Ye Qian gasped. Someone had patted her bottom and was now holding her hand.

    She was about to cry out when a familiar voice reached her ears. “What are you two doing here? Watching Lady Bai’s tribulation?”

    They turned to see Mu Zhi’an, Qian’er’s eyes shining with delight, while Lingxuan’s held a mixture of emotions.

    “Brother Mu,” Qian’er said softly, blushing at the memory of his earlier pat.

    “Sister Ruoxi’s tribulation seems to be lasting much longer than usual. We thought it was over after six bolts of lightning, but then two more came, and even Peak Master Yi arrived,” she explained.

    He looked up at the white-clad figure wielding her Bronze Sword. “Eight bolts of lightning…?” he murmured.

    If he recalled correctly, the maximum number of bolts for a Core Formation tribulation was six. Why was Ruoxi facing eight…?

    Ye Lingxuan frowned. “There’s a pill called the Tribulation Cloud Pill. It can attract additional bolts of lightning,” she said softly.

    Qian’er’s eyes widened. “You mean… someone is sabotaging her? But why? Why would anyone create such a pill?”

    Lingxuan stared at the figure in the sky. “The ingredients for the Tribulation Cloud Pill are rare, and the recipe is even rarer. As for its purpose… using tribulation lightning to temper one’s body is a common cultivation technique.”

    “So Sister Ruoxi is in danger?” Qian’er looked at Mu Zhi’an, her voice filled with concern.

    He smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. Ruoxi is strong. She can handle eight bolts of lightning.”

    Lingxuan studied him, noting his calm demeanor and the unusual coldness in his eyes.

    As he had predicted, when the seventh bolt of lightning, one that shouldn’t have been part of a Core Formation tribulation, descended, Bai Ruoxi raised her Bronze Sword and shattered it.

    Lightning crackled across the ground, a mesmerizing yet terrifying display.

    Over a hundred disciples had gathered, their eyes filled with awe and admiration as they watched the spectacle. However, they kept their distance.

    Approaching the Pilgrimage Palace during a tribulation was a risky move.

    The Third Prince watched with wide eyes, his expression a mixture of shock and disbelief.

    Normally, four bolts of lightning were the limit for a Core Formation cultivator. Beyond that, their spiritual energy reserves would be depleted.

    Even with her monstrous talent, Bai Ruoxi should have reached her limit at six bolts…

    Yet, she had endured seven!

    This was beyond comprehension!

    “Junior Sister Bai’s talent is truly astounding,” a disciple murmured, his voice filled with admiration.

    “Six bolts should be the limit. Her spiritual energy reserves shouldn’t be able to handle more… She’s a true prodigy.”

    “It’s a shame she already has a Dao Companion…”

    Sighs of regret rippled through the crowd.

    A beauty like her was a rare sight, even within the Two Polarities Sect.

    Many of the disciples glanced towards Mu Zhi’an.

    Several had tried to woo Bai Ruoxi, but she had politely informed them that she already had a Dao Companion.

    And that Dao Companion… was Mu Zhi’an.

    A Foundation Establishment cultivator had managed to capture the heart of a Core Formation prodigy… and she was utterly devoted to him. It was a fact that filled them with envy and rage.

    “This Mu Zhi’an isn’t just involved with Bai Ruoxi. He seems to be close to the Ye sisters as well…” a disciple whispered.

    “He’s insatiable! If I had Junior Sister Bai, I wouldn’t even look at another woman!”

    “Indeed. Having Junior Sister Bai would be enough for a lifetime.”

    “Hah! As if you would refuse if you had the chance to have all three beauties,” another disciple scoffed.

    The first disciple fell silent.

    His words earned him the scorn of the female disciples.

    The male disciples, however, understood Mu Zhi’an’s predicament.

    Who would refuse the opportunity to have three stunning beauties?

    Of course, they were unaware that it wasn’t just the three beauties who coveted Mu Zhi’an. Several of their Masters were also eyeing his “walking vessel” with envy.

    If they ever discovered the truth, they would be driven mad with jealousy.

    After all, even among the disciples, there were those who dreamt of finding a wealthy and powerful partner, but the vast difference in status and power kept them from acting on their desires.

    “Here comes the eighth bolt!” a disciple shouted.

    “The destructive power of this bolt is almost comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator’s attack.”

    The power of tribulation lightning scaled with the cultivator’s strength.

    The tribulation Bai Ruoxi was facing was far beyond the scope of the Core Formation Realm.

    “Sister Ruoxi…” Ye Qian whispered, her voice filled with worry.

    Ye Lingxuan remained silent, but her eyes betrayed her concern.

    If Bai Ruoxi perished during this tribulation, she couldn’t imagine how Mu Zhi’an would react.

    This tribulation… it felt more like a deliberate act of sabotage than a natural occurrence.

    Boom!

    A bolt of lightning, shaped like a serpentine dragon, crackled through the dark clouds, drawing gasps from the crowd.

    All eyes were fixed on the white-clad figure in the sky.

    Bai Ruoxi seemed to be nearing her limit, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

    She retrieved a jade bottle and swallowed seven or eight Fifth-Grade Qi Restoration Pills.

    Then, she consumed two Essence Replenishing Pills.

    Where did she get so many pills…? The disciples were stunned.

    These were Fifth-Grade pills, not some worthless beans. Inner disciples did receive Fifth-Grade pills… but they were usually meant for cultivation.

    Peak Masters rarely bestowed such a large quantity of pills for rapid spiritual energy recovery.

    Where did she get them…?

    As the disciples pondered this mystery, the lightning bolt, fully charged, struck!

    The sky blazed with blinding light!

    Bai Ruoxi gripped her Bronze Sword and retrieved the Heart-Binding Lock from her chest.

    Golden chains, like writhing dragons, surged forward, joining forces with the Bronze Sword to defend against the eighth bolt of lightning.

    Boom!

    The blinding light faded, and Bai Ruoxi descended from the sky.

    Her lips were pale, her steps unsteady, but she had endured eight bolts of lightning!

    As the tribulation ended, Mu Zhi’an flew towards her on his black sword. He caught her, his arm wrapping around her waist. He looked down at her pale face, then placed two Essence Replenishing Pills in her mouth. “Are you alright?” he asked softly.

    She leaned against him, ignoring the stares from the crowd. “I’m fine,” she murmured.

    Though the eight bolts of lightning had been unexpected, the Bronze Sword and the Heart-Binding Lock had protected her from the brunt of their destructive power.

    And the pills Mu Zhi’an had given her had also helped.

    “That’s good.”

    He gently stroked her hair, then said softly, “But I might have a bit of a problem.”

    She looked up at him, her eyes filled with confusion.

    He didn’t explain. He simply held her close, then looked up at Yi Hao and the other Peak Masters who were observing the scene. Using his spiritual energy to amplify his voice, he addressed the crowd.

    “Peak Masters, I believe this tribulation was a deliberate act of sabotage. I request that you use your divination techniques to investigate!”

    His words echoed throughout the Pilgrimage Palace, stopping the departing disciples in their tracks.

    He listened to the whispers around him, his gaze fixed on the Peak Masters, his hand gently stroking Bai Ruoxi’s back as she rested against him.

    If you want to make a scene…

    Let’s go all out.

  • It turns out, they are the protagonists 151

     Chapter 151: Someone Wants to Eat the Cabbage?!

    Boundless Sea Peak.

    Yi Hao stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing towards the Pilgrimage Palace.

    Dark clouds gathered in the distance, creating an oppressive atmosphere.

    A Third Stage Core Formation tribulation… it wasn’t inherently difficult.

    However, the more talented the cultivator, the more formidable the tribulation… And knowing Bai Ruoxi’s talent, her tribulation would undoubtedly be a challenge.

    Perhaps I should go and observe… After all, she’s a valuable disciple I fought hard to recruit.

    As the thought crossed his mind, he sensed a presence beside him.

    He turned to see a woman standing there, her body emanating a captivating fragrance.

    Her eyes were alluring, her features exquisite. Her long hair cascaded down her back, reaching her calves. She wore a loose, unadorned robe that did little to conceal her ample bosom.

    Despite her simple attire, she exuded an irresistible charm.

    The founding Peak Master of Boundless Sea Peak, one of the most powerful cultivators in the world.

    And Yi Hao’s Master.

    Ying Guhuan raised her alluring eyes, gazing towards the Pilgrimage Palace, a thoughtful expression on her face. “A Core Formation tribulation?” she murmured.

    Yi Hao’s heart skipped a beat as he snapped out of his daze. “Master,” he said, bowing respectfully.

    He hesitated for a moment, then asked, “What brings you out of seclusion?”

    She glanced at him, a playful smile gracing her lips. “Can’t I go for a stroll?”

    If I don’t act now, someone else might snatch the cabbage…

    Though Mu Zhi’an wasn’t a disciple of Boundless Sea Peak, he was connected to the Demon Realm Empress, and his Dao Companion was an inner disciple of their peak… Therefore, it was in their best interest to maintain a close relationship with him.

    “The inner disciple we recruited recently is facing her tribulation. Once she overcomes it, she’ll be at the Third Stage of Core Formation,” Yi Hao said, subtly boasting about their new prodigy.

    Despite being a Peak Master himself, he still felt a sense of awe and respect towards his Master. He yearned for her approval.

    Ying Guhuan pondered for a moment, then asked, “Bai Ruoxi?”

    It was clear that she kept herself informed of events outside her secluded mountain retreat.

    He nodded, and she smiled. “Reaching the Third Stage of Core Formation at such a young age… it’s not just talent. She must have encountered some extraordinary opportunities.”

    Normally, each stage within the Core Formation Realm required years of dedicated cultivation.

    But how long had it been since Bai Ruoxi had reached the Core Formation Realm?

    She had already advanced from the First Stage to the Third Stage.

    Her talent was a factor, but it wasn’t the only reason.

    Someone was helping her, accelerating her progress.

    “According to the intel Junior Sister Lan sent, Bai Ruoxi possesses immense destiny. That’s why she keeps encountering opportunities,” Yi Hao explained.

    It was more than just luck.

    Mu Zhi’an was likely responsible… Ying Guhuan’s gaze drifted towards the Dongtian beneath the cliffs.

    The potent spiritual energy emanating from the Innate Celestial Vessel had faded, but… she was certain of what she had sensed.

    Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Vessel had become even more powerful.

    It was likely related to the opportunity he had received within Ling Long’s Dongtian.

    An extraordinary opportunity!

    In fact, Mu Zhi’an was now more valuable than the Heavenly Dao Aura!

    Even if she obtained the Heavenly Dao Aura, she would only be able to cultivate with it for a limited time before returning it to the Demon Realm.

    But Mu Zhi’an… he was a treasure that could remain within the Two Polarities Sect.

    “Where are you going, Master?” Yi Hao asked, seeing her about to leave.

    She chuckled softly. “I told you, I’m going for a stroll.”

    And to see if Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Vessel had ripened.

    She waved her sleeve and took a step forward.

    Her figure vanished.

    Upon reaching the Seventh Stage of Nascent Soul, a cultivator could “shrink the earth into inches,” traversing vast distances with ease.

    Master has at least reached the Seventh Stage… Yi Hao stared at the empty space where she had stood, a sense of unease washing over him.

    Master usually had no interest in anything other than cultivation… Why was she so eager today?

    He was about to turn away when he noticed another figure soaring through the air.

    Yu Ziyan, the Peak Master of Dao Peak.

    Before he could speak, she too vanished.

    He hesitated, his eyes widening in surprise.

    What’s going on today…?

    If something had alarmed the Peak Masters, they should be at the Pilgrimage Palace…

    Could there be something more important than Bai Ruoxi’s Third Stage Core Formation tribulation?

    The Heavenly Dao Aura had amplified the spiritual energy emanating from Mu Zhi’an’s secondary vessel. However, male cultivators couldn’t sense the unique aura of an Innate Celestial Vessel, so Yi Hao remained oblivious to the reason behind the two Peak Masters’ sudden departure.

    He followed their path with his gaze, his eyes widening as he realized their destination.

    “Senior Ling Long’s Dongtian?” he murmured.

    They’re all going to Ling Long’s Dongtian?

    For some reason, the first person that came to mind wasn’t Ling Long, but Mu Zhi’an.

    Boom!

    A thunderous roar snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned towards the Pilgrimage Palace, his expression changing.

    Someone else is facing their tribulation at the Pilgrimage Palace?

    …

    Meanwhile, within Ling Long’s Dongtian.

    Mu Zhi’an slowly opened his eyes.

    He could feel the Heavenly Dao Aura circulating within his secondary vessel, amplifying the potency and allure of its spiritual energy.

    As for his destiny… he didn’t sense any changes.

    After all, destiny was an abstract concept. If not for the testing steles, most people wouldn’t even believe it existed.

    He glanced at Lin Ling, who was sitting on the ground, her legs folded beneath her. Her cheeks were flushed, her breathing heavy.

    She looked up at him, her gaze meeting his.

    Her bright red eyes locked onto his secondary vessel.

    What’s wrong with Sister Lin Ling…?

    I know she’s constantly tormented by the karmic fire, but… this doesn’t seem normal…

    “Sister Lin Ling, is the destiny inheritance complete?” he asked hesitantly.

    Her eyes flickered with a strange emotion, then she bit her lip, trying to regain her composure.

    An Innate Celestial Vessel held no benefits for her… but that didn’t mean it couldn’t tempt her.

    It was like craving a delicious dessert, even though it offered no nutritional value. The spiritual energy emanating from his Innate Celestial Vessel, amplified by the Heavenly Dao Aura, was incredibly alluring, even to a Spirit Dragon.

    After all, Spirit Dragons were naturally drawn to those with great destiny.

    She wrote on a piece of paper: It’s complete.

    She hesitated for a moment, then added: Don’t come near me for the next fifteen minutes.

    She tossed him a testing stele.

    He understood her meaning. She wanted him to distract himself while she dealt with her… situation.

    He tossed the stele into the air, and it expanded, becoming twice his height.

    He touched the stele.

    A brilliant pink light erupted from its surface, illuminating Lin Ling’s flushed face, making her appear even more alluring.

    He stared at the stele, stunned.

    Why is my destiny getting even stronger…?

    He glanced at Lin Ling, who was sitting with her eyes closed, seemingly enduring great discomfort.

    He wanted to help, but considering her status, he held back.

    Relationships required patience and understanding…

    Fifteen minutes later, she opened her eyes.

    Mu Zhi’an, who had been staring at her intently, quickly averted his gaze.

    He believed in the separation of humans and mystical beasts, but honestly, Lin Ling was perfect in every way, except for her insatiable appetite.

    She looked like a young girl, but her body was as mature and alluring as a ripe peach. And her captivating red eyes held a certain innocence that only enhanced her charm.

    She was both pure and seductive, innocent and alluring…

    It’s not me, it’s her… She must have cultivated some kind of “charm” technique… He forced himself to look away, maintaining his gentlemanly facade.

    She stood up and wrote on a piece of paper: It’s time to leave.

    He nodded, thanking her once again.

    Though the Heavenly Dao Aura she had given him wouldn’t directly benefit his own cultivation, the destiny inheritance was a significant boon. It would help him overcome any future bottlenecks.

    That was one of the perks of possessing great destiny.

    And with the Heavenly Dao Aura’s assistance, he could help Bai Ruoxi reach the Nascent Soul Realm quickly.

    A powerful Dao Companion would be beneficial to him as well.

    I need to find a way to help Lingxuan and Qian’er too…

    And Senior Sister Lan seems to be stuck at the Core Formation Realm. I’d like to repay her kindness if I can…

    As he followed Lin Ling out of the Dongtian, he saw three familiar figures approaching.

    Yu Ziyan, the mature and alluring Peak Master of Dao Peak, clad in her Taoist robes and headdress. Beside her was her junior sister, Yan Ruyu, the Master of the Book Pavilion, her beauty both youthful and mature.

    And standing a short distance away was Ying Guhuan, the founding Peak Master of Boundless Sea Peak, the suspected “Seventh Seat” of the Demon Realm.

    Her attire was simple, but her white, toned skin and her alluring eyes hinted at her captivating figure.

    Perhaps because of the tribulation occurring outside, the sky was dark, illuminated only by flickering lanterns. Mu Zhi’an could see the silhouette of the aerial pavilion atop the mountain, lightning flashing behind it.

    The dark sky, the flickering lanterns, and the ancient pavilion created a picturesque scene.

    He then noticed another figure descending gracefully on a cloud.

    Lan Mulian.

    This ancient setting, paired with these beautiful women… it’s perfect. Especially Senior Sister, who looks like a celestial maiden from an ancient painting. It’s a shame she’s still wearing that veil.

    He observed the approaching women, his heart sinking as he realized their intentions.

    It seemed the amplified aura from his secondary vessel had been detected.