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  • It turns out, they are the protagonists 142p1

    Chapter 142: Great, Now Everyone Knows I’m an Innate Vessel

    Dao Peak.

    Yu Ziyan sat in her cave dwelling, her eyes closed, a black robe draped over her alluring figure. A faint fragrance lingered in the air. If Mu Zhi’an were here, he would surely be impressed. After all, only a true connoisseur of beauty could appreciate the peak lord’s exquisite figure.

    Her delicate features glowed even in the dim light of the cave. Back when she was a disciple, she had attracted countless admirers, all hoping for a chance to win her heart. However, she was aloof and distant, and the difference in their status and power was too great. Even if they harbored feelings for her, they could only keep them hidden. For many disciples, simply being able to admire her from afar was enough.

    The sandalwood incense burned out, and she opened her eyes, sighing softly.

    “It seems I still can’t break through…”

    The Nascent Soul realm was a challenge for all cultivators, even the strongest in the world. Each level was a significant leap in power. She had encountered bottlenecks before, but she had always managed to overcome them. But the Nascent Soul bottleneck was proving to be impenetrable.

    Targeting a disciple would be shameful. Of course, if it was mutual, it would be a different story.

    She had to prepare. She would start by testing his intentions. She looked up at an elder standing outside her cave, her gaze cold and commanding.

    “Summon Mu Zhi’an. Tell him I have something to discuss with him.”

    …

    Boundless Sea Peak.

    Yi Hao led Mu Zhi’an to the back mountain, then looked towards a specific direction, bowing respectfully. “Master, I’ve brought him.”

    He glanced at Mu Zhi’an, his brow furrowed with a hint of unease. Something felt off, but he couldn’t pinpoint it. His master was usually indifferent to the sect’s affairs, but she had shown a surprising interest in Mu Zhi’an. But even though he was now a peak lord, he still held a deep reverence for his master. He hadn’t dared to question her. He was simply responsible for bringing Mu Zhi’an here. What his master wanted with him wasn’t his concern.

    Unlike Two Polarities Peak, the back mountain here was a spacious area, filled with vibrant red peonies, their fragrance intoxicating. He could hear the faint roar of a waterfall, and he looked up to see it cascading down a nearby cliff. A path lined with red peonies led to a secluded cave dwelling. Two disciples guarded the entrance, and rabbits hopped through the flowers.

    “Young Friend Mu, my master is unpredictable, but she wouldn’t harm a disciple. And I told her about your relationship with my inner disciple. Just answer her questions honestly,” Yi Hao said, his voice a gentle warning.

    He hadn’t felt nervous before, but Yi Hao’s words had instilled a sense of dread in him. He glanced at the surroundings, then touched his storage ring, wondering if he should send a message to the sect master, just in case. After all, the founding peak lord of Boundless Sea Peak was most likely a spy for the Demon Realm Empress. But he decided against it. The Empress had only instructed him to report to her every three months. She hadn’t ordered him to eliminate him.

    He walked towards the cave dwelling, his steps firm. He reached the entrance, straightening his robes, then bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Peak Lord Ying. I am Mu Zhi’an.”

    The founding peak lord, Ying Guhuan, was also Yi Hao’s master. She had retreated into seclusion and passed her authority to Yi Hao. He had learned that from Yi Hao on their way here.

    Yi Hao watched, intending to linger for a while longer. But a surge of spiritual energy emanated from the cave, its aura familiar, and he seemed to remember the fear he had felt towards his master in the past. His expression shifted, and he gave Mu Zhi’an a deep look, then he turned and left. His master’s temperament was strange, but she wouldn’t harm a new disciple. And besides, Mu Zhi’an had Ling Long’s backing. Even the founding peak lord would have to be cautious.

    “Enter,” a lazy, alluring voice called out from within.

    Her voice was captivating, reminding him of Feiying from Tianxuan City. He hadn’t seen her since she had joined the Two Polarities Sect. He wondered if she was in seclusion.

    I should ask Senior Sister Lan about her sometime…

    He shook his head, clearing his mind, then he entered the cave.

    After walking for a while, the path opened up, and a sweet fragrance filled the air. Unlike the small entrance, the inside was like a paradise with several elegant pavilions, lush gardens, and blooming peonies. Then the scenery shifted, and he found himself in a grand hall. There was a pool in the center, steam rising from its surface, and he could vaguely see a woman’s alluring figure through the mist. Her skin was pale, her curves captivating, and even though he could only see her silhouette, his experience as a connoisseur of beauty told him she was a stunning woman.

    No, I have Ruoxi. I can’t betray her… He lowered his eyes, forcing himself to remain virtuous.

    She chuckled, splashing in the water, her voice soft and seductive. “Come closer. There’s no need to be so formal. Just act like you normally would around women.”

    He cautiously approached the pool, glancing at her, his heart skipping a beat.

    Her bosom… it could rival Ruoxi’s…!

  • It turns out, they are the protagonists 141

    Chapter 141: Turns Out I Have Baby Orcas in My Pond

    A chilly night wind blew through the courtyard, but the silence outside the Jade Glass Palace was heavy.

    Mu Zhi’an had considered this possibility before, but he had pictured it being between Senior Sister Lan and Bai Ruoxi, not Ye Lingxuan. After all, Senior Sister Lan and Bai Ruoxi had similar personalities. Both were rather domineering, the only difference being that Bai Ruoxi, in person, was soft-spoken and gentle, masking her possessive nature.

    Of course, in bed, she was mostly passive, only resorting to the Heart-Binding Lock when he pushed her too far. As for Senior Sister Lan, both publicly and privately, she exuded a queenly aura, refusing to be subdued.

    As for Ye Lingxuan… she wasn’t competitive by nature. In Mu Zhi’an’s imagined scenarios of arguments, she was never involved.

    It seemed Mengrou was right. Human nature, especially that of women, was hard to predict. Mu Zhi’an pondered for a moment, then said, “It’s getting late, Sister Lingxuan. You should get some rest.”

    Ye Lingxuan smiled sweetly. “See you tomorrow, Brother Mu,” she replied, then turned and entered the Jade Glass Palace, her skirt swaying gracefully with each step.

    Bai Ruoxi gave Mu Zhi’an a deep look, then turned and followed Ye Lingxuan, without another word.

    As she reached the entrance, Ye Lingxuan glanced back. Mu Zhi’an stood alone, his expression filled with resignation, sighing occasionally. He made no move to follow Bai Ruoxi.

    Did I go too far…? Seeing his dejected appearance, Ye Lingxuan’s heart softened. She wanted to call out to him, to invite him back with her, but knowing his personality, she held back, not ready for that kind of development.

    “I’m going back,” she sent a mental message.

    Mu Zhi’an looked up, nodding. “Get some rest. I’ll take you to see the peach blossoms tomorrow,” he replied, his voice laced with fatigue.

    Ye Lingxuan hesitated, then said, “Maybe we shouldn’t go tomorrow…”

    “Tonight’s… date… was enough.”

    “Lingxuan…” Mu Zhi’an looked at her, touched by her concern. He gazed into her eyes, speechless. It seemed his plan to sleep at Lingxuan’s place tonight was ruined. But it didn’t matter. They had just kissed. Progressing too quickly wasn’t always a good thing.

    He watched Ye Lingxuan disappear into the palace, his pseudo-Natural Spirit Body confirming she had returned to her pavilion. He smiled faintly, then, like a dog off its leash, he hurried inside, chasing after Bai Ruoxi.

    His calm demeanor outside had been an act. He had to appease Bai Ruoxi, but in front of Ye Lingxuan, he had to appear “reserved.” Otherwise, he would lose the goodwill he had gained. Walking a tightrope between two women was no easy feat, especially when the “fish” in his pond weren’t entirely secure.

    And tonight, he had discovered something terrifying. He had thought the women he was pursuing were like harmless fish. However, the seemingly gentle and innocent Bai Ruoxi was not as simple as she appeared. She was not a naive girl without a cunning mind. On the contrary, she was quite astute, but only those close to her could discern her true nature.

    And Ye Lingxuan was no different. Mu Zhi’an had initially thought she was a passive girl, but tonight, he realized she also possessed a strong possessive streak when it came to relationships. Although she seemed to accept Bai Ruoxi’s presence, it didn’t mean they would coexist harmoniously.

    It seemed only Qian’er was the truly kind and understanding girl who cared for Brother Mu. As for Ye Lingxuan and Bai Ruoxi, these two “fish” were clearly baby orcas!

    …

    By the time Mu Zhi’an returned to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, Bai Ruoxi had already retreated to her room. He tried to open the door, but it was locked. He went to the window, but that was also shut.

    She’s truly angry this time…

    He pondered for a moment, then knocked on the door. “Ruoxi, I’m back.”

    “Shouldn’t you be with your Sister Lingxuan, Young Master Mu? Why are you here?” a cold voice asked from inside.

    She had switched from “My Dear(Mu Lang)” to “Young Master Mu”… It reminded him of her distant attitude when he had first pursued her. But they had come a long way since then. She was willing to speak to him, which meant she was giving him a chance to explain.

    He took a deep breath, composing himself. “Ruoxi, can you open the door?”

    “I’m going to meditate tonight, Young Master Mu. Please leave,” she replied coldly.

    He sighed. “When Qian’er went into seclusion on Dao Peak, Lingxuan said she wanted to see the peach blossoms at the Pilgrimage Palace. I felt sorry for her, seeing her alone, so I agreed.”

    “She went there tonight, so I decided to… accompany her…”

    “Why are you telling me this, Young Master Mu?” she asked, her voice cold, but with a hint of resentment.

    “So I can spend tomorrow with you. Waiting until the day after tomorrow would be torture.”

    She remained silent for a while, then asked, “Didn’t Sister Lingxuan say you were going with her tomorrow?”

    “If you want to go tomorrow, I’ll refuse her,” he replied firmly.

    Silence. He waited outside the door, then sighed heavily.

    “I understand. I’ll wait for you out here.”

    “Until you change your mind.”

    He heard the lock click open, and his heart leaped. He pushed the door, and it swung open. The candle on the table flickered, casting dancing shadows on the wall. Sandalwood incense burned in a corner, filling the room with a calming fragrance. Bai Ruoxi sat on the bed, her white nightgown clinging to her curves, her long hair flowing freely, her legs tucked beneath her, her arms wrapped around her knees, her white socks peeking out from beneath her gown. It was a simple pose, but with her ample bosom pressed against her knees, it was somehow different.

    He glanced at her, then sat down beside her, his voice soft. “Ruoxi, get some rest.”

    She glared at him, her lips parting slightly. “Don’t touch me.”

    “Alright, I promise I won’t touch you. We’ll just sleep,” he said, his voice soothing. He extinguished the candle with a flick of his finger, then he lay down beside her, pulling her close, his chest pressed against her back, his arms wrapping around her waist.

    She squirmed, trying to escape his embrace, but her resistance was weak. It seems there’s hope. He got out of bed, changed into a loose robe, then got back in, pulling the covers over them, his arms still around her waist. Time to sleep!

    …

    The next morning, he woke up early, gazing at her beautiful face, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead, then he discreetly glanced at her cleavage before looking away. He got out of bed, pulling the covers over her, then he picked up her nightgown and socks, folding them neatly and placing them on the table, before leaving the room.

    He stood in the courtyard, enjoying the warmth of the morning sun, his mind clear and refreshed.

    “What are you thinking about?” Wei Mengrou’s voice, cold and sharp, startled him.

    He turned to see her standing beside him, her yellow dress accentuating her alluring figure.

    “Just some unimportant things. You don’t need to worry, Mengrou,” he replied, chuckling. He was simply reminiscing about last night’s activities with Ruoxi. Even though she knew everything about him, he wouldn’t share those details. He knew how good it was.

    He suddenly sensed a familiar aura approaching. Why is Yi Hao here…? He frowned, watching as the peak lord landed in the courtyard.

    He bowed respectfully. “Senior Yi.”

    Yi Hao nodded, smiling, then glanced towards a specific direction. “Is Senior Ling Long still resting…?”

    He nodded, his expression confused. “Is there something you need, Senior?”

    “Could it be about the Eight Treasures Cranes…?” he asked tentatively. He wasn’t sure if she had taken all of them, but it seemed like the only logical explanation for Yi Hao’s visit.

    Yi Hao chuckled, shaking his head. “The cranes can wait.”

    “I’m here for another matter.” So she did take them all… He felt a pang of sympathy for Yi Hao. “Please tell me, Senior.”

    Yi Hao studied him, his expression strange. “After returning yesterday, my master summoned me to the back mountain and asked me some questions. I mentioned you.” He paused, then continued, “She seems interested in you. She wants to meet you.”

    Yi Hao’s master…? The founding peak lord of Boundless Sea Peak…? She’s a big fish. His eyes flickered, his thoughts racing. He had long suspected that the higher-ups of Boundless Sea Peak were connected to the Demon Realm Empress, but he hadn’t had a chance to confirm it. It seemed she couldn’t stay hidden any longer.

  • The Number One Good-for-Nothing in the Celestial Realm 13

    Chapter 13

    The appointment of a new gate emissary in the Heavenly Mechanism Department was typically announced on the Chaos Mirror. Usually, there were only a few comments from other immortals. This time, however, lines of text scrolled by rapidly, like lightning flashing across the screen.

    — Am I seeing this right? The new Morning Sun Emissary is Feng Chiyue? What qualifications does she have?

    — Using someone else’s hand to get rid of an enemy is truly ingenious. Allow this humble Daoist to indulge in a conspiracy theory: The East Abode Master’s cultivation had reached the Transformation Realm. How could she have perished so suddenly and quietly? The Demon Realm has already denied involvement. Could it be that some jealous immortal destroyed her out of spite?

    — Fellow Daoist, be careful not to get kicked out of the Chaos Mirror for such dangerous talk.

    — Something else happened recently. I wonder if you’ve heard.

    — What is it? No need to bring up the Supreme Palace and the West Sea again.

    — It’s not that. Phoenix fire rained down on Danxue Mountain, dyeing the sky red.

    — Phoenix? Heavens!

    …

    The Chaos Mirror was abuzz with activity, and discussions could be heard both inside and outside Asura City. Ming Jian Su overheard snippets of conversations, her heart feeling heavy. Finally, she decided to take out the Chaos Mirror, the root of all evil, and see what was going on.

    She read through the messages over and over again. The three large characters “Feng Chiyue” confirmed that she wasn’t mistaken.

    Her lazy, good-for-nothing junior sister, who would rather sleep for a thousand years, had actually accepted a position in the Heavenly Court?

    How could they let her junior sister do such a thankless and laborious task? Why were they so insistent on bullying her? What kind of grievance had caused her junior sister to act so out of character?

    Gate emissary… others might think it was a cushy job, but it was far from it! The Heavenly Mechanism Department had quotas. The retention rate of Human Immortals had to be above sixty percent each month, otherwise, there would be penalties.

    This meant that out of every ten ascending Human Immortals, at least six had to stay in the Heavenly Court instead of becoming wandering immortals. The quality of Heavenly Immortals was declining with each generation, so the Heavenly Court had to rely on recruiting from the lower realms to maintain its operations. However, they were unwilling to offer too many benefits, so they could only resort to trickery and deception to keep people. The gate emissaries would inevitably be resented by other immortals. For example, she still held a grudge against the gate emissary who had tricked her into staying in the Heavenly Court with promises of endless pleasure and luxury.

    What could Feng Chiyue possibly offer to convince people to stay? Her beauty? The thought of it filled Ming Jian Su with anxiety. She wished she could return to the Heavenly Court immediately. She wouldn’t leave again. She would just pamper her junior sister one more time. After all, she had done it countless times before.

    No, she couldn’t keep spoiling Feng Chiyue. Without experiencing some hardship, she would never understand that what she said was for her own good. With Undefeated by her side, she wouldn’t be in any real danger. Besides… would she really go to the Morning Sun Gate and fulfill her duties? Ming Jian Su was doubtful. She remembered trying to invite Feng Chiyue out to enjoy the flowers. Feng Chiyue had agreed readily the night before, but the next day, she refused to budge. She even accused her of being inconsiderate and disrespectful, of lacking self-awareness and restraint, and not being more like her. She had completely forgotten that it was she who had clung to her in the first place.

    Why was she thinking about Feng Chiyue again?

    With that good-for-nothing’s personality, she probably wouldn’t even remember her except at night.

    It was so unfair.

    As Ming Jian Su grappled with her emotions, many in the Heavenly Court were waiting to see what would happen. It wasn’t just Ming Jian Su who thought this way. Many immortal officials believed that Feng Chiyue wouldn’t actually show up for duty. Even though some of them had never even met her, they couldn’t shake off this premonition.

    In Qingjun Palace within the Purple Empyrean Palace.

    Upon hearing that Feng Chiyue had become the Morning Sun Emissary, Chu Yi burst out laughing. She had offered to fight Feng Chiyue in the Ethereal Spirit Realm and take care of all her troubles, but Feng Chiyue hadn’t been interested. Would she willingly subject herself to something a thousand times more troublesome? The Morning Sun Gate was a headache for everyone involved.

    Amidst the skepticism and doubt, Feng Chiyue gracefully left Dong’e Mountain and took up her post.

    Outside the Heavenly Court on Kunlun Mountain, there were thousands of heavenly gates, each corresponding to a different continent in the mortal realm. Above each gate hung a Merit Mirror, reflecting the deeds of mortal cultivators throughout their lives. The gate emissary’s duty was to summon tribulation lightning according to the reflections in the Merit Mirror. As this was an official duty, there was room for negotiation.

    Some Human Immortals, hoping to ensure their descendants’ safe ascension, would seek favors from the gate emissaries. However, at the Morning Sun Gate, there were no such favors. The Morning Sun Assembly’s fierce reputation preceded them. Every time the Morning Sun Emissary disqualified an ascending cultivator, they would come knocking, and no one wanted to provoke those thorns in their side, not even the Heavenly Emperor.

    As the Morning Sun Emissary, Feng Chiyue had two immortal attendants under her command. They were both trembling with fear. It was common knowledge that if they were injured by ascending cultivators, the Heavenly Mechanism Department wouldn’t compensate them. They would even be mocked by other immortals for being weaker than cultivators from the lower realms. Those cultivators might brag about their strength, but when it came down to it, they were just paper tigers. No one had the right to laugh at anyone else.

    “Immortal Monarch…”

    Feng Chiyue turned to look at the attendant. After becoming an official, people had started addressing her as “Immortal Monarch” instead of “Master.”

    “Aren’t you going to adjust the tribulation lightning?” the attendant asked cautiously. Normally, adjustments to the tribulation lightning needed to be prepared in advance. However, Feng Chiyue had taken out the Chaos Mirror and started watching plays as soon as she arrived, showing no concern for her duties.

    Feng Chiyue looked at him curiously. “Why would I do that?”

    The attendant: “…” He hadn’t expected Feng Chiyue to be so upright. “If we unleash the full force of the tribulation lightning, that cultivator will either die or be severely injured. It won’t be easy to explain to the Morning Sun Assembly.”

    “Oh,” Feng Chiyue said nonchalantly. “You explain it to them. Not me.”

    The attendant felt a chill run down his spine. His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground.

    Feng Chiyue ignored him, engrossed in the Chaos Mirror. It wasn’t until a blinding light erupted from the Merit Mirror that she finally looked up lazily. She glanced at it briefly before activating the tribulation lightning.

    On the Morning Sun Continent.

    For a thousand years, every cultivator who reached the Ascension Realm had successfully ascended. None had perished from the tribulation lightning.

    The might of the tribulation lightning was fearsome, but the cultivators had long since stopped taking it seriously. They laughed and pointed at the cultivator at the center of the storm. “Looks like Senior Brother didn’t even bother preparing a lightning-resistant artifact this time. Is he planning to withstand it with his sword intent alone?”

    “It’s not really tribulation lightning. It’s more like a welcoming ceremony from the Immortal Realm. When I reach the Ascension Realm, I’ll swallow that lightning whole.”

    In a secluded corner, someone watched the cultivator facing his tribulation with hatred in their eyes. “The heavens have no eyes! Even a villain like him can ascend–” Before she could finish her sentence, an ear-piercing scream rang out. The cultivator’s sword intent, which had terrorized the Morning Sun Continent, crumbled upon contact with the tribulation lightning. Countless bolts of red lightning, tinged with a dark crimson, struck him. Within breaths, he was obliterated, not even ashes remaining.

    Silence descended upon the world.

  • The Number One Good-for-Nothing in the Celestial Realm 12

    Chapter 12

    In the Purple Empyrean Palace on Kunlun Mountain.

    The Heavenly Emperor massaged his forehead as he looked at the documents on his desk.

    He knew that the news of the East Abode Master’s death would cause some ripples, but he didn’t expect so much trouble in just three days. He did intend to find a new East Abode Master, but he didn’t want to erase all traces of Ming Jian Su so quickly. He cared about his reputation and didn’t want to hear complaints and criticism from wandering immortals. But if he let Feng Chiyue continue like this, who would be the next to come complaining? The Heavenly Emperor couldn’t help but think that Feng Chiyue was being unreasonable.

    He had considered ordering the Phoenixes to rein her in, but everyone knew that Feng Chiyue had practically no contact with the Phoenix lineage. She was like a dodder vine clinging to a sturdy tree, inseparable from Ming Jian Su.

    When an attendant reported that Chang Li, the South Vermilion Lord, sought an audience, the Heavenly Emperor’s first thought was that she was here to complain. He frowned but didn’t turn her away.

    Chang Li entered the Purple Empyrean Palace gracefully and bowed to the Heavenly Emperor. “Is Your Majesty troubled by Master Feng’s recent actions?” she asked directly.

    The Heavenly Emperor sighed. “She is, after all, the East Abode Master’s junior sister. I cannot treat her harshly. However, her behavior…” He shook his head, not finishing his sentence. He couldn’t put all the blame on Feng Chiyue. Why did those immortals provoke her in the first place? Was it as if his Heavenly Court couldn’t afford some Cinnabar Jade, elixirs, and refining materials?

    Chang Li raised an eyebrow. “In the past, the East Abode Master provided for her, but things are different now. She cannot rely solely on her late sister’s legacy. Why not give her a position? Once she has a foothold in the Heavenly Court, Your Majesty can reclaim Dong’e Mountain or have her buy it back. Then no one can say anything.”

    The Heavenly Emperor’s eyes lit up. “Excellent idea!” he exclaimed, clapping his hands together. But then his expression turned troubled. “The number of official positions is limited, and many Heavenly Immortals are already in line for promotion. I’m afraid there’s no place for Feng Chiyue.”

    Chang Li said calmly, “Isn’t the position of Morning Sun Emissary in the Heavenly Mechanism Department vacant?”

    The Heavenly Emperor: “…” That was a position that both Heavenly Immortals and Human Immortals avoided like the plague. The Morning Sun Emissary was responsible for receiving cultivators ascending from the Morning Sun Continent and was stationed at the Morning Sun Gate to register them. It was supposed to be a relatively leisurely job. However, the cultivators from the Morning Sun Continent were known for their unruly nature and quick tempers. They were quick to resort to violence, and the Morning Sun Gate had been destroyed several times. Even the previous Morning Sun Emissaries had been seriously injured. They had considered closing the gate, but there were also many wandering immortals from the Morning Sun Continent who had formed a powerful faction known as the Morning Sun Assembly. If they closed the gate and forbade cultivators from the Morning Sun Continent from ascending, they would surely cause trouble, and the Heavenly Court couldn’t afford that.

    The Heavenly Emperor sighed. “I’m afraid Feng Chiyue’s cultivation is insufficient for such a task.” He feared that if she took on the position, she would be torn apart by the ascending Human Immortals.

    Chang Li smiled. “Although the East Abode Master has fallen, her magic sword, Undefeated, is in Master Feng’s possession.”

    The Heavenly Emperor looked at Chang Li in surprise. No one had told him about this. Feng Chiyue alone might not be reliable, but with Undefeated, could she really cause any major trouble? This arrangement would solve two problems at once. Pleased, the Heavenly Emperor immediately picked up his vermilion brush and wrote a decree, ordering a messenger to deliver it to Dong’e Mountain.

    After Understanding was repaired, Feng Chiyue didn’t leave the Dharma Hall, as if trying to make up for lost time.

    With her not going out and causing trouble, Zhu Wan was relieved. However, deep down, she couldn’t shake off a sense of unease. After all, this peace was borrowed. Sooner or later, Dong’e Mountain would belong to someone else.

    She tried to talk to Feng Chiyue about their future plans, but Feng Chiyue had a way of blocking out all unwanted sounds. Compared to her previous taunts and sarcasm, Zhu Wan actually considered Feng Chiyue’s silence a blessing.

    As she worried, the Heavenly Emperor’s decree arrived at Dong’e Mountain.

    Feng Chiyue… well, Feng Chiyue didn’t even bother leaving the Dharma Hall to see the messenger. Instead, Undefeated shot out with lightning speed, snatching the decree from the stunned messenger’s hands, leaving behind only a white blur.

    Zhu Wan: “…” She trembled in fear.

    Between apologizing and playing dead, she resolutely chose the latter.

    Inside the hall, Feng Chiyue was in a good mood, painting.

    After listening to Ming Jian Su’s voice over and over again, a new desire had taken root in her heart. Perhaps insatiable greed was human nature. Now that she could hear the familiar voice, she yearned to see Ming Jian Su’s face. She had tried to get Undefeated to transform into Ming Jian Su’s likeness, but the sword, deeply offended, had refused. With no other choice, she could only resort to other methods, such as bringing her painting to life.

    As long as she painted Ming Jian Su and used spiritual objects to nourish the artwork, wouldn’t the painted figure be able to walk out of the paper?

    If she couldn’t have the real Ming Jian Su, she would create her own!

    After adding the final stroke, Feng Chiyue hung the painting on the wall. However, she only had a moment to admire it before a whooshing sound cut through the air. A flash of silver sliced through the painting, tearing it to shreds.

    Her “reunion” with Ming Jian Su was shattered.

    Feng Chiyue wasn’t angry.

    Undefeated spun around and tossed the decree it had been carrying at her feet.

    Feng Chiyue frowned and sighed dramatically. “If only Elder Sister were here, she wouldn’t make me read this. She would read it to me.”

    Undefeated buzzed in response, then shot out the window. It returned shortly after, dragging a reluctant Zhu Wan with it.

    At first, Zhu Wan didn’t understand. But when Undefeated pointed its tip at the decree, realization dawned on her. This lazy bum couldn’t even be bothered to read a decree. Resigned to her fate, she picked up the decree and scanned through it. Her eyes widened in shock. “Master, the Heavenly Emperor has appointed you as the Morning Sun Emissary of the Heavenly Mechanism Department!”

    The gate emissaries held a mid-level position in the Heavenly Court with considerable authority. They were often the target of flattery from ascending Human Immortals because they wrote evaluations in the immortal registry, which could affect their future prospects. Heavenly Immortals and Human Immortals alike would fight tooth and nail for the chance to become a gate emissary.

    “Wait, the Morning Sun Gate? The Morning Sun Continent?” Zhu Wan shrieked, her initial delight replaced by a deathly pallor. If the other gate emissary positions were coveted, the Morning Sun Emissary position was a death sentence. The cultivators from the Morning Sun Continent were known for their powerful fists, bad tempers, and lack of ambition. After ascending, they banded together to form the Morning Sun Assembly, a notorious faction among the wandering immortals. Could Feng Chiyue really handle it? Wouldn’t she be injured within two days of taking office? But Feng Chiyue was notoriously lazy. She probably wouldn’t even accept the position, right?

    “The Morning Sun Emissary?” Feng Chiyue raised an eyebrow, a spark of interest flickering in her eyes.

    Zhu Wan’s heart skipped a beat. She wanted to hug Feng Chiyue’s leg and scream, “Don’t do it!”

    Feng Chiyue continued, “Elder Sister once said that when she first ascended to the Immortal Realm, she was tricked by one of those gate emissaries. They promised her a carefree life after ascension, but it turned out to be worse than being a servant in the mortal realm.” A bright smile spread across her face. “It’s only right that I avenge Elder Sister!”

    Zhu Wan: “…” She didn’t understand. What did other gate emissaries deceiving her Master have to do with Feng Chiyue becoming the Morning Sun Emissary?

  • The Number One Good-for-Nothing in the Celestial Realm 11

    Chapter 11

    In the East Sea.

    Ying Cunxin sat on the edge of a coral reef, fiddling with the Chaos Mirror. Her attendant spoke to her, conveying the displeasure of the East Sea Dragon King, but she ignored it all. After Chu Yi agreed to her request, she didn’t even bother pretending to listen. With a flick of her sleeve, she swept all the irrelevant people out of her palace.

    She was interested in befriending Chu Yi, so naturally, she couldn’t refuse her kind invitation. Thus, she channeled her consciousness into the Ethereal Spirit Realm, her illusory form appearing face-to-face with Chu Yi. Although Ying Cunxin admired strength, she also appreciated beauty. She gazed at Chu Yi intently, her eyes filled with admiration.

    Chu Yi: “…”

    She felt uncomfortable under Ying Cunxin’s intense gaze. She pursed her lips and put on a serious expression. Raising her hand in a gesture of courtesy, she said, “Let’s begin.”

    After Ying Cunxin returned the gesture, still unsure of what to expect, Chu Yi immediately summoned her magic sword and slashed at her. Ying Cunxin was startled but quickly realized that Chu Yi wanted to spar. Although she wasn’t fond of fighting, she was willing to humor Chu Yi when she was in a good mood.

    However, Chu Yi never treated combat as a game. She showed no mercy, her heart as hard as iron. Within two quarters of an hour, she had defeated Ying Cunxin, ignoring her accusing gaze as she gracefully left the Ethereal Spirit Realm. The discomfort caused by those strange rumors vanished, replaced by a sense of exhilaration. She felt like laughing out loud. Moreover, during her fight with Ying Cunxin, a brilliant idea had struck her.

    Whether Feng Chiyue was truly capable or merely benefiting from Ming Jian Su’s legacy, wouldn’t a test in the Ethereal Spirit Realm reveal the truth? Ignoring Ying Cunxin’s subsequent complaints, she sent a request to exchange name seals with Feng Chiyue, her hand trembling slightly. However, the next moment, the name seal shattered before her eyes. This meant that her request had been rejected.

    Chu Yi was so angry she almost fainted. She gritted her teeth, utterly baffled by Feng Chiyue’s thought process. Did she think that rejecting her name seal exchange would stop her? With a cold laugh, Chu Yi sought out an immortal official from the Heavenly Mechanism Department. Every immortal in the Immortal Realm, regardless of their status as a Human Immortal or a Heavenly Immortal, had to register and leave their seal with the Heavenly Mechanism Department. Back when Ming Jian Su was still around, she had naturally taken care of Feng Chiyue’s registration properly.

    In the Dharma Hall of Dong’e Mountain.

    Feng Chiyue tossed and turned on her bed. “Understanding” hadn’t been repaired yet, and she was getting impatient. Just as her frustration peaked, wisps of spiritual energy emerged from the Chaos Mirror. She picked it up and saw that it was a message from the Heavenly Mechanism Department. With a sigh of annoyance, she channeled her consciousness into it. The next moment, Chu Yi’s face, bearing a triumphant smirk, appeared before her.

    “Feng Chiyue, I know you’re in a bit of a bind right now. If you agree to meet me in the Ethereal Spirit Realm, win or lose, I’ll take care of everything for you. I’ll protect Dong’e Mountain and make sure those officials don’t bother you again.” Chu Yi spoke quickly, afraid that Feng Chiyue would get impatient and refuse to listen.

    Feng Chiyue: “…” She neither turned off the Chaos Mirror nor responded to Chu Yi. A heavy silence fell over the hall, the atmosphere thick with unspoken tension. Finally, Feng Chiyue spoke. “Repeat what you just said.”

    Chu Yi’s fists itched to punch something, but she held back. After all, Feng Chiyue in the Chaos Mirror looked dazed, as if she had just woken up from a dream. Perhaps she really hadn’t processed what was said. Uncharacteristically, she indulged Feng Chiyue and repeated herself slowly.

    Upon hearing her words, Feng Chiyue’s confusion deepened. “Did the Heavenly Emperor pass away? Why haven’t I heard the funeral bell?”

    Her disrespectful words made Chu Yi’s face darken. Cracks appeared on the mirror screen between them, as if it might shatter at any moment.

    Feng Chiyue, however, paid no attention to Chu Yi’s darkening expression. She smiled sweetly and said, “If the Heavenly Emperor doesn’t die, how can the Emperor’s daughter ascend the throne? And if she doesn’t ascend the throne, how can she protect my Dong’e Mountain?”

    Chu Yi was so furious that she immediately cut off the connection. Why did she even bother trying to talk to Feng Chiyue?

    Feng Chiyue’s mood remained unaffected, her emotions as still as a stagnant pond. But the next moment, Zhu Wan approached with the black box in her hands. It was as if a thousand thunderbolts had struck the still surface of the pond, setting off towering waves. Feng Chiyue didn’t even register what the black box said. She eagerly pulled “Understanding” into her grasp.

    She channeled her magical power into Understanding, and subtle fluctuations of energy emanated from the black box. Then, Ming Jian Su’s voice rang out through the hall.

    It wasn’t her usual cold and indifferent tone, the one that sounded like she wanted to kill a hundred immortals. Instead, it was a voice filled with longing and affection, as if whispering sweet nothings between lovers, a voice that could bewitch the soul.

    Zhu Wan felt a chill run down her spine.

    Chang Huai, who arrived a moment later, only caught the last part of the message: “Thinking of you is like seeing you before my eyes, making me wonder if it’s you or the plum blossoms I see.”

    Her expression went through a series of changes before settling into one of deep unease. She retreated, retracting the step she had taken forward.

    What was this thing? Was this something she was supposed to hear? After the repairs were complete, she had tried to activate the black box, but it had been completely unresponsive. She had begun to suspect that she had made a mistake somewhere, or perhaps Zhu Wan had suggested letting Feng Chiyue try it first before making any adjustments. Now it seemed unnecessary. This black box was shielded from her, no, from everyone, meant only for Feng Chiyue.

    Hearing the voice she had longed for, Feng Chiyue’s restlessness and anxiety vanished. A smile bloomed on her lips, so captivating and alluring that it lived up to her reputation as the most beautiful woman in the Immortal Realm. She belatedly remembered that there were still a few irrelevant presences outside. She was in a good mood and feeling generous. Glancing at Chang Huai, she said, “You can have the extra dragon scales and tendons.”

    Chang Huai’s heart skipped a beat. She had been working herself to death every day just to earn a few measly Cinnabar Jade. Now, she was suddenly rich! She couldn’t suppress the grin that spread across her face. So what if Feng Chiyue had a bad reputation? Anyone who could make her rich was like her own parents! “If you need anything else, Master, you can come find me again. I may just be a minor immortal in the Dragon Cauldron Palace, but I believe my skills are superior to those master craftsmen!” Chang Huai declared confidently.

    Feng Chiyue responded lazily without even looking up, her gaze glued to the Understanding she had finally recovered.

    Zhu Wan spoke up. “Master, what about that Vermilion Bird? Should we pay him–”

    Feng Chiyue waved her hand dismissively. “Tell Danxue Mountain they can get their clansman back early, but they’ll have to pay a ransom in Cinnabar Jade.”

    So, not only did he have to suffer through providing fire, but Danxue Mountain also had to pay for it.

    However, Zhu Wan didn’t feel the slightest bit of sympathy for Zhu Huai Xuan. Thinking of his smug face, she wanted to shout, “Serves you right!”

    The flames in Danxue Mountain continued to rage, even as night fell.

    The Vermilion Bird clan was covered in soot and ashes. In the end, they had no choice but to call upon Chang Li, who extinguished the raging fire.

    However, many buildings and plants had been burned to the ground.

    “She’s a Phoenix. Perhaps she triggered some ancient formation,” Chang Li said calmly, her hands clasped behind her back.

    “Ancient formation? We rebuilt Danxue Mountain. Don’t tell me it wasn’t completely cleansed?” the Vermilion Bird Elder asked, horrified.

    “If it weren’t for that incident, would Danxue Mountain have fallen into your hands?” Chang Li glanced at the Elder, her tone meaningful. Everyone said they, the Vermilion Birds, were traitors, but were they the only ones? Everyone had taken a step down that path. It was just that some continued forward, while others, for various reasons, chose to turn back. But did turning back mean they weren’t guilty?

    The Vermilion Bird Elder seethed with anger. Just then, news arrived from Dong’e Mountain, adding fuel to the fire.

    “She kidnapped Huai Xuan and now she wants us to pay a ransom? How outrageous!”

    Chang Li frowned slightly. “Surely, Elder, you don’t want to be the laughingstock of the other immortals?”

    The Vermilion Bird Elder: “…” “Are we just going to let her get away with this?”

    Chang Li said, “The Supreme Palace and the West Sea are both unhappy. There will be consequences soon enough. Be patient.”

  • I Don’t Want to Be Reborn With You 15

    Chapter 15: The Pretty Girl’s Holey Socks

    Thanks to An Baili, Silly Goose had developed a newfound fear and respect for Lu Li. Once, Lu Li had just woken up from a nap when he saw her sneakily hand him a book. “Lu Li, I think this book is very important for you.”

    He opened it to find, “Quitting Lust: The First Step to Success!” Lu Li couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat. If there was one thing Chu Jingyi excelled at, it was pushing his buttons.

    If he didn’t know her personality, he would have thought she was mocking him.

    He used the book to lightly knock on her head, as if playing whack-a-mole. “Don’t believe everything An Baili says. Grow up, will you?”

    Chu Jingyi clutched her head dramatically, pouting. “That hurt! Don’t be so mean!” She mumbled under her breath, “I didn’t even dare write my name on the library card when I borrowed it. I hid it under my clothes the whole way here because I was so scared someone would see…”

    Lu Li paused, suddenly realizing that the book was indeed warm, as if he could imagine the touch of a beautiful girl’s skin on its pages. He laughed and put the book away. It was the thought that counted. He might as well humor her.

    The three of them – Lu Li, Chu Jingyi, and An Baili – had become quite the trio. They sat together in class, ate lunch together, and even left school together. Of course, Lu Li insisted that it was purely for work purposes, to discuss the details of the music production. There was absolutely no ulterior motive whatsoever.

    Chu Jingyi was taking her role seriously. She had been showing up to school with dark circles under her eyes for the past two days. Upon inquiry, Lu Li learned that Silly Goose had been staying up late transcribing sheet music, unbeknownst to her parents.

    He felt obliged to show his appreciation. Since school ended early that day, he decided to treat the class monitor to bubble tea at the school’s commercial street. You heard that right, Chuanhai No. 1 High School had its own shopping street, second only in scale to the downtown area.

    Girls her age were obsessed with bubble tea, and the class monitor was no exception. An Baili, who had been eavesdropping, chimed in, claiming she was thirsty. The ever-so-naive Chu Jingyi naturally included her as well.

    Before Lu Li knew it, their little outing had turned into a group affair.

    The two girls found a quiet bubble tea shop and sat down, looking rather shy. They didn’t even have the courage to order, their eyes pleading with Lu Li. He felt a strange sense of fatherly responsibility, as if the two girls sitting across from him weren’t his ex-wife and classmate, but two helpless little lambs.

    “What flavor would you like, class monitor? Any allergies?” Lu Li asked.

    “Do you have strawberry?” Silly Goose asked nervously. “I’ve never had bubble tea before. I don’t know what’s good.”

    Never had it before? Lu Li shook his head. Were her parents that strict? If Chu Xiaodong found out that he was not only making his daughter stay up late but also corrupting her with sugary drinks, he’d probably be thrown in jail for “abduction of women and children.”

    The thought made him chuckle.

    “Wait, you haven’t asked me yet.” An Baili glared at him. “I want papaya. Papaya.”

    As if I’d let you have papaya. Lu Li shot her a look. An Baili didn’t even like bubble tea. She found it too sweet and heavy. She preferred plain black tea.

    Silly Goose, hearing An Baili’s choice, nodded in agreement. It was worth mentioning that after being thoroughly brainwashed by An Baili, Silly Goose genuinely believed that he and An Baili were a couple. She would often try to create opportunities for them, even going so far as to schedule their cleaning duties together or assigning them tasks in the school’s botanical garden as a pair.

    Where was the fair and impartial class monitor? Silly Goose’s understanding of friendship seemed a little unconventional.

    Lu Li approached the counter and glanced at the menu, his heart sinking.

    The cheapest drink was 25 yuan, while the most expensive one was a whopping 70 yuan. This wasn’t bubble tea, it was his and Sister Yameng’s blood he was spending! Could high school girls even afford this stuff? But he had to play the part. With a heavy heart, he paid for the drinks.

    The shop manager seemed to recognize Chu Jingyi. He approached them and offered Lu Li a generous discount, even escorting them to a private booth.

    Despite being called a bubble tea shop, it was more like a hangout spot for young girls. The booth was equipped with a tablet, a microphone, and a ridiculously large claw machine. However, the trio simply sat around a small table, sipping their drinks. An Baili had ordered a less-sweet version of her usual, while Lu Li had chosen a subtly mocking flavor for Silly Goose.

    Chu Jingyi took a few sips and smacked her lips. “Isn’t this a bit too sweet? I’m going to gain weight.”

    Gain weight? Lu Li glanced at her slender frame. She could use a little more meat on her bones. She was so thin it was almost unhealthy.

    How could one tell if a man’s feelings were genuine? If he thought a girl should lose weight, it was merely infatuation. If he thought she could stand to gain a little weight, that was love. True love should be nurturing, improving one’s mental and physical well-being, not draining and destructive like his relationship with An Baili.

    An Baili, also sensitive to the word “weight,” discreetly patted her stomach and pushed her drink aside, pretending to be interested in the sunflower seeds on the table. Suddenly, she noticed Chu Jingyi’s gaze lingering on “her” Lu Li. A surge of jealousy shot through her. Under the table, her foot slipped out of her loafer and slowly inched towards Lu Li.

    Lu Li was casually chatting when he felt something brushing against his leg, slowly making its way towards his abdomen.

    He looked down and saw An Baili’s leg, clad in black stockings. He had to admit, she was incredibly beautiful. Her features, her figure, everything about her was perfect.

    Her slender leg continued its mischievous exploration, teasing the inside of his thigh. Following the graceful curve of her leg upwards, he was greeted by the sight of her creamy white skin, the area known as the “absolute territory” in certain circles. The contrast between her smooth, porcelain skin and the black stockings was a sight to behold, sending a jolt of electricity through him.

    His gaze traveled further upwards, past her milky white thigh, to where her emerald green plaid skirt offered a tantalizing glimpse of what lay hidden beneath. As if sensing his gaze, An Baili bit her lip and spread her legs further apart, her immodest posture leaving little to the imagination.

    Thankfully, Chu Jingyi’s view was blocked by the large table. Otherwise, this shameless display would have surely shattered her innocent worldview.

    For Lu Li, this should have been an incredibly tempting situation. However, his attention was drawn to a small hole in her sock, right at the tip of her big toe. The perfect girl had a hole in her sock! Through the tiny opening, he could see her little toe wiggling playfully.

    The sight of that hole completely dispelled any lingering desire, replaced by a mixture of amusement and heartache.

    Just how bad was An Baili’s financial situation? Was she really that hard up?

    He reached out, his finger finding the hole in her sock. He grabbed her tiny foot and tickled her mercilessly.

    An Baili jolted as if electrocuted and let out an involuntary, “Ah, stop!” She quickly retracted her foot and glanced nervously at the oblivious class monitor.

    Lu Li, on the other hand, remained calm and collected, continuing to sip his drink as if nothing had happened. “What’s wrong?” he asked innocently.

    Chu Jingyi looked concerned. “Are you alright?”

    An Baili, unable to come up with a plausible excuse, stammered, “I… I saw a rat. It scared me.” Chu Jingyi looked around the booth, searching for the alleged rodent. The place was spotless.

    Silly Goose, believing her lie, nodded seriously. “We should report this to the staff. They need to improve their hygiene standards!”

    Don’t you dare, Lu Li thought to himself. The shop was perfectly clean. One complaint from this privileged little missy, and who knows how many people would be running around like headless chickens, risking their jobs and possibly even the shop’s license.

    Making a living wasn’t easy. To protect the shop owners, Lu Li decided to intervene.

    “I think you were mistaken, An Baili. It was probably just the reflection from a car mirror.” He pointed at the window, which offered a view of the street outside.

    An Baili played along, her cheeks flushed. “Y-yeah, you’re probably right.” Her bashful demeanor was a dead giveaway. Even Silly Goose could tell that she hadn’t been scared. She shot Lu Li a strange look, as if trying to decipher the expression on his carefully neutral face.

    Lu Li responded with an innocent look, only deepening the class monitor’s suspicions.

    So, the class monitor wasn’t completely clueless after all…

    In the end, Chu Jingyi didn’t press further. As they were leaving, she suddenly said, “Tomorrow’s Saturday, Lu Li. Don’t forget you promised to visit my house. What time works best for you? I can pick you up.”

    He had almost forgotten about that. Tomorrow was Saturday, and he had planned to sleep in.

    “How about the day after tomorrow? Sunday morning?” he said, stalling for time. He really didn’t want to spend his precious day off feeling suffocated in a high-ranking official’s home.

    An Baili’s ears perked up, catching something in their conversation. “Jingyi, you know where Lu Li lives?”

    She might not, but Chu Xiaodong definitely did. Lu Li had no doubt that the man who was ostensibly the second-in-command of Chuanhai City, but in reality held true power, had already done his research. Not just on him, but probably on every student in their class.

    Chu Jingyi didn’t want to discuss the matter. She found her father’s methods a little underhanded. She quickly changed the subject. “Baili, are you coming too?”

    An Baili hesitated, her mind a battleground of conflicting emotions. Finally, she shook her head.

  • I Don’t Want to Be Reborn With You 14

    Chapter 14: Are You There?

    After shaking off the ever-persistent An Baili, as usual, Lu Li unconsciously found himself walking towards Chuanhai Women’s Sports High School. As he stood there, lost in thought, it suddenly dawned on him that his sister had already left for the Six-Province Tournament and was probably already in Lingyue City.

    He chuckled wryly and patted his head. He was like a chick longing for its mother, his heart yearning for Zou Yameng. Was this what psychology referred to as an Oedipus complex? Or perhaps, a “sister complex” was more accurate?

    After politely declining the invitations of several university students who seemed intent on crushing him with their car (a metaphor, of course), Lu Li boarded the bus. He paid the fare, two yuan, and took a seat at the very back.

    He enjoyed sitting at the back. It gave him a vantage point to observe the entire bus while simultaneously minimizing his presence. Unfortunately, as he grew older, his physique had weakened, and bus rides became increasingly unbearable. The smell of leather and engine oil never failed to make him nauseous.

    “Buzz, buzz~” His phone vibrated suddenly. Lu Li unlocked the screen and saw a message from a contact with a pony profile picture.

    [Sunshine Rainbow Little Pony: Are you there?]

    [Sunshine Rainbow Little Pony: Hellooo, are you there?]

    A smile crept onto his face as he changed “Sunshine Rainbow Little Pony” to “Sister Yameng.”

    [Lu Li: Nope, not here.]

    Sister Yameng sent a pouting emoji, followed by a large fist.

    [Sister Yameng: I’ve been messaging you all day. Why aren’t you answering?]

    The familiar tone of a concerned girlfriend caught him off guard. He quickly scrolled through their chat history and saw a string of messages sent throughout the day: “Are you there?”, “The bus ride is so boring,” “I’m hungry.”

    He couldn’t help but chuckle. The online Sister Yameng was much livelier than her real-life counterpart. Perhaps it was because she didn’t have the weight of the world on her shoulders in the virtual realm.

    [Lu Li: I can’t use my phone at school. I’ll reply as soon as I’m dismissed.]

    [Sister Yameng: Fine, I forgive you.]

    She sent a meme of a man wearing a green hat, the caption reading, “Just pretend he’s out honing his skills.”

    [Lu Li: Where do you get these weird memes?]

    [Sister Yameng: Xiaowen and the others sent them to me.]

    [Sister Yameng: I’ve arrived in Lingyue City~ Look at what I’m having for dinner.]

    Zou Yameng sent a picture of three or four girls gathered around a table, enjoying Korean barbecue. She added a caption: “The school’s treating us, haha!”

    Lu Li thought for a moment before typing his reply.

    [Lu Li: Looks delicious.]

    As if. He wasn’t even remotely hungry. He just wanted to see his sister happy. And what girl didn’t love good food?

    Sister Yameng didn’t reply for a while. Just as Lu Li assumed she was busy, her message popped up.

    [Sister Yameng: I wish you were here to eat with me, Pear. It’s sooo good! We should definitely have Korean barbecue together sometime!]

    Lu Li didn’t even realize the warmth that emanated from him as he sat at the back of the bus, grinning at the picture of Zou Yameng. The feeling of being cared for and missed was incredibly comforting. He was like a kite soaring through the sky, knowing that he could always retreat to the warmth of the harbor by following the string.

    [Lu Li: Definitely!]

    Zou Yameng responded with a string of drooling emojis, oddly reminiscent of Chu Jingyi’s goofy expressions.

    [Sister Yameng: Are you home yet? Have you eaten? Send me a picture of your dinner. No instant noodles!]

    She was in full-blown caretaker mode again. Lu Li snapped a picture of the bus interior.

    [Lu Li: Still on the bus. Not home yet.]

    [Sister Yameng: Send me a picture of you.]

    [Lu Li: Why?]

    [Sister Yameng: I want to see my dear little brother.]

    [Lu Li: So cheesy. Eww, no way.]

    She replied with an enraged minion emoji.

    [Sister Yameng: Are you sending it or not?]

    Lu Li chuckled at his phone, about to reply when he heard the bus driver announce, “Last stop, everyone!”

    “Huh?” Lu Li stared out the window in disbelief. How could he, a grown man, fall asleep and miss his stop?

    He disembarked awkwardly and began walking back. Thankfully, the low-rent district wasn’t too far from the last stop. After a thirty-minute walk, he finally reached home.

    [Sister Yameng: Why aren’t you replying?]

    [Sister Yameng: Are you there? (poke)]

    [Sister Yameng: Hellooo? #cryingface]

    After preparing a bowl of instant noodles, Lu Li finally checked his phone and burst into laughter upon seeing the barrage of messages from his sister. An Baili used to do the same thing in his past life. If they were apart for even a day or two, she’d bombard him with messages and call him constantly to check in.

    [Lu Li: I’m home. I fell asleep and missed my stop. I was too engrossed in our conversation.]

    [Sister Yameng: Hehe, go eat your dinner and get some rest. I’ll let you be.]

    [Lu Li: Okay.]

    Meanwhile, back at the hotel in Lingyue City, Zou Yameng lay on the double bed, giggling at her phone. Despite saying she wouldn’t bother him, she kept typing and deleting messages.

    Her roommate, Zhou Wen, was getting annoyed by the constant tapping sounds. “Yameng, who are you chatting with? You seem awfully happy.”

    “Do I?”

    “Don’t you ‘do I’ me. Did you win the lottery or something? You looked absolutely miserable on the bus.”

    Zou Yameng blushed slightly. “Just checking in with my little brother.”

    “What kind of little brother? A boyfriend disguised as a brother, perhaps?”

    Zou Yameng threw a pillow at her. “You’re so nosy!”

    The two girls playfully wrestled for a bit before collapsing onto their beds, exhausted. The long bus ride had taken its toll.

    Zou Yameng lay there, unconsciously reaching for her phone again. She stared at her brother’s profile picture, a pear, her heart feeling a little empty. She didn’t want to end their conversation. She wanted to keep chatting, about anything and everything, as long as she could feel his presence, his thoughts directed at her.

    Zhou Wen stealthily peered at her phone screen and teased, “It’s definitely a boyfriend disguised as a brother. Look at that nickname~”

    Zou Yameng quickly covered her friend’s mouth, her face crimson. “Don’t you dare!”

    “But it’s true!”

    “I’ll sew your mouth shut!”

    “Lalalala~”

    *

    By the time Lu Li finished his homework, the moon had already risen high in the sky. He was a night owl, his mind most active in the late hours.

    People often said that daytime belonged to logic, while nighttime belonged to emotions. At night, people were more sentimental and prone to negativity. That was why one should never make decisions at night, especially online purchases after midnight. This was a lesson Lu Li had learned the hard way.

    He was feeling rather emotional at the moment, a surge of creative energy coursing through him. If only he had a computer at hand.

    With that thought, he opened the online shopping app and browsed through computers. The cheapest one that met his requirements was over seven thousand yuan, excluding the monitor.

    Too expensive. Lu Li had a little over ten thousand yuan in savings, money he had earned from part-time jobs, supplemented by Sister Yameng. This was their living expenses, and he couldn’t touch it.

    He wished a rich and generous sugar momma would come along and spoil him. As soon as this whimsical thought crossed his mind, he was reminded of the clueless Chu Jingyi. She fit the bill perfectly: beautiful, tall, fair-skinned, and incredibly wealthy. Not only did she have money, but her family also had power. Add to that her naive and kind personality, and she was the perfect target.

    Snap out of it, Lu Li!

    He lightly slapped his cheeks. That was close. He couldn’t afford to be swayed by such thoughts. He wasn’t reborn just to be someone’s kept man.

    He glanced at the time. It was still early for him, but Sister Yameng was probably already asleep.

    He opened their chat window and sent her a goodnight message.

    To his surprise, she replied instantly.

    [Sister Yameng: Good night #heart]

    Usually, when people exchanged goodnight messages, one of them wasn’t actually asleep, or perhaps neither of them was. Lu Li hesitated, unsure if he should continue chatting with his sister or let her rest. In the end, he turned off his phone, took out a pen and paper, and began revising the second chapter of his game’s story.

    Unbeknownst to him, in the distant city of Lingyue, Zou Yameng stared at their chat window, her unsent message slowly disappearing as she deleted it character by character.

    [Don’t want to sleep yet~]

    After deleting the message, she finally turned off her phone, justifying it to herself: Pear has class tomorrow. I can’t disturb him; I have to prepare for the warm-up match…

    But she couldn’t help but miss him.

    The night was quiet, the moon outside her window a silent observer. Distance separated them, but the moon illuminated them both. Lost in her thoughts, Zou Yameng finally drifted off to sleep.

  • I Don’t Want to Be Reborn With You 13

    Chapter 13: A Date?

    “What… is your relationship?”

    As soon as the question left Chu Jingyi’s lips, Lu Li and An Baili answered almost simultaneously.

    “We’re not involved.”

    “Boyfriend and girlfriend.”

    Lu Li shot An Baili a murderous look. Faced with Chu Jingyi’s suspicious gaze, he decided to reveal a partial truth. “She’s my ex-girlfriend.” Ex-wife counted as ex-girlfriend, right?

    “So, you two knew each other all along.” Chu Jingyi suddenly connected the dots. “I knew there was something strange going on.”

    Lu Li felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple. Was it that obvious? Even she could tell? Perhaps he was overthinking things. Was it because he was still hung up on An Baili? No, impossible. He would rather jump off a building than harbor even the slightest bit of affection for her!

    Progressing from “not involved” to “ex-girlfriend” was still progress. An Baili silently cheered for herself. At the same time, she observed Chu Jingyi’s expression. Seeing the class monitor’s sullen demeanor, An Baili’s heart skipped a beat. “Jingyi, are you upset?” she asked cautiously.

    “Of course, I’m upset.” Chu Jingyi frowned. “This is important! How could you two keep it from me, your friend? Do you think I’m that unreasonable?”

    So that was what she was angry about? Both An Baili and Lu Li felt a wave of relief wash over them.

    Chu Jingyi was known for her impartiality at school – though Lu Li wholeheartedly disagreed. She seemed like the type to break up couples and gossip behind their backs. But was that really who she was? Of course not.

    From Chu Jingyi’s perspective, Lu Li and An Baili had kept their past relationship a secret because they were worried about her judgment. This feeling of being misunderstood by her friends was incredibly hurtful.

    “Even though dating in high school isn’t ideal, I’m not completely unreasonable.” Her voice grew quieter. “If you’re friends, I can turn a blind eye.”

    Where are your principles, class monitor? Lu Li sighed internally. Chu Jingyi had always been the center of attention, growing up surrounded by admirers. To put it bluntly, she had an overinflated ego, thinking that everything revolved around her, even a tree falling a thousand miles away.

    He interrupted her self-righteous justification. “Class monitor, An Baili and I are over. I swear.”

    “Is that true?” This time, her question was directed at An Baili.

    “No, it’s not.” An Baili stood her ground. “We were worried that you’d discriminate against us, think we’re bad students, so we didn’t dare to tell you… We’re sorry.”

    You’re really selling it, An Baili. You’ve honed your acting skills after your rebirth.

    Lu Li cursed her silently, but he couldn’t be bothered to explain to the clueless class monitor. He believed actions spoke louder than words.

    He pulled out his hard drive and said goodbye to Mr. Chen, but the teacher stopped him. “Your Majesty…a word of advice. It’s a crime to do *that* with underage girls. Don’t stray down the wrong path.”

    Lu Li couldn’t help but run a hand through his thinning hair. “Don’t you have anything better to do?”

    “I’m just looking out for you. I wouldn’t want to see you end up behind bars.”

    “Get a life.”

    Was he really that kind of person? Lu Li frowned, wondering if his persona had been completely misinterpreted. He wasn’t a scumbag! He prided himself on being a straight shooter. Yet, everyone around him seemed to harbor these strange misconceptions about him.

    He quickened his pace, deliberately putting distance between himself and the two girls trailing behind him like ducklings.

    An Baili and Chu Jingyi walked hand in hand, whispering amongst themselves. Their conversation revolved mostly around relationships, leaving the naive Chu Jingyi feeling like her head was about to burst with steam, like a kettle on the verge of boiling over.

    “Is Lu Li… really that perverted?” Chu Jingyi asked hesitantly.

    “Yep,” An Baili replied, relishing the opportunity to stir up trouble. “He’s practically starving for it. You better stay far away from him. Jingyi, you don’t… like Lu Li, do you?”

    “No!” she immediately retorted. “No way. Lu Li is my good friend. I don’t have those kinds of feelings for him. Besides, we’re still in high school. Isn’t it too early to be thinking about dating?” Her words stumbled out, betraying the turmoil An Baili’s words had caused.

    Good. An Baili nodded in satisfaction, patting the back of Chu Jingyi’s hand as if comforting a puppy. “Jingyi, you have to be careful with boys. They like to say one thing and do another. Deep down, all they think about is *that*.”

    Is… Is that true? Chu Jingyi felt dizzy.

    She snuck a glance at the boy walking ahead of them, his back turned. He looked so clean-cut, almost ethereal. Yet, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that she wasn’t looking at a classmate, but at a dangerous beast.

    *

    Back in the classroom, Chu Jingyi was distracted, An Baili’s words echoing in her mind like a curse. She was even afraid to approach Lu Li, terrified that he might suddenly pounce on her like a predator.

    Lu Li felt that explaining himself to the class monitor would be a lost cause. He would be fighting a losing battle. So, he kept a straight face, acting like everyone owed him a fortune. Even the teacher asked if he was feeling unwell.

    Finally, Chu Jingyi seemed to have calmed down a little. She cautiously approached Lu Li. “Lu Li, are you free this weekend?”

    Is she asking me out on a date? Both Lu Li and An Baili thought simultaneously.

    As if sensing An Baili’s misunderstanding, Chu Jingyi quickly explained, “It’s nothing like that. My mom is back from vacation, and she heard that I made a new friend. She’d like to meet you. Of course, Baili, you should come too.”

    “Your mom?” An Baili was taken aback. Is this what it’s like to be rich and spoiled? Needing parental approval to hang out with a friend? No wonder the class monitor had so few friends. It wasn’t just her, it was her family too.

    Lu Li shared a similar sentiment. He felt that Chu Jingyi’s parents were being overly protective.

    An Baili was timid by nature and hated meeting strangers. The thought of meeting Chu Jingyi’s parents made her shrink back like a frightened rabbit. When she learned that Chu Jingyi’s father would be home as well, she shook her head vehemently.

    “Lu Li, will you come?” Chu Jingyi pleaded, her eyes fixed on him. The naive girl thought, My friends are important to me, and so are my parents. It should be a happy occasion for everyone to meet.

    Lu Li hesitated, unable to utter a word. He was befriending Chu Jingyi, not her parents. Couldn’t she understand? It was one thing if her parents were ordinary people, but with their social standing… who wouldn’t feel pressured to meet them?

    He had already done his research. Chu Jingyi’s father, Chu Xiaodong, was the equivalent of the city manager of Chuanhai, second only to the mayor in position but wielding far more power. More importantly, his online biography clearly stated that he had been transferred from the central government two years ago to a prosperous city like Chuanhai. What did that imply?

    To make matters worse, he couldn’t find any information online about Chu Xiaodong’s family background.

    Looking at Chu Jingyi, her expectant gaze resembling that of a lost puppy, Lu Li felt like he wasn’t looking at a classmate, but at a golden ticket to success.

    “Lu Li, will you come?” the clueless girl asked again.

    Can I even say no? he thought to himself, but the word that escaped his lips was a resigned, “Yes.”

    A bright smile spread across Chu Jingyi’s face, her eyes crinkling at the corners. She looked incredibly sweet.

  • As a villain, I just want them to behave 51

    Chapter 51: The Black Invitation that Marks an End

    “Winnie, you can’t go with him! He’s a devil! He’ll only hurt you!” Paul pleaded, despair etched on his face. He was powerless to stop her.

    “I’m sorry, Paul. I have no choice.” Winnie wiped away her tears and turned away.

    She grasped the carriage door, ready to leave.

    “Thud!”

    Paul, abandoning his pride, fell to his knees. He had to stop her.

    She was not only the girl he loved but also his last hope.

    If he lost her, he would lose any chance of rising above his circumstances.

    “Winnie, if you leave, I’ll kneel here until I die.” He looked at her with pleading eyes, the sincerity of his emotions unclear.

    But Winnie believed him. His desperate plea pierced her heart.

    “Paul, why are you doing this to yourself?” She clutched her head, torn between her feelings and her obligations.

    Roden, standing between them, remained impassive, a silent sentinel, faithfully carrying out Kailun’s orders.

    “Winnie, come back! Everything will be alright! I’ve found a way to become stronger! I’ve even met some powerful people! Just give me time, and I’ll reach the top!”

    Paul pounded on the ground, his fists bloody.

    “I’m sorry, Paul. I truly have no choice. I can’t disobey my family.”

    She retrieved a bag of gold coins from the carriage and placed it on the ground before him. “Here’s one thousand gold coins. I hope it helps.”

    With those parting words, she stepped into the carriage and closed the curtains.

    Roden mounted his horse and followed behind, bringing up the rear.

    “Winnie! I can’t live without you!” Paul scrambled to his feet and cried out.

    He took two steps after the carriage and then turned back to retrieve the bag of gold coins. He activated Windwalk and chased after them.

    “Winnie! How can I live without you!”

    As if to taunt him, the carriage slowed down whenever he fell behind, only to accelerate again when he got within twenty meters.

    He finally reached the manor gates, exhausted and breathless.

    “Kailun? Auntie?”

    He spotted not only Kailun but also his aunt, her waist encircled by Kailun’s arm.

    “My friend, long time no see. Did you work hard today?”

    Kailun greeted him cheerfully, his free hand waving.

    “You bastard! What have you done to Winnie?!”

    Paul glared at him, a flicker of envy in his eyes as he noticed Kailun’s hand on his aunt’s waist. “You’re deceitful, cunning, and despicable! What won’t you do? You’re a devil! You deserve to die!”

    Kailun chuckled, pleased by his outburst. “Thank you for the compliment. But you still don’t know me well enough. I’ll have you know that I not only break people’s limbs and steal their childhood sweethearts, but I also eliminate their loved ones right before their eyes. Don’t I deserve even higher praise?”

    Paul’s eyes widened in realization, and he stumbled back, sensing the danger.

    Kailun’s gaze was filled with malicious intent. This was exactly what he planned to do!

    “Please don’t hurt Paul! I’ll do anything you ask! I have nothing to do with him anymore!”

    Winnie, who had been hiding inside the carriage, couldn’t bear to watch. She jumped out and pleaded with Kailun.

    “But he just insulted me. As a fellow noble, you should know the punishment for a commoner insulting a noble, right?” Kailun narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixed on Winnie.

    He loathed this foolish woman.

    In his past life, she had stayed behind to cover Paul’s escape, leading to his failed ambush. He had paid a heavy price, only to gain her life in return.

    He regretted killing her with a single sword thrust. It had been too merciful.

    Thankfully, Paul hadn’t even touched her hand before she died, which had brought him some comfort.

    He didn’t care about winning her heart. As long as Paul knew he had claimed her body, it would be enough.

    He enjoyed making these bad women cry. And Winnie, who still loved Paul, was the perfect target.

    He loved being the villain!

    He longed to hear her cries of sorrow and despair.

    Wouldn’t it be delightful to torment her, reminding her of her feelings for Paul, and then forcing her to call him “Master”?

    [Your mindset has shifted once more. You have become even more twisted. New title acquired: Intermediate Villain.]

    [Intermediate Villain: Enhances the effects of your talents, increasing not only your own pleasure but also the pleasure of those around you. Mental Pollution intensified. Corruption rate increased.]

    [New talent acquired: Destiny’s String-Puller.]

    [Destiny’s String-Puller: Allows favorability towards you to exceed the normal limits for certain individuals who are crucial to the world’s fate. Currently applicable to: Carol (Final Boss), Paul (Fate’s Protagonist), Fox Spirit (Fate’s Thief).]

    [Warning: Killing key individuals will significantly alter fate lines. Choose wisely. Excessive favorability, while granting greater power, is inherently a perverse phenomenon.]

    Kailun glanced at the system notifications. He was stronger now, and the leeks had grown taller. Good news all around.

    Paul truly was favored by fate. Even in his current predicament, he still had a chance to survive.

    As for the Fox Spirit, that was the foolish fox he had encountered earlier. She remained as enigmatic as ever.

    “Paul, apologize to Kailun! He’ll kill you!”

    Winnie was pleading with Paul.

    “Winnie, I… I can’t.”

    “Hah, you can’t even apologize now?” Kailun released Ella and walked over to Winnie, wrapping his arm around her waist. “You seemed quite eager to kneel before those old nobles last night. Why are you so reluctant to apologize to me?”

    Winnie’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Paul, is that true?”

    Her image of him crumbled.

    It wasn’t just that he had been sold to a brothel because he couldn’t repay his debts. He had changed.

    “It’s not like that, Winnie! Don’t listen to him! I didn’t do anything!” Paul roared.

    “Oh, and have you noticed the black marks on his neck? Those are signs of the poison. I heard all those nobles who enjoyed themselves at the banquet are infected.”

    Kailun tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at the faint marks on Paul’s neck.

    [Paul is disgusted by your revelation and plans to kidnap and torture you. Current favorability -3. Total favorability: -95.]

    Paul covered his neck, his gaze shifting nervously. He couldn’t deny it any longer.

    To add fuel to the fire, Kailun gently lifted Winnie’s chin, forcing her to look at him.

    “If you kiss me passionately in front of Paul, I’ll forgive his disrespect. Otherwise, I’ll break his legs. All three of them.”

    “…I understand…”

    She fought back tears and slowly leaned towards him.

    “No! I’m sorry! I was wrong! Winnie, please don’t do this! I’ll apologize!”

    Paul’s resolve finally shattered as their lips met.

    [Paul wants to kill you. Favorability -4. Total favorability: -99.]

    “Oh, and my wedding is the day after tomorrow. I expect you to attend.”

    He released her after a long kiss, wiping his lips as he retrieved a black invitation from his pocket.

    It was a wedding invitation, yet it was black. The names of the invitees were written in crimson ink, creating a gruesome illusion of blood splattered across the paper.

    The names on the first line were all too familiar: Hilna, Lodis, Harry, Vivian, Phils, Ella, Winnie, Anderson, Loston, Shirley, Kostja… and, at the very end, Paul.

  • As a villain, I just want them to behave 50

    Chapter 50: We’re Not Compatible

    “He brought back a thousand people?” Hilna’s voice rose in alarm.

    “Yes, but they seem to be a merchant caravan. They entered the city with a large shipment of goods.”

    “It can’t be that simple. A thousand people? They must be Kailun’s elite forces. But a thousand men won’t change anything. This is good news.”

    She glanced at the sun outside. “Assemble the Royal Knights immediately. We’re surrounding Orchid Castle.”

    “Right away!” Shirley rushed out, worried about the princess’s decision. Was attacking Kailun truly the right move?

    However, Hilna’s mental state was clearly deteriorating. She hadn’t slept properly in three days and had reportedly stayed up all night.

    At this rate, she might collapse before even claiming the throne.

    And Kailun was the cause of her suffering. He had been playing her like a fiddle.

    Shirley longed to crush his manor with her troops.

    …

    “Ow! Ow! Ow!”

    It was noon. Lodis, the Second Prince, who had dismissed his guests hours ago, suddenly clutched his head and rolled off the bed.

    The blue-robed Archbishop, Harry, lying beside him, frowned, his face contorted with pain. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead.

    Thankfully, he was far stronger than Lodis and could suppress the pain.

    After neutralizing the poison within him, he cast a spell on Lodis to dull his senses, silencing his screams.

    “We’ve been tricked.” Harry’s face was grim.

    “Who did this? I’ll kill them!”

    Lodis, drenched in sweat, struggled to his feet and slumped onto a chair, his face contorted with rage.

    “Report! Princess Hilna is approaching with ten thousand Royal Knights! They’ve surrounded the castle!”

    A subordinate reported from outside the bedroom.

    “I knew it! That damn woman!” Lodis punched a nearby cabinet, shattering it.

    “Assemble the Royal Guard! I don’t believe she’ll dare to attack!”

    He hastily dressed and stumbled out of the room.

    Harry hesitated. In the past, he would have joined Lodis in confronting Hilna, but not now.

    He had received orders to remain calm. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Xiya Kingdom had attracted unwanted attention. The Divine Church would send someone to handle the situation.

    According to his information, the Saint and the Saintess would arrive in three days to take over his duties.

    “It’s a shame. That boy from last night was quite delightful. I wonder if he would have joined the Divine Church.”

    He recalled Paul with a wistful expression. Both using him and being used by him had been exquisite.

    …

    “Aaaargh!”

    Meanwhile, Paul, who had been sold to a brothel, screamed as the poison coursed through his veins.

    He was incredibly unlucky. He hadn’t even touched those women, but he had been indirectly poisoned, and the severity was increasing.

    “Shut up! Are you crazy?!”

    The obese woman on top of him slapped him angrily. “Do you know how much I paid for you? If not for your pretty face, I would have broken your bones already!”

    “Heh…”

    Paul chuckled bitterly, enduring the pain and humiliation. His mindset had undergone a drastic transformation.

    “Knock, knock, knock!”

    Someone knocked on the door, interrupting their activities. The old madam’s voice called out, “Paul, you’re free to go. Someone has come to redeem you.”

    Her words were like a lifeline. He shoved the woman off him and, as she stared at him in shock, kicked her, knocking her unconscious.

    “Die, you fat pig!”

    He cursed her and then, ignoring the pain in his backside, stumbled out of the room.

    “Madam, do you know who redeemed me?” He asked urgently.

    He carefully closed the door, hiding the unconscious woman from view.

    “A young and beautiful noble lady. If you hurry, you might still catch her.”

    The madam pointed him in the right direction, her face beaming with joy.

    She had bought Paul back at a high price this morning and had just sold him for triple the amount. What a profit!

    “Winnie?”

    Based on the madam’s description, he instantly thought of his childhood friend, Winnie.

    But instead of joy, he felt a surge of shame and anger.

    To be redeemed from a brothel by the girl he loved…

    “Damn it, Kailun! I’ll kill you!”

    He bit his tongue and ran in the direction the madam had indicated, imagining Winnie’s disappointment.

    “Wait! Your father is still in the next room! No one has redeemed him yet! Remember to earn more money and redeem him soon!”

    The madam’s words made him stumble.

    He chose his childhood friend over his useless father and continued running, the pain in his backside forgotten.

    “Winnie! Where are you going?”

    He turned a corner and spotted her.

    She was as beautiful as ever, one of the Five Great Beauties of the Royal City, the dream girl of countless young men.

    She was about to enter a carriage. A luxurious carriage that looked familiar. Kailun’s carriage.

    Paul: “…”

    A wave of dread washed over him. Had that devil Kailun taken even Winnie from him?

    “Paul?” She turned to face him, her eyes filled with sadness.

    “Winnie, where are you going? Don’t do anything rash!”

    He rushed towards her, reaching for her wrist, but Roden blocked his path, his gaze cold and menacing. “Sir, please stay away from my master’s new concubine. One step closer, and I’ll take your head.”

    Paul froze, trapped by Roden’s killing intent. He clenched his fists, cursing his own weakness.

    “Paul, don’t do anything foolish. We’re not compatible. If I don’t choose him, my family will…”

    She shook her head, tears streaming down her face.

    Paul felt like his world was collapsing.

     

    Winnie: