Dobytranslations

Blog

  • A Girl Dies Every Day in Her Dream Life 174

    Chapter 174: Aptitude Upgrade, Resisting Withering

    Dugu Xue was still very weak, practically on the verge of death.

    She didn’t stay awake for long, her eyelids growing heavy, and soon she fell asleep again in Luo Xue’s arms.

    Luo Xue held her gently, a faint smile on her lips.

    But her expression quickly turned serious.

    She hadn’t gone through all this trouble to escape the imperial palace just for a leisurely outing…

    Many things weren’t convenient within the palace; there were too many powerful cultivators.

    The Great Qin Imperial Capital was one of the places with the highest concentration of powerful cultivators in the Ancient Demon Lands. Soul Transformation cultivators were everywhere, and Nascent Soul cultivators were common.

    Actually, outside the Imperial Capital, there were also ordinary mortals and low-level cultivators, and Nascent Soul cultivators were still considered old monsters.

    Compared to the caged world, the Ancient Demon Lands weren’t that different, just seemingly stronger because there was no upper limit to cultivation.

    Besides this, and the difference in population and territory, the caged world wasn’t inferior.

    If the nine provinces and four domains had the same environment, the forbidden area lords and the ancient beings wouldn’t be limited to the Soul Transformation Realm.

    Luo Xue even suspected that they had the potential to reach Tribulation Immortal and above.

    It was just that the nine provinces and four domains were a land of scarcity, barely able to support a few peak Soul Transformation cultivators, let alone those at Ascension or Tribulation Immortal.

    “Oh right, where are we now?”

    Luo Xue took out the map she had prepared, intending to determine their location.

    But just then, Xue Ling reached out and took the map.

    “Hmm?”

    Luo Xue was stunned, then saw Xue Ling point to a location.

    “You’re saying, we’re currently… here?”

    Luo Xue asked tentatively, and Xue Ling nodded slightly in confirmation.

    “Hmm…”

    Luo Xue looked at Xue Ling. Although she knew puppetry, Xue Ling was a Soul Transformation puppet…

    Incredibly powerful, there weren’t many like her, even in the Ancient Demon Lands, let alone the nine provinces and four domains.

    Therefore, Luo Xue probably didn’t know much more about Xue Ling than Dugu Xue did.

    At most, because she knew puppetry, she could control Xue Ling for a short time…

    However, Xue Ling felt strange to Luo Xue. Although she wasn’t sentient, she still had some autonomy, not completely following orders.

    How to describe it…

    Like… a not very smart AI…

    Perhaps one day, Xue Ling would also develop sentience like an artifact spirit.

    Thinking of this, Luo Xue took out the Snow Blade given to her by Concubine Min.

    When giving it to her, Concubine Min had already severed the connection between them, and now the Snow Blade completely belonged to Luo Xue.

    She could use it as an ordinary spiritual artifact, or refine it into her natal spiritual artifact.

    Because the Snow Blade’s artifact spirit seemed to like her…

    Holding the Snow Blade, Luo Xue could feel a sense of joy from it, like a child.

    Luo Xue just gently stroked it, and the Snow Blade flew up, circling around her.

    Soon, the Snow Blade’s spirit found the place it wanted to be.

    It quickly styled Luo Xue’s waist-length hair, then turned itself into a hairpin, nestled among her white hair.

    “This…”

    Luo Xue was speechless. She had never seen such a clearly sentient artifact spirit.

    She conjured a mirror, which showed her true appearance—actually, a disguise created with the Thousand Faces Cultivation Art.

    Because Luo Xue’s face had been changed to resemble Dugu Xue’s by either the Empress or the Immortal Emperor…

    Unable to find a way to restore it, Luo Xue could only resort to this method.

    “Well, it’s from Imperial Concubine Min after all, her hairstyle is much better than my own messy attempts.”

    Luo Xue couldn’t help but smile wryly and dispelled the mirror.

    Even a weapon was better at styling her hair than she was…

    Luo Xue composed herself and started examining the map.

    It was a very detailed map, drawn on “Universe Cloth,” even the mountain ranges and the distribution of various factions were clearly marked.

    Luo Xue just had to look at a certain location, and the corresponding information would appear in her mind.

    Luo Xue couldn’t help but think that if she had such a map when she was wandering in the Demon Abyss…

    But that was impossible.

    Universe Cloth wasn’t a common item. It was usually used to create secret realms. Using it to make a map was a luxury only the imperial family could afford.

    Any random item in the imperial palace was a top-tier magical treasure, but Luo Xue was worried that taking too many would arouse suspicion, so she hadn’t taken much.

    “Now… so, we’re this far from the Imperial Capital?”

    Luo Xue was a bit shocked. This teleportation had taken them almost one-third of the way across the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty.

    If they had gone in another direction, Luo Xue would have ended up in the vast and dangerous Endless Sea.

    This was partly due to the spatial collapse after breaking through the restriction, and also because Luo Xue, worried that the power wasn’t enough, had used most of Xue Ling’s strength for the teleportation.

    “Around here… hmm?”

    Luo Xue looked at the map again and saw a familiar yet unfamiliar place.

    —The Nangong Sacred Land.

    “It’s less than ten thousand miles from our current location… about six or seven hours by plane, practically next door in this world.”

    Luo Xue frowned slightly, lost in thought.

    There were three main reasons for her leaving the imperial palace.

    First, to find a Core Formation secret realm. Her cultivation had been at the peak of Foundation Establishment for a while now, and she should start preparing for Core Formation.

    Even having seen Nascent Soul cultivators treated like nothing in the imperial palace, Luo Xue still felt that she should progress steadily, there was no need to rush…

    The Eternal Withering Body wasn’t a good thing. Being surrounded by withering, for a living being, was like purgatory.

    Second, to find the caged world.

    Since there were records of the Ancient Demon Lands in the nine provinces and four domains, and there were also powerful demons from the Ancient Demon Lands appearing in the caged world, there must be a passage between the two.

    Unfortunately, Phoenix Venerable hadn’t been willing to say anything, only repeating her duty as a Gatekeeper.

    The last reason, and also the most important one, was…

    To find Senior Sister Li and stop her from running around using her face…

    Luo Xue knew that Senior Sister Li was only doing this because she thought Luo Xue wouldn’t come to this world.

    After all, she had also had the same thought in the post-apocalyptic world…

    If she appeared before Senior Sister Li, they could clear things up.

    Luo Xue exhaled and opened the panel, which she hadn’t used in a while.

    She was instantly shocked.

    [Current Realm: Foundation Establishment (Peak)]
    [Survival Points: 6580]
    [Poison Resistance: 100]
    [Strength: 100]
    [Soul: 100]
    [Cultivation Aptitude: Extraordinary Talent (Next Stage: Peerless Aptitude)]
    [Divine Ability Aptitude: Barely There (Next Stage: Extraordinary Talent)]
    [Obtained Law: Space-Time Sword Intent]
    [Currently Possessed Laws: Sword Intent of Withering, Sword Intent of Space-Time]

    So many survival points…

    Luo Xue opened the record and saw a long list, making her gasp.

    They were all from her escape from the imperial palace.

    “All Ascension Realm and Tribulation Immortal…”

    Luo Xue broke out in a cold sweat, feeling a chill down her spine.

    This was thanks to the large-scale restriction within the imperial palace complex, which suppressed the power of cultivators within, even the guards.

    Many abilities that could be used outside, such as Divine Sense detection, teleportation, and even some law-level powers, were suppressed within the imperial palace.

    If not for these restrictions, with the various abilities of Soul Transformation cultivators and above, if just one snuck in, the weaker members of the imperial family would be in great danger.

    This had actually made things easier for Luo Xue, who was at Foundation Establishment. And during her time as a princess, she had thoroughly explored the entire imperial palace, except for a few forbidden areas.

    Although, to Luo Xue, the imperial palace was her home…

    Fortunately, everything had gone smoothly, and Luo Xue didn’t see any records of Sea Crossing Realm cultivators in her survival point log.

    This meant that there weren’t any Sea Crossing Realm experts in the imperial palace, as rumored. That “Wei” was probably just close to that level.

    With so many survival points, Luo Xue maxed out all her basic attributes, reaching the limit of 100.

    Including physical resistance, magical resistance, technique strength… etc. All of her basic attributes reached the peak, the level of a peerless genius.

    After maxing these out, she still had over 3000 survival points left, and her divine ability aptitude was also upgraded to the next level, “Extraordinary Talent.”

    However, she couldn’t reach “Peerless Aptitude” yet, which required 10,000 points.

    The improvement in her basic attributes was obvious to Luo Xue.

    Now, all her attributes were at their theoretical maximum, enough to crush opponents of the same level just with her stats.

    Even if there were one or two peerless geniuses who could match her in a few aspects, they couldn’t compare overall.

    But…

    The “Extraordinary Talent” divine ability aptitude didn’t seem to bring any changes to her talent. Luo Xue looked carefully, but her pupils were still just Double Pupils, not a qualitative change like from Calamity Poison Body to Eternal Withering Body.

    “Perhaps it requires some conditions to trigger…”

    Luo Xue pondered and could only come to this conclusion.

    The evolution of the Calamity Poison Body wasn’t necessarily the Eternal Withering Body. It was because she was in the Blood Sea, filled with the will of withering.

    Luo Xue guessed that a high-level divine ability aptitude required certain conditions to trigger, perhaps encountering something, or learning something.

    Without meeting these conditions, there wouldn’t be any effects.

    However, even without the Double Pupils evolving, Luo Xue’s comprehension of divine abilities should now be on par with Li Guijiao’s.

    Li Guijiao was truly a once-in-a-millennium genius. It was only because she was from the Peerless Summit Sect, which specialized in swordsmanship, that her talent for the four arts and divine abilities wasn’t discovered.

    Otherwise, with her talent, she would be more than qualified to be a “Holy Maiden” of the Peerless Summit Sect.

    “Judging by Imperial Concubine Min’s attitude towards her, Senior Sister Li should be doing quite well in this world, right?”

    Luo Xue thought of this, a smile appearing on her lips.

    “Ugh…”

    Just then, a painful moan came from her arms.

    Luo Xue looked down, frowning slightly.

    Dugu Xue’s face was twisted in pain, even in her sleep.

    A strange power surged within her body, struggling to resist the encroaching withering, but it couldn’t completely stop the erosion.

    At the same time, Xue Ling approached, her cold hand resting on Dugu Xue’s forehead.

    The strange power seemed to be strengthened, suddenly pushing back the withering.

    But… the traces left by the withering couldn’t be healed.

    And the residual will of withering continued to torment Dugu Xue.

    The strange power should be the technique cast by the Immortal Emperor, maintained by Xue Ling’s power, a temporary solution to prolong Dugu Xue’s life, keeping her on the verge of death.

    But the Immortal Emperor didn’t understand withering. Although he could sense its presence, he couldn’t perceive it like Luo Xue could.

    Luo Xue sighed, rubbed Dugu Xue’s hair, and sent her spiritual power into Dugu Xue’s body.

    The residual will of withering was still stubbornly resisting the strange power. Dispelling it would take a lot of effort, and during this process, Dugu Xue would be in constant pain.

    Of course, this was the Immortal Emperor’s method.

    Luo Xue had her own.

    Gentle spiritual power flowed through Dugu Xue’s unopened meridians, and the will of withering it touched vanished completely within a few breaths.

    A healthy flush returned to Dugu Xue’s pale face, and the pain finally subsided.

    “It seems… it’s still somewhat useful.”

    Luo Xue sighed and looked at her own spiritual power, which was a strange purplish-red.

    She had chosen to cultivate the modified Xuanyin Phoenix Transformation Scripture from True Person Fengyin, a technique related to the will of withering, which was why her spiritual power was this color.

    Because it was related to the will of withering, it could dispel the residual withering.

    However… Luo Xue had to bear the burden herself.

    “Luo… Big Sister Luo…”

    Dugu Xue woke up and opened her eyes weakly, seeing Luo Xue’s serious expression.

    She quickly learned what had just happened from Xue Ling and grabbed Luo Xue’s hand, slightly agitated.

    “Big Sister Luo, don’t do this… You didn’t have to save me. I’m already dying, I don’t want to drag anyone else down…”

    “…It’s not dragging you down.” Luo Xue shook her head. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”

    Just then, Luo Xue suddenly thought of something and asked,

    “By the way, Little Dugu, why didn’t you choose to cultivate? Embarking on the immortal path would at least make you feel better, lessening the pain and torment.”

    For a mortal to withstand the struggle between the Immortal Emperor’s technique and the will of withering, surviving until now was already a miracle, requiring incredible willpower.

    Luo Xue had only realized after meeting her that Dugu Xue possessed such strong willpower, even stronger than her own.

  • You’re Not Allowed to Kiss Me Anymore! [Quick Transmigration] 60p1

    Chapter 60 p1

    Xin Yao sat on the bed, fidgeting, her intertwined fingers nervously tracing the contours of her stomach. She paced back and forth in front of the bed, her anxiety and anticipation growing.

    Then, the door to the walk-in closet creaked open.

    Xin Yao turned her head, her gaze instantly captivated by the figure emerging from the shadows.

    Xu Jingyu, dressed in black, stood in the doorway.

    Calling it a dress was perhaps an exaggeration. The sheer fabric, strategically placed, concealed just enough, yet revealed even more, the interplay of light and shadow a tantalizing tease.

    Her pale skin contrasted sharply with the black fabric, the visual impact striking.

    And to further heighten the effect, she wore a black choker and matching anklets, their simple elegance amplifying the already sensual atmosphere.

    Xin Yao, her heart pounding, her cheeks flushed, her breath catching in her throat, could barely tear her gaze away.

    Seeing her reaction, Xu Jingyu smiled, walking towards her and leaning closer, her lips brushing against Xin Yao’s ear, her voice a husky whisper.

    “Want to touch my tail?”

    She even had a tail!

    Xin Yao’s hand, as if drawn by an invisible force, reached out and gently stroked the fluffy black fox tail dangling between Xu Jingyu’s legs.

    The soft fur, smooth and silky beneath her fingertips, was like a caress, a forbidden touch that made her heart race.

    She knew it was just a costume, a prop, yet in that moment, it felt strangely real, as if she were touching Xu Jingyu’s own tail, her cheeks burning even brighter.

    Xu Jingyu, capturing Xin Yao’s hand before she could pull it away, held it against her cheek, nuzzling against it, her voice a soft murmur.

    “Don’t be shy. I’m yours. You can do anything you want to me.”

    She paused, her dark eyes sparkling with amusement.

    Then, leaning closer, her lips brushing against Xin Yao’s ear, she whispered, “Master.”

    The word, spoken in her cool, slightly husky voice, sent shivers down Xin Yao’s spine, her body flushing with a sudden heat, her mind momentarily blank.

    In that moment, she would have agreed to anything, even being tied up, if Xu Jingyu had asked.

    After a long moment, Xin Yao, her heart still racing, her fingers slightly numb, gently caressed Xu Jingyu’s cheek.

    “I have high standards. If you want to be my little fox, you’ll have to work hard to please me.”

    Xin Yao’s words were mostly bravado.

    She was good at talking a big game, but when it came to the actual act, she would inevitably try to escape, her tears and pleas a familiar refrain.

    But the cunning fox, taking her words literally, seemed determined to fulfill her “master’s” every whim.

    The first half of their encounter was gentle and tender, the fox’s touch light and playful, her lips exploring Xin Yao’s skin with a delicate precision, her movements slow and deliberate, catering to Xin Yao’s preference for a more languid pace.

    But then, something shifted, perhaps when the red rope appeared, its vibrant color a stark contrast against Xin Yao’s pale skin, its tight knots binding her wrists, her body now a captive, her beautiful eyes wide with a mix of fear and desire, her soft pleas echoing through the room.

    Xu Jingyu’s fingers traced the red rope against Xin Yao’s skin, her gaze intense, her excitement growing with each touch.

    And then, she lost control, her passion unrestrained.

    Xin Yao, unable to bear it any longer, her body weak and trembling, pushed against Xu Jingyu, her voice a mix of tears and soft moans.

    “Stop… stop it…”

    “You’re still…”

    “Mmm, I’m your master! Why aren’t you listening to me?!”

    Xu Jingyu leaned down and kissed her, her lips silencing Xin Yao’s protests, then, her voice a husky whisper, her eyes sparkling with amusement, she said, “I’m simply fulfilling my master’s wishes.”

    “Yaoyao said I had to please her, so I’m trying my best. Even if my master’s words are insincere, I can’t stop.”

    Seducing her wasn’t enough. She even had to be a smartass!

    Xin Yao was exasperated, yet also aroused, her body betraying her, her resistance crumbling.

    And so, in the two weeks since Xin Yao had moved in, they had spent most of their time exploring the contents of Xu Jingyu’s extensive lingerie collection, their nights filled with passion and laughter, Xin Yao’s body a canvas for Xu Jingyu’s unrestrained desires, the love bites fading only to be replaced by new ones, a constant cycle of pleasure and pain.

    Xin Yao had become almost afraid of Xu Jingyu, avoiding her whenever she could.

    Today, however, she hadn’t been able to escape, Xu Jingyu capturing her as she tried to flee the bed, pulling her back into her embrace, her touch both gentle and firm.

    Xin Yao, frustrated, had retaliated by biting Xu Jingyu’s shoulder, leaving a row of small, pink marks on her skin.

    Xu Jingyu hadn’t even flinched, her eyes shining with a strange delight, seemingly enjoying the pain.

    Finally, exhausted, Xin Yao had fallen asleep.

    But just a few hours later, she had been jolted awake by a sudden, urgent voice in her mind, like a stone thrown into a still pond, the ripples spreading outwards, disturbing the peaceful surface.

    Her eyes snapped open, her gaze fixed on the darkness, her mind slowly regaining its clarity, realizing it was the system calling her.

    Liu Nuan Nuan was usually reliable, rarely interrupting her unless it was important. A call in the middle of the night meant something was wrong.

    Xin Yao frowned slightly. “What is it?”

    Liu Nuan Nuan scoffed.

    [That scumbag Li Xu is trying to escape.]

    “Huh?”

    [Oh, right, you don’t know.]

    Liu Nuan Nuan smacked herself on the head, then quickly explained how Xu Jingyu, wanting to avenge Xin Yao, had been targeting the Mo family, and how Li Xu, desperate for a powerful patron, had ended up in the clutches of Dan Yan, a ruthless sadist.

    Li Xu’s life under Dan Yan’s control had been a living hell, his every move restricted, forced to crawl and kneel, his body a constant reminder of his subservience.

    He had looked up at Dan Yan, sitting on the sofa, her gaze cold and condescending, and had realized, with a chilling certainty, that she wasn’t joking. She truly saw him as a dog, not a human being.

    And as if that wasn’t enough, he had gradually realized that she had no intention of helping him.

    One day, having finally gathered the courage to ask her about it, Dan Yan had laughed, her laughter loud and mocking, then, her amusement fading, she had looked at him with a mixture of contempt and pity.

    “Doggy, are you joking? You tried to kill someone! Who would be foolish enough to help you? I’m a law-abiding citizen.”

    Damn it!

    Damn it, damn it, damn it!

    She had been playing him all along! She had never intended to help him!

    He had managed to avoid the police for a while, thanks to his connections, but his time was running out. They would be coming for him soon.

    He couldn’t stay here. He had to leave.

    So, that night, he had packed his bags, ready to flee.

    Xin Yao, listening to the system’s report, turned to look at Xu Jingyu’s sleeping face, her heart filled with a warmth and gratitude she hadn’t expected. Xu Jingyu hadn’t even told her, her actions a silent expression of her love and protectiveness.

    Then, a flicker of amusement touched her eyes. Li Xu, a disgusting creature until the very end.

    “What’s the situation now?”

    [He’s almost finished packing.]

    Xin Yao looked at Xu Jingyu, her sleeping face peaceful and serene, and gently tucked the blanket around her before getting out of bed and going to the bathroom.

    She turned on the light, the bright fluorescent light illuminating the small space.

    She paced back and forth, thinking, then finally sat down on the edge of the sink, the cool marble a welcome contrast to the warmth of the bed.

    She opened the system shop, her finger scrolling through the items.

    While Li Xu might not be able to escape, it would be better if he couldn’t even try.

    She would give him a parting gift, a final punishment for his crimes against the original owner.

    After searching for a while, she found the perfect item.

    [Illusion (30 points)]

    [Description: Creates a customized illusion for the target.]

    [Requirements: Must maintain eye contact with the target’s image during activation for precise targeting.]

    [Recommendation: Upgrade to the premium version (50 points) for automatic targeting, no eye contact required.]

    So, they were advertising now?

    50 points?! They were robbing her!

    She had earned only 300 points for an entire lifetime in the previous world! And staying in that world would have cost only 100 points!

    Who would pay for the premium version? Did they think she was stupid?

    As for maintaining eye contact with the target’s image, that was easy. A quick online search revealed hundreds of photos of the scumbag.

    She grabbed her phone, selected a random photo of Li Xu, and held it up, a cold smile playing on her lips.

    Then, she clicked “use.”

    At that very moment, thousands of miles away, Li Xu, having finished packing, walked towards the door.

    As his hand reached for the doorknob, he felt a sudden chill, as if he had been plunged into icy water, the world around him falling silent.

    He shivered, his body trembling, his hair standing on end.

    A sense of unease, a primal fear, gripped him, and he slowly turned his head, his gaze fixed on the figure standing behind him.

    His eyes widened in horror, a scream trapped in his throat, his legs giving way beneath him.

    Standing there, in a bloodstained white dress, her long black hair matted and tangled, half her face caved in, was the ghost of Xin Yao.

    And as he stared at her, she lifted her head, her eyes, or rather, the empty sockets where her eyes had been, fixed on his face, a chilling smile playing on her lips.

    “Li Xu, why did you kill me?”

    Li Xu, terrified, his eyes bloodshot, his body trembling uncontrollably, turned to flee.

    But as he turned, he almost fainted.

    Standing behind him was Ying Xi, her body also covered in blood, her broken ribs protruding from her skin, her appearance gruesome.

    She was smiling, holding a bloody mass in her outstretched hand.

    “Look, it’s our child.”

    Li Xu’s legs gave way, and he collapsed onto the floor, screaming, his body scrambling backwards, his hands pushing against the floor, trying to escape.

    “Who… who are you?! Are you ghosts?! What do you want?!”

    Trapped in the illusion, his memories fragmented and distorted, he saw flashes of his past life, his crimes now a terrifying reality.

    He forgot about Xin Yao, his mind fixated on the original owner’s death.

    His eyes widened in horror, his voice a hoarse scream.

    “Help! Ghosts! There are ghosts!”

    His screams only seemed to excite the two bloody figures, who continued to approach him, their voices echoing in his ears.

    “Why did you kill me? I wanted to live!”

    “Why did you kill me? I was carrying your child! It hurt so much! That night, in the alley, it was so cold! And the blows, they hurt so much!”

    “Why did you kill me?”

    “Why did you kill me?”

    “No, no, there are no ghosts!” Li Xu scrambled backwards, his voice filled with a desperate denial. “You’re just pretending!”

    He grabbed a nearby vase and, in a fit of panic, threw it at the approaching figures.

    But the vase passed through them, as if they were made of air, shattering on the floor behind them.

    The sound, the shattering of glass, the realization that they were indeed ghosts, made Li Xu’s blood run cold.

    The two women laughed, their laughter shrill and mocking, echoing through the night as they continued to approach him.

    “So, an eye for an eye, a life for a life. We’ve come for you, Li Xu. It’s only fair, isn’t it?”

    Their laughter, the oppressive atmosphere, the terror that gripped his heart, it was all too much for him to bear.

    A cold, sharp fingernail traced his eyelid.

    Before he even felt the pain, his mind snapped, his body trembling uncontrollably, his bladder emptying, a warm wetness spreading through his pants.

    “Don’t kill me! Please! I’m sorry! It was all my fault! I didn’t know what I was doing!”

    “Please spare me! Don’t kill me!”

    The man who had spent his entire life climbing, clawing his way to the top, now groveled at their feet, his fear greater than his pride.

    As if his pleas weren’t enough, he scrambled to his feet and kowtowed, his forehead banging against the floor.

    “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! Please don’t kill me!”

    His pathetic display of groveling only earned him a cold stare from the two ghostly figures.

    “Then confess your crimes.”

    Ten minutes later, Li Xu turned himself in.

    The police, alerted by his frantic phone call, arrived quickly, and Li Xu, his voice choked with sobs, rushed towards them, his words a jumbled confession.

    “I did it! It was all me! I wanted to kill them!”

    He could still see them, the two ghostly figures, following him, their gazes fixed on his back.

    Meanwhile, Xin Yao, sitting on the bathroom sink, listening to the dog system’s live report, smiled coldly.

    “Do you think this illusion could be permanent? Let him live like this forever.”

    [The illusion only lasts for an hour. But since you’re staying in this world, you can always use it again, whenever you want. Give him a little taste of hell.]

    Xin Yao chuckled. “You’re so evil.”

    [Thank you. I try.]

  • Transformed into a Female Villain, But Captured by My Beautiful Girl Disciples v2c41

    41. Two Hundred and Fifty for Third Place

     

    Originally, Emperor Shangguan Long’s rules didn’t specify the score for defeating an examiner.

    —He hadn’t anticipated any examinees actually defeating the examiners!

    Even those demonic cultivators hiding their strength wouldn’t reveal their full power.

    And yet, Shangguan Lingyue was defeated by two girls who only seemed to be at the Return to Origin realm.

    Although…

    They had tricked her into falling off the arena, not defeating her directly, but that was still incredibly difficult.

    “Scores don’t really matter for you two,” Shangguan Lingyue said with a smile. “No one else can replicate what you did.”

    “I’ll give you a thousand points each, a score no one else can reach.”

    That was true.

    Before them, most scores were around seventy, with a few reaching eighty. The First Prince and Xuli had a score of one hundred and sixty.

    A thousand points each was a completely different level.

    “Uh…”

    The ignored Gong Yiling raised her hand. “I have a question. How many points do I get!?”

    She had been completely disregarded!

    Even when she asked Shangguan Lingyue directly, the general’s eyes were still on Qiu Shui and Lu Xinyao, discussing their scores.

    Seeing this, Qiu Shui and Lu Xinyao couldn’t help but laugh.

    —This useless master, claiming she wouldn’t help, really didn’t do anything but cheer from the sidelines.

    Although her cheering was actually quite helpful.

    “You…?”

    Shangguan Lingyue finally looked at her. “What did you even do?”

    “What do you mean ‘what did I do’?”

    Gong Yiling said confidently,

    “I was standing right there. You could have chosen to stay and fight them, but because I was cheering, you thought fighting me was pointless, and you fell for their trap.”

    The more she spoke, the more she believed her own reasoning. It was the truth!

    “So, I deserve at least half the credit… no, that’s too much. Maybe a third. Yes, a third.”

    Of course, no one, not even Qiu Shui and Lu Xinyao, believed her.

    It was like saying, *I, along with Shangguan Long, am the most powerful person in the Heartflame Empire.*—What did that have to do with anything?

    However, that was how the rules worked.

    As long as they were a team, even if she did nothing, she would receive the same score.

    Having strong teammates was also a form of strength, a special skill requiring a high level of…

    Shamelessness.

    And Gong Yiling had plenty of that.

    “I think I deserve some points. Otherwise… why don’t you ask these two… uh, these two strong teammates?”

    Gong Yiling shamelessly pushed the question to Qiu Shui and Lu Xinyao.

    —Knowing her identity now, they couldn’t refuse to give her face.

    Master was supreme!

    So—

    “I think she deserves some points.”

    “Ah, I… I also think… she deserves some. Maybe… half of half?”

    Since they had no objections, Shangguan Lingyue didn’t say anything more.

    And she followed Lu Xinyao’s suggestion, giving Gong Yiling half of half.

    What was half of half of a thousand?

    “Let me confirm one last time,” Shangguan Lingyue said, “you two get a thousand points each, and this girl who did nothing gets two hundred and fifty.”

    Yes, two hundred and fifty.

    She didn’t know if the number had any special meaning in this world.

    Although this score practically guaranteed her third place, leaving the fourth place far behind…

    Seeing it on the scoreboard made Gong Yiling feel like a monkey on display.

    —*Look, the third-place winner is a fool!*

    Something like that.

    But it wasn’t a big deal.

    As soon as they left the arena, while Qiu Shui and Lu Xinyao were surrounded by excited spectators, Miss Gong quietly slipped away.

    When she reappeared, she had transformed.

    From an unremarkable, shameless slacker to an elegant, immortal-like Daoist nun in just five minutes.

    She was getting quite good at this.

    “Master!”

    Her attire stood out in the crowd, and Qiu Shui spotted her immediately, finally able to share her excitement.

    “We’ve completed the mission!”

    But Lu Xinyao, or rather, Little Heehee, was even more dramatic.

    Although the duel had little to do with her, her joy overflowed, and she took control, clinging to Gong Yiling.

    “Big Sister~”

    Seeing this, although Qiu Shui felt a twinge of something, she smiled wryly and walked over. “Just as you predicted.”

    “As the Immortal Master predicted?” Shangguan Lingyue, also approaching, asked, puzzled, “What did she predict?”

    “Nothing much.” Gong Yiling said, “I just mentioned that General Shangguan, under the influence of the Bloodthirst Aura, tends to be straightforward and predictable. Just make her lose track of her surroundings, and she’ll fall for the trap.”

    “Ahem…”

    This wasn’t exactly a compliment for a martial arts enthusiast.

    On the battlefield, she and the late General Yan were polar opposites.

    With the Bloodthirst Aura, she could single-handedly take on an entire army. Her strength was monstrous.

    So… she didn’t need any tricks. If you didn’t submit, she would beat you into submission.

    Simple as that.

    “I actually considered that a strength.” Shangguan Lingyue sighed, slightly troubled. “But to be outsmarted by Qiu Ming and Xinyao… I feel like Yaochang will laugh at me.”

    “An examiner being defeated by examinees is indeed a miracle.” Gong Yiling shrugged. “So, Miss General,”

    “Before you defeat my disciples again, don’t mention sparring with me.”

    Just as planned.

    A perfect victory.

     

     

     

  • The Grotesque Miss’s End Story v2c74

    Chapter 74: Blood-Soaked Cathedral 

    Victoria had always been enveloped by the barrier cast by the Old Man, considered an extension of his ability, constantly monitoring everything within the city.

    It was because of this barrier that the Harbingers acted with extreme caution, even Luo Ling’s puppets, scattered throughout Victoria, couldn’t find any trace of them. They were avoiding the Old Man’s surveillance.

    It was also because of this barrier that when Fiona discovered the secret that could shatter the Company, the directors instantly detected it, nearly costing her her life.

    If not for Linna’s intervention, Fiona wouldn’t have escaped.

    Therefore, maintaining the Victoria barrier was crucial, whether for preserving the city’s stability or eliminating unfavorable elements. Even at great personal cost, the Old Man ensured the barrier’s continuous operation.

    But now, this barrier showed signs of fracturing.

    …Was it the Harbingers’ doing?

    This was certainly a possibility, but Luo Ling didn’t think so. The reason was that the Harbingers hadn’t become more aggressive after the barrier’s fracture. Instead, their recent activities had strangely decreased, as if they were wary of something.

    On the other hand, the Company hadn’t panicked due to the barrier’s fracture, instead continuing to steadily push forward with their plan to eliminate Incubation Barriers.

    This meant… the barrier’s fracture was likely part of the Company’s plan, or rather, the Old Man’s plan.

    “Maintaining such a large barrier requires an immense amount of power. Even with the Company’s other methods, the burden on the Old Man must be considerable.”

    Luo Ling pondered for a moment. “Now that I think about it, the reason I almost succeeded in lifting Destined Death from Aunt Fiona was probably partly due to this barrier.”

    The barrier’s fracture meant the Old Man had completely shed his burden and was operating at full power.

    Coupled with the recent unusual activities of both sides…

    “Are they finally going for a final showdown?” Luo Ling’s expression turned serious, but then a thought struck her, her gaze darkening. “Or… are they planning to directly initiate a Boundary collapse?”

    From the secret Fiona revealed, the Company directors’ true objective was to seize a Taboo’s Authority. Even after their previous failure, they were still preparing another attempt, just like before.

    But in the current situation, were they planning a desperate gamble, directly initiating the awakening ritual, or had they abandoned the plan and chosen to risk being devoured by initiating a Boundary collapse to thwart the Harbingers’ scheme?

    “Small ripples before the tsunami…”

    After digesting this information, Luo Ling’s consciousness returned to Alyssa’s body. Only then did she realize she was being carried.

    Stasha, despite her slender appearance, was surprisingly strong, carrying Alyssa in a princess carry, puffing and panting as she moved her to the bathtub.

    Of course, it might also be because Alyssa was quite light.

    The blindfolded nun had a rather shapely figure, curvy in all the right places, unlike Luo Ling’s flat physique.

    Of course, comparing Luo Ling to Alyssa was a bit insulting. Even Alyssa’s sister, Stasha…

    Despite both suffering from childhood malnutrition, with Stasha’s situation even worse than Luo Ling’s, she was still more developed. Her loose, coarse clothing had simply hidden her figure.

    Now, Luo Ling couldn’t use malnutrition as an excuse.

    “……”

    Luo Ling closed her Spore vision. Out of sight, out of mind.

    Since her hands were full carrying Alyssa, Stasha couldn’t check the bathwater’s temperature, so she said,

    “Sister, can you check the water temperature? See if it’s alright? It’s on your left.”

    “Alright.”

    Luo Ling reached out and touched the water—a superfluous action, as Alyssa had lost most of her senses and tactile perception after her Grotesquification, replaced by the Puppet Ballad’s unique senses.

    In other words, Alyssa now only looked human on the surface. She was essentially a large fungal strain with some human organs attached.

    “It’s perfect,” Luo Ling said softly.

    “Okay!” Stasha said, carefully lowering Alyssa into the tub. “Be careful, sister. Move your right hand a bit to the left, yes, a little more, hold on tight.”

    Only after Luo Ling had grasped the edges of the tub did Stasha release her hands.

    With a splash, Alyssa’s body sank into the tub, sending water spraying everywhere.

    “Ahh!”

    Stasha yelped as the water splashed onto her, clutching her slightly reddened arm in shock.

    She reached out to test the water temperature, but the moment her fingers touched the surface, they turned red from the heat. She quickly withdrew her hand.

    “Sister, the temperature is wrong! Here, take my hand, quickly come out! You’ll be cooked if you stay in any longer…”

    “Pfft.”

    Luo Ling couldn’t help but laugh at Stasha’s words, but Stasha was on the verge of tears.

    She thought her sister must have something wrong with her to not feel the water temperature.

    “Just add some cold water,” Luo Ling said. “Maybe it’s old age, my senses are dull. It felt fine to me.”

    How dull could her senses be…

    Stasha’s eyes widened. Her sister wasn’t that old, was she? Only… thirty-seven?

    Without time to think, Stasha quickly extinguished the fire heating the bathwater, then ran to a large bucket of cold water, scooping up a bucketful and pouring it into the tub.

    After several trips, the water temperature finally returned to normal. She wiped the sweat from her forehead.

    …Huh, not that tiring?

    At the same time, Luo Ling withdrew her fungal threads.

    Just a little life hack.

    “Come here, Stasha,” Luo Ling beckoned.

    “What is it, sister?”

    Stasha approached cautiously. She saw her sister reach out and gently brush against her slightly burned arm, instantly soothing the pain.

    Even the redness faded, the burn forming a scab that quickly fell off, revealing new, tender skin.

    “There you go,” Luo Ling said with a gentle smile.

    This was Alyssa’s awakened ability, consuming her inspiration to accelerate wound healing, limited to external injuries that could heal naturally.

    Of course, this was a fairly standard healing ability. If it were Luo Ling’s Puppet Ballad… to heal this kind of injury, she would likely just sever the arm and regrow it. Generating a small patch of skin was more difficult. After all, healing wasn’t the Puppet Ballad’s specialty.

    “Wow, so amazing!” Stasha touched her arm in disbelief, then looked up at Alyssa. “Sister, is this the power of God? But… does God really exist?”

    Stasha, who had never witnessed supernatural powers before, was both amazed and confused.

    Having read many books, Stasha was a rare materialist and atheist in Victoria. Her annotations on religious texts were based entirely on real-world knowledge, making her a heretic in the eyes of the Church.

    Only in front of her sister did Stasha dare to utter such blasphemous words.

    Unfortunately, this world… was no longer “material.”

    “Perhaps,” Luo Ling said with a noncommittal smile.

    This rare moment of warmth was short-lived. After her sister finished her bath, Stasha used the same water.

    Of course, this time, the water temperature was perfect, and Stasha enjoyed a long, relaxing soak.

    Although she was using her sister’s bathwater, Stasha didn’t mind.

    This kind of life was an unimaginable luxury before. They used to only have the opportunity to wash their bodies with clean water once a month, and even then, it was just a quick wipe. A proper bath was unthinkable.

    After her bath, Stasha busily helped her sister dress.

    A large Mass was being held at the Church of Light’s cathedral today, officiated by the Archbishop of the Victorian Anglican Church himself, with countless dignitaries attending. It was a grand occasion.

    Therefore, Alyssa needed to be as clean as possible. She rarely had the opportunity to bathe so thoroughly.

    Clean water was a precious commodity in Victoria, unless one had access to a Water Elemental Path Awakened One, or… an Ice Elemental.

    —The Twintails team’s daily water supply was provided by Cen Xiangyun. Perhaps… this could also be considered a life hack.

    Even Stasha wore a smaller version of a nun’s habit today. Although she wasn’t the Saint, she was the Saint’s younger sister, practically a little Saint herself.

    Except this little Saint harbored heretical thoughts.

    When Stasha wheeled her sister to the cathedral, it was already packed with people, even the area outside overflowing with commoners.

    Upon seeing Saint Alyssa appear, the noisy crowd instantly fell silent. Almost everyone knelt down, reverently performing the holy ritual.

    Being worshipped like this still felt awkward to Luo Ling, but she didn’t withdraw her consciousness, as she sensed an uninvited guest within the cathedral.

    Luo Ling maintained a calm expression, entering the cathedral surrounded by her followers.

    The Mass preparations proceeded smoothly, leaving some time for the Saint’s private prayer.

    Stasha pushed Luo Ling to the room where the Saint usually prayed alone. Luo Ling turned and said softly,

    “Wait for me outside, Stasha. I want to be alone for a while. I’ll be out soon.”

    “Mmm.”

    Stasha nodded and stepped back, making way for Luo Ling to enter the room.

    Luo Ling opened the door, and as expected, an excessively small child stood inside, wearing a slightly ill-fitting scholar’s robe, his childish face bearing a world-weary expression.

    Only one person in all of Victoria dressed like this.

    “Educator,” Luo Ling nodded slightly. “You seem to have… shrunk again.”

    If he had looked like a twelve or thirteen-year-old child before, Educator now looked no older than ten, his complexion even paler.

    “The Boy made his move,” Educator said gravely.

    Luo Ling’s pupils constricted.

    Her guess… was correct.

    The Boy was one of the three Company directors. His personal involvement meant the Company had pushed all their chips into this gamble. Whether it was the awakening ritual or a Boundary collapse… it was imminent.

    “Six of our Harbingers died at his hands, instantly, without exception. They didn’t even have time to activate their secret techniques,” Educator whispered. “I briefly encountered him. Unfortunately… I was slightly outmatched and sustained some injuries.”

    Judging from his significantly younger appearance, it wasn’t just “some injuries”…

    His injuries must be severe.

    Luo Ling hadn’t known about this. Although her intelligence network spanned Victoria, it was limited to low-level information. Ordinary people couldn’t exist within Incubation Barriers, so her power couldn’t penetrate them.

    This meant these events had occurred within Incubation Barriers.

    “Theologian, don’t leave the cathedral during this time. Maintain the status quo. Leave the rest to us,” Educator continued, his voice pausing slightly. “Your talent is unparalleled, your future limitless, so rest assured. At least… protecting your life is not a problem for us.”

    “So, do I still need to spread the White Witch’s aura in the various Incubation Barriers?” Luo Ling asked.

    “No need. We’ve achieved our objective. Now…”

    Educator seemed to realize something, carefully choosing his words before continuing,

    “In short, you’ve done well, Theologian. A new ascension ritual is being prepared. You just need to wait a little longer and you will become the Harbingers’ fifth leader, after Religious.”

    The Harbingers seemed to have a special method to forcibly ascend ranks. Religious had used this method, ascending from a Mid-Order to a High-Order Awakened One in three months, but… the price must have been considerable.

    “…Mmm, thank you, sir.”

    Luo Ling lowered her head in acknowledgement, a strange feeling rising in her heart.

    This promise… seemed too good to be true…

    A new ascension ritual?

    A new sacrificial ritual!

    She knew that Religious’s ascension would be part of Philosopher’s path to godhood. What about her?

    As a fellow Myriad Path Awakened One, she would likely become the cornerstone of Educator’s ascension…

    What a cunning plan.

    “Be careful. I’ll be going now.”

    Educator seemed to have other matters to attend to. He nodded at Luo Ling and dissolved into a pool of blood.

    Under Victoria’s rare, warm sunlight, the blood instantly evaporated, disappearing without a trace, as if Educator had never been there.

    Luo Ling remained silent for a long time, turning to look at the statue. The spherical Sacred Tool on its pedestal had been taken by Educator.

    However, it carried Luo Ling’s power, allowing her to track its location and even spread fungal threads.

    Stealing a Grotesquery’s Authority… especially from a human-like Grotesquery, wasn’t so simple. The “price” wasn’t always apparent.

    “Let’s leave.”

    Luo Ling wheeled herself towards the door. With a creak, the door opened, and Stasha immediately approached.

    “Sister, are you done?” Stasha asked.

    “Mmm,” Luo Ling replied softly.

    Solemn hymns echoed within the cathedral, sung by Victoria’s top Anglican choir, their voices filling the central hall, spreading God’s glory.

    When Luo Ling and Stasha returned to the central hall, the Archbishop of the Victorian Anglican Church was already standing on the pulpit, reciting holy scriptures to the devout followers below.

    However, compared to the Archbishop, the followers were clearly more interested in the newly arrived Saint. Although they listened to the Archbishop’s sermon, when the Saint appeared, they all knelt down, performing the holy ritual in silent reverence.

    The Archbishop was caught in an awkward position, unsure whether to continue or not.

    He glanced darkly at the Saint behind him. It was he who had presided over the trial that expelled this rebellious girl who dared to interpret the scriptures from the Church. He hadn’t expected her to return in this manner.

    Luo Ling, noticing the Archbishop’s gaze, smiled and nodded slightly.

    A vague unease lingered in her heart, like a premonition of danger, but she couldn’t pinpoint its source, making her restless.

    The Archbishop snorted softly, not moving from the pulpit.

    Even the Saint had to yield before the Archbishop.

    The reason the Archbishop had personally attended this Mass was to steal the limelight from the recently popular Saint, to remind all of Victoria who truly represented God’s will.

    No one understood God better than him.

    —Actually, it was mainly because the followers’ donations had all gone to the Church of Light recently, drastically reducing the Anglican Church’s income, making it difficult to sustain themselves.

    Seeing the Saint seemingly subdued, a smug smile appeared on the Archbishop’s lips.

    “Good, she knows her place.”

    The Archbishop was satisfied, and as the followers rose, he continued his sermon.

    But just as he cleared his throat, a sharp whistle echoed from outside the cathedral.

    Before anyone could react, a fierce, blood-soaked aura surged in.

    In an instant, a bloody path appeared from the cathedral’s entrance, leading straight to the pulpit.

    The Archbishop, standing on the pulpit, instantly turned into a puddle of flesh and blood, a brilliant spray of blood erupting.

  • Captivating Beauty 73p2

    Chapter 73 p2

    It was almost midnight.

    The living room lights were brighter than the bedroom lights.

    The sofa was wide and comfortable, big enough for two people to lie down on, and Xu Jinnan often worked there.

    After working on her laptop for a while, her mouth feeling dry, she looked towards the coffee table.

    She opened the cupboard and saw a stash of her favorite snacks – dried mangoes, freshly baked bread, and a small bag of assorted fruit candies.

    The kind Little Crescent Moon had given her.

    She took a mint candy, the flavor sweet and refreshing, not too strong.

    Just as she popped it into her mouth, Shen Shu’s bedroom door opened.

    Shen Shu glanced at her, her eyes lingering on the candy in Xu Jinnan’s hand. “Are you hungry?”

    “Just needed something to… freshen my breath,” Xu Jinnan replied, gesturing towards the bedroom. “Is Cai Ying asleep?”

    “Yes,” Shen Shu said.

    Cai Ying wasn’t one to stay up late; she usually fell asleep after chatting for a while.

    Shen Shu went to the bathroom, and when she returned, Xu Jinnan called out to her.

    She walked over to the sofa, noticing the new cushions, a pale green with white lace trim, a refreshing change.

    Xu Jinnan had bought them.

    She had been planning to tell Shen Shu about it later, since Cai Ying was staying over, but seeing her now, she decided not to wait.

    “I haven’t shown you what Chen Yue brought back,” Xu Jinnan said, taking Shen Shu’s hand and pulling her down onto the sofa beside her.

    She opened the photos on her phone, her expression serious, a hint of nervousness in her eyes that Shen Shu rarely saw.

    Shen Shu took the phone, puzzled.

    At first, she didn’t understand, but then, seeing Lu Yun’s information, her blood ran cold.

    Lu Yun, 95% compatibility.

    (Note: Close relative within three generations of the Xu family.)

    Xu Jinnan had told her bits and pieces about the Xu family – the locked box, the abuse, the mysterious powder, the town of Qucheng – none of it trivial.

    But nothing had prepared her for this.

    Close relative.

    The implications for Xu Jinnan were devastating.

    Shen Shu’s grip on the phone tightened, her fingers turning white.

    She forced herself to scroll to the next photo, her vision blurring.

    A tear splashed onto the screen.

    Xu Jinnan’s heart lurched, and she reached out to cup Shen Shu’s face in her hands, her thumbs gently wiping away her tears. “Don’t cry,” she whispered, her voice filled with concern.

    Shen Shu’s eyes met hers, tears streaming down her face, unable to speak.

    She pulled Xu Jinnan’s hands away and buried her face in her shoulder.

    “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

    Xu Jinnan was speechless, her mind reeling, having never seen Shen Shu cry like this.

    “Don’t cry, Shu Shu,” she murmured, her voice soft and soothing. It was breaking her heart.

    “Xu Jinnan,” Shen Shu whispered, her voice thick with tears, then didn’t say anything more.

    She had never realized the burden Xu Jinnan carried.

    Was that why she had been so worried about involving Shen Shu, afraid of being a burden? Perhaps her earlier coldness had been partly due to that fear.

    Shen Shu rarely cried, and she hadn’t cried like this in years, not even after the attack in the parking garage.

    But now, thinking about everything Xu Jinnan had endured, her tragic past, her heart felt like a shattered glass bottle.

    Why was life so unfair? Why did she have to suffer so much?

    Xu Jinnan held her close, gently patting her back, their voices low, afraid of waking Cai Ying.

    I should have gone to the bedroom, she thought, regretting her earlier hesitation.

    Shen Shu’s tears made her question whether she should tell her about her own fears and anxieties. After a moment of thought, she decided she had to.

    “Shu Shu, I might have other problems in the future, physical, mental…” she began, but Shen Shu’s arms, which had been around her neck, suddenly loosened.

    Her beautiful face, now streaked with tears, her eyes red and swollen, her cheeks and nose flushed, looked like a ripe peach.

    She stared at Xu Jinnan, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

    Xu Jinnan, trying to lighten the mood, said, “I haven’t even started crying yet, and you’re already a mess. Shouldn’t you be comforting me?”

    “Xu Jinnan.”

    “Yes?” Xu Jinnan’s voice was also slightly hoarse now, her smile fading.

    “I’ll comfort you,” Shen Shu whispered, then leaned in and gently kissed the corner of Xu Jinnan’s lips.

    She pulled away, but her forehead rested against Xu Jinnan’s, their breaths mingling, like tangled threads in a dye bath, creating a vibrant, chaotic mix of colors.

    Xu Jinnan’s eyes darkened, and she returned the kiss, her movements both gentle and demanding.

    Shifting slightly, she placed her knee on the sofa, lifting Shen Shu slightly, their bodies now closer.

    Shen Shu’s arms wrapped around Xu Jinnan’s neck, her gaze, through her long eyelashes, meeting Xu Jinnan’s half-closed eyes, her mind blank.

    Aware of Cai Ying’s presence in the next room, they kept their movements restrained, their breathing shallow, but their bodies still gravitated towards each other, sinking deeper into the sofa.

    The close confines of the living room, the risk of being discovered, only intensified the intimacy of the moment.

    Like two thieves stealing a forbidden pleasure.

    As Shen Shu’s hand moved lower, her fingers brushing against the sensitive skin of Xu Jinnan’s neck, Xu Jinnan gently pushed her away, sitting up.

    “Shu Shu,” she murmured, her voice husky, “Cai Ying is still here.”

    Her breath was minty fresh.

    A cool breeze drifted in from the balcony, dispelling the heat that had been building between them, though Shen Shu’s cheeks were still flushed. She placed her hands on Xu Jinnan’s shoulders. “Would it matter if she wasn’t?” she whispered, her own breath minty fresh.

    Her voice was so low, so soft, that Xu Jinnan’s heart pounded, a wave of desire washing over her, almost overwhelming.

    Screw the rut, she thought.

    But then, a sliver of sanity returned.

    She winced as Shen Shu’s fingers dug into her shoulders.

    “Did you just pinch me?” she asked, a smile playing on her lips despite the slight pain.

    Shen Shu didn’t reply, understanding now the reason for Xu Jinnan’s restraint, her fears and anxieties.

    This was a difficult situation for anyone.

    She thought, She needs time to adjust.

    And she’ll realize I don’t care.

    “Go wash your face and get some sleep,” Xu Jinnan said, her hand gently brushing Shen Shu’s eyelashes.

    “Okay,” Shen Shu replied, then suddenly asked, “What did that girl at the restaurant look like?”

    Xu Jinnan, caught off guard by the abrupt question, paused. “Oh, she had a ponytail, looked young, probably a college student.”

    “A student? No wonder…”

    “No wonder what?”

    “You called her ‘little girl’.”

    Xu Jinnan: “…” So that’s what this is about.

    She chuckled, then, seeing Shen Shu’s expression, stopped. “Isn’t that what you call young people?”

    Shen Shu ignored her, remembering the other photo. “What about the other one?”

    Xu Jinnan opened the photo on her phone and explained her theory. “This could be a much bigger problem. I’m still investigating.” The children in the photo were around the same age as she and Shen Shu.

    “X4 is the same age as you,” she added.

    Not just the same age, but the same birthdate.

    But they were all labeled with codes, making it difficult to identify them. She could only start with Lu Yun’s information.

    And she had to be careful, especially with Shen Shu involved.

    Shen Shu zoomed in on the photo, her gaze lingering on the codes.

    X1, X2, X3… X4.

    As she stared at X4’s information, the birthdate 1121, a sudden ringing filled her ears, as if something was trying to break through from the depths of her memory.

    She felt a wave of nausea.

    Xu Jinnan, noticing her reaction, asked, “What’s wrong?”

    Shen Shu frowned, taking a deep breath. “Nothing,” she said, shaking her head. “Seeing the same birthdate… it just made me feel a little uneasy.”

    Xu Jinnan took the phone, remembering her own reaction to seeing the date, the instinctive aversion.

    She didn’t want this to be connected to Shen Shu in any way.

    It was past 1 a.m.

    They slept in the guest room that night.

    —

    The next morning, Cai Ying, not seeing Shen Shu in her bed, was indignant, accusing Xu Jinnan of kidnapping her in the middle of the night and demanding a luxurious lunch as compensation.

    Of course, it was just an act.

    She enthusiastically recounted the details of sharing a bed with Shen Shu in the group chat.

    –

    On their way to the Chen family banquet that evening, Cai Ying and Tong Jia were chatting in the group chat.

    Cai Ying: [@Tong Jia My married bestie, a bird flown from the nest, sweet nothings before bed, an empty bed upon waking. Sigh]

    Tong Jia: [@Cai Ying You should have come with me. Now you’re just a third wheel.]

    Cai Ying: […Woof.]

    Tong Jia: [Hahaha, Little Cai, you’re so cute! I claim you as my little sister!]

    Cai Ying: [This little sister has a girlfriend. Thanks, but no thanks.]

    Tong Jia: […Oh.]

    Tong Jia: [As the group admin, please take a look at the group name. Thank you.]

    Cai Ying immediately changed the group name to “PDA Allowed.”

    Tong Jia: […]

    Xu Jinnan, amused, sent a message: [@Cai Ying We’re almost there.]

    Cai Ying: [I’m already here, waiting for you.]

    Cai Ying: [Hurry up! I’m lonely without Jia Jia!]

    Tong Jia: [I’m having dinner with a director. Can’t miss this opportunity. Just cling to Shu Shu and let CEO Xu trail behind you. It’ll be hilarious!]

    Cai Ying: [Good idea!]

    Xu Jinnan turned to Shen Shu, chuckling. “Those two are a riot.”

    Seeing Shen Shu turn off her phone, she asked, “Are your eyes bothering you?”

    “Yes, they’re a little sore,” Shen Shu replied.

    She had been staying up late, and after crying last night, her eyes had been puffy this morning. Her scenes had been rescheduled for the afternoon, fortunately, and the director hadn’t complained.

    “Take a nap,” Xu Jinnan said.

    Shen Shu leaned against Xu Jinnan’s shoulder, closing her eyes.

    Xu Jinnan glanced at her, then checked her phone, opening Chen Bo’s “Fishing Nightclub” group chat.

    Several messages were tagged with her name.

    Chen Bo: [@Xu Jinnan Nan-jie, when are you arriving?]

    Han Fu: [@Xu Jinnan Ahhh, my Nannan, haven’t seen you in ages! Miss you!]

    The other messages were similar, all from about an hour ago.

    She hadn’t replied. Chen Bo had already called, saying he would meet them at the entrance.

    Just as she was about to close the chat, she saw a new message from Chen Bo.

    [@Han Wenfang Holy shit, is your sister finally engaged to the He heiress? She even brought her here?]

    [Photo]

    Xu Jinnan didn’t open the photo, recognizing Han Wenling and a woman in a white dress standing beside her, their arms linked.

    Han Wenfang: [Who knows?]

    Xu Jinnan didn’t think much of it. Strategic marriages were common in their circles.

    —

    Five minutes later, they arrived at the five-star hotel, owned by the Chen family.

    Its opulent exterior, gleaming with gold and marble, was even more extravagant than most five-star hotels.

    As soon as they got out of the car, Shen Shu received a message from Cai Ying, asking if they had arrived.

    Shen Shu: [We’re here.]

    Cai Ying’s spirits lifted, seeing Shen Shu’s message. She didn’t usually enjoy these social gatherings, but she had been looking forward to spending time with Shen Shu.

    However, it was proving to be less entertaining than she had hoped. She would rather be at home on her computer, or at the beach, or even at a quiet bar.

    She was wearing a lilac dress that accentuated her slender ankles and silver heels, her mixed-race features giving her the air of a princess from a fairytale.

    She attracted quite a few admiring glances.

    After politely declining several invitations, she walked towards the entrance, looking for Shen Shu and Xu Jinnan.

    Then, her gaze stopped on a familiar figure in the distance.

  • After Failing to Find Immortality 232

    Chapter 232: Unbearable Anger, Hidden Enemies Arrive

    After a brief moment of tenderness, Cheng Yishi quickly pulled away from the embrace, a blush lingering on her pretty face. “There are other people in this private room… Eh?”

    She blinked in surprise, looking at the now empty dining table. “Miss Yang, she just now—”

    “She’s already left.”

    Lin Tianlu said with a strange expression. “Perhaps she didn’t want to disturb us? However, I’m curious why Miss Yang would appear in Changling County.”

    “It’s a long story. I’ll explain it to you properly later, Tianlu.”

    Cheng Yishi then looked at the recently closed secret door. “Also, the people from Golden Phoenix Tower and Manager Ji helped us today out of goodwill.”

    Creak

    The secret door was pushed open a crack, and Manager Ji could be seen cautiously peering inside.

    After spotting Lin Tianlu, he immediately opened the door with a delighted expression. “Mr. Lin!”

    “Manager Ji, it’s been a while.”

    Lin Tianlu smiled and cupped his hands. “Judging by the bustling scene inside and outside Ascension Immortal Restaurant today, business is booming!”

    “Mr. Lin, today…”

    “About today’s incident, I must apologize to you, Manager Ji.”

    Lin Tianlu showed a hint of apology. “I accidentally damaged the wall. Such a large dent will likely require a considerable sum to repair. I’ll deliver the compensation in full later.”

    “Absolutely not!” Manager Ji quickly waved his hands. “I couldn’t be of any help during today’s incident, and I’m already deeply ashamed. How could I accept any payment?”

    “We’re neighbors. There’s no need to be so polite.”

    Lin Tianlu chuckled. “As for Miss Cheng and myself, we’ll be heading back now. Ascension Immortal Restaurant is so busy, Manager Ji, you should focus on attending to your guests. We won’t disturb you any further. Lest we cause any more unexpected trouble and disrupt your thriving business.”

    “This…”

    Manager Ji was quick-witted. Just by glancing at the mess in the private room, he had already guessed most of what had happened. He quickly nodded with a serious expression. “Mr. Lin, please feel free to return home. I’ll take care of the aftermath here and try my best to prevent the incident from spreading within the county.”

    “Thank you. If you encounter any difficulties, Manager Ji, please don’t hesitate to speak. I will certainly offer my assistance in return.”

    After a hurried farewell, they quickly left Ascension Immortal Restaurant.

    However, after getting into the carriage, the accompanying young maidservant was clearly still dazed and bewildered, as if she hadn’t woken up from a dream.

    What happened today was…

    Truly beyond her comprehension as an ordinary person.

    …

    Inside the Cheng residence courtyard.

    The young maidservant, her face filled with complex emotions, brought over a teapot and poured tea for Lin Tianlu, who had just taken a seat.

    Seeing her hands trembling slightly, Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but chuckle. “It’s rare to see you so frightened.”

    “Master did such a ‘feat.’ I’m just an ordinary servant, naturally scared witless.”

    The maidservant pouted, her face pale. “Although no one outside noticed, he’s still a member of the imperial family, and Master sent him flying with a single punch… It might have been momentarily satisfying, but if he comes back later to seek retribution, we’ll all be in trouble.”

    Seeing her trembling pitifully, Lin Tianlu teased, “Since you know the Cheng residence is in danger, why didn’t you take the opportunity to escape?”

    “If something really happened to Miss, how could I live on alone…”

    The maidservant mumbled dejectedly. “Naturally, I can only accompany Miss and Master to the underworld.”

    “Is that so?”

    “It… Eh?”

    She blinked her lively eyes.

    After a moment of silence, the maidservant revealed a disinterested expression. “Master, you’re deliberately teasing me, aren’t you?”

    Lin Tianlu took a sip of tea. “I’ve more or less seen through your thoughts. Although you were initially shocked and bewildered, you’ve already calmed down and are deliberately pretending to be afraid in front of me.”

    He chuckled. “Are you trying to get me to comfort you?”

    “I just wanted to emphasize Master’s bravery and might.”

    The maidservant’s initially calm expression gradually showed a hint of admiration. “After all, Master’s punch earlier… was truly satisfying to me.”

    She clenched her small fist and shook it, humming softly. “That Pei Yan, always pretending to be gentle and refined, is truly unpleasant. Even though I’ve hinted and driven him away many times, he still shamelessly comes here. If it weren’t for his noble status, I would have wanted to punch him myself and teach him a lesson about his nauseating way of speaking.”

    Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly.

    He didn’t expect this little maidservant to be quite violent.

    “However, Master, do you really not regret hitting Pei Yan?”

    The maidservant’s indignation subsided, and she murmured, “Although I know, more or less, that Master possesses extraordinary abilities and is quite remarkable, Pei Yan is still from a powerful family. That one punch… I’m afraid the dangers that follow will be endless.”

    “If I saw my beloved being teased and harassed by someone else, which man would just stand by and do nothing?”

    Lin Tianlu shrugged. “As for any retaliation, I will naturally deal with it one by one.”

    The maidservant looked at him approvingly, smiling sweetly. “Master is truly masculine, even braver than I imagined.”

    “There’s no need for such flattery. How much of it is true and how much is false, only you know.”

    Lin Tianlu chuckled.

    The maidservant was about to say something more, but she cocked her head and quickly excused herself. “Master, I’ll take my leave. Please spend some quality time with Miss. If you need anything, just call the other servants.”

    As soon as she finished speaking, she hurriedly turned and left.

    At the same time, Cheng Yishi’s graceful figure appeared from around the corner of the corridor, walking towards them gracefully. She glanced curiously at the departing maidservant.

    “Did that girl say something strange to you again, Tianlu?”

    “Just some idle chatter.”

    Lin Tianlu turned to look at the beautiful young woman approaching him. She had already taken off her formal outer robe and changed into a vibrant, youthful high-waisted ruqun. The embroidered dark blue fabric, cinched at the waist and draped over her shoulders, accentuated her slender figure. The slightly exposed fair skin shimmered like jade, flawless and radiant like exquisite porcelain.

    “I know her personality well enough. She definitely couldn’t keep her mouth shut…”

    Cheng Yishi gently stroked the braid falling over her chest, her eyes flickering. “Where are Madam Mao and the others now?”

    “I sensed that there might be some trouble here, so I set off ahead of time.” Lin Tianlu smiled. “As for now, they should be cleaning up the house. After all, they’ve been away for nearly half a month. However, they might have heard some rumors on their way home and are probably worried. I’ll have to go back and reassure them later.”

    “It seems we’ve caused you some trouble.”

    The young woman sighed softly.

    Lin Tianlu put down his teacup and asked curiously, “Tell me, what has happened these past few days? And why is Miss Yang staying in Changling?”

    “It’s a bit of a long story.”

    Cheng Yishi pondered for a moment, then replied, “The reason Miss Yang is here is probably because of you, Tianlu. She seems to be very curious and concerned about your identity, so she’s staying here to observe from afar. The reason she accompanied me today is because she discovered Pei Yan and the others plotting something in secret, so she wanted to protect me.”

    Miss Yang is so kind and thoughtful?

    Lin Tianlu was slightly surprised.

    “If it weren’t for Miss Yang’s presence in Changling, secretly helping me out of dangerous situations time and again, I would have had a hard time dealing with Pei Yan’s harassment on my own.”

    Cheng Yishi spoke calmly. “Thanks to her investigations, I’m absolutely certain that Pei Yan has malicious intentions.”

    It seems I really must find Miss Yang tomorrow and thank her personally.

    Lin Tianlu thought to himself.

    “However, what were your plans earlier, Yishi?”

    “Seeing him secretly engaging in shady activities in Changling, I wanted to uncover his plot.”

    Cheng Yishi frowned slightly and said in a low voice, “Moreover, he repeatedly spoke frivolously, completely disregarding your existence, Tianlu. Naturally, I was angry and wanted to set a trap to toy with him and let him know how foolish his actions were. If I could have him killed, that would be even better!”

    As she spoke, a chilling killing intent flashed in the usually elegant young woman’s eyes, her eyes turning crimson.

    “To have him, a prince, humiliated and disgraced in front of countless commoners and martial artists, betrayed by everyone, and finally die in despair… I really wanted to witness such a scene with my own eyes, and then chop him into pieces with an axe, crush all the bones in his body, and let him taste pain and regret—”

    Lin Tianlu’s eyes twitched, his smile stiffening.

    His Cheng Yishi…

    Seemed even angrier than he imagined.

    He hadn’t noticed it from her calm and composed demeanor earlier, but she had been harboring such anger and humiliation in her heart. This murderous aura, as if she wanted to devour Pei Yan alive, was truly frightening. Anyone else who saw it would be terrified.

    “Ah.”

    At this moment, Cheng Yishi seemed to realize her loss of composure. Her furious expression faltered, and the bloody murderous aura surrounding her instantly dissipated as if it had never existed. She was once again the dignified young mistress that could captivate anyone.

    Then, she quickly raised her sleeve to cover her lips, her cheeks slightly flushed. “I lost control for a moment, Tianlu, and let you hear some strange things.”

    “It’s alright. It’s good to vent your frustrations. Keeping it bottled up inside is not good for you.”

    Lin Tianlu smiled apologetically again. “Moreover, your unwavering devotion makes me feel guilty. It was wrong of me to leave you alone in Changling to wait.”

    “I-it’s alright. I didn’t take it too seriously.”

    The corners of Cheng Yishi’s lips curled up in joy as she recalled the scene at the restaurant, a warmth spreading through her chest. “I’m already content with Tianlu’s affection.”

    “You’re being too humble, Yishi.” Lin Tianlu reached out and gently caressed her smooth shoulder. “If you have any worries or frustrations in the future, just tell me openly.”

    “…Mm.”

    The young woman composed herself and asked with concern, “However, Tianlu, do you have a plan to deal with the current situation? Although Pei Yan and the others’ cultivation is no match for yours, they seem to be concocting some mysterious rituals in secret. And from the intelligence gathered, not only will more martial artists arrive, but even some… ‘important figures’ are coming. By then, Changling County will inevitably become more chaotic, with various factions involved.”

    After a moment of contemplation, she continued, “Now that we’ve made an enemy of Pei Yan and the others, even if they restrain themselves for a few days, after a while, they might—”

    “I understand.”

    Lin Tianlu nodded seriously. “I could tell something about the Prince’s character just by looking at his face. He must be very good at hiding his true intentions. On the surface, he might continue to greet us with a smile, but behind our backs, he will definitely resort to some underhanded methods to ‘repay’ the humiliation he suffered today a hundredfold.”

    Cheng Yishi looked puzzled. “Then why did Tianlu only give him a verbal warning and let him go?”

    Letting the tiger return to the mountain was indeed fraught with danger.

    “—Judging by the time, it should be about time.”

    However, Lin Tianlu looked up at the sky and smiled meaningfully. “If a conflict had truly broken out earlier, I was worried that innocent guests in the restaurant would be caught in the crossfire. If there really are powerful figures lurking in the shadows, I might not be able to protect all of you, including Yishi. So I let Pei Yan and his group return to their residence, saving us a lot of trouble. As for now… I’ll just spend a little time and pay them another visit.”

    Cheng Yishi suddenly understood. After a moment of thought, she took a stack of documents from her sleeve. “Tianlu, please take this with you.”

    Lin Tianlu’s eyes widened in surprise as he looked at the documents. He quickly took them, smiled, and stood up. “Yishi, please wait here for a while. I’ll be back soon.”

    As soon as he finished speaking, his figure turned into an afterimage and gradually disappeared.

    …

    At that very moment, inside the Pei residence.

    “—Bah!”

    Pei Yan, his face bruised and swollen, spat out a mouthful of blood. With a grim expression, he circulated his Qi to heal his injuries.

    His gaze, sharp as a predator’s, slowly swept across the guards kneeling on the floor of the main hall. “You useless bunch of trash!”

    “…”

    The guards remained silent, their faces covered in cold sweat.

    As his personal guards, they had watched helplessly as their master was sent flying with a single punch. They couldn’t have been more derelict in their duty.

    Several elders sat on both sides of the hall with grave expressions. Recalling the previous incident, their faces grew even uglier.

    “My, Pei Yan’s, guards are actually this useless bunch of trash. This is utterly humiliating!” Pei Yan flung his sleeve and roared, “Someone! Drag these good-for-nothing pieces of garbage out and execute them!”

    “—Prince Pei, why so angry?”

    A slightly amused voice suddenly echoed through the hall.

    Pei Yan’s cold gaze abruptly shifted towards the door, where a handsome young man with a wicked smile was strolling in, fanning himself.

    “Could it be that you suffered a setback at the hands of Miss Cheng?”

  • Second Time Around, the Villainous Daughter Decides to Indulge First 72

    Chapter 72: This Feels Strange

    “Huff… huff…”

    Slightly tired.

    Diana’s stamina was lacking, but her mouth never stopped, her mocking gaze flickering with a hint of madness.

    “Why isn’t Senior Weakling saying anything? Could it be that the legendary Lena, known for her countless conquests, is ashamed of being pushed down by a junior? Pfft, hahaha~ Senior Weakling, smelling my fragrant shoes, are you feeling a little excited?~”

    Her sharp voice rose a few octaves.

    Diana pressed her entire body against Lena’s face.

    Her beautiful, lacy lolita shoe covered Lena’s nose and mouth, forcing her to breathe the air trapped inside, filled with the scent of a young girl’s sweat.

    The shoe, with its hint of leather, smelled nice, but Lena couldn’t speak.

    Her vision was blocked by the white stocking, and the large lolita skirt covered her upper body.

    From an outsider’s perspective, it looked like a little girl relieving herself, no one noticing the beautiful woman lying beneath her.

    A face-sitting position.

    “Senior~ Weakling Big Sister~ Why are you so cowardly and submissive, just like those other people?~”

    “Are you really that strong? Where’s your adult demeanor? If you’re just a scaredy-cat like them, you might as well go back to your mother’s womb. Show me some more of that frustrated, helpless expression, the kind you make when struggling in a muddy swamp… at least try to excite me, Senior Weakling~”

    The pampered princess had no concept of restraint.

    She was the Empress’s precious jewel, the admired Imperial Flower, standing high above, looking down on the masses like ants. One stomp of her foot, and the world trembled, the ants silent and still.

    There was nothing in this world that Diana couldn’t obtain.

    Money, power, strength… she had it all, effortlessly.

    Countless people offered her everything ordinary people pursued their entire lives, trying to curry favor, but she disdained them. She could see through their greedy facades, their desire for gain, not submission, their faces disgusting and repulsive.

    Diana was used to everyone obeying her.

    But the emptiness within her hadn’t disappeared, like a potion missing a crucial ingredient, its potency lost.

    [I command you to kiss my foot right now.]

    Magic power drained.

    Diana felt her body lighten, a sense of emptiness washing over her. “Why does commanding Senior Weakling require so much magic power?!”

    This wasn’t right. Even with the difference in rank, wasn’t Lena’s magic power depleted?

    Surprised, she looked down at Lena.

    Her fair skin and beautiful face, her long legs trembling slightly, her soft gray hair spread out like a fan, her hand covering her face, like a courtesan weeping in the arms of a wealthy patron, helpless and ashamed.

    “Damn it! Give me back my magic power! You tricked me! You’re perfectly fine!”

    Diana accused, but her thoughts quickly vanished.

    It was Lena.

    Lena had followed the command of her Word Spirit Magic.

    Following the instructions to the letter, she cupped Diana’s feet in her hands, tentatively touching them.

    She didn’t care if Diana liked it or not; she was the one enjoying it.

    Tsk, tsk.

    Lena paused, her eyes filled with a seductive charm.

    “Finished kissing?” Diana covered her toes, glaring at Lena.

    “Finished playing?” Lena asked calmly, her smile widening.

    “You tricked me! You big meanie! You owe me new stockings!”

    “How about I offer myself as compensation? Would Your Highness accept me…?” Lena’s voice was soft and seductive, like teasing a cat. “Mm, I’ve memorized everything Your Highness said. I’ll bring an umbrella when it rains, and I won’t eat garbage from the ground, please…”

    A sudden chill ran down Diana’s spine.

    “Y-you! Stay away from me!”

    “Why? Why would Your Highness be afraid of someone powerless and magic-less? Am I ugly? Am I dangerous?” Lena chuckled, watching Diana run away barefoot.

    Beautiful.

    A terrifying beauty.

    Diana wasn’t sure if Lena had recovered her strength, but just in case, she couldn’t risk getting close.

    “Hmph~ Senior Weakling thinks she’s won? Weakling, weakling! Senior Lena, you big weakling!!”

    Diana ran away, shouting from a distance.

    Her voice was loud, attracting the attention of couples strolling along the main road, who looked curiously at the barefoot little girl.

    Diana, startled like a rabbit, blushed, her hands nervously fidgeting with her skirt. “I… I…”

    “Little sister, did you have a fight with your boyfriend? It’s okay, I’ll help you talk to him,” a kind-looking woman stopped and said.

    “No, I’m not…”

    “Hmm? You didn’t have a fight?”

    “I… she… we’re not like that…” Diana’s face flushed, her words jumbled. “Ahhh, weakling, go away, mind your own business! Shoo, shoo!”

    Diana was startled by the stranger’s enthusiasm.

    What was this strange custom?

    Why weren’t they afraid of her?!

    Indeed, without her status as Imperial Princess, many things felt different.

    People were still paying attention to her, but unlike those with ulterior motives, these people were more genuine, their kindness and concern bringing her a sense of happiness she had never experienced before.

    “Ugh…”

    Diana realized she had spoken wrongly, but her pride prevented her from apologizing.

    A strange sense of shame washed over her, like she had misjudged a good person.

    “Since you’re okay, we’ll be going. Be careful, little sister, and make up with your boyfriend soon…” The woman and her partner left, looking back with concern.

    This only intensified Diana’s guilt. She watched them leave, her nose stinging.

    “Guess who~ A prize for the correct answer~”

    Lena covered her eyes from behind, pulling her close, Diana’s head nestled between Lena’s ample breasts, her laughter echoing. “The dignified Imperial Princess actually feeling sentimental for these insignificant people? Am I in the wrong place? Haha…”

  • Inferior A After Having a Baby with the Top Boss 53

    Chapter 53: Zhu Yiqiao is… One Raccoon Hill?

    After getting drunk, Ming Fei’s brain processed information slowly.

    Hearing Zhu Yiqiao’s confession, she first made a questioning sound, then stared intently at Zhu Yiqiao’s face, as if trying to find some clues.

    She even cupped Zhu Yiqiao’s face in her hands, looking at it from all angles like a rare treasure, before finally asking in confusion,

    “Are you saying you’re Kitten?”

    Zhu Yiqiao indulged her: “Kitten?”

    “Yes.” Ming Fei released her hands, rubbed her eyes, and said, “Kitten is Kitten.”

    “Didn’t you call her Jiejie?”

    Ming Fei corrected her, “She didn’t ask me to call her Jiejie. Kitten is the nickname I gave her. One Raccoon Hill is full of pear trees, and it’s the raccoon cats that guard those pear trees and other divine trees. In my opinion, she’s that smart and cute Kitten.”

    Zhu Yiqiao didn’t speak.

    Cute?

    Kitten?

    No one had ever used these words to describe her.

    Moonlight streamed in, illuminating the right side of the sofa. Compared to her usual quiet demeanor, the drunk Ming Fei was like a curious question mark. After a moment of silence, she started muttering again.

    “You have to give me some proof before I can believe you.”

    Zhu Yiqiao: “I can tell you your nicknames on ‘Supporters of the Rose.’ Doesn’t that count as proof?”

    Ming Fei was lost in a maze again.

    This maze was created for her, because of her, and she couldn’t find the exit no matter how she wandered, finally turning to Kitten for help.

    She blinked: “It seems… that’s true.”

    Although drunk, she still asked the most important question of all these years the moment she learned the other person’s identity.

    “Okay, you’re Kitten.”

    “I want to know, back then…”

    She hesitated, and Zhu Yiqiao finished the second half of her sentence.

    “Why did you suddenly disappear back then?”

    Ming Fei shook her head: “That’s not it. Compared to that question, I want to know even more, did you consider me a friend back then?”

    Worried that Kitten would find it strange, Ming Fei lowered her voice and said, “Because before coming to the Independent State of Yi Meng, you were my only friend.”

    “Yes.”

    Zhu Yiqiao said, “A friend, a very special friend.”

    Just as she finished speaking—

    Ming Fei hugged her tightly.

    At this moment, they weren’t just Zhu Yiqiao and Ming Fei, but also One Raccoon Hill and Tree of Mystical Jade, old friends reunited after nearly thirteen years.

    She used the hug to express her happiness and longing, and also to tell Zhu Yiqiao that, to her, One Raccoon Hill was also a very special, unique friend.

    Neither of them spoke. Zhu Yiqiao let Ming Fei hug her, not resisting at all from the moment they got close. Because they were so close, she could even smell the faint pear scent on Ming Fei.

    Her gaze moved downwards, stopping at Ming Fei’s right wrist.

    “How did you get this scar?”

    Ming Fei loosened her embrace slightly and looked at her right wrist. The scar below the webbing between her thumb and index finger had once hurt so much that her eyes had reddened. Now, it had become a scar, a reminder of that terrible experience.

    She lowered her sleeve to cover it and said, without any sadness,

    “It was a cut.”

    Zhu Yiqiao pursed her lips slightly: “When did it happen?”

    Ming Fei hesitated: “Do you really want to know?”

    “Would you keep secrets from Kitten?”

    Hearing this, Ming Fei quickly shook her head, her metaphorical rabbit ears almost flapping off.

    “When I was nine.”

    Ming Fei looked at her: “I was adopted three times. I met my second adoptive parent when I was nine. She was very good to me at first, but then many things happened. She was ill, it wasn’t intentional.”

    Not intentional?

    This explanation was hardly convincing. Zhu Yiqiao, with her years of military experience, could tell at a glance that the wound had been very deep. A little deeper, and it would have directly severed an artery, causing dangerous bleeding.

    Ming Fei didn’t want to talk about it, so Zhu Yiqiao didn’t ask any further questions, just removed her white glove and gently touched the scar with her fingertip, a dark emotion swirling in her eyes.

    The old scar itched, and Ming Fei, like a kitten being soothed and petted, felt her eyelids getting heavy.

    She was drowsy, even forgetting to ask the reason for One Raccoon Hill’s sudden disappearance, or perhaps, after receiving the most important answer, the answer to that question no longer mattered.

    Realizing she was getting sleepier and sleepier, Ming Fei suddenly leaned forward, pressing her right cheek against Zhu Yiqiao’s left cheek, almost touching Zhu Yiqiao’s lips.

    “Thank you, Kitten.”

    Zhu Yiqiao was stunned for a moment.

    After the cheek-to-cheek nuzzle ended, Ming Fei smiled brightly: “Cats lick each other’s fur and wounds, but I’m not a kitten, so I’ll use a cheek kiss as a return gift.”

    This was very different from a formal cheek kiss, but the very drunk Ming Fei said it with such confidence, as if she would droop her ears if Zhu Yiqiao refuted her.

    And Chief Judge Zhu, usually stern and strict, didn’t correct, reprimand, or push her away, just gently stroked Ming Fei’s scar and asked,

    “Are you sleepy?”

    “Mm-hmm!”

    Ming Fei’s consciousness gradually blurred: “I’m going to sleep, Kitten, don’t go away.”

    Two minutes later, snow covered the mountains.

    Ming Fei, slowly closing her eyes and falling asleep, still held onto Zhu Yiqiao.

    This was the first time Ming Fei experienced a splitting headache after getting drunk.

    Before this, she had never touched alcohol, let alone known how she would react when drunk. After waking up in the warm bed, Ming Fei slowly sat up, looking at the hazy snow scene outside the window in a daze.

    Wasn’t she watching an adventure movie in the living room?

    Who brought her back to the master bedroom?

    And… why did her head hurt so much?

    The confused Ming Fei looked away and almost lost her balance when she got out of bed. She felt weak, and strange fragments kept flashing through her mind.

    It wasn’t the movie she watched last night.

    It was more like something that had actually happened before she went to bed.

    She picked up her phone from the sofa and, as soon as she turned it on, received multiple messages from Ming Zaozao.

    There were emojis, voice messages, and many voice-to-text messages.

    [Mommy, Baby ate cake!]

    [[Little panda clutching its heart.gif]]

    [Baby saw many magical animals~]

    …

    Ming Fei read every message and replied to each one, reminding Ming Zaozao to wear a hat and scarf outside at the end.

    Putting down her phone, Ming Fei started washing up in a daze. The mirror reflected her current appearance, and Ming Fei inexplicably felt that she seemed to have cried last night.

    Cried?

    Why… would she cry?

    Ming Fei became more and more puzzled, planning to ask 008 or 0619 for clarification. Soon, after changing her clothes and leaving the master bedroom, the moment she stepped out of the room, the blurry memory fragments gradually surged and pieced together the complete truth.

    —Jiejie, I really didn’t secretly drink alcohol.

    —Will you remember this when you’re sober?

    —Because I am her. One Raccoon Hill, it’s me.

    …

    —Kitten, don’t go.

    All the images became incredibly clear, and Ming Fei was struck dumb, frozen in place, as if she had been turned into a malfunctioning, outdated robot by a lightning strike.

    Zhu Yiqiao was… One Raccoon Hill?

    One Raccoon Hill was… Zhu Yiqiao?

    Before Ming Fei could react, Zhu Yiqiao, coming upstairs from the first floor, approached her, 0619 on the right carrying a tray with hangover soup.

    0619 said, “Good morning, Teacher Xiao Fei.”

    Ming Fei’s voice was a little hoarse: “…Morning.”

    The atmosphere was silent and strange. Zhu Yiqiao’s expression was as usual, asking directly,

    “Do you remember what happened last night?”

  • Female Lead Was Coaxed Away by the Villain Again [Quick Transmigration] 135

    Chapter 135: Money Is Really Tempting (8)

    “Shuangshuang,” Jiang Zhiyan said, cautiously moving closer to Jin Shuang. “I wasn’t thinking, I just felt embarrassed that I didn’t catch anything, I didn’t want you to think I’m incompetent.”

    “It’s just fishing, what does it matter if you’re good at it or not?” Jin Shuang said, looking at Jiang Zhiyan. “This lake is very deep! What if you fell? You’re a grown-up, why don’t you have any sense of safety… Go put on a life jacket.”

    Jiang Zhiyan sat down obediently: “See, I’m staying away from the edge now, I wouldn’t have done that if I wasn’t sure it was safe.”

    Jin Shuang ignored her and looked at the lake. Perhaps because her mind wasn’t calm, the fish weren’t biting.

    Jiang Zhiyan moved closer to her, leaned against her, and nuzzled her: “I was wrong, don’t ignore me, please don’t be angry.”

    “Shuangshuang~” Jiang Zhiyan said, holding Jin Shuang’s arm and drawing out her words. “Please talk to me.”

    The System sighed in disgust: “Host, it seems like that’s the only trick you know, don’t you have any other ways of apologizing?”

    “The other methods aren’t usable right now,” Jiang Zhiyan said, moving closer to Jin Shuang, trying to make her see her pitiful eyes, but Jin Shuang turned away.

    “You’re not going to ignore me, are you? Then I’ll be so pitiful, so sad,” Jiang Zhiyan said, putting on a dramatic voice. “I just wanted to show off in front of you, wuwuwu.”

    “Sister, Shuangshuang, good sister, please talk to me.”

    The system muted itself, unable to listen any longer. How could Jiang Zhiyan even make those sounds? Jin Shuang was truly amazing, she didn’t even show any discomfort facing such sounds.

    Jin Shuang’s composure almost crumbled under Jiang Zhiyan’s relentless coaxing, after a minute, she finally broke, although it was Jiang Zhiyan who was acting spoiled, it was Jin Shuang’s face that was flushed.

    “Stop acting spoiled,” Jin Shuang said, her voice strained, as if she was trying very hard to control something, she patted the back of Jiang Zhiyan’s hand.

    “Are you still angry?” Jiang Zhiyan asked. “Don’t be angry anymore, I won’t do anything dangerous again.”

    “I’m not angry anymore, I’m not,” Jin Shuang took a deep breath.

    “Then hug me,” Jiang Zhiyan said, moving closer and opening her arms. “Hug me, and we’ll be even.”

    Jin Shuang put down her fishing rod, gave Jiang Zhiyan a brief hug, quickly let go, and sat back down, presenting a “calm and indifferent” profile.

    The corners of Jiang Zhiyan’s mouth turned up slightly.

    They fished for three hours, most of the fish were released back into the lake, they would eat the one Jiang Zhiyan caught.

    “How did you even catch that?” Jin Shuang looked at the fish in the bucket. Even with the fish just sitting there, she would have difficulty catching it with her bare hands.

    “Swift, accurate, and ruthless,” Jiang Zhiyan raised her hand. “It’s a pity, if you allowed it, I could demonstrate again.”

    “Not allowed, let’s go,” Jin Shuang handed the bucket to someone nearby and pulled Jiang Zhiyan away. “Stay away from the edge.”

    The System couldn’t understand how Jin Shuang could calm down so quickly. If it were the System, it would give her the cold shoulder for at least three days and three nights.

    There was a wide variety of afternoon tea snacks, a whole table full. Jiang Zhiyan felt this setting was conducive to emotional bonding, but Jin Shuang was busy, receiving several calls within just ten minutes of sitting down.

    Jiang Zhiyan observed Jin Shuang, watching her expression change rapidly.

    “What happened?”

    “Nothing, just more negotiations,” Jin Shuang said, twitching the corner of her mouth. “They don’t want a divorce anymore.”

    “Huh?” Jiang Zhiyan immediately sat up. “You can’t give up now.”

    “Of course not,” Jin Shuang sneered. “They don’t want a divorce now because they think the price is too high, I know what I’m doing.”

    Jiang Zhiyan breathed a sigh of relief and held Jin Shuang’s hand: “I’m always on your side, never go back to him.”

    “Don’t worry,” Jin Shuang said, looking into Jiang Zhiyan’s eyes, she didn’t know why, but she felt like if Jiang Zhiyan weren’t by her side, she might not have been so decisive about the divorce.

    Jiang Zhiyan was, in a sense, her source of strength, having her around made her feel safe and secure.

    The rumor of Jin Shuang and Mu Chen’s impending divorce had spread. Many well-informed people in their circle knew about it, and many came to inquire, those who didn’t dare ask the parties involved directly went to Jiang Zhiyan.

    Many suspected Jiang Zhiyan had ulterior motives, and she rebuffed all such accusations.

    However, unexpectedly, the other party involved actually believed it.

    Jiang Zhiyan was puzzled when she saw a message from Mu Chen. She opened it, and her confusion only deepened.

    [Mu Chen: Are you the one behind her wanting a divorce? Even if I divorce her, I won’t be with you.]

    [Jiang Zhiyan: First, she’s divorcing you because you cheated, don’t act like you’re the victim. Second, don’t be so narcissistic.]

    Mu Chen was about to reply when he found himself blocked. He frowned, tossed his phone aside, and looked at the people who had just given him advice.

    “Who said she liked me?” Mu Chen asked, his brow furrowed.

    “She did like you before,” the person opposite him said, frowning, then clapped their hands. “Oh, right, Brother Mu, maybe your image is ruined now, so she doesn’t like you anymore.”

    Mu Chen glared at the speaker, who chuckled nervously: “Haha, just kidding…”

    “So Jin Shuang is determined to get a divorce? Sigh, Jin Shuang is so good, it’ll be hard to find someone like her.”

    Mu Chen leaned back against the sofa, frowning.

    “Seriously, Brother Mu, you cheated… why did you even keep the evidence? I didn’t know you had that kind of hobby,” the person said, looking at Mu Chen, unable to hold back their curiosity, then they were nudged by the person next to them, stopping them from continuing.

    Mu Chen looked up, puzzled: “What kind of hobby?”

    “Filming videos, they all say Jin Shuang has something on you.”

    Mu Chen’s face darkened: “Who’s spreading these rumors?”

    “Didn’t you have people investigate the hotel for hidden cameras? So people are guessing you filmed it yourself.”

    “That was to protect the safety of our guests,” Mu Chen said, clenching his fists. “Don’t spread these baseless rumors.”

    Mu Chen was annoyed that this had gotten out, as expected, there were too many people working at the hotel, he shouldn’t have chosen the hotel, but it was too late to regret it now.

    Thinking about the conditions Jin Shuang proposed, he became even more irritated, but if the rumors got out of hand, it was better to resolve this quickly and have Jin Shuang agree to a peaceful divorce.

    The negotiations between the Jin and Mu families saw a breakthrough, and once that happened, the rest of the process went much smoother, but before everything was finalized, Jin Shuang refused to help Mu Chen save face.

    Jiang Zhiyan, according to rumors, was a master manipulator, she wouldn’t say anything concrete, but people’s imagination was boundless, sometimes not saying anything was more effective than saying something.

    “Jiang Zhiyan, acting like this, what are you going to do when they get divorced and you try to get close to her?”

    “Oh, how many times do I have to say this?” Jiang Zhiyan said, waving her hand dismissively. “I liked Mu Chen before because he was handsome, rich, intelligent, and morally upright. Now, tsk, the illusion is shattered, what’s there to like? The Jin family is powerful, and our Jiang family is no match for them.”

    Jiang Zhiyan made a disgusted face: “And haven’t you seen the pictures? Someone took pictures of Mu Chen working out, I heard that now…”

    Jiang Zhiyan drew a circle on her stomach, and the gossiping people around her exchanged glances and shook their heads.

    Mu Chen had been considered a heartthrob in City A’s wealthy circles, but recently, the number of people interested in him had plummeted. Mu Chen had wanted to find someone to spend time with and relax, but he couldn’t find any women willing to go out with him.

    So Jiang Zhiyan was targeted by Mu Chen again, and she immediately went crying to Jin Shuang.

    That night, during the negotiations between the Jin and Mu families, Jin Shuang expressed her strong displeasure at Mu Chen “threatening Jiang Zhiyan.”

    “I don’t think that was a threat,” Mu Chen said, forcing a smile, he had only asked Jiang Zhiyan not to make any ambiguous statements on the phone.

    “Sometimes tone can also be considered a threat,” Jin Shuang said, looking at him coldly and tapping the table twice. “For example, Mr. Mu, do you still want to reach a peaceful settlement?”

    “She’s my good friend, it’s perfectly normal for her to be upset about my misfortune, perhaps Mr. Mu lacks empathy, if you had any, you wouldn’t have done such a thing.”

    Mu Chen took a deep breath and swallowed his anger, Jin Shuang was becoming more and more sharp-tongued.

    Because of the large amount of assets involved, the process took a whole month, even after being expedited.

    On the day they went to get their divorce certificate, Jiang Zhiyan prepared a brazier for Jin Shuang to step over after coming out of the Civil Affairs Bureau.

    “Congratulations, Miss Jin Shuang, on escaping the sea of misery!” Jiang Zhiyan clapped enthusiastically.

    Mu Chen, who came out after her, glared at Jiang Zhiyan, who screamed in mock terror and hid behind Jin Shuang. Jin Shuang turned around and frowned at Mu Chen: “Mr. Mu, what are you doing? I’m still here.”

    Mu Chen put on his sunglasses: “This matter is settled now, you’ve already received what you wanted, I hope Miss Jiang will refrain from using me as a topic of conversation in the future.”

    “What do you mean ‘topic of conversation’? This isn’t gossip, it’s just a case study, to remind everyone to be more careful,” Jiang Zhiyan said.

    Mu Chen looked at Jin Shuang: “Miss Jiang is still as sharp-tongued as ever at a time like this.”

    Jin Shuang looked at Mu Chen impassively, clearly not thinking there was anything wrong with what Jiang Zhiyan said.

    Mu Chen, finding his attempt to provoke them futile, didn’t want to stay any longer and angrily turned to leave. Before getting into his car, he heard Jiang Zhiyan’s distinct laughter, he couldn’t help but look back and saw a bright smile on Jin Shuang’s face.

    He clenched his fists, this divorce was still somewhat painful, the Jin Shuang who used to claim she loved him was actually so happy, and thinking about the assets he had lost, his heart ached even more.

    “I’ll treat you to dinner tonight to celebrate your return to singlehood,” Jiang Zhiyan said, holding Jin Shuang’s hand and having someone remove the brazier.

    “Let’s go to my place, everything’s prepared there.”

    Jiang Zhiyan’s initially delighted expression faltered, realizing that Jin Shuang might be referring to the Jin family’s old residence.

  • I’m Surrounded by My Own Pets! 224p1

    Chapter 224: Sea Soul World, Eight Emperor Tears! p1

    “Let’s go, to the finish line…”

    Under the watchful gaze of countless spectators, the golden-bunned girl on the seventh meteorite platform of the Lunar Divine Festival spoke calmly. Though the unobservable, blank True Spirit stood before her, its overwhelming pressure like a black hole bearing down on her, Lian Xing felt no fear or panic.

    Strangely, after witnessing the True Spirit, she felt indifferent, even experiencing a sense of déjà vu.

    Where had she seen a True Spirit before…?

    Honestly, Lian Xing couldn’t recall.

    Regardless, she had to surpass every Beast Tamer here!

    Unlike Star Goddess, she didn’t crave the realm of a True Spirit. She cared little for the victor’s reward. She had no regrets in life, no yearning for immortality.

    But… the desire to defeat all Beast Tamers and make her Pet Beasts the strongest was the fundamental belief driving her on this path… This underlying motivation, hidden within most Beast Tamers, was the reason she stood here now!

    “…”

    “…”

    “Thud!!”

    As Lian Xing spoke, the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit perched on her left bun jumped down, its soft ears rotating like helicopter blades as it landed.

    Lian Xing, stepping on White Silk Weaver Girl’s tongue, bent down and gently stroked the Ancient Rabbit’s head.

    They were about to depart for the finish line, but seemingly without the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit.

    The Ancient Moonlight Rabbit’s expression remained unchanged, instead scratching its ear with a dazed look.

    As countless spectators watched with apprehension, Lian Xing, leaving the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit behind, commanded Mist Colt into a sprinting stance.

    Green smoke billowed from its rear, like the roar of an engine, forming two illusory, scaled horns. Translucent green crystals covered the sharp tips, like armor.

    Before Mist Colt even moved, the other four participants, sensing its intent, instinctively moved aside.

    Then—

    “Whoosh—!!!!”

    A tempest of green energy surged outwards.

    Propelled by this terrifying force, Mist Colt’s emerald horns lowered, aligning perfectly with the staircase.

    The next second, the scene before the spectators vanished.

    “BOOM!!!!!”

    A deafening roar shattered the eardrums.

    The entire starry sky was cleaved by a bolt of lightning.

    Mist Colt’s green horns, wreathed in arcing lightning and fiery clouds, shattered the trillions of miles of staircase, creating a chain of sonic booms as it arrived on the eleventh platform with blinding speed.

    The smoke cleared, revealing a trail of shattered steps.

    Seconds later, as everyone’s vision returned, the other participants stared dumbfounded at Mist Colt’s landing point.

    It had traversed four meteorite platforms, from the seventh step to the eleventh, in less than an instant!

    The lingering green smoke faintly outlined the colossal horns.

    Then, in the ensuing silence, the golden-bunned, starry-eyed girl emerged from the haze.

    Lian Xing…

    The strongest Beast Tamer of this era, stood before the Twelve Moons, the ancestral True Spirits!!!

    Under the world’s gaze, the golden-bunned girl, across the final, longest stretch of the staircase, briefly locked eyes with the blank, higher-dimensional being blocking the entrance to the finish line.

    For a moment, perhaps an illusion, Star Goddess, Nether Concubine, Ice Queen, and Tai Yin all sensed the blank elemental figure’s pupil dilate slightly.

    Undoubtedly…

    Lian Xing had entered the True Spirit’s line of sight!!!!

    [Emperor-Tier—Viral—Azure Sky Jade Soaring Firmament]

    Mist Colt had evolved from the Royal-Tier Cloud and Dream’s Promise to the Legendary Emperor-Tier Azure Sky Jade Soaring Firmament in less than half a month!!!

    Though astonishing, even Lian Xing herself was slightly bewildered.

    She felt like she hadn’t fulfilled certain conditions, like mastering bloodline combat skills or refining her own experience.

    Yet, Mist Colt had evolved inexplicably, as if she’d used cheat codes.

    Of course, she hadn’t.

    Even if her account was mistakenly banned, it would be because her friend had borrowed it.

    “…”

    “…”

    “This, this, this… if I remember correctly, I was competing against this Pet Beast just a year ago?”

    “Is the time flow in the Moon Soul World different from ours?”

    “It feels like I’ve missed millennia…” Moon Princess at the Beast Tamer Alliance headquarters muttered in disbelief.

    She wasn’t alone. Every Beast Tamer who had competed against Lian Xing, even her former teammates, questioned reality.

    A year ago, the High-Tier Mist Colt, Cloud Dream Calamity, had shocked the entire league. Before Calamity Sun, Star Sand, and Heaven-Gracing Curtain, Cloud Dream Calamity single-handedly dominated the 4v4 survival round, becoming Moon Rabbit Lian Xing’s signature.

    And now…

    Just a year later, Mist Colt had grown beyond their comprehension.

    It stood before an unobservable being called a True Spirit in the Lunar Divine Festival, hosted by gods!!!!

    Now, not even the Emperor-Tier overlords of the various level 2 regions within the Bubble Pet Beast World, nor even the six Guardians of the Moon Soul World, could perceive Mist Colt’s instantaneous speed.

    As everyone’s worldview shattered, after a brief pause, the Emperor-Tier Mist Colt, Azure Sky Jade Soaring Firmament, erupted with another powerful burst of energy.

    Undoubtedly, it intended to break through the blank True Spirit’s aura in one go!

    To the other participants, this was suicidal.

    Was it going to ram the True Spirit directly…?

    How was that possible?

    Mist Travel!!!!

    “BOOM!!!!!”

    A green ray pierced through the Lunar Divine Festival map.

    As the Moon Soul World watched in disbelief, the purely Pet Essence-formed viral body tore through the starry sky, arriving before the blank elemental figure with overwhelming force.

    For an instant, it was almost level with the immobilized Star Goddess.

    However, just as Mist Colt and Lian Xing were about to pass the True Spirit, the brilliant light surrounding them dimmed, stopping at a distance similar to Sharp Edge Seven King Mother’s.

    An invisible mountain of solidified pressure emanated from the blank True Spirit.

    If even Sharp Edge Seven King Mother, the pinnacle of Shining Species, couldn’t cross it, then Mist Colt, even with its unparalleled speed among the seventy-two Legends, couldn’t break through this insurmountable barrier.

    Its body and Pet Essence were instantly suppressed, its emerald horns and viral shield slowly dissolving.

    “Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring!!!”

    At the critical moment, the angelic halo above Lian Xing’s head shimmered, restoring Mist Colt to full health.

    Though Mist Colt’s body began to disintegrate again within a second, as long as Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring continued its frantic restoration, Mist Colt still had a chance.

    Repeatedly shattering and reforming, Azure Sky Jade Soaring Firmament expelled explosive clouds of energy, attempting to brute-force its way through the blank True Spirit’s aura.

    Ten seconds, thirty seconds, five minutes…

    As everyone watched in silent awe, Mist Colt, exhaling scorching breath, stubbornly pushed forward against the True Spirit’s eroding aura, its body unmoving.

    Though no longer as effortless as before, it was still several times further than Star Goddess.

    Only a negligible hundred million miles remained between it and the blank True Spirit blocking the finish line.

    Gradually, Lian Xing’s face paled from the constant use of Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring.

    “As expected, is it truly impossible to reach a True Spirit…?”

    “Even if Mist Colt breaks through to level ten thousand, it will still be stuck here.”

    “This is the minimum distance between a True Spirit and a living being, separated by countless dimensions…”

    Lian Xing began to realize that no one could pass the first round of the Lunar Divine Festival.

    The Twelve Moons of the Moon Soul World, the True Spirits, had created an immense gap between the end of the Beast Taming path and their existence.

    It was like reaching level 99 in an online game, only to discover twelve level one hundred million beings above you, with no monsters in between to bridge the gap. No matter how many level 99 monsters you defeated, you could never reach even a fraction of their level.

    It fundamentally denied the possibility of humans surpassing True Spirits.

    But was there truly no way to pass…?

    Was there truly no Beast Tamer in this world who could reach the realm of a True Spirit?

    Staring at the indomitable blank elemental figure, the starry patterns in Lian Xing’s eyes dimmed slightly.

    Seconds later, a barely perceptible glint of malice and darkness flashed within her fading eyes.

    [Starless Shackles]

    “Whoosh!!!!”

    Suddenly, a wave of golden sand swept across the starry sky, engulfing the entire world in a sandstorm.

    Not only were the Guardians outside dumbfounded, but even Tai Yin, who had been waiting for a good show, was stunned.

    After a few seconds, she shrieked in disbelief.

    “Is this person crazy!!!!?”

    “She’s attacking a True Spirit!!!!”

    This was the Lunar Divine Festival, hosted by the Twelve Moons themselves.

    Attacking a True Spirit was akin to directly challenging the organizers. Like slapping the referee during a boxing match!

    How could this be allowed!?

    It was too late for anyone to intervene.

    Yet, Lian Xing’s expression remained unchanged.

    If she wanted to breach the True Spirit’s aura, defense alone wouldn’t suffice.

    If the True Spirit dared to stand in her way, she dared to attack!

    Under everyone’s gaze, the swirling sand reached every corner of the starry sky.

    An invisible shackle began to materialize around the blank elemental figure at the finish line.

    Star Sand’s sealing ability was now confronting a True Spirit!!!!

    Then—

    “Crack”

    With a crisp shattering sound, the pressure surrounding the blank elemental figure dissipated.

    A golden, ring-shaped shackle bound it.

    As Nether Concubine watched with anticipation, and Star Goddess, Tai Yin, and Ice Queen stared in disbelief, the True Spirit’s pressure vanished from the starry sky.

    Time itself seemed to freeze.

    How… how was this possible…?

    A mere Emperor-Tier Star Sand had successfully sealed a True Spirit!?

    Had the order and rules of this world collapsed?

    A flicker of confusion appeared in the blank True Spirit’s eyes.

    It looked towards the void, as if sensing a familiar, strange power.

    And then…

    At that very moment!!!

    Though Lian Xing herself doubted her success, she didn’t hesitate. The instant the blank True Spirit turned its head—

    “Rabbit!!!!”

    “BOOM!!!!!”

    With Lian Xing’s cry, the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit on the seventh platform exploded, like a drawn sword, pulverizing the meteorite beneath its feet and transforming into a blazing white comet, hurtling forward.

    [Moon Chase!!!!]

    Along its path, the other participants were sent reeling by the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit’s explosive aura.

    This was why Lian Xing had left the Ancient Rabbit on the seventh step!

    The further the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit traveled with Moon Chase, the greater the impact and momentum.

    Using the previous steps as a runway amplified its final collision to terrifying levels.

    Keeping it by her side would have limited its power.

    “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!!!!”

    A shockwave comparable to a cosmic explosion erupted within the Lunar Divine Festival arena.

    As the audience watched in awe, the white-haired rabbit girl with a giant tail charged forward relentlessly during her jump.

    Like a heavily armored tank, her body shattered every step in her path, pulverizing meteorites and stars alike.

    Without hesitation, she smashed all obstacles into dust, her power absolute.

    Finally, she shattered the remnants of the blank True Spirit’s aura, which hadn’t yet reformed after Star Sand’s seal was broken, scattering it into nothingness.

    Then, with a sliding kick, she bypassed the True Spirit, leaving a long trail of fire as she landed on the twelfth platform, the finish line.

    “…”

    “…”

    “Hooo~~~”

    In the ensuing silence, the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit exhaled a scorching breath, its crimson, paw-marked eyes slowly lifting, as if glaring at the audience watching through the projections.

    A chilling silence fell over the Moon Soul World.

    Only then did the blank True Spirit react, turning its head to look at the Moonlight Rabbit with bewilderment.

    The other participants were utterly stunned.

    What monster was this!?

    It had shattered a True Spirit’s aura?

    How was that possible!?

    And Star Sand, momentarily sealing a True Spirit’s ability… none of this made sense!

    Wait, was the True Spirit holding back?

    Was Lian Xing the predetermined victor?

    Though absurd, this was a billion times more plausible than Lian Xing’s Pet Beasts genuinely overpowering a True Spirit.

    Under everyone’s gaze, after a few seconds of silence, the blank elemental figure offered no further resistance, allowing Mist Colt to carry Lian Xing past it and onto the finish line.

    The first round of the Lunar Divine Festival.

    Star Concubine Lian Xing, victorious!

    Perhaps most of the audience didn’t grasp the significance of this event.

    But Tai Yin and the others, who had participated in a previous Lunar Divine Festival, and the Guardians outside, were completely dumbfounded.

    Even Moonwalker, one of Lian Xing’s Married Pet Beasts, was stunned.

    She never expected Lian Xing to pass this seemingly impossible first round.

    Reaching and crossing a True Spirit’s aura meant…

    Lian Xing now possessed the potential to defeat a True Spirit!!!

    Lian Xing wasn’t even eighteen yet!

    This was beyond absurd…

    Under Yaochi’s, the Sixth Guardian’s, bewildered gaze, Moonwalker puffed out her chest slightly and coughed.

    As Lian Xing reached the finish line, the blank True Spirit released its pressure again, blocking Star Goddess and the others.

    But now, they had no desire to continue.

    Every being in the Moon Soul World, including its subordinate Soul Worlds, focused on the radiant golden-haired girl.

    Tai Yin, along with Lotus Concubine Tai Sui and Dao Yao within her, also stared at Lian Xing’s graceful figure, falling silent.

    After a long while, Tai Yin sighed.

    It seemed she had been utterly defeated.

    Nether Concubine and Qianqiu’s simulations must have been wrong…

    With this naive thought, Tai Yin turned to Nether Concubine.

    “…”

    “…”

    “?”

    Seeing Nether Concubine’s impassive face, a large question mark appeared above Tai Yin’s head.

    What was going on? Didn’t Nether Concubine seem surprised at all?

    This outcome couldn’t possibly align with her simulations…

    However…

    As if noticing Tai Yin’s gaze, the black-haired woman with the queenly hairstyle turned and smiled.

    Unable to contain herself any longer, Tai Yin asked, “Nether Concubine, did Qianqiu not foresee this outcome?”

    “I did. What’s wrong?” Qianqiu, within Nether Concubine, replied with a bewildered tone.

    Tai Yin’s expression became even more strained.

    “But if you foresaw it, why are you so calm? Don’t you intend to compete for the championship?”

    “Indeed, we never intended to. I simulated our defeat long ago. I’m simply accompanying my master on a stroll, walking this final path with her~~~”

    As Qianqiu spoke, Nether Concubine gently stroked the purple butterfly in her arms, her beautiful face gentle as water.

    Tai Yin nearly spat out blood.

    Damn it! Nether Concubine’s composure wasn’t from confidence, but from accepting defeat and choosing to coast!

    And she had been fooled by their act, accompanying them on this stroll, playing the perfect foil.

    Tai Yin felt a surge of anger, exacerbated by Lotus Concubine Tai Sui’s constant complaints within her. She wanted to retort, “If you’re so capable, why don’t you do it yourself?”

    Just then, Lotus Concubine Tai Sui glanced at the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit at the finish line with a complex expression.

    Then, she warned gravely, “Tai Yin…”

    “What?”

    “In the final round, be wary of that monster. She attacks with full force, giving no opportunity for recovery.”

    “Yes, I’ll be careful…” Tai Yin nodded solemnly.

    Undoubtedly, in this Lunar Divine Festival, the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit and Sharp Edge Seven King Mother were the two strongest individual combatants, second only to the Twelve Moons.

    Below the True Spirits, they were practically invincible…