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  • Come, Let Me Take You Home 34

    No. 34 Too Gentle for Both of Us

    How do you convey the feeling of utter despair?

    To witness a tragedy unfold, knowing the outcome, yet powerless to change it, forced to watch as it repeats itself, again and again.

    To wander aimlessly, searching for a purpose, a place to belong.

    “Are you alright?”

    As I descended the stairs, carrying Huang Yingdie on my back, my clothes stained with blood, I drew the attention of everyone in the hotel lobby. But no one dared to approach me.

    “I’m fine… Your home is nearby, right?”

    We stepped out of the hotel. The sunlight was blinding, and my strength was fading with every drop of blood I lost. For a moment, I wanted to drop her and run, but seeing her vulnerable state, I pressed on.

    “Your wound is bleeding.”

    Her voice was laced with concern. “Let me down. We need to call an ambulance.”

    “No.”

    Neither of us had enough cash, and we were both minors. Going to the hospital would alert our parents. My father was already at the hospital with my mother, and her father was the mayor. There was no need to burden them with this.

    Besides, the wound wasn’t that serious. It hadn’t hit any vital organs or bones. It was just deep and looked scary.

    “Why didn’t you call your father?”

    I asked as we walked towards her complex.

    “In an emergency, you didn’t call your friends, you didn’t call your father, you called me?”

    “I…” She leaned her head against my shoulder. “You were the only one who answered.”

    “I see.”

    “What about you, Yi Yao? Didn’t you say you had exams today?”

    “I’m a fast writer. What’s your point?”

    I adjusted her position on my back and said, “So, what are you going to do about your boyfriend?”

    Silence.

    “Are you asleep?”

    “I’m sorry…”

    “Hmm?”

    “I’m sorry… Yi Yao… I’m so sorry…”

    She wrapped her arms around my neck, and I felt her tears on my back.

    “I’m sorry. I didn’t know it would turn out like this… He promised he wouldn’t do anything to me. He promised to make me happy, to give me the best life… why…”

    “Because you’re naive. A teenage boy promising a girl eternal happiness? Most adults in this world wouldn’t even dare to say that.”

    “I’m sorry… It’s all my fault…”

    Her guilt tugged at my heartstrings. “I don’t need your apologies. What I want to know is, what will you do if this happens again?”

    Boys using sweet talk and promises of wealth and status to manipulate girls into bed—it happened every day, all over the country.

    What the girl did afterward was her own choice.

    If those Jiang Nan Gang members hadn’t told me about his plan, if I had turned off my phone before the exam, if Xiaodie hadn’t called me because of our conflict, this situation could have spiraled out of control.

    “Next time?”

    She seemed surprised. “Next time… I’ll call you again.”

    “No way.”

    “Don’t be like that… Oh, I know! Yi Yao, be my boyfriend! Then there won’t be a next time.”

    “Huh?”

    “Seriously, you were so cool when you came to rescue me. I think you’d be a much more reliable boyfriend than Huang Qinghao.”

    Great, another one smitten with me.

    Putting aside her personality, Huang Yingdie was the most beautiful girl I had ever met. And with my thirty years of experience as a man, I couldn’t deny that I was attracted to her. But I wouldn’t take advantage of her vulnerability.

    “You’re just lonely.”

    “I am lonely.”

    My phone rang.

    “Hello, did you call the emergency hotline earlier?”

    The formal tone reminded me of the call I had made. “Yes, it was me.”

    “What’s your relationship with the patient?”

    “Concerned citizen.”

    “Oh, sorry to bother you.”

    The call ended as we reached the gate of her luxurious residential complex.

    “Da Liao! It’s me!”

    She waved at the security guard. “My friend is injured. We need to go up and treat his wounds.”

    “Oh…” The guard looked confused. Why was she carrying her injured friend on her back? But he didn’t question us, just opened the gate.

    “Huang Qinghao is alive.”

    Since the hospital had referred to him as a “patient” and not a “deceased,” it meant my kick hadn’t killed him. Perhaps the pain had weakened my strength.

    “I don’t care if he’s dead or alive. He’s not my brother anymore.”

    “Which floor?”

    We entered the elevator, and she jumped off my back, supporting me as she pressed the button for the top floor, the eighth floor.

    I teased her. “What did Huang Qinghao give you? It’s quite effective. You’re conscious, but you can’t move.”

    And you conveniently recovered just in time.

    She glared at me. “How should I know? And I didn’t finish it, okay?”

    It seemed my warning had worked.

    The elevator reached the top floor.

    “My family is usually not home. Dad always works late.”

    She padded over to the high-tech security door, pressed her hand against the scanner, then activated a hidden iris scanner. The heavy door unlocked with a click.

    “Lie down here. I’ll get some bandages.”

    She helped me onto the sofa in the living room, then stumbled towards her room, her movements still sluggish from the drug. She returned with a small first-aid kit.

    “I learned some basic first aid from my grandmother.”

    She opened the kit, took out some iodine, and frowned at my blood-soaked back. “Maybe we should take a shower and change clothes first?”

    “No need.”

    I chuckled awkwardly. “Just disinfect the wound.”

    “No, it could get infected. And you can’t go home like this.”

    She pulled me off the sofa and dragged me upstairs to a room that was clearly a girl’s bedroom.

    “Fine, if you don’t want to shower, at least change your clothes.”

    Although I came here every day to pick her up for school, this was my first time inside her home. Unlike the opulent mansions I had imagined, her room was surprisingly ordinary, apart from its size and the en suite bathroom. The furniture was simple and unassuming.

    However, I noticed a lot of anime merchandise.

    Pillows, posters, mousepads, even the bedsheets and curtains were adorned with popular anime characters.

    As I was observing her room, she had already gathered two dresses and the first-aid kit and entered the bathroom. She had taken off her nightgown, leaving her in just her underwear.

    Her skin was as white as snow, her long hair cascading down her back, her budding breasts a testament to her youth, her flat stomach leading to long, slender legs. Even I, a girl now, couldn’t help but stare.

    “Stop staring and come in.”

    She blushed.

    I entered the bathroom. “You like anime?”

    “A little.” She gestured for me to take off my shirt. “Take off your clothes.”

    We both stripped down to our underwear, my blood-soaked clothes lying in a heap on the floor.

    “The wound doesn’t seem too deep.”

    Seemingly oblivious to my awkwardness, she blushed and carefully cleaned the blood from my back with a wet towel.

    Her fragrance filled the steamy bathroom.

    Every touch sent shivers down my spine.

    “Don’t shower for the next two days. Keep the wound dry.”

    She poured some antiseptic on the wound and expertly bandaged it.

    “This dress is new. I only wore it once… sorry… it’s just me and Dad at home. We don’t have any spare clothes…”

    She handed me a light green dress, her cheeks still flushed.

    “It’s fine.”

    I took the dress and put it on in front of her, not wanting to make her feel bad.

    Dresses were the easiest to put on. But perhaps due to our height difference, it was a bit tight on me, the hem barely reaching my thighs.

    “Wow, you look so cute!”

    She looked at me with delight. “I always thought you were a tomboy. I didn’t know you could look so cute in a dress. If you went out like this, you’d probably attract a whole team of love rivals.”

    “Please, I’m not interested in that.”

    The cool air on my bare legs made me feel self-conscious. I stepped out of the bathroom, stretched, and glanced at the clock on the wall.

    School was over…

  • Come, Let Me Take You Home 33

    No. 33 As If the Last Heartstring Was About to Snap

    As the entire class was still shrouded in grief over Lan Zhuoyue’s passing, the monthly exams quietly approached.

    I had prepared meticulously for these exams, memorizing every relevant detail from the textbooks and practicing countless exercises.

    Exams, like work, had no shortcuts. If you diligently practiced and reviewed, accumulating experience, you could always find similarities between the exam questions and the problems you had already solved.

    The difference between high achievers and low achievers was simply experience.

    Even after graduating and entering the workforce, you couldn’t guarantee that everything you encountered would align perfectly with what you had learned in school. In most cases, you had to learn on the job, and some bosses even threw you into completely unfamiliar territory.

    Chinese, math, English, physics, chemistry, biology, politics, history, geography—we had nine subjects to conquer in three days.

    To prevent cheating, our seating arrangements were randomized for each exam, and we had to clear our desks the day before.

    I was supposed to clear Lan Zhuoyue’s desk, but after Tan Lijiang’s persistent pleas, I reluctantly allowed him to help.

    “Don’t blame yourself too much. He wouldn’t have cared.”

    I tried to comfort him, but he burst into tears. I sighed, realizing words were futile.

    Some people, after realizing their mistakes, would rather be scolded than seek forgiveness. It was similar to the dynamic between Hua She and his gang: if you had a problem with someone, you fought them. After the fight, you drank together, laughed together, and moved on. It was better than stewing in resentment and awkward silence.

    The exams began.

    Thanks to my thorough preparation and my past life’s experience, I sailed through the first eight subjects, writing furiously.

    On Friday afternoon, the history exam commenced.

    After two and a half days of exams, everyone was exhausted. The March weather in Upper Capital City, located in southern China, wasn’t particularly hot, but perhaps due to the stress, some students requested the ceiling fans be turned on.

    History wasn’t my strongest subject, but it was one of the easiest to score high in, as long as you memorized the material.

    However, just ten minutes into the exam, a familiar ringtone pierced the silence from the designated bag storage area outside the classroom.

    “A rusty heart, in a silent world, what is it gazing at…”

    It was “And I’m Home,” the character song of Sayaka Miki and Kyoko Sakura from the anime “Puella Magi Madoka Magica.”

    I had specifically set this ringtone for Huang Yingdie.

    I had reminded her that we had monthly exams from Wednesday to Friday and that she shouldn’t call me unless it was an emergency.

    During exams, all students were required to turn off their phones and leave all non-exam-related items outside the classroom.

    I had initially planned to turn off my phone, but remembering Huang Yingdie’s mention of the karaoke plan with Huang Qinghao, I had left it on, just in case. It seemed my intuition was right.

    “Whose phone is that?”

    The invigilator was about to investigate, but I rushed out of the classroom before she could.

    “Hey! You’ll be penalized for cheating!”

    Ignoring her warning, I grabbed my bag and pulled out my phone. “Hello?”

    My actions infuriated her. “You even dare to answer the call?!”

    “Yi Yao… help… New City Hotel, room B441…”

    Huang Yingdie’s weak voice sent a chill down my spine. “What happened? Hello? Hello?”

    “Beep…”

    The call ended abruptly.

    “What’s your name?! You’re going too far! I’m reporting you to your homeroom teacher! You’ll be expelled!”

    The invigilator stormed towards me, but I just said, “Consider it cheating,” and ran towards the stairs.

    “Wait! Where are you going?”

    Ignoring the teachers’ shouts, I dashed out of the classroom and, after a quick glance around, sprinted towards the school gate.

    “Hey, aren’t you supposed to be taking an exam?”

    The security guard saw me approaching and reached for his notebook, but I didn’t slow down. I jumped over the fence.

    “What are you doing?! Come back here!”

    He scrambled to grab his baton and unlocked the gate, but by the time he emerged from the school grounds, I had already hailed a taxi.

    “New City Hotel.”

    The driver, a middle-aged man in his forties, looked at me in surprise. “Little girl, that’s not a good place. It’s dangerous.”

    “I know. I’m in a hurry.”

    I tossed him a hundred-yuan bill.

    “Alright!”

    He pocketed the money, stepped on the gas, and sped towards the hotel.

    “Excuse me!”

    I rushed into the hotel lobby. “Where’s room B441?”

    “Turn left, fourth floor, straight ahead.”

    “Thank you.”

    I climbed the stairs, frantically dialing Huang Yingdie’s number, but it went straight to voicemail.

    “Xiaodie, are you in there?”

    I stood outside the door, unsure what to do. I didn’t have a key.

    “Yi… Yi Yao…”

    To my relief, her weak voice came from inside.

    And a man’s heavy breathing.

    “Stay still!”

    I couldn’t just stand here and do nothing. I’ll just pay for the damages later.

    I took a step back and kicked the door.

    “Boom!”

    Whether it was shoddy construction or my powerful kick, the door burst open.

    The scene inside was chaotic.

    A large bed, a computer, a table—a simple setup.

    Perhaps the only unusual thing was the occupants.

    Huang Yingdie, dressed in a thin nightgown, her clothes disheveled, was huddled in a corner, her face stained with tears.

    Huang Qinghao, stripped down to his underwear, his body covered in scratches, stood in front of her.

    He glared at me. “Yi Yao, are you here to ruin my fun again?”

    “Your fun?”

    I walked towards Huang Yingdie, and she quickly scrambled behind me, seeking protection.

    Her eyes pleaded with me, as if I were her only hope.

    “I don’t know what kind of ‘fun’ you’re having, but Xiaodie’s father instructed me to keep her in school during school hours. Sorry, I have to take her back. You can continue your ‘fun’ later.”

    “Xiaodie! Haven’t I been good to you? Why won’t you give in to me?!”

    His voice was desperate. “Be with me, and I’ll give you happiness, the best life you could ever imagine. Haven’t I said enough in my messages? I love you more than anyone in this world!”

    I looked at Huang Yingdie, who was clinging to me, her body trembling. She just shook her head, tears streaming down her face.

    To reduce a blue belt Taekwondo student to this state, he must have drugged her.

    “Save the sweet talk for later. I’m not interested in being a third wheel.”

    I gently pulled her hand. “Can you stand?”

    She shook her head.

    “I’ll kill you!”

    Huang Qinghao lunged at me, his eyes filled with rage.

    “Thud!”

    I reacted instinctively, delivering a powerful kick to his head, sending him crashing to the floor.

    Seriously, these kids never thought about the consequences.

    I crouched down to pick up Huang Yingdie, but a sudden surge of adrenaline warned me of danger.

    I turned around just in time to see a glinting knife blade inches from my face.

    Huang Qinghao, his eyes bloodshot, was holding the knife, his expression crazed.

    I could have dodged it, but that would leave Huang Yingdie, who was defenseless, vulnerable to his attack. I had no choice but to twist my body, shielding my vital organs.

    The knife plunged into my shoulder.

    Pain exploded through me as blood gushed down my back. I rolled away, narrowly avoiding another attack, then scrambled to my feet and kicked him in the head with all my might.

    “Boom!”

    He collapsed, unconscious, his head hitting the floor with a sickening thud.

    I stumbled towards him, clutching my shoulder, and stomped on his right hand, sending the knife flying.

    Taekwondo instructors usually warned their students against using full force when kicking someone’s head. It could be fatal.

    But I couldn’t afford to hesitate. If I let him continue, I might not be so lucky next time.

    “Is he… dead?”

    Huang Yingdie’s voice trembled.

    “I don’t know.”

    I pulled out my phone. “Hello, 120? New City Hotel, room B441. Concussion. Please hurry.”

    The pain overwhelmed me, and I sank to my knees.

    “Xiaodie… how are you feeling?”

    “I…” She looked at me, her eyes wide with fear, her tears flowing again. “I… I drank that… I can’t… move…”

    “Okay, I understand.”

    I crawled towards her and turned my back to her. “Get on.”

  • Come, Let Me Take You Home 32

    No. 32 Lost in a Maze with No Exit

    Lan Zhuoyue’s funeral was scheduled for three days later, on Sunday, February 28th.

    Tan Lijiang and I attended as friends.

    I didn’t shed a single tear throughout the entire ceremony.

    Because two days ago, Lan Zhuoyue’s mother had given me a letter. It was a short note, written in his familiar handwriting, on a plain white sheet of paper: “I’m gone. Don’t cry. Thank you.”

    Tan Lijiang, on the other hand, was inconsolable.

    Although he and Lan Zhuoyue hadn’t been close friends, they often played basketball and bickered after school. And after all, Tan Lijiang was just a fifteen-year-old boy. Witnessing the death of a classmate was a profound experience for anyone at that age.

    Flowers bloomed and withered, dynasties rose and fell. I returned home as the setting sun cast long shadows across the city.

    My father was sitting on the sofa, smoking a cigarette, his face etched with worry. He quickly extinguished it when he saw me.

    He was a heavy smoker, but he rarely smoked in front of me or exposed me to secondhand smoke. It had been the same in my previous life. I vaguely remembered my mother, before she was hospitalized, telling him never to burden their child with his bad habits. So, when it came to smoking and drinking, he was surprisingly considerate.

    “Yi Yao…”

    He called out to me as I walked past him.

    “What’s wrong?”

    I took off my cap, placed it on the sofa, and sat down beside him.

    I recognized his expression. He always looked like this when he had something important to discuss with me.

    Unease, uncertainty, hesitation.

    He was never good at hiding his emotions.

    “You know about your mother’s illness. What are your plans for the future?”

    He picked up an orange from the coffee table, avoiding my gaze, his voice weary.

    “Plans for the future?”

    Those words were all too familiar. It was a question every interviewer asked after graduation. Reputable companies used your answer to assess your character. Of course, most companies were probably just following the trend, but you still needed to have a prepared answer.

    “I want to go to high school, then get into a good university.”

    That was the expected answer for someone my age, I thought.

    “University?”

    His hand trembled, and the orange he was holding rolled onto the floor. “What kind of… university?”

    “Whichever one you want me to go to.”

    I knew it sounded unrealistic, considering my current situation, but I was confident I could achieve anything I set my mind to.

    “Yi Yao… Dad thinks… we need to be realistic…”

    He sighed deeply. “To be honest, there’s not much future for girls in higher education. If you spend a year or two at a vocational school, you’ll get a guaranteed job and some work experience. You can also help alleviate our financial burden.”

    His words chilled me to the bone.

    Here it was… a diverging path.

    I remembered that he hadn’t said anything like this on February 28th in my previous life. I had spent the day studying, then reluctantly agreed to accompany him to a shopping street, where he bought me two new outfits.

    “What do you mean?”

    “I’ve never been a strong advocate for girls going to university.” He turned to me, his face shadowed in the dim light. “You’ll get married eventually, and we don’t have much money left… You understand what I’m saying, right?”

    Not much money left?

    But when I was a boy, he had supported me through university.

    Money was just a convenient excuse. Was it really just about gender discrimination?

    “I can take care of my own tuition.”

    I said firmly. “Besides, I already told you, if I don’t get first place in the grade in the monthly exams, I’ll leave this house.”

    “You… you’re serious?” He dropped the orange he was peeling, his hand shaking. “I was just angry. You…”

    “But I’m serious.”

    I nodded. “If you’re worried about money, I can help. If it’s about my grades, the monthly exams are next Wednesday. I’ll prove myself.”

    “Sigh… let’s talk about it after you get your results.”

    He dismissed my words, waving his hand dismissively. “Go eat your dinner.”

    He was clearly in a bad mood.

    Something must have happened with Mom.

    He was usually critical and sarcastic towards me. Only when he was facing his own problems would he show this kind of vulnerability.

    I stood up and saw him reach for a bottle of beer. “That’s not good for your health,” I said.

    “I know. Just one drink today.”

    He opened the bottle, brushing off my concern.

    “Dad, why don’t you ask the doctor to check your liver function tomorrow when you visit Mom?”

    I deliberately spoke in a soft, pleading tone, something Yi Yao would never have done.

    “Please?”

    “Fine.”

    To my surprise, he agreed readily.

    “I’ll get checked tomorrow, just to put your mind at ease. Happy now?”

    He gave me a strange look, then waved his hand. “Go eat your dinner. The food is getting cold.”

    “Okay~”

    Was this the privilege of being a girl?

    I remembered how my father in my previous life rarely listened to me. He was stubborn and set in his ways. I had expected a long and difficult argument to convince him to get a checkup.

    As usual, I changed into my uniform and went to the gym after dinner.

    Huang Yingdie and a few other early birds were already there.

    “Good evening, Instructor.”

    Huang Yingdie, who was practicing on a punching bag, greeted me, which was a first.

    I stopped beside her. “How’s your shoulder?”

    I noticed she was wearing a Shimakaze hair clip from the Kantai Collection anime.

    “It’s completely healed.”

    She delivered a powerful kick to the punching bag, then wiped the sweat from her forehead, her back still turned towards me. “Yi Yao.”

    “What?”

    “Who told you about that incident?”

    “What incident?” I frowned. “Which one?”

    “The karaoke thing with Huang Qinghao.”

    I shrugged. “I’m friends with a lot of the Jiang Nan Gang members. They told me. Why?”

    The bright lights above cast a long shadow behind her.

    She turned to face me. “I need to talk to you after training.”

    After spending weeks with her, I had a good understanding of her personality.

    She was spoiled and had a bit of a princess complex. Like most girls her age, she had unrealistic expectations about love and the future. But perhaps due to her family situation, she craved excitement and rebellion. In other words, she was easily swayed by sweet talk and empty promises.

    But she also had her good qualities. She was determined, strong, and kind. Especially during training, she never complained, no matter how difficult the exercises were.

    For example, the stretching session after warm-up was a nightmare for most students. While everyone else was groaning in pain, she gritted her teeth and endured it silently.

    Perhaps she had something she wanted to protect too.

    “Instructor Zhai is absent today. I’ll be taking over his class. You all know my name, right?”

    I gathered the students, seeing that it was almost time to start.

    “Yes, Instructor Yao! The only female second-degree black belt instructor in Upper Capital City!”

    One of the students shouted, raising his hand.

    “Then I won’t waste time with introductions. Attention!”

    “Bow!”

    “Courtesy! Integrity! Perseverance! Self-control! Indomitable spirit!”

    “At ease! Prepare for warm-up exercises!”

    This wasn’t the first time Yi Yao had taught an entire class on her own.

    Zhai Fangning wasn’t just named Zhai, he was also a true otaku. Anime, games, figurines—he was obsessed with all things anime.

    (T/N): His surname is 翟 (Zhai), which means long-tail pheasant. However, there is another character 宅 (Zhai), pronounced the same way, that is used as a slang term for “someone who stays at home,” often associated with otaku or geek culture. In this context, the character 翟 (Zhai) is used as his surname, but the homophone 宅 (Zhai) can be used to describe his personality and interests as an otaku.

    Besides being an instructor, he also had a part-time job online, which was just enough to cover his living expenses and his otaku hobbies.

    This meant that he often asked me to cover for him. As he put it, “Yi Yao, you can handle a dozen kids on your own. You’re even better than me. It doesn’t really matter if I’m here or not. Be a good girl, and I’ll buy you milk tea tomorrow.”

    …

    At 9:30 PM, the training session ended smoothly. Thanks to my experience managing people in my previous life, I had those kids under control. As soon as the whistle blew, they collapsed onto the floor, exhausted.

    “Alright, what did you want to talk about?”

    I changed into my casual clothes and walked over to Huang Yingdie, who was also drenched in sweat.

    She seemed hesitant. “Huang Qinghao asked me to go to karaoke with him on Friday afternoon. Just the two of us.”

    “So, go.”

    I feigned indifference. “You said he’s not that kind of guy, right? What’s wrong with a girl going to karaoke with her boyfriend?”

    “I…” She looked down. “I was wondering… could you tell my dad that I’ll be home late on Friday?”

    “Sorry, we have exams on Friday. I’ll pick you up from school after the exams.” I turned away. “You should discuss this with your father, not me.”

  • Mistaken Era 70

    Chapter 70

    Qin Lingxiao hadn’t come to fight Xiao Xiao.

    He had been forced to betray her last time due to the urgency of the situation.

    After returning to the Soaring Cloud Pavilion, he had confronted his father, demanding to know the truth about his involvement with Prince Can.

    Backed into a corner, Qin He finally confessed that he had once been on the brink of death and had relied on Prince Can’s blood to survive.

    Once he had accepted that blood, there was no turning back. He claimed he had become Prince Can’s pawn out of necessity.

    Of course, Qin He’s words were a mix of truth and lies. But the part about relying on Prince Can’s blood was real.

    Now, with Prince Can’s sudden “death,” Qin He was even more anxious than his son. He hadn’t received any news and didn’t know whether the prince’s death was real or a ruse.

    However, his Eldest Senior Brother’s gruesome death was undoubtedly real. The severed hand from the mansion was undeniable proof. This filled Qin He with unease, fearing that he, like his senior brother, had become expendable to Prince Can.

    He had no choice but to confess his predicament to his son. If he couldn’t obtain Prince Can’s blood in time, what would become of him?

    Qin Lingxiao hated his father’s collusion with that villain, but he couldn’t bear to watch him die.

    With Prince Can nowhere to be found, there was only one option left – using the demonic bead to prolong his life.

    Although being possessed by the demonic bead could lead to being controlled by it, his father’s cultivation might be able to hold it off for a while.

    That would buy him time to find a way to save his father completely.

    He had been reborn. What was the point of it all if he had to watch his father die again?

    He knew there were two demonic beads. One was with Xiao Xiao, inaccessible for now. The other’s whereabouts were unknown, attached to someone out there.

    Qin Lingxiao hadn’t had the time to search for it before, but now, he had no choice. His father’s life depended on it.

    In his past life, he had used the Yellow Emperor’s South-Pointing Chariot to locate the demonic bead.

    This time, after much effort, he had managed to obtain this ancient artifact once again. With the Yellow Emperor’s bronze compass, finding the demonic bead would be much easier.

    Following the compass’s guidance, Qin Lingxiao had arrived at this familiar mountain, the place where he had once studied cultivation.

    Gazing at Guishi Cliff, he was filled with complex emotions. The compass’s signal fluctuated, leading him on a winding path through the mountains. It was then that he witnessed Xiao Xiao’s battle with the five phoenixes in the back mountain.

    Desperate to investigate, he had tried to enter the back mountain, but an invisible barrier seemed to block his path.

    Two days later, the barrier finally dissipated, and he was able to enter. But Xiao Xiao and her disciples had already left for the front mountain.

    Standing before his former master’s abode, now occupied by Xiao Xiao, Qin Lingxiao felt a chill run down his spine.

    Every time he saw Xiao Xiao taking Wei Jie’s place, shouldering the burdens that should have been his, a sense of foreboding washed over him. What would become of her in the end?

    So, he had come to see her again, not only to apologize for his past transgressions but also to warn her against associating with Wei Jie.

    Although he now knew that Wei Jie wasn’t responsible for the atrocities of their past life, it didn’t absolve that demon completely.

    Wei Jie’s inner darkness was far more terrifying than any of his past deeds. To be with him was akin to dancing with a tiger.

    Of course, he mentioned searching for the demonic bead, omitting the part about using it to save his father.

    Xiao Xiao cut through his rambling apologies, her voice impatient. “You said you came here to find another demonic bead. What proof do you have?”

    Qin Lingxiao took out the ancient compass.

    Xiao Xiao recognized it immediately. She recalled seeing it when she and Qin Lingxiao had faced the silkworm demon in Feixian. The disciples of the Sword Sect had used this compass-like object to pinpoint the demonic bead’s location.

    She glanced at it coldly. “If you have business to attend to, then go. You’re not welcome on Lingshan Mountain.”

    Qin Lingxiao hadn’t expected his sincere apology to be met with such hostility.

    His pride resurfaced, his voice hardening. “You claim your master taught you to vanquish evil, yet you cling to personal grudges? Are you going to stand by and let another tragedy like Madam Bai’s unfold?”

    Xiao Xiao raised an eyebrow, amused by his self-righteousness. “Qin Lingxiao, your cultivation hasn’t improved, but your insults are getting sharper. Does the Soaring Cloud Pavilion train its disciples to fight with words?”

    Her smile, bright as sunshine, was captivating. For a moment, Qin Lingxiao was lost in it, forgetting her mocking words.

    As she chuckled, extending her hand towards him, he stared at her, bewildered. Tentatively, he reached out, his large hand engulfing hers…

    Xiao Xiao, resisting the urge to roll her eyes, swatted his hand away. “I said, show me the compass!”

    Despite his long-winded speech, only one sentence resonated with her – “Are you going to stand by and let another tragedy like Madam Bai’s unfold?”

    Madam Bai… the woman who had transformed into the silkworm demon. Xiao Xiao still felt a pang of pity for her.

    So, even though Qin Lingxiao was a jerk, if he truly had a way to find the demonic bead, it was for the best.

    After all, those two beads were the key to her returning to her own time.

    His pride stung by her rejection, Qin Lingxiao reluctantly took out the compass and handed it to her.

    Xiao Xiao examined it carefully. It was square-shaped, smaller than an inkstone, covered in intricate bronze inscriptions. A small bronze spoon rested on top.

    Qin Lingxiao, seeing her scrutiny, knew she suspected him of treachery.

    He raised his hand, his voice cold. “If I have tampered with this object to harm you, may I be struck down by heaven, forever barred from achieving immortality!”

    Ignoring his oath, Xiao Xiao continued her examination. The back of the compass bore inscriptions she couldn’t fully decipher, but they seemed to relate to the Yellow Emperor’s battle against Chi You. The compass’s ancient aura confirmed its authenticity.

    However, it seemed to lack sensitivity, its signal intermittent. No wonder Qin Lingxiao had been struggling to find the demonic bead.

    Her eyes fell upon the inscription on the compass face.

    Unlike the inscriptions on the back, these resembled the talismans of the Lingshan Talisman Sect. Xiao Xiao could understand them.

    It turned out this compass wasn’t just for navigation. It was also a tool used by the Yellow Emperor to vanquish evil. Its sensitivity could be enhanced by placing a drop of demonic blood in the spoon. The handle would then point towards someone with the same demonic energy, making it easier to track down demonic beings.

    Xiao Xiao studied the compass for a long moment before asking, “Where did you get this?”

    Qin Lingxiao could understand the inscriptions on the back but not the talismanic ones. He was surprised that Xiao Xiao could read them.

    “It was entrusted to my father by Wan Lianshi,” he answered honestly. “It needs to absorb righteous energy. The Soaring Cloud Pavilion is located in the east, where the purest yang energy rises. It was supposed to be returned to Wan Lianshi after three years… but in the previous timeline, it remained with us. He never came to retrieve it…”

    Xiao Xiao guessed that Wan Lianshi must have died at Wei Jie’s hands in the original timeline. He had lost to Wei Jie in the Illusionary Realm and been killed. Of course, he wouldn’t have gone to his junior brother to retrieve his belongings.

    In this life, many events had been accelerated. They had already experienced the Illusionary City outside Luoyi City.

    But no matter how things changed, Wan Lianshi’s fate remained the same.

    And this compass, used prematurely, hadn’t absorbed enough yang energy. It seemed demonic blood was the only way to enhance its power…

    As Xiao Xiao searched for any hidden traps or spells left by Wan Lianshi, Qin Lingxiao took a step closer. His eyes fell upon a red mark on her neck…

    It was a mark left by Wei Jie during their passionate encounter the night she had the nightmare.

    Despite living for over two hundred years, Qin Lingxiao had never been romantically involved with a woman. He didn’t recognize it at first. “What happened to your neck? Did an insect bite you?”

    Xiao Xiao guessed he had seen Wei Jie’s mark. She quickly covered it with her hand, her cheeks flushing red. “It’s none of your business!”

    Even if he hadn’t recognized it before, her flustered reaction gave it away.

    The only person who could have left a mark like that on her neck… it had to be Wei Jie, that scoundrel!

    A wave of jealousy washed over Qin Lingxiao.

    Unable to contain his anger, he spat, “Do you think Wei Jie is capable of love? He only uses people! He might not be on a killing spree right now, but do you think he’s any kinder than he was in our past life? I served him for years. I know him better than anyone! He only cares about power, about making those who looked down on him kneel before him. Anyone who falls for him is just another pawn in his game! Look what happened to Yu Ling’er in our past life! She devoted herself to him, and when she died, did he shed a single tear? Cui Xiao Xiao, why are you so stubborn? Why walk this path of self-destruction?!”

    Had he said these words earlier, Xiao Xiao might have been swayed.

    But now, even if they were true, they only brought a hint of sweetness to her heart.

    Because… Wei Jie had cried for her. He had shed tears of blood…

    Seeing her silence, the knowing smile playing on her lips, Qin Lingxiao struggled to suppress his bitterness. “Forget it. You’re blinded by infatuation. Nothing I say will get through to you. But know this, you don’t belong in this time. If you stay, if you become entangled with Wei Jie, you will disrupt the natural order. A cultivator who can’t even control their emotions… how can they achieve enlightenment?”

    Xiao Xiao sighed, exasperated by his righteous indignation. She wanted nothing to do with him.

    He was stubborn and self-righteous. Dealing with someone like him was exhausting.

    Not to mention the humiliation he had put her through in front of everyone.

    But now, with the possibility of finding the other demonic bead, she could put aside their personal grievances for the greater good.

    If the bead ended up in the wrong hands, the consequences could be disastrous. She didn’t want another tragedy like Madam Bai’s.

    She glared at him. “Shut up! Or get off this mountain!”

    She then took out her dagger, sliced her palm, and let a drop of blood fall onto the spoon.

    The moment the blood landed, the compass began to spin.

    It had been in Qin Lingxiao’s possession for nearly two hundred years, yet he had never known about this function.

    Of course. The two demonic beads shared the same origin, both stemming from Wei Jie. And Xiao Xiao was currently harboring one. Her blood was essentially demonic blood.

    The spoon spun rapidly before pointing directly at… Cui Xiao Xiao!

    Xiao Xiao rolled her eyes. No need to point out the obvious.

    It might be useful, but could it really find the other bead?

    Just as she was about to speak, the compass twitched and began spinning again.

    This time, after two rapid rotations, it pointed southeast.

    Xiao Xiao and Qin Lingxiao exchanged glances.

    “It only trembles like that when the demonic bead is close,” Qin Lingxiao said urgently. “Could the other bead really be near Guishi Cliff?”

    Without another word, Xiao Xiao grabbed the compass and dashed towards the southeast.

    Her speed surprised Qin Lingxiao once again.

    He knew she excelled at talismans but had no talent for lightness techniques.

    Although she could occasionally use the Heaven-Punishing Sword for short bursts of speed, she was far from mastering true sword flight.

    To think that in just a few days, she had become even faster than him!

    He couldn’t dwell on it now. He gathered his energy and followed her.

    The southeast direction led towards the main path up Guishi Cliff.

    At that moment, Wei Jie, accompanied by Tang Youshu and two fox men, was returning from a supply run to the nearby village.

    Having shed tears of blood in the phoenix sanctuary, Wei Jie couldn’t use his energy for the next few days.

    The nearest village was far from the mountain, so they had ridden foxes to and from the village.

    As they reached the foot of the mountain, they were met by a large crowd.

    Wei Jie frowned, suspecting that Xiao Xiao and Yu Ling’er had gotten into trouble. Were these people here for revenge?

    Tang Youshu recognized them. “Oh no, those disciples who wanted to become her students have followed us here! We need to warn Master Ancestor!”

    Wei Jie realized that the Lingshan Talisman Sect had become quite popular, attracting so many talented individuals eager to become students.

    But he didn’t want his master to accept them.

    In his mind, having him as her sole disciple was enough. More disciples would only hold them back and interfere with their future travels…

    So, he ignored the crowd and continued towards the mountain gate, bags of supplies in hand.

    Just as he stepped onto the stone steps, Ling Zhishan and her group began their ascent.

    That night, Cui Xiao Xiao and her disciples had vanished without a trace. When everyone woke up, they were nowhere to be found.

    Some were disheartened and decided to give up.

    But Ling Zhishan’s determination only grew stronger. She had learned from Yu Ling’er that they were heading to Guishi Cliff. Even if Cui Xiao Xiao tried to slip away, she would find her.

    Inspired by her resolve, the other disciples decided that becoming a student of a renowned master required perseverance. Led by Ling Zhishan, they followed like shadows, eventually reaching their destination!

    Ling Zhishan had spotted the newly erected stone tablet at the foot of the mountain. Guishi Cliff was now called Lingshan Mountain.

    It seemed Cui Xiao Xiao was right. This was indeed the Lingshan Talisman Sect’s ancestral ground.

    She had actually spotted Wei Jie returning from the village earlier.

    Her eyes lit up at the sight of his tall figure, and she rushed over to greet him.

    But Wei Jie remained as indifferent as ever, ignoring her completely as he walked past.

    She hurried after him.

    The newly constructed path was uneven. Ling Zhishan, half by accident, half intentionally, tripped and fell into Wei Jie’s arms.

    Sensing her approaching, Wei Jie tried to dodge, but without his energy, his movements were sluggish. As he turned, she landed squarely against his chest.

    Ling Zhishan, unaware of his injury, thought he had deliberately let her fall into his arms. A wave of joy surged through her as she looked up at him, her cheeks flushed.

    He was so close, so handsome…

    Wei Jie hated being touched. He frowned, ready to push her away, when a familiar, annoying voice rang out from above. “Xiao Xiao, see? I told you. He’s nothing but a womanizer…”

    Wei Jie looked up and saw his master, Cui Xiao Xiao, standing tall at the top of the stairs. Her long robes billowed in the wind, her hand clutching a compass-like object. She stared at them, her gaze cold, an aura of menace surrounding her.

    And beside her stood the ever-present Qin Lingxiao. That slanderous remark… it had to be him!

    Seeing Xiao Xiao’s intense gaze, Wei Jie instinctively felt she was angry. He shoved Ling Zhishan away and turned to face his master.

    Caught off guard, Ling Zhishan stumbled back, falling onto the stone steps. Her elbow hit the ground, drawing blood.

    Her fellow disciples rushed to her aid, glaring at Wei Jie. “My Junior Sister tripped and bumped into you. Was it necessary to shove her so hard? Have you no manners?”

    Before Wei Jie could respond, Cui Xiao Xiao descended the stairs. She brushed past him and stood before Ling Zhishan, her voice laced with sarcasm. “Ling Zhishan, you’re a cultivator, not a delicate lady from a wealthy household. Why are you so prone to tripping? These steps are newly built. There isn’t even a speck of moss. With your clumsiness… perhaps cultivation isn’t for you. I apologize on behalf of my disciple. Look at that wound. The skin is broken, and you’ve lost a few drops of blood… Tsk, tsk. Do you need silver for medicine? Or can you handle it yourself?”

    Ling Zhishan, whose fall had been largely intentional, was mortified.

    She clutched her injured arm, forcing a smile. “Perhaps I’m exhausted from traveling. I haven’t had time to meditate and recover. I felt a little dizzy. Sect Master Cui, we’ve followed you all this way. Please, accept us as your students.”

    Unfortunately, Cui Xiao Xiao wasn’t here to catch her disciple flirting or accept new students. She glanced down at the compass in her hand. It was vibrating even more intensely now that they were closer to the crowd of aspiring disciples.

    She moved through the crowd, the compass needle twitching erratically.

    Both individuals harboring the demonic beads were too close. The needle swung back and forth between Xiao Xiao and the crowd.

    Suddenly, with a sharp crack, the spoon-shaped needle snapped, breaking into pieces.

    Xiao Xiao, surprised by the fragility of the Soaring Cloud Pavilion’s treasured artifact, turned to Qin Lingxiao.

    He was just as shocked. This ancient artifact, in his possession for over two hundred years, had shattered after just a few days in this life!

    He looked at Xiao Xiao, his voice low. “How… how did you use it?”

    “As instructed,” she whispered back. “But let me warn you, the Lingshan Talisman Sect is poor. If you want compensation, the most I can offer is… five taels of silver.”

    Their whispered exchange, observed by Wei Jie, seemed incredibly intimate.

    His purple eyes darkened, his expression hardening.

    Qin Lingxiao couldn’t believe it. This treasure, passed down for two hundred years, had broken so easily.

    It seemed the compass, deprived of three years of yang energy, was truly unreliable!

    But one thing was certain – the person harboring the demonic bead was among those aspiring disciples. He had infiltrated their ranks, hoping to gain access to Guishi Cliff. But for what purpose?

  • They All Want to Be My Female Lead v2 c92

    Chapter 92: Bathing Together

    Yan Zhen took a deep breath, attempting to calm his racing heart. However, his Beautiful Sect Master’s unique fragrance filled his senses, making it impossible to focus. He resorted to chanting his “Original Clear Heart Mantra”:

    Beautiful Sect Master is a pig trotter!

    — Uh, maybe not. If she hears that, she’ll skin me alive.

    “Zhen’er?”

    Her voice held a hint of impatience. He gritted his teeth. I can do this! I can handle it!

    He stepped closer, his arms reaching around her from behind to untie the white sash at her waist.

    The moment it loosened, her ample bosom, freed from its constraints, sprang forth, pushing the fabric of her robe open, a perfect demonstration of “bursting out of one’s clothes.”

    From his angle, he had a clear view of majestic peaks and a deep valley, a boundless expanse of spring scenery laid bare before him.

    He quickly averted his gaze, his hands gripping the collar of her robe as he slowly pulled it downwards.

    The black robe slid down her milky-smooth skin, pooling at her feet. Her body, a masterpiece sculpted by the heavens, was reflected in the water below, a breathtaking display of ethereal beauty and purity.

    Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, a silken curtain concealing her back and shapely buttocks, adding a touch of mystery.

    Below her hair, her legs were as slender and smooth as jade pillars, her feet delicate and pristine.

    “Alright, Master.”

    His voice was barely a whisper, his head bowed, his face burning.

    “Mmm,” she hummed, stepping gracefully into the pool.

    The clear water reached her hips, wetting the ends of her silver hair, making it gleam.

    The cool, gentle caress of the water against her skin elicited a soft sigh from her lips.

    Turning, she saw him still standing there, his face flushed, his gaze darting between her and the floor. She suppressed a smile. “What are you waiting for, Zhen’er? Come in.”

    “Huh? Master? Me too?” He pointed at himself, confused.

    She feigned exasperation. “You silly boy. How can you help me bathe if you’re not in the water?”

    “Y-you’re right…”

    He quickly shed his clothes, remaining in his elephant-patterned boxers, and hesitantly entered the pool.

    “What should I do, Master?”

    He had no experience bathing another person, only being bathed. He was clueless. Should he scoop water from the pool and pour it over her? Or use a towel to scrub her back?

    Although, as a Half-Saint, her body was inherently pure, untainted by dust or grime, scrubbing wasn’t just about cleansing. It was also a form of massage, a pleasurable experience.

    — Scrubbing = massage = filial piety towards Master!

    The realization calmed his racing heart, replacing his lustful thoughts with his usual reverence.

    “Master, let me scrub your back,” he offered eagerly.

    “Scrub my back? Alright.”

    She gathered her hair and draped it over her right shoulder, exposing her swan-like neck, her smooth, white back, her slender waist, and, beneath the water, her round, shapely buttocks.

    Yan Zhen, excited, reached for her back, then froze. He hadn’t brought a towel, and his storage ring didn’t contain such mundane items. His face fell.

    “Master, do you have a towel?”

    She shook her head. “I dislike having foreign objects touch my skin. Just use your hands, Zhen’er.”

    “But…”

    “Let’s begin. After you’re done, I want to relax in the water.”

    Talk about shooting myself in the foot.

    He grimaced. How could he scrub her back with his bare hands? It would be more like groping her! She would definitely be displeased. But if he hesitated any longer, she might be even more displeased.

    Being a servant is hard.

    “Alright, I’ll use my hands. Just tell me if it’s uncomfortable, Master, and I’ll stop.”

    “Mmm.”

    With her permission granted, he cupped his hands, scooping water from the pool and pouring it over her back.

    Her wet skin gleamed, even more smooth and flawless than before.

    He steadied his breathing, his hands gently resting on her back.

    Her skin was as smooth and cool as the finest jade, sending a tremor through him.

    Chen Xi shivered, a soft moan escaping her lips. Her heart, unexpectedly, began to race.

    This was only the second time her disciple had touched her so intimately.

    The first time was when she had been feeding him medicine. He had suddenly grabbed her hand, startling her. She had thought she had been discovered.

    Usually, she was the one initiating contact, guiding him. This reversal of roles was… intriguing.

    His hands moved across her back, the water creating a slippery connection between their skin, the heat intensifying with each stroke.

    But it wasn’t a burning heat. It was a gentle warmth.

    She simply enjoyed the sensation of his touch. It made her feel closer to him, their bond deepening.

    “How does it feel, Master?”

    “It’s good. Continue.”

    Really? His palms tingled. Compared to the friction of a towel, using his bare hands was definitely less effective.

    After a while, he stopped, her back flushed a delicate pink, incredibly alluring.

    “I think that’s enough, Master.”

    Chen Xi, lost in the sensation, blinked, returning to reality. “Mmm,” she hummed, slowly sinking lower into the water.

    The water level, which had previously reached her hips, now rose to her chest, most of her body submerged. A wave of coolness washed over her.

    She closed her eyes, sighing contentedly. Then, she reached for his hand. “Come sit down, Zhen’er. Join me.”

    He blushed. “I’m fine, Master. You enjoy the bath.”

    “Sharing the bath is also part of your duties~”

    “Oh… alright.”

    He lowered his shoulders, sitting stiffly beside her, his gaze fixed on the water.

    She turned to look at him, noting his awkwardness. He was even more reserved than during their dual cultivation sessions. Did this mean he was starting to care about her as his master?

    “Zhen’er, you’ve been at the academy for three months now. Have you met any girls you like?”

    Her question seemed casual, but he sensed a hidden danger. He quickly shook his head. “No, Master! I’m focused on my cultivation. I haven’t even thought about romance.”

    After all, his persona was that of an emotionless, power-hungry protagonist. Though he wasn’t exactly nailing the performance.

    But it wasn’t entirely his fault! Who knew this “no-female-lead, feel-good” world would be filled with such intense temptations? Especially Instructor Yu Xuan. She had nearly shattered his persona. Thankfully, the system’s timely reminders had helped him course-correct.

    I’m struggling here.

    “I’m glad to hear that, Zhen’er. Romantic entanglements are unnecessary distractions on the path of cultivation. A compatible partner, someone who shares your goals and supports your growth, is all you need. Anything else is just a burden.” Her words held a deeper meaning.

    Yan Zhen, oblivious to the subtext, simply nodded along, agreeing with everything she said.

    Seeing his obedient demeanor, she smiled, her hand reaching out from beneath the water to pat his head.

  • They All Want to Be My Female Lead v2 c91

    Chapter 91: Beautiful Sect Master’s Conditions for Funding

    Half a month flew by, and the third monthly assessment arrived.

    Once again, Yan Zhen and Xiao Mie achieved the same score. Xiao Mie, acknowledging that he wasn’t yet Yan Zhen’s equal, willingly accepted second place. However, remembering that Xiao Mie had yielded to him during their previous assessment, Yan Zhen insisted on another tie.

    He didn’t really care about the rewards for first place. He already had better pills and Mystic Techniques.

    His motivation stemmed solely from his promise to Instructor Yu Xuan.

    — To always win first place, so she could bask in his glory.

    After the assessment, he left the girls and headed to the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce to purchase more ingredients.

    Basic ingredients were no longer sufficient for his training. He needed higher-quality materials to refine more challenging First Rank Mystic Pills.

    Like Small Origin Pills, Detoxification Pills, and so on.

    These premium ingredients cost twice as much as the basic ones. He attempted to pay, but Fatty Nian, as usual, refused dramatically, wailing and begging him to accept them as a gift.

    Yan Zhen was at a loss.

    In another month, the beautiful, wealthy, and kind older sister would arrive from the neighboring kingdom, inspecting the various branches in the ten major cities of the Gallo Kingdom. He imagined she would be quite surprised to discover his status as a Supreme VIP of the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce.

    …

    As night fell, Yan Zhen, his stomach full and his body freshly bathed, entered the Crystal Stone Space to continue his alchemy lessons with his Beautiful Sect Master.

    After refining a batch of Small Origin Pills, he carefully sorted them into three bottles, separating them by grade: Low, Mid, and High. He would keep the High-Grade pills for himself and as gifts, sell the Mid-Grade pills to the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce, and use the Low-Grade pills for research.

    His Beautiful Sect Master would eventually teach him how to refine impurities from pills, enhancing their grade.

    He had already accumulated five bottles of High-Grade Small Origin Pills, three pills per bottle. Just enough for the five women in his household.

    It was about time they faced their cultivation bottlenecks.

    Yan Meng’er needed to break through from the Third Star to the Fourth Star, while Yan Ruyu and Mi Xue’er were both at the Sixth Star, aiming for the Seventh. These were minor hurdles, easily overcome with the assistance of Small Origin Pills. As for Xiao Xinyan, judging by her aura, she still needed some time before attempting a breakthrough from the Seventh Star to the Eighth.

    Instructor Yu Xuan, being a Mystic Master, wouldn’t benefit from Small Origin Pills. Giving her a bottle was simply a gesture of goodwill.

    She needed the upgraded version, the “Great Origin Pill,” or even better, the “Pure Origin Pill.”

    Small Origin Pill, Great Origin Pill, Pure Origin Pill… These three pills were the best cultivation aids for those below the Mystic King realm. Powerful factions like the Sacred Land Academy relied on these three pills to nurture their young talents.

    Chen Xi watched as he meticulously bottled the pills, even tying a red ribbon around each bottle. She guessed his intentions.

    “Who are you planning to give those to, Zhen’er?”

    He blinked, his words carefully chosen. “Well, Master, I’ve been borrowing money from my cousins because I’m running low on funds. I thought I could at least repay some of the interest with these pills.”

    That’s right. According to the script, he was supposed to be nearing the end of his borrowed funds, too embarrassed to ask for more, and desperate enough to turn to his Beautiful Sect Master for financial assistance.

    “You’ve been borrowing money from them, Zhen’er?”

    “Yes, Master. I had no choice. Alchemy is so expensive.”

    Her eyes twinkled, her long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings. “Heh, I told you to be prepared for this, didn’t I?”

    He pouted. “Don’t tease me, Master. I’m worried sick.”

    “Have you come up with a solution?”

    “Not yet… Ahem.” He spoke cautiously. “Master, as a Saint Rank Mystic Refiner, you must have quite a fortune, right? Could you perhaps… lend your disciple a small sum?”

    She pressed her lips together. “You’re a clever boy, Zhen’er. I do have some savings. Not much, only about a billion or so. But it should be enough to help you through these early stages.”

    A billion or so. Not much.

    Saint Rank Mystic Refiners were truly terrifying!

    “So… does that mean…?” He leaned forward eagerly, like a starving man who had just spotted a feast.

    However, her tone shifted. “But Zhen’er, I can’t spoil you too much. Things that come too easily are often not appreciated.”

    He blinked, then straightened his back, his expression resolute. “I’m willing to do anything for you, Master! I’ll even die for you!”

    Hook, line, and sinker, she thought, a barely perceptible smirk playing on her lips.

    “There’s no need for such drastic measures, Zhen’er. I just don’t want you to become accustomed to getting things for free. Do you understand?”

    Oblivious to her amusement, he continued his performance, puffing out his chest. “I understand! I get it! Starting tomorrow, I’ll be your loyal servant, at your beck and call! As long as… heehee, as long as you’re willing to help me out a little~” He made a gesture with his fingers, as if pinching a tiny amount.

    His uncharacteristically coy demeanor almost made her laugh.

    “You said it yourself, Zhen’er. Don’t go back on your word.”

    “A gentleman never goes back on his word!” he declared grandly.

    Serving her tea and running errands? That was nothing. It was his duty to be filial to his master. He was getting a great deal!

    His Beautiful Sect Master might seem demanding, but she was actually using this opportunity to get closer to him. How adorable!

    She was truly the best master in the world!

    “Then come closer.”

    “Coming!”

    He shuffled closer, beaming, and offered her his hand, helping her to her feet.

    “Zhen’er,” she said casually, “what season is it outside?”

    “It’s summer, Master,” he replied promptly.

    “Summer already? No wonder I’ve been feeling a bit warm lately. This Fire Refining Starry Sky might be isolated from the outside world, but my body still remembers.”

    “Do you want me to fetch some water for a foot bath, Master? To cool you down?”

    “No need.”

    She pointed a finger, and a section of the floor sank downwards. A Mystic Refining formation materialized, and a spring gushed forth, quickly filling the depression, forming a square pool.

    “I’d rather bathe.” She turned away from him, extending her arms. “Zhen’er, help me bathe and dress.”

    “Bathe and dress?” His eyes widened, his gaze lingering on the sash at her waist. He swallowed hard. “So… that means… taking off… your…”

    This wasn’t in the script!

    She turned to him, amusement dancing in her eyes. “What’s wrong, Zhen’er? Are you going back on your word? You were so confident just now. Well, I suppose it is a bit much to ask the Young City Lord to act as a servant. I’ll just do it myself…”

    “Wait! Wait, Master! I didn’t say I wouldn’t do it!” He panicked, fearing she would change her mind and further disrupt the plot. “I’ll help you bathe and dress! I’ll make sure you’re comfortable!”

    “Then hurry up.”

    She extended her arms once more, her black sleeves falling like curtains, exuding an air of regal elegance.

  • It turns out, they are the protagonists 128 p2

    Chapter 128: He is a Celestial Vessel! p2

    The next morning, he woke up, the Heart-Binding Lock gone.

    He glanced at Bai Ruoxi, who was still sleeping peacefully.

    She was like a pristine snow lotus, her beauty both pure and alluring, her delicate features flushed from their activities.

    A bead of sweat trickled down her neck, disappearing beneath her robe.

    She held his arm, her warmth comforting, and he closed his eyes, enjoying the moment, then sighed inwardly.

    Mu Zhi’an, you can’t keep indulging like this. Tonight is for cultivation. You can’t be so decadent every day…

    But it couldn’t be helped.

    It was for her cultivation, after all.

    It was the day of the inner disciple selections, but it was still early, so he didn’t wake her. He carefully slipped out of bed and left the room.

    He opened the door, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his skin, then he heard a scoff.

    He turned to see Wei Mengrou leaning against a pillar, her arms crossed, her ample bosom straining against her yellow dress, her figure alluring.

    It’s nice to start the day with Mengrou’s disapproval… He smiled. “Good morning, Mengrou.”

    “Why are you awake so early…? Are you nervous about the inner disciple selections…?”

    She looked at him, her voice flat. “I was just worried you two would overdo it and miss the ceremony.”

    She emphasized the word “overdo,” her tone laced with disdain.

    “It’s not overdoing it. I was simply helping Ruoxi with her cultivation,” he said, defending himself with a straight face.

    He studied her, then added, “I could help you as well, Mengrou. It’s a bit tiring, but I wouldn’t mind for your sake…”

    She rolled her eyes, ignoring him.

    After a moment, she asked, “Didn’t you say the Eldest Princess was delivering the spirit stones today?”

    He nodded, smiling. “She’ll probably visit within the next two days.”

    “For now, let’s focus on securing those inner disciple positions.”

    She looked at him, her voice laced with a hint of skepticism. “You seem confident.”

    This wasn’t Tianxuan City. His background meant nothing here. The peak lords would only choose disciples with exceptional talent…

    “If I can’t become an inner disciple, I’ll have to rely on you to support me, Mengrou. You wouldn’t abandon me, would you?” he asked, sighing dramatically.

    She scoffed. “I can’t afford to support someone who two-times their partner.”

    She imagined their roles reversed, him serving her tea, catering to her every whim…

    It was difficult to picture…

    He might be shameless, but he was also proud.

    She didn’t realize that he had fantasized about being stepped on by her more than once.

    “Be honest. Are you confident?” she asked.

    If he wasn’t chosen as an inner disciple, she wouldn’t accept any offers either.

    “Of course,” he replied calmly.

    “So if a peak lord offers you an inner disciple position, accept it.”

    He imagined the next sect tournament filled with his people. It would be amusing.

    Sensing her continued concern, he smiled. “If all goes well, I won’t just have an inner disciple position. I’ll have options…”

    There were many talented candidates this year, but the one who could be immediately useful and remain useful for a long time, it was him.

    And he had Ling Long’s favor…

    The peak lords, after careful deliberation, they surely knew who to choose…

  • It turns out, they are the protagonists 128 p1

    Chapter 128: He’s a Celestial Vessel! p1

    There were various physiques in the world of cultivation, each granting its possessor unique advantages.

    Ye Lingxuan’s Natural Spirit Body gave her an exceptional affinity for spiritual energy, making her a gifted alchemist, her senses heightened, her control over the refining process precise.

    Bai Ruoxi and Wei Mengrou also possessed unique constitutions. The former could wield an ancient bronze sword, while the latter had both extraordinary talent and terrible luck.

    And then there was Mu Zhi’an.

    His physique was unique…

    He was a Celestial Vessel. It didn’t benefit his own cultivation, but for others, he was more valuable than any treasure.

    Yan Ruyu sat at the tea table, her gaze fixed on the spot where Mu Zhi’an had vanished, her eyes filled with a thoughtful gleam.

    She was certain. He was a Celestial Vessel.

    That explained Junior Sister Lan’s interest in him.

    If others found out, it would cause trouble, she thought to herself.

    “What are you thinking about, Sister Yan?” a gentle, melodious voice asked, pulling her back to the present.

    She turned to see Yong Ning, the Eldest Princess, her smile warm and welcoming, her beauty captivating.

    She chuckled, shaking her head. “It’s nothing. Shouldn’t you go see him?”

    She glanced towards the entrance of the library, where the Third Prince was still waiting.

    “There’s no rush.”

    Yong Ning looked at her half-brother, her smile turning playful. “Let him reflect on his actions.”

    Yan Ruyu wasn’t interested in royal affairs, so she changed the subject. “You’re not here just to discuss poetry, are you?”

    Yong Ning smiled. “You know me too well, Sister Yan.”

    “My father sent me here to ask you something.”

    Yan Ruyu nodded, her expression unsurprised. “Ask away.”

    “Why do mortal emperors never live past a hundred years?” Yong Ning asked, her voice soft.

    Normally, a Foundation Establishment cultivator could live for two hundred years. But the emperors of the Great Qian Dynasty, each possessing at least Foundation Establishment cultivation, had all died before reaching a hundred.

    And Yong Ning’s father, the current Emperor, he desired immortality. He didn’t want to grow old and die.

    “It’s the Heavenly Dao’s will,” Yan Ruyu replied calmly.

    “A nation’s destiny, it’s not easily borne. Tell your father that an emperor and a cultivator, they cannot coexist.”

    “The Heavenly Dao’s will…” Yong Ning echoed, her eyes filled with a thoughtful gleam.

    Yan Ruyu looked towards the spot where Mu Zhi’an had vanished, her expression conflicted.

    …

    “Senior, I’ve chosen a technique. Please register it,” Ye Yu said, descending from the third floor of the library, bowing respectfully to the elderly man guarding the entrance.

    The old man glanced at the technique, his eyes widening with surprise. “A second-grade technique…?”

    Ye Yu felt a surge of pride, but he maintained his humble demeanor. “I was simply lucky.”

    He couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

    Even for someone with great destiny, obtaining a second-grade technique was a rare occurrence. And he had found two in such a short time.

    His destiny was far stronger than most Chosen Ones. It was the destiny of a true protagonist!

    He handed his sect token to the old man, who registered the technique, and a faint light flashed on the token’s surface.

    He left the library, the second-grade technique clutched in his hand.

    Two or three female disciples followed him, eager to chat…

    They had clearly overheard the old man’s words and deemed him worthy of their attention…

    He smiled, enjoying their compliments.

    “Master, what is it?” he asked, sensing the old man’s sigh within him.

    “The Lone Star Sword Mu Zhi’an obtained… it’s far superior to the one you just chose,” the old man replied, his voice laced with a hint of regret.

    Ye Yu’s heart sank. “The difference between second-grade techniques… it shouldn’t be that great, should it?” he asked.

    “There’s not much difference between heaven-grade techniques… But the Lone Star Sword… it can evolve…”

    “Evolve?”

    “It might even become a top-tier heaven-grade technique.”

    The old man sighed, not saying anything else.

    His disciple’s talent and destiny were both exceptional. Even after being tricked out of a second-grade technique, he had still managed to find another one.

    But some opportunities, once missed, they were gone forever.

    And he might not even know how to evolve the Lone Star Sword. That was a small consolation.

    Ye Yu’s smile vanished, replaced by a dark frown.

    …

    At the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, Mu Zhi’an returned to his pavilion, studying the Lone Star Sword technique.

    His talent was undeniable. After memorizing the movements and understanding the principles behind the technique, he felt a sense of clarity…

    It was similar to the bronze sword Bai Ruoxi had used.

    Focused and powerful.

    It channeled spiritual energy into a single point, and after a single strike, most of the energy within his Vessel would be depleted.

    Its power was immense, but its drawbacks were also significant…

    “The inner disciple selections are tomorrow. I’m confident, but I should still practice…”

    He sat on his bed, closing his eyes, focusing on the technique’s intricacies.

    Bai Ruoxi entered the room, having just finished reading a book.

    She wore blue embroidered shoes, and as she opened the door, she saw him meditating, his handsome face serene and focused.

    She had once seen him as a useless wastrel, but now, her gaze softened, filled with affection.

    “Mu Lang…” she called out softly.

    “Talk to me later. I need to focus!” he replied, his voice firm.

    There’s no need to be so harsh… She pouted, feeling a twinge of disappointment.

    Most men with such a beautiful partner would be inseparable…

    But he was already acting distant…

    She looked away, resting her head on the table, watching him meditate.

    Fifteen minutes passed, and he opened his eyes, his mind filled with the Lone Star Sword’s intricacies.

    It’s incredibly powerful, but I need to use it carefully… And I need a suitable weapon… He thought to himself, his focus unwavering.

    He glanced at Bai Ruoxi, her white dress accentuating her pale skin, her long hair flowing freely, her ample bosom pressed against the table as she leaned forward.

    Only a well-endowed woman could achieve such a captivating pose.

    She’s so voluptuous…

    He couldn’t help but feel distracted… The Lone Star Sword vanished from his mind, replaced by her alluring figure. He stood up and walked towards her, taking her hand.

    “What is it? Aren’t you busy cultivating, Young Master Mu?” she asked, her voice a playful complaint, her eyes filled with a mock resentment.

    He looked at her, his voice serious. “I was wrong, Ruoxi.”

    But his gaze was drawn to her cleavage…

    So ample and fair…

    She noticed his gaze, her eyes flickering. “I shouldn’t have disturbed you. But if you want to apologize, will you grant me a favor, Mu Lang?”

    “Of course. I’ll do anything to apologize,” he replied, his voice filled with a mock sincerity.

    He felt a cool sensation against his wrist and realized something.

    “Ruoxi, what are you doing with the Heart-Binding Lock?”

    “Wait… You’re supposed to use that on enemies, not on me—”

    The lock snapped shut around his wrist.

    He sighed dramatically. “If it makes you happy, it’s fine.”

    He blew out the candle, his gaze lingering on her beautiful face, her eyes filled with a playful anticipation.

    He couldn’t resist any longer. “Come on. Let’s go to bed.”

  • It turns out, they are the protagonists 127

    Chapter 127: The Eldest Princess Foots the Bill!

    Who’s that beauty beside Master Yan? She looks familiar.

    We must be destined… Mu Zhi’an’s gaze swept over Yan Ruyu, her mature beauty alluring, then landed on the woman beside her.

    Her golden dress accentuated her curves, her shapely hips and ample bosom drawing the eye, her figure both elegant and seductive.

    Her golden hair ornaments added a touch of nobility to her appearance.

    She didn’t look like a disciple of the Two Polarities Sect. She seemed more like a princess…

    And even an ordinary princess would struggle to carry off such an ostentatious outfit, but she wore it with an effortless grace, her aura both regal and captivating…

    As he tried to guess her identity, Yan Ruyu approached, smiling. “Did you find a suitable technique?” she asked, her voice a mental message.

    He snapped out of his thoughts, bowing respectfully. “I did, Master Yan. Thank you for your generosity. If there’s anything I can do for you in the future, I’ll gladly assist you…”

    She smiled faintly. “I’m glad you found one.”

    She wasn’t particularly invested in his words. The gap between Nascent Soul and Foundation Establishment was vast. He wouldn’t be able to help her for at least a few decades.

    And her only problem was her bottleneck at the third level of Nascent Soul. It wasn’t something that could be solved with outside help…

    Sensing his gaze on the other woman, she said, “This is Yong Ning, the Eldest Princess of the Great Qian Dynasty. She occasionally visits the library to discuss literature…”

    The Eldest Princess… The Emperor’s daughter…? He bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Princess Yong Ning. I am Mu Zhi’an.”

    She smiled gently. “You’re a disciple of the Two Polarities Sect, Young Master Mu. There’s no need to be so formal…”

    Her voice was clear and melodious, her smile warm and welcoming.

    She’s different from the royals I’ve met… If it were the Third Prince, he would just snort haughtily, emphasizing his superiority… He returned her smile.

    Yan Ruyu glanced around the hall. “This isn’t a suitable place for conversation. Let’s move.”

    She waved her sleeve, and they vanished from the third floor, taking Mu Zhi’an with them.

    Ye Yu stared after them, his mind reeling.

    Even a fool could see that Master Yan was close to Mu Zhi’an… She hadn’t even mentioned his cheating…

    But she was a Nascent Soul cultivator!

    Why would she lower herself to speak with a mere Foundation Establishment disciple?

    Could it be… she was interested in him and wanted to recruit him as an inner disciple?

    The thought seemed absurd…

    Back in Tianxuan City, Mu Zhi’an had been welcomed by the family leaders and elders because he was the Mu family’s eldest son. They would have treated him politely regardless of his cultivation.

    But in the Two Polarities Sect… his background meant nothing. What could she possibly see in him?!

    A mere fifth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator, receiving the attention of a high-ranking elder before him?!

    He glared at the spot where they had vanished, his heart filled with resentment and injustice.

    A jade slip drifted past him, and he snapped out of his thoughts, reaching out and catching it.

    He looked down at it.

    …Another second-grade technique!

    His eyes lit up with excitement.

    So what if Mu Zhi’an had tricked him out of a technique?

    His great destiny could bring him one second-grade technique, it could bring him another.

    And that fraud, relying on connections, he would be exposed eventually!

    …

    Near the library, a pavilion floated in the air, the view from its windows revealing a vast, misty abyss.

    Mu Zhi’an sat at a tea table, facing Yan Ruyu and the Eldest Princess, his thoughts racing.

    He hadn’t expected the Eldest Princess to have such extensive connections… knowing even the high-ranking elders of the Two Polarities Sect.

    Yong Ning seemed to sense his gaze, looking up at him, her smile gentle and welcoming. “Is something the matter, Young Master Mu?”

    He shook his head, chuckling. “Nothing… I was just surprised to see that you two are friends…”

    “Master Yan is both a friend and a teacher to me. She’s taught me many things. In a way, she’s my mentor…” she replied, her voice soft. “I came to the Two Polarities Sect to ask her some questions.”

    She paused, then added, “But after arriving, I heard about yesterday’s incident…”

    “And I heard from Master Yan that you were here, so I asked to meet you.”

    Yesterday’s incident… She must be referring to the Third Prince…

    He sipped his tea, looking at her, her beauty both elegant and intimidating… “What are your thoughts on the matter, Princess Yong Ning?”

    “I’ll pay the one million spirit stones for him,” she replied calmly.

    She might have a gentle smile, but she’s definitely the dominant type… He made a mental note of his observation.

    In the modern world, she would be a CEO, treating her employees and clients with a polite smile, but her authority unquestionable…

    She might seem approachable, but getting close to her would be difficult…

    “Are you and the Third Prince close?” he asked.

    She shook her head, smiling. “We’ve barely spoken.”

    The imperial palace was vast. They only interacted during occasional banquets. They rarely saw each other.

    “You’re truly a kind woman, Princess Yong Ning,” he said, his voice filled with mock sincerity, then he glanced at her storage ring.

    He didn’t care who paid, as long as he received the spirit stones.

    She shook her head, smiling. “Don’t worry, Young Master Mu.”

    “I’ll deliver the spirit stones to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony within two days.”

    She looked towards the entrance of the library, then continued, “But not now.”

    He glanced back and saw the Third Prince standing there, his four-clawed python robe a symbol of his status.

    Ning Long.

    He looked away, nodding. “It’s fine. I’m not in a hurry.”

    She wasn’t close to the Third Prince, yet she was willing to pay one million spirit stones for him… It wasn’t out of kindness. She had her own reasons…

    He didn’t know what she wanted, and he didn’t care.

    The imperial court was a complex place. It was only natural for their relationships to be complicated…

    He would simply wait for the good news at the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

    The Eldest Princess would foot the bill.

    They sat in the pavilion for a while, watching the Third Prince, who was still waiting at the library entrance, then Mu Zhi’an bowed.

    “Master Yan, Princess Yong Ning, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

    He paused, then asked, “Where can I find books on formations, Master Yan?”

    “You want to learn formations?” she asked, her gaze meeting his, then she remembered his performance in the Trial Forest, smiling. “You do have some talent…”

    “I’ll have some suitable books delivered to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.”

    She paused, then added, “I need to confirm the technique you chose from the library.”

    He retrieved the Lone Star Sword from his storage ring.

    “A second-grade technique?” Yong Ning asked, her eyes widening with surprise.

    Yan Ruyu was also surprised, studying him with renewed interest.

    She had thought a third-grade technique would be the best he could hope for, but his destiny had attracted a second-grade…?

    “Your destiny is quite strong,” she said, smiling, her impression of him improving.

    “I was just lucky,” he replied modestly.

    He had simply encountered Ye Yu and taken advantage of the situation…

    She reached out, her spiritual sense sweeping over him, recording the technique.

    He had been at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment during the trial, and now he was at the sixth… It seemed he was both talented and diligent…

    She nodded, her gaze filled with approval, then she was about to withdraw her hand when her spiritual sense brushed against his Vessel, and she froze, her expression shifting subtly.

    Two Vessels…

    Normally, a cultivator could only have one Vessel. Spiritual energy could only condense into one.

    There was only one explanation for him having two.

    He was a Celestial Vessel.

    She looked at him, understanding dawning on her.

    Junior Sister Lan must have known about this and kept it a secret.

    As for why…

    She touched her lips, her eyes filled with a knowing smile.

    …

  • The Delicate Female Lead Only Wants to be Loved by the Villainous Young Ladies 37

    Chapter 37: You’re All I Have Left

    Celeste might or might not have fallen asleep. Adele, however, slept soundly, her dreams filled with images of fluffy puppies and mountains of gold.

    It wasn’t until the nurse, her cheerful voice carrying through the thin curtain, gently knocked on the door, reminding them that it was time to leave, that Adele finally stirred.

    “It’s time for me to go home, girls,” she said, her voice laced with amusement. “You’re welcome to stay and rest, but… it’s almost lunchtime. Don’t you have other places to be?”

    Adele, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, sat up, her gaze settling on Celeste, who was already scrambling to her feet, her cheeks flushed, her eyes bright with a mixture of panic and… something else.

    “Thank you for your care, ma’am,” Celeste said, her voice a little too eager. “We’ll be leaving… shortly.”

    “Alright, dears,” the nurse said, her tone indulgent. “Just remember to lock the door on your way out.”

    She seemed remarkably trusting, leaving them alone with access to all sorts of potions and medications, some of them quite valuable. She wasn’t worried about them… borrowing a few?

    Well, Celeste was wealthy. She didn’t need to steal.

    The only potential culprit was… Adele.

    But then again…

    Nurse: Adele is so adorable! I’d forgive her even if she stole everything! Heehee~

    In a way, Adele was a lesbian’s dream come true. Her beauty, her scent, her blood… they were irresistible.

    The door clicked shut, and the nurse, humming a cheerful tune, left for the day, her thoughts already drifting to lunch.

    Celeste and Adele straightened their clothes, their movements a synchronized dance of awkwardness and anticipation.

    The academy bell hadn’t rung yet, which meant… classes were still in session. Was it really okay for the nurse to leave early?

    Adele wondered briefly, but then… she shrugged. It wasn’t her problem.

    “Come on, Celeste,” she said, her gaze settling on Celeste, who was standing beside her, her posture stiff, her hands clasped tightly in front of her, as if she were trying to contain… something.

    Even though Celeste was taller, her gaze now downcast, her once-proud demeanor replaced by a submissive humility, the power dynamic had shifted. Adele, the lowly Sequence Five, was now the one in control.

    She looked at Celeste, her eyes narrowed, a hint of amusement touching her lips as she surveyed her… possession.

    She hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly. But she was adaptable, a quick learner. It was a necessary skill for survival in this world.

    She didn’t need to consciously imitate or pretend. She simply… became the master, her demeanor shifting effortlessly, her gaze commanding, her voice imbued with an authority that belied her lowly status.

    It was as if she had always been a princess, a born ruler.

    “Yes… Master,” Celeste whispered, her body trembling with a mixture of excitement and… something else. Something that made Adele’s heart skip a beat.

    Celeste hadn’t slept. She had spent the entire time gazing at Adele’s sleeping face, her heart aching with a longing so intense that it bordered on pain.

    Adele, in sleep, was an angel, her features serene, her expression peaceful, her beauty… breathtaking.

    It was a transgression, a violation of the unspoken rules that governed the relationship between a master and their familiar. But Celeste couldn’t help herself.

    She was consumed by guilt, by shame, by a desperate need for… punishment?

    Adele nodded, acknowledging Celeste’s obedience, her use of the term “Master.” She turned and walked towards the door, Celeste trailing behind her like a… well, like a dog.

    But as they reached the door, Adele paused, turning to face Celeste, her gaze intense, searching.

    Celeste froze, her body stiffening, her mind racing. What expression should she wear? What should she do?

    Adele, her brow furrowing, her voice taking on a slightly sharper edge, asked, “Celeste… are you asking to be punished?”

    The magic crest on Celeste’s abdomen flared to life, sending a jolt of heat through her body. She panicked, her heart pounding, her mind racing.

    What… What did I do wrong?

    “N-No… Master… I… I didn’t…” she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

    But before she could finish, a wave of… something washed over her, an irresistible force that compelled her to drop to her knees, her shoulders trembling, her head bowed.

    Her beautiful golden hair, no longer a symbol of pride, cascaded down her back, pooling on the floor around her, her posture a testament to her… humility? Submission?

    “Please… punish me, Master,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

    Right or wrong, intentional or unintentional… if she had displeased her Master, if she had caused Adele even the slightest bit of… discomfort… then she deserved to be punished.

    Any punishment, no matter how severe, was preferable to… disappointing Adele.

    She had to be obedient. Completely, unconditionally obedient…

    But Adele, looking at Celeste, at her pathetic, groveling form, her once-proud demeanor replaced by a submissive humility, felt a surge of… annoyance.

    “You haven’t even realized your mistake, have you?” she said, her voice laced with a delicate disapproval. “You’re just… digging yourself deeper.”

    “Celeste… do you even… see me as your Master?”

    Celeste’s body trembled, her mind reeling. She couldn’t understand. All she could think about was… atonement. How could she earn Adele’s forgiveness? What had she done wrong?

    Adele sighed, her patience wearing thin. Celeste was clearly a lost cause, her mind so fixated on seeking forgiveness that she couldn’t even comprehend the nature of her transgression.

    So, Adele, with a weary sigh, decided to spell it out for her.

    “You know that performing a spiritual contract without permission is a serious offense, right?” she said, her voice taking on a sharper edge. “It’s grounds for expulsion.”

    “And look at you,” she continued, her gaze sweeping over Celeste’s kneeling form, her voice dripping with disdain. “Groveling, pathetic, completely devoid of self-respect!”

    “If you walk out of here like this, everyone will know what we did,” she said, her voice laced with a chilling calm. “Have you even considered… the consequences? What will happen to me… because of you?”

    “…W-What… What should I do, Master?” Celeste whispered, her voice trembling with fear.

    “It’s simple,” Adele said, her gaze softening slightly. She reached up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her movements graceful, almost… regal.

    “You’re a Sequence Two, and I’m a Sequence Five,” she said, her voice regaining its warmth. “We’re… friends. But you’re the dominant one, the one in control. And I’m… well, I’m just your… little follower.”

    “Let’s… stick to that script, okay?” she added, her voice taking on a playful lilt. “Whenever we’re together… you have to play your role.”

    “After all… it’s who you used to be.”

    And then, her expression softening, her voice losing its playful edge, she asked, “Celeste… do you regret… what happened in the infirmary today? Do you wish… you could go back, be the confident, powerful girl you used to be?”

    “There are ways to break a spiritual contract, you know. If you…”

    “No!” Celeste interrupted, her voice firm despite the tremor in her chest. She couldn’t let Adele finish that sentence. The thought of breaking the bond, of returning to her former life… it filled her with a terror that overshadowed even the fear of punishment.

    She had felt so powerless, so utterly lost, when she had faced Hermione’s wrath, when she had endured her family’s punishment, her body bearing the marks of their… disappointment.

    She had wanted to disappear, to fade away, to escape the pain, the humiliation.

    But something had stopped her. Something had kept her going, had dragged her back to the academy, had forced her to endure the whispers, the mockery, the pitying looks.

    It was Adele. The way she had protected her that day, the way she had shown her kindness, even offered her… friendship.

    In that moment, Celeste had realized that in her seemingly perfect life, the only thing that truly mattered, the only thing that had brought her any real joy… was Adele.

    “Only when I’m with you, Adele… do I feel… alive,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Like… I’m finally… myself.”

    “Please, Adele… don’t abandon me.”

    “I’ll be good. I’ll do anything you ask.”

    “You’re… all I have left…”