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  • Dear, it’s time for your medicine! chapter 12

    Chapter 12: I Knew You Weren’t Human

    As his magical power drained away, Donald’s face contorted in horror. His body weakened, his once-youthful skin wrinkling and sagging.

    Qin Chu, on the other hand, reveled in the influx of power. The stolen magic surged through his veins, strengthening him, his Mana stat on his status panel steadily increasing.

    His level, too, slowly crept upwards, fueled by the absorbed energy.

    With each passing second, he felt himself growing stronger, the sensation exhilarating.

    The commotion attracted the attention of the other guests. They watched in confusion as Donald struggled against an unseen force, his body trembling uncontrollably.

    The chaotic flow of magic disrupted the banquet hall’s magical lamps, their light flickering erratically, casting eerie shadows across the room.

    Donald’s eyes clouded over, his skin rippling as something writhed beneath the surface, forming grotesque bulges.

    “Hero!” he rasped, his voice strained. “What are you doing? You can’t kill a nobleman in front of all these people!”

    He hoped his status would protect him, that the other nobles would intervene.

    But Qin Chu was unmoved. “Silence, fiend,” he commanded, his voice cold and hard.

    “I knew you weren’t human.”

    Donald’s eyes widened in terror. His worst fears had been realized. Somehow, this man had seen through his disguise, exposed his true nature.

    He was trapped.

    Either he would be drained of his magic, left to wither and die, or he would reveal his true form and face the wrath of the assembled nobles.

    Either way, death was inevitable.

    Emperor Wadsworth frowned. He didn’t particularly like Donald. The count was a nouveau riche, his noble title purchased with his family’s ill-gotten gains. Such upstarts were looked down upon by the old aristocracy, their lineage tainted by the stench of commerce.

    But he was still a nobleman, a subject of the empire. The Emperor couldn’t allow the Hero to kill him, not here, not now.

    He hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward, prepared to intervene.

    But Donald, his eyes gleaming with desperation, suddenly lashed out, drawing a hidden dagger from his belt. The blade, coated in a shimmering blue poison, plunged towards Qin Chu’s heart.

    He was a dead man walking. If he could take the Hero with him, it would be a glorious death, a heroic sacrifice.

    The other guests gasped, their faces pale with shock.

    Angelica, her eyes wide with terror, lunged forward, trying to push Qin Chu out of the way, her own safety forgotten.

    Emperor Wadsworth, Saint Monique, and Pope Augustus reacted instinctively, their animosity towards the Hero momentarily forgotten. They needed him alive, at least for now.

    The Thirteen Sages, too, watched in horror. If Qin Chu died now, they wouldn’t be able to summon another Hero for three years. By then, the Heavenly Continent would be in ruins.

    Natia’s face drained of all color.

    Only Loseweisse’s eyes gleamed with a manic delight. Die, die, die… she thought, her heart filled with a venomous glee. She didn’t care what happened to the Heavenly Continent.

    All she wanted was to see Qin Chu dead.

    Several of the stronger guests moved to intervene, but Qin Chu, standing directly in front of Donald, was faster. His rapidly increasing stats, fueled by the stolen magic, had already significantly boosted his speed and reflexes.

    His hand shot out, catching Donald’s wrist a mere inch from his heart.

    The dagger stopped, suspended in mid-air, its poisoned tip hovering dangerously close to his chest.

    Donald struggled, but his efforts were futile. The dagger wouldn’t budge.

    That single inch was an insurmountable chasm, separating him from his goal, from the glory of slaying the Hero.

    Qin Chu twisted his wrist, a sickening crack echoing through the room as Donald’s bones shattered.

    A scream, inhumanly shrill and piercing, ripped from Donald’s throat, his body convulsing in agony.

    Qin Chu twisted again, the broken hand, still clutching the dagger, rotating inwards. The blade sliced through Donald’s throat, a spray of thick, white fluid erupting from the wound, splattering across the floor.

    The banquet hall, moments ago filled with the aroma of fine food and wine, was now engulfed in a nauseating stench, the sweet scent of roasted meats overwhelmed by the cloying odor of decay.

    Several of the noblewomen, their stomachs churning, abandoned all pretense of decorum, rushing to the nearest wall to vomit.

    As Donald’s lifeblood drained away, his disguise faltered, the magic that had sustained it dissipating.

    The elegant clothes crumpled, revealing the monstrous truth beneath.

    A thick, white worm, twenty centimeters in diameter and a meter long, wriggled on the floor, its translucent skin revealing the pulsating fluids within. A gaping wound ran along its length, oozing a viscous slime. It resembled a giant maggot, its only discernible feature a gaping maw lined with razor-sharp teeth.

    Not terrifying, perhaps, but undeniably repulsive.

    “A Phantom Demon…” Saint Monique muttered, her brow furrowed, her stomach churning.

    “How did you know?” Pope Augustus asked, his gaze fixed on Qin Chu. He was less concerned about the Demon’s presence than he was about the Hero’s ability to detect it. Even he, the most powerful figure in the Holy See, hadn’t seen through the disguise.

    This new Hero was full of surprises, and not all of them were welcome.

    They needed his power, but they didn’t want him to become too powerful, too unpredictable.

    All eyes were on Qin Chu, waiting for an explanation.

    He met their gazes calmly, his expression carefully neutral as he delivered his prepared speech. “I possess two Super-tier Abilities,” he explained. “One of them is called Justice’s Companion.”

    “As long as I walk the path of righteousness, my power will continue to grow.”

    “It also grants me a heightened awareness of Demons. I can sense their presence, even discern their strengths and weaknesses.”

    Justice’s Companion was an unknown Ability in this world. He could claim whatever he wanted, and they would have no way to verify his claims.

    The guests gasped, their faces a mixture of awe and apprehension.

    Super-tier Abilities were incredibly rare.

    And their effects were often devastatingly powerful. Saint Monique, Pope Augustus, and Emperor Wadsworth owed their positions, their very power, to their respective Super-tier Abilities.

    Only Natia, the youngest of the Thirteen Sages, possessed a Super-tier Ability.

    Even the legendary Jie Luo, despite possessing only one Super-tier Ability, had surpassed the Pope and the High Priestess in strength.

    Two Super-tier Abilities… it was unheard of.

    The guests, with the exception of the Sages, were awestruck. Emperor Wadsworth, Saint Monique, and Pope Augustus, however, exchanged wary glances. This wasn’t part of their plan. A powerful Hero was a useful tool, but a Hero with two Super-tier Abilities might prove difficult to control.

    The other guests, however, were too caught up in the excitement to consider the potential ramifications. Cheers erupted, filling the banquet hall.

    “Two Super-tier Abilities! Unbelievable! This has never happened before!”

    “He truly is the Hero!”

    “He’s even more gifted than the First Hero!”

    “The Heavenly Continent is saved! We’ll finally be rid of those accursed Demons!”

    “Hope… there’s hope for us all!”

    The cheers, the ecstatic faces, reminded Qin Chu of his execution, the gleeful expressions of the crowd mirroring their current enthusiasm.

    One moment they had cheered for his death, the next they celebrated his potential to save them.

    Qin Chu’s smile widened, his arms spreading wide, as if embracing the adulation.

    “Rejoice!” he declared, his voice ringing out across the hall.

    “I promise you… I will bring peace to the Heavenly Continent!”

    “Eternal peace!”

  • Dear, it’s time for your medicine! chapter 11

    Chapter 11: The Greedy Devourer 

    Shaye’s words sent a shiver down Qin Chu’s spine.

    Despite her power being depleted, she was still acutely sensitive to the presence of Demons and otherworldly beings. Her instincts were rarely wrong.

    “He’s a Phantom Demon,” she explained, her voice low and urgent. “A peculiar breed among the Demonfolk. Masters of disguise, but lacking in combat prowess.”

    “Their primary function is intelligence gathering, though they occasionally dabble in assassination. He’s marked you, Hero. That mark… it will guide other Demon assassins to your location.”

    Shaye had no qualms about siding with Qin Chu. Her existence was now intrinsically linked to his. If he perished, she perished.

    Ironically, the most powerful Witch in existence was now his staunchest ally, her survival dependent on his.

    As for any sense of camaraderie with her fellow Demons? Shaye had never considered them her equals.

    Qin Chu’s memory stirred. In his previous life, after the banquet, he had been escorted to his lodgings under heavy guard.

    The Hero posed a significant threat to the Demons, a threat they would go to any lengths to eliminate. The leaders of the Heavenly Continent might be corrupt and self-serving… but they weren’t stupid.

    They understood the danger he was in, the constant threat of assassination. They had assigned him a retinue of skilled guards, kept his movements secret, even employed decoys to mislead potential assassins.

    Yet, despite their precautions, he had been ambushed that very night, barely escaping with his life.

    Now he knew why. The Phantom Demon had marked him.

    “What are you going to do?” Shaye asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

    “We’re both powerless at the moment,” Qin Chu replied, his mind racing. “Don’t you think he makes a rather… convenient target?”

    Revenge required power. He had managed to humiliate Loseweisse, but it was a hollow victory. He was still vulnerable, utterly defenseless.

    He needed to regain his strength, and quickly. His Abilities, especially Greed and its associated power, Devourer, were his greatest assets.

    Devourer allowed him to absorb the power, even the Abilities, of others.

    Of course, attempting to devour someone stronger than himself would be suicidal.

    But Phantom Demons, as Shaye had explained, were an anomaly. Their magical power increased with their level, but their combat abilities remained on par with an ordinary human. Their entire existence revolved around their shapeshifting abilities. Their only other skill, a rudimentary understanding of illusion magic, was hardly a threat.

    The higher their level, the more potent their magic, the more convincing their disguises. Even those closest to them would be hard-pressed to detect their true nature.

    A high-level Phantom Demon could perfectly mimic not only their target’s appearance, but also their voice, mannerisms, speech patterns, even their subconscious tics. They could seamlessly integrate into human society, their true identities remaining hidden.

    The real Count Donald was likely dead, replaced by this imposter. No one in this room, not even the Emperor, the High Priestess, or the Sages, had detected his true nature.

    To become a Sage, one had to reach level eighty and master a vast array of spells, including at least one Super-tier spell and three High-tier spells.

    Emperor Wadsworth, Saint Monique, and Pope Augustus were even stronger, their levels likely exceeding ninety.

    To deceive them, this Phantom Demon had to be at least level sixty.

    Which meant he was a walking, talking experience piñata, ripe for the picking.

    Qin Chu wouldn’t let this opportunity slip away.

    Devouring him would significantly boost his magical power.

    And that shapeshifting Ability… he had a feeling it would come in handy.

    Shaye didn’t object. They desperately needed a power boost.

    “Have you figured out how you’re going to explain this?” she asked, her voice laced with amusement.

    “Of course,” Qin Chu replied, a sly smile spreading across his lips. “I have a plan.”

    While they conversed, Count Donald, his beady eyes narrowed, observed Qin Chu. Though his face was plastered with a pleasant smile, a flicker of disdain, of murderous intent, flashed in his eyes.

    The newly summoned Hero, despite his future potential, was currently as weak as an ant.

    Even he, a non-combatant, could easily kill him.

    But doing so here, in front of all these witnesses, would be suicide. Best to leave the dirty work to the professionals. His task was simple: mark the Hero, guide the assassins to their target.

    He smiled, his voice smooth and reassuring. “Well, Hero, I must take my leave. You are always welcome at my estate.”

    He made to withdraw his hand, eager to move on, to maintain a semblance of decorum.

    But his hand remained trapped in Qin Chu’s grasp.

    He tried to pull away, but Qin Chu’s grip tightened, like a vise.

    He frowned, looking up at Qin Chu.

    And then his blood ran cold.

    A wave of primal fear washed over him, making his heart pound in his chest.

    He couldn’t pinpoint the source of his terror. Qin Chu’s face was still the same, his smile still in place. But his eyes… his eyes were different.

    They were filled with a strange, unsettling intensity, as if they could see right through him, stripping away his carefully crafted disguise, exposing his true nature.

    How could a powerless, newly summoned Hero evoke such fear?

    For a fleeting moment, he saw Qin Chu bathed in blood, surrounded by a mountain of Demon corpses, a river of crimson flowing at his feet.

    A strangled gasp escaped his lips, his teeth chattering uncontrollably.

    “H-Hero,” he stammered, his voice barely a whisper. “What are you… what are you doing?”

    Had the Hero seen through his disguise?

    Impossible.

    Even the Pope, the High Priestess, and the Emperor had been fooled. How could this weakling, this newcomer, possibly know his secret?

    Qin Chu smiled, his lips curving into a predatory grin that made Donald’s blood run cold.

    And then he whispered a single word.

    “Devourer.”

    A terrifying force erupted from Qin Chu’s hand, a powerful suction that made Donald’s heart skip a beat. His magical power, his very essence, was being drained away, pulled towards Qin Chu like water down a drain.

  • Mistaken Era chapter 24

    Chapter 24

    Actually, Wei Jie did subtly remind Cui Xiao Xiao under the table at first.

    Considering that she had helped him burn the Golden Core, he couldn’t just watch the little beauty ruin her stomach.

    But after seeing her eat a whole shrimp and still remain unharmed, he couldn’t be bothered to remind her anymore.

    Wei Jie was also very curious about what background this so-called master of his had. Why did she seem so strangely out of place everywhere?

    At that time, he had been drinking alone on the hillside for a long time when this girl seemed to appear out of nowhere and suddenly barged into his sight.

    Could she really be a demon in disguise trying to sneak into the forbidden area of the Wei Family, as his grandmother suspected?

    Wei Jie watched with interest, waiting to see what kind of demon his master was transformed from.

    However, Cui Xiao Xiao was not as leisurely and relaxed. When people eat their fill, blood tends to flow to the stomach, and the brain also becomes drowsy and muddled.

    Originally, it was a time to let out a belch and relax, but she had a knife placed at her neck instead.

    Cui Xiao Xiao once again lamented that this era two hundred years ago was not a place for people to stay. Seeing her disciple Jie’er’s carefree demeanor of watching the show, Xiao Xiao knew she couldn’t count on him.

    Her sluggish brain was forced to start clicking and whirring as she slumped in the chair, trying hard to think of a countermeasure.

    But she had long been through the wringer and had been surrounded in street corners with her adoptive father countless times. Staying calm in chaos was a necessary tool for walking the jianghu.

    When the knife was at her neck, no matter how flustered Xiao Xiao was in her heart, she still looked as calm and composed as ever on the surface.

    Such a pretense actually made the Wei Family matriarch quite appreciative. She thought: If she wasn’t a demon, she really had the style of my younger days!

    Xiao Xiao had also made up her mind: First, she couldn’t tell the whole truth. Otherwise, would she say that she had accidentally crossed over from two hundred years later? Then go on to describe in detail how this eldest grandson of the Wei Family became a demon king who brought calamity to the world and caused living beings to suffer, and then persuade the Wei Family to eliminate the harm for the world and kill him as soon as possible?

    Hmm… Even Cui Xiao Xiao felt that this reality was too bizarre and would easily make people unable to accept it, leading to misunderstandings and endangering herself.

    Since the truth was not good to tell, she had to embellish it a little, half true and half false.

    Thinking of this, Cui Xiao Xiao said softly, “Because I was unwilling to marry the young pavilion master of Soaring Cloud Pavilion, I was framed by him and possessed by a Demon Bead, suffering the torture of yin poison day after day. Old Ancestor, if you kill me, so be it. Although I haven’t become a demon, I’ve been suffering. If I die, I can at least be spared a lot of pain… It’s just that I still have disciples waiting for me to return to the Talisman Sect. If I’m not there, won’t the sect’s inheritance be hopeless… Jie’er, your master’s mantle will depend on you from now on. Don’t worry, your master won’t blame your family for indiscriminately killing the innocent… After I die, you can chop off your master’s hand and free yourself.”

    As she said this, she turned her head to look at her beloved disciple who was leisurely drinking wine on the side. Under the table, she tightly gripped the hand that was shackled together, her slender fingers desperately scratching his palm.

    Damn unfilial disciple, he was actually watching the show so gleefully beside her!

    Even considering their previous bond of going through life and death together, he shouldn’t be standing by idly like this. At the very least, a guest is a guest. Is this how the Wei Family treats their guests?

    If it weren’t for the pain in his palm, just looking at his master’s slightly reddened eyes and her attitude of being tired of the mortal world, Wei Jie would have really thought she was upright and willing to die alone!

    But before he could speak up to plead for mercy, his second uncle Wei Jingfeng beside him glared at him angrily, “It’s all because of you causing trouble. Without knowing her background, you took her as your master. Do you want to bring disaster to the Wei Family again?”

    When Wei Jingfeng finished speaking, the elders of the Wei Family sitting beside him also unanimously glared at Wei Jie angrily. It was obvious that they also believed that this half-demon child who suddenly returned after leaving a few years ago wouldn’t bring anything good.

    Wei Jie was already used to it. In the Wei Family, he had always been an oddity. Except for his grandmother, everyone regarded him as a fierce beast.

    From this perspective, this girl who was desperately scratching his palm for help seemed to be cuter than the so-called relatives. If she was a demon, wouldn’t she be a perfect match for him, the half-demon disciple?

    With a rebellious backbone, he stretched out his long arm and poured the remaining liquid in his cup into the flower bush beside him. Without even looking at his second uncle, he only said to his grandmother, “Whether she is human or demon has nothing to do with the Wei Family. I have already paid respects to my father. It’s time to leave. Since she is my master, naturally she won’t stay here either. Grandmother, take care!”

    After saying that, he stood up, swung his arm, and brought up a gust of true qi, instantly shaking off the swords placed on Xiao Xiao’s neck.

    Then, taking advantage of Xiao Xiao scratching his palm, he grabbed her delicate hand and pulled her to leave.

    Caught off guard, Xiao Xiao stumbled as she was pulled by the tall man, crashing into his embrace.

    Wei Jie looked lean, but he was actually all muscle. Xiao Xiao’s nose tip even hurt a bit from the impact.

    “Stop right there!” The Wei Family matriarch called out to Wei Jie.

    Then, the old matriarch slowly stood up, leaning on that gold crutch that was two heads taller than herself. She took short steps and came to Cui Xiao Xiao.

    When she raised her hand, her wrinkled palm glowed with a faint silver light. When her palm approached Cui Xiao Xiao, Xiao Xiao’s exposed arm seemed to become transparent under the old woman’s palm light, even revealing the blood vessels and meridians hidden under her skin.

    It seemed that this old matriarch had a unique ability. Her palm light could illuminate the meridians of the human body, which was truly amazing.

    The old woman moved her palm unhurriedly. Even the parts of Xiao Xiao covered by clothes seemed to be thoroughly examined by her.

    Finally, she slowly put down her palm, and the light in her palm scattered and disappeared like fireflies. Then she said, “Hmm… You didn’t lie, girl. There is indeed a Demon Bead lurking in your body… It seems to have fallen into deep sleep and is harmless for now, but if it stays in your body for too long, with your current cultivation, I’m afraid you won’t be able to suppress it and will be controlled by it… How did you come across this Demon Bead? I’ve lived for so long, but how come I’ve never sensed such a sinister Demon Bead causing chaos in the mortal world?”

    Cui Xiao Xiao thought: Of course you don’t know. This Demon Bead was personally refined by your eldest grandson. No wonder it’s so evil!

    But since the misunderstanding was cleared, she quickly said, “Old Ancestor, do you know of any way to force this Demon Bead out?”

    The old matriarch squinted her eyes and stared at Xiao Xiao for a while, then smiled slightly and said, “Young lady, you haven’t told the whole truth, so this old body can’t help you for now… Just now, when I observed your meridians, the yin poison toxicity of that Demon Bead is not small. It has already spread to your entire body. Probably every twelve hours, you will have an attack. I have a few pills here that can suppress the toxicity. If you trust me, you can take them and see if they can temporarily prolong the onset of the toxicity.”

    This old lady was not tall, seemingly weighed down by her shrewdness. She was very astute and immediately saw that Xiao Xiao’s words were reserved.

    Cui Xiao Xiao knew that her half-true and half-false words couldn’t convince the old lady, but her willingness to give her medicine to suppress the toxicity indicated that she wouldn’t treat her as a demon for the time being.

    So she quickly took the pills and sincerely thanked the old matriarch.

    At this moment, the old matriarch turned around and waved her hand, ordering someone to bring over an inch-long, black and shiny coffin nail. She solemnly handed it to Wei Jie.

    “Ah Jie, now that you are bound to her, you have the responsibility to monitor her. If she becomes a demon, remember the responsibility of the Wei Family to subdue demons and eliminate monsters. Don’t hesitate. You must immediately drive this soul-slaying nail into her Baihui acupoint. You mustn’t be soft-hearted!”

    Xiao Xiao stared at that long coffin nail in shock, not knowing for a moment whether she should be angry with this shriveled old woman. After all, she had just kindly given her pills to take.

    But discussing how to kill her in front of her, the person involved, wasn’t it a bit impolite?

    However, after the Wei Family matriarch handed over the weapon, she smiled at her kindly, as if making up for the lack of etiquette.

    Cui Xiao Xiao could only sigh in admiration and smile back at her, instructing her obedient disciple Jie’er to quickly put away the coffin nail. If it got dirty, it wouldn’t be good to use in the future.

    But what the old lady really wanted to emphasize to Wei Jie was not as simple as killing his master to prove his way.

    Seeing Wei Jie take the coffin nail, she continued in a gentle voice, “After all, your surname is Wei, and you have the responsibility of the Wei Family on your shoulders… A few days ago, a corpse-eating beast escaped. You take after your father and are best at capturing these exotic beasts. If you can help your second uncle catch it, I won’t have to worry anymore.”

    When Wei Jie heard “corpse-eating beast,” he couldn’t help but glance at Wei Jingfeng and raised his eyebrows, “Impossible! The current head of the Wei Family has always been cautious and much more loyal to his duties than my father. Under his watch, how could a corpse-eating beast escape from the underworld?”

    His words were obviously sarcastic, angering Wei Jingfeng so much that he widened his eyes again. But before he could scold him, he was interrupted by the Wei Family matriarch again.

    She tapped Wei Jie’s forehead with her crutch and then said, “You, child! Can’t you see that your second uncle has a sharp tongue but a soft heart? Yet you always hold a grudge against him. I heard that you single-handedly killed the Broken Soul Snake in the deep valley. You indeed have your father’s demeanor back then… I thought, if you stayed and helped your second uncle find the corpse-eating beast sooner, you could also avoid a disaster for the living beings… Child, are you willing?”

    Actually, the Wei Family matriarch didn’t really lack people to help. She just hoped that these uncle and nephew could work together and bury the hatchet. In her view, Jie’er was also grown up now. If the uncle and nephew could join hands and work together, resolving past misunderstandings, wouldn’t that be great?

    Before Wei Jie could answer, Wei Jingfeng had already interjected, “Mother, there’s no need to use him for such a small matter. Your son will catch that beast as soon as possible. Let him leave if he wants to!”

    The old matriarch couldn’t help but sigh: Because of the death of the eldest son, Wei Jingfeng inevitably held a grudge against that female demon, and by extension, he was also not very kind to this child. His discipline towards him was stricter than others.

    When Ah Jie was young, it was fine. He didn’t understand anything. But when he grew up, he somehow learned about his own background and left Qilao Mountain in a fit of anger due to his second uncle’s strict punishment.

    In a blink of an eye, seven years had passed. This little rascal had even changed his surname, clearly wanting to break ties with the Wei Family.

    Wei Jingfeng was also holding a grudge in his heart and was even more unwilling to ask his nephew for help, letting the Wei Family matriarch’s persuasion fall on deaf ears.

    Hearing Wei Jingfeng’s words, the corner of Wei Jie’s mouth curled up slightly. After paying respects to his grandmother again, he pulled Xiao Xiao and left without looking back.

    Now it seemed that Wei Jie and his second uncle were still incompatible, mutually disgusted with each other.

    The old matriarch sighed slightly, but her gaze couldn’t help but fall on the slender back beside her grandson.

    That child Jie’er had always had a rebellious temperament and couldn’t get along with anyone. How come today, he seemed to be quite compatible with that Cui Xiao Xiao?

    Could it be… that he, with a body full of rebellious bones, really took a young girl as his master?

    As for Cui Xiao Xiao, who was being dragged along by Wei Jie, she was thinking about the “corpse-eating beast” mentioned in her master’s secret manual.

    This creature was a fierce beast from the underworld. It liked to eat rotten things and could turn invisible, not easily noticed by people.

    Wherever it went, it would attract all kinds of evil and treacherous beings due to its own yin energy, causing a disaster for the living beings in that area, and it would be able to feast to its heart’s content, lying in a pile of corpses and eating happily.

    Back then, after Wei Jie was poisoned by the snake, he was resisting the toxicity in a cave. But the corpse of the Broken Soul Snake attracted the corpse-eating beast that had just escaped from the underworld.

    Cui Xiao Xiao’s master, Tang Youshu, happened to be picking herbs in the valley of Qilao Mountain and saw the corpse-eating beast attacking Wei Jie, who was meditating.

    He righteously stepped forward, wanting to help Wei Jie drive away the corpse-eating beast, but he was injured by it and almost died.

    Fortunately, at that time, Wei Jie had already overcome most of the snake poison and took action to repel the corpse-eating beast. Wei Jie appreciated Tang Youshu’s help and later took him as his disciple…

    Thinking of this, Cui Xiao Xiao shuddered – she thought of a fatal matter.

    Now that the situation had changed and the big snake was dead, Wei Jie was not in the valley.

    If that corpse-eating beast still behaved like it did more than two hundred years ago, attracted by the corpse of the Broken Soul Snake to devour the snake meat, wouldn’t Master Tang Youshu encounter it alone?

    At this time, her master was still an ordinary person with little cultivation. In this case, wouldn’t the odds be against him!

    It was a small matter that she unintentionally changed Wei Jie’s fate, but if she caused the death of her master, even if she hit a dead end, it would be difficult to atone for her sins!

    Thinking of this, Cui Xiao Xiao hurriedly tugged at Wei Jie and said, “The old matriarch pleaded with you like this. How can you refuse? Time is of the essence. Let’s join hands as master and disciple and go find the corpse-eating beast together!”

    Wei Jie raised his eyebrows and looked at her, thinking she was too chivalrous. One should know that the Wei Family had just held a knife to her neck a moment ago, yet at this moment, she was helping the Wei Family persuade him to help?

    Thinking of this, Wei Jie raised his hand to scratch his head and said lazily, “They clearly said they don’t need me. Why bother making a fool of myself?”

    He didn’t use his free hand to scratch his head, but the one shackled to Xiao Xiao.

    As a result, Xiao Xiao, who was too short, was lifted up and had to jump to avoid dislocating her hand.

    With one hand raised high, she was forced to hang on Wei Jie’s body and could only pound his hard chest with her hand, “Hey, can’t you use your other hand to scratch your head?”

    Wei Jie laughed, revealing his pointed tiger teeth, and looked down at Xiao Xiao’s slightly flushed face with great pleasure.

    No wonder that young pavilion master of Soaring Cloud Pavilion wanted to kidnap her. Although she looked only delicate and beautiful at first glance, not a seductive beauty, her big eyes that sparkled like autumn water and stars, and her perky nose, were all very pleasant to look at.

    Especially when she glared at people, her lips slightly pouted, which was quite cute. Particularly when she was pretending to be polite to his grandmother just now, she was so slick that it made one want to pinch her face…

    Xiao Xiao didn’t know what was going on in the mind of her beloved disciple. Now she only had one thing on her mind – to persuade Wei Jie to rush to the valley to save her master.

    They were chained together and couldn’t be separated. If Wei Jie didn’t go, Cui Xiao Xiao couldn’t leave either.

    Seeing that he had no intention of helping the Wei Family, Cui Xiao Xiao couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious. Just then, Wei Jie very naturally pulled her up, wanting to continue walking down the mountain.

    Cui Xiao Xiao couldn’t take it anymore. She broke free from Wei Jie’s grip and said with a straight face, “Men and women should not have physical contact. How can you casually hold a girl’s hand?”

    Wei Jie looked at the nail marks on his palm that hadn’t disappeared yet, then held his palm in front of Xiao Xiao, letting his master take a good look to see if these marks were from inappropriate physical contact.

    Cui Xiao Xiao knew what he meant. Now she had no time to dwell on who had taken advantage of whom, so she quickly said in a deliberately gentle voice, “Good disciple, your master won’t be harsh on you anymore. But your master dropped something in that valley. It may have been lost when fighting the Broken Soul Snake. This thing is also important. I have to go back and find it!”

    Wei Jie smiled as he watched his master’s face change like the weather. He then raised his head to sniff the wind blowing around them and said lazily, “Alright, I ate too much just now. It’s just right to take a walk to disperse the food…”

  • Mistaken Era chapter 23

    Chapter 23

    After saying those words, Qin Lingxiao led the disciples of Soaring Cloud Pavilion down the mountain first.

    Since the appearance of Cui Xiao Xiao disrupted the original trajectory of two hundred years ago and Wei Jie missed the opportunity to be poisoned by the Broken Soul Snake, Wei Jie would not amount to much in this life.

    When Qin Lingxiao’s soul traversed back two hundred years and woke up, he found that the Demon Bead in his hand had already disappeared.

    He had to hurry back and find that Demon Bead. Besides, he had the opportunity to live again. As long as he grasped it well, his cultivation might even surpass Wei Jie’s from two hundred years ago. It all depended on how he utilized these opportunities.

    As for Cui Xiao Xiao, this dead girl repeatedly rejected his goodwill. She was really a stinky stone in the cesspit!

    She wouldn’t yield? Fine, she probably didn’t know the power of the Soul Locking Shackles yet. Let her suffer!

    He wanted to see if she would beg him to unlock the Soul Locking Shackles the next time they met…

    When Cui Xiao Xiao saw him leave as soon as he said it, she shouted, “Hey! How can you leave just like that? At least leave the key behind!”

    Unfortunately, Young Pavilion Master Qin left with an ethereal bearing. In the blink of an eye, he was gone without a trace.

    The other three major sects saw that the leading Soaring Cloud Pavilion had left, so it was a bit boring for them to stay.

    Some of those who wanted to save face left leisurely after throwing some vicious words at the head of the Wei Family.

    When those outsiders were gone, Cui Xiao Xiao also planned to sneak away. But as soon as she moved, the shackles connecting her with Wei Jie rattled.

    Cui Xiao Xiao remembered that she was under the Gold Consuming Curse and might be able to melt this chain that occasionally flashed silver.

    But when she reached out to touch it, the silver chain didn’t budge at all. Moreover, when her hand touched the iron chain, she could feel the flow of energy in the chain, as if it were a living thing. It seemed to be made of no ordinary metal.

    When Wei Jie tried to chop it with his sword, there was a clang, and his broken sword actually snapped.

    Cui Xiao Xiao’s head ached again.

    Damn Qin Lingxiao, he knew this thing was not easy to unlock, yet he shackled her together with the Great Demon King Wei. What was he thinking!

    Seeing that it couldn’t be solved for the time being, Wei Jie tugged at Xiao Xiao’s arm and said, “Let’s leave here first.”

    But before they could leave, they were stopped by the head of the Wei Family, Wei Jingfeng.

    The burly man who looked like a Guardian King first glared fiercely at Wei Jie, then scrutinized Cui Xiao Xiao up and down sternly, and then spoke with dissatisfaction, “I heard just now, you… are Wei Jie’s master?”

    Wei Jie intercepted before Xiao Xiao could speak, blocking in front of his second uncle, his face cold, “Today is my father’s memorial day. I just came to pay respects to my father. We’ll leave now and not disturb your peace.”

    Wei Jingfeng seemed to be angered by this bastard child of the Wei Family. He widened his eyes and said in a deep voice, “Bastard, is this how you talk to your elders! If it weren’t for your grandmother asking me to save you, you should have been beaten badly by the Four Great Sects…”

    Before he could finish his scolding, a trembling call came from the hillside, “Ah Jie, is that you who have come back? Grandmother misses you so much…”

    A few sturdy middle-aged women were carrying a soft sedan chair, stepping on the grass and rushing over.

    When the soft sedan chair was set down, an old woman who was only four feet tall jumped down from the sedan chair like a jumping bean.

    This old woman had a head full of white frost, barely tying her hair in a bun at the back of her head. Her face was full of wrinkles, and her teeth seemed to have all fallen out.

    She was short, but she wielded a phoenix-headed gold crutch that was even taller than her. Her movements were so agile that she looked like a dwarf performing on the street, quite ridiculous.

    When the Guardian King Wei Jingling saw her, he quickly walked over, bent his tall waist, and respectfully called out to the short old woman, “Mother, I’m here. Why did you come?”

    Cui Xiao Xiao watched from the side, dumbfounded – this short woman was actually Wei Jingfeng’s mother? How did she give birth to such a tall son like a Guardian King?

    However, Wei Jingfeng called her mother, so this old woman was Wei Jie’s grandmother?

    In the story of the Demon King that Cui Xiao Xiao knew before, there seemed to be no part where the Demon King acknowledged his relatives. The Wei Family had always distanced themselves from Wei Jie and never acknowledged that he had the surname “Wei”!

    But why did the Wei Family come forward to help today, driving away the pursuers from the Four Great Sects for Wei Jie?

    Very quickly, Cui Xiao Xiao learned the answer from the mouth of this old ancestor of the Wei Family.

    The grandmother of the Wei Family tearfully asked Wei Jie to squat down, touched his long hair and cheeks, and checked that he was unharmed before she felt at ease. She then turned to Cui Xiao Xiao, who was also squatting beside them, and said, “Young lady, I heard what you said just now. Everyone says that Ah Jie has gone astray and steals things everywhere. I never believed he was that bad, but today it has been proven true. Just as you said, if someone takes his mother’s things without asking, what’s wrong with him taking them back? To be honest, it’s the incompetence of the elders of my Wei Family, allowing this child to be bullied by outsiders!”

    Saying this, the old ancestor of the Wei Family seemed to recall her long-deceased eldest son again. With tears in her old eyes, she stroked her grandson Jie’er’s face over and over.

    Xiao Xiao, who was locked together with Wei Jie, was also forced to squat down with Wei Jie earlier to listen to the short grandmother’s head-patting lecture.

    Upon hearing this, Xiao Xiao suddenly realized.

    Just now, when she criticized the Four Great Sects for calling a deer a horse and defended Wei Jie, clearing his name of stealing without reason, that’s when the Wei Family stepped forward to help this renamed bastard child…

    Oh no, it was because of her again that the past had changed!

    For a moment, Cui Xiao Xiao had a feeling that something was going terribly wrong… How was Wei Jie’s path to demonhood getting more and more deviated? Could it be that she would really end up like Qin Lingxiao said, meeting a bad end for interfering with the heavenly secrets?

    And at this moment, the old grandmother carefully looked Cui Xiao Xiao up and down with a smile, and then said, “Since you are locked together with my grandson, come to the Wei residence first and see if there is a way to unlock it.”

    When the old grandmother spoke, even the head of the Wei Family had to obey. Although Wei Jingfeng didn’t seem very happy to let Wei Jie up the mountain, he could only stand aside and let the grandmother and grandson reunite.

    As the newly appointed master of the prodigal son of the Wei Family, Cui Xiao Xiao also received a proper and polite reception from the Wei Family.

    Cui Xiao Xiao knew that the Gold Consuming Curse was still on her body and she still couldn’t touch gold or silver. Now that she was alone, without the help of her fellow disciples, eating was a big problem.

    Since she could freeload on the Wei Family’s food, she might as well eat her fill first before anything else.

    Wei Jie was unwilling to have any ties with the Wei Family and always had a cold look towards his second uncle.

    But he seemed unable to be ruthless towards that dwarf matriarch, and could only please the old lady first and sit in the Wei residence for a while.

    When it was time to eat, Wei Jie was a bit surprised by his master’s good appetite. He saw that Xiao Xiao’s small face was buried in a big bowl.

    If he remembered correctly, she should have already eaten three bowls.

    It seemed that even with one hand forced to be shackled to his, it did not affect this girl’s appetite.

    Cui Xiao Xiao had been eating in the wild on this journey. Although she had a few full meals in Fei County, they were just ordinary home-cooked meals.

    She had always been cautious and didn’t start eating at first. Only when she saw the Wei Family grandmother eating did she pick up her chopsticks and start.

    But to be cautious, she initially picked a lot of dishes for Wei Jie, letting him taste them for poison first.

    But in the eyes of others, it was truly a virtuous master and a filial disciple, a harmonious sight.

    After feeling at ease, Xiao Xiao could enjoy the delicacies with peace of mind.

    The dishes of the Wei Family were made with unknown precious ingredients. The shrimp served were as long as forearms, and the fish were big-bellied and fresh, making Xiao Xiao’s appetite soar. No matter how much she ate, she couldn’t get enough.

    The man beside her seemed to be kicking her leg under the table because of her unrefined eating. She felt irritated just looking at Wei Jie. After glaring back at him, she continued to fill her stomach first.

    After finishing the third bowl, she slowly leaned back in her chair, thinking: No matter what, she couldn’t become a hunger ghost in this era two hundred years ago!

    The dwarf grandmother actually liked Xiao Xiao’s informality. She had someone bring out some fruits after the meal, then squinted her eyes hidden in wrinkles and said with a smile, “My Demon Subduing Wei Family has always inherited the responsibility of guarding the underworld. Because we shuttle between the two realms and traverse between yin and yang, we must adjust our own yin energy. The ingredients we eat are also a bit special. All members of the Wei Family have to eat extremely yin things from a young age to adapt bit by bit. Like the fish and shrimp you ate just now, young lady, they were nurtured in the River of Forgetfulness near Fengdu. Ordinary people would vomit incessantly and even faint after eating a few bites. But you ate so much without any reaction… It seems that your divine powers are truly extraordinary!”

    Saying this, the old woman slightly raised her head, and the eyes hidden in wrinkles suddenly burst with a sharp light, “Young lady, I sensed early on that you have a faint demonic aura. I wonder what’s going on?”

    When she finished speaking, the kindly smile of an elder on the old woman’s face had long disappeared, and the murderous aura in her eyes made people afraid to look directly at her.

    Although she was just a four-foot-tall old woman, at this moment, her aura felt like a Chihuahua transforming into a lioness.

    Cui Xiao Xiao smacked her lips and finally understood why Wei Jie had been kicking her leg under the table.

    The food of the Wei Family was really not easy to put in one’s mouth!

    As soon as the old woman’s words fell, the Wei Family guards around them also drew their swords and held them at Cui Xiao Xiao’s neck.

    The Wei Family guarded Qilao Mountain, suppressing thousands of demons and monsters from the underworld. If a demon sneaked in and lifted the seal guarded by the Wei Family, the consequences would be unimaginable.

    Although the current head of the Wei Family was Wei Jingfeng, the actual person in charge was this shriveled old matriarch.

    She had sensed early on the unusual demonic aura on this girl. That’s why she had someone bring the fish and shrimp nourished by the waters of the River of Forgetfulness to test this girl.

    This test indeed revealed something strange! She actually didn’t fear the yin coldness and ate so much in one go!

    At such a young age, what a pity for her clever appearance. She had already become a demon! What exactly was the background of this little girl who called herself the Sect Master of Lingshan Talisman Sect?

    Wei Jie beside her leisurely drank a cup of wine. When Cui Xiao Xiao glared at him with big eyes, he even infuriatingly raised his cup to her and then drank the fine wine again with a tilt of his neck.

    It couldn’t be blamed on him. He had almost kicked her shoes off earlier, but he still couldn’t stop her from feasting.

  • They All Want to Be My Female Lead chapter 32

    32. Family Competition, Showing Off a Little Shock

    However, Yan Zhen was not surprised. The drawing results were exactly the same as described in the script.

    Yan Meng’er, on the other hand, showed a somewhat complex smile.

    In her previous life, she felt guilty towards Yan Zhen and couldn’t exert her full strength during the match. Despite both being at Mystic Disciple 8th stage, she was defeated by Yan Zhen in two moves.

    Now, with her previous life’s insight and experience of a half-step Mystic Lord, as well as knowing many mystic techniques and having a higher cultivation than Yan Zhen, she had a high probability of winning.

    But she didn’t want to win.

    She wanted to let cousin shine with his unique edge in front of everyone.

    “Cousin, Meng’er admits defeat.”

    Yan Meng’er said sweetly.

    Yan Zhen rolled his eyes. Just looking at her expression, one could tell something was off. Sure enough, this girl was going off-script again.

    Despite not having many scenes, every time she deviated from the script. What’s wrong with you?!

    “What do you mean admit defeat? Hurry up and make your move!”

    “But Meng’er doesn’t want to fight cousin.”

    Unless it’s on the bed… The girl added shyly in her heart.

    Yan Zhen felt that he was going to faint from anger because of this stupid sister.

    “If you don’t want to fight, why did you participate in the competition?”

    Yan Meng’er stuck out her pink little tongue at him, then ran off the stage with small steps like a pink butterfly.

    “Stage three, Yan Zhen versus Yan Meng’er. Yan Zhen wins!”

    After hearing the judgment, Yan Zhen also ran off the stage and came to Yan Meng’er’s side. With a slap, he smacked her perky little butt.

    With a crisp sound.

    “Ow, cousin, why did you hit me?”

    Yan Meng’er glanced around and noticed that quite a few peers were staring at them. Even with her thick skin, she couldn’t help but blush.

    —Bad cousin, even if you want to spank her butt, you should do it when you’re alone together in the room. Everyone is watching, how embarrassing~

    “Because you’re stupid.”

    Yan Zhen said angrily.

    With so few scenes and lines, ah, she couldn’t even finish acting or saying them properly, just adding impromptu scenes and changing the script at will. It was simply outrageous!

    The “family competition” was a key plot point. When he stepped into the martial arts field, the system had already popped up the mission interface. Fortunately, she wasn’t a major character in this plot. Her specific performance didn’t affect the completion level of the plot. As long as Yan Zhen defeated her, it was fine.

    —Time and time again, what a stupid sister!

    Seeing his exasperated expression, Yan Meng’er smiled and clung to him in a flattering manner, not avoiding the gazes around them at all.

    The intimate interaction between the two fell into Yan Mo’s eyes not far away, making his jealousy burn even more fiercely. He clenched his fists tightly, and the veins on his forehead bulged.

    At this time, the referee’s voice sounded again:

    “Stage three, Yan Mo versus Yan Xiaoxiao.”

    Yan Mo took a deep breath and leaped onto the stage. As soon as the referee announced the start, he immediately launched a fierce attack.

    Mystic Disciple 9th stage against Mystic Disciple 8th stage, coupled with Yan Mo’s proficiency in the “Yan Palm” far surpassing Yan Xiaoxiao’s, in less than five rounds, Yan Xiaoxiao was knocked off the stage and fell unconscious.

    “Stage three, Yan Mo versus Yan Xiaoxiao. Yan Mo wins!”

    Hearing this, the family doctor who was on standby immediately went forward to treat Yan Xiaoxiao.

    “Xiaoxiao!”

    Yan Xiaoxiao’s good friend ran over and glared at Yan Mo on the stage, clearly blaming him for using such a heavy hand. But Yan Mo’s imposing manner was too strong, and she didn’t dare to actually say it out loud.

    Yan Mo also noticed the other party’s blame. Looking at Yan Xiaoxiao’s pale face, he felt a bit guilty. Then this guilt turned into anger towards Yan Zhen.

    It was all Yan Zhen’s fault for disturbing his state of mind, so he couldn’t control his hand for a moment.

    “Yan Zhen, come up!” Yan Mo stood on the stage and shouted to Yan Zhen under the tree, “The final match is a showdown between you and me!”

    The eyes of the entire audience lingered on Yan Mo and Yan Zhen, with varying expressions, but most people were thinking “there’s a good show to watch”.

    —Here it comes.

    Yan Mo’s performance was consistent with the script’s description, even more villainous than what was written, making Yan Zhen feel quite gratified.

    He broke free from Yan Meng’er’s arm and slowly walked up to the stage. Seeing the other party recite his lines:

    “You just finished a match. Don’t you need to rest?”

    Yan Mo said arrogantly:

    “To deal with you, it’s enough—Uncle, please announce the start.”

    The referee glanced at Yan Mo and made the announcement indifferently.

    “Stage three, final match, Yan Mo versus Yan Zhen. Begin now!”

    As soon as the words fell, Yan Mo stomped his foot and dashed out quickly, slapping his palm directly at Yan Zhen’s chest. Under the effect of mystic power, a layer of scorching heat was generated in his palm, which was precisely the “Yan Palm”.

    Seeing him attack, Yan Zhen took a step forward and also struck out with the “Yan Palm” with all his might.

    The corners of Yan Mo’s mouth curved up, and he secretly thought that Yan Zhen was overestimating himself.

    A mere Mystic Disciple 7th stage, if it weren’t for Sister Meng’er, he wouldn’t even have the chance to confront him. He dared to directly face his “Yan Palm”?

    Smack!

    The two palms collided, stirring up a gust of wind that tousled the hair on their foreheads.

    Under the completely opposite forces, the two retreated at the same time. Yan Mo retreated three steps, while Yan Zhen retreated two steps.

    Evenly matched!

    Yan Mo couldn’t accept it. In his view, with his Mystic Disciple 9th stage strength using the “Yan Palm”, he should be able to easily crush Yan Zhen.

    He stared at Yan Zhen for a long time, and his pupils suddenly contracted:

    “You actually advanced to Mystic Disciple 8th stage?”

    —No, I’m at the 9th stage, but for the sake of the plot, I have to use the 8th stage to fight your 9th stage and amaze everyone.

    Yan Zhen shook his somewhat scorched hand and said with a slight smile:

    “Is the 8th stage difficult? I was already at that stage before I turned ten. Your current cultivation is just the same as mine when I was ten.”

    “Yan Zhen!”

    Yan Mo became even more indignant. His 9th stage mystic power became agitated, manifesting as a faint flame light on his tightly clenched fists.

    As expected, Yan Mo was going to use one of the Yan family’s signature mystic techniques, the “Flame Luo Fist”!

    “Today, I’m going to teach you a good lesson.”

    Seeing this, Yan Zhen had no choice but to get serious. Fighting the 9th stage with the 8th stage head-on was very difficult. In the script, he used the general mystic technique “Eight Extremes Explosion” to forcefully clash against Yan Mo’s “Flame Luo Fist” and narrowly win. But he didn’t learn the “Eight Extremes Explosion”. He learned the “Grand Negation”, which used softness to overcome hardness.

    Thinking of this, Yan Zhen retracted his mystic power and slowly assumed the posture of the “Tai Chi Shock”.

    Yan Mo sneered. His figure suddenly dashed out, his fist seemingly ignited with flame light, smashing straight towards Yan Zhen.

    “Flame Luo Fist!”

    This punch could cripple both of Yan Zhen’s arms. Yan Mo had a beautiful fantasy.

    Looking at Yan Mo at this moment, Yan Zhen thought of himself facing his beautiful master. The attack method was too straightforward.

    As if possessed by his beautiful master, Yan Zhen’s hands fluttered like floating clouds, lifting Yan Mo’s fist. Then he grabbed his wrist and elbow, turned his body, and threw him out. With another pull and push, his palms struck the center of his chest.

    Boom!

    The tripled soft force transformed into negation force and exploded fiercely. Yan Mo was like being hit by a heavy hammer, flying out horizontally and heavily crashing onto the stage, unable to get up again.

    The entire audience was shocked!

    Yan Meng’er was the first to cheer:

    “He won! Cousin is so cool!”

    Then the NPCs also had a big change in attitude and followed suit, shouting praises like “so powerful”, “what an exquisite mystic technique”, “the 8th stage actually defeated the 9th stage”…

    Yan Zhen couldn’t be bothered to pay attention. His focus was on the system interface that only he could see. Seeing “Plot Completion 100%”, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

  • They All Want to Be My Female Lead chapter 31

    31. Family Competition, Showing Off a Little

    “Meng’er, you advanced?”

    Yan Zhen was a bit surprised by the aura emanating from Yan Meng’er.

    In the three months that had passed since the last test, Yan Meng’er’s cultivation had already risen from Mystic Disciple 8th stage to Mystic Disciple 9th stage, and her aura was quite full.

    Based on Yan Zhen’s experience, at most, in half a year, Yan Meng’er would be able to step into the Mystic One realm.

    Her cultivation speed was twice as fast as described in the script.

    In the script, Yan Meng’er took nearly half a year to go from 8th stage to 9th stage, and then another year to advance to Mystic One.

    She even failed on her first attempt to break through to Mystic One.

    It was only because Yan Zhen took pity on her and secretly gave her an extra Condensed Mystic Pill that Yan Meng’er succeeded after taking the medicinal pill. Otherwise, she might have had to drag it out for another half a year.

    “Cousin, didn’t you also advance?” Yan Meng’er said with a smile, “Let Meng’er guess, cousin is already at the 8th stage, right? Advancing one stage in a month, cousin’s talent is truly astonishing~”

    “Meng’er, you’re not bad either. At the latest, you’ll be able to advance to Mystic One in half a year. A fifteen-year-old Mystic One is rare.”

    “It’s all thanks to cousin’s blessing.”

    “What does it have to do with me? This is the result of Meng’er’s own hard work.”

    —No, in the previous life, if cousin hadn’t secretly given Meng’er a Condensed Mystic Pill, how could Meng’er have successfully advanced to Mystic One on the second try?

    Yan Meng’er gazed at Yan Zhen with adoration.

    —Although cousin didn’t say anything, Meng’er could sense cousin’s aura left on the medicinal pill.

    “It’s about time. Let’s go to the martial arts field.”

    “Mm!”

    Yan Meng’er immediately clung to Yan Zhen, hooking his arm and sandwiching it between her 36D breasts. She said with high spirits:

    “Cousin will definitely shine today and make everyone look at you with new eyes!”

    Yan Zhen rubbed his nose, feeling a little shy.

    Although he had been baptized by his beautiful master’s G-cups over the past two months and had developed some immunity, the destructive power of 36D was still not to be underestimated.

    Moreover, Yan Meng’er’s obedient, lively, and youthful demeanor had a completely different charm from his beautiful master’s otherworldly fairy-like temperament.

    —Ahem, she’s just my sister. Don’t think too much.

    In a happy novel world without a female lead, whether it was a biological sister, a cousin, or a niece, they were all simply sisters. There was no incest.

    The two left the courtyard and headed to the City Lord’s Manor martial arts field.

    The family competition was a necessary plot point in traditional happy cultivation novels. The protagonist, who had become a loser and was looked down upon, would defeat the most favored peer, thereby achieving a stunning show-off effect.

    And the most favored peer in the Yan family at the moment was Yan Mo, the grandson of the Grand Elder, a youth who wasn’t as handsome as him.

    His cultivation had already reached Mystic Disciple 9th stage two months ago. After two months of consolidation, his aura was even more perfect than Yan Meng’er’s. If assisted by a “Condensed Mystic Pill”, he would be able to attempt to break through to the Mystic One realm very soon.

    Moreover, Yan Mo was also Yan Meng’er’s suitor, having liked her since they were very young.

    But Yan Meng’er had always been attached to Yan Zhen. In addition, not only was Yan Zhen’s status higher than his, his talent was also better, and he was more handsome. So, Yan Mo had always harbored a faint hostility towards Yan Zhen.

    When he learned that Yan Zhen had fallen in cultivation, Yan Mo deliberately spread rumors, causing Yan Meng’er to actively distance herself from Yan Zhen, and then he took advantage of the situation.

    Unfortunately, Yan Meng’er’s heart was still hung up on Yan Zhen, and she wasn’t very interested in Yan Mo’s pursuit, causing Yan Mo to be even more hostile towards Yan Zhen.

    In short, it was a common jealousy and rivalry background. Although Yan Zhen had no intention of competing with Yan Mo for anything, Yan Mo was simply making a fuss on his own.

    What was that saying again? Very much like a villain.

    As soon as Yan Zhen and Yan Meng’er stepped into the martial arts field, they quickly became the focus of attention.

    Yan Meng’er was the prettiest girl among their generation, and with her good personality, she was very popular in the family.

    Yan Zhen’s original popularity was even higher than Yan Meng’er’s. It was just that three years of decline had caused his reputation to hit rock bottom. However, as the news of his talent recovery spread, everyone’s eyes once again returned to him.

    Not with the previous admiration and adoration, but with curiosity and spectating.

    No matter how good his talent was, he hadn’t advanced in three years, so he couldn’t be that strong now.

    To participate in the competition, the minimum was Mystic Disciple 5th stage. A mere Mystic Disciple 6th stage could only be said to be neither high nor low, and it would be difficult to even make it into the top ten in the family competition.

    “…”

    Yan Zhen listened to the whispers around him and thought, the flavor was right. This was how it should be.

    Yan Meng’er, however, was furrowing her beautiful brows like an alert kitten. Whenever she heard someone say something bad about cousin, she would glare at them fiercely with her eyes, cute and fierce!

    “Hmph, these guys. Cousin will casually show a move later and make their jaws drop.”

    Yan Zhen smiled wordlessly.

    When the time came, the City Lord and Family Head Yan Lie appeared, said a few simple words, and then announced the start of the competition.

    The many Yan family juniors first drew lots, then began competing on the martial arts stage according to their battle numbers.

    Yan Meng’er went on stage earlier than Yan Zhen. When she demonstrated her Mystic Disciple 9th stage cultivation and defeated her opponent with one move, quite a few bootlickers in the audience cheered for her.

    Soon, it was Yan Zhen’s turn. His first opponent was none other than Yan Ming, whom he had beaten up last time.

    Yan Zhen felt embarrassed to beat him up again, so he suggested:

    “Do you want to admit defeat directly?”

    Yan Ming snorted coldly and said proudly:

    “Young Lord Yan Zhen, do you think I’m still at Mystic Disciple 6th stage? Sorry, I’m already at Mystic Disciple 7th stage. The one who needs to admit defeat should be you. The mystic power of the 7th stage is not something your 6th stage can contend with.”

    After saying that, Yan Ming launched a normal attack on Yan Zhen, because he hadn’t learned any mystic techniques.

    Yan Zhen didn’t move from his spot. With one hand, he pinched Yan Ming’s fist, pulled with the momentum, and simultaneously tripped him with his foot, easily throwing Yan Ming out. The latter ate dirt and fell off the stage.

    “Stage three, Yan Zhen versus Yan Ming. Yan Zhen wins!”

    Hearing the elder’s judgment, Yan Ming, who had just gotten up, was still a bit dazed: Who am I? Where am I? How did I lose?

    “Cousin is so awesome!”

    Only Yan Meng’er was cheering for Yan Zhen in the field. The other peers were all looking at each other, including Yan Mo.

    —A 6th stage defeating a 7th stage? How is that possible!

    Even the various uncles and elders sitting on the high platform had shocked expressions.

    “Could it be that Young Lord has advanced to Mystic Disciple 7th stage?”

    Advancing from 6th stage to 7th stage in two months was too fast. Like Yan Mo, it took him a whole year to go from 6th stage to 7th stage, more than half a year to go from 7th stage to 8th stage, and another more than half a year to go from 8th stage to 9th stage. And this was in a situation where resources were basically not lacking.

    However, thinking of Yan Zhen’s previous stunning appearance, they could understand.

    Yan Zhen began cultivating at the age of five, reached Mystic Disciple 9th stage at the age of ten, and advanced to one-star Mystic One at the age of eleven, creating the record for the fastest Mystic One advancement in the Gallo Kingdom.

    Advancing one stage in two months might be as difficult as ascending to the heavens for others, but for him, it was just a common occurrence.

    Yan Lie nodded with satisfaction and stroked his beard, very pleased with Yan Zhen’s performance.

    In the next two matches, Yan Zhen defeated opponents with only Mystic Disciple 7th stage cultivation in a similar manner, appearing at ease.

    In the fourth match, Yan Zhen actually happened to face off against Yan Meng’er.

  • I Am a Devil, I Only Understand Transactions chapter 12

    Chapter 012: The Devil’s Whisper

    Ginko Sora was stunned for a moment and instinctively followed Luo Feng’s gaze. She saw Yaichi Kuzuryuu actually waving at Luo Feng without a care in the world!

    In Yaichi Kuzuryuu’s eyes, although he found it strange, as long as Ginko Sora knew someone through shogi, it wasn’t strange to the point he couldn’t accept it.

    The only thing that made him a bit uncomfortable was that Luo Feng’s distance from Ginko Sora just now was a bit too close.

    Yaichi Kuzuryuu smiled bitterly. He was quite dense when it came to matters outside of shogi, especially not understanding women’s hearts. In his mind, it was impossible for his senior sister to like him.

    At this moment, he didn’t know whether to go up and say hello or continue listening to Keika and send off his senior sister.

    For a moment, he felt a bit lost.

    Seeing a convenience store nearby, he decisively walked towards it without any intention of going up to greet them.

    “What a polite Dragon King.” Luo Feng pondered, “Is this guy a bit dense when it comes to matters of the heart? He didn’t even come over to ask?”

    “…” Ginko Sora remained silent. She originally wanted to say ‘none of your business,’ but thinking about how she didn’t obtain this talent through normal means because of disrespecting a god, she didn’t speak.

    However, her tightly gripped fan told Luo Feng that she was very unhappy right now.

    “Let me see.” Luo Feng placed his finger on his temple and said softly, “Hmm, this guy is a bit interesting. He’s been interested in big-breasted older sisters since he was young. His first love… his first love was actually your master’s daughter.”

    Ginko Sora widened her eyes and looked at Luo Feng with disbelief.

    Was he guessing, or did Yaichi really like big breasts?

    What’s so good about big breasts? They’re just useless fat. In shogi matches, they could even become a burden. Was her junior brother really that superficial?

    “Hmm, Asuka Oishi(1)*, is that her name?” Luo Feng said, “He almost disliked shogi because of this person?”

    “What do you mean?” Ginko Sora instinctively asked.

    She herself didn’t expect that she could actually stay with someone who wanted her to sleep with him for so long.

    Phew, he’s a god, he’s a god, he’s forcing me to chat with him.

    As for this girl, she also knew a thing or two. She was the only daughter of Oishi family, who ran a bathhouse and shogi dojo with her father. She had also gone there to take a bath.

    “Mm, this girl once said she had something to ask your junior brother. Your junior brother thought she wanted to date him, but she said ‘please teach me how to play shogi.’ This young Dragon King was very disappointed.” Luo Feng sighed, “He also collaborated with the big-breasted female professional shogi player Tamako Rokuroba(2)* for the Kisei match analysis and was distracted by her boobs multiple times.”

    Crack.

    The folding fan in Ginko Sora’s hand was actually broken by her.

    At that time, she had also watched that analysis and knew that what Luo Feng said was true.

    “Your junior brother is very real.” Luo Feng put down his finger. “What he likes is the same as normal men. Hmm…”

    He looked Ginko Sora up and down and couldn’t help but show a pitying expression.

    Ginko Sora seemed to have noticed something and hurriedly covered her chest, taking a step back. She said with some embarrassment and anger, “What are you looking at?”

    “Nothing.” Luo Feng looked regretful. “You don’t seem to be your junior brother’s type.”

    “That’s my own business.” Ginko Sora felt her heart ache a bit.

    If someone else said this, she might treat it as a joke and at most feel angry.

    But when Luo Feng said it, it was unexpectedly more convincing.

    He seemed to know everything and be capable of anything.

    “Ha, okay, okay.” Luo Feng laughed, “This is your own business. I won’t interfere.”

    “Wait, were you peeking at his memories just now?” Ginko Sora turned pale and finally realized where the key issue was.

    “Yeah.” Luo Feng said softly, “Don’t worry, I didn’t look at your memories. I only read your mind once.”

    “Read my mind?” Ginko Sora gritted her teeth. “What did you read?”

    “Aren’t you curious about why I approached you?” Luo Feng looked pitiful. “It’s because I saw your intense inner struggle when you were being interviewed. A girl with great talent and ability was about to collapse just because she won a game. If I hadn’t appeared in front of you… do you believe that with your dazed state at that time, it wouldn’t have been surprising if you were hit by a car?”

    Ginko Sora opened her mouth. Thinking about last night, she was indeed on the verge of losing control. Being hit by a car or something wasn’t impossible.

    Thinking about entering the gladiator arena of the 3-dan level, her self-doubt and fear were stirred up by Luo Feng’s words.

    “So you just casually peek into other people’s hearts and memories?” Ginko Sora said in a deep voice. “You doing this, doing this…”

    “Isn’t the way of a god? Then you can treat me as a devil.” Luo Feng showed a delighted smile. “This way, is it easier for you to accept the fact that I have no bottom line?”

    Ginko Sora was stunned for a moment. “Devil?”

    “Mm, I won’t pretend anymore. I’m showing my cards. I am a devil.” Luo Feng lowered his hat and said softly, “So, since I’m a devil, can I do whatever I want?”

    Ginko Sora was so scared that she took another step back.

    Luo Feng grabbed her hand and pulled her back.

    “If you take another step back, you’ll be on the main road. Be careful.” Luo Feng said with concern. “Whether you see me as a devil or a god has no impact on me.”

    “If I don’t look at memories or read minds, how can I know who needs saving?”

    “If you think it’s okay, I can seal this ability of mine. Then if someone cries for help in the future, because of you, I sealed this ability and couldn’t hear their cry for help, their death will be on your hands.”

    “If more and more people like this appear, it’s certain that you’ll go to hell after you die. It will even affect your life. You may not live past twenty, your shogi luck will be extremely bad, you won’t succeed in anything you do, and anyone related to you will be haunted by ghosts and be as unlucky as you…”

    “Stop talking…” Ginko Sora turned her head away.

    “It seems you don’t believe me. Then let’s try…”

    “No!” Ginko Sora hurriedly grabbed Luo Feng’s large hand that was about to point at his temple.

    “So, you admit that I should peek into other people’s memories and listen to everyone’s inner thoughts, right?” Luo Feng smiled.

    “Mm…” Ginko Sora nodded somewhat helplessly.

    She didn’t know why Luo Feng had to explain so much to her.

    She was just a tiny ordinary person. Whether he was a god or a devil, there was no need…

    Ginko Sora felt that Luo Feng still had a bottom line. At least he had never forced her and had explained everything properly.

    At this moment, Yaichi Kuzuryuu had just walked out of the convenience store and happened to see Ginko Sora holding Luo Feng’s hand.

     

    Names with links:

    Asuka Oishi(1)*

    Tamayo Rokuroba(2)*

  • I Am a Devil, I Only Understand Transactions chapter 11

    Chapter 011: Greeting

    As Yaichi Kuzuryuu admitted defeat, everyone present was a bit surprised.

    He… lost?

    The Dragon King actually lost?

    The Dragon King actually lost to a female shogi player!

    Shogi wasn’t like Go. In Go, there could be some female prodigies, but in shogi… there had never been an example of a female professional defeating a male player above 4-dan.

    Ginko Sora truly deserved to be called the first woman in 1,400 years. She really won.

    Even if it was just an ordinary game and not a competition, it was still praiseworthy, right?

    Could it be that he let her win?

    No, if he didn’t take shogi seriously, the Dragon King wouldn’t have achieved such accomplishments. His opponents would also feel that it was disrespectful.

    “Senior Sister, yesterday’s match had a big impact on you.” Yaichi Kuzuryuu admired, “You broke out of your usual patterns. I didn’t react in time and fell into a trap. In this game, you won beautifully.”

    He didn’t go easy on Ginko Sora, but he wasn’t going all out like in a competition either. It was a fair and square game.

    Hearing the surrounding praises and seeing Yaichi Kuzuryuu’s appreciative gaze, Ginko Sora’s heart was extremely excited.

    She couldn’t help but tremble. This was a tremor brought by joy, the joy of defeating a strong opponent, the person she considered the strongest in her heart. It was a joy that came from the soul.

    I won. I beat Yaichi!

    Even if it wasn’t in a professional match, I hadn’t won against him for over two years!

    Have I… truly reached his level and become a shogi prodigy?

    I never knew there could be such a wonderful feeling in this world!

    “Be even happier.” Luo Feng stood outside the crowd, showing a satisfied smile. “Enjoy this feeling more.”

    Ginko Sora forgot that this talent could only last for three days. She forgot about the other people present and could only see the shogi board.

    It was like an ordinary person suddenly winning 5 million yen. At first, they would be filled with immense joy. At that moment, how could they have the mind to think about their boyfriend or girlfriend? Their minds would be filled with thoughts of their happy life.

    It was like a great scholar parting the clouds and figuring out a problem they had been stuck on. At that moment, they wouldn’t be thinking about their wife or children, but about the changes they could bring to the world, the prosperity of their country, or their own breakthroughs.

    Some were vulgar, some were great. This wasn’t about whether their love for their significant other was enough or not. It was just human nature.

    Seeing Ginko Sora like this, Luo Feng couldn’t help but lick his lips.

    “Gin, congratulations!” Keika Kiyotaki didn’t have the mind to care about Luo Feng beside her or the other people in front of her. She hurriedly squeezed through and walked to Ginko Sora’s side, sincerely congratulating her.

    “It’s no big deal.” Ginko Sora’s mouth didn’t spare anyone. “My junior brother was careless.”

    “Yeah.” Yaichi Kuzuryuu nodded.

    “Next time, you have to go all out against me.” Ginko Sora tapped her small hand with her fan.

    “I will.” Yaichi Kuzuryuu agreed with a bitter smile.

    “Keika, I’m a bit tired. I’ll head back first.” Ginko Sora said to Keika Kiyotaki.

    “Alright, go back early.” Keika Kiyotaki clenched her fist, cheering her on. “Accumulate your momentum and become a professional within half a year!”

    “I will.” Ginko Sora calmly nodded and stood up, walking out with big strides.

    Seeing Ginko Sora leave, the people around began to disperse. Luo Feng put his hands in his pockets and followed her out.

    Before leaving, he virtually pointed in the air, in the direction where Keika Kiyotaki was.

    Seeing everyone disperse, Keika Kiyotaki walked up to Yaichi Kuzuryuu.

    “Yaichi, why didn’t you see Gin off?” Keika Kiyotaki said.

    “Um… the train station is right at the door, isn’t it?” Yaichi Kuzuryuu asked puzzledly.

    “You, hurry up and see if she’s gone far!” Keika Kiyotaki glared at Yaichi Kuzuryuu. “You should at least see her off at the door.”

    This dense guy, he was quite capable when flirting with her, but how come he didn’t understand anything when it came to Gin?

    “Alright…” Yaichi Kuzuryuu was speechless and quickly chased after her.

    Keika Kiyotaki saw that everyone was discussing the previous game, so she wanted to find Luo Feng to continue playing teaching games with him.

    However, she couldn’t find Luo Feng and felt a bit puzzled. Could it be that he couldn’t understand shogi, found it boring, and left?

    She had seen quite a few people like that. They were all enthusiastic for three minutes. After watching a movie, they thought they could do it, but when they actually tried, they found it too difficult and stopped learning.

    …

    “How does it feel? Comfortable?”

    Ginko Sora hadn’t walked far when she heard a playful voice.

    Swish.

    Cold sweat flowed down from her head.

    Even though she was wearing a coat, Ginko Sora felt a bone-chilling coldness.

    It was him, the God of Shogi!

    She turned her head and saw Luo Feng leaning against a wall, his hat brim lowered. Only the lower half of his face could be seen.

    “What did you come to find me for?” Ginko Sora quietly swallowed her saliva.

    “Nothing much.” Luo Feng raised his head. “I happened to be passing by, so I went to the Kiyotaki Dojo for a visit. Don’t forget, I’m the God of Shogi. Of course, I have to see if anyone needs my blessing.”

    “Don’t touch Keika.” Ginko Sora took two steps and stood in front of Luo Feng, looking up at him. “And don’t touch Yaichi either.”

    Even if he only appeared last time to return her fan, Ginko Sora didn’t dare let her guard down.

    Keika was too obsessed with and loved shogi too much.

    In Keika’s heart, shogi ranked first, and she often complained about not having a boyfriend.

    If this wicked guy went to make a deal with Keika, she might not be able to resist such temptation.

    “Tsk, it seems that in your heart, she can’t resist temptation?” Luo Feng said with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile. “Don’t worry, my deals are very fair. As long as you can pay the price, it’s fine. I don’t just bless you alone.”

    He didn’t say that he looked down on people like Keika Kiyotaki who were only beautiful on the surface. Anyway, Ginko Sora didn’t know.

    Her personality was a bit domineering, but Luo Feng’s personality was even more so.

    “Would others want this kind of blessing?” Ginko Sora asked unwillingly.

    “Do you believe that under the same conditions, there would be plenty of people willing to agree? Want to make a bet?” Luo Feng said softly.

    “You…” Ginko Sora gritted her teeth. “Why do you want… that kind of deal?”

    She knew that what Luo Feng said was true. Indeed, many people would be willing.

    “Because I like it.” Luo Feng looked as if it was only natural. His face approached Ginko Sora’s. “And also because you disrespected a god, young lady. If you hadn’t disrespected a god, I might have asked for something else, like… ten years of your life.”

    Ginko Sora felt that she would rather give up ten years of her life.

    “Oh, your junior brother came out.” Luo Feng straightened up and looked towards the Dragon King who had just walked out of the dojo and happened to look in their direction.

    Smiling, he greeted him.

  • It turns out, they are the protagonists chapter 12

    Chapter 12: A Villain for Every Villain

    After finishing his tea and chatting with Bai Ruoxi for a while, Mu Zhi’an left the teahouse with her.

    As they walked down a quiet street in Tianxuan City, Bai Ruoxi glanced around, then asked, “Young Master Mu, if you don’t mind my asking, who was that person eavesdropping on us?”

    “The Gongsun family… or perhaps the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce?”

    Given the Mu family’s influence, few would dare to spy on them. The only likely culprits were those two families.

    After all, she’d been spending a lot of time with Mu Zhi’an lately. They must have been worried that the Mu family would intervene and save the Bai family.

    Just two days ago, the Gongsun family had leaked information to Ye Yu, hoping to disrupt things.

    Mu Zhi’an shook his head. “It wasn’t the Gongsun family or the Chamber of Commerce. He’s from outside Tianxuan City. I don’t know his identity yet.”

    Bai Ruoxi frowned slightly. “Then why would he be eavesdropping on us?”

    Mu Zhi’an smiled. “He probably wanted to see if I truly had feelings for you.”

    Bai Ruoxi was confused. “What difference does it make if you have feelings for me?”

    Whether he liked her or not shouldn’t concern anyone else… Why would someone go through the trouble of eavesdropping just to find out?

    She looked at Mu Zhi’an, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.

    Ever since their encounter in the carriage, she’d felt a sense of mystery surrounding him, as if he was shrouded in fog.

    She couldn’t decipher his true intentions. Did he still harbor feelings for her, as he had in the past?

    The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to know. But he always kept a certain distance. They’d shared a moment of intimacy in the teahouse… but that was all. She still couldn’t read him.

    “It makes a big difference,” Mu Zhi’an replied, strolling leisurely down the quiet street. “The more infatuated I am with you, the easier I am to manipulate.”

    Bai Ruoxi tilted her head slightly, her eyes filled with confusion.

    Mu Zhi’an shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. “Don’t worry about it, Miss Bai. It’s not your concern.”

    “More importantly, we need to find a way to approach Gongsun Zan and see if we can get any information out of him.”

    “You’re well-connected in Tianxuan City, Miss Bai. Do you know what he likes?”

    Bai Ruoxi glanced at him. “Women,” she replied simply.

    “If you’re planning to get close to him, Young Master Mu, just invite him to the pleasure quarters.”

    Mu Zhi’an shook his head. “I never go to such places.”

    For a moment, even the elegant and refined Bai Ruoxi couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

    Everyone in Tianxuan City knew about his frequent visits to the pleasure quarters. To claim otherwise… was he treating her like an idiot?

    But then, a thought struck her. Aside from today, she hadn’t seen him at the pleasure quarters or any other disreputable establishments lately.

    She opened her mouth to ask him about it.

    Just then, a voice called out from down the street. “Ruoxi! What are you doing here?”

    Bai Ruoxi’s face darkened. Mu Zhi’an turned to see a young man, quite handsome in a delicate sort of way, approaching them.

    Ye Yu.

    Bai Ruoxi frowned. She grabbed Mu Zhi’an’s arm and turned to leave. “Let’s take another route, Young Master Mu.”

    However, Ye Yu had already caught up to them. “Ruoxi, wait!”

    Bai Ruoxi sighed and turned to face him. “What is it, Young Master Ye?”

    Ye Yu faltered, then forced a smile. “I was out for a walk after the clan competition today. Didn’t expect to run into you here.”

    Bai Ruoxi simply nodded. “If that’s all, we’ll be on our way.”

    “Wait!”

    As she turned to leave again, Ye Yu panicked. He reached out to grab her shoulder. “Ruoxi, I won first place in the competition today! Believe me, just give me a few more months, and I’ll be strong enough to help you! I’ll be of use!”

    Bai Ruoxi frowned and swatted his hand away. “Congratulations, Young Master Ye. But it’s none of my concern. Please behave yourself.”

    Her voice was cold and dismissive, much like her initial attitude towards Mu Zhi’an.

    However, Ye Yu seemed oblivious to her displeasure. “Ruoxi, if Mu Zhi’an can help you, so can I. Trust me—”

    Before he could continue, Mu Zhi’an interjected. “Young Master Ye, there’s no point in pestering her. Why don’t you go find your own true love?”

    He ignored Ye Yu and walked away with Bai Ruoxi.

    Ye Yu watched them go, his fists clenching.

    Mu Zhi’an again! It was him two days ago as well… He must be threatening her. Why else would they be strolling together?

    “Mu Zhi’an! I challenge you to a duel!” he shouted.

    Mu Zhi’an paused and turned to face him. He smiled at the undisguised anger in Ye Yu’s eyes. “Why would I duel you, Young Master Ye? I have important matters to attend to. I don’t have time for such childish games.”

    “Are you afraid?” Ye Yu taunted.

    Mu Zhi’an nodded cheerfully. “Yes, I am.”

    Ye Yu was taken aback by his frank admission.

    Mu Zhi’an continued, “And besides, Miss Bai doesn’t dislike you because you’re weak.”

    “Then why?” Ye Yu blurted out.

    Mu Zhi’an smiled. “I’m not telling you.”

    Simping never ended well, in any world.

    Just like the old Mu Zhi’an. If he hadn’t awakened his past life memories and stopped groveling at Bai Ruoxi’s feet, she would still despise him, just like she despised Ye Yu.

    Simping wasn’t about agreeing with a girl or trying to please her. It was about lowering yourself, accepting an unequal dynamic where the woman held all the power and showed no interest in you, yet you persisted in your pathetic pursuit.

    That was what Ye Yu was doing.

    So what if he’d regained his talent and won the Ye family competition? He was still a failure in matters of the heart.

    A little bit of “simping” was harmless. But Ye Yu had taken it to a whole new level.

    As they continued walking, Mu Zhi’an glanced back. Ye Yu was still following them, keeping a safe distance.

    He was convinced that Bai Ruoxi was being coerced by Mu Zhi’an, that she was in danger. He just needed to wait for the right moment to swoop in and save her. Then, she would finally understand his feelings.

    “Ye Yu is still following us,” Mu Zhi’an murmured.

    Bai Ruoxi frowned. “I’ll handle it, Young Master Mu. I apologize for the inconvenience.”

    She turned to confront Ye Yu.

    Mu Zhi’an gently placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. He shook his head with a smile. “It’s fine. Just ignore him.”

    If she went back to talk to Ye Yu now, she might scold him initially, but eventually, worn down by his persistence, she might give him a chance.

    A chance to save the Bai family.

    As the “Chosen One,” blessed with immense luck, Ye Yu might actually succeed.

    The best course of action was to prevent them from interacting.

    Bai Ruoxi nodded silently, choosing to ignore Ye Yu.

    They continued walking. Up ahead, they saw a group of servants guarding the entrance to a manor. They looked menacing.

    “What’s going on…?” Bai Ruoxi asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

    “It seems Gongsun Zan is conducting a raid,” Mu Zhi’an replied.

    Bai Ruoxi’s eyes widened in understanding.

    “But why clear the street?” she wondered aloud.

    “Maybe to prevent any… unfortunate incidents with the residents,” Mu Zhi’an speculated.

    It wasn’t standard procedure to clear the street during a raid. Gongsun Zan’s actions were unusual.

    “This is our chance. Let’s wait for him here and see if we can get some information out of him,” Mu Zhi’an said.

    Bai Ruoxi nodded.

    Gongsun Zan was a foolish and incompetent playboy. It wouldn’t be difficult to trick him into revealing something useful.

    Ye Yu, noticing the commotion, seemed to recognize Gongsun Zan. He approached them.

    “Ruoxi, the Gongsun and Bai families are enemies now. We should leave. If Gongsun Zan sees you here, it could cause trouble.”

    “I have my own plans, Young Master Ye,” Bai Ruoxi replied coldly. “You needn’t concern yourself.”

    Her voice was icy, a stark contrast to her earlier demeanor with Mu Zhi’an.

    Ye Yu opened his mouth to protest.

    “You seem worried about us interacting with Gongsun Zan, Young Master Ye,” Mu Zhi’an interjected, a smile playing on his lips. “Why?”

    Ye Yu bristled. “I’m not worried about you interacting with him! What’s there to be worried about? I’m simply concerned for Ruoxi’s safety!”

    “Then there’s no need to worry. I’ll protect her,” Mu Zhi’an replied calmly.

    Ye Yu frowned, about to speak again.

    Just then, a woman’s scream echoed from within the manor. It was a sound of pure terror, chilling to the bone.

    “Why would there be screaming during a raid?” Mu Zhi’an’s brow furrowed.

    Ye Yu’s eyes flickered. He glanced at Mu Zhi’an. “That’s not a normal sound for a raid… When Gongsun Zan conducts a raid, it’s usually more than just a simple confiscation of assets.”

    Mu Zhi’an’s expression changed. He strode towards the manor.

    The guards at the gate blocked his path, their swords drawn. “Young Master Gongsun is conducting a raid today. Unauthorized personnel are prohibited from entering.”

    Bai Ruoxi glared at them. “Do you not recognize the young master of the Mu family?” she said coldly.

    The guards stared at Mu Zhi’an, their eyes widening in recognition. They sheathed their swords and stepped aside.

    Bai Ruoxi watched as Mu Zhi’an entered the manor, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions.

    The Bai family was in a precarious position. Antagonizing the Gongsun family wasn’t a wise move.

    However…

    She looked at Mu Zhi’an’s retreating figure, then seemed to make up her mind. She followed him.

    Ye Yu hesitated, his expression conflicted. He clenched his fists, but ultimately didn’t move.

    With his current strength, he wouldn’t be able to do anything… And he’d only incur Gongsun Zan’s wrath.

    He had to be patient. Until he reached Core Formation, intervening would be futile.

    He unclenched his fists and watched from the gate.

    If Ruoxi was in danger, he could step in and save her… Then, she would finally understand his feelings.

    He glanced at Mu Zhi’an’s disappearing figure, a pang of jealousy stabbing at his heart.

    If he was from the Mu family, he wouldn’t have to hesitate… He could walk in there and stop Gongsun Zan.

    However, Gongsun Zan was different from the rest of his family. If provoked, he wouldn’t hesitate to attack, even the young master of the Mu family.

    It would be best if Mu Zhi’an and Gongsun Zan clashed, leaving one dead and the other injured. Ye Yu thought to himself.

    Mu Zhi’an kicked open the manor gate and stepped inside.

    The courtyard was a mess, the flowers and plants trampled underfoot. The servants were in an even worse state.

    Several of Gongsun Zan’s cronies were leering at the female servants, their eyes filled with anticipation.

    Suddenly, the gate burst open, and they all turned to look.

    One of them, who had been about to… indulge himself, was startled. He whirled around, his face contorted with anger. “Who dares to interrupt Young Master Gongsun’s raid?!”

    His eyes widened in recognition when he saw Mu Zhi’an’s cold expression. He bowed his head hastily. “Y-Young Master Mu… what brings you here?”

    “Where’s Gongsun Zan?” Bai Ruoxi demanded.

    The servant’s eyes flickered, but he remained silent.

    Bai Ruoxi frowned, about to press him further.

    Mu Zhi’an gently patted the man’s shoulder. “Where’s Gongsun Zan?” he asked, his voice calm and pleasant.

    The servant looked up, fear etched on his face. “Young Master Mu, I can’t tell you! If I do, Young Master Gongsun will have me killed!”

    “If you tell me, only you might die. If you don’t… your entire family will suffer the consequences,” Mu Zhi’an replied calmly.

    The servant’s face turned pale.

    He didn’t doubt Mu Zhi’an’s words for a second.

    He was the notorious playboy of Tianxuan City. With the Mu family’s power, eliminating a commoner’s family was child’s play.

    “H-He’s… he’s in the third room on the right!” the servant stammered.

    Mu Zhi’an shoved him aside. “Keep them in line,” he instructed Bai Ruoxi.

    She nodded. She glanced at the weeping servants and the Gongsun family cronies, who now hung their heads, realizing the gravity of their situation.

    She frowned, a wave of disgust washing over her.

    The strong preyed on the weak, and the weak preyed on the even weaker. It was a cycle of exploitation, and it sickened her.

    Mu Zhi’an headed deeper into the courtyard, his eyes scanning the area. He found the third room and heard the faint sound of a woman crying from within.

    He kicked the door open.

    A young woman, her eyes filled with tears, cowered in fear, staring at Gongsun Zan.

    When the door burst open, she looked up at Mu Zhi’an, a glimmer of hope flickering in her tear-filled eyes.

    Gongsun Zan turned around, surprised to see Mu Zhi’an. “Young Master Mu? To what do we owe the pleasure?” he asked with a smirk.

    Then, as if understanding dawned, he gestured towards the helpless young woman hanging from the ceiling. “I see… After you, Young Master Mu.”

    “You know you’re not supposed to harm the residents during a raid,” Mu Zhi’an said calmly, his expression unchanged.

    Gongsun Zan scoffed. He wiped his hands carelessly. “Come on, Young Master Mu. Everyone in Tianxuan City knows about your wicked deeds. Don’t pretend to be a good Samaritan. We’re both scum.”

    He continued, “Scum shouldn’t make things difficult for other scum.”

    “Let her go,” Mu Zhi’an said calmly.

    Gongsun Zan hesitated, his eyes fixed on Mu Zhi’an.

    Then, as if forcing himself to comply, he nodded. “Fine… Let her go, you say?”

    His voice was laced with resentment and a slight tremor. He flicked his finger, and an invisible blade of air sliced through the rope. The young woman fell to the ground with a whimper.

    Mu Zhi’an’s gaze locked onto Gongsun Zan.

    “You’re the one who told me to let her go,” Gongsun Zan said, spreading his hands. “I was simply following your orders.”

    He shook his head, clicking his tongue disapprovingly. “You know, Young Master Mu, I’m only being civil because you’re from the Mu family. But that doesn’t mean I’m afraid of you.”

    “The Mu family might be powerful in Tianxuan City, but they can’t do whatever they want.”

    “Besides, this is an official raid sanctioned by the imperial court. If you interfere, are you prepared to face the consequences?”

    “Gongsun Zan, assaulting women and embezzling assets during a raid… are those part of your official duties as well?” Mu Zhi’an’s voice remained calm. “Do you honestly think the court will side with you if they learn of your actions?”

    “We can discuss that later.”

    Gongsun Zan turned away, a cruel smile twisting his lips. “But first, I have a beauty to enjoy!”

    He crouched before the young woman, his fingers tracing the outline of her delicate face.

    Tears streamed down her cheeks. She looked up at Mu Zhi’an, her eyes pleading for help, as if he was her last hope.

    Gongsun Zan noticed her gaze but ignored it, a mocking smile on his face.

    This wasn’t his first time doing something like this, and he’d never faced any consequences.

    All he had to do was placate these people afterward, silence them with a bit of silver.

    As for reporting him to the authorities…

    Well, the Gongsun family would see to it that those reports never reached the right ears.

    Clang.

    The sound of a sword being drawn echoed through the room. Gongsun Zan turned his head slowly to see Mu Zhi’an standing behind him, the tip of his sword pointed at his forehead.

    You wouldn’t dare…

    A sneer curled Gongsun Zan’s lips. He reached for the young woman’s clothes.

    The young woman, once a pampered daughter of a wealthy family, stared at him in despair, closing her eyes in resignation.

    Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his chest. His eyes widened in shock, and he looked down.

    Mu Zhi’an’s sword had pierced his heart.

    He turned his head with difficulty, staring at Mu Zhi’an in disbelief.

    “You… You killed me… The Gongsun family won’t let you get away with this…”

    His voice cut off abruptly.

    Even in death, he couldn’t believe that Mu Zhi’an had actually dared to strike him down.

    One of Gongsun Zan’s cronies, who had been watching from the shadows, screamed in terror. “Get… Get a doctor!”

    Thud.

    Bai Ruoxi stepped forward and struck the man on the back of his neck, knocking him unconscious.

    She glanced at the trembling young woman, then at Gongsun Zan’s lifeless body. After a moment of silence, she handed Mu Zhi’an a handkerchief. “This… complicates your plans,” she said.

    Their initial plan was to approach Gongsun Zan and gather information.

    Now, they had killed him. While it was satisfying, it would undoubtedly cause trouble for the Mu family.

    “It can’t be helped. Plans change,” Mu Zhi’an replied, wiping the blood from his brow. He looked at the terrified young woman, his voice soft. “But people… are adaptable.”

  • It turns out, they are the protagonists chapter 11

    Chapter 11: Classic Two-Pronged Operation

    Mu Zhi’an gently caressed Bai Ruoxi’s cool, smooth hand, his other hand holding a teacup as if lost in thought.

    Beside him, Bai Ruoxi bit her lower lip. Unlike her usual haughty demeanor, she didn’t pull away from his touch. She stole a glance at him, then relaxed slightly.

    After a long silence, she spoke, her voice soft. “Young Master Mu, have you made a decision regarding the Bai family?”

    Mu Zhi’an, distracted by the pleasurable sensation of her touch, snapped out of his thoughts. He considered her question for a moment, then replied with a smile, “I need a bit more time.”

    Bai Ruoxi, uncharacteristically, simply nodded, refraining from her usual insistent pleas.

    Mu Zhi’an noticed her unusual compliance and studied her curiously.

    She sat there, her ample bosom pressed lightly against the table, her slender fingers wrapped around a teacup. Two strands of hair had fallen loose, framing her delicate face, accentuating her breathtaking beauty.

    However, a hint of worry, something he hadn’t seen before, clouded her brow.

    He reached out and gently tucked the stray strands behind her ear. “Is something troubling you, Miss Bai?” he asked.

    She glanced at him, but remained silent.

    “Is it about the Bai family?” Mu Zhi’an chuckled, realizing the absurdity of his question.

    Of course it was.

    The precarious situation of her family was undoubtedly her biggest concern.

    Bai Ruoxi shook her head slightly. She set down her teacup. “My worries are indeed related to the Bai family, Young Master Mu, but perhaps not in the way you imagine.”

    She recalled her mother’s relentless probing over the past few days. Every night, the beautiful woman would visit her daughter’s room, lamenting the Bai family’s decline and subtly urging her to inquire about Mu Zhi’an’s decision.

    It was because of her mother’s constant pressure that she had returned to the Mu Manor so early this morning.

    And it was the reason for her current anxiety.

    Mu Zhi’an looked at her intently. “It seems you’re not ready to share the source of your troubles, Miss Bai. That’s quite alright. You can tell me when you’re ready.”

    Bai Ruoxi looked up at him, her voice soft. “Young Master Mu, is there truly no way you can help the Bai family?”

    “I’ve already stated what I require in return for my assistance,” he replied with a smile.

    “The Meridian Connecting Pill?” she murmured, her gaze dropping to her lap, her eyes filled with despair.

    She looked up suddenly. “Would I… not suffice as—”

    Mu Zhi’an placed a finger gently on her lips, silencing her. He shook his head, a playful smile on his face. “Miss Bai, you are a person, not a bargaining chip.”

    If Wei Mengrou, who knew him all too well, had been present, she would have scoffed. You want both the Meridian Connecting Pill and Bai Ruoxi for free, don’t you? Why bother with the noble act?

    But Bai Ruoxi was clearly taken aback.

    She thought about her mother’s words, then Mu Zhi’an’s. A lump formed in her throat, and her eyes welled up.

    One was a notorious playboy, the other her own mother. Yet, their words couldn’t have been more different.

    Come to think of it.

    Mu Zhi’an had said it before. She might have captivated him, but she hadn’t captivated the Mu family.

    In other words, he had always seen her as a person, not a commodity to be traded. She had been the one misinterpreting his intentions.

    Bai Ruoxi sighed softly and lowered her head.

    Just half a month ago, she had been disgusted by Mu Zhi’an’s advances. His fawning behavior had irritated her. But now, she found herself not as repulsed by him.

    She glanced at him, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions.

    She still couldn’t understand why.

    Was it because she needed his family’s help? Or had her perception of him truly changed?

    Mu Zhi’an, oblivious to her thoughts, glanced at the curtain that separated them from the rest of the teahouse. He turned to Bai Ruoxi. “Miss Bai, would you mind asking the waiter to bring us a different type of tea? I’d like a change.”

    Bai Ruoxi snapped out of her thoughts. “Of course,” she replied, rising to her feet and leaving the room.

    Once she was gone, Mu Zhi’an poured himself another cup of tea. Then, he filled a third cup and placed it on the table.

    “Why don’t you come in and have some tea?” he said with a smile. “You must have something important to tell me. Now’s the perfect time.”

    After a moment of silence, the curtain was pulled aside, revealing the black-robed man. He glanced around the room, his gaze settling on Mu Zhi’an.

    He stepped inside and, at Mu Zhi’an’s gesture, took a seat opposite him.

    “You certainly know how to enjoy yourself, Young Master Mu,” the man said, his voice laced with a mix of admiration and sarcasm. “Spending time with courtesans, then cozying up to the most beautiful woman in Tianxuan City… Such skills are truly enviable.”

    It’s called a two-pronged approach. Mu Zhi’an set down his teacup. “Just get to the point. Bai Ruoxi will be back soon.”

    The black-robed man nodded. “Two days from now, I need you to lure Ye Yu to the Dragon Head Forest. I’ll handle the rest. Afterward, Miss Bai will be all yours.”

    The Dragon Head Forest was located west of Tianxuan City. A vast expanse of woodland, it was named for its resemblance to a dragon’s head when viewed from the sky.

    The forest was teeming with monsters, making it the perfect place to dispose of Ye Yu discreetly.

    “Well, Young Master Mu?” the black-robed man pressed. “Have you made up your mind?”

    I’m the one who’s wooing her. Why are you acting like you’re doing me a favor… Mu Zhi’an snapped out of his thoughts. He smiled and nodded. “Very well. I’ll find a way to lure Ye Yu to the Dragon Head Forest within two days.”

    The black-robed man’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “You’re a smart man, Young Master Mu. I won’t disturb your enjoyment any longer.”

    With that, he vanished into thin air, leaving behind a wisp of black smoke.

    Mu Zhi’an took a sip of his tea, a smirk playing on his lips.

    Did that guy really think he was an idiot?

    Lure Ye Yu to the Dragon Head Forest, and he’d handle the rest.

    It sounded simple enough. But what if he decided to double-cross him after taking Ye Yu?

    The moment Ye Yu disappeared, rumors would spread throughout Tianxuan City: “Mu Zhi’an lured Ye Yu into the Dragon Head Forest and abandoned him.”

    The disappearance of a talented young man at the hands of Mu Zhi’an would undoubtedly provoke the Ye family’s wrath.

    Even though the Ye family was in decline, public opinion would be on their side. The Mu family’s reputation would suffer.

    As Mu Zhi’an pondered this, Bai Ruoxi returned, carrying a teapot. She sat down beside him, her gaze sweeping over the room.

    “Was someone here?” she asked softly, sensing something amiss.

    She was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, after all. It wasn’t difficult for her to pick up on subtle clues.

    One of the reasons she’d allowed Mu Zhi’an to hold her hand earlier was to play along with him.

    “Yes,” Mu Zhi’an replied, quickly changing the subject. “I’m a bit parched. Could you pour me some tea, please?”

    He wasn’t sure if the black-robed man was truly gone. Now wasn’t the time to discuss anything important.

    Bai Ruoxi’s eyes flickered. She met his gaze, and understanding seemed to dawn. She glanced towards the door, then nodded.

    It seemed whoever was eavesdropping outside hadn’t left yet.

    Mu Zhi’an watched her pour the tea, her movements graceful and elegant. He couldn’t help but smile.

    That black-robed man was taking too much credit.

    I’m the one who’s wooing her. What does he have to do with it?

    Acting all high and mighty, as if he was doing me a favor… Who the hell did he think he was?

    As Bai Ruoxi was about to set down the teapot, Mu Zhi’an reached out and gently placed his hand over hers.

    She looked at him, startled.

    “I’m a bit tired,” he said with a smile. “Could you pour me a cup, please?”

    Bai Ruoxi hesitated, then nodded. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

    “…Of course.”