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  • A Girl Dies Every Day in Her Dream Life 173

    Chapter 173: Night Sky

    Wei didn’t speak, but looked deeply at Imperial Concubine Min, then glanced at his surroundings.

    Unfortunately, the spatial collapse caused by forcibly breaking through the restriction had almost completely destroyed the Snow Palace, erasing all traces.

    Although Wei could now use a retracing technique, due to the spatial collapse, the retracement would be blank.

    There were many restrictions within the imperial palace, especially below the Sea Crossing Realm, almost to the limit. Even Divine Sense couldn’t extend for more than a few miles.

    But this was unavoidable. Otherwise, any Soul Transformation cultivator could sneak in and spy on the imperial family.

    The imperial family wasn’t just composed of powerful cultivators. There were also mortal girls like Princess Xue, and many imperial descendants were only at Foundation Establishment or Nascent Soul, not particularly strong.

    “Your Ladyship, allow this subordinate to escort you to the Imperial Daughter’s palace,” Wei took a deep breath and said, “Her Highness’s room should be… more comfortable for you.”

    A complicated look flashed through Concubine Min’s eyes, and she nodded slightly.

    “As you wish.”

    Indeed…

    Wei’s expression turned serious.

    Imperial Concubine Min probably already knew about the princess’s disappearance.

    In that case, Wei knew that there was no need to investigate the cause and process of this incident.

    What if he actually found something…

    The priority now was to find Her Highness.

    After a few maids helped Concubine Min leave the Snow Palace, Wei pondered for a moment, summoned a guard, and gave his orders.

    “From today onwards, the Imperial Capital will be locked down, and the news of Princess Xue’s disappearance will be spread.”

    “Yes.” The guard accepted the order, then hesitated and asked, “Master, should we issue a wanted notice?”

    “No, just spread the news.” Wei said in a deep voice. “The imperial palace will deny this and claim that Princess Xue’s old illness has relapsed and she needs to rest.”

    “But Master, with all due respect, if we do that…”

    The guard wanted to ask more, but Wei raised his hand and stopped him.

    “Just do as I say, don’t ask too many questions.”

    Wei’s expression was grave. He knew that this matter was far more complicated than he could handle.

    From now on, he could only act in secret.

    Wei pondered for a moment, then said,

    “Inform Ling Nuoxin, have her use the underground intelligence network to search for Princess Xue’s whereabouts.”

    Even so, Wei was still uneasy and added,

    “Contact the Winterfrost Empire and the Nine Heavens Sacred Land, ask them to help search. If Her Highness went to their territories, they can look after her.”

    Princess Xue was important to the Immortal Emperor, but to other factions, she was just a mortal.

    If they could exchange a mortal for a favor from the Great Qin Immortal Emperor, they would be happy to do so.

    After giving these orders, Wei waved his hand, dismissing the guard.

    He stood guard outside the Imperial Daughter’s palace, silent and unmoving, like a statue lost in thought.

    At this juncture, if anything happened to Imperial Concubine Min, it would be a disaster.

    …

    “Are you here to tell her about… that?”

    “…”

    The etiquette official didn’t speak, her head lowered. The Empress sat beside her.

    Today, the Empress wasn’t admiring the wildflowers in her courtyard, but had returned to her room.

    Perhaps she had lost interest, or perhaps she wanted a change of pace. The Empress was always unpredictable, and the etiquette official was used to it.

    Compared to the simple courtyard, the room was even simpler, with just a plain bed and an ordinary dressing table, hard to believe this was the Empress’s bedroom.

    “I already know.” The Empress said slowly. “This is her choice, I don’t need to stop her.”

    “But…” The etiquette official sighed. “It’s still hard to let go.”

    “Wei is handling it well, there’s no need for me to intervene.” The Empress said softly. “If you can’t let go, then return to the Nangong Sacred Land. Perhaps they will go there.”

    “Why?”

    The etiquette official looked up in surprise.

    “Why… heh, it’s just… a possibility.”

    The Empress was noncommittal, her gaze casually drifting towards the window, seemingly in the direction of the southern barbarian lands.

    On the southern tour.

    …

    The Immortal Emperor finished reading the message from the imperial palace word by word and slowly closed his eyes.

    “Xue’er, is this your choice…”

    The Immortal Emperor knew that whether it was the Empress’s arrangement or the stand-in’s scheme, it couldn’t be without Dugu Xue’s own will.

    Xue’er was just a pawn, only slightly more important because of his love.

    The Immortal Emperor had told Xue’er that he was going on a southern tour to find a way to save her life, but he knew that it would be very difficult.

    The Snow Maiden bloodline was actually a very powerful ancient bloodline, almost on par with the Nangong clan.

    It was only because of their unique illness that they had declined to their current state, with only a few descendants remaining.

    “Your Majesty, are you… returning to the palace?”

    The guard beside him asked cautiously.

    “No.” The Immortal Emperor opened his eyes, staring straight ahead. “Continue as planned, proceed with the southern tour.”

    “…Yes, Your Majesty.”

    The guard bowed and left, leaving the Immortal Emperor alone in the room.

    As if remembering something, the Immortal Emperor took out a letter he had received during his southern tour.

    He didn’t know who sent it, and it couldn’t be traced, but the envelope itself was very ordinary, containing only a single sheet of paper.

    However, the Immortal Emperor guessed that it was probably sent by the Empress.

    What was her purpose…

    The Immortal Emperor opened the envelope. He had already read this letter, but he couldn’t help but read it again.

    Because the contents were simple.

    Just a portrait.

    The Immortal Emperor took out the paper and placed it on the table.

    It was a portrait of a young girl.

    The girl stood with her back to a monstrous beast in the barbarian lands, her head slightly turned, her delicate profile unforgettable.

    But even more striking was the girl’s cascading white hair.

    “Luo Xue…”

    The Immortal Emperor stared at the portrait silently.

    So similar… incredibly similar…

    To Xue’er, it was almost unbelievable…

    Was Nangong Ziluan… trying to tell him something?

    …

    Not long after, a supposedly top-secret message spread throughout the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty.

    —The imperial palace was attacked, and the beloved Princess Xue had disappeared.

    Although the imperial palace claimed it was a rumor, that Princess Xue was just unwell and couldn’t appear in public…

    But…

    With so many talented individuals within the Immortal Dynasty, through various clues and deductions, the truth was gradually revealed.

    Everyone believed that the little princess was truly missing.

    Almost all attention was focused on this, ignoring another important piece of information: the matter of the Snow Palace and Imperial Concubine Min.

    Wei knew that such a serious incident within the imperial palace couldn’t be hidden, unless they killed all the maids and guards.

    Therefore, he deliberately spread the news of the little princess’s disappearance, while officially denying it, creating the illusion of trying to cover it up.

    With the subtle guidance of the underground intelligence network, all attention was focused on the little princess, preventing the situation from escalating further.

    Now, the entire Great Qin Immortal Dynasty was searching for the little princess, even several ancient clans were alerted.

    And the Imperial Capital, closest to the imperial palace, because of this incident, attracted many cultivators from outside, causing various problems, like a butterfly effect, creating chaos.

    And the Immortal Emperor’s southern tour continued, unaffected by the turmoil in the palace.

    No one knew his attitude towards this matter, not even those accompanying him.

    The southern tour to the barbarian tribes… was truly important to the Immortal Emperor, even his most beloved daughter had to be put aside for now.

    …

    Meanwhile.

    “Fortunately, it was a smooth landing…”

    Luo Xue, hanging from a tree branch, breathed a sigh of relief. Below her was a bottomless abyss.

    Unfortunately, there was a problem with this random teleportation.

    To be precise, it was a bit… too powerful.

    Unlike the carefully prepared teleportation formation in the Imperial Daughter’s palace, the hastily constructed formation and Xue Ling’s assistance had resulted in this… slightly precarious situation.

    “Big Sister Luo, are… are you okay?”

    Dugu Xue, carried by Xue Ling, finally found Luo Xue, her face filled with worry.

    Dugu Xue’s situation after the teleportation wasn’t much better, but because she was being carried by Xue Ling, she wasn’t in danger.

    A Soul Transformation puppet could naturally fly.

    And Luo Xue hadn’t even mastered sword-riding yet, let alone flying.

    “I’m fine for now, but if you don’t get me down, I might not be.”

    Luo Xue looked up at the branch she was hanging from, which seemed about to break.

    It couldn’t even support her light weight…

    “Xue Ling, quickly save Big Sister Luo!”

    Dugu Xue’s face paled, and she quickly urged Xue Ling to help.

    Xue Ling silently broke the branch and lifted Luo Xue with one hand, like a handbag.

    Luo Xue: “…”

    This was not a graceful posture!

    Fortunately, there was no one else around.

    Xue Ling carried Luo Xue and Dugu Xue to the top of the cliff and put them down.

    “Phew…”

    Luo Xue breathed a sigh of relief, then saw Dugu Xue swaying, barely able to stand, and quickly went to support her.

    “Little Dugu, are you okay? Could it be the teleportation formation…”

    Luo Xue frowned slightly, wanting to use her spiritual power to check Dugu Xue’s condition.

    “No, it’s not… Big Sister Luo, don’t worry, it’s just my old illness.”

    Dugu Xue forced a smile, but Luo Xue could see from her trembling lips that she was in pain.

    “What… illness do you have?” Luo Xue asked softly.

    “It’s… complicated…”

    Dugu Xue’s expression turned melancholic, then she relayed all her information to Luo Xue through Xue Ling.

    After reading through Dugu Xue’s information, Luo Xue was silent for a moment, then sighed.

    “You’ve truly… suffered…”

    Dugu Xue’s condition was similar to ALS, but thanks to the Immortal Emperor’s technique, she hadn’t been completely paralyzed yet, just unable to walk on her own.

    The main cause was her Snow Maiden bloodline. This enviable ancient bloodline had become Dugu Xue’s curse.

    Honestly, Luo Xue couldn’t do anything about this illness.

    If it were the will of withering threatening her life, perhaps she could intervene slightly, but in this complicated situation…

    Luo Xue could only try her best to find a place Dugu Xue liked and bury her there.

    After all, even the Immortal Emperor, the ruler of the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty, couldn’t do anything about it. How could Luo Xue have a solution?

    Xue Ling casually created two stone stools, and Dugu Xue slowly sat down. She needed to rest.

    After leaving the imperial palace, Dugu Xue’s mood seemed to have improved, and she looked at her surroundings with curiosity and joy.

    Perhaps she thought it was fortunate to see different scenery before her death, instead of being confined within the oppressive palace walls.

    Luo Xue sat down opposite Dugu Xue, Xue Ling guarding them.

    The two girls and the puppet sat in silence.

    Dugu Xue’s eyes soon drooped with exhaustion.

    She leaned slightly against Luo Xue’s shoulder, a familiar fragrance reaching Luo Xue’s nose, her white hair falling into Luo Xue’s lap.

    Soft snores echoed as Dugu Xue fell into a deep sleep, a faint smile on her lips.

    Luo Xue looked down at her, this pitiful girl finally free from her cage, but with little time left.

    She gently lifted Dugu Xue’s head and placed it on her lap.

    In her sleep, Dugu Xue’s smile seemed even more blissful.

    Luo Xue didn’t want to disturb this rare moment of peace. Her anxiety subsided slightly, seeing Dugu Xue’s sleeping face.

    “Sleep well, rest well…”

    As the sun set and night fell, Dugu Xue woke up again, opening her eyes to see Luo Xue’s gentle gaze.

    “Big Sister Luo…”

    “Shh,” Luo Xue placed a finger on Dugu Xue’s lips and whispered, “Listen.”

    Bright moonlight shone down from the sky, countless stars twinkling like breaths in the boundless night sky.

    Faint chirping insects filled the quiet night, a scene Dugu Xue had never seen before.

    Dugu Xue stared at this beautiful scene, her mouth slightly open, trying to find the words to describe it.

    She leaned against Luo Xue, her gaze fixed on the sky, and murmured softly,

    “It’s… so beautiful…”

  • You’re Not Allowed to Kiss Me Anymore! [Quick Transmigration] 59p2

    Chapter 59 p2

    Xin Yao, testing her theory, dipped a piece of tripe in the spicy broth and placed it in Xu Jingyu’s bowl.

    Xu Jingyu looked up, surprised by the gesture, Xin Yao rarely being so openly affectionate in public.

    She didn’t say anything, simply eating the tripe.

    So, she wasn’t completely averse to other ingredients.

    Xin Yao gave her some goose intestines and beef rolls, and Xu Jingyu ate them obediently, her movements slow and deliberate, her gaze fixed on her bowl.

    She looked like a well-behaved child, eating whatever her girlfriend gave her.

    Xin Yao, watching her, couldn’t help but smile.

    “Do you like it?”

    “I do.”

    “Liar. You haven’t even touched the spicy broth. You clearly don’t like it.”

    “Food is food,” Xu Jingyu set down her chopsticks, her voice calm. “I don’t have any particular preferences. But I prefer lighter flavors, and organ meats are a bit… strange. So I haven’t tried them before.”

    Xin Yao blinked. “Then why didn’t you refuse when I gave them to you?”

    Xu Jingyu looked at her, her silence a clear answer: I wouldn’t refuse anything you gave me.

    Then, she spoke, her voice soft.

    “Because you gave it to me, I do like it.”

    Her words made Xin Yao’s heart flutter, but she still teased her gently.

    “That’s so cheesy.”

    As they whispered to each other, the wrap party in full swing, the atmosphere lively and cheerful, the entrance curtain suddenly flew open, a blast of cold air sweeping through the tent.

    The people sitting near the entrance turned around, startled, then, recognizing the newcomer, exclaimed, “Isn’t that Meng Wanqing from the zombie movie next door? What happened to her face?!”

    Meng Wanqing, her face covered in gruesome special effects makeup, ran towards Xin Yao, her voice a dramatic wail.

    “Yaoyao! I just heard you wrapped! I’m going to be so bored without you! Yaoyao, how will I live without you?!”

    “I’m going to miss you so much!”

    She ran towards Xin Yao, her arms outstretched, about to embrace her.

    But just as she reached them, about to jump, Xu Jingyu’s cold stare stopped her in her tracks.

    Her dramatic entrance, however, had struck a chord with someone at their table.

    Director Gao, slightly drunk, her face flushed, suddenly burst into tears, her voice echoing through the tent.

    “I’m going to miss you too!”

    Her sudden outburst startled the people around her, her assistant, embarrassed by her behavior, tugging at her sleeve.

    But Director Gao, fueled by the alcohol, ignored her, standing up unsteadily.

    “Xu Jingyu! I have to say something! You’re so disobedient! You’ve been such a pain to work with!”

    Xu Jingyu: “Oh.”

    Her nonchalant response almost made Director Gao choke. She turned to Xin Yao, her voice filled with mock despair.

    “Yaoyao is so much nicer! Yaoyao, hug me! We have to work together again!”

    She lunged towards Xin Yao, her arms outstretched.

    Xin Yao, dodging her embrace, jumped up and ran, Director Gao almost colliding with Xu Jingyu, who, her face cold and impassive, grabbed her by the collar and tossed her aside.

    Director Gao, still crying, grabbed a random person and hugged them.

    “I’m going to miss you so much! It’s so hard to say goodbye… wait, who are you?! Ugh!”

    The person she had grabbed, of course, was Meng Wanqing, still in her zombie makeup.

    Meng Wanqing, unable to hug Xin Yao, had decided to settle for a random hug, a gesture of solidarity, a farewell embrace. But Director Gao, at the sight of her gruesome makeup, had recoiled in disgust, vomiting on her.

    Meng Wanqing, furious, grabbed her by the collar, lifting her up.

    “What the hell was that for?! I haven’t even settled the score for those photos you gave Xue Ning! Are you sober enough to fight?!”

    “Ugh!”

    “I’m going to kill you!”

    As they bickered, their voices rising, Director Gao’s initial outburst of emotion seemed to have triggered a chain reaction.

    People started crying, hugging each other, their voices filled with a bittersweet nostalgia.

    The familiar set, the stone pathways they had walked countless times, the early morning sunrises, it was all coming to an end.

    Xin Yao, standing there in the warm tent, watching as Director Gao and Meng Wanqing, now embracing and crying, their earlier animosity forgotten, her gaze sweeping across the faces of the crew, their expressions a mix of sadness and gratitude, then finally settling on Xu Jingyu, who stood beside her, her gaze soft and warm, felt a lump forming in her throat.

    Goodbye.

    Unseen Spring.

    See you next winter.

    Lu Duanjing.

    Completing a project, especially one that had demanded so much time and effort, always left a sense of emptiness.

    But for Xin Yao, the feeling was fleeting.

    Because after filming wrapped, and she moved out of her old apartment, she moved into Xu Jingyu’s home, their cohabitation a joyous celebration of their love.

    Having just finished filming such an emotionally charged movie, she needed time to recover, to separate herself from her character, to decompress.

    So, she focused on unpacking, on settling into her new home, the mundane tasks a welcome distraction.

    She even insisted on unpacking her own belongings, not wanting Xu Jingyu’s help.

    Xu Jingyu’s walk-in closet, like the rest of her apartment, was minimalist and impersonal, its color scheme limited to black, white, and gray.

    Xin Yao hung her colorful clothes, her dresses and coats a vibrant splash of color against the backdrop of Xu Jingyu’s monochrome wardrobe, her belongings taking up half the closet space.

    The simple act felt strangely intimate, a symbolic merging of their lives.

    A feeling of happiness, mingled with a touch of nervousness, filled her heart.

    She smiled, eager to see Xu Jingyu, but as she walked past a nearby cabinet, her sleeve caught on the handle, and as she tugged at it, the cabinet door swung open.

    The contents of the cabinet, illuminated by the soft light, made her pause, her eyes widening in surprise.

    She hadn’t expected anything unusual. It was just a cabinet, presumably filled with clothes.

    But a single glance was enough to make her blush, her gaze returning to the objects inside, her fingers clutching the edge of the cabinet door.

    The cabinet was filled with lingerie, all sorts of colors and styles, their delicate lace and sheer fabrics a stark contrast to Xu Jingyu’s usual conservative attire.

    Xin Yao quickly closed the door, her face burning, her heart pounding.

    Then, remembering something, she opened the other cabinets, one after another.

    Six cabinets, four of which were filled with lingerie.

    Xu Jingyu, you animal!

    Xin Yao grabbed a random piece of clothing from the closet and stormed out of the room.

    Xu Jingyu was sitting on the sofa in the living room, her legs crossed elegantly, a book in her hand, the picture of sophistication and refinement.

    The sight only fueled Xin Yao’s anger, and she marched over to Xu Jingyu and threw the garment onto her book.

    In her haste, she hadn’t even seen what she had grabbed. Now, as it landed on Xu Jingyu’s lap, she saw that it was a pair of white panties, their thin, lacy fabric barely there, a fluffy bunny tail attached to the back.

    And the cabinets were filled with similar items.

    Xin Yao’s face burned even brighter, her voice a mix of embarrassment and anger.

    “Ms. Xu, care to explain?”

    Xu Jingyu looked down at the panties in her lap, her fingers gently stroking the fluffy tail, then looked up at Xin Yao, her dark eyes questioning.

    “Don’t you like them, Yaoyao?”

    Her innocent tone and her calm demeanor only made Xin Yao even more exasperated, a mixture of amusement and frustration bubbling within her.

    “Of course I don’t like them! You bought so many! Are you trying to kill me?”

    Xu Jingyu’s expression turned slightly forlorn.

    “They’re disposable. It’s not that many. But if you don’t like them, it’s such a waste.”

    “How about…” she looked up at Xin Yao, her long eyelashes fluttering, her gaze lingering on her face, “I wear them?”

    It was a blatant attempt at seduction.

    Xin Yao, realizing the danger, her expression turning serious, knew that if she gave in, she would fall right into Xu Jingyu’s trap.

    But at the same time, she couldn’t help but imagine Xu Jingyu, the aloof and untouchable movie queen, wearing those clothes, her gaze soft and inviting, her voice a husky whisper, her body intertwined with Xin Yao’s.

    She suddenly understood why Xu Jingyu had bought so many.

    Xin Yao’s expression hardened, her voice serious.

    “So, baby, do you prefer bunnies or foxes? Or do you want to try both?”

    Xu Jingyu chuckled, her elbow resting on her knee, her hand supporting her chin, her posture relaxed.

    But her eyes, as she looked at Xin Yao, were dark and intense, like a gathering storm.

    Her voice, soft and seductive, was a whispered promise.

    “Either is fine. But this time… can I tie you up?”

    Xin Yao, as if she hadn’t expected this, thought, So that’s what you’ve been planning.

    But she couldn’t resist the temptation. After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded, her voice firm.

    “Deal.”

  • Transformed into a Female Villain, But Captured by My Beautiful Girl Disciples v2c39

    39. VIP Seats 

     

    “Young Master Xuli, what are you doing here?”

    Just as Gong Yiling was contemplating how to further her scamming career, Shangguan Qingyun’s voice interrupted their conversation.

    Young Master Xuli’s expression immediately turned serious, and he glared at Gong Yiling. “I haven’t settled the score with you yet, bitch. Watch your step, and don’t let me catch you.”

    This guy’s face-changing skills were truly impressive.

    Gong Yiling shrugged and watched him leave, then walked towards the two girls.

    “What did Young Master Xuli say?”

    “He gave me a warning that even a playboy wouldn’t understand.” Gong Yiling flicked their foreheads. “More importantly, are you two ready to deal with our landlord?”

    “Yes!” “Yes.”

    Seeing their confidence, Gong Yiling smiled. “I’m looking forward to it.”

    —

    —

    The matches outside had occasional highlights, but most were disappointing.

    Watching the competition required an entrance fee.

    Yes, a fee.

    Although it wasn’t much, the audience expected exciting battles.

    However, since survival time determined their scores, most participants adopted the same strategy:

    Avoidance, stalling, running. Lasting as long as possible.

    Only a few teams directly confronted Shangguan Yaochang, and most of them were quickly defeated. Only a handful lasted longer.

    But besides the First Prince and Young Master Xuli, who lasted seventeen minutes (possibly due to Shangguan Yaochang going easy on them), those who fought head-on didn’t score as well as those who ran and dodged.

    Gong Yiling and her team entered the arena when the audience was already losing interest.

    No one had high expectations for them.

    Qiu Shui’s control abilities were well-known. Others simply ran around aimlessly, but she was strategic.

    And then…

    “Boom—!”

    A series of explosions and giant vines erupting from the ground immediately caught everyone’s attention.

    Although ordinary flames couldn’t harm Shangguan Lingyue, Lu Xinyao’s fire contained the power of her demonic bloodline.

    Bathed in firelight, the girl was surrounded by blazing flames. Even without fully unleashing it, the third-level Phoenix fire essence was enough to force Shangguan Lingyue to use her true essence shield.

    “She forced the general to use her shield right from the start?”

    The audience murmured in surprise.

    Even the First Prince and Young Master Xuli, the strongest team so far, had to test her a few times before Shangguan Lingyue got serious.

    For her to be so cautious against these seemingly weaker opponents was surprising.

    And Qiu Shui’s vine technique was even more astonishing.

    Compared to her fight against the First Prince, the vines were now as thick as several people, and there were dozens of them.

    And the vines were covered in illusionary flowers that blurred vision, restricting Shangguan Lingyue’s movements.

    Their powerful and wide-ranging techniques were on a completely different level, so impressive that everyone forgot…

    There was a third member in this team.

    As for that third member…

    Ahem, she was slacking off.

    “Yes, that’s it! Go, go, go!”

    Gong Yiling, holding two candied hawthorn sticks (yes, she had somehow finished two skewers during the competition!) like cheering batons, did nothing but yell encouragement.

    It looked like she had bought a VIP ticket to cheer for her idols.

    With Qiu Shui and Lu Xinyao’s cooperation, their wood and fire techniques, normally incompatible, managed to trap the much stronger Shangguan Lingyue.

    Blazing flames amidst the vines, a truly memorable scene.

    However…

    This was all based on the premise that Shangguan Lingyue wasn’t using any martial skills.

    “Whoosh—”

    With a loud bang, a gust of wind erupted, scattering the flames and snapping the vines. The two girls were thrown back ten meters, almost falling off the arena.

    “Hoo—”

    At the center of the windstorm, Shangguan Lingyue opened her eyes.

    She was no longer calm and restrained.

    Her eyes burned with a fierce battle spirit, and she let out a series of hearty laughs, her aura exploding like thunder.

    “Although I knew that person’s disciples would be strong, I never expected you two to force me to use my martial skills.”

    The previous matches weren’t worth the ticket price because—they were all Shangguan Lingyue’s loyal fans.

    Paying to see their idol display her battlefield prowess was a treat, but if they couldn’t even see her martial skills, it would be a disappointment.

    And now…

    A crimson aura enveloped Shangguan Lingyue, like a shield of true essence, but different.

    This was the signature technique of the Shangguan family.

    Martial Skill: Bloodthirst Aura.

    It drastically increased her speed and the power of her attacks and techniques. The amplification was so significant that a single punch cleared all obstacles.

    This drew cheers from the crowd.

    “Let me see what you, as that person’s disciples, are truly capable of!”

    With a series of sonic booms, Shangguan Lingyue appeared before Qiu Shui in a flash.

    Then, a rumbling sound came from the ground.

    “Spiritual Art: Earth Bind!”

    A giant wooden hand emerged from the ground, attempting to drag Shangguan Lingyue down.

    However, her blood-infused true essence formed a tough shield, shattering the wooden hand upon impact.

    Of course, this was all within the girls’ expectations.

    Lu Xinyao took a deep breath and chanted softly, “Spiritual Art: Embrace of a Hundred Flames!”

    The wooden fragments were infused with Lu Xinyao’s fire essence. As they scattered, dozens of miniature explosions erupted, amplified by the dense wood energy, their combined power several times greater than a single explosion.

    Boom—!

    The fiery explosions created a shockwave, filling the arena with dust, obscuring everything.

     

     

     

  • The Grotesque Miss’s End Story v2c73p2

    Chapter 73: The Disaster of Starry Sky, The Game Tilts p2

    Whether it was to learn the White Witch’s secrets through Elsa or to use Elsa as bait to lure out the White Witch, both were suitable for a less restrictive approach. Elsa was even officially a Company member.

    Therefore, Elsa had only displayed proficiency in one or two abilities, keeping her other Grotesquery abilities hidden.

    Even under constant surveillance, Elsa remained inconspicuous. Coupled with her inability to keep secrets, this further diminished Elsa’s perceived threat level in the Company’s eyes.

    “Anyway, as long as she’s safe,” Luo Ling nodded slightly. Even if the Company wanted to eliminate Elsa, it wouldn’t be easy.

    “By the way, Luo Ling, there’s one more important thing,” Fiona said after a slight hesitation. “I learned a secret, a secret that could determine the Company’s fate.

    “It was this secret that led to the directors’ attempt on my life.”

    Due to the Kingdom’s characteristics, Fiona knew that saying anything here wouldn’t attract the Company’s assassins. But the problem was… Luo Ling would eventually leave. She was worried that the directors might notice when Luo Ling returned to Victoria.

    “Just tell me, Aunt Fiona. Don’t worry about my safety. I have some special tricks to avoid the Other Shore Path’s prying eyes.”

    Luo Ling recalled the fate of the old man who had dared to pry into her mind and suddenly wondered what would happen if the directors tried something similar.

    However, there likely wouldn’t be another opportunity. If ordinary Other Shore Path abilities could affect her, her identity as the White Witch would have been exposed countless times already.

    “…Mmm.”

    Fiona’s expression turned serious.

    “The Company directors’ true objective back then was to awaken the dormant Taboo, Guixu, and seize its Grotesquery Authority, Immortality… not a bestowed Authority, but the complete Authority.”

    Luo Ling’s pupils constricted. She had learned the first part of this information from Miss Iris, but the second part…

    “So, what the directors wanted… was true Immortality?” Luo Ling murmured.

    No wonder the Immortality disaster had occurred in Victoria.

    No wonder the directors had tried so hard to conceal it.

    No wonder… they were willing to kill Fiona to keep this secret buried.

    All the clues connected, and the truth behind the past conflict seemed to become clear.

    “Can they really do it?” Luo Ling asked, looking up.

    “…I don’t know. Why they failed back then, whether it was a mistake by the Company directors, or sabotage by a traitor among them, even they might not be certain.”

    Fiona shook her head. Even as one of the three Grand Constellations of the Fate Society, she still couldn’t compare to the three Company directors.

    The reason was simple: although she also possessed an Authority Sacred Tool, like Cheng Jianming’s Time, it wasn’t a complete version.

    Only the three directors possessed true Authority Sacred Tools, wielding unique and absolute Authorities. There was a qualitative difference between them.

    By using the secret technique to merge with their Sacred Tools, the directors were no different from Harbinger leaders wielding Authorities, their combat power comparable.

    If… the directors truly managed to control a Taboo’s Authority, the balance of power would tilt drastically in their favor.

    This shocking news couldn’t be revealed to the Harbingers or any other Order-side forces.

    No one in Victoria would support the directors’ decision, not even the branch directors.

    The Harbingers would fear the Company’s growing power, while the Order-side forces would worry about the Company’s actions backfiring. Any mistake involving a Taboo would have devastating consequences for everyone.

    “This is very useful information, Aunt Fiona. I’ll put it to good use,” Luo Ling said, exhaling slowly, her eyes narrowing as thoughts raced through her mind.

    The Harbingers’ path to godhood, the Company’s pursuit of Taboo… each side was plotting a decisive blow against the other. If either side succeeded, the other would face utter destruction.

    No matter how much of an advantage they had gained before, it would be meaningless in the face of absolute power.

    And for this, the directors were willing to sacrifice anything.

    “This is truly… a thrilling game,” Luo Ling couldn’t help but sigh.

    “Or perhaps… it’s simply human nature,” Fiona shrugged. She was no stranger to this. Even facing a common enemy, internal power struggles never ceased. The saying, “better to give to the enemy than to one’s own,” was a perfect example.

    The serious conversation ended. Luo Ling checked the time. It had been almost a week since she left Victoria. It was time to return and check on the situation.

    The Eve puppet in her perception was still safe, meaning Cen Xiangyun and Lu Manqing hadn’t encountered any danger. If their lives were threatened, the Eve puppet would sacrifice herself without hesitation.

    Meanwhile, Eve in Starry Victoria had almost fully recovered. The life force lost due to Proliferation had been gradually replenished through recuperation.

    She would find an opportunity to switch with the Eve puppet and transfer the puppet’s recent memories to Eve’s mind. With the Iron Fist Maid’s oblivious nature, she likely wouldn’t notice anything amiss.

    Although Luo Ling’s actions had put Eve through a lot, she had saved her life from a Ninth-Order Awakened One’s attack. A little inconvenience was to be expected.

    Anyway, it was Luo Ling who was inconvenienced, not Eve. In Eve’s perception, she hadn’t even slept. Her memories would continue from her meeting with Ms. Nightingale.

    “Aunt Fiona, you should rest in the Kingdom for a while. Although Destined Death has been lifted, there might be some lingering effects,” Luo Ling said. “Linna, you stay here and take care of your mother. As for Elsa—”

    Luo Ling looked at Elsa, who was still squatting in the corner, wiping away tears, a smile appearing on her lips. “When she wakes up, tell her I’ll be away for a while.”

    “Miss Luo Ling, are you leaving again?”

    Linna’s eyes lit up.

    “…I’ll hide somewhere you can’t find me,” Luo Ling said, her eyelids twitching slightly. The last time hadn’t been a pleasant experience.

    Dealing with one Linna was already difficult enough, now there was also Fiona…

    As Linna’s mother, Fiona clearly had the upper hand in every aspect.

    “I understand,” Fiona said softly, an unreadable emotion in her eyes as she looked at Luo Ling. “However, Luo Ling, they are all your Apostles. Don’t you… intend to include me as well?”

    “……”

    Luo Ling was silent for a moment, then shook her head. “Let’s not. No matter what… being involved with Grotesqueries isn’t a good thing. Elsa and Linna’s situations were unavoidable.”

    Although Luo Ling herself was considered a Grotesquery, she knew what that entailed. It was best not to drag others into it unnecessarily.

    “That’s… a pity,” Fiona said, her gaze unwavering, as if the answer to her question wasn’t important, only Luo Ling’s response was.

    “I’ll be going now.”

    Luo Ling felt her scalp tingle. She had to leave these two quickly. She felt like she would be devoured if she stayed any longer.

    “Be careful,” Fiona said gently. “I happen to be free these days, and with the Kingdom’s amplification, I’ll craft Elsa’s Sacred Tool.”

    Luo Ling had previously given Fiona a Sacred Relic, commissioning her to craft a Sacred Tool, but Fiona had been busy investigating the Company and had delayed it until now.

    “Mmm.”

    Luo Ling nodded, then quickly left the room.

    Moments later, Linna clicked her tongue. “Miss Luo Ling has cut off her perception. Even I can’t find her.”

    Although they were still in Starry Victoria, finding someone in the entire city was incredibly difficult, especially when Miss Luo Ling was deliberately hiding.

    “Hehe.”

    Fiona smiled noncommittally, turning slightly to look at her daughter.

    She gazed at her daughter tenderly, then opened her arms, gently embracing her. Feeling the real presence in her arms, the long-held longing finally transformed into a deep love.

    …A mother’s love.

    “But Linna, being able to see you again… is enough for me.”

    Linna simply lowered her head, nestling in her mother’s embrace like she did as a child.

    “…Mmm.”

    …………

    Meanwhile, in the real world, within the grand cathedral of the Church of Light in Victoria.

    The blindfolded nun sitting in the wheelchair slowly opened her eyes, a flicker of awareness flashing in her completely white eyes before they closed again.

    The sound of splashing water echoed from nearby. Through her Spore vision, Luo Ling saw Stasha rolling up her sleeves and wringing out a towel. Only then did Luo Ling notice that Alyssa’s clothes were mostly removed, leaving only her undergarments.

    The room was filled with steam, a faint mist obscuring her vision.

    “So Stasha is wiping Alyssa’s body.”

    Alyssa’s legs were paralyzed, making it difficult for her to bathe herself, so Stasha had always taken care of this.

    During her time in the Church of Light, Alyssa only had the opportunity to bathe when she returned home once a month.

    “But… is it appropriate for me to be here at this time?”

    Just as Luo Ling was thinking this, she felt a warm touch on her back, and Stasha’s cautious voice asking, “Sister, is this… too hot?”

    “The temperature is just right, Stasha,” Luo Ling replied.

    “Mmm!”

    Receiving the answer, Stasha quickly continued her task, a smile on her lips. She seemed to cherish these rare moments of intimacy with her sister.

    Luo Ling felt it was inappropriate to interrupt their time together, so she quickly entered Alyssa’s consciousness, browsing her recent memories.

    Religious hadn’t appeared recently, seemingly having completed his preparations for the ascension ritual, only waiting for the right time to begin. However, Luo Ling knew this wasn’t Religious’s ascension, but Philosopher’s path to godhood.

    After receiving Educator’s instructions, Alyssa, using the Sacred Tool, had spread the White Witch’s aura in the various Incubation Barriers appearing throughout Victoria.

    It seemed as if all the Incubation Barriers in Victoria were related to the White Witch, overwhelming the Company and forcing them into constant overtime.

    Even the Star team, where Cen Xiangyun and the others were now assigned, was no exception. The Star team, despite its name, was actually a large group with several sub-teams.

    Unlike top-tier single-character teams like the Hunt team, which consisted entirely of Eighth-Order Awakened Ones and above, the Star team had several levels. Cen Xiangyun and the others had joined the lowest level sub-team, befitting their current strength.

    “It seems they’re really overworked, constantly on duty.”

    In the Eve puppet’s memories, they had to deal with two or three Incubation Barrier incidents every day, most of them fake, running themselves ragged.

    However, amidst this seemingly aimless busyness, Luo Ling noticed several anomalies.

    “The Company’s barrier… is broken?”

  • Captivating Beauty 73p1

    Chapter 73 p1

    Cai Ying’s face fell, her earlier excitement replaced by disappointment, as she didn’t receive the answer she had hoped for.

    “You don’t understand the pain of unfulfilled expectations,” she said, putting on a mock-fierce expression, seeing the amusement in Xu Jinnan’s eyes.

    “I wasn’t laughing at you,” Xu Jinnan said. “If not this time, then next time. There’s no rush.”

    “Exactly, there’s no rush,” Tong Jia agreed, nodding. “If you really don’t want to go alone, I’ll go with you tomorrow, sis.” Her pause was deliberate, the suggestive undertone obvious.

    She was only being this restrained because of Cai Ying’s presence.

    If Xu Jinnan had been alone, her innuendos would have been far more explicit.

    Cai Ying, still uncorrupted by Tong Jia’s influence, focused only on the latter part of her sentence, throwing her arms around Tong Jia in a grateful hug.

    They patted each other on the back, exchanging sisterly affections, then, caught up in the moment, clinked their beer cans together.

    —

    The dinner, which had already lasted over an hour, showed no signs of ending.

    Tong Jia and Cai Ying, both with high alcohol tolerances and a shared love of drinking, were deep in conversation, their chatter increasing with each sip.

    Shen Shu stood up and went to the bedroom.

    Xu Jinnan glanced at them, then followed her.

    The bedroom lights were off, only a faint light coming from the balcony, the streetlights outside casting a warm glow, the windows of the buildings across the street twinkling like distant stars.

    The occasional sounds of traffic, conversations, and the rustling of leaves drifted in, creating a peaceful, almost intimate atmosphere.

    Xu Jinnan stood at the doorway, watching as Shen Shu took a few garments from the drying rack, then joined her, picking up Shen Shu’s strawberry-print pajamas, the soft fabric inviting.

    Shen Shu, without a word, walked past her, carrying the other clothes, but Xu Jinnan caught her wrist, pulling her back gently.

    “Shu Shu.”

    Xu Jinnan leaned down slightly, about to ask if she was okay, when Shen Shu pushed her away. “What?” she asked, her tone playful despite the slight annoyance in her voice.

    If it weren’t for the softening lilt at the end, Xu Jinnan would have thought she was genuinely angry.

    The sound sent a pleasant shiver down her spine.

    She released Shen Shu’s wrist, letting her go, Shen Shu taking the pajamas with her.

    Xu Jinnan watched her go, a faint smile playing on her lips.

    They could talk later, after Cai Ying and Tong Jia left.

    Cai Ying had said she was going home tonight.

    But words were cheap.

    —

    Cai Ying, wiping away tears brought on by a yawn, bid Tong Jia a dramatic farewell. “My dearest Jia Jia, goodbye! Be careful! Don’t talk to strangers! And let me know when you get home!”

    Tong Jia: “My dearest Little Cai, goodbye! I never thought you would become a third wheel! Don’t barge into married couples’ bedrooms! I’ll definitely let you know when I get home!”

    Xu Jinnan: “…Just go together.”

    Tong Jia turned back to Cai Ying, a playful glint in her eyes. “See? She’s kicking you out, Little Cai.”

    “Alright, enough with the theatrics,” Xu Jinnan said, following them to the door. “Viola is still nearby. She can drive you home.”

    After seeing them off at the elevator, Xu Jinnan returned to the apartment to find Cai Ying draped over Shen Shu on the sofa. “Shu Shu’s lap is so much more comfortable,” she murmured.

    Xu Jinnan stared at them: “…”

    For the first time, she considered physically removing Cai Ying from the premises.

    But it was just a fleeting thought.

    Tonight, Cai Ying’s words, though occasionally excessive, didn’t seem malicious; she simply needed someone to talk to.

    That was why Shen Shu had let her stay.

    Having known each other for so long, Shen Shu knew when Cai Ying needed her.

    Xu Jinnan messaged Viola, letting her know Tong Jia was downstairs.

    She had originally intended to have Viola join them for dinner, then drive Tong Jia and Cai Ying home, but Viola had declined.

    She hadn’t pressed the issue.

    —

    Outside, the cool night air was a welcome relief after the warmth of the apartment and the alcohol, clearing Tong Jia’s head slightly.

    She saw a white car with its window down, waved, and walked over, leaning against the doorframe. “Hey, Viola, you’re working hard tonight,” she said.

    Viola smiled. “It’s nothing. Get in, Miss Tong.”

    Tong Jia got into the passenger seat, and as Viola started the car, she asked, “Miss Tong, you have a high tolerance for alcohol, don’t you?”

    “Not bad. Definitely better than your CEO Xu,” Tong Jia replied without thinking.

    Viola, a smile playing on her lips, didn’t reply, but she didn’t deny it either, her gaze fixed on the road ahead.

    Tong Jia chuckled. “Sorry for talking about your boss behind her back. I get it, I get it. No need to explain. We all know what she’s like.”

    Viola smiled. After a moment, she asked, “Want some water?”

    Tong Jia shook her head. “I prefer alcohol. Secretary V, can you hold your liquor? I’ll have to show you sometime.”

    “I’d like that,” Viola replied, her tone sincere.

    Tong Jia glanced at her, observing her profile, her features sharp and elegant, her demeanor efficient and professional.

    She seemed like a straightforward person, her actions direct and decisive.

    Tong Jia’s gaze drifted downwards, lingering on her figure, her auburn hair a striking contrast against her dark suit, the white shirt beneath not too tight, her physique slender, typical of an Alpha.

    Viola suddenly turned her head, and Tong Jia, blinking, looked up, pretending she hadn’t been staring.

    “Miss Tong.”

    “Yes?”

    “You haven’t told me where you live.”

    “Oh, I live at…”

    After giving Viola her address, perhaps because of the alcohol, or perhaps just fatigue, she leaned against the window and closed her eyes, quickly drifting off to sleep.

    Then… she woke up just as quickly.

    She had been dreaming of Qiao Rui.

    It was snowing, the soft flakes falling like white flowers, covering the ground in a blanket of pure white.

    She had been sulking, having refused to eat all day after seeing Qiao Rui accept a gift from another woman.

    She had ignored Qiao Rui’s calls and messages, even the ones relayed through mutual friends.

    Then, that night, Qiao Rui had appeared outside her dorm, holding a bouquet of red roses, their vibrant color a stark contrast against the white snow, bright enough to melt even the coldest winter heart.

    Then, the scene had shifted, and she had seen Qiao Rui in bed with another woman, smiling at her, the woman in her arms saying, “Tong Jia, you’ve been such a fool all these years.”

    She had been enraged, about to lunge at them, when she woke up.

    Her breathing ragged, she rolled down the window, the cool night air dispelling the lingering anger from her dream.

    It was almost laughable.

    She was still dreaming of Qiao Rui.

    It wasn’t the first time; most of her dreams about Qiao Rui were filled with pain and anger, like the one she had just had.

    Sometimes, she would dream of happier times, and those dreams were even more painful upon waking.

    Betrayal wasn’t the worst part; it was the lingering shadow of that betrayal, the inability to erase the memories, that truly hurt.

    Cai Ying had said it was like a malignant tumor, impossible to completely remove, the scar always remaining.

    But you could distract yourself, and eventually, you would forget about it.

    Tong Jia had asked how to distract herself.

    Cai Ying, twirling the bracelet on her wrist, had said with a smile, “Find someone new.”

    Tong Jia agreed, but despite her open-mindedness, her only romantic experience had been with Qiao Rui.

    She had tried dating other people, but she always felt a sense of resistance, a lack of connection.

    Sometimes, what you wanted wasn’t easy to find, especially when it came to matters of the heart.

    Because you couldn’t control your feelings.

    And hatred, after all, was also a form of attachment.

    Lost in thought, her head resting against the car window, she heard Viola’s voice. “Miss Tong, do you like chocolate?”

    She turned her head slowly. “Huh?”

    Viola smiled, stopping at a red light, and took a piece of chocolate from her pocket, offering it to Tong Jia.

    —

    It was 9 p.m.

    The night sky was dark and overcast, the forecast predicting more rain before dawn.

    While Cai Ying was showering, Shen Shu brought the roses in from the balcony.

    When Xu Jinnan entered the bedroom, Shen Shu was just returning from the balcony. She glanced at Xu Jinnan, then opened the wardrobe to get her pajamas.

    Xu Jinnan stepped closer, her voice low. “You’re sharing the bed with Cai Ying tonight, right?”

    Shen Shu glanced at her. “Yes,” she replied calmly. “That way, you can get some rest.” No need to wait for her to fall asleep before coming to bed.

    Xu Jinnan: “…”

    She had been deliberately maintaining a distance these past few days, but the implication that she had been intentionally staying up late was unfair. Shen Shu had been perfectly fine these past two days; the problem had been that phone call at lunchtime.

    “I don’t know that woman who asked for my WeChat. I just met her randomly at the restaurant,” Xu Jinnan explained.

    Shen Shu’s gaze cooled slightly.

    “Teacher Xu is quite the charmer, attracting admirers wherever she goes,” she said dryly.

    Xu Jinnan: “…”

    She’s missing the point.

    Just then, they heard Cai Ying emerge from the bathroom.

    Shen Shu didn’t say anything more, taking her pajamas and turning to leave.

    As she did, Xu Jinnan stepped in front of her, blocking the doorway with her foot.

    The door swung closed slightly.

    The dim light of the bedroom contrasted with the brighter light of the living room, spilling through the gap in the doorway.

    Xu Jinnan stood in the shadows, Shen Shu in the light.

    Xu Jinnan stepped closer, crossing the dividing line, and gently kissed Shen Shu’s lips.

    “I’m not that charming,” she murmured.

    Shen Shu froze for a moment, then, as she looked up, Xu Jinnan had already opened the door and left the room.

    The lingering coolness of her lips was both familiar and unfamiliar.

    Shen Shu touched her lips. They hadn’t been this close since that night.

    Xu Jinnan had been holding back, her touch hesitant, as if she was worried about something.

    And they had both been busy lately, Shen Shu with her increasingly demanding filming schedule, Xu Jinnan with the launch of the live streaming platform.

    They rarely saw each other except late at night, Shen Shu often half-asleep when Xu Jinnan finally came to bed.

    So, there hadn’t been many opportunities for intimacy.

    That fleeting kiss, light as a butterfly’s wings, had stirred something within her, a ripple of desire spreading through her like a wave.

    —

    At 10:30 p.m., Shen Shu and Cai Ying lay in bed, chatting.

    Cai Ying talked about Han Ling.

    “She’s amazing! Like, she can do anything, knows everything, kind of like Xu Jinnan… She always knows what I’m thinking. And she’s so good to me, but sometimes, I can’t read her, don’t know what she’s thinking,” Cai Ying said, sighing. “And these past two times we met, she seemed upset, but she wouldn’t tell me why. It bothers me.”

    Shen Shu turned on her side. “Do you like her?”

    Cai Ying thought about it, then nodded. “I do.”

    “I started seeing her to get over my ex, not just for fun, but to find someone new. And then I realized how amazing she is, how kind and… perfect,” she said, her voice softening as she talked about Han Ling. “And most importantly, she’s beautiful, especially her eyes. They’re mesmerizing.”

    Shen Shu chuckled, amused by her sudden shift from melancholy to lovestruck teenager.

    “Shu Shu.”

    “Yes?”

    “Teacher Han’s pheromones smell so good!”

    “…”

    Shen Shu opened her mouth to ask, but Cai Ying, anticipating the question, quickly added, “We haven’t done anything! Just… kissed a lot,” she said, her voice dropping slightly, a shy smile on her face.

    “Well, just be careful,” Shen Shu said.

    “I will!”

    They chatted for a while longer.

    “I’m so tired. Let’s go to sleep,” Cai Ying said, yawning and listening to the faint sounds from outside the bedroom. “What’s Xu Jinnan doing out there?”

    —

     

  • Second Time Around, the Villainous Daughter Decides to Indulge First 71

    Chapter 71: How Disgusting~

    “Ah…it’s so expensive…” Diana mumbled, her small hand clutching her empty pocket. “C-can you give me a discount? Just a little, please, weakling sisters?~ Pretty please?~”

    “Prices are the same everywhere, sweetie~ If you don’t have money, you can ask the grown-up who brought you~” the receptionist replied with a smile.

    In their eyes, Diana was just a playful child.

    Although lacking in manners, calling them “weaklings,” she was undeniably cute.

    Her beauty was captivating, like a delicate porcelain doll.

    How could such a cute little thing exist?!

    They wanted to take her home and raise her as their own daughter!

    In the end, Diana couldn’t afford a room.

    She didn’t use her Word Spirit Magic either. After all, she was the Imperial Princess, using it on harmless civilians would be beneath her, and if she lost control, it could damage her brain, ruining her reputation.

    Although her reputation wasn’t exactly stellar…

    Diana carried Lena out of the hotel, finding a secluded spot. She nudged Lena’s body with her foot; the warmth indicated Lena was still alive.

    “Senior Weakling’s stamina is so weak, collapsing like that. It’s about time you woke up… Um… I don’t have any money for a room, and I can’t use Word Spirit Magic on them, so wake up and help me think of a solution! I don’t want to sleep under a bridge! I heard it’s full of smelly homeless people covered in sores, and they’ll eat anyone who trespasses!”

    Unfamiliar with her surroundings, Diana’s mood had soured, and the encounter with the receptionists had only worsened it. She felt exhausted.

    She wanted to sleep…

    She wanted to go home…

    Sleep in her soft bed… mmm…

    Why wasn’t Lena waking up? Was she seriously injured…? There were no external wounds… it must be internal injuries… it must hurt a lot… she hated pain the most…

    For some reason, Diana no longer wanted to bully Lena.

    She crouched beside Lena, looking at her beautiful face, her voice softening. “If you wake up now, I might, maybe, perhaps be willing to be your friend, hmph, only for one minute! If you miss this chance, I’m leaving you here! You’re such a burden! Calling me a child! Weakling, weakling~ stupid weakling big sister…”

    She took out the two Centaur Incense pills.

    Their dangerous brownish-red glow hinted at their true purpose, but before she could use them, their situation changed drastically with a flash of spatial magic.

    It seemed they wouldn’t be needed anymore.

    Diana sat down dejectedly, swinging her feet, raising her arm…

    “It would be a waste to throw away such good stuff.”

    A hand reached out, snatching the pills.

    “Ah! Lena, you’re awake?! Are you really okay?!”

    Diana’s excitement made her forget her usual insults, jumping up.

    She touched Lena’s face, soft and supple, it was real!

    “Would I lie?”

    Lena’s voice sounded weak, like a recovering patient, her usual terrifying aura gone. “Help me up… that shouldn’t be difficult for the benevolent Imperial Flower… Oh no! My magic power is depleted! This is bad! (whispering)”

    Oh?

    Diana’s eyes lit up. Depleted magic power meant…?

    “Hmph~ Weakling, weakling~ Big sister’s weak body can’t even compare to a child, how pathetic~”

    Diana giggled, covering her mouth.

    But her fingers didn’t completely hide her mocking smile and the arrogance typical of her age.

    “Since Senior Weakling can’t get up, I’ll have to lend a hand… pfft~ just kidding~” “Huh? Did you really think you could touch my precious hand? How disgusting~ weakling, weakling~ perverted lesbian big sister~”

    A barrage of insults followed Diana’s laughter, her violet eyes filled with disdain.

    Diana seemed to have forgotten her previous predicament, the threat of sleeping under a bridge. Lena’s awakening was the perfect outlet for her emotions, especially since Lena’s “injuries” seemed serious, unable to even use a simple spell…

    Without magic power, wouldn’t Lena be at her mercy?

    It must have been Vanessa’s spatial magic that had drained Lena’s power. Now her Word Spirit Magic was guaranteed to work. Even if Lena tried to fight back, she could easily dispel it.

    A magic-less Necromancer versus a Word Spirit user with full magic power.

    Although the difference in rank was significant, she had the advantage!

    Such a perfect opportunity, she had to take advantage of it!

    “Pfft~ Senior Weakling is so weak~ But, since you gave me the pinwheel, I’ll graciously let you use my leg to stand up~ Be careful, don’t touch anywhere else~ If I catch you enjoying it, I’ll be angry~ weakling, weakling~”

    The series of events had frustrated her, and now, finally having a chance to vent, Diana felt a surge of satisfaction.

    She even deliberately nudged Lena’s face with her heel, grinding it against Lena’s soft cheek, crushing the adult’s dignity beneath her foot!

    How delightful~

    Still not satisfied, Diana took off her lolita shoe and threw it at Lena’s face, the opening facing her nose, the faint scent of her sweat surprisingly sweet.

    “I think Senior Weakling must be craving this~ Don’t look at me like a creep, I take good care of my feet, this is a great reward, so enjoy it~ pervert~”

    Diana then placed her small, stocking-clad foot on Lena’s soft belly, like a masseuse, but using her foot, her gaze filled with disdain for the client.

    “Does it taste good?”

    Her white-stockinged foot drew closer, the translucent fabric revealing her healthy, pink toes, tempting one to take a bite.

    In Diana’s eyes, this was the ultimate humiliation for Lena.

    After all, being stepped on and insulted by a younger student, no one could possibly enjoy that, right?

    Right?

    Pfft, how disgusting~

  • Inferior A After Having a Baby with the Top Boss 52

    Chapter 52: Sitting on Her Lap

    The pheromones quickly fluctuated to their highest threshold, and the subsequent soothing process went more and more smoothly, even ending much faster than the first time.

    After making sure Zhu Yiqiao was alright, Ming Fei released her hand.

    The pheromone concentration in the room gradually decreased, but the raccoon cat’s tail still lingered around the small sweet pear. Ming Fei, sensing its reluctance, subtly slowed down the rate at which she withdrew her pheromones.

    It wasn’t until the last trace of pheromone fragrance disappeared that the raccoon cat released its tail and returned to the mountains.

    The surging tide of fragrance finally receded, and the bright light clearly illuminated Ming Fei’s flushed ears. Besides her ears, the fleeting kiss on the cheek had also caused her face to redden slightly.

    In contrast, Zhu Yiqiao was very calm, at least seemingly unperturbed on the surface.

    She asked, “Did your gland hurt during the guidance just now?”

    Ming Fei replied, “No, and I didn’t feel any other discomfort either.”

    “Mm.”

    Ming Fei asked, “What about Jiejie?”

    “My pheromones should have already given you the answer.”

    After saying that, Zhu Yiqiao stood up and handed her the gift on the table: “I really like the Grape-faced Bellflower Orchid Drum you gave me. This is my return gift. I put the souvenir I brought back for Zaozao in her toy room.”

    The corners of Ming Fei’s lips curved upwards: “I’m glad you like it. Thank you, Jiejie.”

    The light green gift box was decorated with a bouquet of flowers in the center and velvet star grass on all four sides, as if containing a touch of spring. Ming Fei took the gift, smiled, and said goodnight to Zhu Yiqiao before leaving.

    By the time she returned to the second-floor bedroom, the blush on Ming Fei’s face had completely faded.

    She placed the gift box on the table, took a picture of it, and then started unwrapping it. She carefully put the decorative flowers and velvet star grass into a light apricot storage box.

    The ribbon came off, and the lid opened automatically, releasing a very light floral fragrance.

    Inside was a floating protective cover, like a light blue glass dome. As she reached out and touched the glass halo, the sensor light faded, revealing the real gift hidden within.

    A brilliant galaxy, with a blazing sun and a bright moon coexisting. A technologically eternal rose bush made of metal, each leaf sparkling with starlight. The light green petals were delicate and fragrant, layered and intertwined, so lifelike that it was impossible to tell they were made of metal.

    Stars also reflected in Ming Fei’s eyes, and the dimples on her cheeks deepened.

    It was a beautiful and unique gift.

    When she was thirteen, she had read a book called “Roses and Stars.” The race in this book was completely different from humans. They were all female, named the Rose Clan by the universe, living on the beautiful and unique Rose Star, with faces as beautiful as roses.

    She had even shared this book with One Raccoon Hill, and they had chatted a lot, even sharing some fantasies.

    [One Raccoon Hill: What’s your favorite color rose?]

    [Tree of Mystical Jade: Green, the jade on the branches and leaves of the Tree of Mystical Jade is mostly green ^^]

    [Tree of Mystical Jade: If Rose Star really existed, then we could see green roses under the sun and moon.]

    [One Raccoon Hill: You will see it.]

    And after all this time, she really did see it.

    What a coincidence. Ming Fei thought happily.

    She hadn’t expected to see this scene in this way. The stars in her eyes sparkled even brighter. After repeatedly admiring it, she carefully placed the gift in the study and sent a message to Zhu Yiqiao.

    [Thank you, Jiejie, I like it very much.]

    [Goodnight.]

    [[Kitten rolling up in a blanket.jpg]]

    Seven o’clock in the morning.

    The alarm in the master bedroom was turned off as soon as it rang.

    Because she had an early class today, Ming Fei woke up earlier. After washing up, she didn’t wake Ming Zaozao, just gently pushed open the door, glanced inside, and left.

    The chef in the kitchen had already arrived. Ming Fei didn’t have much of an appetite, so she took a sandwich and planned to eat it on the way.

    Leaving the living room and entering the garden, Ming Fei stopped.

    Because the rose bushes that had been picked clean had been replaced with… new Blue Fia lilies. Snowflakes fell on the butterfly-wing blue petals, exactly like the Blue Fia promotional images she had seen on the public network.

    A minute later, her phone beeped with a new message notification, and Ming Fei shifted her gaze to the display screen.

    [Li Xing: Are there any visitors to your academy today?]

    Snowflakes brushed against her cheek. Ming Fei glanced at the Blue Fia lilies again, took a picture, and then left. As she sat in the self-driving car, before even putting down her briefcase, she replied to Li Xing’s message.

    [Mm, yes.]

    [A company wants to collaborate with our academy’s lab.]

    After replying to her friend, Ming Fei clicked on the chat page with Zhu Yiqiao, first sending a regular “good morning” emoji, followed by a “kitten thanking” emoji.

    [I saw the Blue Fia lilies Jiejie brought back when I passed by the garden.]

    [They’re very beautiful, thank you, Jiejie.]

    The daily weather forecast started playing. Ming Fei listened to the broadcast while eating her sandwich. She received Li Xing’s reply halfway through her journey.

    [Just saw the news in the group chat, it’s actually the Luci Group.]

    [This group is a rising star. My mother collaborated with them before. She told me that their top management is very young, and also has black hair and black eyes like you.]

    Before this, Ming Fei had no impression of this group, and she didn’t need to attend the meeting with the Luci Group because she had classes. She sent Li Xing several emojis, quickly finished the rest of her sandwich, and the car arrived at its destination.

    Although she only had morning classes today, because of the Luci Group’s investment, she had to go to the lab after class.

    According to Ming Fei’s plan, she would probably be home around three in the afternoon. But in reality, she and Teacher Wen from her group worked in the lab until five o’clock, finally completing the latest modification tests for the experimental group.

    The sky outside was dark. After finishing her work, Ming Fei left the lab with Teacher Wen and happened to run into the dean, who was leaving with the people from the Luci Group. Her gaze met the woman surrounded by the others.

    Like a fierce wolf on the grasslands. This was Ming Fei’s first impression.

    The woman was dressed in a black suit, about 180 centimeters tall, with shoulder-length black hair, and slightly upturned black phoenix eyes that exuded a hint of coldness.

    Meeting her gaze, Ming Fei smiled politely.

    The dean stopped: “President Xu, this is Teacher Ming, the youngest teacher in our academy. Teacher Ming is young and promising, having won the SERT Intelligent Robot Competition medal during her studies, breaking the ten-year record of the previous winner.”

    The SERT Intelligent Robot Competition was the most prestigious competition in the industry. Ming Fei, whose name had been called, could only stand there, listening to the dean continue talking.

    It wasn’t until the photo session that Ming Fei realized that the person surrounded by the others was the top executive of the Luci Group. Because they were standing close together, she inadvertently glanced at a red tattoo on the other person’s wrist.

    It looked a bit like a flower.

    But also a bit like some kind of animal.

    Ming Fei suddenly thought of Xue Xun.

    After the dean left with the Luci Group, Teacher Wen reminded Ming Fei to post the group photo on her public account, as required by the internal group rules.

    Ming Fei agreed.

    Because she had set access restrictions, her public account only accepted followers she knew. Besides Li Xing and her colleagues from school, only Lan Lubai and Xue Xun followed her.

    As the evening snow began to fall, Ming Fei quickly logged into her public account, posted the photo following Teacher Wen’s format, and then drove away from school.

    Only Ming Fei was home when she returned.

    Because tomorrow was a public holiday, Lan Lubai and Min Man, who had returned from Silla, took advantage of the holiday and came to the villa to pick up Ming Zaozao right after work. This had been agreed upon at noon. After receiving Lan Lubai’s call, Ming Fei even video called Ming Zaozao to ask for her opinion.

    Ming Zaozao happily agreed in the video and even blew a kiss to Ming Fei.

    At seven o’clock in the evening, after having dinner alone, Ming Fei watched a futuristic adventure movie in the living room. To enhance the atmosphere, 0619 immediately brought Ming Fei a drink, and 008, not to be outdone, brought a slice of mille-feuille cake.

    Ming Fei glanced at the tall glass and asked, puzzled,

    “What is this?”

    0619 replied, “Teacher Xiao Fei, this is a gift from Executive Lan. She said she specially brought it back from Silla and asked you to try it.”

    “Okay.”

    The movie on the floating screen was very exciting. Ming Fei took a sip of the light purple liquid in the tall glass, and after finding it delicious, she continued drinking. After finishing the entire glass, the movie screen suddenly became blurry, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes seemed to be covered with mist.

    So—

    When Zhu Yiqiao entered the living room, dusted with snow, she immediately noticed that the person on the sofa was completely drunk.

    She took off her cloak and approached the drunk Ming Fei. When she was a few steps away from the sofa, Ming Fei blinked her misty almond eyes and softly called her,

    “…Jiejie.”

    Zhu Yiqiao paused: “Mm.”

    008 and 0619 on both sides saw through the situation. When Zhu Yiqiao reached the edge of the sofa, they immediately turned off the movie and left the living room under the pretense of going on patrol.

    Zhu Yiqiao stood in front of Ming Fei, letting her hold her hand, and looked down at her.

    “You’re drunk.”

    “Drunk?” Ming Fei shook her head. “I’m not drunk, and I don’t drink alcohol.”

    She continued to ask softly, “Why are you only back now?”

    “Work matters.” Zhu Yiqiao asked her, “Have you had dinner?”

    Ming Fei nodded obediently: “Mm, I ate.”

    Zhu Yiqiao: “Are you feeling unwell anywhere?”

    “No.”

    Drunk people usually didn’t realize they were drunk, and their behavior and cognition would be different from usual.

    Like Lan Lubai, for example. Zhu Yiqiao knew that after getting drunk, she would think she was a parrot, a parrot searching for its past owner. She observed the changes in Ming Fei’s expression, trying to figure out what she was thinking.

    And the soft and harmless Ming Fei suddenly pulled Zhu Yiqiao, causing her to sit down on Ming Fei’s lap.

    This sudden situation was a bit unexpected. Ming Fei seemed to be shy, or perhaps she felt she had done something wrong, her clear eyes blinking.

    Just as Zhu Yiqiao thought she would apologize in the next second, she only asked softly,

    “Jiejie, are we… friends?”

    Zhu Yiqiao didn’t hesitate: “Yes.”

    And more than that. She didn’t say this part out loud.

    Ming Fei’s lips curved into a smile, as bright as a spring morning.

    “Okay,” she said, “Then I guessed right.”

    Zhu Yiqiao: “What were you guessing?”

    Ming Fei didn’t speak, becoming like a mimosa plant.

    Seeing this, Zhu Yiqiao changed her approach, because the drunk Ming Fei was truly too obedient.

    “After the online friend you knew on ‘Supporters of the Rose’ deleted her account, did you ever resent her?”

    “No,” Ming Fei quickly said, “I never resented her.”

    Because they were watching a movie, the main lights in the living room had been turned off long ago. Now, only a warm, retro wall lamp and the moonlight from the French windows illuminated the room.

    As light and shadows flickered, Zhu Yiqiao and Ming Fei’s eyes met. They were so close that every glance felt like a kiss on the lips.

    Zhu Yiqiao said, “You should resent her.”

    Ming Fei was very firm: “I shouldn’t. She was very good to me, taking care of me… like a Jiejie.”

    “Jiejie?”

    “Mm, that’s what she said. She didn’t say we were friends, but she said something similar.”

    Ming Fei’s memory was suddenly pulled back to her childhood, as if she was back to the moment she was told she was being abandoned, reliving the recurring nightmare of being discarded.

    The mist in her eyes turned into crystal tears. She silently shed a tear, like a small animal suddenly abandoned by its group, filled with grievance and sadness.

    “…She left me, and I couldn’t find her.”

    “We promised to exchange gifts and meet again if we had the chance.”

    From childhood to adulthood, except for the period when her gland was injured, Ming Fei had never cried in front of others. She wasn’t a crybaby. She knew that tears were useless, at least in her life, no one cared about her tears.

    But now, her belated tears scalded Zhu Yiqiao.

    “I’m sorry.”

    Ming Fei’s eyes were still slightly moist: “Why are you saying sorry?”

    “Will you remember this when you’re sober?”

    Ming Fei shook her head, snapping out of her sadness, the remaining tears disappearing completely. She even earnestly promised, because of Zhu Yiqiao’s question,

    “Jiejie, I really didn’t secretly drink alcohol.”

    She raised her right hand and said, “If I secretly drank alcohol, I’m a puppy.”

    Zhu Yiqiao’s answer seemed unrelated to Ming Fei’s promise, but every word was exceptionally clear.

    “Because I am her.”

    She paused: “One Raccoon Hill, it’s me.”

  • Female Lead Was Coaxed Away by the Villain Again [Quick Transmigration] 134

    Chapter 134: Money Is Really Tempting (7)

    Jin Shuang had been tired from the back-and-forth negotiations with the Mu family these past few days, but the thought of meeting Jiang Zhiyan energized her.

    Seeing Jiang Zhiyan from afar in her car, she felt her spirits lift.

    Jiang Zhiyan waved at her car, a bright smile on her face. As soon as the car stopped, Jiang Zhiyan opened the door, and Jin Shuang felt the atmosphere inside the car instantly change.

    “Morning,” Jin Shuang greeted with a smile.

    “Morning!” Jiang Zhiyan replied cheerfully.

    “Did something good happen?” Jin Shuang asked.

    Jiang Zhiyan fastened her seatbelt and glanced at her: “Yes.”

    “What?”

    “Going out with you,” Jiang Zhiyan said.

    Jin Shuang laughed: “Well, then I also have good news today.”

    “What is it?” Jiang Zhiyan asked, tilting her head, feigning ignorance.

    “Going out with you,” Jin Shuang replied.

    Jiang Zhiyan, pleased, fidgeted in her seat: “Where are we going today?”

    “To the suburbs, I have a large garden there,” Jin Shuang said. “Let’s relax, it’s been a while since I’ve been there, I planted a tree there before, I wonder how it’s doing.”

    “Great!”

    “It might be a bit boring,” Jin Shuang warned.

    “It’s fine, it won’t be boring with you,” Jiang Zhiyan shook her head.

    Jin Shuang smiled: “That’s good, I won’t let you leave even if you’re bored.”

    Jiang Zhiyan really wanted to suggest that Jin Shuang could just handcuff her and keep her by her side, but that would sound too perverted.

    City A was large; it took at least an hour to drive to the suburbs, even with smooth traffic, and even longer if there was a traffic jam.

    Jin Shuang had thoughtfully prepared snacks in the car.

    “Aren’t you eating?” Jiang Zhiyan asked, opening a bag of chips.

    “I’m not,” Jin Shuang shook her head. “I don’t like eating while driving, there’s water in the mini-fridge.”

    “Okay,” Jiang Zhiyan replied and glanced at Jin Shuang.

    Jin Shuang blinked, her cheeks flushing slightly: “Why are you always looking at me?”

    “Because you’re beautiful,” Jiang Zhiyan sighed softly. “Am I distracting you from driving?”

    “Yes.”

    Jiang Zhiyan didn’t expect Jin Shuang to admit it so readily, she obediently looked away, but her gaze kept drifting back, finally, she closed her eyes.

    Jin Shuang drove steadily. Inhaling the faint fragrance from her, Jiang Zhiyan drifted in and out of sleep. When the car stopped, she was still a bit dazed.

    “We’re here,” Jin Shuang said, waving her hand in front of Jiang Zhiyan’s face.

    Jiang Zhiyan grabbed Jin Shuang’s hand, then, realizing what she had done, quickly let go: “Sorry.”

    “It’s fine.”

    Jiang Zhiyan quickly got out of the car, stretched, rubbed her neck, and looked around at the greenery, the scenery prompting her to take a deep breath.

    “We’ll walk to the lake, then have lunch,” Jin Shuang said, pointing to the distance.

    “Does this lake also belong to you?”

    “Of course not, it’s just next to my property, the other side of the lake belongs to someone else,” Jin Shuang said.

    “We’re not having lunch on a boat, are we?” Jiang Zhiyan could already see a boat moored by the shore.

    Jin Shuang blinked: “You guessed correctly.”

    “You really like having meals by the water,” Jiang Zhiyan said with emotion.

    “We’ve only had one meal by the sea.”

    “I still remember it,” Jiang Zhiyan said, taking Jin Shuang’s arm. Jin Shuang held a parasol, shielding them both from the sun.

    “It’s so hot, aren’t you two hot, clinging to each other like that?” the System complained. It wished it had Jiang Zhiyan’s abilities, it would move the sun and make them bake.

    Jiang Zhiyan ignored it, holding Jin Shuang’s arm even tighter.

    They boarded the boat, and Jiang Zhiyan noticed two fishing rods prepared inside the cabin, today’s activity was probably “cultivating sentiment.”

    They sat down at the table, and the boat slowly started moving. The cabin was air-conditioned and very comfortable. The lake was probably regularly maintained, there were no unpleasant smells, just a refreshing breeze.

    Jiang Zhiyan, assessing the distance between them, moved closer to Jin Shuang, who glanced at her but didn’t say anything.

    There were pre-prepared dishes on the table, kept warm on a heating pad, they were still hot and smelled delicious, all of Jiang Zhiyan’s favorites from last time were there.

    Jiang Zhiyan licked her lips, her gaze lingering on Jin Shuang’s lips for two seconds, then she calmly looked away.

    “Xie Liaoyi, why aren’t you back yet?” Jiang Zhiyan muttered to herself, took a bite of fish, felt a bone, and carefully spat it out.

    Jin Shuang, looking at Jiang Zhiyan, couldn’t help but laugh: “Focus when you’re eating fish.”

    “Oh,” Jiang Zhiyan wiped her mouth, swaying slightly on the chair as the boat rocked gently. “Why are you staring at me?”

    “Because there are only two of us.”

    “Oh, so… you wouldn’t look at me if there were other people here?” Jiang Zhiyan said, slapping the table with dissatisfaction. “I’ve misjudged you. You’re only looking at me because you have no other choice, unlike me, no matter how many people are present, my eyes are always on you.”

    Jin Shuang put a peeled shrimp in Jiang Zhiyan’s mouth, trying to shut her up: “Just eat, there’s no one else for me to look at.”

    Jiang Zhiyan couldn’t help herself and bit Jin Shuang’s finger, their eyes meeting.

    The next second, Jiang Zhiyan released her finger, quickly looked away, and took a napkin, trying to hand it to Jin Shuang, but almost hitting her in the face since she wasn’t looking.

    “Why do you seem so distracted today?” Jin Shuang asked.

    “Do I?” Jiang Zhiyan asked, coming back to her senses and glancing at Jin Shuang.

    Jin Shuang was trying to appear calm, but her cheeks and ears were slightly red.

    “Let’s eat,” Jin Shuang cleared her throat and avoided looking at Jiang Zhiyan.

    Jiang Zhiyan glanced at the soul fragments in the System space, each flickering faintly, she didn’t know if they were reacting to Jin Shuang’s current state, but Jiang Zhiyan wanted to say that she was even more anxious.

    She hoped that Xie Liaoyi would work harder.

    After lunch, the boat docked temporarily, and two people came aboard to clear the table.

    Jiang Zhiyan leaned against Jin Shuang, playing with a fishing rod. The System had thought that after that awkward moment during lunch, Jiang Zhiyan would restrain herself a bit, but within seconds, she was back to her usual self, leaving Jin Shuang to deal with the embarrassment alone, she was still too thin-skinned.

    “Have you ever fished before?” Jiang Zhiyan asked.

    Jin Shuang shook her head: “I’ve always wanted to try, but never had the time, I heard there’s a beginner’s luck period? I just want to catch one, we can grill it for dinner.”

    After the boat returned to the middle of the lake, they went to the deck.

    Jin Shuang carefully baited the hook, cast the line, then sat down on a small stool, she had clearly watched a couple of tutorial videos.

    Jiang Zhiyan cast her line, put the fishing rod aside, and leaned against Jin Shuang, who poked her shoulder, but Jiang Zhiyan didn’t move, she looked down at Jiang Zhiyan and let her be.

    Jin Shuang quietly watched the water, then, noticing something flash across the sky, she froze for two seconds and narrowed her eyes slightly: “Did you see something just now?”

    “No,” Jiang Zhiyan opened her eyes. “I had my eyes closed.”

    “But I definitely saw something…” Jin Shuang frowned. “It was very bright, white, it didn’t look like a shooting star or a plane, and it was very fast.”

    “Then it must be aliens,” Jiang Zhiyan said, sitting up, squinting at the sky, sensing the fluctuations in the world’s data, and the corners of her mouth turning up slightly. “Mm, it’s definitely something extraterrestrial, it might come looking for you later.”

    Jin Shuang: ?

    “Why would it come looking for me?” Jin Shuang asked, confused, feeling like Jiang Zhiyan was implying something.

    Jiang Zhiyan didn’t answer, closing her eyes and leaning against Jin Shuang again.

    Jin Shuang looked at her, then, feeling a tug on her fishing rod, she froze, then stood up abruptly, startling Jiang Zhiyan.

    “I caught one!” Jin Shuang exclaimed excitedly, then immediately covered her mouth and lowered her voice. “No, I can’t be too loud, I might scare the fish away, be careful, be careful.”

    Jin Shuang carefully reeled in the line, and seeing that it was almost there, pulled the rod out of the water, it was a large fish, which splashed water on them as it emerged, Jin Shuang raised her arm and wiped her face, looking at Jiang Zhiyan excitedly: “Look, look! I caught one!”

    “You’re amazing,” Jiang Zhiyan said, quickly taking out her phone and snapping a few pictures of Jin Shuang, capturing this precious moment.

    Jin Shuang really did have beginner’s luck. Jiang Zhiyan had been prepared to cheat for her, but it turned out to be unnecessary, the one who needed cheating was herself, Jin Shuang, beside her, kept catching fish, even though their fishing rods were close together, the fish just didn’t want to come to her side.

    “It’s fine, don’t be too sad, this is enough for both of us,” Jin Shuang said, patting Jiang Zhiyan’s shoulder.

    Jiang Zhiyan didn’t want to speak.

    The System was laughing hysterically: “Host, never thought you’d see the day! Even fish dislike you, hahaha.”

    Jiang Zhiyan looked at the water, then sat back down, just by looking down, she could see the fish avoiding her rod and swimming towards Jin Shuang’s.

    She put her fishing rod aside, squatted by the edge of the boat, and stared at the water. When a fish swam past, she reached out and grabbed it with her bare hands.

    By the time Jiang Zhiyan came back with the fish, Jin Shuang had already dropped her fishing rod and run to her side, grabbing her arm tightly.

    “Jiang Zhiyan!” Jin Shuang said, glaring at her.

    Jiang Zhiyan pulled her bucket closer and put the fish, which she had just knocked unconscious, inside. She felt a sharp pain in her arm from Jin Shuang’s grip.

    “Are you crazy? What if you fell?” Jin Shuang looked at her disapprovingly.

    “It’s fine, I’m a good swimmer…” Jiang Zhiyan wanted to explain further, but seeing Jin Shuang’s expression, she knew that no matter what she said, Jin Shuang wouldn’t calm down for now.

    How the tables had turned.

  • I’m Surrounded by My Own Pets! 223

    Chapter 223: Sorrowful Saintess

    “Crescent Frost Flower, can you share the images in your mind?”

    Within the endless snowy plains of the Ice Soul World, the blue-haired woman with eight descending teardrops and a mermaid tail asked curiously.

    After all, in her thirty-plus years of life, and with four children, she had never witnessed the True Spirit World.

    Crescent Frost Flower, her Pet Beast, naturally obliged, sharing the images within its mind.

    Instantly, a vast starry sky and a meteorite staircase appeared before the blue-haired woman. She could clearly see five graceful figures competing in a race.

    Nether Concubine, Star Goddess, Ice Queen, Tai Yin, and… Lian Xing, the golden-haired woman trailing behind.

    “That golden-haired woman possesses such a powerful life aura… Is this a Beast Tamer from the True Spirit World?”

    “And this map, I can sense its potent corruption. Just looking at it makes my own Beast Taming system feel distorted…” the blue-haired mermaid woman said with a serious and solemn tone.

    The golden-haired woman she referred to was the one with brilliant golden hair, starry eyes, and a beautiful, aloof demeanor. Flawless, dreamlike, like a constellation.

    Yes, it was the renowned—

    Star Goddess!!!

    The aura of Sharp Edge Seven King Mother, one of the Shining Bipoles, was beyond the blue-haired woman’s comprehension. Even the Heaven Devouring Flower King they had defeated in the Cloud Soul World half a year ago seemed like insignificant dust compared to Sharp Edge Seven King Mother.

    However, a feminine figure formed of water materialized behind the blue-haired woman, scoffing at her exaggerated words.

    “Heh, it’s the Lunar Divine Festival. No wonder the time flow is synchronized.”

    “But my dear, you’re overreacting. Beast Tamers from the True Spirit World are nothing special. Even if their True Spirits came to the Sea Soul World, they’d be suppressed to the point where I could slap them silly~~~”

    “BOOM!!!”

    Just as the graceful, blue water elemental finished speaking, the Legend-evolved Mist Colt, carrying the golden-bunned girl, stepped onto the fourth meteorite platform with earth-shattering momentum.

    The sheer force of their initial burst nearly shattered the world constructed by the True Spirit.

    Witnessing this awe-inspiring scene, the blue-haired woman looked at the water elemental with confusion.

    Wasn’t this powerful enough…?

    The water elemental coughed awkwardly.

    “Uh, well, True Spirit World Beast Tamers aren’t a big deal, but those participating in the Lunar Divine Festival are the pinnacle of Beast Tamers. Naturally, they pose some threat~~~”

    “But just enjoy the show. Don’t delve too deeply into their evolution system. We beings of the Sea Soul World have our own path, no less inferior than theirs~~~”

    “Besides, Sorrowful Saintess, you’re one of the eight Saintess candidates of the Sea Soul World. Now that we’re free from the Divine Ruins’ suppression, in a few years, all these Lunar Divine Festival participants combined won’t be a match for you~~~”

    ***

    Meanwhile, with the unexpected addition of new viewers, almost the entire Moon Soul World was stunned by Mist Colt’s evolution.

    To rush from the latter half of the second step to the fourth platform in one go… what was this…?

    Setting aside the increasing pressure of the True Spirit, the distance alone was equivalent to the length of three Droughts!

    While everyone was still reeling, after a fifteen-second pause, the Legendary Mist Colt, Jade Soaring Firmament, erupted once more with explosive mist from its horn.

    “BOOM!!!!!”

    The next second, another resounding boom.

    When the shimmering golden-haired girl reappeared, she stood firmly on the fifth platform.

    Seeing this, Star Goddess frowned, unleashing the full force of her Shining Species’ aura.

    With a flash of sword light—

    “Whoosh!!!!!”

    A golden flying sword, trailing explosive energy, lifted Star Goddess into the air. In an instant, she surpassed Ice Queen and Nether Concubine, arriving at the second platform.

    Logically, they should have conserved their Pet Beasts’ full power for the later stages, where the True Spirit’s pressure was strongest.

    But Lian Xing’s bizarre actions had forced their hand.

    While theoretically, this was a competition of distance, what if Lian Xing maintained this speed and reached the finish line directly?

    Wouldn’t they be utterly defeated?!

    The moment Mist Colt began its mad dash, the nature of the competition changed. It was no longer about who had more hidden cards, but about who could endure the True Spirit’s pressure and reach the end.

    Seeing Star Goddess and Lian Xing’s frantic rush, Ice Queen also released Cold Moon’s aura.

    Chains of ice pulled her forward, accelerating her ascent. While far slower than Seven King Mother, with White Abode negating much of the initial pressure, she faced the least resistance.

    Only Nether Concubine remained motionless.

    After a brief simulation with Qianqiu, she remained calm, seemingly anticipating the outcome.

    Meanwhile, Tai Yin, the silver-haired woman trailing at the back, wore a mocking smile.

    “Trying to brute-force their way through the True Spirit’s pressure? They must be dreaming…?”

    “No one can force their way past the twelfth step. Conserving energy is paramount~~~”

    Moreover, judging by Nether Concubine’s calm demeanor after using Qianqiu’s simulations, it was clear which strategy was correct.

    Under everyone’s gaze, Jade Soaring Firmament initiated its third acceleration.

    “BOOM!!!”

    “BOOM!!!!!”

    Two consecutive bursts of acceleration.

    Before the third even ended, a fourth burst followed seamlessly.

    This double explosion propelled Lian Xing’s speed into a new dimension, beyond time and comprehension.

    The trailing cloud of vapor stretched for billions of miles.

    In an instant, when the golden-haired girl with twin buns opened her eyes, she stood firmly on the seventh platform.

    Silence fell over the Moon Soul World.

    Everyone, whether they knew Lian Xing or not, was dumbfounded.

    Unfortunately, after two seamless accelerations, Mist Travel entered a temporary outage.

    The surrounding Pet Essence condensed into sharp blades.

    The True Spirit’s pressure on the seventh step was hundreds of times stronger than on the second.

    The difficulty had increased exponentially, like going from faintly sensing a True Spirit’s aura to inhaling its fragrance up close.

    Within Mist Colt’s viral shield, Lian Xing barely managed to stand, unable to take another step.

    Seeing Lian Xing stalled, Star Goddess and Ice Queen, in hot pursuit, breathed a sigh of relief.

    Reaching the seventh step in one go…?

    Fortunately, it was still manageable.

    Alarming, but ultimately, only the seventh step!

    After pondering for a moment on the seventh platform, Lian Xing continued circulating the seventh step’s Pet Essence through Jade Soaring Firmament, the Monarch-Tier Legendary Mist Colt.

    Jade Soaring Firmament’s Legendary strength wasn’t limited to speed; its defense was also top-notch. While not as potent as White Abode’s death-prevention ability, its advantage lay in its incredible mobility as a personal shield, not a cumbersome shell.

    Once Jade Soaring Firmament reached Emperor-Tier, its Legendary rarity would soar to new heights.

    Therefore, Lian Xing wasn’t in a hurry.

    She planned to use the seventh step’s True Spirit pressure to further temper and refine Mist Colt, attempting a breakthrough to Emperor-Tier right here.

    Under everyone’s watchful eyes, the golden-haired girl sat down, crossing her silk-clad legs, and closed her eyes to rest under the True Spirit’s observation.

    Everyone, please turn off the lights for Lian Xing; she’s going to sleep…

    Seeing this bizarre scene, Star Goddess, still in pursuit, remained expressionless.

    Riding her silver, cascading flying sword, she shot forward like a comet, blasting through the seemingly insurmountable steps from the third platform with overwhelming force.

    Even at Seven King Mother’s full speed, it took her two minutes to reach the seventh step, nearly a hundred times longer than Mist Colt.

    But she didn’t stop…

    Upon reaching the seventh step, the increased pressure had no effect on Star Goddess!

    She had faced the Eleventh Zodiac directly; this meager pressure was nothing.

    Without hesitation, she passed Lian Xing and continued charging towards the eighth step, her indomitable spirit stunning all who watched.

    This was Star Goddess…

    Unlike the seemingly unambitious Lian Xing, her resolve had been set from the beginning.

    She wouldn’t just win the Lunar Divine Festival; she would become the thirteenth Moon of the Moon Soul World!

    She would become a True Spirit, and then—

    Reverse the past, mend her regrets!

    From the start, her opponents weren’t the other Beast Tamers, but the unattainable, lofty gods at the finish line!

    Gradually, watching Star Goddess’s unwavering figure, Nether Concubine, Ice Queen, and Tai Yin stopped, their gazes fixed on the brilliantly shining golden-haired woman.

    It was as if they were witnessing her final destiny.

    There was no point in chasing now.

    They might as well enjoy the show.

    If Star Goddess reached the finish line like this, she would become an unprecedented, dazzling figure in the history of the Lunar Divine Festival, transcending the comprehension of all beings in the Moon Soul World.

    Eighth step.

    Ninth step.

    Sweat beaded on Star Goddess’s forehead.

    Her silver flying sword began to crack.

    Just as she neared her limit, a miraculous light erupted from her.

    “Whoosh—!!!”

    With an explosive roar, six more flying swords of various shapes burst forth, accompanying her flight.

    The six swords cleaved through the True Spirit’s pressure and aura, allowing her to traverse the distance almost unimpeded.

    Tenth step…

    Eleventh step…

    Under everyone’s anxious gaze, upon reaching the eleventh step, Star Goddess finally slowed, almost coming to a complete stop.

    This wasn’t intentional; the surrounding True Spirit aura had solidified into a dense, gelatinous pressure, like a gateway to another dimension.

    All of Star Goddess’s Pet Essence was compressed to its limit.

    She looked up, her starry eyes contracting sharply as she stared in disbelief at the illusory figure at the finish line.

    So close to the end…

    Why was this happening…?

    A “True Spirit” blocked the gateway.

    It was a blank, ethereal, humanoid elemental figure. Unlike Snow Flower’s pure white, this being was colorless, hence the term “blank.”

    It lacked any color on a biological level, but to living beings, it was perceived as “white” because its concept was emptiness.

    This was the last of the Twelve Moons.

    She had achieved True Spirit status later than the Eleventh Zodiac, but she had erased all traces of her existence, creating a vast void in the Moon Soul World’s spacetime.

    Now, this True Spirit stood before the finish line.

    Anyone attempting to pass had to face her directly.

    “It seems this is as far as I can go…?”

    “…”

    “…”

    The instant she saw the True Spirit, Sharp Edge Seven King Mother’s seven flying swords shattered.

    Star Goddess smiled bitterly, the starry markings in her eyes dimming.

    As expected, no one could reach the end…

    ***

    “Heh…”

    Meanwhile, at the back, First Emperor, Lotus Concubine Tai Sui, within Tai Yin, scoffed.

    She wasn’t mocking Star Goddess, but expressing disdain for the blank True Spirit.

    A mere Fallen Species had become one of the Twelve Moons of the Moon Soul World, a disgrace to all its inhabitants.

    The Four Great Calamities had merely disrupted the environment and reduced the population.

    But what had this one done?

    Upon becoming a True Spirit, to erase all traces of her existence, she had turned millions of years of the Moon Soul World into a blank slate, causing many Emperor Pet Beasts to awaken to a world utterly transformed.

    Compared to this most disgusting of Fallen Species, Storm was practically a virtuous woman…

    But Dao Yao, Tai Yin, and Lotus Concubine Tai Sui remembered her well.

    They were the participants in the Eleventh Zodiac’s Lunar Divine Festival. She could erase everything, but not the Eleventh Zodiac’s existence…

    As if sensing Lotus Concubine Tai Sui’s hostility, the blank True Spirit’s lips curved into a subtle smile.

    Ten days passed as everyone continued their ascent.

    Under the constant scrutiny of the True Spirit, Star Goddess was drenched in sweat, pale and exhausted, yet she persisted, taking a difficult step every few hours.

    Ice Queen followed, reaching the eleventh step, trailing Star Goddess by tens of thousands of meters. Even with White Abode’s protection, it was arduous.

    Tai Yin and Nether Concubine slowly reached the ninth step.

    Beyond the eleventh step, the True Spirit treated everyone equally.

    Now, the competition wasn’t about speed or skill, but about endurance and resilience, about who could progress further under the True Spirit’s gaze.

    The audience couldn’t see the True Spirit.

    They only saw the participants struggling on the eleventh step, barely able to move.

    And then…

    Lian Xing, who had remained on the seventh step for ten days, finally stood up.

    She calmly examined her lineup panel and then glanced at the blank, higher-dimensional being at the finish line.

    Its presence was like a blank sheet of paper, devoid of anything, yet eerily terrifying, as if a single glance could erase one’s existence.

    This was the first time Lian Xing had seen a True Spirit.

    Yet, for some reason, she felt strangely calm.

    After a few seconds of silence, she sighed softly and spoke in a flat tone.

    “Let’s go, to the finish line…”

  • Sickly Girl Doesn’t Die in Zombie Simulator 143p2

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Three: Camp Assembly p2

    “A quarter?” The camp leader murmured.

    But Second Brother heard something in her words. He stared at the bottle in the woman’s hand and asked, “What about the one in your hand? Lettuce? How long will it take to harvest?”

    “Summer… at the fastest, a little over a month, it can be harvested.” At this time, Ning Xiaoxiao had completely entered the state, and said quickly, “Even if it’s almost autumn, a growth cycle won’t be much longer.”

    “And, if you want it to grow faster to pass the test of the organization inside, I have another way…”

    Hearing Ning Xiaoxiao’s words, Second Brother didn’t care about anything at this time, put the two bottles of seeds in his hand into other people’s hands, and asked eagerly:

    “What way?!”

    “When you were driving to the ash area to find them, we hadn’t gone yet, and when we stopped in place, because I was a little thirsty but embarrassed to ask for water… so I got out of the car to find water myself.”

    At first, Ning Xiaoxiao was a little embarrassed when she said it, but after noticing that no one was laughing at her, she continued boldly:

    “I first collected a little condensed water on the vines, preparing to save more to drink, but then I noticed that every vine was very full, and then I tried to cut one open with a knife…”

    “A lot of light green sap gushed out, but I wasn’t very daring to drink it, and then I took out one of the white mice I raised and let it drink a mouthful, and it died…”

    “I was startled and knocked over the cup of sap, but something strange happened. Where the sap flowed, the moss and some unsprouted grass seeds on the ground quickly sprouted…”

    “Then I thought, this sap is highly toxic to ordinary people, but for plants, it might be the best nutrient solution.”

    Speaking of this, Ning Xiaoxiao looked at the others, paused for a while, and then said her plan.

    “I plan to divide the cabbage seeds into three parts, plant one part in the center of the ash area, plant one part near the green area, and hydroponically cultivate the last part with the sap from the vines… This way, even if the nutrient solution doesn’t work, we can also observe which soil is more suitable for planting, and plan for the second phase of sowing…”

    After she finished speaking, she noticed that everyone was looking at her with strange eyes, and she quickly lowered her head, and her voice became smaller as she added:

    “I don’t know if this… is okay?”

    After a long while, Second Brother came to his senses, and stomped his foot: “It’s so damn okay, hurry up, everyone do as she says! Move, move!”

    “If you can really speed up the planting, you are the great hero of our camp!”

    “Awesome!”

    “How to do hydroponics, make a list, and we’ll start right away!”

    “The combatants will go dig holes first, bury the ashes in the pits as much as possible, and clear enough planting land…”

    The people of the original Panlong Square camp in the entire ash area were all motivated.

    At this time, their enthusiasm was higher than ever.

    Not only because they had a goal, but also because they saw the hope of living and working in peace and contentment.

    As long as they transformed it well… the current ash area could eventually become a paradise like the green oasis next door.

    And at this time, Ning Xiaoxiao was pulled out alone by Second Brother. As the second-in-command of the camp, he knew very well that if the camp wanted to take root here, it might have to rely on Ning Xiaoxiao, who was an ordinary person but a highly educated person.

    “Besides the necessary living supplies, do you need anything else? Even if it’s going to the next city, I will assemble the troops to search for it for you…”

    Second Brother looked at Ning Xiaoxiao with ardent eyes.

    Although he, who had only finished nine years of compulsory education, didn’t know what these people needed for research, but if there was anything they really needed, he would try his best to get it.

    “Need? I don’t need anything…” Ning Xiaoxiao herself knew that in the apocalypse, no matter how sophisticated the instruments were, they might have been scrapped.

    If there was anything important in the apocalypse, there was only one thing.

    Paper theses and research materials.

    If Ning Xiaoxiao could see the information about plants, she could learn botany from scratch and design more professional plans.

    Changing careers was nothing to her, after all, the end of biology, chemistry, environment, and materials was to change careers.

    Just get used to it.

    “Research materials… But if it’s useful materials, they should be in Kun City. There are no good plant universities nearby.” Ning Xiaoxiao looked at Second Brother and said truthfully.

    “Materials… are they inside?” Hearing this, Second Brother frowned slightly.

    After all, they had not been told that they could enter the urban forest.

    But soon, Second Brother still patted Ning Xiaoxiao’s shoulder and said, “It’s okay, you go and arrange things with them first, go to the border and wait, and see how to communicate with the inside.”

    “Eh… Second Brother, is this really okay?” Hearing this, Ning Xiaoxiao was still a little nervous.

    After all, they didn’t even know the name of the organization inside, or even the name of the big shot who gave them the opportunity. Now it was too early to make conditions.

    “It’s okay.” Second Brother was relieved about this. He smiled and said, “This organization is not a devil.”

    “The higher-ups of the organization know better than us the role of a doctor… right, Dr. Ning.” Looking at the nervous Ning Xiaoxiao, Second Brother smiled and comforted, “Maybe they will directly hire you to do research inside… Don’t forget us then.”

    “Second Brother…” Ning Xiaoxiao opened her mouth, but before she could speak, Second Brother turned around and left gracefully.

    Now that things had come to this…

    The fact that she didn’t study plants, and the fact that she wasn’t even a doctor…

    She couldn’t say it!

    Ning Xiaoxiao wanted to cry but had no tears.

    What they didn’t know was that while they were busy, everything they did was seen by the higher-ups of the “organization”.

    At the edge of the ash area and the forest area, several white, huge bone dragonfly-like insects were lying or hanging upside down at the edge of the forest area, their slender tails constantly tapping the ground or vines, detecting everything around them.

    Blood Crystallized Insects.

    These were the “True Sight Guards” that Lin Jiayao had placed around the forest area, and they had all hatched after absorbing the energy of the tree sap.

    At the same time, there were also many fluorescent green flying insects patrolling around. These were Lin Jiayao’s “eyes and ears”.

    Not only to watch the people in the ash area, but also to prevent people with ulterior motives from sneaking into the forest area and disturbing her and her sister.

    After all, who knew if there would be extreme fanatics of the Voodoo Cult who would counterattack the Voodoo camp that had been occupied by Huayibai, or come to Kun City to carry out suicide attacks?

    “Do you think this will work? Saying this should be very sincere, right? Will Wan Zi and the others refuse? After all, they are already self-sufficient, there’s no need to travel all the way here…”

    At this time, Lin Xiwan was still thinking about what words to use to get Wan Zi’s camp over.

    But when she went to ask her sister for advice, she found that her sister had a smile on her face.

    “What are you smiling about?” Lin Xiwan played with her sister’s soft pink earlobe and asked curiously.

    “Ah? Nothing, just saw something interesting,” Lin Jiayao shook her head, and by the way, shook off her sister’s devil’s hand, looked at her sister and said, “Are you asking about Wan Zi’s camp?”

    “Yes, I was thinking that they might refuse…”

    “It’s okay, they won’t refuse.” Lin Jiayao shook her head, “You can just offer them an olive branch.”

    When she used A4 to pass over the Qingzhou University Camp before, the heavy rain there had been going on for who knows how long.

    Not only was there water accumulation in the entire camp, but the crops had also been harvested, and most of the houses had collapsed. It seemed that they had suffered serious damage.

    And she also stopped a C-rank zombie inside from attacking the camp people. Judging from their remaining combat power… they could no longer survive in Qingzhou, where the rain was continuous.

    If an olive branch was offered to them now, they would definitely catch it without hesitation and rush here as quickly as possible.

    Just now, Lin Jiayao observed the movements of the Panlong Camp through the insects she buried there.

    If at first, she felt indifferent about taking in other camps, now she finally had a little interest.

    If her sister could also bring the Qingzhou University Camp over, maybe they could really rebuild a giant camp and become self-sufficient.

    After all, there were really talented people in the camp who could increase production.

    If Lin Jiayao remembered correctly, there were students majoring in agriculture and forestry in the Qingzhou University Camp.

    Then Lin Jiayao might open the forest area to some researchers and let them freely use the books and research materials inside.

    If they didn’t encounter natural disasters like in Guangnan Province, if they continued to develop like this, they would definitely develop into a huge camp. After the camp grew, they could directly organize combat groups to sweep the surrounding cities and bring blood crystals for themselves…

    Thinking that she might be able to receive blood crystals while lying at home in the future, Lin Jiayao’s mood also improved a little.

    The shock and fear brought by the deep-sea monster before basically disappeared.

    “Thump—”
    “Thump—”
    “Thump—”

    At this time, the building-tree guard was still carrying the two of them and walking steadily in the city. Unexpectedly, the building-tree could be used as a good means of transportation.

    It felt like driving a mecha.

    At this time, Lin Xiwan was still discussing the radio with Huayibai. Seeing that they were chatting enthusiastically, Lin Jiayao did not disturb them, but controlled the building-tree guard to change direction.

    She was going to collect books and build the 【Library Lv.1】.

    Speeding up her mental recovery speed could allow her to recover faster from the “wilted” state after logging into B-rank.

    While the building-tree was heading towards the library of the Plant Research Institute, Lin Xiwan, who was chatting with Huayibai, looked up at her sister.

    “Yao, I’m going to start.”

    “Okay.”

    ……

    “Buzz…”

    Qingzhou University Camp radio station, a disabled middle-aged man suddenly woke up from a light sleep.

    The Voodoo radio station, which had been playing “Good Day” and “Unforgettable Tonight” on loop since yesterday, seemed to have some movement.

    “Wan Zi, Wan Zi, something’s up, turn on the radio.” The man pressed the broadcast button on campus and said.

    Wan Zi, who was busy at this time, stopped what she was doing after hearing the words “turn on the radio”, and asked her subordinates to bring the radio to her.