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  • Miss Luo Yan’s Feet Are Buried With Corpses v3c25

    Witch’s Night: Chapter 25 Singing Once More

    The amber eyes stared intently at Luo Yan and Chris, seemingly devoid of any emotion.

    Childish sobs came intermittently from the inner room. This little girl, who called herself “Cecilia,” was undoubtedly the master of the ghastly shadow in front of them, but for some reason, she seemed completely unaware.

    But now, Luo Yan could also confirm Cecilia’s identity.

    She was the God’s Chosen she had sensed earlier.

    However… what kind of demonic power was this?

    Luo Yan wasn’t familiar with all demonic powers, but she could rule out the three she possessed: “Envy,” “End,” and “Absolute Death.”

    That left “Terror” and “Sorrow,” representing the pinnacles of the “Mutation” and “Prophecy” systems, respectively.

    The ghastly shadow in front of them was uncontrolled and almost ignored the properties of space.

    The tearing spatial rifts could only block its attacks but couldn’t harm it in any way.

    Chris’s “Siren’s Song,” Luo Yan’s “Envy,” and other mental abilities were all ineffective, passing through the ghastly shadow as if it were nothing but air.

    Luo Yan wanted to try “Absolute Death,” but she was worried about not being able to control the strength and accidentally involving Chris.

    Because she had almost never directly used “Manjusaka,” always relying on the sniper rifle and the Philosopher’s Stone to cast it, her proficiency was far less than that of “Envy” and “End.”

    The short respite didn’t last long. Soon, the ghastly shadow slowly dissipated again, followed by the warning sting on her skin.

    At the same time, Chris was finally able to join the fight. She gradually merged into the shadows, holding a shadow dagger, ready to ambush the ghastly shadow.

    Luo Yan conjured a spatial blade for herself, but it was quite unstable and dangerous. Luo Yan could only use it for defense, lest it went out of control and dragged everyone into the Void.

    She would be fine, but Chris might not be…

    Actually, Luo Yan and Chris had considered rushing into the room and dragging Cecilia out, but the problem was they couldn’t get in.

    The ghastly shadow’s primary objective was to protect Cecilia. As soon as Luo Yan or Chris showed any sign of approaching the room, its attacks would instantly become fiercer, forcing them to retreat.

    Of course, the ghastly shadow’s power wasn’t infinite. Just like now, it was also limited by “stamina.”

    After fighting for a certain amount of time, the ghastly shadow would also get tired, but it recovered very quickly during its rest.

    “I feel like… Phew, we’re fighting an intangible phantom.”

    Chris panted, looking at the ghastly shadow, which was slowly reappearing in front of Cecilia’s room, blocking the door. She had a headache.

    She had never encountered such an elusive enemy…

    “But this phantom’s combat power isn’t weak.”

    Luo Yan glanced around. This dilapidated residential building was already covered in damage, and the few pieces of furniture had all suffered.

    The two chairs were broken into pieces, the coffee table was cracked in several places, and the only thing spared was the high chair near the balcony because their fight hadn’t reached there.

    Some of the damage was caused by the ghastly shadow, some by Luo Yan’s spatial blade, while Chris had good control over her power and hadn’t left many marks.

    However, this residential building was surprisingly sturdy. Luo Yan had personally seen it take a direct hit from the ghastly shadow on a load-bearing pillar, and after a tremor, nothing happened.

    The ghastly shadow’s strength wasn’t actually that strong, at most around “Ruin” level.

    But its terrifying aspect was its intangible nature, making Luo Yan and Chris passively take hits, unable to retaliate.

    The sobs from the inner room hadn’t subsided, and they could vaguely sense that the little girl called “Cecilia” was huddled in the corner, trembling.

    “Miss Luo Yan, aren’t you also a God’s Chosen?”

    Chris’s stamina was running low. She was originally an assassin-type ability user, and her ability was of the mental type, which didn’t enhance her physical body.

    “Hurry up and think of something with your demonic power!”

    “I… I can’t think of anything either,” Luo Yan was equally helpless. “With this ghastly shadow here, unless we plan to kill that little girl directly, there’s nothing I can do in this situation.”

    Killing the little girl was simple, just a spatial rift would do.

    Not to mention the ghastly shadow, even if the original owner of this house came, they couldn’t stop Luo Yan’s spatial ability.

    But now… it wasn’t to the point where they had to take the little girl’s life, and hearing the girl’s sobs, Luo Yan couldn’t bear to do it.

    “Isn’t there… Holy shit! It almost hit my head! Isn’t there any other way?”

    Chris narrowly dodged an attack. Every strike from the ghastly shadow was aimed at vital points; a single mistake could cost her life.

    “How about… I sing a song? The melody that appeared on the first floor, I’ve actually heard it before.” Luo Yan thought for a moment and said. “Maybe hearing a familiar song will calm that little girl down a bit?”

    “…Why do I feel like that would be even more dangerous?”

    “I sang in front of Magistrate Norian before, and he didn’t say anything.”

    He didn’t dare to say anything…

    “Um… in that case, give it a try!”

    Having said that, Chris couldn’t object.

    But she was still a bit curious. After all, Chris was one of the most famous idols in the Free Federation. Putting aside her abilities, her singing skills were also top-notch.

    But Chris couldn’t understand the ethereal melody she heard on the first floor. The chaotic lyrics and inexplicable melody could only be said to be a bit too avant-garde for current humans.

    “Mm.”

    Luo Yan nodded, then cleared her throat.

    She didn’t sing the strange lyrics, but hummed the melody softly, her voice resonating with her soul, carefully reaching out to Cecilia.

    In an instant, the ghastly shadow’s movements stopped, and it began to slowly dissipate. The little girl’s sobs in the inner room also gradually subsided.

    It worked!

    Chris’s pupils constricted, while Luo Yan continued humming the melody, ethereal and lingering.

    Although there were no lyrics, it still brought an inexplicable chill.

    “Is… is Grandpa Bishop… back…?”

    A pair of timid amber eyes peeked out, looking towards the living room.

    At the same time, the ghastly shadow completely dissipated.

    “It seems to be resolved.”

    Chris breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at Luo Yan,

    “Miss Luo Yan, you can stop… Huh?!”

    Chris’s expression froze when she saw Luo Yan, her gaze unable to move away.

    The humming continued, the ethereal melody echoing in her soul, causing a resonance at the soul level.

    However, this wasn’t the reason for Chris’s expression.

    The Luo Yan who appeared before Chris was completely different from before.

    The ice blue highlights in her silver-white hair, from when she was using “End,” were now completely dyed crimson.

    The dreamy aura around her had dissipated, replaced by a tremor in her soul.

    Not only that, Luo Yan wasn’t wearing the plain white dress from before. At some point, she had changed into a crimson, strapless evening gown.

    Its intricate and gorgeous design was unprecedented, and countless eyeballs swayed beneath the wide skirt, rolling around.

    “What’s wrong?”

    Seeing Chris’s surprised expression, Luo Yan tilted her head and asked, puzzled.

    “You, you…”

    Chris raised her hand tremblingly. Although Luo Yan didn’t seem to have changed apart from her clothes, she exuded an inexplicable pressure.

    It wasn’t the pressure of powerful strength, but another indescribable pressure, as if she was inherently superior.

    If Chris had systematically studied the knowledge about Saints, she would know that this pressure came from the conceptual entity’s suppression of living beings on a hierarchical level.

    No matter how weak a conceptual entity was, its form of existence itself was a level higher than that of living beings.

    On the other hand, Chris also noticed that, although Luo Yan had spoken, the ethereal melody swirling around hadn’t stopped.

    Gradually, lyrics began to reappear in the melody.

    “Ten guards went mad… nine guards were biting…”

    The lyrics were in reverse!

    Luo Yan, however, seemed not to hear it and continued looking at Chris with a puzzled expression.

    Unaware that Chris was now completely chilled, the look in her eyes towards Luo Yan becoming unfamiliar.

    She wasn’t sure whether the girl in front of her was still Luo Yan, and what changes the surrounding singing would bring.

    She seemed to have… caused a great disaster.

    Just then, Cecilia, who had cautiously peeked out, finally saw everything in the living room.

    Seeing the damage around her, Cecilia was so scared that she almost retreated back into her room.

    But at this moment, she inadvertently saw Luo Yan’s current form and froze.

    However, unlike Chris’s terrified stupor, after a moment of shock, Cecilia’s expression became visibly joyful.

    “It’s… it’s the God of Hope!”

    She jumped out excitedly, but almost fell due to her weak body, stumbling and supporting herself against the wall to barely steady herself.

    “God of Hope?” Hearing this, Luo Yan immediately became alert and looked around. “Where? Where?”

    She knew very well that the Church of the End Gods referred to the Witch of Envy as the “God of Hope.”

    Although Luo Yan had faced the Witch of Envy and achieved final victory, she didn’t want to go through that again.

    It wasn’t fear, but worry. If she failed, the consequences would be unimaginable.

    “Where…”

    Chris was about to say that it was probably you, but after a moment of reflection, she swallowed her words.

    In the New Era, perception, under certain circumstances, had the ability to alter reality to a certain extent.

    There was once an ability user whose heart was pierced during a war, but because his mind and soul completely forgot this fact during the continuous fighting, he supported his supposedly dead body and continued fighting for several days.

    It wasn’t until his friend told him the truth about his death that he finally rested in peace.

    In other words, if Luo Yan realized that she now looked like the Witch of Envy, and actually believed she had become the Witch of Envy, then this fact would eventually be established.

    At that time, Lannister… no, the entire world would face the first true body of a Primordial Demon to descend upon the present world in hundreds of years.

    Just as Luo Yan nervously searched for the Witch of Envy, and Chris hesitated to speak, Cecilia next to them had already knelt down respectfully before Luo Yan.

    She clasped her hands together in a pious prayer posture,

    “Great Lord, I offer my whole being to you, may you… you… you… may you atone for your sins…”

    Cecilia didn’t seem familiar with the prayer process. Not only did she stammer through the prayer, but she also mispronounced several words, leaving Luo Yan bewildered.

    Although Luo Yan had eliminated the Witch of Envy, her behavior back in Ghost Town could be described as that of the Witch of Envy’s most devout follower. She naturally remembered the basic prayers clearly.

    However, prayers were just a means, a standardized behavior to further sense the presence of the conceptual entity “Witch of Envy.” The key was the sense achieved by devoting oneself wholeheartedly during the prayer process. Mispronouncing a few words didn’t affect it.

    The problem was that Cecilia’s mispronunciation was too outrageous… from the follower atoning for their sins to the Witch of Envy atoning for hers…

    “Little girl, you’re saying it wrong…”

    Luo Yan sighed and said helplessly.

    “So-, Sorry, God of Hope,” Cecilia’s expression immediately became panicked, and she said in a fluster, “It’s because Cecilia is too stupid, it’s all Cecilia’s fault, not because Grandpa Bishop taught poorly…”

    “…If he had taught you well, he would be finished.”

    “Ah?”

    Cecilia froze, then looked at Luo Yan with a confused expression,

    “Strange… God of Hope, why have you changed your appearance again…”

    “Me?” Luo Yan pointed at herself and shook her head. “I am not the God of Hope.”

    Chris immediately popped up and said, “Yes, yes, yes, she is not the God of Hope.”

    By this time, Luo Yan had returned to her appearance in a simple white dress, and Chris finally put her heart, which had risen to her throat, back in its place.

    “Bu-, But…”

    Cecilia rubbed her temples in confusion, her expression troubled.

    That wasn’t right, the appearance of the God of Hope that Grandpa Bishop had shown her… Cecilia remembered it clearly!

    A bright red dress, many, many eyes, and… a very beautiful appearance.

    Much more beautiful than Cecilia…

    However, just then, Luo Yan suddenly frowned. She stared at Cecilia for a while, then reached out and grabbed her arm.

    “Ah! God of Hope…”

    “Don’t move.”

    Luo Yan said in a low voice, holding Cecilia’s small arm, her expression becoming more and more serious.

    “Miss Luo Yan, what’s wrong?”

    Chris asked, curious about Luo Yan’s unusual action.

    Luo Yan didn’t answer Chris immediately. After carefully examining Cecilia for a while, she gently let go of her arm, looked up at Chris, and said,

    “It seems we have to find that Bishop.”

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 87

    Chapter 87: I Love Slacking Off

    Due to a certain leader’s repeated defeats, Tao Ning had accumulated quite a few small pearls, making a rustling sound as she walked.

    When people asked about the sound, Tao Ning would proudly announce: “These are pearls the Mermaid gave me. She gives me so many every day.”

    Only 520, knowing the truth, thought: […]

    By putting herself in the line of fire and becoming a target for the Mermaid, of course there would be many pearls.

    If the Mermaid knew you were making up stories, she’d be so angry her scales would explode.

    But they didn’t know, and expressed envy at Tao Ning’s good fortune: “Really? I also want to receive pearls from the Mermaid.”

    Tao Ning smiled and nodded: “It’s true, but the Mermaid doesn’t give pearls easily.”

    520 silently added: Of course, you’re the only one she consistently misses. The competitive Mermaid is now completely focused on you.

    An He said regretfully, “That’s true. You’re taking care of her personally, so you’ve gained her trust.”

    Thus, everyone on the ship knew that Zang Yuzhu had gained the Mermaid’s trust, and the Mermaid frequently gave her pearls.

    Those who had wanted to see her become a laughingstock were dumbfounded. Unexpectedly, Zang Yuzhu, who was incompetent at everything else, was actually good at raising fish.

    It was said that the Mermaid engaged in friendly exchanges with Zang Yuzhu every day.

    Occasionally bumping into them, Song Man couldn’t help but say to Gu Yuan, “You shouldn’t have let her study in the Command Department. With her affinity for Mermaids, it wouldn’t be difficult for her to enter the Research Institute.”

    Gu Yuan: “…” Who knew this would happen?

    Meanwhile, Callista was excitedly devising new tactics. She swam along the edge of the pool, only her eyes visible above the water.

    Her bright blue eyes reflected the busy figure pacing back and forth.

    Callista, undeterred by her repeated failures, found even greater amusement in them.

    She had thought the journey to find her people would be boring, but unexpectedly, there was a human to play with her.

    Based on Mermaid age, Callista, at just over a hundred years old, was barely an adult, very young, and at an age full of playful energy.

    In the past, under the sea, she had to maintain the demeanor of a leader, earning the respect of her subjects. She never played around and had to be dignified and composed.

    Now, with someone to play with, it instantly captured all her attention.

    Thinking this, Callista stealthily prepared to surface.

    With a splash, her upper body emerged, a pearl flicked from her fingertips.

    The person cutting fruit didn’t even turn around, reaching out to catch the incoming pearl and skillfully putting it into her pocket.

    Callista: “…”

    Tao Ning turned around.

    Callista sullenly sank back down, only her eyes remaining above the water, blowing bubbles.

    Tao Ning: “…” Holding back laughter was quite difficult.

    To avoid completely offending the proud leader, Tao Ning held back, walked over, and placed the prepared fruit platter in front of her.

    Colorful and diverse, regardless of the taste, the presentation was impeccable.

    Tao Ning said, “You can start eating. Put aside anything you don’t like, and I’ll clean it up.”

    Whether Callista understood or not, Tao Ning never gave up on establishing communication with her.

    Mermaids were wary and proud, responding only to gentle approaches, unwilling to even speak to those they disliked, even preferring death to interaction.

    This was also why Callista was particularly tolerant of Tao Ning. Her subjects would bring her offerings in heaps, often with bites taken out by other fish, or partially rotten.

    Unlike this human, who only selected the best for her and arranged them beautifully.

    Also, because the decorative silver fork looked pretty, Callista learned to use it to eat fruit, a socialization achievement that shocked the Research Institute.

    So socialization training could be this simple?

    Tao Ning was unaware of the feat she had accomplished in the eyes of the Research Institute. She sat cross-legged, browsing the Starnet on her smart device while observing the Mermaid eating.

    Mealtime was a truce between them—a truce unilaterally declared by Callista.

    The scene had a strange harmony, especially with both individuals being exceptionally beautiful. The observer, sometimes switching to the surveillance feed, would often think she was watching a movie.

    Callista realized that pearl attacks were no longer effective against this cunning human, so she decided to change tactics.

    Tao Ning soon noticed that the Mermaid no longer ambushed her with pearls when she passed by. She had switched to water attacks.

    Tao Ning, arriving dry every day and occasionally leaving with wet pants: “…”

    520 sometimes couldn’t understand what these two stubborn individuals were trying to do.

    It wouldn’t hurt to let the Mermaid splash her, would it?

    But Tao Ning refused, dodging every splash. 520 gave up, thinking these two deserved each other.

    The observer occasionally monitoring the Mermaid’s living conditions also thought: “…”

    This is so frustrating to watch.

    A stubborn keeper caring for a stubborn Mermaid, neither able to communicate effectively, yet having countless silent battles.

    The Mermaid, with her superior physical strength, was being trained to be even more cunning, learning various tricks and pranks.

    The observer was already imagining what kind of Mermaid they would be facing when the ship arrived at the Research Institute, the thought making her scalp tingle.

    Fortunately, Tao Ning’s approach, in the eyes of the Research Institute, effectively maintained the Mermaid’s vitality. They didn’t stop her and even approved, gradually reducing the monitoring of the Mermaid’s daily life.

    Finally, Callista realized that water attacks were also ineffective against Tao Ning, so she abandoned that tactic.

    She started thinking of other methods, having long forgotten about the forehead flick, now only remembering that she had to win.

    Tao Ning quickly noticed the change in strategy, thinking that the little Mermaid was quite resourceful.

    Soon, Tao Ning discovered the Mermaid’s new tactic.

    As she was passing by, the Mermaid suddenly grabbed her pants leg, then her ankle, her red lips curving into a triumphant smile as she pulled.

    Tao Ning glanced at the hand on her ankle, then her center of gravity shifted, and she fell into the water.

    Amidst 520’s panicked cries of “Eh, eh, eh, be careful!”, a splash echoed as the water sprayed the shore.

    Callista, with a smug smile, retreated to the deeper part of the pool, looking up to see a figure falling backwards into the water, arms outstretched, her tied-up hair coming loose.

    The figure seemed to float in mid-air, not struggling at all.

    After watching for a few moments, Callista felt something was wrong. Why was this human just sinking instead of swimming up?

    Realizing something was amiss, Callista swam over, her tail fin shimmering with dreamy colors in the water.

    She approached the figure, whose eyes were tightly closed, sinking deeper and deeper, as if asleep, her expression peaceful, undisturbed by the flowing water.

    The figure sank quickly, lying quietly on the bottom, landing on Callista’s bed of shells, like a sleeping beauty of the sea.

    She seemed to fit quite well on her bed… Wait! That wasn’t the point!

    Why wasn’t this cunning human opening her eyes!

    The pondering Mermaid’s expression became serious as she considered a possibility.

    Callista: “…” No way, I heard some humans can’t swim.

    Could this be one of those humans who can’t swim?

    Truly afraid of the human dying on her bed, Callista spread her arms and swam over, her long hair billowing in the water as she gently landed beside the bed.

    She reached out a webbed claw to touch the person on the shell bed, but noticed her nails were a bit long, so she retracted them slightly.

    After observing, she retracted them a bit more, until they wouldn’t cause any scratches, then gently placed her hand on the human’s shoulder and shook her.

    To Callista, humans were incredibly fragile, as easily torn as seawater.

    However, the other party didn’t react at all, sleeping peacefully.

    Seeing that no amount of teasing elicited a response, Callista finally panicked, swimming around the shell bed in a fluster.

    Suddenly remembering that humans couldn’t stay in water for too long, she quickly carried the person upwards, thinking that pushing her ashore might help.

    Grabbing the human’s shoulders with both hands, she felt this position wasn’t very effective, so she switched to one arm around the shoulder and the other around the waist, flicking her tail to quickly approach the surface.

    Pushing the person onto the surface with all her might, Callista felt her tail working hard. After placing her on the shore, she felt the position was awkward, so she flipped the person over.

    With a plop, Tao Ning was now face up, a few strands of hair clinging to her cheek, giving her a strangely vulnerable appearance.

    Then what? What should she do next?

    Callista pondered over the face for a few seconds. Was this human’s face this pale before falling into the water?

    Racking her brains, the Mermaid couldn’t remember, so she assumed the human had always been this pale.

    Still no reaction after being brought ashore. Callista recalled a scene she had witnessed before coming ashore, where a person fell into the deep sea and was thrown back to the shore by a wave from her tail. She didn’t allow trash in her territory.

    After that person was rescued, many two-legged creatures surrounded him, chattering in words she didn’t understand. Then one of them pressed on his stomach, making the person lying on the beach spit out a lot of water. The hand pressing on his stomach continued, then they leaned down and kissed him.

    Then the person woke up and was carried away by a group of two-legged creatures.

    Her deep, contemplative gaze fell on Tao Ning. Callista couldn’t let this human die just like that.

    She touched Tao Ning’s stomach, finding it very flat, unlike the scene she had witnessed before.

    The Mermaid had no first-aid knowledge, simply assuming she could skip a step and proceed to the next.

    She carefully positioned the person on the shore like she had seen before, observing for a few moments, feeling it was about right.

    Then what?

    Her gaze slowly lowered, her blue eyes landing on the slightly pursed, pale lips. From Callista’s perspective, they were quite beautiful, just too pale.

    Would she die if left unattended?

    Placing her hands on the shore, her ice-blue tail emerged from the water. Before Callista could finish thinking, her body acted before her mind, and she sat on the shore.

    Looking down, her dazzling ice-blue tail rested in the water, the thin, gauze-like fin rippling. The Mermaid, with her platinum blonde hair, stared intently at the person lying on the shore.

    Leaning down, Callista thought: This is part of the plan to find my people. After all, it would be troublesome if this human actually died by my pool.

    She didn’t understand human laws, but if anyone harmed her people, she would pursue them to the ends of the earth for revenge.

    Callista was about to bite her tongue and feed the human her blood, which would prevent her from fearing the sea upon waking up.

    This was an innate ability of Mermaids, now bestowed upon this human.

    Her cool lips touched the other’s. Compared to a Mermaid, a creature of the sea, human lips were much warmer.

    Callista gently rubbed her lips against the other’s, afraid that using her hands to open the human’s mouth would dislocate her jaw. After a moment of silence, she used her tongue to pry open Tao Ning’s lips.

    This time she succeeded. The tightly closed lips parted slightly. The next hurdle was the teeth.

    But whether the teeth opened or not didn’t matter anymore. Callista was about to bite her tongue and transfer her blood.

    Suddenly, a warm hand gripped the back of her neck, pressing their lips even closer.

    Callista’s eyes widened slightly. The person, whose eyes were still closed, used her tongue to pry open Callista’s lips in return.

    Like a bold bandit, she barged in, meticulously searching every corner before leaving, satisfied.

    The Mermaid, who had rescued the human, thought she had saved a shy sleeping beauty, but this sleeping beauty wasn’t shy at all, instead taking advantage of the Mermaid.

    Tao Ning opened her eyes slightly, meeting the ocean-like blue eyes. After taking a deep breath, she regained her strength.

    Chuckling softly, Tao Ning said, “That’s not how you do CPR. But neither is this.”

    Callista: “…”

    She sat up in shock, her blue eyes reflecting the other person’s face. She clearly saw the other’s lips, slightly swollen and red.

    Perhaps hers were too, but Callista avoided Tao Ning’s eyes, instinctively looking away.

    She quickly remembered what she wanted to say, almost forgetting everything when she met the other’s newly opened eyes.

    Callista: “You’re alright? When did you wake up? You tricked me?”

    Tao Ning: “…”

    520, having witnessed the heavily censored scene: [Oh dear. ]

    On the other side of the monitor, the observer, holding a coffee mug, said to her colleague, “It’s about time. Let’s check on the Mermaid.”

    “I’ve prepared today’s record, let’s begin.”

    Switching to the feed, the Mermaid’s scolding clearly came through the audio monitor.

    The two were stunned: “…” They couldn’t believe their ears.

    The Mermaid’s naturally gifted voice made even her scolding sound like singing, melodious and captivating.

    How could they tell it was scolding?

    Because the Mermaid’s tone was urgent, her brows furrowed, clearly indicating anger.

    The observer behind the monitor: “…”

    Honestly, in all her years, the amount of Mermaid speech recordings she heard today surpassed the total she had heard before by several times.

    This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, hearing a Mermaid curse.

    Thinking this, the observer and her colleague exchanged glances, looking at the soaking wet person in the pool with admiration.

    It had to be this person, born with the talent to infuriate others.

    On the other side of the screen, Tao Ning endured the scolding quietly.

    Actually, Mermaids didn’t know how to curse. Callista was someone who preferred actions to words. She was simply accusing Tao Ning of deceiving her, and she had truly been frightened.

    Tao Ning listened quietly, offering no rebuttal. After she finished, Tao Ning asked, “What’s your name?”

    Callista subconsciously answered with her name, then realized what she had just heard, looking at Tao Ning with surprise.

    Just now, this human seemed to have spoken Mermaid language.

    Tao Ning, supporting herself with her hands, slowly sat up, smiling slightly: “I just choked on some water. I didn’t wake up late on purpose. I’m still recovering from a serious injury, and my physical condition isn’t very good. I was accidentally knocked unconscious by the water, it wasn’t intentional.”

    These words were all in Mermaid language, occasionally a bit halting, with a few incorrect word choices, but undoubtedly Mermaid language.

    Unlike the clumsy and unpleasant imitations of other humans, this Mermaid language was near perfect.

    Not only Callista, but 520, which had been diligently recording Mermaid language, could finally understand it, and couldn’t help but make a disrespectful comment.

    520 said faintly: [Although the screen is full of mosaics, if you weren’t intentional, who was?]

    Taking advantage of Callista not being able to hear 520, Tao Ning said to the Mermaid in front of her, “Your name is Callista. It’s a beautiful name. In exchange, I’ll tell you how to pronounce my name in Mermaid language.”

    Callista blinked in confusion: “No, you’ve always been able to speak Mermaid language?”

    Tao Ning: “No, I just learned it.”

    Callista: “Where did you learn it from?”

    After a moment of silence, Tao Ning said, “From you.”

    Callista: “…”

    She had to admit, this human’s appearance did meet her aesthetic standards.

    But in some aspects, this human also knew exactly how to annoy her.

  • You’re Not Allowed to Kiss Me Anymore! [Quick Transmigration] 58p2

    Chapter 58 p2

    Two days later, in a luxurious villa…

    A woman with long, wavy hair, dressed in a red dress, her features as vibrant and alluring as a rose, led a man by his tie, her grip firm, her smile playful.

    The man, his face pale and his expression slightly anxious, was undeniably handsome, his features delicate and refined.

    She led him to her room, closing the door behind them, then, releasing his tie, turned to face him, her smile widening.

    “I’m Dan Yan. What was your name again?”

    The man, forcing a smile, replied, “Jiejie, my name is Li Xu.” [Older Sister]

    Dan Yan laughed, her red lips curving into a seductive smile.

    Then, she walked over to a nearby drawer and pulled out a collar, a small name tag dangling from it.

    She gently fastened the collar around Li Xu’s neck.

    “This is my first gift to you. Be a good boy, and I’ll engrave your name on it tomorrow.”

    Li Xu nodded, his anxiety growing.

    He had heard rumors about Dan Yan’s eccentricities, but he didn’t know the details.

    Dan Yan’s gaze lingered on his face, her long, red fingernails tracing his cheek.

    “From today onwards, you’re mine.”

    Li Xu was about to nod when her smile suddenly turned cold, her voice a menacing whisper.

    “My dog.”

    Li Xu froze, forcing a smile.

    “Jiejie…”

    The next moment, he finally understood the true nature of Dan Yan’s madness.

    She slapped him hard across the face, the force of the blow splitting his lip, drawing blood.

    Then, her high heels clicking against the floor, she walked over to him, her voice a mocking laugh.

    “My dear doggy, dogs don’t talk. You have much to learn.”

    Social climbing wasn’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes, you encountered cunning opponents, and sometimes, you encountered crazy ones.

    Xin Yao, however, unaware of her girlfriend’s actions, her focus entirely on her work, continued filming.

    Her acting had improved significantly.

    Having witnessed Wen Xin’s powerful performance, she had been inspired, her understanding of the craft deepening, her own skills growing.

    She had broken through her plateau, her progress rapid.

    To maintain the emotional distance required by their roles, she and Xu Jingyu weren’t seeing each other every day.

    So, arriving on set, she easily slipped into character, her heart aching for Lu Duanjing’s pain and despair.

    Lu Duanjing had escaped.

    During her mother’s funeral, with the help of the nanny and the other women in the household, she had fled the suffocating confines of the Lu residence.

    She had taken some money with her, and the small shop she had opened for the orphanage had also generated some income, ensuring her financial security.

    Despite her own grief and despair, she had still thought of the orphans, her kindness unwavering.

    Before leaving, she had secretly met with her cousin, entrusting her with the remaining money and the shop, asking her to continue caring for the children.

    Then, she had contacted a friend of Wen Sigu’s, a teacher at the school, asking her to deliver a letter to Wen Sigu, who was still confined to her room.

    In the letter, she had asked Wen Sigu if she wanted to leave with her. If so, she would be waiting for her at her small, rented apartment, until dawn.

    Against all odds, the letter had reached Wen Sigu.

    And Wen Sigu, of course, had agreed.

    She hadn’t hesitated for a moment.

    The next evening, as her family was forcing her into a car, about to send her abroad, she had found an opportunity, knocking them unconscious and stealing the car.

    In her pocket, close to her heart, were two boat tickets, given to her by her friend.

    Tonight, she would return to Lu Duanjing, and together, they would escape, sailing away at dawn, towards a new life.

    Her hands gripping the steering wheel, her heart pounding, she thought: Duanjing, wait for me. I’m coming.

    She drove as fast as she could, the sky darkening as she neared her destination.

    It was almost midnight.

    Just an hour more, and she would be with Lu Duanjing again.

    But fate had other plans.

    A loud bang echoed through the night.

    One of her tires had blown, the car spinning out of control, careening towards the side of the road.

    Wen Sigu wrestled with the steering wheel, but it was no use. The car crashed, the impact throwing her against the dashboard.

    She lay there, dazed, her head bleeding, then, as she tried to sit up, she felt something cold and hard against her temple.

    A gun.

    A dark figure stood outside the broken window, their voice a menacing whisper.

    “You’re Wen Sigu. Tell me where the medicine and the man are, and I’ll let you live.”

    Wen Sigu slowly lifted her head.

    The shattered glass reflected in her eyes, her mind racing, the memories of the past few weeks flashing before her.

    She knew what the figure was talking about, the medicine, the man. She had been the one to hide them.

    It had been a while ago.

    After the slum massacre.

    A figure, desperate to escape, their face illuminated by the flickering flames, had caught Wen Sigu’s attention.

    It was the beggar she and Lu Duanjing had rescued during their medical outreach trip.

    His companion had been trying to pull him back, his voice urgent.

    “Just a little longer! You have a more important mission! Go!”

    His companion had sacrificed himself, and the beggar, tears streaming down his face, had escaped.

    And then Wen Sigu, having witnessed the massacre, had investigated, the report she had received hinting at something to do with medicine.

    The government had claimed they were pursuing a drug dealer.

    But it was a lie. Why would they go to such lengths for a simple drug dealer?

    Wen Sigu, using her connections, had finally uncovered the truth.

    The “drug dealer,” the beggar, was actually a respected scientist.

    He had acquired a new drug, and its formula, from abroad, a breakthrough in medical science.

    In their time, medicine was more valuable than gold, more precious than life itself.

    He had wanted to bring the drug and the formula back to China, to save lives, to heal the sick.

    But there were those who wanted to steal it, to profit from it, both within and outside the country, their greed driving them to attempt to assassinate him, forcing him into hiding, his life reduced to that of a beggar, constantly on the run.

    The slum massacre had been a botched attempt to capture him. He had escaped.

    Wen Sigu loved her country.

    Despite its flaws, its corruption, its decay, she loved the land that had given her life.

    And as a doctor, she knew the importance of the drug and its formula, the potential it held to save countless lives.

    She had been following the scientist’s story, offering him protection whenever she could, even though they had never met.

    And then, by a strange twist of fate, she had encountered him in the remote village where she and Lu Duanjing had been conducting their medical outreach.

    She had recognized him instantly, her face paling. “It’s you!”

    The scientist, disguised as a beggar, despite his severe injuries, had tried to run away.

    Wen Sigu, her voice low and urgent, had said, “I know who you are. I’m a doctor. You can trust me. This place isn’t safe. Come with me.”

    She was a doctor.

    And because she was a doctor, she understood the importance of the drug and its formula. Risking her own life, she had helped him escape, hiding him and the precious cargo he carried.

    The memory ended abruptly.

    The dark figure outside the car pressed the gun harder against Wen Sigu’s temple, their voice cold.

    “Tell me where the medicine and the man are. Lead us to him, and we’ll let you go.”

    Wen Sigu, her head resting on the steering wheel, her forehead bleeding, her eyes flickering in the dim light, wanted to live.

    She couldn’t die. Duanjing was waiting for her. They were supposed to leave together at dawn.

    She couldn’t die!

    But then, the image of the injured scientist, huddled in the haystack, flashed through her mind.

    And the images of countless others, their bodies broken, their spirits unbroken, fighting for their country, their sacrifices a testament to their unwavering patriotism.

    The mothers who couldn’t afford medicine, forced to bury their children.

    The nameless heroes, risking their lives to protect the drug and its formula, their sacrifices a beacon of hope in a world of darkness.

    Countless lives, the lives of her countrymen, depended on this drug.

    How could she betray them?

    Just as she had told Duanjing, they were all insignificant, like dust motes in the wind, yet they all had a duty to fulfill.

    In the quiet darkness of the deserted street, Wen Sigu looked at the shattered car window, her own voice echoing in her ears.

    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

    It was the expected answer. They were all stubborn, these patriots, their loyalty unwavering.

    And their true motive wasn’t just the drug, but Wen Sigu herself.

    If they could get the information from her, it would be a bonus, but their primary target was Wen Sigu, a symbol of resistance, her defiance a threat to their power.

    They had to eliminate her.

    She had founded a school, helped the poor, offered free medical care, and now she had even helped smuggle the drug. She was becoming too dangerous.

    So, whether she talked or not, she wouldn’t be leaving this alley alive.

    They would have tortured her for information, but they didn’t have time.

    A gunshot echoed through the night, the sound sharp and final, the blood splattering against the broken window.

    Wen Sigu, her consciousness fading, her fingers trembling, reached for the boat tickets in her pocket.

    But her hand was weak, and the tickets slipped from her grasp, fluttering out the window.

    Like a dying ember, a final spark of life flared within her, and she opened the car door, stumbling out, reaching for the tickets.

    She fell to the ground, the two small tickets just inches away.

    But she couldn’t reach them.

    She crawled forward, her bloodied hand reaching out, her fingertips almost touching the edge of one of the tickets.

    But just as she was about to grasp it, her strength failed her.

    She died there, in the cold, dark alley, her body undiscovered until morning.

    In the dim moonlight, the date on the bloodstained tickets was clearly visible: tomorrow morning, at dawn.

    Just a few more hours, and the sun would rise.

    But for Wen Sigu, it would never rise again.

    Someone was waiting for her, but she would never arrive.

    Duanjing.

    This winter is so cold.

    I can’t be with you next spring.

    I’m sorry.

    My Duanjing.

    Meanwhile, in her small, rented apartment, Lu Duanjing waited.

    She had sent the letter to Wen Sigu, the address of her hiding place clearly written.

    If Wen Sigu wanted to leave with her, she would come here.

    But Lu Duanjing didn’t know when she would arrive, or if she would arrive at all.

    She waited, her days and nights blurring together, the flickering candle flame her only companion.

    Tonight, as she sat there, the candlelight illuminating her face, a sudden wave of anxiety washed over her, tears welling up in her eyes.

    Then, her emotions overwhelming her, she buried her face in her hands, her sobs echoing through the quiet room.

    Sigu, my Sigu.

    Where are you?

    Are you even coming?

    She would never know the answer.

    Until the end of her days, she would never know that her beloved had been racing towards her, determined to escape with her, to see the spring together.

    The last two scenes of the film, Xu Jingyu’s death scene and Xin Yao’s solitary vigil, were filmed simultaneously.

    Xu Jingyu, covered in fake blood, her hair slightly disheveled, her beauty enhanced by a touch of vulnerability, stood up, the set erupting in applause.

    Her performance had been breathtaking, the raw emotion, the intensity of her despair, bringing tears to the eyes of the onlookers.

    As she stood there, the congratulations of the crew echoing around her, some still crying, others smiling, someone rushing forward with a bouquet of flowers, they discussed the final shots, the wrap-up photos.

    Xu Jingyu, brushing the dust from her clothes, walked towards Xin Yao.

    “We can take the photos later.”

    Director Gao, knowing where she was going, didn’t try to stop her.

    She had deliberately withheld the final scenes of the script, wanting to maintain the emotional distance between the actors.

    Xu Jingyu’s character died, her story ending there, unaware of Lu Duanjing’s fate.

    And Xin Yao, as Lu Duanjing, didn’t know if Wen Sigu had received her letter, or if she had even wanted to leave with her, or where she had gone.

    Xin Yao’s current state of uncertainty, her anxiety and her longing, were perfect for the scene. She couldn’t allow Xu Jingyu to disrupt it.

    But Xu Jingyu was unstoppable. Director Gao could only offer a warning.

    “This is the last time! You two can’t see each other until Xin Yao’s scenes are finished! And don’t tell her how your character dies!”

    Xu Jingyu, without turning back, simply replied, “I know.”

    Wanting to maintain her composure, she changed out of her bloodstained costume and cleaned herself up before going to see Xin Yao.

    Xin Yao, having just finished filming an emotionally charged crying scene, was still in character, sitting quietly in her dressing room, lost in thought.

    The door opened behind her, and she turned, her gaze meeting Xu Jingyu’s in the soft light.

    Xu Jingyu was smiling, her expression gentle and warm.

    “I heard Miss Bunny was crying. May I offer her a hug?”

    Having just filmed a scene of unrequited love, a scene of waiting and longing, Xin Yao understood the pain of a love that might never be realized.

    But Xu Jingyu, the woman who loved her more than anything, would never make her wait.

    No matter the obstacles, no matter the distance, she would always find her way back to Xin Yao.

    Xin Yao’s eyes filled with tears, and she stood up, her arms outstretched.

    “Hug me.”

  • Transformed into a Female Villain, But Captured by My Beautiful Girl Disciples v2c36

    36. Qiu Shui 

     

    After leaving, Gong Yiling made her way to the back kitchen of a beef noodle shop. Accompanied by a man dressed as a cook, who actually had some culinary skills, she descended into the basement.

    As soon as the door closed, Gong Yiling got straight to the point. “Old Mo, I have a task for you.”

    The cook was Mo Ke.

    He had been bored to death lately. Used to fighting and killing, he was now stuck in Yanlie City, acting as the mastermind behind Gong Yiling’s operations, forced to maintain a low profile.

    And his cover was—a cook.

    After all these days, he felt he could actually open a restaurant!

    Finally given a task by Gong Yiling, he almost knelt down in gratitude.

    “Tell me!!!”

    “I’m not deaf!!!” Gong Yiling snapped, but her voice lacked force.

    “Shenqi Daoist Mountain, do you have any connections there?”

    “Shenqi Daoist Mountain of the Hundred Paths Mountain?” Mo Ke frowned in thought. “Yes, one of their guest elders is actually our man. But they have many guest elders. What does Immortal Master intend to do?”

    “Contact him and send a few people there. I’ll give you the address later. Bring me someone back, at all costs.”

    “Yes!” Mo Ke’s eyes lit up, and he flexed his bicep. “Let me go too! I’ll definitely—”

    “You stay here.” Gong Yiling interrupted him. “Many demonic cultivators have infiltrated Yanlie City. Take some men and investigate their hideouts and identities. Report everything you find in four days.”

    “This… works too. Yes, Ma’am!”

    “Strange.”

    Gong Yiling couldn’t understand his sudden enthusiasm. In her opinion, slacking off was the greatest joy in life. Wasn’t being a restaurant owner good enough?

    After leaving Mo Ke, Gong Yiling searched the market for the items she needed, then hurried back to the manor.

    As she reached Qiu Shui’s door, about to knock, the girl’s voice called out from behind her.

    “Master?”

    “Ah?” Gong Yiling turned around reflexively, averting her gaze. “I was just strolling outside and stumbled upon something interesting. Guess what it is?”

    After venting her emotions, Qiu Shui seemed much calmer now.

    She curiously tried to look behind Gong Yiling, but Miss Gong turned with her.

    After spinning around for a while, Qiu Shui stopped and chuckled. “What is it?”

    “Come inside first.”

    Gong Yiling pulled her into the room.

    As Qiu Shui turned around after entering, she saw two “Spicy Cry” pancakes in Gong Yiling’s hands.

    Qiu Shui froze, looking up at her, puzzled. “These are…”

    “These are your favorite childhood snack, aren’t they?” Gong Yiling picked up one of the pancakes and said in a commanding tone, “Open your mouth.”

    “Ah.”

    “Close your mouth.”

    Qiu Shui bit into the soft, flaky crust.

    A salty, spicy, and savory flavor exploded on her tongue.

    Besides the initial spiciness, it evoked a sense of nostalgia.

    When Qiu Shui was young, she and her mother wandered around, homeless and destitute.

    Summer wasn’t so bad, but in winter, they often couldn’t find shelter, huddling together in discarded clothes and blankets.

    During the coldest days, they relied on spicy food to keep warm.

    And their most frequent meal was Spicy Cry Pancakes.

    The spice was a stimulant, a source of warmth, and the shop owner was kind enough to often give them free pancakes and rice.

    Without this food, they wouldn’t have survived those harsh winters.

    And when she left on her dangerous mission, a bag of Spicy Cry Pancakes was her mother’s last gift.

    “Why…?”

    Qiu Shui asked, her voice trembling. “How did Master know…?”

    “You’ll see your mother soon,” Gong Yiling said, gently stroking her head. “I promise.”

    “What…?” Qiu Shui didn’t understand. “My mother?”

    “Do you think you can hide your little secret from me?” Gong Yiling smiled. “Elder Yin Tianchou of Shenqi Daoist Mountain is your grandfather, and your father married into the family. You weren’t rescued by me by chance. It was all a setup.”

    Qiu Shui’s heart sank, and she trembled uncontrollably. “Master… you know everything?”

    Her voice was filled with panic, the shock and fear of having her secret exposed by the one she least wanted to. Gong Yiling understood.

    “I not only know, but I also know that you don’t want to do this anymore. You just want to be Little Qiu Shui by my side.” Gong Yiling gently hugged her, stroking her back until she calmed down.

    “I…”

    Qiu Shui looked at the half-eaten pancake in her hand, tears welling up in her eyes, unable to speak.

    “When you took that sword blow for me, I knew your true feelings,” Gong Yiling said. “But I’m sorry. I knew all along but pretended not to, making you worry.”

    “How could this be Master’s fault?” Qiu Shui whispered. “It’s Qiu Shui’s fault… my own problem…”

    “I didn’t say all this to make us argue about who’s right or wrong.”

    Gong Yiling released her and gently pinched her cheeks. “I just want you to know, from now on, you’re just Qiu Shui. You don’t have to live for that pointless mission. Those who hurt you, who abandoned you and your mother, if you want revenge, I’ll help you.”

    “That’s what I, as your master, should do.”

     

     

  • The Delicate Female Lead Only Wants to be Loved by the Villainous Young Ladies 331-332

    Chapter 331: Willingly Defying Conventions

    While Adele and Tang Linlang were lost in their mutual affection, First Snow and Xiao Ai exchanged a knowing glance.

    “Looks like we’re home alone tonight, meow,” First Snow said.

    “…” Xiao Ai looked a little disappointed. But she knew that once Mama made a decision, she wouldn’t change it. Moreover, she didn’t want to make things difficult for Adele. So after sighing, she lifted her cute little face and looked at First Snow, “Then I want to play yesterday’s game!”

    “Okay!”

    Adele silently watched the two little ones reach an agreement and smiled slightly. Having First Snow at home to take care of Xiao Ai made Adele feel much more at ease when she had to leave the dorm.

    “Wait for me a moment~,” Adele suddenly said.

    Tang Linlang nodded shyly. Then she saw Adele run upstairs. Not long after, she came back down, dressed in an elegant and intellectual academy-style outfit. Tang Linlang gazed at the girl, feeling a sense of beauty and happiness.

    Adele came to Tang Linlang’s side, linked arms with her, and then looked back at First Snow and Xiao Ai, who were still nestled on the sofa.

    “Then Linlang and I are going out.”

    “Be good at home. If you’re hungry at night, there’s food in the refrigerator, or you can order takeout with my tablet.” Adele carefully instructed the two on what to do at home. Unknowingly, she had also become a nagging older sister. It was because she was no longer alone, she had become warm and happy, but also shouldered more responsibilities.

    “Bye-bye~”

    “Bye-bye, meow!”

    “…Goodbye, Mama.”

    The moment the door closed, Tang Linlang’s heart skipped a beat. She hugged Adele from behind, resting her chin on her shoulder.

    Adele’s lips curled slightly.

    “Silly, we’re still at school~.”

    “Have you forgotten the school rule against impure heterosexual and homosexual relationships?” the girl joked, pretending to be serious.

    If it were the Tang Linlang from before, she would probably have been scared by the girl’s words and quickly withdrawn her hands. But now, she just giggled.

    “I wonder who was the first one to engage in an impure relationship…”

    “Oh, you’ve learned to talk back, haven’t you!?”

    “I have to teach you a lesson!”

    “But not here. Come on, let’s leave the school. Are we going straight to your house, or do you have other plans?” Adele turned around and took Tang Linlang’s hand.

    The two walked hand in hand along the path lined with lawns and flowerbeds, heading out of the campus. Tang Linlang thought for a moment. She didn’t have any special requests for a date, as long as she could be with Adele. But she heard that there was a horror escape room experience center in the nearby mall. It seemed quite interesting, suitable for couples.

    Thinking of this, Tang Linlang tentatively suggested the idea of going to the escape room. Adele immediately froze. Oh no!

    She was most afraid of scary things! Adele still remembered the childhood trauma caused by zombie movies. She didn’t even dare to show her face while sleeping at night, even if the blanket made her hot and suffocated, for fear that when she opened her eyes, she would see something terrifying that would make her scream.

    Tang Linlang was a considerate girl. Seeing this, she quickly waved her hand and said, “Then let’s not go, we won’t go.”

    With Adele’s usual timid nature, she should have taken the opportunity to back down. But hearing Tang Linlang taking her feelings into consideration, the girl felt a little guilty. Thinking back to her interactions with Linlang, Linlang was always the one making sacrifices. As Adele’s classmate, she had more opportunities to be with Adele. But in terms of relationship progress, she was always the slowest. For example, before, other vampire girls had already developed deep relationships with Adele, but Tang Linlang was still at the stage where holding hands could make her blush and shy. And she didn’t have a strong competitive desire, instead constantly indulging and waiting.

    Thinking of this, Adele realized that in this relationship, she couldn’t always be the one being cared for and pampered. Occasionally…she should also consider others! Because true love was always a two-way street. One-sided love could only create a distorted relationship!

    So, the girl gritted her teeth.

    “Th-Then that esc…esc…” Adele stuttered in fear. And Tang Linlang helpfully added, “Escape room.”

    “Yes! Escape room, I’ll go with you!” Adele bit her tongue, using the pain to mask her fear, and blurted it out.

    Although Tang Linlang was happy in her heart, the gentle girl still blinked and asked, “Aren’t you always afraid of scary things, Adele? Are you…sure?”

    “No problem! Hmph, who do you think I am?”

    “Besides, it’s all fake!”

    “Ghosts, zombies, vampires, please, I’m a vampire, vampires are the prototypes of vampire legends!”

    “If I go to an escape room, they should be the ones afraid of me!” Adele’s clever words even convinced herself, instantly boosting her confidence.

    Hearing Adele’s words, Tang Linlang giggled. She held the girl’s hand tightly.

    “Then let’s go now~”.

    “After the escape room, we’ll go back to my house.”

    “I’ll cook for you personally, wearing that new apron…” When the girl mentioned the apron, a hint of charm flashed in her eyes.

    Adele couldn’t help but gulp. She seemed to realize something and licked her lips before replying ambiguously and expectantly, “Okay.”

    After receiving a positive response, Tang Linlang immediately took out her phone and called her driver to pick them up.

    “Wow, Linlang has become a young lady with a dedicated driver!” the girl exclaimed. Although Adele knew that after Linlang’s family sold their ancestral land and received the demolition compensation, they became extremely wealthy new money, new nobles, for a long time, Adele’s impression of her was still that of a simple girl living in an old mansion, a quiet and studious student in class. It was indeed different from a young lady with a dedicated driver.

    However, this was a symbol of Tang Linlang’s rise in social status. Adele was only happy for her. Tang Linlang lowered her head shyly and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

    “I’m not a young lady…”

    “I’m…Adele’s…little woman.” The girl’s voice was soft, but it tickled Adele’s heart like a feather. Who would have thought that this clueless girl would learn how to say such sweet nothings!

    “I can’t take it anymore!” Adele suddenly exclaimed, her breathing rapid. Then Tang Linlang felt the world spin. When she came to her senses, she was already on the clean lawn beside the sidewalk, surrounded by the fragrance of flowers, with Adele straddling her, having pushed her down. She gazed at her affectionately and slowly leaned in for a kiss.

    Even though this was the school, a place where impure same-sex relationships were forbidden, Adele still chose to act on impulse. And Tang Linlang, faced with this sudden surprise, didn’t resist at all, but rather enjoyed it wholeheartedly. She was indeed an obedient and good student, but for Adele, she willingly defied conventions.

    —–

    Chapter 332: The Power of Money

    Fortunately, the school was deserted during the holidays. So no one noticed the two girls’ romantic kiss on the lawn. Adele was always like this, acting on impulse, but also giving people great surprises, the kind of romantic and touching moments that would bring a smile to their faces even years later.

    Tang Linlang closed her eyes, feeling as if time had slowed down, so slow that she could hear the grass growing and the flowers blooming. The gentle breeze carried the fresh scent of grass and the fragrance of flowers. And, of course, the girl’s sweetness, like candy she could never tire of.

    After a long time, Adele finally parted from the girl’s lips, panting slightly, a hint of glistening moisture between them. Tang Linlang’s skirt was disheveled and slightly lifted. Adele wanted to fix it for her, but Linlang blushed and gently placed her finger on the back of Adele’s hand.

    “This kind of thing…let’s do it back at my house, okay?”

    “…” Adele should have explained that she just wanted to fix her skirt and had no such intentions. But somehow, she remained silent, as if admitting that she was a lewd and greedy girl. Perhaps because she knew that if Tang Linlang liked her, she would like many aspects of her. And she did have moments when her mind was full of lewd thoughts. Wasn’t Linlang’s response also acceptance? So there was no need to explain.

    So the next moment, she nodded slightly. “Okay.”

    Then Adele stood up first and extended her hand, pulling Tang Linlang up from the lawn. There were grass, seeds, and dust on Linlang’s clothes. Adele meticulously brushed them off. Using magic might have been easier, but Adele liked this kind of intimate contact in daily life. There was no need to save time. Time itself wasn’t important, the inner experience, and who and what you spent it on were more important. Focusing too much on time would be putting the cart before the horse.

    After Tang Linlang was neat and tidy again, the two girls walked out of the school as planned.

    At the school gate, a luxury car that Adele couldn’t name was parked in a prominent position. Seeing Tang Linlang, the driver immediately got out of the car respectfully and opened the door for the young lady. Tang Linlang thanked him. Adele, arm in arm with her, teased, “So stylish, my lady~”.

    Tang Linlang blushed and could only murmur, “You’re always bullying me, Adele…”

    “What do you mean bullying? Why wouldn’t I bully you~?” Adele said confidently.

    The two sat in the back seat of the car, and Tang Linlang carefully smoothed the wrinkles on Adele’s skirt. But Adele wouldn’t let her off the hook, giggling and grabbing her wrist, guiding the shy girl’s hand to her leg where the driver couldn’t see.

    Adele was wearing warm, white stockings, not the fishnet kind, but the opaque kind, lined with fleece but still with the smooth texture of silk stockings. They felt incredibly soft to the touch. Adele herself didn’t feel anything, but Tang Linlang’s breathing quickened. The girl leaned against the car window, squinting at Tang Linlang’s blushing face. It was undeniably amusing.

    Tang Linlang knew that Adele was making fun of her, but she couldn’t resist the intimate contact with Adele and the soft, wonderful touch of her fingertips. So even after Adele let go of her hand, her hand seemed to have a mind of its own, slowly moving. Tang Linlang’s reason had lost to her instincts.

    Adele didn’t mind if Linlang was a little greedier, taking advantage of the car ride to explore further…

    The journey to the mall wasn’t long, so Adele pretended to doze off, practically saying, I’m not pretending anymore, I’m giving you a chance. But Linlang seemed a little timid. She didn’t dare to do anything more daring. She was truly different from Adele in personality. One could imagine that if it were Adele, and there was a little vixen seducing her, she wouldn’t stop until she had her way with the vixen!

    But this was also one of Tang Linlang’s cute points. Adele enjoyed the girl’s caresses and didn’t rush or push her. Innocence is a consumable. Adele didn’t want Tang Linlang’s innocence to be gradually replaced by greedy desires.

    The car stopped smoothly, almost without any bumps. This was the performance of a luxury car. If Adele wanted one to play with, whether it was Tang Linlang, Celeste, or Hermione, they would all unhesitatingly fulfill her wish. But Adele was too lazy to drive. It was more comfortable to sit in the passenger seat next to the girls.

    Tang Linlang and Adele got out of the car from their respective doors. Tang Linlang went to the driver’s seat and instructed him on something before walking to Adele’s side with small, elegant steps. The two beautiful girls walking together easily became the center of attention. Some even suspected that Adele might be a debuting actress. Tang Linlang had more of a student aura, so in the minds of passersby, she became a student being kept by Adele!

    But the reality was the opposite! Heaven knew why Adele could confidently wrap her arm around Linlang’s waist, exuding the aura of a wealthy woman.

    “Is that the escape room you mentioned?” Adele looked up and pointed at the huge screen in the mall’s central atrium. It was playing an advertisement for the escape room experience center. They really spared no expense. The advertisement showed that the escape rooms were categorized into horror, puzzle, role-playing, etc.

    Adele was already prepared to play the horror one. Wasn’t the fastest way to heat things up between girls to go to a horror escape room or watch a horror movie? Although cliché, this method was very effective. It was like getting physical first to quickly escalate the relationship.

    “Yes, that’s it,” Tang Linlang said softly after confirming.

    Hearing this, Adele immediately wrapped her arm around the girl’s slender waist.

    “Then what are we waiting for! Go, go, go!” Adele, although scared to death in her heart, still acted enthusiastically in front of her girlfriend. Very cool!

    Tang Linlang knew that Adele was accommodating her and felt warmth in her heart.

    The two smoothly entered the mall, but instead of taking the elevator directly, they strolled from floor to floor, taking the escalators. Occasionally, Adele also wanted to go shopping. Since they were already out, the bustling crowd further lifted her spirits. Tang Linlang was also happy to take this opportunity to show off her wealth, to compensate for the deep shadow left behind not long ago when Celeste could provide Adele with a better life, and she could only watch helplessly. Because at that time, Tang Linlang was still a poor girl, while Celeste was a blonde capitalist heiress. Which side Adele should choose was obvious.

    Tang Linlang was depressed for a long time because of this. But in the end, she regained her confidence with Adele’s comfort. And her father finally made the decision to “go against his ancestors” for his daughter. With one demolition, Tang Linlang’s wealth instantly caught up with the accumulation of the Celeste family over a long period. Of course, it was impossible for her to completely inherit the Celeste family’s wealth. So in terms of money, Tang Linlang had surpassed Celeste.

    But unfortunately, Adele was just casually window shopping and didn’t have anything she particularly wanted to buy, wasting Tang Linlang’s intention to show off her wealth. But Adele didn’t leave empty-handed. She bought two drinks, one for each of them, and drank them with relish, using her own money.

    The escape room experience center was on the third floor. Adele and Tang Linlang had anticipated that there might be more customers during the holidays. But when they arrived, they found that there were a lot of people. There were many areas inside that could accommodate several pairs of people simultaneously, but there was still a long queue in front of the experience center.

    Adele looked slightly troubled, but she wasn’t anxious. She just said to Linlang, “Then let’s wait a bit longer.”

    “…” But Tang Linlang didn’t want Adele to wait. So she softly said, “Let me try,” and left Adele, approaching the waiting customers one by one, asking if they could let her and Adele go first. Of course, there was compensation, and it was very generous. Linlang, the newly rich girl, finally had a chance to spend her money. No one could refuse Tang Linlang’s request, just for letting them cut in line, they could receive a hefty sum of money.

    So the two naturally became the first couple to enter the experience center. Was this the power of money? Terrifying!

  • Dear, it’s time for your medicine! 297

    Chapter 297: The Eighth Evil God’s Heart… Beats?

    Muse’s face was ashen.

    He had, for once, been perceptive, recognizing that Athena’s mind had been manipulated, her memories and consciousness altered.

    He had tried to snap her out of it, willing to sacrifice himself if it meant she could escape with the soul fragment, preserving the hope of Jie Luo’s resurrection.

    But now, the fragment was in Qin Chu’s hands. All hope was lost.

    Qin Chu knew their plan, knew they wanted him dead.

    Knowing the Second Hero’s ruthlessness, the fate of the soul fragment was sealed.

    Muse thrashed on the ground, his body wracked with pain.

    A gaping wound in his chest, his body ravaged by disease, any normal person would be unable to stand. But Muse, through sheer willpower, managed to rise.

    He swayed, as if about to collapse at any moment.

    Blood dripped from his lips as he dragged his axe towards Qin Chu.

    He wanted to retrieve the soul fragment.

    He refused to lose this last shred of hope, even though he knew he was no match for Qin Chu.

    He wouldn’t give up.

    His devotion to Jie Luo was truly profound.

    Qin Chu wondered if he was as obsessed as Ronald.

    Jie Luo was truly popular, especially with men…

    Qin Chu smiled, looking at the soul fragment in his hand, his other hand patting Athena’s head: “Good girl. Well done.”

    His praise pleased Athena.

    She leaned against him, enjoying his warmth and the steady beat of his heart.

    But a nagging unease lingered in the back of her mind.

    Something felt wrong, but she couldn’t pinpoint it.

    She wondered why she had fallen in love with Jie Luo. Was it simply because he had saved her? But why hadn’t she been repulsed by his actions in the years that followed?

    Why had she remained devoted to him even after his death?

    Was her love truly that deep?

    If so, why had she compared him to Qin Chu and found him lacking? Why were her feelings for Jie Luo fading?

    And why had she fallen for Qin Chu?

    In her memories, she had merely made a deal with him, trading her body for his blood.

    He had used her, and she had initially been disgusted. When had that disgust faded, replaced by acceptance, even enjoyment?

    When had she begun to feel lonely and yearning when he didn’t seek her out?

    Had she… fallen for him simply because they had been intimate so many times?

    A blush crept up her cheeks. If that was the case, she was truly shameless.

    She sensed a gap in her memories, an unsettling feeling.

    But strangely, the desire to uncover those missing memories wasn’t strong. A voice in her head whispered…

    Why bother? Isn’t this good enough?

    Qin Chu observed her changing expressions. He guessed she was confused.

    A twisted thought crossed his mind. Would it be amusing to have Athena kill Muse, Airi, and Eileen… the remaining members of the former Hero Squad?

    He glanced at Muse.

    He was slowly dragging himself towards them. His injuries were severe. Even this short distance would take him a long time to cover.

    Qin Chu handed the soul fragment to Ireta.

    He wanted to know what secrets it held.

    Each fragment brought him closer to understanding the past.

    He didn’t even bother to hide it from Muse and Athena.

    Ireta nodded, her slender fingers closing around the fragment, her eyes narrowing as her powerful soul magic probed its depths.

    Athena watched silently.

    She seemed to see faint, shimmering lines.

    Ireta’s soul threads.

    They were searching every corner of the soul fragment.

    Athena frowned: “Master, this soul fragment is empty…”

    Qin Chu smiled: “Some things are simply invisible to you.”

    After a long moment, Ireta spoke, her voice cold and emotionless. The fragment’s contents were difficult to place in time.

    It was a record of the Second Jie Luo’s actions, recorded by the First Jie Luo.

    “How many Earthlings has that damned goddess sent to this world? What is she planning?”

    “Are they all heroes? Is she trying to find the most talented one to save this world?”

    “Please, that’s impossible. The Second Jie Luo finds and kills every Earthling who arrives.”

    Ireta’s words stopped Muse in his tracks.

    And filled Athena with surprise.

    This was the content of Jie Luo’s soul fragment?

    But who was the Second Jie Luo?

    Her already confused mind reeled. Things were far more complicated than she had imagined.

    Ireta, ignoring their confusion, continued, her voice flat:

    “Damn it, another poor soul found by the Second Jie Luo. He’s doomed. The Second Jie Luo has Karsus and Benson, those two murderers, with him… The only consolation is that Muse, that psychopath, isn’t here.”

    “The poor fool seems to have been wandering in the forest for a while. He saw someone and, thinking he had found a kindred spirit, rushed over to greet him.”

    “That damned thief, who stole my memories, had the audacity to talk about a new game called… football.”

    “Karsus and Benson stuffed the poor Earthling into a sack and used him as a football.”

    “To prolong his suffering, they didn’t use battle qi, even putting metal armor on him.”

    “But even so, they’re War God level.”

    “They kicked him around for hours. When they finally stopped and opened the sack, all that remained was a pulpy mess of flesh and bone.”

    “The poor soul finally died. Hopefully, he won’t be so unlucky in his next life, being reincarnated into another world.”

    Athena couldn’t be certain if this was truly the content of the soul fragment, but it sounded like something Jie Luo, Karsus, and Benson would do.

    Qin Chu didn’t clarify, letting her stew in her confusion.

    “The Second Jie Luo found a mysterious place. He went there alone, avoiding the other Hero Squad members.”

    “Oh my god.”

    “What am I seeing?”

    “It’s a giant heart, as large as a mountain.”

    Qin Chu frowned. A heart?

    Whose heart?

    As large as a mountain!

    He remembered the message from the fallen Fire God in the Flame Sanctuary.

    There were eight Evil Gods in the Void… besides the seven he knew of, there was an eighth, the most powerful of them all.

    He was responsible for the fall of the gods a thousand years ago.

    According to the Fire God, his body was as large as a star, the gods of the Heavenly Continent insignificant before his might.

    They had only managed to defeat him through sheer numbers.

    His body had been divided into seven parts: his head, limbs, torso… even his heart had been removed, scattered across the Heavenly Continent.

    Qin Chu had found it ironic that his own fate was similar.

    The only difference was that his heart hadn’t been removed.

    Now, hearing about a heart the size of a mountain, his first thought was: Could this be the heart of the Eighth Evil God, the strongest of them all?

    No way… after a thousand years, the heart hasn’t decayed?

    But then again, it was an Evil God. Anything was possible.

    “My god, a heart the size of a mountain. How large must the owner have been?”

    “And the heart, removed and yet not decayed, still pulsating, the blood still flowing within.”

    “A single heart, emanating an aura as powerful as a storm, a tsunami, an earthquake. While I don’t want to admit it, that bastard who stole my body is quite strong. But even he couldn’t get too close, only observing from a distance.”

    “Damn, that’s creepy.”

    The First Jie Luo had commented.

    “And what bothers me even more is that the aura emanating from the heart is similar to those… things in the Void.”

    Qin Chu’s suspicion grew.

    “The Second Jie Luo sensed the immense power within the heart. Greedy bastard, he wanted to claim it for himself.”

    “Enduring the immense pressure, he approached the heart.”

    “He finally reached it, his face contorted with effort. He extended his hand, touching the giant heart, and then…”

    “…the heart beat!”

    Holy shit!

  • After Failing to Find Immortality 229

    Chapter 229: A Master’s Surprise, A Gathering Storm

    Lin Tianlu stepped down from the carriage and cautiously approached the fallen figure.

    “Are you alright, Senior?”

    “Of course.”

    A slightly muffled voice responded.

    The old man, who had been lying face down in the dirt, slowly sat up, crossed his legs, and took a deep breath, exhaling a long stream of air that formed a swirling dragon shape in the air, a display of impressive internal energy control.

    Except for the dirt on his forehead, he seemed perfectly composed.

    “I never thought I, a seasoned martial artist, would stumble like this. How… unexpected.”

    His voice was calm and even, as if he wasn’t bothered by the incident at all.

    The black-haired old man stood up and dusted himself off.

    “Young man, the roof of your carriage is quite slippery. You should warn people about it.”

    Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly. “We were about to, but you were too fast.”

    Who would have thought that a master cultivator would perform a faceplant?

    “…Just forget about it. Farewell.”

    The old man bowed curtly, turning to leave.

    But Lin Tianlu quickly appeared before him, blocking his path. He bowed slightly. “If you don’t mind me asking, Senior, where are you headed?”

    “Hmm?”

    The old man paused, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

    This seemingly frail young man had just displayed remarkable speed and agility.

    No, he hadn’t even seen him move!

    “I… Who—!”

    The old man’s expression suddenly changed, and he turned towards the carriage, his hand drawing the ancient sword strapped to his back. It spun through the air, landing perfectly in his grasp.

    His internal energy surged, his aura intensifying, his sword intent sharp and focused.

    “You’re being too cautious, Senior.”

    Hua Shuya jumped down from the carriage and bowed respectfully. “I was just curious, seeing that you also carry a sword. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

    “You—”

    The old man’s eyes narrowed, his gaze filled with shock and disbelief.

    This young woman possessed a profound sword intent, her movements fluid and graceful, her aura ethereal. And most importantly… from the carriage behind her, he sensed a terrifying power!

    It was elusive and unfathomable. Even with his sword intent at its peak, he could only perceive a swirling vortex of energy, threatening to consume everything in its path.

    “Senior, why are you just standing there?”

    “Ah!”

    The old man suddenly gasped, turning to see the young scholar standing beside him, his hand on his shoulder.

    He looked back at the carriage, but the terrifying aura was gone, as if he had imagined it.

    Was it truly just an illusion? Or was there… a hidden master inside the carriage?

    “Senior?”

    “I-I’m fine.”

    The old man’s body trembled as he took a few steps back.

    His expression flickered, and he bowed respectfully. “May I ask your name, young man?”

    “My name is Lin Tianlu, from Changling County.”

    “Changling?” The old man’s eyes narrowed. “You’re a local?”

    “Indeed. I’m returning home with my family and companions. I’ve seen many martial artists traveling towards Changling. May I ask what’s happening, Senior?”

    Seeing that the young man was friendly and polite, the old man relaxed slightly and replied, “I don’t know what the others are planning. I just heard that many experts will be gathering in Changling. I’m hoping to find some worthy opponents to test my skills.”

    “So there really is a gathering of martial artists…”

    The old man hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice. “Young man, is there a hidden master inside that carriage?”

    “A hidden master?”

    Lin Tianlu’s eyebrows rose in surprise, and he chuckled. “It’s just my family, Senior.”

    “…I apologize for my presumption.”

    The old man bowed deeply, his face flushed with embarrassment. “I was too hasty and careless. Please forgive me. I won’t disturb you any further. Perhaps we’ll meet again in Changling.”

    “Farewell, Senior.”

    Lin Tianlu smiled and bowed in return.

    The old man nodded curtly and vanished, his movements even faster than before.

    “…”

    Lin Tianlu’s smile faded, and he looked towards the distance, his eyes narrowed.

    “This is getting out of hand.”

    Unlike the Path of the Netherworld ritual organized by the demons and ghosts, this sudden gathering… was attracting even mortal martial artists.

    Would Changling County remain peaceful?

    He thought of Cheng Yishi, his brow furrowed slightly.

    Although she was intelligent and resourceful, he wasn’t sure if she could handle this situation.

    “Senior, who was that old man?”

    “Just like the others, he’s coming to Changling for this gathering.” Lin Tianlu turned to Hua Shuya, his voice serious. “Let’s hurry. Miss Cheng is alone in Changling, and she possesses Yin energy. It’s not safe for her.”

    Those Grandmaster level martial artists could sense Yin energy. If Cheng Yishi encountered one…

    It could be troublesome.

    Hua Shuya’s expression changed, and she quickly jumped back into the carriage, taking the reins. “Let’s go, Senior! If there’s an emergency, we can catch up later.”

    “Alright.”

    …

    Changling County.

    The Ascension Immortal Restaurant, by the Ningguan River, was bustling with activity under the midday sun.

    Tables and chairs filled the restaurant and spilled out onto the street, packed with martial artists and scholars, their laughter and chatter echoing through the air.

    But the atmosphere inside the restaurant was more subdued.

    The diners here were mostly wealthy merchants and landowners from the surrounding towns and villages. Closer to the main table were government officials and other prominent figures, their status evident.

    “It’s quite lively.”

    The maid, dressed in an autumn robe, peeked out of their private room curiously.

    She saw many high-ranking officials she would normally never have the chance to meet.

    If it weren’t for this occasion, she, a mere servant, would never be sitting here, among these wealthy and powerful individuals. But now…

    “Miss, are you sure it’s alright for us to be here?”

    Sensing her mistress’s gaze, she quickly turned back, her voice low. “The governor of Xima Prefecture is in the next room!”

    “There’s no need to be nervous.”

    Cheng Yishi sipped her tea calmly. “As long as we keep a low profile, no one will bother us.”

    “But what if someone comes looking for us?”

    The maid sighed, her face filled with worry.

    The past ten days had been the most stressful of her life.

    Although nothing bad had happened to their family, the situation in Changling County had become increasingly tense.

    After Prince Pei’s son announced his recruitment drive, countless strangers had arrived in town, powerful figures and skilled martial artists, none of them easy to deal with. Conflicts were common, and the atmosphere was charged with tension, a sense of impending doom hanging over the town.

    And with her mistress’s reputation for beauty, many unwanted suitors had come knocking, hoping to catch a glimpse of the most beautiful woman in Changling.

    Although it hadn’t caused any major problems, it was still a nuisance. At least the maid found it quite stressful.

    And she couldn’t shake the feeling…

    That Prince Pei’s son had been lingering around the Cheng residence lately.

    Sometimes he would visit, offering his greetings, other times he would intervene on their behalf, driving away troublesome merchants or martial artists. And after helping them, he would always stay for a while, chatting casually.

    His actions, neither too friendly nor too distant, made the maid feel uneasy.

    Although he was polite and well-mannered, and his appearance was certainly charming, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. If it weren’t for her mistress’s calm and collected demeanor, she would have already told him to leave them alone.

    …Although, as a mere servant, saying such disrespectful words to a prince would probably result in her immediate execution.

    “Don’t worry about that.”

    Cheng Yishi glanced at her maid’s worried face and smiled faintly. “With the prince’s presence in Changling, those petty criminals won’t dare to cause trouble. And who would dare to act recklessly in such a public place?”

    “You’re just trying to reassure yourself, Miss.” The maid grumbled. “If we had a choice, we wouldn’t be here.”

    They hadn’t come to this banquet willingly.

    It was an invitation from Prince Pei’s son, a private room specifically reserved for them. They couldn’t refuse.

    Even the county magistrate wouldn’t dare to offend the prince, let alone a family like theirs.

    “It’s a chance to enjoy the Ascension Immortal Restaurant’s cuisine. There’s no need to complain.”

    Cheng Yishi smiled, picking up a piece of celery. “Instead of worrying, let’s just enjoy the food. It would be a waste to leave on an empty stomach. Besides—”

    She glanced at the aloof figure sitting across from them.

    Yang Chanzhen sat quietly, her umbrella by her side, sipping her wine, her veiled face and alluring attire creating an aura of mystery.

    “With Miss Yang here, there’s no need to worry.”

    “There are many powerful ghost practitioners in this restaurant. It’s still dangerous.” Yang Chanzhen’s voice was cold and ethereal.

    “I’m grateful for your protection, Miss Yang.”

    Cheng Yishi smiled faintly.

    Knock, knock, knock.

    A quick, urgent knock echoed through the room.

    Cheng Yishi turned to see a hidden door opening, revealing a familiar face.

    She stood up in surprise. “Innkeeper Ji?”

    It was the owner of the Ascension Immortal Restaurant.

    “It’s me, Miss Cheng!”

    “Why are you here…?”

    Ji Hang wiped the sweat from his brow, his expression serious. “Miss Cheng, I chose this private room for Prince Pei’s son specifically because of this secret passage. It leads directly to the riverbank, allowing you to escape unnoticed.”

    Cheng Yishi blinked her beautiful eyes, then bowed respectfully. “Thank you for your concern, Innkeeper Ji.”

    She understood his intentions. He was here to help her escape.

    “Since you understand, Miss Cheng, then hurry!” Ji Hang said urgently. “Once you reach the river, take a boat and go downstream, as far away from Changling as possible. It’s best not to return for a while, at least not until this situation is resolved. If Master Lin returns and finds you in danger…”

    “Thank you for your kindness, Innkeeper Ji.” Cheng Yishi smiled gently. “But if I escape, you’ll be punished. I can’t do that to you.”

    “What punishment could they possibly inflict on an old man like me?!”

    Ji Hang’s voice was filled with urgency. “Just go, Miss Cheng! The people at the Golden Phoenix Tower downstream will help you. It’s a safe escape route. It’s far more dangerous to stay here!”

    The prince’s intentions were clear, even to outsiders.

    He had been visiting the Cheng residence frequently. He was clearly interested in the beautiful Miss Cheng.

    That was why Ji Hang was trying to help her escape.

    Even if it was just to repay a small part of the kindness she had shown him in the past.

    “Innkeeper Ji, you have children to think about.” Cheng Yishi’s expression turned serious. “Leave now, before someone sees you.”

    A gust of wind suddenly swept through the room, pushing Ji Hang back into the secret passage, the hidden door slamming shut.

    The maid whispered, “Miss, why didn’t we…?”

    “There’s not enough time, and his plan isn’t well thought out.”

    Cheng Yishi’s eyes flickered, and she smiled calmly. “Besides, someone’s already here.”

    As soon as she finished speaking, the door to the private room opened.

  • The Villainous Older Sister Who Loves Her Younger Sister Aims for the Guillotine 71

    71: The Embodiment of Inequality

    I decided to escort Konrad, despite him being the First Prince, back to the entrance hall after our meeting with Judith. His guards had already left to prepare the carriage.

    As we walked along the red-carpeted hallway, Leticia addressed Prince Konrad.

    “Your Highness, how was the inspection? I heard inspections and investigations are different, and this is my first inspection.”

    Oh, how I wished I could explain it to her step by step.

    “Well…”

    Prince Konrad paused, as if considering his words.

    “[It was a fruitful journey.]”

    My heart skipped a beat.

    “[Having been raised as a prince, this is the only way I can learn about the lives of the people. I’ll probably never truly understand. But… it made me want to protect them. It was a journey that made me want to fulfill my duty.]”

    The sudden [Official Line]. The unpleasant jolt of déjà vu. The moment when the world seemed to lose some of its color, feeling artificial.

    Also, such noble words didn’t suit him.

    As a royal, his words weren’t bad, but he was still a novice.

    Even so, compared to some nobles who declared in public, with a straight face, that “commoners are nothing but sacks of meat that produce taxes,” he was much better.

    Though such nobles tended to be quite unpopular and were now, thankfully, deceased.

    “[Lady Leticia, my perspective has changed in many ways since meeting you. I believe it’s a change for the better… I hope to continue learning from you.]”

    Translated using a special dictionary, it probably meant, “I fell in love with someone from the ‘back alley,’ so it became a personal issue, and now I’m interested.”

    I wouldn’t say it was a bad thing.

    In the game, my sister didn’t have any lines or choices here.

    This scene wasn’t supposed to involve me at all.

    But here I was.

    “Konrad, while my sister’s perspective is valuable, don’t rely on it too much.”

    So, I decided to offer a word of caution.

    “…Of course.”

    While my sister was adorable, I didn’t want the future king to become so infatuated that he turned into a lovesick fool, a cheap imitation of a ‘prince charming’ from a romance novel.

    “Leticia, you might be familiar with the lives of commoners. But remember this. You only know your life. …Everyone is different.”

    ――The Vanderwaals’ way was to erase those differences with fear and profit.

    Fear alone couldn’t control people.

    If they were chained in a cold prison, they would resent, hate, and try to escape.

    But even if it was a prison, if they could find happiness there…

    One of the reasons I didn’t abandon my restrictive noble lifestyle, despite feeling suffocated by it, was the luxurious environment: the gourmet meals, the spacious hot springs, the soft bed, the maids who attended to my every need…

    ――I had already accepted it, as a noble by birth.

    I had lived as a noble, from the day I was born until now.

    “…Adelheid von Vanderwaals.”

    “What is it, Konrad von Eustasia?”

    Since he used my full name, I returned the favor.

    “…You’re a good lord.”

    “Huh?”

    I responded instinctively, almost without thinking.

    This guy… was complimenting me?

    Was this a sign of an impending natural disaster or epidemic? Or was he the source of the problem?

    “I was ordered to inspect Vandergant… so I could learn from how this territory is managed. And to learn without preconceptions… no, to learn with a critical eye.”

    “…And my territory… met your standards?”

    He affirmed with a serious expression.

    “Yes… I’ll admit it. It’s one of the best-managed territories in the Kingdom of Eustasia, perhaps even on the continent.”

    “That’s an exaggeration. Compared to the southern granaries or the trading cities along the Altrein River, it’s…”

    “You’ve managed to make this territory prosperous without the advantages of fertile land, natural harbors, or river trade… Excessive modesty is just another form of arrogance.”

    While I welcomed arrogance… his compliments were unsettling.

    “…Even a lord as capable as you… cannot achieve equality?”

    “No, I cannot.”

    I answered immediately.

    “…Why? Eustasia currently has the resources to help the less fortunate.”

    I stopped walking.

    Konrad and Leticia also stopped, half a step behind.

    “We are the embodiment of inequality, Konrad.”

    Prince Konrad fell silent.

    He knew that, didn’t he?

    Had he always been this naive? …Love truly changed people.

    “It was a ‘fruitful journey,’ wasn’t it? Judith’s words resonated with you—even with power, there are things you cannot achieve.”

    There were those who once sought power.

    Before the rise of the nation of Eustasia, embers of conflict smoldered on this continent.

    There was once a great nation, a bloated empire stretched thin like an old, overfilled wineskin.

    It was too large to be governed effectively—or rather, perhaps they had no intention of governing, aside from collecting taxes.

    I didn’t even know if it could be called a nation.

    What should you call a country where there was little difference between tax collectors and bandits?

    In the distant past, might made right. Everything was decided by the whims of those in power.

    Who could feel safe?

    When currying favor with, flattering, kneeling before, and offering your pride to the powerful became the ‘correct’ way to live.

    Those in power accepted it, their power growing, becoming intoxicated and drowning in their absolute authority.

    With a wave of their hand, many people died. Taxes, born from whims, burdened the people, and judgments changed on a whim.

    Injustice remained injustice.

    That was the ‘norm’ in this world.

    That was why the founding king of Eustasia took up the sword.

    The martial Hargau, the mercantile Wirtschaft, and the scheming Vanderwaals.

    Led by the families that would become the three ducal houses of the Kingdom of Eustasia, including my own, uniting the feudal lords who would become the future nobles, he plunged the continent into war.

    He sought order, shining brightly even when stained with blood, rather than a distorted stability built on resentment.

    How much blood had been spilled?

    We lived on land soaked in the blood of our ancestors—and our enemies.

    Even so, there were those who sought power.

    Those who established a monarchy, established laws beneath it, and tried to rule the nation according to those laws.

    We, the nobles of the Kingdom of Eustasia, were their descendants.

    Descendants of those who swore loyalty and bore their duties.

    “…Your Highness,” my sister, who shared that blood, addressed the prince, a direct descendant of the founding king.

    “I was born in the ‘back alley.’ I was probably… far from the ‘equality’ you speak of.”

    “Yes, that’s why I want to help—”

    “We don’t want help.”

    She declared quietly, but firmly.

    Konrad looked taken aback.

    “Oh, no, I mean, help would be appreciated… but… I know there’s no such thing as equality.”

    Leticia laughed.

    Her lips curved into a smile—but her eyes seemed to be looking somewhere far away.

    “That’s not—”

    “Elder Sister just said it, didn’t she, Your Highness? I’m a ducal lady now. I eat delicious food, wear clean clothes, and take luxurious baths… I’m the only one.”

    Neither of us could say anything to my sister, who had lowered her head.

    “Elder Sister is kind, so she treats even someone like me well.”

    No, that wasn’t it. I was simply giving her what a ducal daughter deserved.

    It wasn’t because I was kind.

    However, it wasn’t the right time to interject.

    “I know I’m just taking advantage of my position as a noble relative.”

    That wasn’t true.

    She was the [Protagonist] of [Moonlight Liberium].

    She deserved everything she received.

    …But what if… that story didn’t exist?

    A voice, like a wall lizard, whispered in my mind.

  • Inferior A After Having a Baby with the Top Boss 51

    Chapter 51: “Ming Fei, Kiss Me.”

    —What should she do?

    In their past interactions, whenever the pheromone-knowledge-deficient Ming Fei asked Zhu Yiqiao a question, Zhu Yiqiao would always give a definite answer.

    Facing the unfamiliar territory of pheromones, Ming Fei was like a kite floating in the air, and Zhu Yiqiao was the person holding the kite string tightly.

    But at this moment, when Ming Fei looked at Zhu Yiqiao, lost and struggling, Zhu Yiqiao suddenly asked in return,

    “What do you think?”

    Ming Fei’s ears turned red.

    She… wasn’t sure, which was why she had asked Zhu Yiqiao, because Zhu Yiqiao knew more about these things, but the other party asked her back.

    Facing someone who seemed genuinely puzzled, Ming Fei’s professional instincts as a teacher made her respond gently and meticulously, as if answering a student’s question in school. Only this time, she was truly bewildered and uncertain, her tone lacking the usual confidence she had in her own professional field.

    “Jiejie told me in Taiya that an alpha’s pre-heat symptoms can be suppressed and alleviated with suppressants and pheromone bracelets. If that method doesn’t work, then a temporary marking is needed.”

    Her speech slowed, as if hesitating: “But Jiejie said on the phone last week that you’ve been using suppressants for too long and have developed resistance and negative side effects. If you continue using suppressants now, they might not be as effective as expected.”

    Zhu Yiqiao said lightly, “There are no more suppressants on the third floor.”

    Ming Fei immediately responded, “I still have some in my room, Jiejie, do you need them?”

    “The suppressants I use are different from yours.”

    Zhu Yiqiao explained, “Dr. Tang developed two types of suppressants. One is the regular suppressant you use, and the other has a stronger suppressing effect. I usually use regular suppressants for pheromone fluctuations or abnormalities. Only the enhanced suppressants are effective when a heat cycle is approaching or during the pre-heat phase.”

    Ming Fei paused and said softly, “Then… only a temporary marking is left.”

    The cedar and fir trees, thriving amidst the spreading pear fragrance, trembled slightly as if a gentle breeze had blown past, like the joyful satisfaction of a certain desire. Zhu Yiqiao looked at Ming Fei, her cold gaze quickly sweeping over her forehead, almond eyes, straight nose, cheeks, and lips, not wanting to startle the relaxed rabbit. She asked slowly,

    “Do you know how?”

    Ming Fei’s ears turned even redder: “No.”

    She really didn’t.

    The marking process was covered in the advanced physiology class after differentiation, but there was also a brief description in the basic physiology textbook. Ming Fei thought that perhaps the marking between alphas and alphas was the same, and even if she didn’t know how, they could take it slow, and she could learn.

    But she didn’t voice her thoughts, always letting Zhu Yiqiao take the lead.

    Zhu Yiqiao asked, “Are you willing?”

    Ming Fei nodded repeatedly like a pecking chicken: “Mm, Jiejie has helped me, I’m very willing to help Jiejie.”

    Ripples appeared in Zhu Yiqiao’s eyes: “Come closer.”

    “Okay.”

    The distance between them completely disappeared, and Ming Fei’s heart pounded. She didn’t know what Zhu Yiqiao was going to do, and she couldn’t control the overflowing of her pheromones. She only knew that her heart rate was very fast at this moment, so fast that it broke her previous record.

    She pursed her lips, trying to explain her situation to Zhu Yiqiao.

    “Jiejie, my pheromones have been very stable this week, basically no fluctuations. But after sensing Jiejie’s pheromones, they became uncontrollable.”

    “Mm.” Zhu Yiqiao asked, “Do you know why?”

    “I don’t know.”

    Zhu Yiqiao asked slowly, “Really don’t know?”

    Ming Fei was stumped.

    She thought for a moment. Whenever Zhu Yiqiao wasn’t around, her pheromones were quiet, like little pear blossoms on branches. But when she met Zhu Yiqiao, when she was close to Zhu Yiqiao, her pheromones would start to fluctuate, then gradually become difficult to control, and finally even lose control.

    Why was this happening?

    What was the reason?

    As she let her mind wander, the pear trees growing among the cedar and fir trees suddenly blossomed, and after blooming, immediately bore fruit.

    The sweet pear fragrance filled the snowy forest. When the rich woody scent approached, the snow-white, sweet pears remained quiet and obedient, letting it surround and envelop them. Even when the woody scent grew stronger, turning into a playful raccoon cat circling and licking, the pears just shyly rolled in place.

    Zhu Yiqiao’s voice rang out at the right time.

    “The state of pheromones is closely related to the differentiated individual. Do you really not sense it?”

    Hearing this, Ming Fei’s face flushed red.

    Although she didn’t know why, at this moment, she clearly sensed the signal her pheromones were sending—they liked Zhu Yiqiao’s pheromones, liked the woody scent that was approaching.

    Ming Fei’s eyelashes fluttered, a little embarrassed, but still honest.

    “I sense it.”

    Zhu Yiqiao didn’t ask her the reason: “Mm.”

    Ming Fei habitually changed the subject: “Then what should we do next?”

    The snow pear was gently circled by the raccoon cat’s tail. Chief Judge Zhu, with ulterior motives, didn’t tease Ming Fei any further, but extended her hand and said,

    “Hold my hand.”

    “My self-control is not bad. This situation hasn’t reached the point where a temporary marking is absolutely necessary.”

    Ming Fei tightly held her right hand: “But… it still needs to be alleviated.”

    Otherwise, it would be very uncomfortable.

    She had experienced that discomfort in Taiya, and she didn’t want Zhu Yiqiao to go through the same pain.

    “Mm.” Zhu Yiqiao also held her hand tightly. “Pheromone guidance is not only a way to help control pheromones, but to a certain extent, it can also alleviate pre-heat symptoms.”

    Ming Fei’s slightly round almond eyes were filled with confusion.

    “Then why isn’t it written in the books?”

    “Because this requires an alpha to have very strong self-control. You’ve taken basic physiology classes, you should know how uncontrollable an alpha can be when their heat cycle is approaching. Using pheromone guidance to alleviate an alpha’s symptoms is simply wishful thinking.”

    Zhu Yiqiao’s gaze was calm: “When you were in Taiya, I helped you with a reverse temporary marking not because I thought your self-control was insufficient. It’s just that your situation was too special, and I couldn’t risk your safety. The reverse temporary marking was the best solution at that time.”

    Ming Fei, who lived in the remote border region, had no way of knowing these things.

    She was surprised by the Ole Empire’s concealment, and also by Zhu Yiqiao’s terrifying self-control. Many years ago, she had witnessed an alpha’s heat cycle on the street. One moment, the alpha was a well-dressed, gentle, and calm researcher, the next, they lost control, like a wild beast in clothing, turning and walking towards the nearest omega.

    Fortunately, there were many passersby around at the time, and the street patrol arrived quickly. The out-of-control alpha was forcibly restrained by everyone and fainted after being injected with a suppressant.

    This incident had a certain impact on the then thirteen-year-old Ming Fei, and she even shared this episode with One Raccoon Hill after returning home.

    One Raccoon Hill had replied at the time,

    [One Raccoon Hill: The Empire’s control and punishment of alphas are too lax.]

    Ming Fei strongly agreed with One Raccoon Hill’s words and admired Zhu Yiqiao even more after learning about this method.

    The two pheromones intertwined in the room, like intertwined vines, inseparable. At the same time, Ming Fei felt that her pheromones… were becoming increasingly joyful for some reason.

    She asked, “Jiejie, can I ask you another question?”

    “Mm.”

    “Pheromones…” Ming Fei didn’t know how to describe it, so she asked, “Does the feeling they give relate to the differentiated individual’s personality?”

    Her pheromones, even when close to the woody scent they liked, were still quiet and gentle, not becoming aggressive or invasive. However… Zhu Yiqiao’s pheromones were very lively, pouncing around like a mischievous cat, unlike Zhu Yiqiao herself.

    Their clasped hands intertwined their fingers.

    Zhu Yiqiao’s voice rang out: “At least before I transmigrated, there were no such research reports in the Ole Empire. But there were indeed related studies showing that the pheromones of most alphas, like their innate personalities, are restless.”

    The snow pear that fell on the snow had been surrounded by the raccoon cat.

    It probably really liked and cherished this sweet pear, only licking its skin, not yet revealing its fangs to bite, its fluffy tail still circling it, as if wanting to take this pear back to its den and guard it day and night.

    Until it was fully ripe.

    Until it actively invited her to taste it.

    And all of this was sensed by Ming Fei. The liking expressed by the pheromones was too obvious and straightforward, and Ming Fei’s ears turned completely red.

    She answered softly, “Mm, then it probably has nothing to do with the differentiated individual’s personality.”

    She thought, Zhu Yiqiao’s pheromones were indeed different from her cold personality, but she didn’t feel any dissonance. She even thought that this contrast added a touch of vibrancy to Zhu Yiqiao.

    After all, Chief Judge Zhu could never be associated with words like playful, lively, or mischievous at any other time.

    The display screen not far away lit up. Ming Fei glanced at it and realized it was already eleven o’clock. The pheromone guidance was still ongoing. When she sensed a faint burning sensation in her gland, she frowned slightly.

    This small movement was caught by Zhu Yiqiao’s peripheral vision, and even her pheromones slowed down.

    “Are you uncomfortable?”

    The burning sensation disappeared in a flash. Ming Fei just thought it was a glandular reaction caused by the pheromone guidance and didn’t pay much attention to it, still focusing on alleviating Zhu Yiqiao’s pre-heat symptoms.

    “No, I just suddenly remembered that I haven’t finished some work and need to catch up tomorrow.”

    After saying that, she asked, “How are you feeling, Jiejie?”

    Zhu Yiqiao’s expression remained unchanged: “It’s effective.”

    She changed the subject: “But the fluctuation threshold of your pheromone state is relatively low. If there were greater fluctuations in a short period, the soothing and guiding process could be completed faster.”

    Ming Fei asked, puzzled, “Then how can I achieve greater fluctuations?”

    Perhaps because her gland had been injured, compared to Zhu Yiqiao, she could feel that her pheromone state was indeed calmer, like an ancient well in the continuous autumn rain, occasionally rippling, but without any major tides.

    Zhu Yiqiao: “Do you remember the definition of pheromone guidance?”

    Ming Fei didn’t remember the definition of pheromone guidance, but she clearly remembered what Zhu Yiqiao had told her about it.

    “—Pheromone guidance and co-regulation.”

    “If necessary, it will be accompanied by intimate acts, such as holding hands, hugging, and kissing, for guidance.”

    Therefore, Ming Fei asked uncertainly, “Is behavioral guidance needed?”

    “Mm.”

    Ming Fei’s voice was low: “Is hugging okay?”

    Just as she finished speaking, Zhu Yiqiao leaned closer, stopping only inches away from Ming Fei’s lips. Then, she offered a quicker and more feasible solution.

    “Ming Fei, kiss me.”

    Ming Fei’s heart skipped a beat.

    She didn’t want to appear hesitant, after all, the pheromone guidance was also helping her. She didn’t ask any further questions, since they had engaged in intimate acts before as part of their act.

    She half-closed her eyes, turned her cheek, and lightly kissed Zhu Yiqiao’s right cheek.

    This method was indeed very effective.

    In the next instant, the pear fragrance in the air was like ignited fireworks, rapidly fluctuating to its most brilliant peak. At the same time, fireworks also seemed to explode in Ming Fei’s mind, blurring her vision, stopping her breath, and making her head spin.

    So much so that she didn’t even notice—

    That there was a silver box next to the first aid kit not far away, and the marking on that silver box was completely different from the one containing the regular suppressants, clearly containing the enhanced suppressants Zhu Yiqiao had mentioned.

    But the marking happened to be covered by a shadow, and she couldn’t see it, nor did the person beside her let her see it.

  • On How to Conquer System Fairies and Make Them Your Wives 214

    Chapter 214: Divine Son and Dao Venerable

    In the dimly lit underground palace, the black mist coalesced into the Divine Son’s form. He looked at Chen Yin, a sinister glint in his eyes.

    “…You actually found me.”

    “You don’t seem surprised.”

    Chen Yin grinned, summoning the Eternal Light Sword. “If you’re not surprised, it means you’re ready to face me, right?” His smile faded as he raised his sword. “This time… it’s your true body, isn’t it?”

    The Divine Son glared at him.

    As Chen Yin stepped forward, a shout echoed through the hall. “Don’t you dare touch the Divine Son!”

    Divine Messenger Chenming lunged, his broadsword crashing down, amplified by his System’s power. He was confident in his System’s ability; this strike could cleave a mountain in two.

    Chen Yin glanced at him sideways. “So you’re the one who hurt Sister Qiaoqiao?”

    Chenming roared as he swung his sword, about to crush Chen Yin.

    But the Eternal Light Sword had already pierced his throat.

    Frozen mid-strike, his expression shifted from ferocity to shock, his mouth opening and closing silently as blood gurgled from the wound in his throat.

    Chen Yin flicked his wrist, and Chenming’s body collapsed to the floor like a discarded ragdoll.

    Chenming’s face was etched with disbelief. Even in death, he was probably wondering…

    …Why?

    Why wasn’t he affected by the System?

    Chen Yin hadn’t even looked at him. The Eternal Light Sword had moved on its own, almost instinctively.

    In a single moment, one of Shen Li’s strongest guardians, besides the Divine Son, was dead.

    It happened so quickly that it was almost anticlimactic.

    The Divine Son’s eye twitched as he witnessed Chenming’s death.

    “…Why doesn’t Chenming’s System affect you? You’re not a Chosen One. Only Frost Moon Sword Immortal’s superior System can nullify other Systems.”

    Chen Yin wiped the blood from his sword, a memory flashing through his mind.

    One night, in Shen Shuanglian’s bedroom at the Mist Spirit Sect, two naked bodies were tangled in the sheets.

    “Speaking of which, every Chosen One has a System ability, right? Yours is called the Protagonist System. What does it do?”

    “It’s simple,” Shen Shuanglian had whispered, her lips pressed against his. “It nullifies the abilities of other Chosen Ones.”

    …Such a simple and crude ability, perfect for a protagonist. Chen Yin had thought at the time.

    “Is it powerful?”

    “It’s only effective against Chosen Ones. Against anyone else, it’s useless.”

    “But if the opponent is a Chosen One, then no matter what their ability is, it won’t affect me.”

    “Different people, different uses.”

    “Why do you ask?”

    “I want to see how powerful this ‘protagonist’ really is.”

    He had pulled her close, and Shen Shuanglian’s face had turned crimson.

    “I-I give up…”

    Recalling Shen Shuanglian’s flustered expression, Chen Yin felt a sense of smug satisfaction.

    …I’ve even conquered the protagonist.

    He grinned at the Divine Son.

    “Too bad.”

    “Shen Shuanglian is my wife.”

    The Divine Son’s expression turned cold.

    …He can use Shen Shuanglian’s System ability? How? But if that’s true, then my System is useless against him.

    He slowly stood up, clapping his hands softly.

    “As expected of Yu Ling’s disciple.”

    “I don’t know how you’re able to use Shen Shuanglian’s System ability,”

    “But I have to admit, you’re the biggest threat Shen Li has ever faced.”

    “Without you, we would have already succeeded.”

    His face twitched, and he gritted his teeth. “You’re good.”

    “But do you really think you can defeat us alone, when even your Master couldn’t after all these years?”

    Luo Qiaoqiao stared at them, and suddenly, the entire palace shook violently.

    “What’s happening?”

    “There’s a powerful presence… beneath us… It’s terrifying,” the System’s voice was grim.

    Chen Yin frowned slightly.

    The ground beneath their feet cracked, and a crimson light surged from the depths.

    The Divine Son descended the steps, bathed in the blood-red light.

    “You have no idea what you’re up against.”

    “…It’s a god.” A sinister smile spread across his lips. “A true god.”

    A blood-red mark, like a rune or a totem, appeared on his forehead, glowing with an intense heat.

    At the same time, the ground beneath them transformed into a sea of blood, forming a massive, complex formation. Its aura was overwhelming, far beyond anything this world could withstand.

    The moment it appeared, everything around them crumbled into dust.

    The walls.

    The pillars.

    Even Chenming’s body.

    Luo Qiaoqiao stared at the scene in horror, the world around her distorting and twisting.

    Space and time seemed to shatter as the formation pulsed with power, the entire palace becoming a void.

    And all that power, channeled through the formation, converged upon the Divine Son.

    His body floated in the air, his aura growing more powerful and ethereal, like the vast expanse of the heavens.

    “HAHAHAHA!”

    He spread his arms wide, reveling in his newfound power.

    “You’re lucky. This was a trump card left behind by the Dao Venerable, meant for your Master. But now, you get to experience true despair before she does.”

    Luo Qiaoqiao looked at him, her heart filled with a primal fear.

    Even the System’s voice trembled. “This… isn’t good. Run! I can’t save you this time!”

    It was the first time she had heard fear in its voice.

    As if it was instinctively terrified of the Divine Son.

    Chen Yin also sensed the ominous aura emanating from the formation. He looked up, his gaze fixed on the Divine Son.

    After a moment, the energy stabilized, all the power concentrated within the Divine Son’s body.

    He tilted his head, savoring the power.

    “Is this the true power of a god?”

    “We were right all along!”

    His eyes glowed with a manic intensity. “By following the Dao Venerable’s will, we will achieve immortality!”

    He laughed triumphantly and said, his voice booming through the chamber:

    “Chen Yin!”

    “You will be the first sacrifice to our divine power!”

    He took a step forward.

    Instantly, the space around Chen Yin compressed, collapsing into an endless black hole.

    The crushing pressure was even greater than that of the Wu Xuan Ancestor, making Chen Yin raise an eyebrow.

    “…He’s even stronger than that old turtle.”

    “What exactly is behind this Shen Li?”

    He didn’t have time to ponder the meaning of “Dao Venerable.”

    He knew that if he didn’t take this seriously…

    …he might actually die.

    He slowly raised his Eternal Light Sword.

    The scroll in his chest glowed faintly, the statue and the crystal skull within its space resonating with his sword.

    An ancient, primordial aura emanated from the blade,

    An aura of time and power, like a layer of gold leaf.

    The Divine Son’s confident smile faltered as he sensed the power emanating from Chen Yin’s sword.

    …It was comparable to his own.

    “My Second Sword can even slay an Immortal.”

    Chen Yin’s hair whipped around his face as he gripped his sword, its aura intensifying.

    “And you, a self-proclaimed god, are no exception.”

    The Eternal Light Sword blazed, a meteor streaking through the darkness.

    Chen Yin’s robes billowed in the wind, his sword imbued with the boundless power of the Dao.

    “Break!”

    The sword light pierced through the darkness, striking the Divine Son.

    “Boom!”

    Outside the underground palace, in Yunlin City…

    A massive wave suddenly crashed against the harbor, the tranquil waters erupting in chaos.

    Countless mortals watched in horror as the sea parted, revealing the dry seabed, the chasm refusing to close.

    A brilliant sword light, like a full moon, rose from the depths.

    A furious roar echoed through the air:

    “Impossible!”

    “This is the Dao Venerable’s power! Even your Master can’t withstand it! How can you?!”

    Another swift sword strike answered him, cleaving another chasm in the seabed.

    A figure fled in terror.

    “Chen Yin! This isn’t over!”

    “For defying the Dao Venerable, everyone in this world will pay!”

    Under the light of the moon, Chen Yin stood there, his sword in one hand, his other arm around Luo Qiaoqiao, watching as the Divine Son’s figure disappeared into the distance.

    His eyes narrowed thoughtfully.