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  • The Saintess Has A Showdown 189-190

    Chapter 189: Scorpion Tail

    Wen Chan, the former Saintess Candidate of the Ice Shield’s Fifth Palace.

    After losing her battle against Luo Kuxin during the Saintess selection, she had been so furious she couldn’t sleep for ten days and nights. She had then stormed into the Wind Valley, engaging in a frenzied killing spree for another ten days and nights, returning battered and bruised.

    Just as her anger subsided and she was about to rest, a gift box arrived at her doorstep.

    Inside was a bound and gagged, beautiful woman, identical to Luo Kuxin, a letter identifying her as a clone of the Wrathful Saintess, meant for Wen Chan to… vent her frustrations.

    And so, Wen Chan spent another ten days and nights torturing the clone with various implements before finally collapsing from exhaustion.

    When she awoke, she found the previously battered green-haired girl dressed in a maid outfit, having prepared a delicious breakfast, acting like a doting wife.

    At that moment, she fell in love.

    For the Wrathful Saintess, she would do anything!

    Wen Chan willingly participated in the Ranking Battle. She would make the Ice Shield Palace the ruler of the Sea Region, and then Lady Luo Kuxin would become its Empress!!!

    “Tear her to shreds! Leave nothing behind, Ice Spider Queen!”

    In the center of the Water Heart Stage, as Wen Chan’s cold voice echoed, a chilling aura filled the arena, and a beautiful, corpse-like woman in mourning clothes, her limbs twisted grotesquely, emerged from the void.

    Radiating an icy aura, the humanoid spirit beast swayed unsteadily, like a hanged ghost.

    As it moved, grotesque, fleshy tumors on its back split open, revealing massive, writhing spider legs.

    Despite its unsettling appearance, its terrifying aura was undeniable, on a completely different level from the previous farcical displays.

    This was a Spirit Master from the battle-hardened Ice Shield Palace…

    Meanwhile, the black-haired woman from the Pool of Hidden Secrets, her expression calm, channeled her spirit energy.

    She was a descendant of the Ninth Lineage of the Nine Nethers. She couldn’t lose to anyone from the Sea Region.

    Boom!

    A violent aura erupted, and a massive black beast, its hundred-meter-tall body blotting out the sky, emerged from the shadows, its heavy footsteps causing the ground to tremble.

    A black-scaled crocodile, as large as a Tyrannosaurus Rex, its massive jaws capable of splitting open like a zipper, from head to toe.

    The Ice Spider Queen and the Tyrant Water Crocodile, both high-rank offensive spirit beasts, their auras clashing.

    Bang!!!

    The next second, the two spirit beasts collided at a speed beyond human comprehension.

    Nearly ten icy spider legs, like a flurry of blades, rained down on the giant crocodile, tearing through its flesh, sending black blood spraying everywhere.

    Enduring the excruciating pain, the Tyrant Water Crocodile lashed out with its massive, scaled tail, a blur of black, striking the Ice Spider Queen.

    Boom!!!

    The Ice Spider Queen was sent flying like a cannonball, tumbling across the ground, its spider legs broken, its graceful body twisted into a mangled mess.

    Unlike those pathetic Spirit Masters from the lower-ranked factions, these two were fighting to kill.

    “Aaaaaaaah!!!

    A few seconds of silence, then a chorus of terrified screams.

    The gruesome scene before them made many Spirit Masters recoil in horror. Even the Snow Fairy Mansion Spirit Masters, lacking combat experience, let alone these ordinary Spirit Masters who had never even killed a chicken, were shocked.

    How could they bear to see their spirit beasts suffer like this…?

    A few seconds later, the Ice Spider Queen, its twisted body reforming, new, larger, and even more grotesque spider legs sprouting from its back, covered in thick, bristly hair, finally used a battle technique.

    And the Tyrant Water Crocodile, despite its injuries, also recovered, its body now covered in sharp, black spikes, its aura surging once more.

    Like donning a suit of heavy armor, the crocodile charged, not at the Ice Spider Queen, but at its Spirit Master!

    To protect its master, the enemy’s attacks would surely be limited!

    Seeing the massive beast charging towards her, a flicker of anger appeared in Wen Chan’s eyes.

    Swish!

    The Ice Spider Queen, which had been slowly recovering, instantly teleported back to its master’s side.

    Dozens of powerful, icy spider legs, their tips now sharpened into blades, lashed out at the approaching crocodile.

    Crack—

    In a flash, the black crocodile’s four massive legs were severed, and it lost its balance, tumbling towards Wen Chan, its massive body creating a deafening roar and a cloud of dust.

    With no other choice, the Ice Spider Queen moved to intercept it.

    However, just as the crocodile approached, its jaw unhinged, expanding several times its normal size, and in an instant, it swallowed the Ice Spider Queen whole.

    But this awkward maneuver also altered its trajectory, sending it tumbling towards another faction’s waiting area.

    —

    In the Sea Concubine Palace’s designated area, seeing the massive, shadowy figure hurtling towards them, everyone froze.

    Even the Sorrowful Saintess, her expression calm, seemed caught off guard by this sudden development.

    However, at that very moment…

    Thud!!!!

    Amidst the spectators’ gasps, the massive figure stopped, barely a meter away from the legendary Sorrowful Saintess, stopped by an insurmountable force.

    As the dust settled, the scene was revealed.

    Two deep blue scorpion tails, like chains, coiled around the Sorrowful Saintess, forming a protective cage.

    These seemingly delicate, bony tails had effortlessly stopped the massive, tumbling crocodile, not even a ripple disturbing their surface.

    Although only a meter away, the Tyrant Water Crocodile felt an insurmountable barrier, a chasm separating it from the blue-haired girl, a power it couldn’t possibly overcome.

    From that single point of contact, it could sense the vast difference in their strength, a wave of despair washing over it.

    And at the same time, Gong Lianyue, surrounded by the two swirling scorpion tails, her cold eyes narrowed.

    “You… have crossed the line.”

    Chapter 190: The Second Round

    The Saint-Breaking Pill, a legendary treasure of the spirit world, said to be capable of inducing a genetic mutation in a high-rank spirit beast, evolving it into a Saint-rank.

    Like a shortcut to godhood, bypassing the usual arduous cultivation process, its price was unimaginable.

    Awarding it as a prize for first place in a war zone seemed… reasonable.

    According to the records, if you circled a Saint-Breaking Pill around a spirit beast, an image of its evolved form would appear on the pill’s surface.

    Gong Lianyue circled the purple, cloud-patterned pill around the Iron Jade Ice Scorpion, and the image of a scorpion tail with crossed blades appeared.

    Then she tried it with the Nine-Colored Cloud Dream Flower, but the pill remained blank, indicating there were no Saint-rank spirit beasts of a similar lineage.

    The little fox couldn’t evolve…

    —

    Before the viewing stands of the Water Heart Stage, two high-rank spirit beasts, locked in a fierce wrestling match, slid for hundreds of meters before being abruptly stopped.

    Barely a meter away from the Sorrowful Saintess, they were blocked by two swirling scorpion tails, a cage of chains protecting the cold, blue-haired girl.

    “You’ve crossed the line.”

    As the Sorrowful Saintess spoke, a chilling aura, like falling into an icy abyss, washed over the two spirit beasts.

    The Ice Spider Queen, its mangled body held in the Tyrant Water Crocodile’s jaws, felt its limbs go numb, its courage failing.

    Sensing the crocodile’s fear, the Pool of Hidden Secrets woman anxiously tried to communicate with it, channeling her spirit energy.

    However, the terrified crocodile was unresponsive, its mind a blank.

    Crack, crack!

    The next second, the crocodile’s body was torn apart, the spider’s sharp legs shredding its insides, its head splitting open like a blooming flower.

    As its aura vanished, the Ice Spider Queen, covered in blood, its form barely recognizable, slowly emerged.

    The Ice Shield Palace had won!

    “Pwah!”

    At the same time, the woman from the Pool of Hidden Secrets spat out a mouthful of blood, her face as pale as a ghost, glaring at the referee.

    The Winter Floating Sky Spirit Master sighed and shook her head, unwilling to overturn the result.

    Intimidating a spirit beast mid-battle was indeed a foul, but the Sorrowful Saintess hadn’t released any spirit energy.

    With a single word, a single glance, she had broken the Tyrant Water Crocodile’s will.

    Even a Sun and Moon Realm expert couldn’t achieve such a feat. This couldn’t be considered a violation.

    The battle concluded. The Pool of Hidden Secrets Spirit Masters’ faces darkened, while the Ice Shield Palace members gloated, as if they had just annihilated their entire families.

    The other spectators didn’t seem to notice anything unusual, assuming the crocodile had simply lost its grip. They were more impressed by the Sorrowful Saintess, who had effortlessly stopped the massive beast’s charge, than the two spirit beasts that had actually fought.

    After this, the lower-ranked factions continued their cautious approach, either forfeiting or challenging weaker opponents.

    After the Snow Fairy Mansion was repeatedly crushed, it was the Jade Pot Palace’s turn, then the Azure Stream Palace. The three bottom factions were humiliated and abused, a comical and rather disturbing sight.

    Even the Lost Saintess of the Jade Pot Palace, despite her initial two victories, could only watch helplessly as her teammates were brutally defeated.

    The Ice Shield Palace and the Pool of Hidden Secrets, on the other hand, were locked in a fierce rivalry, their battles bloody and brutal.

    The Sea Concubine Palace, the Cold Court, and the Winter Floating Sky engaged in a few… friendly… matches, their wins and losses evenly distributed.

    Hong Tao and Qing Yu each won one match, while the other team members had mixed results.

    After nearly ten hours, the first round finally ended.

    [Water Wish Pavilion: 3]
    [Tide Pavilion: 3]
    [Winter Floating Sky: 1]
    [Sea Concubine Palace: 1]
    [Cold Court: 1]
    [Ice Shield Palace: 1]
    [Pool of Hidden Secrets: -1]
    [Jade Pot Palace: -2]
    [Azure Stream Palace: -3]
    [Snow Fairy Mansion: -4]

    The Water Wish Pavilion and the Tide Pavilion held a significant lead, but their points had been earned by bullying the bottom three factions.

    The top-tier factions, considering them no threat, had only challenged them a couple of times, allowing them to enjoy their temporary lead.

    During the intermission, the spectators began to discuss the results.

    “No Saint-rank spirit beasts appeared in the first round. Rather boring…”

    “The real excitement is always saved for last. The point difference isn’t significant.”

    “I thought the battles between the Ice Shield Palace and the Pool of Hidden Secrets were quite entertaining. So much blood!!”

    “Eww~~ That’s too violent! They’ll never find husbands.”

    The Ice Shield Palace and the Pool of Hidden Secrets had clearly developed a rivalry. They had fought five times, the Ice Shield Palace winning three.

    The defeated Spirit Masters had lost their main spirit beasts, their soul cores severely damaged, unable to challenge again.

    Although Dead Sea Stage Spirit Masters didn’t faint from the pain of their spirit beast’s death, they still suffered, their minds and bodies exhausted.

    After the results of the first round were tallied, it was time for the second round, the Tests.

    Although lacking the direct confrontation of the duels, this round was more entertaining, like a school sports day.

    The referee from the Winter Floating Sky drew five slips of paper:

    1. Speed

    2. Intelligence

    3. Strength

    4. Spirit Energy Capacity

    5. Beauty

    The second round, the Tests, was where the top and mid-tier factions could truly separate themselves from the rest.

    Only the top three in each test earned points: 3, 2, and 1, respectively. The other factions received zero.

    The Speed test involved a one-kilometer race around the Water Heart Stage, the Spirit Master carried by their spirit beast. The first to reach the finish line won.

    The Intelligence test assessed the spirit beast’s intelligence, not the Spirit Master’s.

    The Strength test involved a spirit artifact that measured the force of each faction’s spirit beast’s attack.

    The Spirit Energy Capacity test measured the maximum amount of spirit energy a Spirit Master could unleash in an instant.

    The Beauty test wasn’t based on human standards, but on which Spirit Master was most attractive to wild spirit beasts.

    The second round consisted of five tests. Most mid-tier factions sent their Saintesses to participate in this round, hoping to secure a higher ranking…

    And Bai He of the Sea Concubine Palace would also be participating in this round.

  • A Girl Dies Every Day in Her Dream Life 169

    Chapter 169: Big Sister Luo and Little Dugu

    After sensing the mysterious mortal, most likely the real Princess Xue, Luo Xue stopped.

    Just like in the imperial study, Luo Xue couldn’t see her with her naked eyes.

    Some strange technique was blocking her perception. The reason Luo Xue could sense her aura was because of her sharp senses and because she had encountered it before in her bedroom and remembered it.

    If it were anyone else, even if they sensed this aura, they wouldn’t think that someone was concealing themselves nearby.

    However, being unable to see her didn’t mean Luo Xue was helpless.

    Luo Xue’s innate talent was Double Pupils, which enhanced all pupil techniques and could even see through illusions.

    Furthermore, the Mystic Dark Eyes she had learned before weren’t lost with the Eternal Withering Body. She could still use them.

    She slowed down, her eyes gradually filling with a blood-red color, her pupils pitch black, a faint second pupil overlapping within.

    “Mystic Dark Eyes… Soul Vision!”

    In Luo Xue’s eyes, everything was covered in a faint blood mist, and all beings with souls became visible.

    “Found her…”

    Luo Xue’s pupils constricted, and she looked up, her gaze falling on a seemingly empty spot.

    She could clearly see Princess Xue being carried by a humanoid figure without a soul, heading towards the imperial kitchen.

    “So this is Princess Xue?” Luo Xue looked on silently. “The aura of withering is almost tangible, about to consume her completely…”

    In other words, Princess Xue was dying.

    Thanks to her previous Eternal Withering Body, even after losing it, Luo Xue was still one of the few in this world who could see the aura of withering.

    This was a mysterious sense. Without having personally experienced withering, even the Immortal Emperor didn’t have this ability.

    As for those who had…

    Few survived.

    And the moment Luo Xue turned to look at Xue Ling, who was carrying Xue’er, Xue Ling immediately sensed the gaze and turned to meet Luo Xue’s eyes.

    Xue’er was startled. She looked up and saw a maid staring intently at her, a strange red light emanating from her eyes.

    “An… intruder?”

    Xue’er shivered and hid behind Xue Ling.

    She was a mortal and couldn’t sense Luo Xue’s pupil technique, only feeling that her gaze was terrifying.

    After all, it was a pupil technique used by ghost cultivators, naturally intimidating to living beings, especially since Xue’er had no cultivation.

    But Xue Ling didn’t move, just quietly staring at Luo Xue.

    Xue’er peeked out, about to ask Xue Ling what was going on, when she received a message from Xue Ling.

    “What!” Xue’er’s eyes widened. “You… you’re saying, she’s the current Princess Xue?”

    Xue Ling’s perception was very sharp, and as a puppet, its senses were different from a cultivator’s. It didn’t rely on sight or aura to judge a person.

    It analyzed subtle movements and behavioral patterns, like a precise machine.

    By analyzing Luo Xue’s movements, Xue Ling quickly identified her.

    “What is she planning…”

    Xue’er suddenly felt nervous. Although she had been secretly observing Luo Xue, they had never met before.

    She knew what being a stand-in meant and felt guilty, so she had always asked Father to treat Luo Xue as her.

    Although Father agreed readily, Xue’er knew that the chances of him keeping his promise… were slim.

    He was the Immortal Emperor of the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty, not just her father.

    However…

    Why was she here, disguised as a maid?

    Xue’er couldn’t understand.

    “Xiao Lan, you’re slacking off again!” Just then, another palace maid’s voice came from behind Luo Xue. “Hurry up and prepare Imperial Concubine Min’s dinner! If we’re late, our heads won’t be enough!”

    Luo Xue’s crimson pupils faded, and she turned around and replied,

    “I know, I’m coming.”

    With that, Luo Xue returned to the imperial kitchen.

    But before leaving, she transmitted her voice towards Xue’er.

    “Princess Xue, I know you’re watching me. If you want to see your mother, Imperial Concubine Min, then follow me.”

    It was easy to understand. Luo Xue had already learned that Concubine Min had left the Cold Palace.

    And at this time, even in her weakened state, Xue’er still wanted to leave the imperial study.

    Besides wanting to see her mother, there was no other possibility.

    “How… did she know?”

    Xue’er was shocked by the message from Xue Ling.

    From her previous observations, she hadn’t seen any signs of Luo Xue discovering the truth.

    But today, this stand-in, appearing in a different form, had clearly pointed out her existence, and even knew that she was here to see her mother.

    Xue Ling couldn’t answer Xue’er. As a mindless puppet, it could only analyze based on fixed patterns.

    Xue’er couldn’t understand and didn’t know whether to trust Luo Xue.

    But now…

    It seemed she had no other choice but to follow.

    “Let’s go, let’s follow her.”

    Xue’er made up her mind and signaled Xue Ling to follow Luo Xue.

    Xue Ling immediately followed, silently moving not far behind Luo Xue.

    …

    “Yo, Xiao Lan, you’ve become much more skilled, no longer so clumsy.”

    The lead palace maid teased Luo Xue, who just nodded and continued preparing the food.

    Preparing spiritual food required specialized cultivators. Luo Xue, disguised as a maid, could only help with simple tasks like sorting ingredients.

    Luo Xue had lived in the post-apocalyptic world for a long time, so this kind of work wasn’t difficult for her.

    Xue’er, hidden from everyone’s view, watched Luo Xue intently, amazed.

    If not for Xue Ling’s reminder, she wouldn’t have connected this silent maid with the stand-in for Princess Xue.

    “Wow, what did you do before?”

    Xue’er asked, her voice transmitted to Luo Xue by Xue Ling.

    Luo Xue paused, not knowing how to answer.

    From her brief interaction with Princess Xue, Luo Xue was certain that she wasn’t part of the scheme.

    Putting aside her identity as an imperial daughter, this girl was just a pitiful child, suffering from illness since birth.

    Even so, she was still filled with curiosity and longing for the world, her occasional questions filled with childlike innocence and cuteness.

    After Luo Xue explained her intentions, Princess Xue didn’t hide anything, telling her everything.

    The stand-in arrangement was made by the Empress. She didn’t understand why, but she still complied.

    Her mother’s imprisonment in the Cold Palace was the Immortal Emperor’s order, supposedly to protect her.

    Even Xue Ling’s existence, Xue’er told Luo Xue about it directly.

    “A puppet from the ancient era…”

    Luo Xue was slightly surprised. This was her first time seeing a puppet in this world.

    However, due to the lack of puppetry inheritance in the Ancient Demon Lands, this powerful puppet could only act on instinct, which was a bit of a waste.

    Xue’er’s honesty caught Luo Xue off guard.

    She had expected their meeting to be a confrontation, about the stand-in situation and her desire to escape this role.

    She would return as Princess Xue, and Luo Xue would find a way to return to the nine provinces and four domains.

    If Xue’er refused, Luo Xue had other plans.

    But now it seemed…

    The matter of the stand-in had nothing to do with Xue’er’s own wishes.

    In Xue’er’s current condition, let alone returning as Princess Xue according to Luo Xue’s original plan, it was uncertain if she could even survive the next few days.

    Some power was helping Xue’er resist the withering, but Luo Xue could see that her mortal body couldn’t withstand it for much longer.

    “What… should I call you?”

    Xue’er’s voice suddenly became hesitant, and Luo Xue could almost imagine the blush on her delicate face.

    “My name is Luo Xue.”

    Luo Xue replied softly.

    “The same name as me! Then I’ll call you Big Sister Luo!” Xue’er seemed relieved, her tone lighter. “My name is Dugu Xue, well… you should already know that.”

    The imperial family’s surname was Dugu, and her given name was Xue, so it was indeed the same name as Luo Xue.

    This also meant that most of the nicknames for Luo Xue… like Sister Xue’er, Xiao Xue, Ah Xue, etc., were the same as Xue’er’s.

    “In that case… you should be younger than me, so I’ll call you Little Dugu.”

    Luo Xue, who had been tense, finally relaxed slightly because of Dugu Xue’s presence, a smile appearing on her face.

    Anyone facing such a cute girl who called them “Big Sister” would feel a sense of affection.

    Nangong Mian was like this, and so was Luo Xue.

    “Xiao Lan, what are you smiling about?”

    The head palace maid leaned over and teased.

    “I… just thought of something happy.” Luo Xue said vaguely.

    “Don’t be too happy yet. We’re going to the Snow Palace soon. Smiling carelessly will be punished.”

    The head maid’s expression turned serious.

    “Okay.”

    Luo Xue nodded slightly.

    “Are Xue Ling and I just going to sneak in with you like this?” Dugu Xue asked nervously.

    “You can’t. Neither can I.” Luo Xue replied. “The security at the Snow Palace is the tightest. There will definitely be powerful cultivators guarding it. We all risk being exposed.”

    “Then what should we do…”

    Dugu Xue was troubled. Her original plan was simple: come to the imperial kitchen, find the maids delivering food, and sneak in with them.

    But in Luo Xue’s opinion, this was unlikely to work.

    Even Luo Xue could sense the Immortal Emperor’s protective spell, and in the Snow Palace, where even flies couldn’t enter… how could it be effective?

    As for Luo Xue herself, neither of her cultivation levels matched that of a palace maid.

    Even the head maid’s cultivation wouldn’t exceed Foundation Establishment.

    This was for various reasons and couldn’t be easily changed.

    Therefore, if she disguised herself as a maid, Luo Xue would likely be discovered.

    “However, I have a plan.” A smile appeared on Luo Xue’s lips. “Something I originally intended to use on you, ahem… anyway, it can solve this problem.”

    “Hmm?”

    Dugu Xue blinked.

    What did she mean by “something I originally intended to use on you”…

    But Big Sister Luo was so amazing. No matter the situation, she always had a plan!

    “Xiao Lan, it’s time to go.”

    The head maid urged, looking at Luo Xue with slight dissatisfaction. Why was Xiao Lan so distracted today?

    However, she didn’t suspect anything. Everyone had their off days.

    So the head maid just reminded Luo Xue to focus, so she wouldn’t be scolded later.

    Luo Xue nodded, indicating that she understood.

    Soon, the group of maids set off for the Snow Palace with the food.

    This group of maids was originally responsible for serving the little princess, and since Imperial Concubine Min’s return to the Snow Palace, the imperial palace had been in chaos, and there was no time to assign a dedicated group of maids.

    Therefore, to avoid any further complications, they were also responsible for Concubine Min’s meals.

    However, the palace guards didn’t expect…

    That the biggest complication would be the assassinated little princess herself.

    Luo Xue had Xue Ling and Dugu Xue follow the maids closely. This way, Dugu Xue’s unusual aura wouldn’t be easily detected.

    Along the way, they occasionally encountered patrolling palace guards, but seeing the maids’ uniforms and their direction, they didn’t stop them.

    The security at the Snow Palace was already the tightest, and the guards didn’t dare to delay the maids’ work. Everything related to Imperial Concubine Min was extremely sensitive at this time.

    Therefore, Luo Xue and Dugu Xue easily avoided the patrols and arrived at the Snow Palace.

    Just then, Dugu Xue transmitted her voice to Luo Xue.

    “Big Sister Luo, be careful… Xue Ling says there’s a Sea Crossing Realm cultivator nearby.”

    Sea Crossing Realm…

    Luo Xue’s expression turned serious.

    This was much stronger than she had anticipated.

    The realm pursued by the forbidden area lords in the nine provinces and four domains was only Soul Transformation. After Soul Transformation came Tribulation Immortal, and above Tribulation Immortal was the Sea Crossing Realm.

    It seemed the top combat power in this world was between Sea Crossing and Saint… lower than Phoenix Venerable’s quasi-emperor level.

    She just didn’t know if the Immortal Emperor had Saint level strength.

    “Xue Ling also said that if we get any closer, we might be discovered…”

    Dugu Xue was nervous, not for herself, but for Luo Xue. If they were both exposed, things would become very troublesome.

    If that happened… Luo Xue would be in great danger.

  • The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated 513

    Chapter 513: “You’re Acting Strange, Little One.”

    After the eventful night, as dawn broke, Shien opened his eyes, feeling slightly suffocated.

    Two beautiful faces, one big and one small, appeared before him.

    “Mmm…”

    Lilith was lying in Shien’s arms, her head resting on his arm, sucking on one of his fingers, sleeping soundly and mumbling in her sleep.

    Clearly, sleeping with Shien was a happy dream for Lilith.

    On Shien’s other arm, another girl was nestled against him, but she wasn’t sleeping as peacefully.

    “Explain yourself…”

    The Kingdom’s treasure muttered these words in her sleep, as if still upset about something, her slender, white hands wrapped around Shien’s neck, tightening their grip.

    The feeling of suffocation Shien was experiencing was thanks to this princess.

    Seriously…

    “Is she trying to strangle me even in her sleep?”

    Shien rolled his eyes.

    This princess seemed to have been clinging to him all night, demanding an explanation for his earlier remarks that deliberately provoked Airi.

    “I… I’m not even pregnant yet…”

    Before falling asleep completely, Shien seemed to hear these tearful words.

    If others heard this, they would probably retort,

    “If you were pregnant, that would be a real disaster!”

    The most beautiful woman in the human world, the Kingdom’s treasure, the princess known as the modern Hero, actually pregnant before marriage?

    That would definitely shock the entire world of Omnipotence.

    As a result, this lazy princess, seemingly exhausted from her tantrum, climbed into bed, deliberately preventing Shien from sleeping comfortably while holding Lilith, and fell asleep.

    “It’s a good thing we’re not in the capital…”

    Otherwise, the princess not returning to her room all night?

    That would be another headline-grabbing news.

    As Shien thought about this idly, his sleepiness gradually faded.

    He didn’t intend to continue sleeping and prepared to get up.

    “Mmm…”

    Lilith let out a soft moan and, with Shien’s gentle movements, left his embrace. Shien covered her with a blanket.

    As for Lucy…

    “Hey, let go of me, you’re choking me.”

    “Damn it…”

    “I said let go, why are you tightening your grip?”

    “I’ll strangle you to death, you scumbag…”

    “…You’re awake, aren’t you?”

    “Mmm…”

    “Fine, you win. I give up.”

    After some struggling, Shien finally managed to pry open the hands of this princess, who almost strangled her fiancé in her sleep, laid her down properly, and covered her with a blanket.

    Then, Shien, finally free, got out of bed.

    And then he noticed something.

    “How did my clothes get changed…?”

    This made Shien’s heart skip a beat, and he turned his head, as if sensing something, and looked to the side.

    The next moment…

    “Good morning, Mr. Shien.”

    Lasha, like a statue, stood quietly in the corner of the room, speaking only when Shien looked at her.

    “…It’s been a while, Miss Lasha.”

    Shien was silent for a moment, then said calmly.

    He was used to this.

    So, there was nothing to be surprised about, right?

    Unfortunately, Lasha wasn’t so easily dismissed.

    “I said yesterday that I would try to improve and let Mr. Shien take care of his needs with me.”

    Lasha said the most thought-provoking words in the calmest manner.

    “…Did you do something to me again?”

    Shien couldn’t help but ask.

    Lasha didn’t answer, just stared at Shien.

    Shien immediately backed down.

    “Alright, forget I asked.”

    Some things were better left unknown.

    That way, he might be happier.

    “In that case, I won’t report it.” Lasha said with her usual impassive expression. “I’ve also helped Mr. Shien wash up and change. Breakfast is ready in the living room.”

    “Alright.” Shien forced himself to suppress his curiosity, as if he didn’t want to give himself a chance to regret it, and nodded readily. “Then I’ll go out first.”

    “Yes.” Lasha replied, still standing there motionless.

    Clearly, this amazing maid’s work wasn’t finished yet.

    Next, she would probably take care of Lilith, Lucy, and even the three Demon Lords in the next room.

    Shien turned around, preparing to leave the room.

    At this moment, Lasha suddenly spoke.

    “There are quite a few little guests outside. Please try not to disturb them, Mr. Shien.”

    These words stunned Shien.

    Guests?

    Little guests?

    What was going on?

    With this question in mind, Shien left the room and went to the living room.

    Then, Shien finally understood what Lasha meant by “little guests.”

    “Twinkle…”

    Under a faint light, small, shadowy figures were flitting around the living room like butterflies.

    “Fairies?”

    Shien was surprised.

    There were many fairies in the living room, flying around.

    “Whoosh!”

    As Shien exclaimed in surprise, the fairies in the living room scattered as if frightened.

    Some flew into cups and hid, some flew behind furniture, some hid on the beams, and some hid in the compartments, using their small bodies to disappear without a trace.

    “So timid?”

    Shien couldn’t help but be amused.

    And as Shien chuckled, the little fairies cautiously poked their heads out from various corners, looking at Shien, seemingly afraid, yet also wanting to approach him.

    This made Shien’s heart stir, and after a moment of thought, he suddenly released his magic power.

    “Hum…”

    With a tremor in the air, Shien’s magic power, like a faint light, slowly seeped out.

    Shien didn’t unleash all his immense magic power, but carefully controlled the output, releasing it gently.

    With the absolute control over magic power granted by [Inner Perception of Heaven’s Decree], this was child’s play for Shien.

    Shien even specifically adjusted the nature of his magic power, making it as close to nature as possible, gentle, soft, and even faintly brimming with life force.

    “Whoosh!”

    The fairies who had been hiding in the living room suddenly stirred, becoming agitated.

    They seemed to want to come out, but were also hesitant, the light on their bodies flickering.

    Seeing this, Shien smiled and beckoned to the fairies.

    “Come, come here.”

    Shien softened his voice, trying not to scare them.

    The fairies looked at each other, then seemed to whisper among themselves, becoming even more agitated.

    Shien waited patiently.

    He waited for an unknown amount of time.

    Until a certain moment, a fairy seemed to muster her courage and flew out from a corner.

    Shien’s eyes lit up, and he reached out towards the fairy.

    Shien focused his gentle, natural magic power on his hand, letting a dense life force emanate from it.

    The fairy, as if attracted, or unable to resist the temptation, slowly flew towards Shien.

    Soon, the fairy arrived before Shien, and after hesitating for a moment, carefully reached out her tiny hand.

    The next moment, their hands, vastly different in size, touched.

    Shien felt a very, very light touch on his hand.

    It was like a feather landing on his palm, the sensation ticklish and soft.

    Shien didn’t hesitate and channeled his magic power, letting this natural magic power flow out, through their touching hands, and into the fairy’s body.

    “Twinkle!”

    A bright light emanated from the fairy’s body.

    “—”

    In that instant, the fairy, as if startled, or perhaps feeling comfortable, suddenly began to dance happily.

    And she danced around Shien, scattering specks of light around him, a beautiful sight.

    “Haha.”

    Shien’s mood also improved, and he chuckled, starting to interact with the little fairy.

    The fairy was no longer afraid of Shien and played with him happily.

    This scene made the other fairies hiding in the corners restless.

    In the end, they couldn’t resist and flew out from their hiding places, coming to Shien’s side.

    Shien welcomed them all, releasing gentle magic power from his body.

    “—”

    The fairies, as if excited, all approached Shien, some sitting on his head, some on his shoulders, some even crawling into his pockets, like they were competing for territory, incredibly active.

    And during this process, Shien’s magic power was being absorbed bit by bit by these little fairies, making the light on their bodies brighter.

    Then, the fairies became more and more excited and happy, continuously flying around Shien, or landing on him, rubbing against him with their tiny hands and bodies.

    Especially the fairy who first came to Shien, she directly occupied one of his cheeks, even giving him a playful kiss on his face, making Shien feel affectionate towards this little fairy.

    “You’re acting strange, little one.”

    Shien teased the fairy closest to him playfully.

    Shien didn’t notice that Carol had arrived at some point and was now staring at this scene in shock.

  • Reborn to Stew Soup (GL) 125

    Chapter 125: Feeding You Sugar

    While Mi Hongdou was surveying the competition area, Ji Junxin, having just finished the sweet and savory pickled cucumbers, was thinking about the even more delectable Mi Hongdou…

    “Do you think there will be cockroaches in the bathroom tonight?”

    Ji Junxin’s soft voice was like a kitten’s paw gently scratching at Mi Hongdou’s heart.

    Mi Hongdou, her heart racing, turned around, intending to tease Ji Junxin for her lack of focus, but she met Ji Junxin’s suggestive gaze.

    Ahem… Mi Hongdou cleared her throat and gave in. “Don’t worry, if there are any, I’ll kill them for you.”

    “Just like last night?” Ji Junxin’s eyes lit up, her lips curving into a smile, a captivating sight.

    This expression reminded Mi Hongdou of their kiss in the bathroom.

    Brief, exciting, addictive…

    She now understood the meaning of “once you’ve tasted it, you can’t forget it.”

    But! They were being filmed! Several cameras on them! Why were these people so oblivious! Was she the only one with any sense of propriety? And she wasn’t even an idol yet!

    Mi Hongdou calmed herself down, suppressing the tingling in her heart, the heat in her body, the memories of last night. She had been careful with her breathing, hopefully, they hadn’t caught her earlier quickening breaths…

    Ji Junxin tugged at her sleeve, her silence a subtle prompt.

    …”You’re such a tease,” I want to say that so badly!

    “Yes, just like last night,” Mi Hongdou said, surrendering to Ji Junxin’s silent pressure.

    The viewers shipping them were swooning. It was a serious discussion about pest control, but why so sweet!

    Ji Junxin’s hopeful tone, “Just like last night?”

    Mi Hongdou’s blushing face, her hesitant “yes” after Ji Junxin tugged at her sleeve,

    This sweet interaction, are you sure you’re talking about killing bugs?

    No! We don’t believe it!

    We need cameras in the bathroom!

    The crew, reading the comments, thought, Please, don’t make us do that!

    So, thanks to Ji Junxin’s one sentence, everyone, both on and off screen, was now anticipating the night.

    Regardless of their individual agendas, the 9 AM team challenge began on time.

    “Good morning! Did you sleep well? Enjoy your breakfast? If not, it doesn’t matter, the game that will change your destinies is about to begin!” The director’s voice, as always, was incredibly annoying.

    The four teams stood by a two-meter-high wooden platform, facing forty or fifty haystacks. Mi Hongdou glanced at the band-aids on Ji Junxin’s fingers. Regardless of whether this game would change their destinies, Ji Junxin’s safety was her priority.

    Fortunately, the director’s explanation of the rules reassured her.

    “There are fifty-five haystacks, each with a wooden board on top. Fifty of the boards have matching pairs of images, the other five are unique. At the beginning of the game, you’ll have some time to memorize the images, then we’ll turn the boards face down. And then, it’s a test of your memory! Each team will draw lots to determine their turn order. Find a matching pair, earn one point. If you’re wrong, no points, and the board stays face down. The game ends when all fifty matching boards are face up. The team with the most points wins thirty coins, second place ten coins, third place two coins, and last place, nothing.”

    “Isn’t this just a real-life version of Lianliankan(Puzzle Board Game )?” Yu Naihao, the gamer, nudged Lu Changhuai excitedly. “I’m good at this! I’m a diamond level player, just one step away from the highest level!”

    Lu Changhuai: “…”

    Yu Naihao’s excitement vanished. “Damn it! We’re not on the same team!”

    “Ahem…” Lu Changhuai coughed, subtly warning him to be more restrained.

    Yu Naihao shut up, but seeing Jiang Duo, couldn’t help but snort.

    Jiang Duo felt a headache coming on… It was just a silly CP, she had broken them up, it wasn’t that big of a deal, did Yu Naihao have to be so dramatic! She had thought his earlier comment about keeping their earnings separate was just an angry outburst, after all, this was a live stream, and he still cared about his image.

    But when he returned after a task and made his own breakfast, not even offering her any, Jiang Duo realized he was serious! She panicked. She hadn’t wanted to be on Zhang Zijing’s team because he was incompetent, and they were both terrible cooks. But now, with their earnings separate, how could she compete with Yu Naihao? And he definitely wouldn’t cook for her! She would be stuck with rice and pickled cucumbers! Why had she chosen him then!

    She overheard Yu Naihao’s confident words about being good at Lianliankan. Regardless of his actual skill level, Jiang Duo decided to try her best. Proving her worth was one thing, but… the prize money was also a strong motivator!

    Although the top three teams would all receive rewards, the difference between first and second place was twenty coins. After yesterday’s hardships, the importance of coins was deeply ingrained. The four teams climbed onto the platform, all aiming for first place.

    As they stood on the platform, the director yelled, “Game start!” and a group of crew members rushed out, flipping over the boards, revealing the images.

    Silence. They all stared intently at the boards, trying to memorize the images and their locations.

    But after just ten boards, their memories started to blur.

    After all the boards were face up, the director announced, “Okay, you’ve all seen the images, you have eighty seconds to memorize them, starting now.”

    Eighty seconds…

    Mi Hongdou’s gaze quickly scanned the images: chicken legs, steak, instant noodles, dumplings, steamed buns, youtiao… While trying to memorize them, she couldn’t help but mentally complain about Qiao Rubai. A supposedly unscripted and impartial reality show, but a memory game with food images, wasn’t that a bit of a… bias towards her foodie friend? …

    Well, that was a valid complaint.

    During the eighty seconds, Mi Hongdou glanced at Ji Junxin, who was frowning, staring intently at the boards, her expression troubled.

    Could it be… she ate too much for breakfast and doesn’t want to see any more food? Mi Hongdou felt a pang of sympathy for Qiao Rubai’s plan.

    Eighty seconds passed quickly.

    As the crew members rushed out and flipped the boards face down, everyone felt a little dizzy. Yu Naihao, the diamond-level Lianliankan player, tapped his hand rhythmically, muttering to himself.

    “Okay, you’ve seen the boards. Now, for the next stage, each team can only send one player. You should know your teammates by now, so you have thirty seconds to discuss. Those not participating, please step down.”

    The viewers had been amazed by the simple yet detailed drawings of food, even making them hungry despite having just had breakfast. And the show’s cruelty reached a new level. After all, the actors had been eating so poorly these past two days, and now a memory game with such tempting images, how cruel!

    While the general public criticized the show’s lack of compassion, Ji Junxin’s fans, looking at the “Eating” skill on her profile, smiled knowingly.

    Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin’s discussion was brief. Although Ji Junxin was hesitant at first, Mi Hongdou’s confidence reassured her, and she stayed on the platform, while Mi Hongdou stepped down.

    Then Jiang Lingling also stepped down.

    “You’re not participating?” Mi Hongdou was surprised. Jiang Lingling had a good memory for lines, after all, not everyone could handle Pan Xiang’s daily script revisions.

    “She said it looked fun, so let her play. Winning or losing doesn’t matter,” Jiang Lingling said with a smile. “I can chop wood later.”

    Mi Hongdou: “…”

    I suddenly envy her strength! I also want to carry my team with wood-chopping!

    Unlike the two harmonious teams, after a brief, silent standoff, Zhang Zijing and Lu Changhuai played rock-paper-scissors. Zhang Zijing lost and stepped down. And after a brief argument between Jiang Duo and Yu Naihao, imitating the other teams, they also played rock-paper-scissors, and Jiang Duo stepped down.

    So, only Ji Junxin, Bao Yueqiao, Lu Changhuai, and Yu Naihao remained on the platform.

    The viewers now understood that this game wasn’t just about memory, but also about teamwork and… choosing the right player.

    And before the memory test, there was also… luck. The order of their turns, determined by drawing lots, would affect their performance. Those who went first had a slight advantage.

    The order: Yu Naihao, Lu Changhuai, Bao Yueqiao, and Ji Junxin.

    After the eighty seconds and the team discussions and the drawing of lots, their memories were hazy. But they all felt confident about the first round.

    And indeed, in the first round, they all found matching pairs, eight boards flipped face up.

    Ji Junxin was the last to go in the first round. She found a pair of eggs and, passing by Mi Hongdou on her way back to the platform, winked triumphantly.

    Mi Hongdou gave her a thumbs-up. Ji Junxin pouted and went back to the platform.

    Mi Hongdou: …What?

    In the second round, although less confident, after some thought, the first three still managed to find matching pairs, six more boards flipped. When it was Ji Junxin’s turn, she unhesitatingly found the two boards with porridge.

    So, while they were struggling, you were thinking about this? Mi Hongdou naturally understood the significance of porridge and eggs to them, Ji Junxin’s deliberate choice both amusing and heartwarming.

    This time, when Ji Junxin passed by, Mi Hongdou didn’t give her a thumbs-up, just a look of fond exasperation.

    Ji Junxin, satisfied, returned to the platform.

    The “Sweet Red Bean Soup” fans were swooning. Can you guys please focus on the game? Even flipping boards, you’re feeding us sugar, how are we supposed to watch! We’ll all need to go to Bai Bai Dental Clinic!

    Why do I remember that advertisement so clearly…

    After two rounds, sixteen boards were flipped, and the images they could still remember were either already matched or taken by others, the difficulty increasing.

    Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao successfully completed the third round, but when it was Bao Yueqiao’s turn, the first mistake of the game occurred.

    After she flipped two boards, the director declared it a mismatch, no points.

    Bao Yueqiao was stunned. “I flipped two dumplings, how is that wrong?!”

    Ji Junxin gently pulled Bao Yueqiao, who was about to jump off the platform, and said, “Ahem… one is pan-fried, the other is steamed. Look closely, the one on the right has a crispy bottom, that’s the pan-fried one. The one on the left has no crispy bottom, but those lines suggest it was steamed…”

    Bao Yueqiao, pulled back by Ji Junxin, stepped away from the edge. But Ji Junxin’s explanation made her want to scream… those two identical dumplings, they had to look at the bottoms? During those eighty seconds, they barely had time to look at the images, what was Ji Junxin even looking at?!

    Bao Yueqiao stared at Ji Junxin, then carefully examined the two dumplings on the boards.

    “Yes, Ji Junxin is right, you have to pay attention to the details. And there are other boards with similar details,” the director said.

    So it’s really like that! There are such details! How are we supposed to play this game! Bao Yueqiao’s confidence crumbled.

    Even the gaming expert Yu Naihao and the usually calm Lu Changhuai were stunned!

    Who would look at the bottom of a dumpling in a memory game! Such minute details!

    Well… someone would.

    The three of them looked at Ji Junxin, their gazes a mix of admiration and disbelief.

    Whenever the four teams were together, the main cameras would be broadcast on the live stream’s main page. The viewers were laughing, the comments filled with demands to add “foodie” to Ji Junxin’s “Eating” skill. A simple “Eating” wasn’t enough for someone who could distinguish between steamed and pan-fried dumplings!

    Meanwhile, a viewer who had been watching Bao Yueqiao’s individual live stream captured the two dumplings and, after some editing, created an image called “Find the Imposter,” with one pan-fried dumpling hidden among thirty steamed ones. The image, along with Ji Junxin’s earlier explanation, quickly spread online.

    Initially, Ji Junxin’s fans had protested the “foodie” label. But now, with the image and the video, a new wave of “foodie fans” emerged. Seeing their idol’s popularity increasing, the old fans gave up. And they also wanted to see Ji Junxin’s reaction when she saw the new label… (￣▽￣)~*

    Ji Junxin’s success led to the fourth round. Twenty-two boards were flipped.

    In the fourth round, Lu Changhuai succeeded, while Yu Naihao made a mistake similar to Bao Yueqiao’s, flipping two bowls of noodles, one with straight noodles, one with curly noodles.

    This mistake, after Bao Yueqiao’s dumpling incident, wasn’t surprising. But Yu Naihao, the diamond-level player, was still a little discouraged, especially with Lu Changhuai and Ji Junxin’s perfect scores.

    Lu Changhuai looked at Yu Naihao meaningfully.

    Bao Yueqiao, returning for her turn, was now lacking in confidence. She had already forgotten some of the images, and after her earlier mistake, her mind was blank, she could only rely on luck.

    Passing by the other four, she looked at Jiang Lingling with a worried expression.

    “Don’t worry, just have fun! Winning or losing doesn’t matter! We can chop wood later!” Jiang Lingling cheered her on, pumping her fist.

    Bao Yueqiao’s frown eased slightly.

    Whatever Bao Yueqiao felt from Jiang Lingling’s words, the online viewers felt a surge of… something. So protective! So boyfriend-like!

    Don’t worry, I’m here! Just have fun!

    Rich lady… do you need a girlfriend… the kind who can distinguish between steamed and pan-fried dumplings? (￣w￣=)

    Bao Yueqiao, entering the haystack maze, successfully found two matching rice cakes!

    Passing by Jiang Lingling on her way back, she smiled sweetly, and Jiang Lingling smiled back.

    Next, it was Ji Junxin’s turn.

    Ji Junxin ran down the platform, her pace slowing as she approached the other four, almost stopping in front of them.

    “Tired?” Mi Hongdou asked, concerned.

    Ji Junxin’s face darkened slightly. She shook her head, glancing at Mi Hongdou repeatedly, lingering as if drawn to her.

    Jiang Lingling looked at Ji Junxin, then at Mi Hongdou, they’re so silly!, she wanted to laugh.

    To prevent herself from bursting out laughing, she nudged Mi Hongdou and then said to Ji Junxin, “Good luck!”

    Then she looked at Mi Hongdou meaningfully.

    Mi Hongdou seemed to understand.

    “Good work, I’ll make you something delicious later,” she said, instinctively using the words she often used to coax Ji Junxin during “Imperial Secrets.”

    As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted it. They had zero coins… what delicious food? …

    But Ji Junxin, seemingly not noticing the logical fallacy, lingered for a moment, then happily skipped away.

    Even the die-hard “Sweet Red Bean Soup” fans were now covering their faces. They had seen fans begging for sugar, but this was the first time they saw one of the CPs asking for it. And not just the sugar itself, but the act of asking, it was too sweet!

    Finally, I can change my signature from “My heart is so bitter…” to “My mouth is so sweet…” But Xinxin, are you sure this is okay… you seem… a bit… neko-ish!

    And then, Bai Bai Dental Clinic’s trolls reappeared, as expected, whenever there was sugar. And for some reason, the CP fans found a strange sense of… genuine care in the advertisement.

    Ji Junxin successfully completed the fourth round, maintaining her perfect score, along with Lu Changhuai. Yu Naihao and Bao Yueqiao each had one mistake. Twenty-eight boards were flipped.

    Perhaps because of the earlier encouragement from Jiang Lingling and Mi Hongdou, when Lu Changhuai passed them, Zhang Zijing, striking a pose he thought was cool, said sincerely, “Good luck, don’t feel pressured.”

    Since forcing Lu Changhuai onto his team, Lu Changhuai had become cold and distant. Although he hadn’t explicitly said they would keep their earnings separate like Yu Naihao, Zhang Zijing could sense his disapproval.

    So, he hadn’t expected a response to his encouragement. He was just trying to appear friendly and supportive in front of the cameras. Lu Changhuai’s silence would only highlight his own kindness and make people forget about his earlier forceful team change.

    But Lu Changhuai didn’t follow his script. When Zhang Zijing offered his encouragement, Lu Changhuai stopped, smiled genuinely, and said, “I’ve already flipped all the ones I remember, so, thanks to your words, I can relax now.”

    Zhang Zijing suddenly had a bad feeling.

    As expected, in the fifth round, Lu Changhuai made his first mistake.

    And after four perfect rounds, starting from the fifth, he was like someone whose brain had been replaced, one mistake after another, his score plummeting.

    Four perfect rounds, then four rounds of complete failure. Compared to Lu Changhuai’s sudden decline, Ji Junxin’s performance was incredibly stable, maintaining her perfect score despite some hesitation in the later rounds.

    By the end of the eighth round: Lu Changhuai, four points. Yu Naihao, seven points. Bao Yueqiao, four points. Ji Junxin, eight points. Forty-six boards were flipped, two pairs remaining.

    And after eight rounds, they were all tired. This game, initially a test of memory, had now become a test of endurance, running back and forth between the haystacks. Bao Yueqiao and Ji Junxin’s legs were aching. Fortunately, the game would soon be over.

    In the ninth round, Lu Changhuai, after some hesitation, chose the wrong pair. Yu Naihao then successfully found a match, earning his eighth point, tied with Ji Junxin. Now, with only one pair left, Bao Yueqiao’s choice was crucial.

    Bao Yueqiao chose wrong… and almost cried in frustration.

    Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao were nervous. If Ji Junxin made a mistake, there would be a tenth round, and Yu Naihao still had a chance. If she was right, the game would end.

    After a moment, Ji Junxin, her legs aching, flipped the two boards with fried rice, ending the game. Ji Junxin won, with a perfect score of nine, followed by Yu Naihao with eight. They received thirty and ten coins respectively. Lu Changhuai and Bao Yueqiao were tied with four points, so after their consent, the show split the third-place prize, giving them one coin each.

    Ji Junxin, clutching her small, bulging pouch, happily ran down the platform towards Mi Hongdou, “Money for groceries…” she said, then, her legs giving way, she stumbled and fell to her knees, just two steps away from Mi Hongdou.

    The viewers, who had been praising Ji Junxin’s amazing memory, now clutched their own knees in sympathy, it looked like a painful fall…

    It was, and Ji Junxin’s eyes filled with tears.

    Just two steps away, unable to catch her in time, Mi Hongdou felt a pang of regret. She rushed to Ji Junxin, carefully helping her up, her voice full of concern. “It’s okay, it’s okay, I’ll rub it for you…”

    Ji Junxin brushed her hand away, tears streaming down her face. “I think I scraped my knees, help me back to the bathroom.”

    Mi Hongdou’s hand froze, and she looked at Ji Junxin’s teary eyes, her own feelings complicated.

    Please don’t let it be… what I think it is… Mi Hongdou thought, worried.

  • Malicious Female Lead’s Guide to Causing Trouble [Quick Transmigration] 62p3

    Chapter Sixty-Two p3

    Yu Zhao took Bo Chi to a deserted place, suppressed her anger, and said in a deep voice: “What did you mean just now? That girl is so young, and you can still fall for her?!“

    Bo Chi came to her senses, blinked her eyelashes, and said in surprise: “Are you jealous?“

    Yu Zhao’s anger was choked by these words, she turned her face away in embarrassment: “No!“

    Bo Chi didn’t believe her, threw herself at her, held her face persistently, and said excitedly: “You’re not jealous, but your words are so sour? Don’t turn your head away, let me see if you’ve fallen for me!“

    Yu Zhao endured and endured, then used the same old trick, took out a spirit talisman, and slapped it on her head.

    Bo Chi couldn’t move, and could only listen to her snorting coldly: “I just can’t stand you ruining a young person. If I find out that you’re too close to her… I’ll drive her away!“

    Bo Chi: “…”

    No, wait, she was the one doing bad things, why were you driving the little girl away?

    Bo Chi was amused by Yu Zhao’s bottomless favoritism, and at the same time, she discovered the wealth code – So picking up people on the road was not only to collect food reserves, but also to stimulate this calm and collected exorcist.

    Then if she really acted out a scene of changing her mind, would Yu Zhao break through her psychological defenses and concerns, and resolutely confess to her?

    Okay, it was worth a try.

    Bo Chi secretly became energetic. After the spirit talisman was removed, she didn’t make a fuss, glanced at Yu Zhao, and went to find Jin Xi.

    Yu Zhao was still waiting for her to get angry with her. Seeing that she didn’t even want to pay attention to her now, she felt depressed and sulky.

    Bo Chi pulled Jin Xi aside and secretly asked her to cooperate with her acting.

    Jin Xi shook her head vigorously, her face full of fear: “Chi Niang, don’t harm me, I still want to go to Bailu Academy safely!“

    Bo Chi tsked: “How is this harming you? I said it’s just acting, not for real.“

    Jin Xi still refused frantically: “No, no, you find someone else to cooperate with you, anyway, I definitely won’t get involved in your affairs!“

    Bo Chi had no choice, and turned to look at Liu Qinger.

    Liu Qinger’s body trembled. Although her eyes were full of fear, she still showed a heroic expression, and said resolutely: “Qinger’s life was saved by my benefactor. Even if my benefactor asks Qinger to die, Qinger is willing!“

    Bo Chi was speechless: “But I’m really not asking you to die, don’t look so determined to die, it’s really out of character…“

    Neither of the two people who could help could help. Bo Chi could only regretfully suppress her thoughts of causing trouble, stayed in the deserted village for one night, and continued to set off for the capital the next day.

    The world was in chaos now, and even the escort agencies were extremely cautious, refusing to let strangers follow except for acquaintances. The refugees had no choice but to walk towards the big cities. And among the thirty-six cities of the Qian Kingdom, the safest was definitely the capital, so those with perseverance and ability all headed towards the capital.

    Bo Chi and the others walked all the way, and later encountered many men and women. Men were not on Bo Chi’s menu, so she didn’t take any of them in. And most of the women were with their relatives, and there were very few lone ones like Hua Ci and Liu Qinger. Bo Chi naturally wouldn’t force them to follow her.

    After walking for more than half a month like this, they finally saw another city.

    This city was more prosperous than the previous one, and there were also many beggars. The guards were not surprised by their dusty appearance, and after asking a few questions, they let them in.

    After finding an inn, Bo Chi counted the number of people, and was about to ask for four rooms, when Jin Xi waved her hand and said: “Hua Ci is small and doesn’t take up much space, Qing’er and I can squeeze with her. Chi Niang, you, cough, you just make do and share a room with Master Yu.“

    Bo Chi tilted her head to look at Yu Zhao: “Do you want to share a room with me?“

    Yu Zhao’s expression had been gloomy during this time. After hearing these words, her expression softened, and just as she was about to speak, Hua Ci spoke first, hugged Bo Chi’s slender waist, and said persistently: “I want to share a room with Chi Niang.“

    Jin Xi watched Yu Zhao’s face darken again, and hurriedly pulled Hua Ci and said: “What Chi Niang, you should call her big sister!“

    Hua Ci stubbornly didn’t speak, and hugged Bo Chi without letting go.

    Bo Chi touched her head: “Stop hugging, you’re going to make my waist thinner.“

    Only then did Hua Ci reluctantly let go, her dark eyes fixed on Bo Chi, and she repeated: “I want to live with Chi Niang.“

    Bo Chi didn’t answer, but continued to stare at Yu Zhao: “You haven’t answered my question yet, do you want to live with me?“

    Yu Zhao glanced at Hua Ci indifferently, then looked at Bo Chi, and said mockingly: “Your clothes are all in the bamboo basket I’m carrying, if you don’t live with me, who else do you want to live with?“

    Bo Chi blinked, and after a moment of realization, she shook her head and muttered: “A simple ‘yes’, and you made it so complicated. With your personality, I’m afraid you’ll never find a wife.“

    Yu Zhao: “Hmph.“

    Bo Chi asked the innkeeper for three rooms. As for Hua Ci’s impatience and protest, she didn’t take it to heart, only thinking that the child was having separation anxiety, and it would naturally disappear after a few days.

    After separating from the three of them, Bo Chi first asked for a bucket of water, intending to take a good bath.

    Yu Zhao’s gaze fell on her, and she said casually: “Half a month has passed, and you don’t seem to be dirty at all.“

    Bo Chi shivered, afraid of her secret being discovered, and hurriedly said: “Who said I’m not dirty? It’s just covered by my clothes, you can’t see it.“

    Yu Zhao raised her eyebrows, followed her words and stared at her slender figure, and said thoughtfully: “I don’t believe it.“

    Bo Chi was frightened, afraid that she had already become suspicious, so she mustered up her courage and pretended to be generous: “Then, then I’ll take it off and show you!“

    She unbuttoned her collar in front of Yu Zhao, then hesitantly took off her belt, and just as she was about to close her eyes and take off her dress, a knock suddenly came from the door, along with the waiter’s shout: “Guest officer, your hot water is here!“

    Bo Chi was startled, and before she could react, Yu Zhao, whose eyes were deep just a moment ago, suddenly stepped forward, grabbed the robe on the side and wrapped her tightly, then pushed her into the inner room, and said: “Come in.“

    The waiters carried the bathtub in, put it behind the screen, and left.

    Yu Zhao closed the door tightly, turned around and saw Bo Chi poking her head out, paused, and said: “You go take a bath.“

    Bo Chi was surprised: “Aren’t you going to watch anymore?“

    A helpless look flashed in Yu Zhao’s eyes: “I believe you, I won’t watch anymore.“

    Bo Chi was relieved, and happily went behind the screen to bathe.

    After a while, the room was filled with steam, and the sound of water was suggestive.

    Yu Zhao stared at the book in her hand for a long time, and found that she couldn’t concentrate no matter what, so she could only put down the book, pick up the peach wood sword, and wipe the sword repeatedly to calm her mind and stabilize her Dao heart.

    The spirit-seeking compass was placed on the table, and she wasn’t paying attention to it, but when she glanced at it from the corner of her eye, she accidentally found that the pointer on the compass seemed to have found something, and was slowly pointing behind the screen.

    Yu Zhao’s heart skipped a beat, she suddenly stood up with the sword in her hand, pulled open the screen, and said in a deep voice: “Bo Chi!“

    She originally thought that a ghost had come behind the screen, and that Bo Chi would be injured because of it. Who knew that with a heh, she saw Bo Chi sitting in the bathtub safe and sound, holding a lotus lantern in her hand, staring blankly at her… and the sword in her hand.

    Yu Zhao was stunned, her mind not turning, and she subconsciously asked: “Where did the lotus lantern come from?“

    Bo Chi muttered: “I bought it before, it’s been in the bamboo basket you’re carrying… Y-You, why are you holding a sword and calling me? Do you want to kill me?“

    As she spoke, she became a little scared, and shrank into the water, only revealing half of her face.

    Yu Zhao put the sword behind her back, and shook her head: “My sword only kills demons and ghosts, it won’t kill you. I just saw the compass pointing behind the screen, and I thought an evil spirit had appeared, so I acted rashly. If I accidentally scared you, I apologize.“

    Bo Chi chuckled dryly, and didn’t speak.

    She wasn’t just scared just now, she was almost scared out of her wits, and couldn’t maintain her human form.

    Seeing Yu Zhao holding the sword with a murderous aura, shouting her name with killing intent, she really thought she was going to die.

    Fortunately… fortunately, Yu Zhao didn’t suspect her.

    Bo Chi secretly rejoiced in her heart, and didn’t dare to soak in the hot water anymore, so as not to let her yin energy dissipate faster.

    She wrapped herself in her clothes and came out from behind the screen. When passing by the window, she glanced out of the corner of her eye, and suddenly said in surprise: “Yu Zhao! Look downstairs, there’s actually a girl selling herself to bury her father!“

    She was surprised, and called out to Yu Zhao for a while, but didn’t get a response. She turned around in confusion – and then met Yu Zhao’s narrowed eyes.

    Yu Zhao’s face was full of displeasure again, and she said coldly: “What, are you tempted?“

    She was indeed tempted.

    But Bo Chi didn’t dare to admit it in front of Yu Zhao, so she could only say calmly:

    “No, no, I just think it’s novel. If you don’t like it, I’ll close the window.“

    She did as she said, and closed the window tightly.

    Yu Zhao’s eyebrows relaxed, easily coaxed, she stood up and said: “I’ll go ask the waiter to bring new hot water.“

    Bo Chi quickly grabbed her: “I’ll go, I feel stuffy after taking a bath, and I just want to walk around. By the way, why did your compass point behind the screen just now? Did you find out the reason?“

    When she mentioned this, Yu Zhao immediately frowned, and focused on the compass, shaking her head and saying: “I don’t know why it malfunctioned either.“

    Bo Chi looked obedient: “Then you study it carefully, this is a matter of our lives, we can’t take it lightly. Don’t worry about the hot water, I’ll go ask.“

    Yu Zhao could only nod, and said softly: “Thank you.“

    Bo Chi smiled sweetly, and as soon as she went out, her expression changed, and she immediately lifted her skirt and ran straight towards the girl selling herself to bury her father on the street.

    The author has something to say:

    Yu Zhao (sneers): A scumbag’s mouth, a liar’s ghost.

    Bo Chi: Doesn’t dare to make a sound.jpg

  • The Grotesque Miss’s End Story v2c70

    Chapter 70: Indulgent “Motherly Love” 

    Within Starry Victoria, the tall, purple-haired woman slowly materialized, a look of astonishment still lingering on her face.

    “Was I… just kicked out?”

    Luo Ling’s expression gradually returned to normal as thoughts flashed through her mind, her eyes narrowing slightly.

    It was rare to see the First Seat flustered, as if afraid that further questioning from Luo Ling might unearth more secrets.

    “At least now it’s certain that the First Seat is definitely connected to Naraku, but… if she’s not Naraku herself, nor a Godchosen or God’s Favored, what kind of being is she?”

    However, this wasn’t Luo Ling’s primary concern. The more pressing matter was saving Aunt Fiona.

    One Floral Pattern could be exchanged for a single use of the Omniscience Authority.

    Luo Ling originally had seventeen petals remaining, but after learning the function of the Floral Pattern from the First Seat, she had spent one. If she used another to save Aunt Fiona, she would only have six left.

    “……”

    After a moment of silent contemplation, Luo Ling decided against acting on her initial impulse. She didn’t dare gamble on whether the Omniscience derived from Naraku was truly harmless.

    Aunt Fiona’s condition wasn’t so dire that it required paying the price of Chaos, a price with only a theoretical possibility of affecting her sister.

    Using Naraku’s Omniscience in this way was no different from offering herself to Naraku. A Taboo was always a Taboo, and interacting with it required extreme caution. Gaining power always came at a price; this was true for any power.

    If not for the fact that Aunt Fiona’s awakening was crucial to the current situation in Victoria, and “Destined Death” was likely more than just an eternal slumber, Luo Ling wouldn’t use an Omniscience that wasn’t hers. After all, there might be unforeseen consequences.

    After a moment of hesitation, Luo Ling manifested a complete Floral Pattern on her forehead, feeling the power emanating from its gradual dissolution.

    “I can vaguely sense a gaze from somewhere in the unknown, as if within reach…”

    Luo Ling raised her hand, but contrary to usual, her Devour couldn’t affect this gaze, even when actively triggered.

    This was the first time she encountered something her Devour couldn’t affect. Perhaps… the Authority activated through the Floral Pattern truly originated from the Grotesquery itself, even a Taboo.

    The First Seat had said “the deity you worship,” not “Naraku’s Omniscience.” This meant… if other Taboo Godchosen used it, the gaze would come from their respective Taboo.

    Just what kind of being’s power was contained within the Floral Pattern given by the First Seat…

    “Why am I suddenly interested in the First Seat?”

    Luo Ling touched her chin, recalling the First Seat’s slightly panicked expression as she hurriedly dismissed her. “And… she’s not completely omnipotent either.”

    Luo Ling quickly put the matter of the First Seat aside, her figure vanishing and reappearing within Fiona’s room.

    Linna sat by the bed, gently wiping her sleeping mother’s face with a damp cloth, her eyes filled with longing and tenderness.

    Elsa was carrying a basin to empty the water. Looking up, she saw Luo Ling suddenly appear, nearly dropping the basin in fright.

    Fortunately, Luo Ling caught the basin in time, only spilling a little water, preventing herself from getting soaked.

    “Be careful,” Luo Ling said, gently stroking Elsa’s hair. She was now so small that she barely needed to raise her hand to do so.

    “…Miss Luo Ling? You’re finally back?”

    Linna, seeing Luo Ling appear, looked surprised, seemingly not recognizing Luo Ling in her Naraku form at first glance.

    But her face quickly lit up, and she stood up hurriedly. “How did it go? Can my mother… be saved? She… seems to be getting worse.”

    Linna’s eyes filled with worry. Through the Puppet Ballad’s ability, she could sense that even with the fungal threads sustaining her life, her mother’s vital signs were still declining at an incredibly slow but irreversible rate.

    It was as if some unknown existence was draining her life force, and the Puppet Ballad’s ability was only maintaining a stalemate.

    Without the Puppet Ballad, Fiona would have fallen into eternal Silent Demise in her sleep. The Puppet Ballad’s intervention had only delayed the inevitable.

    Luo Ling, now knowing the truth of “Destined Death,” understood what was happening. It was a fatal combination of Chaos and Present Path abilities, something the Puppet Ballad of the Silent Demise Path couldn’t reverse.

    Without addressing the root cause, it was only a temporary solution.

    However, the one using the Present Path Authority should be the Old Man. As for the one wielding the Chaos Path Authority Sacred Tool… was it the Boy or the Woman?

    The thought flashed through her mind, and Luo Ling quickly regained her focus, nodding.

    “Let me try.”

    She didn’t make any promises. This was her first time using Omniscience, and she wasn’t sure of its effects. She had to be ready to interrupt the Authority’s activation at any time.

    Linna immediately made way for Luo Ling, then led Elsa, who had returned after emptying the water, to the side, watching the sleeping “Sleeping Beauty” with anxiety.

    Luo Ling gently touched her forehead, and the suppressed Floral Pattern reactivated. Naraku’s gaze descended, devoid of emotion, only cold, terrifying will.

    As the Floral Pattern gradually dissolved, Luo Ling could feel Naraku’s gaze intensifying, almost solidifying.

    But… even though this gaze was focused on Luo Ling, it wasn’t directed at her, but at the fading Floral Pattern on her forehead.

    Clearly, this Floral Pattern was the price for using the Taboo Authority.

    Finally, at the same moment the Floral Pattern completely disappeared, Naraku’s gaze vanished.

    In its place, a small, black eye opened on Luo Ling’s forehead, a tiny white dot at its center twitching restlessly, completely beyond her control.

    Like a single-use Authority Sacred Tool, all Luo Ling could do now was utilize this complete Omniscience once.

    —This wasn’t an Authority she controlled. Using it wouldn’t provide any insights.

    “As expected, it’s not that easy to use. The Floral Pattern can only do this much.”

    A hint of disappointment flashed in Luo Ling’s eyes. She had hoped to gain some understanding through this use of the Authority, but it wasn’t to be.

    However, this was Omniscience, belonging to a Taboo. Using it without paying a personal price was already a miracle.

    “Let’s see if I can save Aunt Fiona.”

    Luo Ling raised her hand, and the black eye on her forehead widened slightly, its twitching ceasing as it stared intently at Fiona.

    At the same time, Naraku’s innate ability, Weave, slowly unfolded its web domain. Countless illusory black eyes with pinpoint pupils appeared within the domain, all staring at the sleeping Fiona.

    An Authority… was the qualitative transformation of an ability after reaching its ultimate sublimation.

    The innate ability Weave, the first ability Ensnare, the second ability Submerge, and the unknown third ability, all of Naraku’s power resided within Omniscience.

    Now, within the web domain, everything about Fiona was revealed.

    Including… Destined Death.

    Thump—

    Thump-thump—

    Thump-thump-thump—

    The sound of a heartbeat echoed clearly within the small room.

    Not only Luo Ling, but even Linna and Elsa, watching from the side, saw two illusory chains emerge from Fiona’s chest, tightly binding her heart.

    At the same time, the red threads connected to her heart turned dark grey, the discoloration spreading towards the extremities.

    —Destined Death.

    “The heart represents Aunt Fiona’s life, and the red threads are the threads of fate. Her current slumber is due to being bound by both Chaos and Present. This binding will continue until her death, irreversible.”

    This was the result of two directors acting together.

    Besides this, Fiona also had some physical injuries, likely inflicted by the third director, but these had already been healed by Linna’s Puppet Ballad.

    Luo Ling’s expression turned serious, and the black eyes around her began to tremble. Ensnare activated, rewriting reality, attempting to break the chains binding Fiona’s heart.

    Just then, in a bustling market far away, an old man sitting alone in a deserted shop seemed to sense something. He quickly covered his mouth with a silk cloth, coughing several times. Looking down, he saw blood staining the cloth.

    “This is… the power of an Authority? It should be a Chaos Path ability. Is it Philosopher?” A sharp glint flashed in the old man’s eyes. A golden eye replaced his right eye, slowly revealing a ritualistic pattern. “Very well, let’s try it then, my brother.”

    “……”

    The chains binding the heart… were resisting Ensnare’s reality rewriting?

    Luo Ling clearly saw the chains constantly shattering and reforming. Even rewriting reality couldn’t completely break their hold.

    Within Ensnare, countless cycles of destruction and restoration played out, the rewritten reality constantly being repaired, seemingly endlessly.

    “Ugh… is it the Old Man, maintaining Destined Death?” Luo Ling’s expression darkened.

    Although Omniscience was powerful, Luo Ling’s inspiration was limited. This continuous confrontation consumed her inspiration at a terrifying rate. If not for the unusually large inspiration capacity she had gained from devouring the Boundary, she wouldn’t have been able to last this long.

    Besides inspiration consumption, there was a more serious problem.

    This battle wasn’t being fought in an empty space, but on the concept of Aunt Fiona’s “life.” Every struggle chipped away at her life force.

    A look of pain appeared on Fiona’s previously peaceful, sleeping face. Linna, watching anxiously, her eyes filled with heartache, almost burst into tears.

    But Linna knew that Miss Luo Ling was currently confronting the caster and couldn’t be disturbed by her grief, so she covered her mouth, suppressing any sound.

    “How terrifying…”

    Blood trickled from Luo Ling’s orifices, a sign that her inspiration was nearing depletion. This prolonged tug-of-war seemed destined to end in her defeat.

    The Old Man on the other side wasn’t faring much better. He knelt on the ground, his already injured body weakening, but he still desperately maintained Destined Death, preventing Fiona from awakening.

    However, there was only one reason the Old Man could win this battle: a young-looking woman, dressed in old-fashioned clothes, stood beside him.

    Although the woman present was only an avatar, the combined power of two directors was enough to counter the Authority of Omniscience, turning this battle into a war of attrition.

    The black eyes around Luo Ling gradually dimmed, signifying that her inspiration for maintaining Omniscience was reaching its limit. Further exhaustion could endanger her life.

    Finally, Luo Ling’s vision blurred. The suppressed Destined Death returned, the two chains tightening around Fiona’s heart, her “life” concept falling silent once more.

    Luo Ling alone couldn’t compete with the combined inspiration of two directors.

    Just as her consciousness faded, the black eye on her forehead completely extinguished, a hint of mockery seemingly flashing within it as it disappeared.

    “Did I fail?”

    Luo Ling forced her eyes open, looking at the gradually dimming heart and chains as the web domain dissipated, a dark golden light igniting in her eyes like fireworks.

    Just as Linna’s face fell into despair, and she and Elsa moved to support the near-unconscious Luo Ling, a nimble black figure suddenly lunged forward, its teal claws reaching for Fiona’s heart.

    “Luo Ling—”

    Before Linna and Elsa could finish their cries, they saw the fading heart reappear, along with the chains and the dark threads of fate, as the black figure grasped it.

    “Come back,” a cold, commanding voice said, a simple command that brought back the Destined Death that could only be perceived through Omniscience.

    “What!”

    The Old Man, who had just relaxed after his victory, widened his eyes in shock. He felt as if his own heart was being squeezed by some unknown force.

    No, it was Destined Death that was being squeezed.

    But how could something conceptual be grasped!

    Something even more shocking happened. The Old Man heard a strange sound, an ordinary sound, but… coming from Destined Death, it was incredibly bizarre.

    He heard… the sound of gnawing.

    Crunch, crunch.

    Slow, but unstoppable.

    Destined Death was disappearing.

    The Old Man tried to maintain Destined Death, but… he failed.

    Because Destined Death wasn’t being erased by Chaos, but completely disappearing, from its concept and root, as if it had never existed, as if… it had fallen into nothingness.

    “The Harbingers actually control this kind of power?”

    The Old Man was more shocked by this than the failure of Destined Death, as this was an unknown power.

    It was… the legendary Seventh Path.

    The woman beside him turned pale, as the other part of Destined Death she was maintaining was also completely erased by this power.

    While the Company directors were shocked, Linna and Elsa in Starry Victoria experienced similar emotions.

    The black figure tore at the chains of Destined Death, stuffing them into its mouth and gnawing on them.

    As it gnawed, its Grotesquery features intensified, until it resembled a half-dragon Grotesquery girl.

    “This is…”

    Linna looked at Elsa for help, but Elsa wore the same confused expression.

    After Luo Ling devoured all of Destined Death in this dramatic fashion, the heart finally began beating normally. The surrounding threads of fate, although still tainted, were gradually returning to normal.

    The black figure stood up, turning slightly to reveal half of its grotesque face and its unyielding dark gold vertical pupils, saying softly,

    “It’s done.”

    Then, it collapsed.

    “Miss Luo Ling!”

    As Linna rushed forward to help Luo Ling, who had fallen onto Fiona, she heard a long-awaited voice, accompanied by a pained groan,

    “Ugh… who?”

    Fiona, her consciousness still hazy, felt a weight on her body. Opening her eyes, the lingering terror in her mind hadn’t completely dissipated.

    As the scene before her came into focus, she saw a black-haired girl lying on top of her, her grotesque but undeniably beautiful face buried in her chest. All her fear turned into relief.

    A familiar voice, choked with emotion, sounded,

    “Mother… Mother…”

    “Mmm…” Fiona’s gaze was completely fixated on the black-haired girl in her arms. She said softly, “Are you finally willing to call me Mother, Miss Luo Ling?”

  • As a villain, I just want them to behave 256

    Chapter 256: First Encounter with Fate

    Kailun left the dungeon after only half an hour. Taking control of Rose was just a side task.

    After she signed the new contract, he brought her back to the surface.

    He had a premonition that something would happen tonight, so he had no intention of sleeping.

    Kailun gathered everyone in the courtyard. He first warned them about what might happen and then set up several tables for chess and card games.

    Under these special circumstances, he had to keep everyone within his sight.

    Anna, Vivian, and Winnie were sitting at the same table as Kailun. Rose, who had just been brought out by Kailun, went to where Shirley and the others were.

    The farther away from Kailun, the better. This was the lesson she had learned.

    Chrissy and Phils didn’t participate in the card games. They sat beside Kailun, squeezing against him.

    For them, no entertainment was more interesting than Kailun. However, their biggest regret was that Bella occupied the spot on Kailun’s lap.

    “Three of Bamboo,” Winnie said softly, playing a card.

    Vivian, her legs crossed, looked at Kailun. “Pong, Five of Stripes.”

    “You’ve all worked hard recently. Nine of Characters.”

    Kailun didn’t play the card himself. One of his arms was around Bella’s waist, and the other was stroking Phils’ head. Bella was in charge of playing the cards for him.

    Anna also glanced at Kailun. “Will you be back after you’re done with all this? Nine of Characters.”

    Only Winnie was seriously studying the game. She hesitated for a moment before playing her card. “Nine of Bamboo, anyone want it?”

    Vivian, her expression blank, said, “Pong.”

    Winnie looked at her. “…..”

    She wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but Vivian always seemed to “pong” her cards on purpose.

    “Of course, I’ll have plenty of time to spend with you all after today. But now isn’t the time to celebrate prematurely, so I won’t jinx it.”

    Kailun chuckled and pinched Bella’s waist. She understood and played a card.

    Chrissy, the Saint sitting to Kailun’s left, looked envious. “Can I play next round?”

    “Sorry, today’s a bit special. I have to look after this little one, Bella. I can spend a day with you alone next time.”

    Kailun smiled at Chrissy.

    Among everyone present, Bella was the most likely to encounter danger. To ensure her safety, he would keep her within his sight.

    This was the safest method for Kailun. Because he had been a gambler, he didn’t want to gamble on anything else.

    “That’s settled then, a day alone with me.” Chrissy leaned against Kailun’s shoulder and sighed helplessly.

    Phils, sitting on the other side, immediately said, “What about me? What about me? You promised to punish me before. Did you forget?”

    Kailun turned to her. “I already punished you. Didn’t you say you wouldn’t dare to ask again after that?”

    Phils replied bluntly, “My skin is itching again.”

    Kailun: “…”

    Anna: “…”

    “As expected of you.”

    Everyone said in unison. Only Kailun could match Phils’ “perversion.”

    “Hmph, indulging in pleasure all day long. You’ll be drained one day.” Vivian snorted.

    In just half a month, she felt her position had declined significantly. Even the newcomer, Illusion, had surpassed her.

    The most frustrating thing was that she was kept in the dark. Everyone had secrets they were hiding from her.

    She was unhappy. She wanted Kailun all to herself.

    “I enjoy indulging in beauty. What’s warmer in this world than beautiful girls?”

    Kailun sighed and buried his face in Bella’s chest, enjoying the softness and warmth. His mood relaxed.

    He didn’t need to hide his true nature in front of his family, and Bella wouldn’t dislike him for it.

    Although a bit shy, Bella gently embraced Kailun. Holding him like this inexplicably gave her a sense of peace.

    Seeing this, Vivian felt even more jealous. She had been the first one, after all.

    She pointed at Rose at the next table with resentment. “Not just beautiful girls, you haven’t even spared the beautiful older women.”

    Rose, who was drawing a card, froze.

    If she weren’t at the bottom of the “hierarchy,” she would have challenged Vivian to a duel.

    She had finally regained her freedom and didn’t want to be imprisoned again because of some accident.

    Kailun found Vivian’s expression amusing. Just as he was about to say something, three giant beams of light shot into the sky. He looked closely and realized they were coming from different directions.

    One from the Empire, one from the Abyss, and one from within the White Jade Alliance’s territory, probably Portland.

    The beam from Portland was the dimmest, tainted with a faint blackness compared to the other golden beams. This blackness was Carol and the others’ doing.

    “Snap!”

    Kailun snapped his fingers, activating the magic formation in the valley and increasing his mana output.

    No one spoke. They all looked at Kailun, a sense of tension filling the air. Chrissy and Phils, sitting beside him, clutched his arms tightly.

    “Crack!”

    The sound of something shattering echoed in everyone’s minds. They looked up at the sky and saw a giant crack tearing through the world, countless golden rays of light escaping from it.

    As the crack expanded, the magic formation in the valley erupted, sending a massive mana torrent sweeping across the world.

    Many weak individuals fainted instantly, while a few stronger ones managed to hold on for a bit longer.

    When the three golden beams of light completely merged, everyone lost consciousness. The world seemed to have been paused, everything coming to a standstill.

    When Kailun opened his eyes again, he was in the valley outside the Royal City, Bella unconscious in his arms.

    There was no sound of wind or birds chirping. The falling petals froze in mid-air, and the moonlight was locked in a specific moment.

    “Clap, clap, clap!”

    The silence was broken by a round of applause. Kailun turned around and saw a veiled woman.

    She had a slender figure, hair that shimmered with gold and silver, and eyes that sparkled like gems. Golden threads of light converged around her, threads of fate.

    “You always surprise me. Can you tell me how you did it?”

    She walked towards Kailun barefoot, a few golden threads covering her vital parts.

    Kailun looked at her with amusement. “Why aren’t you wearing any clothes?”

    Fate’s expression stiffened. She used more fate threads to weave a garment and draped it over herself. “It’s not that I didn’t want to, but I consumed too much mana dealing with your little trick. Fortunately, I’ve recovered most of it in the past few seconds. I didn’t expect you to be so unromantic. My opinion of you has dropped again. Do you regret it?”

    [Fate’s interest in you has increased. Goodwill +1]

    Kailun: “…”

  • Transformed into a Female Villain, But Captured by My Beautiful Girl Disciples v2c31

    31. A Draw 

     

    The tide of the battle inevitably turned in Shangguan Qingyun’s favor.

    Since Qiu Shui excelled at control, he would make sure it was ineffective.

    He continuously used wide-range attacks. Although Qiu Shui could neutralize most of them with her plant manipulation, she couldn’t launch effective counterattacks like before.

    And these attacks still caused her some damage.

    After ten minutes, Qiu Shui’s clothes were torn, and her face and arms were scratched, but her expression remained firm.

    And…

    A glint of something Gong Yiling recognized appeared in her eyes.

    Confidence.

    “Let’s see how long you can keep this up.”

    Shangguan Qingyun suddenly stopped, his exposed skin bulging with veins as his true essence circulated, gradually transforming into nascent soul energy.

    Then, he unleashed a powerful punch, a wave of nascent soul energy crashing towards Qiu Shui like a tidal wave.

    Just as he launched his attack, the ground beneath him rumbled.

    Caught off guard, Shangguan Qingyun couldn’t react in time.

    Qiu Shui had somehow planted a network of sharp, thorny vines beneath his feet. Now, over a dozen vines attacked him simultaneously.

    —She still had strength left?

    Shangguan Qingyun was shocked, quickly mobilizing his remaining power to defend, but Qiu Shui’s surprise attack was too powerful for a simple block.

    Just then, the two on the sidelines acted.

    Young Master Xuli, using his technique, subtly intercepted one of the vines, saving his “ally.” Qiu Shui, originally intending to use the Sound of Heavenly Wind to defend…

    The next second, she found herself in a familiar embrace.

    A loud boom and a powerful shockwave erupted behind them, almost throwing them off balance, but they landed safely.

    “Master?”

    “Well done.” Gong Yiling, having watched the entire fight, gently wiped the blood from Qiu Shui’s face. “To fight him to a standstill, you truly are my good Qiu Shui.”

    “Eh—” Qiu Shui blushed. “What… what do you mean ‘my’? That sounds weird.”

    “Isn’t it true?” Gong Yiling smiled. “Leave the rest to me. I won’t let anyone bully my people.”

    “Okay…” Although still slightly frustrated, Qiu Shui felt a surge of warmth. She hid her face, nodding shyly.

    This girl was truly adorable.

    After setting Qiu Shui down, Gong Yiling turned to Shangguan Qingyun. “This match is a draw. Any objections, Your Highness?”

    The First Prince, watching a ball of flame incinerate the vines attacking him, knew it was Young Master Xuli’s doing. He didn’t argue about the outcome, simply sneering, “A cultivator duel, resorting to sneak attacks. I’m sure everyone can see what’s happening here.”

    However, looking at the woman who suddenly appeared, he couldn’t help but feel suspicious.

    Back in the central area, he had wondered about her identity, why she was with those two girls, and why she suddenly appeared to save them.

    Could this woman also be connected to that Immortal Master?

    As he was pondering this, he heard her retort, “Her skills focus on control and healing. You, a brute who relies on brute force and has a higher cultivation level, can’t even defeat a healer. And you have the nerve to complain?”

    Her words… seemed to make sense.

    Qiu Shui’s spiritual arts weren’t offensive, mainly for support. And in a one-on-one duel, the effectiveness of healing arts was greatly reduced. Moreover, the First Prince was much stronger than her.

    It was laughable that their fight lasted almost twenty minutes and ended in a draw.

    “So what has she proven?”

    “I don’t know what she has proven, but you two,” Gong Yiling looked at Xuli and Shangguan Qingyun, “do you remember what this is?”

    She tossed the “Sound Amplifying Stone” to a random bystander.

    A voice echoed from the stone:

    “She has the Thousand Miles Fragrance on her. Just follow my instructions and corner them. You can injure them, but I want that girl with purplish-red hair alive, at least. Any objections?”

    “No.”

    “Then prepare to move.”

    The following “Yes” was a chorus and wasn’t recorded by the device.

    This recording instantly invalidated Shangguan Qingyun’s earlier accusations.

    The crowd erupted in an uproar, their gazes fixed on the First Prince.

    After a moment of shock, Shangguan Qingyun suddenly realized something.

    This woman’s method was the same as that young master’s at his shop.

    Could it be!?

    His eyes turned cold, but he refused to admit it. “Someone is impersonating me! It seems some people here have ulterior motives.”

    But Gong Yiling wasn’t going to listen to his nonsense.

    She had anticipated his denial, so she took out her crystal and crushed it.

    What was she doing…?

    The crowd watched, confused, as a competition official descended from the sky a minute later.

    Looking at the large crowd, she asked, puzzled, “What happened? Who crushed the crystal?”

    “I did.” Gong Yiling said calmly, “I request an immediate termination of this suspicious competition, or I request an immediate evaluation of our team’s number cards.”

    “This…?” The official had never heard such a request and immediately refused. “Miss, you will be disqualified if you leave early. Prince Changning explained this before the competition began, didn’t he?”

    “Disqualified?” Gong Yiling sneered. “And assassins are allowed in this competition? Is this a competition or an assassination attempt?”

     

  • Captivating Beauty 70

    Chapter 70

    The world was silent, the apartment still. The quiet emptiness stretched time, holding it in a breathless pause.

    Autumn in North City was a season of rain, the weather capricious, the air thick with moisture. The gentle drizzle fell, sometimes a fine mist, sometimes a delicate dew, sometimes a torrent mimicking the rising tide, bringing with it the faint, salty tang of the sea.

    Raindrops traced paths down the windowpanes, gathering like beads of sweat on the cool glass, then, their weight surrendering to gravity, sliding down the smooth surface, disappearing into the window frames below.

    Gradually, the only sounds in the room were the rhythm of their breathing and the soft music of the rain.

    A pot of pink roses sat on the balcony, brought home by Xu Jinnan from the office a while ago. Two plump buds, promising a vibrant bloom, had adorned the delicate branches. A gentle touch would send the entire plant trembling, like a shy maiden.

    Shen Shu often watered the roses. Xu Jinnan didn’t have a green thumb.

    One evening, Shen Shu had returned home late to find Xu Jinnan watering the roses, the plant slightly overgrown, its leaves and petals glistening with moisture. Water dripped from the branches onto the floor, Xu Jinnan’s hands also damp.

    “Have you ever watered these before?” Shen Shu had asked, though she hadn’t stopped Xu Jinnan from gently wiping the petals with her fingers. “Be careful,” she’d added.

    Xu Jinnan, her head bowed, her mind seemingly elsewhere, had simply murmured, “Okay.”

    Then, she had replied to Shen Shu’s earlier question, “I have, but you were watching me. I was nervous.”

    “Nervous about what?” Shen Shu had asked, pausing slightly.

    “Afraid of doing it wrong,” Xu Jinnan had replied.

    Shen Shu hadn’t said anything more, perhaps not wanting to discourage Xu Jinnan, or perhaps thinking she was doing a good enough job.

    Xu Jinnan’s fingernails were short, neatly trimmed, her fingers long and elegant, even without the adornment of nail polish.

    Good thing I didn’t get a manicure, she had thought. Those acrylic nails would have destroyed the delicate petals.

    But she had still been clumsy, accidentally crushing a petal between her fingers, the delicate pink turning a bruised red.

    Shen Shu had been immediately concerned, grabbing Xu Jinnan’s hand and exclaiming that she was damaging the flower.

    Xu Jinnan, looking at Shen Shu’s flushed face, her eyes slightly red-rimmed from the fever, her lips and nose warm to the touch, had simply said, “Okay,” wanting to appease her.

    But she had still finished watering the roses, as if knowing Shen Shu’s concern had been more of a gentle reprimand than a genuine protest.

    Sometimes, you couldn’t take a girl’s words too seriously.

    And besides, how could she leave all the chores to Shen Shu?

    She had only put down the watering can after making sure the roses were thoroughly soaked, their petals now a vibrant, almost crimson, red.

    For a moment, Shen Shu had thought the plant might drown.

    But tonight, the roses were safe, having been brought inside by Xu Jinnan earlier.

    And inside the apartment…

    Clothes lay scattered on the floor by the bed.

    Inanimate objects, unable to impede the rising tide of passion.

    Like a sudden downpour, the sounds of their lovemaking filled the room, drowning out all other sounds, even Shen Shu’s soft cry, “Nannan…”

    Xu Jinnan’s eyes darkened, her voice husky, almost a growl. “What did you call me?”

    “Nannan.”

    Xu Jinnan felt herself losing control, the insistent throbbing in her scent gland a constant distraction, but she pushed it aside, her focus solely on Shen Shu, her touch far gentler than it had been with the roses.

    Their breathing gradually slowed, the waves of passion receding, leaving them tangled in the sheets, the blanket barely covering them. Xu Jinnan tried to calm her racing heart, while Shen Shu’s body still trembled slightly, like someone rescued from drowning.

    The sweet scent of Shen Shu’s pheromones, intensified by the lingering warmth of their bodies, filled the air.

    “Are you okay?” Xu Jinnan whispered.

    Shen Shu: “…”

    Xu Jinnan’s fingers tightened around hers. “Why are you holding my hand so tight?” she asked, a chuckle escaping her lips.

    Shen Shu didn’t reply, her face still flushed as she nuzzled against Xu Jinnan’s shoulder, her forehead resting against her neck.

    After a moment, she whispered, “And you? I…”

    Her voice was hoarse, the words barely audible, even in their close embrace.

    Xu Jinnan’s heart pounded, her body damp with sweat. She leaned in close to Shen Shu’s ear, her voice low. “Don’t worry…” Even though they were alone, she still whispered, as if sharing a secret.

    Shen Shu’s body flushed at her words, her usual composure shattered.

    “Are you tired?” Xu Jinnan asked.

    “A little.”

    Xu Jinnan carried her to the bathroom, placing a chair inside for her to sit on, worried she might be too weak to stand.

    As she closed the door, she noticed a missing button on her shirt, then remembered the soft patter of rain against the windows, and the way her heart had pounded as she held Shen Shu.

    She leaned against the cool tiles of the bathroom wall, the coldness a welcome contrast to the heat that had been building within her, helping her regain control, suppressing the almost overwhelming urge to return to Shen Shu.

    She looked down at her hands, remembering the tingling in her scent gland, the several times she had almost lost control, the urge to surrender to her instincts.

    She had been so close to losing herself when Shen Shu had whispered her name.

    She hadn’t dared to push it any further, afraid of triggering a full-blown rut.

    She had never hated this unpredictable body, this volatile sensitivity, more than she did today.

    She went to the sink and washed her hands, the simple act a torment, a reminder of what she had almost done, yet also a source of strange, unsettling satisfaction, especially the memory of Shen Shu’s soft moan, her body limp against Xu Jinnan’s shoulder, her whispered endearment…

    Nannan.

    —

    Twenty minutes later, Shen Shu emerged from the bathroom, freshly dressed, holding onto the doorframe for support.

    “Does it hurt?” Xu Jinnan asked, walking over to her.

    Shen Shu glanced at her. “A little…” Mostly her legs.

    The lingering soreness from horseback riding.

    Her face was still flushed, so Xu Jinnan couldn’t tell if she was blushing.

    Neither of them specified what hurt, but they both understood.

    Xu Jinnan helped her to the guest room. The sheets in the master bedroom were damp, and she tossed them into the washing machine, too tired to change them, then retrieved a clean set of pajamas from the guest room and saw Shen Shu asleep on the bed, her breathing even.

    Xu Jinnan went to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Shen Shu’s discarded strawberry-print pajamas lay in the laundry basket, a damp spot visible on the front.

    She covered them with her own clothes.

    With Shen Shu asleep, she took a long, slow shower, the water almost scalding, as if trying to wash away the lingering heat, the memories of their embrace.

    —

    While Xu Jinnan often made breakfast, Shen Shu usually woke up first, enjoying the quiet stillness of the morning, lying in bed with her thoughts.

    It was her favorite time of day, along with her late-night reading before sleep.

    She was in a good mood, her eyes, though slightly puffy, sparkling with a quiet joy as she opened them and saw Xu Jinnan beside her.

    Xu Jinnan, for once, had slept soundly, the blanket still covering her, their bodies facing each other, a small distance separating them.

    Yet, she didn’t feel the distance.

    Xu Jinnan’s eyelashes, though not as thick or curled as Shen Shu’s, were long, casting shadows on her cheeks as she slept, a subtle intensity that had always intimidated Shen Shu slightly.

    Whenever Xu Jinnan stared at her directly.

    Or when she wasn’t smiling.

    But now, Shen Shu knew she wouldn’t feel that way anymore. She reached out and gently touched Xu Jinnan’s eyelid.

    Xu Jinnan frowned in her sleep, turning her head slightly, her eyes still closed.

    Shen Shu didn’t try to wake her, simply watching her for a moment before closing her own eyes.

    The memory of the Alpha in the alleyway, the woman with the mirrored visor, was a dark shadow, a lingering nightmare.

    She had once hated Alphas, instinctively recoiling from anyone she knew was one.

    The aversion had gradually faded after returning to the Shen family, navigating the complexities of the business world, and undergoing therapy.

    She hadn’t seen a therapist in almost a year, her last appointment scheduled just before her marriage to Xu Jinnan.

    But the appointment slip was still in her drawer; she hadn’t gone.

    Because shortly after scheduling it, Xu Jinnan had told her she was an Omega.

    And later… when she had suspected Xu Jinnan might be an Alpha, she had been worried, but not afraid.

    It had been more of a lingering unease, a shadow from the past, than a genuine fear of Xu Jinnan.

    She didn’t even care whether Xu Jinnan was an Alpha or an Omega.

    Xu Jinnan had said she was special.

    And in truth, Xu Jinnan was special to her too.

    Perhaps there would never be anyone else like her.

    But there was one thing she didn’t understand.

    She could sense Xu Jinnan’s desire, but…

    Last night, she knew Xu Jinnan hadn’t reached her peak, had stopped before then, out of consideration for Shen Shu. But why had she held back?

    Shen Shu opened her eyes, a silent question forming in her mind.

    You said I didn’t have to hold back in front of you. Then why did you hold back?

  • My Girlfriend is a Cold and Aloof Sickly Beauty 62

    Chapter 62: I’ll Go to Bed Early Too

    Xiao Luohan felt that she wasn’t particularly skilled at anything and didn’t have any strong preferences.

    When Jiang Xue asked her what kind of things she liked, she thought for a moment and said she preferred elegant items.

    But after seeing all the cat-themed accessories, plushies, and pillows in Jiang Xue’s bedroom, she felt that she could also appreciate cute things.

    “Your situation is called ‘all-encompassing love’,” Jiang Xue said with a smile after hearing Xiao Luohan’s troubles. “It’s okay to love everything. A-Xi and I also buy things on a whim, things we like at the time. We might lose interest later, but at that moment, we just like it, want it, and it makes us happy to buy it.”

    Xiao Luohan understood vaguely. “Is this also considered ‘spiritual sustenance’?”

    “Of course.” Jiang Xue pulled out two sets of hanfu-inspired dresses from the closet. “Look, I bought these in my freshman year. I was really into this style back then, but I suddenly lost interest in my sophomore year, and I haven’t worn them much since.”

    Seeing Xiao Luohan’s gaze linger on the dresses, she generously handed them over. “If you like them, they’re yours. They’re one-size-fits-all, so anyone around my size can wear them.”

    Xiao Luohan didn’t refuse, thanked her, and put them away in her own separate wardrobe.

    “By the way, even for the clothes I currently like and wear often, you can wear them if you like,” Jiang Xue added. “As long as you don’t mind that I’ve worn them, then mine are yours.”

    She had long since considered Xiao Luo as another version of herself, and even if she wasn’t, she was happy to share her preferences with her “confidante.”

    “Of course I don’t mind. Then I won’t stand on ceremony,” Xiao Luohan readily agreed, then added, afraid that Jiang Xue might worry, “Actually, back in my home country, I often wore Mother’s old clothes. Mother was good at sewing and could quickly alter them to fit me.”

    Before leaving the bedroom, Xiao Luohan looked at the plum blossom branches on the windowsill.

    Perhaps because it was so warm here, the buds were starting to bloom.

    “I’m looking forward to them blooming,” Jiang Xue said, standing beside her. “But your health isn’t very good. If they bloom and the fragrance becomes too strong, I’ll have to move them to the study.”

    People with weak constitutions were prone to allergies to floral scents. Even though she really wanted to keep the plum blossom branches, which held Elder Sister Red Fox’s soul, in the bedroom, for Xiao Luo’s health, she could only do this.

    “It’s alright, Elder Sister likes reading and playing the guqin,” Xiao Luohan said. “And your study has everything.”

    That was true.

    Jiang Xue could confidently say that she and her older sister had a rich collection of books.

    With that, they went to the study together.

    First, they took out the guqin, then removed the dust cover from the piano.

    Xiao Luohan tried a few notes. It was indeed out of tune and needed to be tuned by a professional. Jiang Xue put the guqin away, opened the piano lid, and played A Wish Across Time.

    “We made a promise,” Xiao Luohan reminded her after listening attentively.

    “Yes, I remember,” Jiang Xue withdrew her hands and turned to look at her. “When you come here, I’ll tell you the story behind this song.”

    “It’s from a foreign anime a long time ago, about the reincarnation of a priestess—a modern female student travels back to the Warring States period, a time filled with demons, through an ancient well…”

    By the time Sister Cheng came upstairs to call them for dinner, Jiang Xue had almost finished explaining the character relationships and plot summary of Inuyasha.

    Xiao Luohan’s reaction amused her. “I actually want to see the priestess and her reincarnation travel together.”

    Jiang Xue replied with a smile, “There’s no official work for that ‘what if’ scenario, only fan works. But there’s another anime where, after the male protagonist dies of old age, the immortal female protagonist and her disciple travel the world.”

    Xiao Luohan’s eyes lit up.

    The “recommendation” session paused for now, and Jiang Xue led her downstairs for the “welcome dinner.”

    It was actually all home-cooked dishes, prepared by the other housekeeper according to Xiao Luohan’s preferences, with some dishes catering to the Jiang family’s tastes as well.

    Although it was called a “welcome dinner,” the Jiang family didn’t have much of a sense of ceremony and didn’t make toasts or anything like that. After asking if Xiao Luohan wanted any drinks, they simply started eating.

    Good food was the most important thing.

    Jiang Xue was the happiest person at the table.

    She hadn’t forgotten that when Xiao Luo was still in the ancient world, if she and A-Xi wanted to treat her to something delicious, they had to secretly place the bowl on the diary, carefully checking the bottom and asking Xiao Luo if it was convenient for her to receive it, even worrying about the Crown Prince suddenly barging in and causing trouble.

    Because the diary wasn’t big, the amount of food they could send each time was limited. Now, Xiao Luo could finally eat to her heart’s content!

    Xiao Luohan, whom Jiang Xue hoped would eat her fill, still maintained her composure at the table full of food.

    She was a princess, after all, and even though she was born and raised in the cold palace, her mother had still taught her proper etiquette.

    But Xiao Luohan was also very happy today. Even though she ate slowly, she still ate more than usual. However, remembering Dr. Qi’s instructions, she didn’t dare overeat and immediately put down her chopsticks when she felt slightly full, refusing to eat any more no matter how much they persuaded her.

    It wasn’t customary to discuss business at the dinner table, and after finishing, everyone went about their own business.

    Xiao Luohan was still thinking about how to offer to help with the dishes when Jiang Xue pulled her away from the table and led her straight to her room.

    “Just leave the chores to Sister Cheng and the others. They’ve been working here for many years. If you try to help, they’ll feel awkward.” Closing the door, Jiang Xue explained, “You can learn those life skills later, when I go to a university far away and it’s not convenient for Sister Cheng to take care of me.”

    “You’re going to a university far away?” This was something Xiao Luohan had never heard of. For some reason, she felt a little flustered.

    “Not necessarily, it depends on luck,” Jiang Xue sat down at her desk, her hands resting on the back of the chair. “If a major I really want to study is only offered at a university far away this year, if I suddenly want to live in a certain city for a few years, if I mess up the college entrance exam and my score is only enough for a university far away… even though my grades have always been good, as the saying goes, ‘anything can happen’!”

    “But these are things to consider after the results come out at the end of June. For now, I just need to set a general goal and then focus on studying and taking the exams.”

    She always liked to simplify complicated matters, breaking them down into stages to consider and solve, so that worries wouldn’t accumulate.

    Without internal friction, she could free up more energy to focus on the task at hand.

    After listening attentively, Xiao Luohan slowly swallowed the words she wanted to say.

    Actually, she knew the answer to the question she wanted to ask better than anyone.

    She wanted to stay with Jiang Xue, and Jiang Xue wouldn’t feel at ease leaving her alone far away.

    Even though they might not always be like this, at least for now, this was what they both hoped for.

    “Would it be convenient to show me the textbooks tonight?” Xiao Luohan changed the subject.

    She had to catch up quickly and couldn’t always have Jiang Xue looking back and pulling her along.

    “I’ll find them right away!” Jiang Xue immediately jumped up from her chair and pulled out a storage box from under the desk.

    She took out all the textbooks for the first semester of each subject in her freshman year and arranged them on the table according to subject.

    “I wanted you to be able to understand them and also be interested in the knowledge of the new world, so the books I gave you were mostly liberal arts, and for the biology textbook, I chose the parts that didn’t require calculations.”

    As she spoke, she picked out the science textbooks and handed them to Xiao Luohan. “After all, the accumulation of knowledge in science is different from liberal arts. I’ve never been good at science, so I won’t comment.”

    Xiao Luohan hesitated for a moment, then chose the math textbook that Jiang Xue had often complained about, starting to read from the introduction.

    …She really couldn’t understand it.

    “Especially math,” Jiang Xue said, not surprised by her reaction. “Even if you have a solid foundation from elementary and middle school, if you get distracted in high school, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the problems.”

    After comparing the various subjects, Xiao Luohan finally confirmed that she was better at “liberal arts.”

    “Actually, if you’re more interested in music and art, taking the art exam is easier than the regular academic route,” Jiang Xue reminded her.

    “But there are fewer majors and universities to choose from,” Xiao Luohan said, remembering that Jiang Xue had mentioned this in her diary before the class division in her sophomore year.

    “No rush, let’s list out all the options first, and you can slowly choose, slowly find what’s suitable for you to learn and do,” Jiang Xue said.

    She actually wanted to tell Xiao Luo that her situation was different from theirs. She had been limited by her era and environment for the past seventeen years, so her starting point would be lower, and she would even have to learn many things from scratch.

    It was very difficult to master something, let alone so many things she had missed, but she could take her time. She and her family would support her.

    But the words reached her lips, and she felt that saying this would only put pressure on Xiao Luo.

    After all, Xiao Luo was still in a state of dependence.

    Even though she and her family had promised to take care of her for life, she had grown up in this state and knew very well that if something happened to those who protected her, or if their attitude changed, everything she had would vanish in an instant.

    Xiao Luo didn’t want to be left with nothing again, so she was anxious, wanting to quickly learn the rules of this world and integrate into it.

    Thinking of this, Jiang Xue wanted to hug Xiao Luo again.

    …And she did.

    “I’m afraid you’ll overthink, and overthinking is bad for your health,” she sighed. “I want to comfort you, but I’m not good with words, I can’t find the right things to say. Here’s a hug!”

    Xiao Luohan didn’t resist, letting Jiang Xue hug her, her hand still flipping through the textbook, looking for the most suitable subjects.

    For a moment, she suddenly felt a little despicable.

    “Developing habits” was normal, but if this involved another person, it could become a shackle.

    If Jiang Xue gradually became accustomed to, or even enjoyed, these interactions, then she might use these habits to bind Jiang Xue to her side.

    Even if they had conflicts in the future, they would still be entangled because of these “normal things.”

    As soon as this thought crossed her mind, Xiao Luohan gasped.

    Perhaps she had been reading too many “dramatic” romance stories recently. How could she… how could she think of their relationship this way?

    Jiang Xue didn’t know what she was thinking. After hugging her for a while, she noticed that it was almost Xiao Luohan’s usual bedtime and casually asked, “It’s cold at home, do you want to wear fleece pajamas to sleep?”

    “Okay.”

    “Do you want to try the electric blanket tonight?”

    “Okay.”

    “Then I’ll go turn it on for you.” Jiang Xue let go of her and went to the bedside to adjust the electric blanket switch.

    The warmth that had enveloped her disappeared. Xiao Luohan watched her leave, opened her mouth, and asked, “I go to bed early, what about you?”

    Jiang Xue instinctively wanted to say that she planned to study in the study for a while, but then she thought that this was Xiao Luo’s first night home. Whether as a guest or as a family member, being left alone in the bedroom on the first night wouldn’t feel good.

    So she started putting away the books. “I’ll go to bed early too. I have to go to school early tomorrow to tidy up your desk!”