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  • Sickly Girl Doesn’t Die in Zombie Simulator 141p1

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-One: A-rank?! Intelligence?! p1

    “Crack, crack—”
    “Woo—!”

    The zombie ray at the bottom of the huge rift valley was weakly flapping its pectoral fins like a broken robot.

    The uncoordinated movements looked like two souls were fighting for control of one body.

    And in fact, the struggle within the ray’s body was more intense than imagined.

    If one could see through the ray’s skin, one could clearly see that the entire long spine of the ray was covered with blood-red threads.

    These threads all emerged from within the bone and were connected to each other on the outside. Every time these threads flashed red, the ray’s body would tremble.

    But even so, the ray still maintained its hard bones, resisting the control of the threads.

    “Crack—”

    Another tooth-aching sound rang out, and a thin crack began to appear on the spine of the zombie ray.

    It was also this crack that brought severe pain, making the zombie ray completely crazy.

    “Woo————!”

    A roar, several times louder than a train whistle, erupted from the ray at the bottom of the immense canyon waters.

    Along with the roar, the scales on its whole body opened at the same time, spraying out a large amount of heat and bubbles at the bottom of the water.

    The huge thrust formed supported the zombie ray’s body to quickly float towards the surface of the water, and then broke through the water and rushed upwards.

    “Woo—!”

    After a huge cry, the zombie ray, like a whale emerging from the water, brought up a large amount of water, and the scales did not close in the air, directly smashing onto the water surface with its back facing the water.

    “Thump—”
    “Splash—”

    Just a zombie smashing into the water actually created a sound like a huge battering ram hitting the ground.

    “Boom—”

    The water splashed upwards like a fountain. Because the scales did not close when it fell, after smashing into the water, under the action of gravity and its own weight, the scales on the back of the zombie ray shattered inch by inch.

    Even the internal bones and various internal organs were completely cracked under this suicidal heavy blow, and blood continued to flow out of its body, staining a large area of water red.

    And Lin Jiayao, who was inside its body, almost fell apart under this level of impact.

    But the zombie ray that entered the water still didn’t stop. After losing its scales, it began to consume blood crystals like it was completely giving up, spraying flames.

    It was upside down in the water, spraying flames and crashing into the canyon on one side.

    “Rumble—”

    Under the impact of this giant zombie, the canyon was shaken violently, and a large number of boulders fell along the canyon and hit the zombie ray.

    Its skin and armor were smashed into pits, and even a sharp boulder directly penetrated its relatively soft pectoral fin after removing the armor.

    Damn…

    The whole skeleton of the zombie ray was almost falling apart, and Lin Jiayao’s controlled Mask was still connected to its spine, and it was also damaged.

    No, she had to implement effective control quickly…

    No, she had to kill it quickly!

    “Ch—”

    Lin Jiayao, who was connected to the spine of the ray, began to inject energy into the ray’s spine with all her strength, frantically strengthening its bones.

    And Lin Jiayao’s Mask body drilled out from the connection between the spine and the skull. At this time, Mask was like a fish in water in the bones and could enter and exit at will.

    “Crack—”

    She slammed her arms hard, trying to insert them into the connection between the ray’s spine and skull, but the connection was too tight and the defense was too strong, and Lin Jiayao couldn’t twist its huge head at all.

    There was no other way…

    Lin Jiayao’s body merged into the huge spine below again, and the body of half a corpse dragging blood threads was like a ghost, swimming in the solid bones.

    It was smoother than swimming in water.

    This feeling was really familiar…

    Lin Jiayao, who was swimming in a “sea” of red and white, sighed in her heart.

    It seemed that she had had this kind of time before… Drilling into other people’s bodies and stirring up their brains…

    That was really an unbearable memory, even writing it into a novel would be censored and banned.

    Soon, Lin Jiayao “swam” all the way along the bone to the ray’s brain.

    Compared with its huge body, the ray’s brain was pitifully small, almost only the size of Mask’s body, shrinking inside the thick skull.

    Generally speaking, it was difficult for anyone to directly penetrate such a thick skull, which was a bone with at least B-rank defense hardness.

    But as long as it was bone, in front of Mask, it was as if it was undefended.

    Similarly, boneless zombies like fungal zombies would also be Mask’s nemesis.

    Without hesitation, Lin Jiayao directly drilled into the ray’s brain cavity, condensed the bone shape of her hands, and very skillfully twisted the black brain.

    “Ch—”
    “Patter—”

    The brain of the B-rank zombie ray was much harder than other soft human brains and zombie brains, and the sound it made was not so disgusting.

    If Lin Jiayao had to use something to describe it, it would be a huge black walnut with holes, a viscous and slippery outer shell, and a little soft.

    Why describe it like this?

    Because there was really a layer of “kernel” inside its brain’s harder outer layer.

    It wasn’t until Lin Jiayao reached in with both hands and completely stirred the inside that Lin Jiayao finally felt that the zombie ray had no movement.

    “Huff…” Looking at the dark mass of brain in front of her, Lin Jiayao slowly breathed a sigh of relief.

    After looking at the stirred brain in front of her for a few more seconds, Lin Jiayao slowly shook her head.

    Forget it.

    She was not controlling A4 or Goldie now, there was no need to taste it, the brain had no bonus to Mask.

    At this time, the zombie ray, which had lost any movement, began to gradually sink to the bottom of the dark canyon, until it stopped in the darkness where no sound could be heard.

    And in this dark space, this seemingly dead zombie ray was undergoing unimaginable changes.

    Its outer skin began to peel off layer by layer, and even the scales on the epidermis fell to the bottom of the rift valley one by one.

    After those scales fell off, its body skin showed honeycomb-like holes.

    It turned out that those “scales” were irregular prismatic armor plates, only the slightly flat side was exposed on the epidermis.

    These prismatic armor plates also had a hole connected to the skin for extracting blood and blood crystals. Extracting blood crystals and spraying flames would be carried out in the scales, and opening the scales would directly spray out the flames.

    And each irregular scale could have a slight turn in these holes, used to control the direction of the spray.

    It was hard to believe that this was something that a deep-sea zombie with no intelligence could evolve… Blood crystals played an important role in evolution.

    But at this time, these scales were also gradually falling off because the flesh and blood were peeling off the body. Soon, the blood, flesh, and internal organs of the zombie ray were all peeled off the body, leaving only a complete skeleton wrapped in red blood threads.

    This skeleton flickered quietly at the bottom of the water. After a long time, it slowly moved.

    With its densely packed bone spurs like fins, and the dorsal and ventral fins at the tail slowly bending, supporting its huge body to stand up obliquely.

    The original zombie ray’s appearance was not as aggressive as the devil ray, and it looked more rounded.

    But now that it had become a skeleton, it was like an ancient biological fossil, with a strong sense of shock and threat.

    Especially its skull, the bone spurs originally growing in the oral cavity, now pierced out like steel needles, even piercing through the skull.

    This made its skull look like the head of a skeletal zombie.

    The controller of this huge skeleton was Lin Jiayao.

    At this time, Lin Jiayao was familiarizing herself with the huge body she was controlling now, and the flapping skeletal fins set off undercurrents in the water.

    Finally, after the last bit of the tailbone was connected by blood threads, Lin Jiayao slowly breathed a sigh of relief.

    Completely controlled.

    This brainless big fish was unexpectedly difficult to deal with, and it was impossible to control it while it was still alive.

    In order to control its body, Lin Jiayao had to destroy its brain, melt its flesh and blood, and then completely control it.

    But the price was that Lin Jiayao only obtained a whole set of B-rank bones. Because of the size advantage, it had power and defense beyond the general B-rank.

    In any case, this was also a qualified body.

    As for the blood crystals of this zombie, only about twenty were precipitated, and most of the other blood crystal energy was in the flesh and bones.

    This was also why zombies needed to gnaw on flesh and blood. It was too inefficient to only eat blood crystals.

    And now, Lin Jiayao naturally did not have that psychological barrier to gnawing on zombie meat.

    She had eaten even more disgusting things, what was this?

    Besides, Mask had no sense of taste, and didn’t even need to use its mouth to eat, and there was no reason to waste these flesh and blood.

    After putting six scales and three large pieces of meat into the Safehouse, Lin Jiayao manipulated the giant ray skeleton body, slowly moved at the bottom of the water, and floated above the pile of flesh and blood floating with black blood.

    These scales and meat were to be brought to A4. This flame-spraying ability was quite good, and Lin Jiayao wanted to try if A4 could also evolve this ability.

    She had a hunch that if A4 could obtain this ability, its attack form should be optimized a lot.

    The blood threads on the bones drooped down one by one, connected to the flesh and blood below, and began to absorb the energy inside.

    As for the precipitated blood crystals, Lin Jiayao stored them in a pouch crafted from woven blood threads and jagged bone fragments.

    After absorbing the flesh and blood, Lin Jiayao felt that all the previous consumption of Mask had been well replenished, and even made Mask stronger than when it had just evolved.

    Lin Jiayao looked at the Extraction Point and the extraction time, and saw that she was only 8km away from the nearest Extraction Point, and the extraction time was only 15 minutes left.

    With Lin Jiayao’s current state, within this time, as long as she didn’t encounter other zombies, the extraction should be more than enough.

    But if she wanted to go to other Extraction Points, this extraction time would be enough.

    Because of the battle, Lin Jiayao was brought to the bottom of the canyon she saw before.

    Fortunately, there was an Extraction Point nearby. If there was still only one Extraction Point as before, Mask might have been lost.

    Let’s extract quickly…

    In order to save time, Lin Jiayao directly used the swimming method to approach the Extraction Point from the bottom of the water.

    She was preparing to climb up after getting closer to the Extraction Point, which could save a lot of travel time.

    But the more she swam at the bottom of the water, the more Lin Jiayao felt that something was wrong.

    This Extraction Point… seemed wrong.

    Wasn’t it the Wetland Park Extraction Point in Yangzhou City?

    She should have already entered the territory of Yangzhou City, right? Why did it feel that the canyon was getting wider instead.

    And this location… If she continued to swim forward, the Extraction Point would only be at the bottom of the water.

    Lin Jiayao couldn’t help it. While swimming, her body slowly floated up.

    Now the large rift valley was almost completely filled with seawater. Lin Jiayao even saw many steel bars that were like hair to her during the ascent.

    There were also buildings that seemed to be able to be swept down with a sweep, and nearly half of them were submerged in water.

    Was this still the Yangzhou City she knew…

    If Lin Jiayao could make expressions now, her expression must be dumbfounded.

    Although she knew before leaving Yangzhou City that the once-in-a-century typhoon would definitely flood Yangzhou City, which had a paralyzed drainage system.

    She didn’t expect that this destruction would be so serious.

    The city was flooded not only by typhoons, floods, dam breaks, or drainage systems, but most importantly, the rift valley that Lin Jiayao was swimming in now.

    This huge crack made the ground on both sides tilt a lot, which was the key to being submerged.

    But… how did this big rift valley appear?

    It was like a giant who regarded the planet as a cake, and cut a piece here with a cake knife… Besides natural disasters, only A-rank could do this.

    At least none of Lin Jiayao’s B-rank zombies could do such a terrifying thing.

    Lin Jiayao sighed softly in her heart, mourning for the camps that were still guarding nearby against the rainstorm.

    In this hellish scene, let alone people, even land zombie groups could not survive.

    And Lin Jiayao had been swimming for so long, but she hadn’t even seen a zombie fish.

    You know, this huge canyon, which was originally a river, Lin Jiayao had been here when it was still a river.

    At that time, Lin Jiayao also lured a group of corpses to let them jump into the river to feed the fish. At that time, a huge zombie fish ten meters long jumped out, and there were more swimming in the water.

    Could it be that they were eaten by the fish from the sea?

    No… In that case, there should be sea fish, right?

    Why didn’t she even see sea fish?

    The only thing that could explain Lin Jiayao’s doubts might be the “territory” problem.

    This entire water area might be the territory originally controlled by the zombie ray she was controlling, so other zombie fish would not approach after smelling the smell or pheromones.

    Let’s continue to swim towards the Extraction Point… This place is creepy.

    Soon, as Lin Jiayao got closer and closer to the Extraction Point, her assumption about “territory” was broken.

    As she got closer and closer to the Extraction Point, there were more and more strange fish nearby, and Lin Jiayao found that those fish were approaching her Extraction Point.

    Is it really good to have so many zombies at the Extraction Point?

    Through Bone Spike Lurker, Lin Jiayao could even see through the vibration that there were some half-human, half-fish species walking in the sand at the bottom of the water.

    Fish-headed and human-bodied… looking like the Deep Ones in Cthulhu Mythos, but these zombies with rotten skin must be much more disgusting than the Deep Ones.

    “Dada-dada—”

    The densely packed bone spurs on Lin Jiayao’s body tapped each other, transmitting some information from farther away to her mind, and the surrounding terrain was also quickly constructed in Lin Jiayao’s mind.

    But soon, Lin Jiayao frowned.

    Just in front, at the Extraction Point marked by the system, Bone Spike Lurker showed a whole blank in her mind.

    It was as if there was a BUG when playing a game, and the texture of a street was not loaded.

    No… this was not a BUG…

    In the depths of the canyon, something was blocking the detection of Bone Spike Lurker!

    Blocking Bone Spike Lurker?

    Mask also had a move that could block detection, and it had it when it was C-rank, that was 【Feigned Death Camouflage Lv.1】.

    But even Feigned Death Camouflage couldn’t directly make other people’s Bone Spike Lurker appear this kind of distorted picture transmission, right?

    If it were normal, Lin Jiayao would definitely turn around and leave when encountering this strange situation, and directly change to another Extraction Point.

    But now, the extraction time was only a short five minutes left. In this time, even A4 could not guarantee that it could run directly from one Extraction Point to the next.

    In any case… at least that was the Extraction Point determined by the system, which was safe for the system. There was no way.

    Less than five hundred meters away from the Extraction Point, Lin Jiayao could finally see a little faint light through the darkness at the bottom of the water.

    This was…

     

  • Dear, it’s time for your medicine! 293

    Chapter 293: Athena, Being Too Smart Isn’t Always a Good Thing

    His thoughts exposed, Muse felt a pang of embarrassment.

    This was Jie Luo’s soul fragment. He felt safest keeping it with him, not trusting even his fellow Hero Squad member, Athena.

    But she had a point. While he was certain it was Jie Luo’s, having sensed his aura, what if he was wrong?

    And the fragment had been made into a ring and worn on a skeleton’s finger. Who knew if it had been damaged in the process?

    Having Athena examine it wasn’t a bad idea.

    Despite his dislike for her, he knew she wouldn’t betray Jie Luo. After a moment of consideration, he handed her the ring.

    Athena accepted it, sighing inwardly.

    She wasn’t ruthless enough.

    Jie Luo’s residual soul had awakened within Qin Chu. And there was a traitor within the former Hero Squad, with Muse being a suspect.

    She needed to give this soul fragment to Qin Chu, to help Jie Luo’s soul recover.

    While killing Muse would be the best way to conceal the truth, she decided to find another solution… She pondered how to deceive him.

    She extended her consciousness into the soul fragment…

    Partly to check for damage, and partly because she wanted to see the real Jie Luo.

    The desire had intensified after obtaining the fragment.

    While his soul had awakened within Qin Chu, it was still within Qin Chu’s body. Initially, it hadn’t bothered her, but now she felt a growing resistance, a sense of discomfort.

    A smile touched her lips. If she could draw out the residual soul from the fragment, that would be ideal. It would be the pure, unadulterated Jie Luo.

    She believed that seeing him again would solidify her feelings, dispelling her confusion.

    But her expression gradually changed.

    Her fingers trembled, her face paling, almost as white as the surrounding snow.

    Her body shook, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

    Her beautiful eyes were filled with shock and terror.

    Seeing her reaction, Muse’s heart lurched. What was wrong? Why was she reacting like this?

    Was there something wrong with the soul fragment?

    Panic filled him. He stepped forward, reaching for her hand.

    But even in her state of shock, Athena instinctively reacted, retreating several meters.

    “Athena, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice strained, his anxiety growing.

    He wasn’t a mage. He couldn’t sense anything wrong with the fragment. And that ignorance was terrifying.

    Athena’s lips trembled, her eyes wide and unfocused: “This soul fragment… it’s empty. There’s nothing inside.”

    Muse didn’t understand: “Empty?”

    “Soul fragments usually contain a residual soul,” Athena explained, her voice filled with shock and fear, fighting to control her trembling. “But this one… it’s just an empty shell. There’s nothing inside…”

    “Why? But Qin Chu…”

    Buzz…

    As she uttered Qin Chu’s name, she swayed, almost falling.

    Qin Chu… Qin Chu… Qin Chu…

    Why?

    The soul fragment Qin Chu possessed contained a residual soul, a soul that had awakened and entered his body?

    While hers was empty?

    It was no different from an ordinary stone.

    A torrent of thoughts flooded her mind, twisting and tangling, threatening to shatter her sanity.

    No… this can’t be.

    All soul fragments should be the same. It was impossible for some to contain residual souls while others didn’t.

    And it was even more impossible for Qin Chu to have the only one with a soul.

    If the fragment Qin Chu possessed was also empty…

    Her eyes widened, a terrifying thought taking root… had Qin Chu been deceiving her all along?

    Was it all a lie?

    Was there no Jie Luo?

    Had it always been just Qin Chu?

    Then her submission to him, her degrading acts, her fawning behavior, like a shameless whore… what had it all been for?

    Despite the warmth of her magical shield, she felt a bone-chilling cold.

    She felt as if she were freezing, her body trembling as she sank to the ground, a despairing cry escaping her lips…

    Nothing could be more painful, more devastating.

    She had sacrificed everything for Jie Luo’s resurrection, only to discover it might have all been a sham?

    Aaaaaaah…

    Her cry echoed through the snowy landscape.

    She coughed up a mouthful of blood, staining the snow crimson, like blossoming plum flowers.

    She felt as if her heart had been pierced.

    No… not necessarily.

    In her confused and distraught state, she desperately searched for another explanation.

    Perhaps she was overthinking this.

    She wasn’t an expert on souls. Perhaps it was normal for a soul fragment to be empty after so long, the residual soul having dissipated.

    This fragment was small. Perhaps the soul within had simply faded away.

    The fragment Qin Chu possessed was much larger, containing a stronger residual soul, which was why it had survived.

    It had to be that. It was just a coincidence.

    She desperately clung to this explanation, trying to quell her fear.

    But the doubt lingered, growing stronger, more terrifying.

    Muse’s face darkened. Athena’s reaction wasn’t faked. He sensed that something was terribly wrong, despite having obtained the soul fragment.

    The uncertainty gnawed at him. He needed answers.

    “Damn it, Athena, what happened? Tell me everything!” he roared, about to grab her and force the truth out of her.

    But Athena suddenly looked up, her gaze darting around.

    A strange sound echoed in her ears.

    Like the rustling of insects.

    “Who’s there?” she demanded.

    No answer.

    Muse stopped, looking at her strangely.

    Had she finally snapped?

    There was no one else here.

    Rustle… rustle…

    The strange sound persisted.

    It made Athena’s ears itch.

    Finally, she distinguished a few words:

    “Poor soul…”

    “Do you desire the power of eternal life, the power to corrupt all things?”

    The words fueled her anxiety. She gripped her staff, waving it wildly, mana surging around her, a powerful spell threatening to erupt.

    “Who’s there? Show yourself!” she screamed, fighting against the voice’s influence.

    Her frantic demeanor frightened even Muse, who instinctively stepped back.

    A faint rustling sound came from behind a nearby snow-covered cedar tree.

    Four figures emerged.

    One man, three women.

    The man was tall and handsome, a faint smile on his lips.

    One of the women wore a black dress and black stockings, her long, black hair reaching her hips, her face pale as snow, her delicate feet encased in silk. She seemed to float above the snow.

    She looked stunning in stockings, her black eyes filled with a mixture of pity and indifference.

    Another woman wore an ice-blue dress, blending seamlessly with the snowy landscape, her face as delicate as a carving of ice.

    The third woman, similar in demeanor to the second, was cold and elegant, her ice-blue hair flowing in the wind, her long legs carrying her graceful figure, her white boots leaving footprints in the snow.

    These three women were Ireta, the Daughter of Death, Heloise, the Snow Woman, and Anastasia, the princess of the Ice Duchy.

    Muse gripped his axe, his bloodshot, corrupted eyes fixing on the four figures, then settling on Qin Chu.

    He sensed a powerful threat emanating from the smiling man.

    This man had come to kill him… and perhaps Athena as well.

    He was smiling, but his killing intent was undeniable.

    Athena froze as the four figures… no, as the man appeared.

    She stood motionless, like a beautiful doll.

    Suppressing a coughing fit, Muse glared at the man: “Who are you? What are you sneaking around here for?”

    The man didn’t answer, merely smiling faintly, his gaze sweeping over Muse with a hint of surprise, as if he hadn’t expected him to be in this state.

    Then, his gaze shifted to Athena, his smile widening.

    After a long moment, he sighed:

    “You actually found me?”

    “Athena, you’re very smart. But sometimes, being too smart isn’t a good thing…”

  • After Failing to Find Immortality 225

    Chapter 225: Reaping the Spoils, A Spirit in the Immortal Realm

    Tap

    The crisp sound of footsteps echoed on the deserted street.

    A mysterious woman emerged from the shadows, her movements graceful and seductive, yet also regal and imposing, her aura shrouded in the darkness.

    She flicked her fingers, and the broken fan that had fallen earlier flew into her hand.

    With a flash of light, a pale blue flame ignited, repairing the damaged fan, restoring its intricate floral embroidery and red tassels. It was once again a beautiful and elegant accessory.

    “That unlucky demon. He just had to run into that scholar.”

    The mysterious woman looked down at Fan Qi’s ashes, a mocking smile on her lips. “That Luo Xing title must have gone to his head. So arrogant and impulsive, attacking without even knowing his opponent’s true strength… What a waste of his Crimson Demon cultivation.

    Decades of hard work, reduced to ashes in an instant. How pathetic. And now, someone else will reap the benefits.”

    She flicked her fingers again, and wisps of gray mist converged towards her.

    The mist coalesced into a small orb, which she pressed against her chest, absorbing it into her body.

    “…So Prince Pei has ambitions of his own, hoping to carve out a piece of this chaotic world for himself.”

    She savored the remnants of Fan Qi’s memories, her eyes narrowing, a satisfied smile on her face. “Although he was a fool, his Yin energy is quite pure. It will be useful for patching up this makeshift body.”

    “And as for this—”

    She glanced down at her feet and tapped the ground, creating ripples of energy.

    A strange vessel, about the size of a water pitcher, emerged from the ground beside her, covered in mysterious inscriptions and intricate cracks. A chilling aura emanated from it, the temperature plummeting, frost forming on the surrounding surfaces.

    “An interesting idea, to create chaos and harvest Yin energy before the New Year. But it seems he failed. He even tried to destroy the Human Soul Repository in his final moments, but he died too quickly, only releasing a small amount of Yin energy.”

    She chuckled and waved her hand, storing the Human Soul Repository in her sleeve.

    “This matter is settled. Now…”

    She turned and looked in the direction Lin Tianlu had gone, a playful smile on her lips. “I have to keep my promise and play with you, scholar. I won’t be satisfied until I’ve made you suffer for humiliating me.”

    She looked down at her own body, a thoughtful expression on her face.

    Her short silver skirt, adorned with small jewels, barely concealed her voluptuous figure, its luxurious and revealing design accentuating her curves, her every movement seductive and alluring, her skin shimmering in the moonlight.

    “Fashion has certainly changed in the past thousand years. This outfit might attract too much attention.”

    She recalled the clothing she had seen these past few days and tapped her chest lightly.

    With a flash of light, her silver dress transformed into an elegant and dignified robe, like a court lady’s attire, its long skirt reaching the ground, a jade belt cinched around her waist.

    “This is more appropriate.”

    She smiled, her movements graceful and refined, a delicate fan in her hand, her demeanor like that of a noble lady.

    But her eyes sparkled with mischief as she moved through the deserted streets, her figure blurring like a phantom.

    “The New Year is still a while away. I need to find some entertainment… Hmm?”

    She suddenly stopped, her eyes widening in surprise as she looked towards the distance.

    Invisible to ordinary eyes, but clear to her, a massive amount of Yin energy was converging towards a single point, forming a swirling vortex, like a pillar of light reaching for the sky.

    “That’s not something an ordinary demon or ghost could do. Could it be… that fox I saw at the inn?”

    She frowned, her hand touching the Human Soul Repository hidden in her sleeve. “There was something strange about her, as if she was on the verge of a breakthrough. And now, with the Yin energy released from the damaged Repository, it’s all flowing towards her. What a lucky coincidence.”

    After a moment of thought, she decided not to interfere.

    “It’s pointless. With that scholar there, I would only be humiliating myself.”

    Her eyes flickered, and a playful smile returned to her lips. “I’ll just go ahead and prepare a little surprise for them.”

    With that, she turned and vanished into the night.

    …

    Meanwhile, Lin Tianlu had just returned to the inn.

    “What—”

    He looked up at the torrent of Yin energy erupting from the inn, his eyes wide with surprise.

    Sensing the familiar aura, he instantly teleported to the source, appearing in their room.

    “Senior!”

    Hua Shuya, her sword drawn, was struggling against the powerful Yin wind that filled the room. Seeing Lin Tianlu, she said urgently, “Miss Yun Yue… there’s something wrong with her. Her Yin energy is surging uncontrollably.”

    “It seems to be a sign of a breakthrough, Sister Yun.”

    Mao Ruoyu was also there, using her Yin techniques to stabilize the energy, preventing it from spreading.

    Her expression was serious. “But this breakthrough is… quite unusual.”

    Lin Tianlu asked, “Did she say anything before this happened?”

    “No, she was asleep.”

    “I understand.”

    Lin Tianlu touched his chest, sensing a faint connection.

    It seemed there was a link between him and Yun Yue.

    Hua Shuya’s eyes flickered, and she said with a strange expression, “Senior, Miss Xuanling just spoke to me. She said that Miss Yun Yue has a deep connection with you and that you should try to help her.”

    “How?”

    “She doesn’t know. Perhaps you’ll understand when you get closer.”

    Lin Tianlu’s lips twitched.

    Such a vague answer was typical of that girl.

    But Yu Xuanling wouldn’t lie to him. It was worth a try.

    “Ruoyu, Shuya, stay here. I’ll take a look.”

    He cautiously approached Yun Yue.

    The concentration of Yin energy in the room was increasing rapidly, forming shimmering threads that crisscrossed the air, like a spiderweb, transforming the room into a mystical and dangerous realm. An ordinary person would have been consumed by this power.

    But Lin Tianlu was unaffected. He brushed the threads aside and walked towards the bed, looking down at the white fox curled up on the mattress.

    She seemed to be sleeping peacefully.

    If it weren’t for the chaotic energy swirling around her, he wouldn’t have noticed anything unusual.

    Lin Tianlu reached out and touched Yun Yue’s fur.

    A blinding light erupted, and the surrounding Yin energy dissipated instantly.

    …

    A gentle breeze caressed his face, soft and warm.

    “This is…”

    Lin Tianlu opened his eyes. The mist before him cleared, revealing a serene and peaceful forest.

    But the refreshing spiritual energy filling the air told him that he was inside his own personal space, the ethereal Mount Taiyi… or rather, its foothills.

    He turned to see the towering peak of Mount Taiyi in the distance, its slopes covered in lush greenery, a timeless and beautiful landscape.

    “It’s been a while since I visited the foot of Mount Taiyi. The scenery is still as beautiful as ever.”

    Lush plants and trees grew everywhere, their leaves vibrant and green. A vast lake shimmered in the distance, its surface shrouded in mist, a dreamlike paradise.

    “But Yun Yue, she’s… Hmm?”

    Lin Tianlu’s brow furrowed as he looked towards the center of the lake.

    A slender figure was sitting on a small island, her back to him, a thin, translucent veil draped over her body, swaying gently in the breeze.

    The woman slowly turned around.

    Lin Tianlu’s eyes widened in surprise as he saw her face.

    Her beauty was ethereal and otherworldly, almost unreal. Her short, silver hair framed her delicate features, accentuating her crimson eyes.

    And her attire was similar to the robes worn by Mao Ruoyu and the others in their transformed states, a black and gold dress that clung to her curves, revealing her smooth shoulders and ample bosom, a golden pendant hanging between her breasts, its ribbons barely concealing her cleavage. A sheer, watery fabric covered her legs, tied at her waist.

    Despite her seated position, she exuded an aura of grace and otherworldly beauty.

    Their eyes met, and Lin Tianlu’s gaze narrowed.

    She shared a resemblance with Yun Yue, but her features were more delicate and youthful, like a younger sister, her figure equally alluring.

    But most importantly, the aura emanating from her…

    “Tianlu.”

    The silver-haired woman’s voice was soft and ethereal. “Do you recognize me?”

    Lin Tianlu sighed softly and walked towards the lake.

    “You’re Yun Yue.”

    He couldn’t mistake that aura.

    Although her appearance, her voice, and even her demeanor had changed, the Yin energy surrounding her was undoubtedly hers.

    And looking around, he recognized the clear lake, the small island… This was the same place he had visited in the Netherworld!

    “I’m glad you recognize me.”

    Yun Yue nodded slightly, her beautiful face devoid of emotion, only a chilling calmness. “But I can’t trust you yet.”

    “What do you mean?”

    Lin Tianlu stepped onto the water, crossing the lake in a single stride, landing on the small island.

    Yun Yue looked up at him, her red eyes calm and unreadable.

    “I gained some insights during my visit to the Lunar Valley. My cultivation has improved, and I’m on the verge of a breakthrough. But you took half of my soul. If I want to break through… no, if I want to truly submit to you, this is my only chance.”

    Half of her soul?

    Lin Tianlu pondered her words.

    When they escaped from the Netherworld, he had indeed used the power of the immortal mountain to extract a large portion of her soul, both as punishment and to sever her connection to that realm.

    But it seemed to have had an unexpected side effect.

    “What exactly—”

    “A demon’s bloodline and a Yin soul, although they can merge to form a demon-ghost hybrid, they’re also opposing forces, difficult to reconcile. And during a breakthrough, this conflict intensifies.”

    Yun Yue touched her chest, her voice calm. “I am formed from the convergence of Yin souls.”

    “And this ‘submission’ you mentioned…”

    “You already have half of my soul. Now, the other half awaits you.” Yun Yue lowered her eyes, her voice soft. “If you absorb me completely into your immortal mountain, I will truly submit to you. My demon bloodline and my Yin soul will become one, and I, the Azure Fox, will be your loyal servant for all eternity.”

    “…”

    Lin Tianlu walked towards her, his expression thoughtful.

    Yun Yue glanced at him. “Is something wrong?”

    “Why would you even consider such a thing?”

    Her face remained calm. “You’re the only man I’ve ever acknowledged. It’s only natural for me to submit to you.”

    “You’ve never mentioned this before. Why now? Does this ‘submission’ have something to do with your breakthrough?”

    “Yes.”

    To Lin Tianlu’s surprise, Yun Yue nodded.

    “Submission is necessary.”

    “Explain yourself, Yun Yue. If I can help, I will. But don’t ever mention being my ‘servant’ again.” Lin Tianlu’s voice was firm. “Such words are an insult to our bond.”

    “I…” A flicker of emotion finally appeared in Yun Yue’s eyes.

    But she suddenly looked away.

    A fox had silently descended from the sky, landing on the opposite side of the lake.

    “‘She’s’ here.”

  • My Girlfriend is a Cold and Aloof Sickly Beauty 61

    Chapter 61: Coming Home

    The international airport in Jiang Xue’s city was huge. After getting off the plane, Xiao Luohan stayed close to her, afraid of getting lost if she looked away for even a moment.

    Seeing this, Jiang Xue took her sleeve.

    “Okay, now you can look around,” she said.

    Xiao Luohan paused. “Is that alright…?”

    “I only have one bag, and holding your sleeve won’t be a problem.” Jiang Xue smiled. “Take a good look. The next time we come to the airport will probably be during summer vacation after the college entrance exam.”

    Xiao Luohan finally felt at ease observing her surroundings.

    Crowds of people with luggage waiting in line, large screens displaying various data, the electronic female voice announcing flight information from time to time…

    Everything from the videos she had seen came to life before her eyes. She was still young and hadn’t seen much of the world, so she looked around curiously wherever she went.

    Seeing her actions, Jiang Mei, who was observing from behind, breathed a sigh of relief.

    It was good that she was energetic. It seemed Xiao Luo had almost fully recovered and was adapting well to the new world.

    They collected their luggage from the baggage carousel and led Xiao Luohan to the parking lot.

    Sister Cheng was already waiting there. Seeing the slender girl beside Jiang Xue, she felt a surge of emotion and hurried over, sighing with relief. “I’ve been waiting for you, Third Miss!”

    This was the little girl from ancient times who had traveled across time and space!

    Hearing the familiar voice, Xiao Luohan felt a little dazed. When she saw the person approaching, even though she had been prepared, her eyes teared up, and she couldn’t hold back her tears.

    It was the Shizhu of this world…

    Shizhu should be able to live a good life with her daughter here, right?

    “Oh dear, oh dear! Don’t cry!” Sister Cheng was startled and hurriedly took out a clean tissue from her bag. “Don’t worry! Eldest Miss, Second Miss, and the whole family are very kind. They won’t let you suffer anymore!”

    Although she didn’t know the specific reason for the tears, the girl’s crying melted her heart.

    As they walked towards the car, Sister Cheng couldn’t help but say a few more words. “Your clothes and belongings are all ready. The new quilt and pillows are still being aired. I’ll put them away when we get back. By the way, the plum blossom branches you sent are at home. Second Miss specifically instructed me to put them on a sunny windowsill…”

    “Thank you!” Xiao Luohan hurriedly wiped her tears with the tissue, her voice choked with sobs. “Thank you…”

    “You’re welcome! No need to be so polite, oh dear…” Sister Cheng was a little flustered. Fortunately, they had reached the car. She quickly opened the door and started the engine.

    After getting in the car, Jiang Xue gently patted Xiao Luohan’s back to comfort her.

    Dr. Qi, who was also in the car, sat in the passenger seat, explaining Xiao Luohan’s condition to Sister Cheng: what she could eat, what she should avoid, how to take care of her health… she covered everything she could think of.

    Jiang Mei sat next to Jiang Xue, deliberately letting them sit together.

    She had already heard from her younger sister about the correspondence between Sister Cheng and Shizhu.

    Just seeing Sister Cheng had made Xiao Luo so emotional. She didn’t know how she would react when she saw Ms. Wei and Ms. Jiang later.

    But compared to them, Jiang Mei still felt that her own presence might cause Xiao Luo even more pain.

    She couldn’t be Xiao Luo’s elder sister.

    They had different backgrounds and different aspirations. Even if they had almost identical appearances, personalities, and preferences, even if there was a chance for her to inherit Xiao Linghan’s memories in the future, she was still “Jiang Mei,” not “Princess Zhemei.”

    For Xiao Luo, Xiao Linghan was irreplaceable.

    She herself could face Xiao Luohan calmly, but how would Xiao Luohan face her, someone who was both “similar and different” from her elder sister?

    Thinking of this, Jiang Mei couldn’t help but look at Xiao Luohan.

    The young woman was looking at the scenery outside the window, but she quickly turned around and asked Jiang Xue with concern, “Are you feeling unwell?”

    “…It’s nothing, I just get carsick, it’s an old problem.” Jiang Xue leaned against the seat listlessly. “What about you? Are you okay?”

    Although it was Xiao Luohan’s first time in a car, perhaps because she had ridden in bumpier carriages during her journey for the marriage alliance, she felt that Sister Cheng’s driving was very smooth. She shook her head slightly and asked, “Do you need me to open the window for some fresh air?”

    “No, no, it’s too cold outside!” Jiang Xue hurriedly refused, afraid that the wind would make Xiao Luo, who had just recovered from a severe cold, sick again. “I’ll just sleep for a while, I’m really fine!”

    Seeing her about to close her eyes, Xiao Luohan hesitated for a moment, then patted her lap. “You can lie here, it might be more comfortable.”

    Jiang Xue: …?

    Her mind short-circuited, and the words “lap pillow” flashed through her mind like a barrage of comments.

    Before she could respond, a pair of hands rested on her shoulders, guiding her to lie down.

    “She’s a bit heavy. If she sleeps all the way home, your legs will go numb,” Jiang Mei explained calmly.

    “Yes, yes, I’ve gained weight recently, I’m heavy!” Jiang Xue quickly agreed, resting her head on her older sister’s lap and closing her eyes.

    Seeing this, Xiao Luohan didn’t insist on her “kind offer,” only nodding slightly at Jiang Mei and continuing to look at the scenery outside.

    But she was analyzing the details in her mind.

    She felt that Jiang Xue probably didn’t mind lying on her lap, but precisely because she didn’t mind, she was embarrassed.

    Indeed, regardless of the customs of either world, before a relationship was defined, if both parties were interested, they would try to avoid such intimate actions that could easily lead to misunderstandings, at least in front of others.

    And in this world where same-sex couples could marry and have children, even between two girls, they couldn’t be too close.

    She made a mental note, planning to test her guess when she was alone with Jiang Xue.

    Even though it was a weekday, Ms. Wei had taken leave to welcome the “Third Miss” from afar.

    She still remembered the last time she met Xiao Luo, when Xiao Luo had transformed into a cute Ragdoll cat in a dream. Although she hadn’t been able to see the cat, she had felt something soft and fluffy nestled against her, then disappearing at some point.

    Now, this young woman was truly standing before her, bowing respectfully and calling her “Ms. Wei.” She couldn’t help but step forward and pull her into a hug.

    Even though Xiao Luohan was wearing a thick down jacket, Ms. Wei could still feel her thinness and frailty.

    But she didn’t say anything, only ruffled Xiao Luohan’s hair and patted her back, saying softly, “The ‘welcome dinner’ will be ready soon, all your favorite dishes.”

    As she was hugged, Xiao Luohan instinctively thought of her own mother.

    Her mother had lived in the cold palace for many years. Even though she seemed optimistic about everything, Xiao Luohan always felt that there was a hidden shadow in her heart, something even she couldn’t see—it must be the scars her mother didn’t want to talk about.

    …Most importantly, no one could “drag” her mother into the sunlight and completely dispel that shadow, not even the late Empress.

    But the woman hugging her now was completely different.

    —Ms. Wei seemed to radiate warmth and gentleness. Not only did she have no “shadow,” she herself was a source of light.

    She replied with an “Okay,” but was reluctant to leave, feeling her nose tingle again.

    This world was so good, everyone was living a good life.

    Ms. Wei also didn’t want to let go of her so easily. The young woman in her arms, although human, reminded her of a real Ragdoll cat, so well-behaved, gentle, and quiet, completely different from her other two energetic daughters.

    She couldn’t help but hold the girl a little longer, stroking her soft and smooth hair.

    It wasn’t until Jiang Xue gently called out “Mommy” that Ms. Wei let go, smiling brightly. “Take Xiao Luo to your bedroom and study. Sister Cheng already tidied up a bit this morning.”

    Slippers for Xiao Luohan had already been prepared at the entrance. After changing into them, she followed Jiang Xue upstairs.

    “This is my bedroom, and that’s my older sister’s room,” Jiang Xue introduced the rooms one by one. “There’s a piano and a guqin in my study. But I haven’t learned much guqin, and I haven’t touched it in a long time. If you want to play, you might need to have it tuned first.”

    There were too many things in the study, so it wasn’t convenient to introduce them. She first took Xiao Luohan to her bedroom, which she used more often, and showed her the ensuite bathroom. “Every bedroom has an ensuite bathroom, similar to Uncle Seuss’s place. Look, your toiletries are all ready. If you need anything else, just tell Sister Cheng… Oh right! I haven’t added her on WeChat yet.”

    Seeing the WeChat contact card with the name “Shizhu’s Mom,” Xiao Luohan stared blankly for a long time.

    “There’s also a ‘Shizhu’ in this world, but she’s Sister Cheng’s daughter, her name is Cheng Shizhu,” Jiang Xue explained, seeing what she was thinking. “Cheng Shizhu is still in university, but she’ll be back for winter break soon. I’ll introduce you then. Sister Cheng loves her very much.”

    After hearing about the Shizhu here and her daughter, Xiao Luohan’s heart softened, and she nodded.

    After adding Sister Cheng on WeChat, her gaze landed on the screen in the room.

    It was the Japanese-style screen she had chosen, temporarily placed by the bed by Sister Cheng.

    Jiang Xue hadn’t thought much about the screen before, but seeing it now, she was quite satisfied.

    “It’s so elegant!” she praised generously, touching it. “It looks very sturdy. I can even hang clothes on top!”

    Most importantly, when there was a light source, she could see the silhouette of the person behind the screen, but only a silhouette.

    This hazy feeling was beautiful and polite. Even if she stared, she wouldn’t be noticed… cough, it seemed her mind was wandering again.

    “It’s best if you like it too,” Xiao Luohan nodded with a smile. Just as she was about to continue familiarizing herself with the environment, a knock came at the door.

    “Second Miss? I’ve brought the quilt and pillows that were being aired,” Sister Cheng said from outside.

    Jiang Xue quickly opened the door, then pulled Xiao Luohan to the side and watched as Sister Cheng efficiently made the bed—Sister Cheng didn’t like others interfering when she was doing housework.

    “…Although my bed isn’t small, will it be too crowded with two body pillows?” Jiang Xue whispered after Sister Cheng closed the door and left.

    “We can also do without the pillows,” Xiao Luohan said, her beautiful eyes filled with innocence and purity as she looked at her. “When we were at Uncle Seuss’s house, I was thinking, if we unconsciously hug each other in our sleep, does it mean that we can give each other a sense of security?”

    “…Eh?”

    “If it were someone we were wary of, we wouldn’t even be able to sleep soundly, let alone hug them,” Xiao Luohan continued. “Besides, only we know about this. As long as we don’t mind, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

    “You always say to let things take their natural course. I think this is good, there’s no problem.”

    Jiang Xue: “…Yes, there’s indeed no problem.”

    But she still felt something wasn’t quite right.

  • On How to Conquer System Fairies and Make Them Your Wives 210

    Chapter 210: Even When You’re Unhappy, You Still Have to Eat

    Inside the room, the candlelight flickered, casting long shadows as Chen Yin gently placed Qingying on the bed.

    She was sleeping soundly, her lips murmuring his name softly.

    He glanced out the window.

    …He had sensed someone outside.

    But the presence was gone in a flash.

    Chen Yin opened the window, and a gentle breeze carried a small card into the room. He picked it up. A single line of text was written on it.

    “Yunlin Province. Shen Li.”

    He stared at the card, his gaze fixed on the darkness outside.

    …Yunlin Province. Half a day’s journey from here.

    Chen Yin took out a small paper kite, infused it with his blue spiritual energy, and sent it flying into the night.

    Then, he left the room.

    The darkness over the Wu Xuan Cave was receding, the stench of blood fading slightly.

    Chen Yin followed the path, walking past ruined houses, burning wreckage, and charred bodies.

    He saw Heitie.

    The stubborn boy’s body was now a charred husk, unrecognizable.

    He continued towards the main hall in silence.

    The bodies along the path changed. Fewer villagers, more cultivators, their remains even more gruesome, their bones blackened and broken, their bodies twisted in unnatural positions.

    By the time he reached the main hall, nearly a hundred bodies lay scattered around, not a single one intact. A gruesome scene of carnage.

    Chen Yin stepped over the bodies and entered the hall.

    A bloodcurdling scream echoed from within. “Aaaaagh! No! It wasn’t me—! Grand Witch, please spare me!”

    Chen Yin ignored the screams and went to the side room.

    He opened the door, and Luo Luo stood there, her eyes wide with fear.

    “Young Master…”

    “Don’t worry.” He ruffled her hair gently. “How’s Lian’er?”

    “Big Brother, I’m fine.”

    Lian’er sat up in bed, her body wrapped in bandages.

    Chen Yin sat beside her and checked her condition.

    …Most of her wounds had healed. So many fatal injuries, yet she was stable, her spiritual energy strong. Such resilience… he had only seen it with Master’s “Forgotten Everlasting Heart Sutra.” But Lian’er was just a beginner.

    “Big Brother?”

    Lian’er’s voice brought him back to reality. She blinked at him with wide, innocent eyes.

    “It’s okay. Rest. The Grand Witch has taken care of the bad guys.”

    “I knew she would avenge me.”

    Lian’er’s eyes were red-rimmed, her lips trembling.

    “But… but everyone else…”

    She burst into tears, burying her face in Chen Yin’s chest.

    He gently stroked her back, comforting her silently.

    As dawn approached, the door opened again.

    Grand Witch Bi Luo entered.

    She was wearing a new set of clothes, her dark green hair flowing loosely around her shoulders, a strange fragrance clinging to it. Her fingertips were slightly stained with black.

    Her eyes were cold and lifeless as she sat down at the table.

    “Is Lian’er alright?”

    “You arrived just in time,” Chen Yin said without looking up. “A little later, and her wounds would have healed completely.”

    The Grand Witch didn’t reply, just sat there silently, her arms crossed.

    “…Who were they?”

    “The Lingyu Sect, the Chiyu Sect, and the Huanxi Sect.”

    The Grand Witch’s voice was low. “They’re all cultivation sects from the Southern Region, but they’re located outside the Ten Thousand Mountains.”

    “Someone told them I was fusing with a Heavenly Dao Fragment and that I was vulnerable.”

    Her voice was filled with suppressed rage.

    “…Shen Li.”

    “They’re truly audacious.”

    “I don’t understand why they would do this. Luring those three sects to attack us… aren’t they afraid of angering me?”

    “They were probably trying to pressure you into joining them,” Chen Yin said calmly. “By creating conflict between you and the three sects, they could then swoop in and save the day, earning your gratitude and making you more likely to join them.”

    “But why didn’t they show up?”

    “Because,”

    Chen Yin’s gaze lowered, his voice cold,

    “The one responsible for this plan is already dead.”

    The Grand Witch’s eyes narrowed.

    “You killed him?”

    “He hurt Qingying. I had to.”

    Chen Yin said slowly, “I suspected Shen Li would make a move after my conversation with that masked figure, so I had Ye Huang inform my Master. But… I was too late.”

    The Grand Witch slammed her fist on the table.

    “Shen Li!”

    “I will have my revenge!” She gritted her teeth.

    Lian’er flinched, startled by her outburst.

    She had never seen the Grand Witch so angry.

    It was terrifying.

    Chen Yin calmly poured himself a cup of tea and asked softly, “What did you do to the three Sect Masters?”

    “I locked them up in a secret chamber.”

    The Grand Witch’s voice was filled with venom. “I crippled their cultivation and filled the chamber with flesh-eating insects. They’ll suffer for a long time.”

    “How long?”

    “A decade or two.”

    Chen Yin’s eyebrows twitched.

    This Grand Witch was more vindictive than he had imagined.

    “What about the Wu Xuan Cave villagers?”

    The Grand Witch fell silent, her face darkening.

    “…Almost all of them are dead.”

    “Only Lian’er remains.”

    “It’s my fault.”

    Chen Yin looked at her.

    Her body was trembling slightly.

    Unlike her previous cold fury, she now looked like a child who had done something wrong, her head lowered, her lips bitten raw, her hands shaking.

    Chen Yin was surprised. He hadn’t expected this side of her.

    He had always seen her as a ruthless and powerful leader.

    She had casually crippled Nan Xiaoxiang and cast her out.

    She had slaughtered the three sect disciples without mercy.

    But now, he realized she was just a young woman, around Nan Xiaoxiang’s age.

    “Where’s Nan Xiaoxiang?”

    “Sister Nan is treating the injured villagers,” Luo Luo said softly.

    Chen Yin nodded and stood up to leave.

    As he passed by the Grand Witch, he said,

    “Aren’t you going to see them?”

    The Grand Witch bit her lip and whispered, “What for?”

    “…I can’t heal them. I only know how to kill.”

    “Let that woman have the glory.”

    Chen Yin glanced at her sideways.

    “Why… did you cast her out all those years ago?”

    The Grand Witch didn’t answer.

    But Chen Yin already knew.

    There could only be one Sacred Child.

    Nan Xiaoxiang wouldn’t have been able to defeat Bi Luo in the final trial. Her only fate would have been death.

    Even if Bi Luo had wanted to spare her, the Wu Xuan Cave elders wouldn’t have allowed it. Nan Xiaoxiang knew too much.

    Unless she was crippled and rendered harmless.

    And banished from the Wu Xuan Cave forever.

    That was all Bi Luo could do at the time.

    After a long silence, Chen Yin said,

    “Perhaps I shouldn’t have asked.”

    “But honesty is always the best policy.”

    “Remember, you still owe me a favor. Don’t forget to pay up when I get back.”

    The Grand Witch blushed slightly, then changed the subject. “Where are you going?”

    “To find someone.”

    Chen Yin looked into the distance, his voice soft. “Someone is waiting for me.”

    Yunlin Province.

    Located on the border between the Eastern and Southern Regions, Yunlin Province was a small, unremarkable province.

    Besides its coastal location and bustling trade routes, it had few resources for cultivation. There wasn’t even a single sect with a Supreme Clarity Realm cultivator.

    But due to its convenient location, it had a large mortal population.

    Many lived there, running small businesses, catering to the merchants and travelers passing through.

    In a remote inn outside Yunlin City…

    As the sun set, casting long shadows across the desolate landscape, the innkeeper was startled by a loud bang.

    A masked figure in black robes stumbled through the door.

    The innkeeper, thinking they were being robbed, froze in fear.

    But the figure just whispered,

    “…A room.”

    “R-right away.”

    The innkeeper and his assistant quickly prepared a room, and the masked figure slowly made their way upstairs, their body weary and wounded.

    “Leave some hot water outside my door. And don’t disturb me.”

    The assistant nodded quickly and hurried away.

    The masked figure closed the door, leaned against it, and slid to the floor, their breath coming in ragged gasps.

    The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood.

    “…I’m impressed,”

    The System’s voice suddenly echoed in their mind. “You actually made it this far in your condition.”

    “Not… far enough…”

    The masked figure’s eyes flickered, their voice weak. “Almost… there…”

    “Even if you reach him, what then? You’re barely alive.”

    “Just one pill would help. At least for the pain—”

    The masked figure didn’t answer.

    The System sighed helplessly.

    “I don’t understand you humans. Such stubbornness… only humans are capable of it.”

    The masked figure’s lips were dry and cracked, the taste of blood filling their mouth.

    A knock came at the door.

    “Just leave the water outside…” they whispered, their voice barely audible.

    But the knocking continued.

    “Sir, I also brought you some food and wine. It’ll get cold.”

    The masked figure gritted their teeth, struggling to stand up. They opened the door, their voice filled with annoyance.

    “I told you not to disturb—”

    Their voice trailed off.

    Chen Yin stood there, a tray of food and wine in his hands, a smile on his face.

    “Please, calm down.”

    “Even when you’re tired, hurt, and unhappy,”

    “You still have to eat.”

  • Friend(GL) 119

    Chapter 119: Don’t Wait

    Zhou Tianzui sat on the sofa while Yu Qiao busied herself with New Year’s Eve dinner preparations. Neighbors came to visit, bringing New Year’s goods, children in new clothes running around, greeting the adults, occasionally stopping in front of Zhou Tianzui, their small hands extended, “Sister, have some candy.”

    Colorful candies in their palms, milk candies, fruit candies. She picked one, “Thank you.”

    “Sister, are you unhappy?” A childish voice, almost drowned out by the noise and chatter. Zhou Tianzui lifted the child onto her lap. She was about three years old, her speech still a little unclear, clinging to Zhou Tianzui. She was the granddaughter of the upstairs neighbor. Yu Qiao was always envious, having mentioned it several times. Zhou Tianzui rarely came home, so she wasn’t very close to the little girl, who, however, seemed to like her, unafraid of her aloof demeanor, looking up at her with a smile, “Grandma said we have to be happy during New Year’s.”

    Zhou Tianzui asked, “Are you happy?”

    “I’m happy.” The little girl, smelling of milk and baby powder, said, “I have candy, and cola, Mommy doesn’t usually let me have these.”

    Zhou Tianzui patted her head, “Then if you eat them, won’t Mommy be unhappy?”

    The little girl paused, as if considering this, Zhou Tianzui watching her. She extended her hand, “Then I won’t eat it, I don’t want Mommy to be unhappy.”

    Her voice was filled with grievance. Zhou Tianzui unwrapped a candy. The little girl watched her, her eyes wide, swallowing. Zhou Tianzui held the candy out to her, “Here.”

    The little girl looked at her.

    Zhou Tianzui said, “We’ll eat it secretly, so Mommy won’t know, and she won’t be unhappy.”

    The little girl blinked, but didn’t take the candy, just looked at Zhou Tianzui, “But Mommy will find out eventually.”

    She climbed off Zhou Tianzui’s lap and ran off. Zhou Tianzui looked at the candy in her hand for a moment, then put it in her mouth. It wasn’t sweet, but bitter. She leaned back against the sofa. Her phone lit up with several New Year’s greetings. She scrolled up and saw You Ruxu’s message. After a moment of thought, she replied: [Are you free tomorrow?]

    You Ruxu and Wu Xiulian were having dinner. Wu Xiulian had initiated a video call, and Wu Xiulian’s mother, seeing them, frowned, “I told you to come home earlier, and you didn’t even come back for New Year’s.”

    Wu Xiulian said, “It was an unexpected situation.”

    Wu Xiulian’s mother asked, “Is Ruxu fully recovered?”

    You Ruxu looked up, “Mom, I’m fine now.”

    “You just don’t listen, I told you not to be a reporter, and you didn’t listen.” Wu Xiulian’s mother started nagging. You Shu said, “You were also a reporter, and you didn’t find it tiring.”

    “I didn’t find it tiring.” Wu Xiulian’s mother said, “I just want my daughter to rely on us, what’s wrong with that? She couldn’t even come home for New Year’s. I couldn’t even go see her last time she was hurt, I could have taken care of her if I were there.”

    You Shu, unable to argue with her, just kept quiet.

    You Ruxu looked at Wu Xiulian’s mother, “Mom, I’ll come home with Aunt after the New Year.”

    “How long will you be staying?” Wu Xiulian’s mother asked. You Ruxu said, “I haven’t decided yet, probably a bit longer this time.”

    Wu Xiulian’s mother smiled, “Okay then.”

    She went to the kitchen, leaving her phone on the table. You Shu sat in front of it. Wu Xiulian handed the phone to You Ruxu, who put down her chopsticks, walked over to the window, and called out, “Dad.”

    “Ruxu, don’t mind your mother’s nagging, she hasn’t been sleeping well lately.” You Shu said, “You and that family…”

    You Ruxu knew he was referring to Yu Qiao and Zhou Tianzui. You Shu and Wu Xiulian’s mother had called after the news broke. Wu Xiulian’s mother had said, “Ruxu, we’ve wronged them, your father and I were thinking of coming to Jindu for the New Year.”

    You Ruxu had dissuaded them.

    It was her fault, she shouldn’t blame Wu Xiulian and You Shu. She had promised to handle it, and after repeated assurances, Wu Xiulian’s mother had finally agreed not to come, but she had been restless ever since, unable to eat or sleep properly, saying she kept thinking about it.

    You Ruxu said, “Dad, don’t worry, I know what to do.”

    You Shu said, “If you need your mother and me to come, just say the word. Ruxu, remember, we’re family, no matter what happens, you’re our daughter.”

    You Ruxu’s eyes reddened slightly, looking at the fireworks outside the window, “Dad, why did you choose me back then?”

    So many children, why her?

    If they hadn’t chosen her, would they be so worried now? Perhaps they would have a daughter by their side, taking care of them.

    You Shu chuckled, “There’s no ‘why.’”

    You Ruxu hung up. Wu Xiulian, behind her, called out, “Xu Xu.”

    She turned around, “What’s up, Aunt?” Wu Xiulian asked, “Talking to your father?”

    You Ruxu said, “I asked him why he brought me home. Aunt, if it wasn’t for me…”

    Wu Xiulian said, “If it wasn’t for you, our family would be happy now?”

    She said, “Xu Xu, do you know how proud your parents are of you?”

    You Ruxu looked at her, “Of me?”

    Wu Xiulian nodded, “You might feel guilty towards Zhou Qiming, towards his family, and so does your aunt, I’m even more…” Wu Xiulian said, “But you’ve never let us down, you’re always our pride and joy.”

    You Ruxu’s lips pressed into a thin line.

    Fireworks exploded outside, their colors reflected on the window. Wu Xiulian said, “Another year has passed.” She said to You Ruxu, “Xu Xu, Happy New Year.”

    You Ruxu suddenly remembered her first New Year at the You family’s home. She had been looking at the fireworks outside, listening to the firecrackers, a table full of food, candies on the coffee table, but she hadn’t dared touch anything, just sat there quietly. Wu Xiulian had sat beside her, offered her a candy, and said, “Xu Xu, Happy New Year!”

    She had smiled, “Aunt, Happy New Year.”

    Just then, her phone buzzed with a notification. You Ruxu took it out and saw Zhou Tianzui’s message, asking if she was free tomorrow. You Ruxu wanted to reply immediately, but thinking of Yu Qiao, her finger hesitated, then after a moment, she replied, “I’m free.”

    Zhou Tianzui was already in bed. Yu Qiao hadn’t spoken much to her since their argument, treating her like a stranger. She hadn’t even said anything when Zhou Tianzui went to her room. She received You Ruxu’s message while lying in bed, staring at You Ruxu’s profile picture for a moment. It was a black and white checkered pattern. When they first added each other on WeChat, You Ruxu’s profile picture had been her ID photo. Zhou Tianzui had chuckled, “Who uses that as a profile picture?”

    And You Ruxu had replied, “I saw other senior reporters use it, isn’t it good?”

    It had been shared countless times in their group chat, but Zhou Tianzui hadn’t told her the truth, just said, “It’s not very appropriate.”

    You Ruxu, listening to her, had changed her profile picture, trying several options before settling on this one.

    Zhou Tianzui clicked on the profile picture, and You Ruxu asked, “What’s wrong?”

    She replied: [I’ll come find you tomorrow.]

    You Ruxu, receiving the message, felt a strange sense of anticipation. She sat on the sofa, listening to the Spring Festival Gala playing on TV. Wu Xiulian asked, “Xu Xu, want some fruit?”

    She called her name twice before You Ruxu reacted.

    Wu Xiulian asked, “What are you thinking about?”

    You Ruxu looked down, “Nothing.”

    Wu Xiulian said, “Thinking about Dr. Zhou?”

    You Ruxu pursed her lips. Wu Xiulian said, “Xu Xu, regarding her mother, your aunt will go talk to her again…”

    “Aunt.” You Ruxu interrupted her. “Let me handle it.”

    Wu Xiulian looked at her, then fell silent.

    The sounds of laughter and cheerful banter from the Spring Festival Gala filled the room. You Ruxu sat on the sofa, like an emotionless doll, her expression blank, just quietly watching.

    She was thinking about Zhou Tianzui, about seeing her tomorrow, what would they talk about, did Yu Qiao know?

    She thought about it even as she went to bed, barely sleeping all night, woken by the sound of firecrackers, she didn’t bother trying to sleep anymore, just sat by the window, wrapped in a blanket, watching the fireworks explode outside, their colors bright and dazzling. She started reminiscing about her first meeting with Zhou Tianzui, their first conversation, sitting in the car together, the scent of disinfectant filling the air.

    She remembered Zhou Tianzui in her white coat, standing at the operating room door, she remembered interviewing her, she remembered Zhou Tianzui smiling at her, those unspoken moments, now sweet and bittersweet memories.

    Outside, Wu Xiulian called out, “Xu Xu, are you awake?”

    She had been sitting for too long, her legs and back numb. She stretched for a bit before going out. Opening the door, she saw Zhou Tianzui sitting on the sofa, she froze, wondering if she was dreaming.

    Wu Xiulian smiled, “Go wash up, Dr. Zhou’s having breakfast with us.”

    You Ruxu snapped back to reality and hurried to the bathroom. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, her hair disheveled, her clothes rumpled, she felt a little embarrassed. She quickly tidied herself up, even changing her clothes, before going out. Zhou Tianzui was sitting at the dining table. You Ruxu heard Wu Xiulian ask, “Your mother…”

    “My mom went out this morning.” Yu Qiao had been invited to Auntie Yang’s house, but she declined, saying she had something to do. Yu Qiao hadn’t asked what it was, just left quietly. Zhou Tianzui had watched her go, then after a long moment, went to You Ruxu’s apartment.

    She hadn’t slept all night, although she was wearing makeup, her exhaustion was evident. You Ruxu sat beside her, noticing a few gray strands at Zhou Tianzui’s temples. Her heart ached, her gaze lingering on Zhou Tianzui’s profile. Zhou Tianzui turned to her, “What’s wrong?”

    You Ruxu said, “Nothing.”

    Zhou Tianzui sat quietly. Wu Xiulian said, “You two eat, I’m going out to buy some things.”

    She deliberately gave them some space, knowing Zhou Tianzui had something to say. You Ruxu nodded.

    After Wu Xiulian left, You Ruxu put down her chopsticks. Zhou Tianzui looked over, “Not eating?”

    Before You Ruxu could speak, Zhou Tianzui said, “Break that habit of not eating properly.”

    Hearing her words, You Ruxu’s eyes teared up, she lowered her head, “Anything else?”

    Zhou Tianzui said, “Be careful at work.”

    You Ruxu said, “I know.”

    Zhou Tianzui said, “Eat your meals on time, and don’t be so picky.”

    You Ruxu looked down, her vision blurring, a lump forming in her throat, making it painful to swallow. She still managed to say, “You too, eat more, rest more.”

    From the corner of her eye, she saw the gray strands at Zhou Tianzui’s temples, the sight making her heart ache, a suffocating pain. She quickly looked away. Zhou Tianzui said, “I eat more than you.”

    “Do you?”

    “Let’s compare.”

    “Childish.”

    They chuckled softly, remembering their usual banter, Zhou Tianzui took a bite of her food, but couldn’t swallow, the taste lingering in her mouth. She took a sip of soup, chewing slowly, and finally swallowed.

    The living room was quiet.

    She put down her chopsticks, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and said to You Ruxu, “Give me your hand.”

    You Ruxu turned and extended her hand, “What is it?”

    Zhou Tianzui said, “A New Year’s gift.”

    You Ruxu’s hand was cold. She looked down; it was a key, to their apartment. You Ruxu’s lips twitched, a strained smile, “Are you moving out?”

    Zhou Tianzui said, “Yes, I’m going to live with my mom.”

    You Ruxu nodded, noticing the red string bracelet was gone from Zhou Tianzui’s wrist. She looked at her own wrist, still wearing the matching bracelet, her nose tingling slightly, “That’s good, you should spend more time with Auntie.”

    Zhou Tianzui said, “Then I’ll be going now.”

    “Zhou Tianzui.” You Ruxu suddenly called out, and Zhou Tianzui, about to stand up, stopped and looked at her.

    You Ruxu looked at Zhou Tianzui, “I want…”

    “Don’t.” Zhou Tianzui interrupted her, their eyes meeting, a flicker of sadness in Zhou Tianzui’s eyes as she smiled faintly, her expression not cold like yesterday, but calm and gentle, “Don’t wait for me.”

    You Ruxu’s throat tightened, she couldn’t even manage a single word.

  • The Saintess Has A Showdown 185-186

    Chapter 185: The Saintess Arrives

    –Water Heart Stage

    The Ranking Battle commenced, and as the participating factions of the Sea Region Alliance prepared to enter, the atmosphere within the arena buzzed with excitement and anticipation.

    It was rumored that the Jade Pot Palace hadn’t even managed to gather fifteen Dead Sea Stage members a week before the competition, scrambling to recruit from smaller, affiliated factions at the last minute.

    As defectors from the Wind Realm, they were viewed with suspicion and distrust by all the other factions, their single Nether Traverse Stage Spirit Master offering little protection.

    Moreover, those who chose to join the Jade Pot Palace after passing the subsidiary factions’ selections were generally considered… less than ideal.

    Top Tier: Winter Floating Sky.
    First Tier: Ice Shield Palace, Sea Concubine Palace, Cold Court.
    Second Tier: Tide Pavilion, Water Wish Pavilion.
    Third Tier: Jade Pot Palace, Snow Fairy Mansion, Azure Stream Palace.

    The higher one’s evaluation during the selection process, the more faction choices they had.

    Regarding the bottom three factions, there was a saying: “Join the Snow Fairy Mansion for pleasure, the Azure Stream Palace for shame, and the Jade Pot Palace for… well, let’s just say they’re not the sharpest tools in the shed.”

    The Jade Pot Palace, lacking connections, resources, and strength, still managed to attract a few… unusual individuals every year. This was the so-called “better to be the head of a maggot than the tail of a phoenix” mentality.

    (Though, technically, it should be “chicken,” not “maggot.”)

    “But I heard that last year’s top recruit joined the Jade Pot Palace…?” someone asked.

    “They must have been offered a hefty bribe. After all, even the top ten recruits who join the Winter Floating Sky have to start from scratch, and all the existing members are also former top recruits. The competition is fierce. If the Jade Pot Palace offered good enough terms, it would be understandable.”

    “Bribing the top recruit… they’re quite ambitious.”

    A few seconds later, the chatter died down, and the restless atmosphere calmed.

    Tens of millions of spectators… in a venue like this, for a performance or a show, it would have been impossible to achieve such silence, as there would be no hierarchy.

    But this was different. Like a teacher entering a classroom, or a CEO entering a meeting, the arrival of powerful Spirit Masters commanded respect and silence.

    The Sea Region Alliance factions began to enter.

    The Jade Pot Palace, led by a young woman in a silver robe, her short, gray hair reaching her shoulders, a single, vertical spike-like marking at the corner of her left eye.

    Unlike the nervous members behind her, the gray-haired woman’s Dead Sea Stage aura was solid and stable, clearly having been at this level for some time.

    She walked towards the center of the arena with an air of confidence and determination, showing no trace of shyness. This was the top recruit they had been discussing.

    The Lost Saintess of the Jade Pot Palace.

    Although her spirit energy was impressive, the other members behind her… their auras were so weak and chaotic, it made the audience cringe.

    How could their spirit energy be so unstable? It was as if they had just barely reached the Dead Sea Stage…

    A few seconds later, the Snow Fairy Mansion’s members also emerged, but their Pure Saintess was stopped at the entrance, causing a commotion, delaying their arrival by several minutes.

    Later, rumors spread that the Pure Saintess had attempted to enter the arena completely naked, hoping to transcend the limitations of shame, only to be stopped by the Winter Floating Sky Spirit Masters.

    Indecent, immoral, a disgrace.

    After a few minutes of struggling, the white-haired girl, now wearing a thin, barely-there skirt, finally emerged, glaring at the Winter Floating Sky Spirit Masters.

    If it weren’t for them, she would have ascended right there and then.

    The Pure Saintess of the Snow Fairy Mansion.

    The difference between the two factions was clear. Although the Saintesses themselves were comparable, the other fourteen Dead Sea Stage Spirit Masters from the Snow Fairy Mansion were far superior to those from the Jade Pot Palace.

    The Hateful Saintess of the Azure Stream Palace, a beautiful blue-haired woman in a strange, nun-like outfit, her appearance somewhat similar to the Six Concubines of the Sea Concubine Palace, clearly also from the water lineage.

    The water lineage was the oldest and most influential cultivation family in the Sea Region, its roots stretching back thousands of years. Many renowned Spirit Masters had come from this lineage, such as Shui Qinghou and Shui Qiu’e of the Six Concubines, Shui Yingge, the Water Emperor, the previous Palace Master of the Cold Court, the previous, previous, previous Palace Master of the Water Wish Pavilion, and even, further back, the Nether Empress’s teacher.

    As the fifteen members of the Azure Stream Palace entered, their combined spirit energy created a palpable pressure, especially for the rogue cultivators from smaller factions.

    They had initially looked down on the Spirit Masters from the Snow Fairy Mansion and the Jade Pot Palace, thinking the Sea Region Alliance was nothing special.

    However, starting with the Azure Stream Palace, the quality of the participating Spirit Masters had clearly increased significantly.

    Each Spirit Master radiated a solid, stable aura, clearly tempered through countless trials at the Dead Sea Stage.

    After the bottom three factions, it was the Tide Pavilion and the Water Wish Pavilion’s turn.

    The Fearful Saintess of the Tide Pavilion, her entire body wrapped in white bandages, resembling a mummy, her aura dark and unsettling, elicited boos and jeers the moment she appeared.

    It was said that the Fearful Saintess enjoyed bullying the weak, torturing her servants, and was generally considered a wicked person, her reputation within the Sea Region Alliance abysmal.

    Unfazed by the jeers, the Fearful Saintess’s expression remained unchanged, while the fourteen Spirit Masters behind her scowled.

    A moment later, the Water Wish Pavilion’s arrival silenced the crowd.

    Led by a beautiful, veiled woman, fifteen Spirit Masters from the Water Wish Pavilion entered the arena.

    The Blissful Saintess of the Water Wish Pavilion.

    Her mere presence evoked a sense of awe, a terrifying aura that seemed to devour everything around her.

    The Blissful Saintess’s spirit energy was as solid as a rock, clearly on a different level from the other Dead Sea Stage Spirit Masters.

    This woman… had definitely battled against Samsara Stage opponents!

    The Water Wish Pavilion and the Ice Shield Palace, both outer factions of the Sea Region, often sent their members to the Wind Valley for training. The Blissful Saintess had likely been battling high-ranking Spirit Masters since childhood.

    However…

    The Blissful Saintess clenched her fists, veins bulging on her forehead beneath her veil.

    She, who had always considered herself superior, felt a deep sense of shame and frustration. That day, traveling to the Wind Realm with the Sorrowful Saintess and the Wrathful Saintess, before they even reached the border, they had encountered that thing…

    Although she had survived, she had been terrified, fleeing back to the Sea Region.

    Half a month later, when news of the Sorrowful Saintess’s incredible feats reached her, she had immediately noticed the first line: [Subdued the Tyrant Demon Seed while passing through the Wind Valley.]

    The Sorrowful Saintess, capable of defeating even that monster… she wasn’t human…

    Recalling Gong Lianyue’s actions, she felt a wave of helplessness and despair.

    With a sense of foreboding, she looked towards the area where the Sea Concubine Palace would emerge.

    That woman… was about to arrive!!!

    Chapter 186: The Saintess Appears (2)

    Jade Pot Palace, the Lost Saintess.

    Snow Fairy Mansion, the Pure Saintess.

    Azure Stream Palace, the Hateful Saintess.

    Tide Pavilion, the Fearful Saintess.

    Water Wish Pavilion, the Blissful Saintess.

    The participating Spirit Masters from the first five lower and mid-tier factions had entered. As the higher-tier factions prepared to appear, the spectators held their breath, their expressions turning serious.

    Even the Spirit Masters from the Tide Pavilion and the Water Wish Pavilion radiated an aura far beyond the reach of these ordinary, smaller factions.

    Just what level of power did these top factions possess…?

    The Wrathful Saintess of the Ice Shield Palace.

    A long, dark green robe trailed behind her, a large, imposing character [Nether] embroidered on the front, and a mysterious number [03] on the back.

    Her arrival seemed to freeze time itself. Her long, flowing green hair, like willow branches, wrapped around her waist, as if it had never been cut.

    Her skin was pale, her face only moderately attractive, her figure thin and wiry.

    Strangely, a delicate, light green vine tattoo, like a creeping plant, covered her slender arms, extending to the hidden parts of her body.

    A powerful, almost overwhelming spirit energy, radiated from her, a violent aura that made the spectators’ scalps tingle.

    No one had ever seen Luo Kuxin like this. Even the members of the Ice Shield Palace were startled, unable to recognize her.

    Was this still the same playful, cute, and curvaceous girl next door?

    “Has she reached the half-step Samsara Stage!?”

    “Perhaps even a glimpse of the Wheel Shadow…”

    The Samsara Stage Spirit Masters in the audience, their faces grim, watched intently. This woman, so young, had already reached a realm they had spent decades cultivating towards.

    And not just Luo Kuxin herself, but all fifteen Ice Shield Palace Spirit Masters radiated a sharp, almost overwhelming aura.

    The Twelve Palaces of Ice, having tirelessly defended the Sea Region for centuries, battling day and night against the Wind Realm Spirit Masters in the Wind Valley, their combat experience far surpassed that of any other Sea Region faction.

    As expected, the Spirit Masters from the Cold Court, who entered next, were completely overshadowed.

    The Grieving Saintess of the Cold Court.

    A white-haired girl with squinted eyes, accompanied by fourteen other delicate-looking girls, entered the arena quietly, causing barely a ripple.

    Although she had known the lineup beforehand, the Grieving Saintess still couldn’t help but glance at the Ice Shield Palace delegation, her expression shocked.

    Twelve of the fifteen Ice Shield Palace Spirit Masters were former Saintess Candidates!

    The Ice Shield Palace, although recognized as the strongest fighting force in the Sea Region, was constantly ranked fourth or fifth because the Saintess Candidates of the Twelve Palaces constantly fought and sabotaged each other. Especially after the true Saintess was chosen, their feuds intensified, with only three or four candidates usually willing to participate in the Ranking Battle.

    But this Wrathful Saintess, Luo Kuxin, had actually united the other eleven candidates…?

    The Ice Shield Palace was constantly at war, its Spirit Masters a group of hot-headed women. How had she managed to quell their internal conflicts?

    At this rate, not even the Winter Floating Sky, perhaps not even the Pool of Hidden Secrets, could withstand them!

    The Grieving Saintess’s eye twitched. If she could change the participants, she would definitely forfeit the Final Battle.

    —

    It was now the Sea Concubine Palace’s turn to enter, but a commotion at their waiting area delayed their arrival.

    As the audience waited impatiently, the Winter Floating Sky, forced to abandon their planned grand entrance, entered the arena first.

    And under the watchful eyes of all, that woman appeared…

    Her skin and hair as white and delicate as freshly fallen snow, her features exquisite, her eyes dull and colorless.

    Like a creature abandoned by the heavens, her frail body bearing countless imperfections.

    Sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch—all five senses lost, living like a corpse, feeling nothing.

    Xue Beihan, the Desireless Saintess of the Winter Floating Sky.

    Unable to even feel her own heartbeat, unable to see the path before her, she walked naturally towards the center of the arena.

    Some speculated that the Desireless Saintess’s disabilities were a fabrication created by the Winter Floating Sky, a deliberate counter to the rumors about the Sorrowful Saintess’s six teardrop beauty marks.

    However, as Xue Beihan appeared, they realized one thing…

    This woman… wasn’t even a Spirit Master!

    She was still in her Awakening Period…

    Although the Ranking Battle rules limited participation to the Dead Sea Stage, this was only to prevent Samsara and Nether Traverse Stage Spirit Masters from competing. Sending someone of a lower level wasn’t forbidden, but no one would do so.

    The Winter Floating Sky had just made history.

    Xue Beihan possessed no spirit energy and couldn’t even sense the spirit energy of others. And yet, she had walked through the chaotic currents of the Dead Sea Stage Spirit Masters, reaching the center of the arena.

    As for the other members of the Winter Floating Sky’s team, they were… competent, but far from the level of the Ice Shield Palace’s terrifying lineup.

    After them, the Pool of Hidden Secrets’ entrance was… unremarkable, though their uniform black hair did draw some attention. They must be from the same family, their bloodline pure.

    The Pool of Hidden Secrets’ viewing area was also filled with black-haired girls, all looking identical, like generic NPCs.

    However, Hei Luelan, their leader, did make some uneasy, her aura powerful. She seemed to be at the half-step Samsara Stage. The moment she entered, she began a staring contest with the Wrathful Saintess, their clashing auras creating a violent turbulence that made it difficult to even open one’s eyes.

    After another ten minutes, the Sea Concubine Palace finally arrived.

    The first thing the audience saw was a pair of ice-blue, teardrop eyes, shimmering tears seemingly flowing down, freezing on her beautiful cheeks, forming strange, teardrop-shaped marks.

    Icy eyes, innate teardrop markings.

    Her long, sea-blue hair danced in the wind. She was so beautiful, she seemed more like a divine being than a human Spirit Master.

    At that moment, Hei Luelan, a single black teardrop on her forehead, stared in disbelief, her eyes wide, goosebumps rising on her skin, her scalp tingling, a chilling dread washing over her.

    The Sorrowful Saintess of the Sea Concubine Palace.

    Her arrival silenced the entire arena, the atmosphere freezing.

    Those downcast eyes, those six perfectly arranged teardrop marks…

    Born in the Sea Region, such markings were a sign of divine favor.

    The legends… were true…

    The Sorrowful Saintess… blessed by a water deity…

  • The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated 511

    Chapter 511: A Domestic Dispute of Epic Proportions

    “—”

    A chilling air filled the silent tree house.

    It was killing intent.

    Real, tangible killing intent.

    Both Lid and Lucy emanated a dense killing intent, making even Millu, who had been sobbing, stop.

    “…Is she telling the truth?”

    Lid stared at Shien, its beastly eyes emotionless, as if looking at a piece of meat ready to be devoured.

    “I’d like to know as well.”

    Lucy also nodded, her movements gentle, her voice pleasant, but the killing intent emanating from her was even stronger than Lid’s, the ferocious Beast Demon.

    “Haha…”

    Shien laughed.

    What else could he do?

    Cry?

    He wanted to, but it seemed the people here weren’t going to give him the chance.

    Especially Airi, who, as if she hadn’t noticed anything, said directly,

    “Of course, it’s true.” Airi said calmly, “He even saw my chest. What do you think?”

    “Pfft!” Shien spat out blood.

    “Hoho…” The killing intent emanating from Lid and Lucy intensified.

    It was now tangible, like sharp knives, capable of shredding a person to pieces.

    Under this killing intent, Lilith and Millu looked at each other, seemingly not realizing what was happening, or not thinking anything was wrong.

    Lasha, however, for some reason, also emanated a chilling aura, just like Lid and Lucy, her gaze towards Shien colder than ever before.

    This made Shien shout,

    “You can’t possibly believe that!?”

    Shien wanted to say, how could such a clumsy lie fool anyone?

    They were all top figures in their respective races. Weren’t they smarter than that?

    However, before Shien could say this, Lucy spoke first.

    “I believe it.” Lucy looked at Shien disdainfully. “Because that’s definitely something a shameless person like you would do.”

    Shien’s past actions had finally come back to bite him.

    “I believe it too.” Lid said coldly, “After all, as far as I know, you two are almost always together, and I know this girl, she would never lie about something that didn’t happen. She’s not that shameless.”

    This time, Shien really wanted to vomit.

    But it had to be said that Lid’s words made sense.

    “Didn’t you sleep with me?”

    Airi stared intently at Shien.

    “…”

    Shien was speechless.

    He did remember using this girl as a body pillow and sleeping comfortably with her a few times.

    “Didn’t you see my chest?”

    Airi continued calmly.

    “…”

    Shien’s lips twitched.

    It seemed… he might have… probably… seen it…

    “Heh.”

    Lid and Lucy sneered simultaneously, like judges passing judgment, their killing intent surging.

    “Wait!”

    Shien had to defend himself.

    “Although I did sleep with this girl a few times, it wasn’t every day. She’s exaggerating!”

    Shien accused Airi.

    Although this girl wouldn’t lie about something that didn’t happen, she definitely had a talent for exaggerating things.

    Unfortunately, Lid and Lucy didn’t listen.

    “Even if it was just a few times, you still slept together, didn’t you?”

    Lid remained unmoved.

    “And you even saw her chest, right?”

    Lucy also stared at Shien, anger burning in her eyes.

    “It was just her chest!”

    Shien continued to defend himself desperately.

    He was certain that both Lid and Lucy had gotten the wrong idea.

    He had only seen what was hidden under Airi’s pillow, not seen through her clothes. Besides being shocked, he hadn’t enjoyed any eye candy at all!

    But hearing Shien’s words, Lid and Lucy’s thoughts went even further astray.

    “Just…?”

    Lid repeated.

    “And ‘just’…?”

    Lucy looked at Shien as if he was a beast.

    Even Lasha, who had been silent, spoke.

    “I know Mr. Shien is very thirsty.” Lasha dropped the final bomb with an impassive face. “Next time, I’ll try to improve and let Mr. Shien take care of his needs with me, instead of him even laying his hands on a child.”

    These words caused an explosion of killing intent.

    “…You even touched her?”

    Airi’s expression changed, and she also stared at Shien, her expression turning cold.

    Even Millu stared intently at him, as if someone important to her had been bullied.

    “Haha… hahaha…”

    Shien laughed again.

    His laughter was hollow.

    He knew that no matter how much he explained, it was useless.

    Countless cliché plots told him that in this situation, trying to reason with a group of angry women and clear up the misunderstanding was impossible.

    At this moment, they had transformed into the most unreasonable beings in the world, not listening to anything he said.

    “Fine!”

    Shien gave up.

    “Isn’t this just a death trap? Come on! Let’s see what you can do!”

    Shien abandoned his attempts to explain and drew the Holy Sword from his waist.

    Seeing this, the girls’ expressions changed again.

    “Interesting. Want to fight us?”

    Lid licked her fangs.

    “You actually dare to fight back?”

    Lucy was furious.

    “…”

    Airi didn’t say anything, but seeing Shien drawing his sword so decisively (or desperately), she slowly stood up.

    “Bad person!”

    Millu, perhaps not fully understanding the situation, also seemed to be targeting Shien, her face puffed up like a bun.

    Before Shien, a group of girls entered battle mode.

    This was undoubtedly a terrifying group of opponents.

    Three of the Six Demon Lords: the Dragon Demon, the Beast Demon, and the Ghost Demon.

    The Kingdom’s treasure, the inheritor of the Mitra Holy Sword, the human princess known as the modern Hero.

    Plus Lasha, who silently retreated to the side, not pleading for Shien, but watching coldly.

    Undoubtedly, this was the most formidable lineup Shien had ever faced.

    Shien was under immense pressure.

    Truly immense.

    He wasn’t confident he could defeat any of them individually, and now they were joining forces. How could the pressure not be immense?

    Including Lucy, Shien didn’t dare to underestimate any of them.

    This princess possessed the Mitra Holy Sword. Once it was unsealed, she would be at least at Aldia’s level.

    Moreover, this princess also had a hidden Unique Skill she had never revealed.

    Even facing Lucy alone, Shien felt like he would have to use all his means, let alone with three of the Six Demon Lords also present.

    Fortunately, Shien wasn’t completely without help.

    “Swish!”

    Lilith appeared before Shien in a flash, evil aura surging around her, emanating a terrifying presence.

    That presence made Airi, Lid, and Millu’s eyes narrow.

    “Lilith, stand down.”

    Airi said to Lilith in a deep voice.

    Lilith naturally wouldn’t back down.

    She didn’t know what was happening.

    She only knew that these people were planning to bully Shien.

    And anyone who planned to bully Shien was her enemy.

    Therefore, Lilith shook her head resolutely.

    “Lilith…”

    Shien was touched.

    As expected, his clingy little jacket was the best, he hadn’t doted on her for nothing.

    “Good girl, today we’ll fight against these unreasonable women together and show them that truth is justice!”

    Shien said these passionate words to the strongest evil goddess.

    “Mmm-hmm!”

    Lilith nodded obediently, ready to unleash her power as an evil god for the sake of so-called justice.

    Airi, Lid, Millu, and Lucy were all angry.

    “It seems you two need to be taught a lesson.”

    “It’s been years since anyone dared to provoke me like this.”

    “Bad people! Bad people!”

    “I don’t care anymore. I’ve endured enough. Today, I’ll let it all out!”

    Astonishing auras erupted from the three girls and the little beast.

    Instantly, the night sky above the Elven Homeland was filled with swirling winds and dark clouds, lightning and thunder gradually appearing.

    All the elves in the Elven Homeland were terrified by this and panicked.

    “Wh-what’s going on…!?”

    “S-such terrifying magic power!”

    In the Queen’s Palace, Leia and Nia, who were discussing matters, changed their expressions drastically and cried out in fear.

    “What… what are they doing?”

    Sophie was dumbfounded.

    With the power of the Queen’s Palace, she clearly sensed the source of everything and was shocked and bewildered.

    “Roar!”

    Even Yulin was startled and flew from the giant tree canopy towards the tree house.

    “This…”

    Even Melika, who was whispering with her elven childhood friend and sharing a bed with her, jumped up in a panic, looking at a loss.

    “What happened…!?”

    Carol, with the members of the Elven Corps, had appeared, looking at the turbulent sky with shock.

    Finally, even Nadue was anxious.

    “I… I just shifted my attention for a moment, trying to find the one behind the ritual in the Tegor Forest, how did it turn into such a big commotion!?”

    The great Goddess of Nature felt her vision darken.

    Seeing a terrifying disaster about to befall the Elven Homeland, even the entire Tegor Forest, Nadue was at a loss.

    “It can’t be helped.”

    Within the Elven Homeland, a dense natural magic power suddenly converged.

    “Hmm?”

    Shien and the others, who were about to fight, all sensed the abnormality, looked up, and let out sounds of surprise.

    “Th-this… this is…!?”

    All the elves in the Elven Homeland, sensing this anomaly, widened their eyes in excitement.

    Including Carol.

    Including Leia and Nia.

    And also Sophie.

    Airi and Lid exchanged glances.

    Shien and Lucy were both surprised.

    This sudden phenomenon attracted everyone’s attention.

    Until a clear, incredibly vibrant voice reached everyone’s ears.

    “Please, for my sake, show mercy.”

    When this voice rang out, all the elves in the Elven Homeland knelt on the ground.

    Even Sophie, the Elven Queen, and Melika, who was with her childhood friend, were the same.

    Their faces were filled with excitement.

    Their eyes were full of fanaticism and reverence.

    Without hesitation, all the elves chanted in unison,

    “We welcome the descent of the Goddess of Nature!”

    “We welcome the descent of the Goddess of Nature!”

    “We welcome the descent of the Goddess of Nature!”

    The loud and respectful voices echoed through the air.

    As for Shien and his group, they naturally looked up at the sky.

    “The Goddess of Nature?”

    Shien was still dumbfounded.

    What was going on now?

    A domestic dispute had attracted the descent of a top goddess of the Divine Race?

    “Lady Nadue…?”

    Lucy seemed to have calmed down.

    The same went for Airi, Lid, and Millu.

    “Nadue?” Lid said calmly, “So you’ve come to the human world?”

    “That one…” Airi muttered, “Sneaking into the human world again to peek?”

    Clearly, they were both used to the Goddess of Nature’s sudden appearances.

    Nadue naturally wouldn’t admit this.

    “No, I haven’t come to the human world yet. It’s just that something unusual happened in the Elven Homeland, so I sent my voice and will here through the connection between the Elven Race and myself.”

    Nadue said this without batting an eye.

    Since no one could see her, and no one knew her current situation, she naturally could say whatever she wanted.

    Otherwise, if she was really seen as a peeping Tom goddess, wouldn’t that damage her perfect image?

    Unacceptable!

    Nadue quickly changed the subject.

    “Although I don’t know what happened, you all possess astonishing power. If you fight here, the damage to the Elven Homeland would be devastating. Please calm down, okay?”

    Nadue’s pleasant voice did have an incredible power, soothing the rising anger in everyone’s hearts.

    Shien also breathed a sigh of relief.

    The situation wasn’t in his favor.

    This wasn’t just a group of ordinary women.

    Even excluding Lucy, the other three were Demon Lords.

    Half of the Six Demon Lords were here, and they were planning to teach him a lesson. Wasn’t that terrifying?

    Even though Shien didn’t intend to be bullied by these unreasonable women, facing these opponents, even with Lilith’s help, he was still a bit apprehensive.

    Therefore, Shien spoke first,

    “This has nothing to do with me. It’s all these unreasonable women, acting all tough and picking on a weak man like me.”

    Shien used his Unique Skill—[Shifting Blame].

    Airi, Lid, and Lucy almost lost their tempers again.

    This bastard, truly shameless.

    Who was acting tough?

    And was he a weak man?

    How dare he say that?

    Damn it!

  • Reborn to Stew Soup (GL) 123

    Chapter 123: Get Up and Shoot!

    Ji Junxin, having confessed her feelings despite her earlier resolve to remain just friends, had been prepared for rejection. To receive a warm response after taking such a risk, with such a low probability of success, it was like being pulled from hell to heaven. The emotional rollercoaster was indescribable.

    The most beautiful thing in the world was loving someone who also loved you.

    But… the most beautiful thing must be wanting to kiss someone who also wanted to kiss you.

    Ji Junxin thought this, turning over in bed. To avoid having her sleeping posture broadcast live, she had turned off the lights after showering. The room was dark, only the small indicator lights on the cameras flickering occasionally.

    They had confessed hurriedly and clumsily last night, to avoid being seen by the crew or the audience. Mi Hongdou’s earlier question, Ji Junxin also wanted to ask… When did you start liking me? How long ago?

    After “Imperial Secrets” wrapped, Ji Junxin had returned to Jiang City and spent a long time readjusting to living alone. It had been her usual life, yet after filming, she found it difficult to be alone again.

    The “long time ago” Mi Hongdou mentioned must have been before “Imperial Secrets” wrapped up. Ji Junxin felt a pang of regret. If she had known Mi Hongdou’s feelings then, she wouldn’t have had to endure that loneliness! She wouldn’t have even gone to Japan, she could have gone to Shudian with Mi Hongdou for “Divorce, So Be It 2”!

    Thinking about it now, that period of loneliness…

    Mi Hongdou must have also felt… unhappy…

    But it’s over now.

    In the darkness, Ji Junxin touched her lips under the covers.

    Their confession had been hurried and clumsy, but that limited time in the bathroom… hadn’t been wasted.

    The bathroom’s soundproofing is really good… Ji Junxin had told Mi Hongdou she was going to bed after showering, but after a long time, there was no sound from the bathroom, she wondered if Mi Hongdou was asleep.

    Well, good soundproofing is a good thing. In this remote, strange village, how could there be only one cockroach? Heh…

    Ji Junxin was destined for a sleepless night.

    Not just because of the unfamiliar environment and the cameras, but also because of… the events in the bathroom earlier.

    Yes, not remembering, but reliving.

    Mi Hongdou, showering, had no idea what Ji Junxin was… reliving…

    This shared bathroom, accessible from both bedrooms, is a terrible design. Why not just have us share a bedroom? Well, with both men and women in the cast, that wouldn’t be appropriate.

    But now, on the same team as Ji Junxin, Mi Hongdou found the shared bathroom… rather convenient.

    After making her bed, Mi Hongdou had been tidying up her room when Ji Junxin opened the bathroom door. That simple, light green, ancient-style pajama set looked really good on Ji Junxin.

    Mi Hongdou always felt that Ji Junxin looked good in ancient costumes, but the plain, single-colored team uniforms and pajamas, although cute… she still wanted to earn more coins and buy her more beautiful clothes!

    Well…

    Food first.

    As she showered, Mi Hongdou thought about working harder tomorrow, to earn coins for Ji Junxin, for a better life. Lost in her thoughts, her shower took a little longer.

    The viewers on the live stream had been buzzing since Ji Junxin pulled Mi Hongdou into the bathroom.

    From their efforts to crowdfund for the Team Change Card, to Ji Junxin’s tearful embrace, plus their earlier performance in “Imperial Secrets,” the chemistry between them was undeniable. The “Sweet Red Bean Soup” fan group was flooded with new members, no advertising needed. In just a few hours, the group, just a few months old, was now rivaling the three-year-old “LuYu” group.

    With the increasing number of viewers watching their live streams, when Ji Junxin pulled Mi Hongdou into the bathroom, the comments almost exploded.

    There were no cameras in the bathroom, and their microphones had been removed. The perceptive viewers sensed a moment of sweetness, a CP needs sugar! Sugar! Sugar! They demanded that the crew film them! Get up and shoot!

    Initially, a few rational fans had commented, They’re just dealing with a bug, do you really need to see it? Give us a break!

    But as they entered the bathroom, the cameras outside unable to capture anything, the rational fans also joined the chorus of “Get up and shoot!”

    Of course… the crew wasn’t asleep, but they couldn’t just barge into the bathroom.

    They could only endure the criticism.

    Fortunately, after a while, a sound, like a bug being squashed, came from the bathroom, and Mi Hongdou emerged.

    The viewers gradually calmed down.

    The crew, seeing Mi Hongdou calmly making her bed, were touched. She’s so professional.

    As the comments returned to normal, a few senior “LuYu” fans drifted into Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin’s comment sections, leaving a message: “Once you’ve chosen your CP, the world changes. – To our friends from Sweet Red Bean Soup, congratulations on your reconciliation.”

    At first, the new Mi Hongdou/Ji Junxin shippers didn’t understand.

    But they soon did!

    When Ji Junxin opened the bathroom door, wearing her pajamas, and appeared in Mi Hongdou’s bedroom, the CP fans frantically switched between the camera angles in Mi Hongdou’s room, searching for the perfect view.

    That look in their eyes… it was love! Wasn’t it! It was sugar! Sweet, sweet sugar!

    They finally understood the meaning of “Once you’ve chosen your CP, the world changes.”

    From now on, it’s a life of sugar and dog food, there’s no turning back…

    Even after Ji Junxin turned off the lights in her room, and Mi Hongdou also turned off the lights after showering, the cameras only showing darkness, many viewers still kept the live stream open, hoping for a late-night treat.

    Seeing the dark screens, the comments on Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin’s pages were filled with fantasies of them sneaking into each other’s rooms through the bathroom. The “LuYu” fans, observing, commented, new CP fans, such wild imaginations!

    The heartbroken “LuYu” fans went to bed, leaving the “Sweet Red Bean Soup” warriors battling the darkness!

    The night passed.

    No sugar.

    Dawn arrived.

    Those who stayed up all night were few. Fortunately, it was the first day of the National Day holiday, they could catch up on their sleep.

    When the filming schedule was first decided, many at Qiong Yu hadn’t understood Qiao Rubai’s insistence on starting on September 30th. Logically, if they wanted to air during the holiday, they should start on October 1st, when most people were off work, guaranteeing a larger audience. Or start earlier and end during the holiday, for a higher viewership for the finale.

    Qiao Rubai had said that starting on September 30th was perfect, people could cancel their travel plans and watch the show at home. Of course, she wouldn’t tell them the real reason: Yang Lianyi had also invested in “Reality Online,” and September 30th was her birthday.

    The Qiong Yu staff thought she was joking. Cancelling travel plans meant losses! And who would cancel a trip for a reality show that would eventually be broadcast on TV?

    Qiao Rubai, as always, had her way. And indeed, many viewers cancelled their travel plans and even bought new computers…

    The show’s popularity was within Qiao Rubai’s expectations, but a surprise to many. Anyway, the viewers were happy, no CP, no problem, we have sugar, we have dog food!

    Daily tasks started at 8 AM, team challenges at 9 AM.

    Mi Hongdou woke up around 7:30 AM.

    Ji Junxin had already had two meals of plain rice and pickled cucumbers the day before. Even without her saying anything, Mi Hongdou knew that she had reached her limit.

    Unfortunately… their combined game coins… equaled zero.

    Mi Hongdou regretted discarding the small bowl of chicken blood Jiang Lingling had collected while slaughtering the chicken, they had thought it was too little to make a dish. Now, thinking about it, it was still meat, what a waste!

    Mi Hongdou got up early and went straight to the chicken-feeding task. She thought she was the first to arrive, but Yu Naihao was already there, mixing chicken feed.

    Yu Naihao, who had always seemed immature and emotional, was surprisingly diligent.

    “Good morning, you’re early,” Mi Hongdou said, her surprise and approval evident. “Alone?” Such a hardworking person, being forced onto Jiang Duo’s team, how pitiful.

    Yu Naihao blushed slightly and, after a moment of hesitation, mumbled, “In our team, whoever earns the money, gets to use it.”

    Mi Hongdou was stunned.

    In broad daylight, on camera, such honesty!

    Before Mi Hongdou could recover, Yu Naihao continued hesitantly, “Your team isn’t like that too, right? Sister Ji worked so hard washing clothes yesterday, for the Team Change Card…”

    Mi Hongdou froze.

    Wait! That resentful and accusing look, what’s that about!

  • Malicious Female Lead’s Guide to Causing Trouble [Quick Transmigration] 62p1

    Chapter Sixty-Two p1

    Her clothes half-undone, the red dress alluring. Bo Chi posed seductively on the bed, thinking about how to seduce Yu Zhao later, when she suddenly realized that there were only a few wisps of yin energy left in her body. If she didn’t replenish it quickly, she might turn back into a ghost without a physical body in a few minutes!

    Bo Chi’s face paled in shock, and she immediately jumped out of bed, ignoring her exposed body, and wanted to run outside.

    Just as she reached the door and before she could open it, Yu Zhao pushed the door open and came in from outside, holding a basin of water in her hand.

    Seeing Bo Chi standing behind the door, wearing a thin and transparent dress that revealed the pattern of her dudou, Yu Zhao’s eyes instantly darkened a bit, she subconsciously licked her lips, then looked away, and said hoarsely: “There’s no need for Chi Niang to go this far, I’m not someone who is greedy for beauty, you—“

    Before she could finish speaking, Bo Chi lowered her head and tried to run out from under her arm.

    Yu Zhao’s movements were faster than her thoughts. She grabbed Bo Chi’s arm, pulled her back forcefully, and said angrily: “How can you run outside casually in this dress! What if someone sees you?!“

    Bo Chi was stunned, her little head filled with anxiety and guilt, and she suddenly realized something. She turned her head, grabbed the nearest gray robe, hurriedly wrapped it around herself, and said: “Let me borrow your clothes first, I’ll wash them and return them to you later.“

    Seeing her so anxious, Yu Zhao suppressed the various emotions in her heart, frowned, and said: “What’s wrong? Did you encounter something difficult to solve?“

    Bo Chi nodded like a pecking chicken: “Yes, yes, yes.“

    Yu Zhao’s expression turned serious, and she immediately said: “Then I’ll go with you to solve it.“

    Bo Chi’s eyes widened: “Huh? No, no, no, it’s not a big deal, I just want to go find Jin Xi… to play with Jin Xi!“

    Yu Zhao’s face gradually darkened, she pursed her lips and didn’t say anything. After a long time, she finally spoke, sour and jealous: “If I didn’t stop you, you would go find her in this red dress?“

    Bo Chi hurriedly shook her head and explained: “I was just too anxious, so I didn’t pay attention to this.“

    “Anxious about what?” Yu Zhao pressed relentlessly: “Anxious to go play with Jin Xi? Anxious to see if Jin Xi has woken up? Anxious to get close to Jin Xi?“

    Bo Chi opened her mouth, but before she could answer, a voice came from the door next door, asking weakly: “Well… I think I heard my name, are you talking about me?“

    Bo Chi’s eyes lit up, she pushed Yu Zhao away and ran towards Jin Xi, her beautiful face full of joy, in stark contrast to Yu Zhao, who was pushed away.

    Looking at Bo Chi, who was happily rushing towards her, and then at Yu Zhao, whose eyes were cold and staring at her as if she was staring at a dead person, Jin Xi’s face suddenly changed drastically, and she said in horror: “Don’t come over!“

    Of course, Bo Chi didn’t listen to her, and rushed over to give her a bear hug. After plucking a large amount of wool, she retracted her hand with satisfaction, and greeted: “Good morning.“

    Jin Xi said with a trembling voice: “Go, good morning… Good morning my ass! You and Master Yu are having a fight, why are you dragging me into this!“

    She was extremely frustrated. It was fine that she was forced to know that these two were having an affair, but why did she have to be the innocent middleman! She just wanted to hug their thighs!

    Bo Chi exclaimed, and said strangely: “What fight? Ah Zhao and I are on good terms.“

    As she spoke, she even turned around and smiled sweetly at Yu Zhao.

    Yu Zhao was silent for a moment, snorted coldly, entered the room, and closed the door with a bang.

    Bo Chi was confused: “What’s wrong with her?“

    Jin Xi: “…Probably angered by you.“

    Bo Chi didn’t believe that her wife would be so petty. She stepped forward and was about to knock on the door, but Jin Xi was afraid that she would say something inappropriate and she would be the one to take the blame, so she dragged her into her room and said: “We’re leaving today, and we don’t know if there will be a place to rest on the road. You should prepare more dry food and clothes, so we won’t run out when we need them.“

    Bo Chi said casually: “It’s okay, I don’t eat much.“

    Jin Xi chattered: “You don’t eat much, but your Master Yu Zhao eats a lot… And, how did you suddenly get together with Master Yu? And you’re even wearing Master Yu’s clothes everywhere, you said you were a decent person before!“

    Bo Chi coughed lightly: “Cough, it was an accident, little children shouldn’t ask too many questions… By the way, did you see anyone touch my and Yu Zhao’s bowls yesterday morning?“

    She couldn’t understand why such a perfect plan had failed, so she could only ask Jin Xi unwillingly, to see if the other party knew anything.

    A guilty look suddenly appeared in Jin Xi’s eyes, but she wouldn’t admit that she had switched the bowls just to eat the one with more porridge, so she said firmly: “I didn’t see it, I don’t know anything!“

    Bo Chi didn’t suspect anything, nodded, and continued to ponder this unsolved mystery.

    They stayed at the inn for a while, and after having breakfast, they left the city, carrying two bamboo baskets, and walked towards the capital.

    Yu Zhao silently followed them.

    She originally wanted to say goodbye today, stay away from the two of them, and leave alone.

    However, plans couldn’t keep up with changes. After having sex with Bo Chi half-willingly, she found that she could no longer be distant and restrained, and leave in time.

    Thinking that outside the city, there were bones everywhere, demons and ghosts rampant, and wild beasts running wild, she couldn’t let go of Bo Chi. If the other party disappeared from her sight for a while, she would couldn’t help but worry.

    The strong worry made her unable to say goodbye, and in the end, she still followed Bo Chi and set off together, and also made two plans in her heart – if the ghost came after her first, she would immediately separate from Bo Chi. If the ghost hadn’t appeared after they arrived in the capital, then she would settle Bo Chi down before leaving.

    Yu Zhao was meticulous and thoughtful, but Bo Chi didn’t know anything about this. Instead, she was thinking about other things – Always plucking wool from Jin Xi alone was both troublesome and not enough, she had to find a few more fat sheep, and take action on each of them!

    If it were a time of peace and prosperity, Bo Chi might not be able to find people on the road, especially women. But they happened to be in an era of corrupt government, rampant demons and ghosts, and people struggling to survive. Ordinary people were just trying to survive, and gender didn’t really matter.

    When she was in the city, Bo Chi not only went shopping and played around, but also carefully observed the surrounding environment, and found that many women chose to go out and do business. These people had to support their families, and naturally wouldn’t leave with Bo Chi. So it wasn’t until now, after leaving the city, that Bo Chi started to look around, her eyes burning as she searched for lone female figures.

    Her behavior was too obvious. Not only did Yu Zhao look at her a few more times, but even Jin Xi wiped her sweat, walked to her side, and wondered: “Chi Niang, what are you looking for?“

    Bo Chi said frankly: “Looking for girls.“

    Jin Xi: “???”

    These words… what was the difference between them and the words of a playboy visiting a brothel?

    And in this wilderness, where would there be girls??

    Jin Xi couldn’t understand what Bo Chi was thinking. She only knew… the gaze behind her was so sharp, the eyes staring at the top of their heads were so cold, and this killing intent seemed to be mixed with jealousy…

    In short, it was very dangerous!

    Jin Xi shivered, and quickly said: “Chi Niang, don’t joke, there are no girls in this remote place.“

    Bo Chi looked at her with a strange expression: “You think of white arms when you see short sleeves, I said I was looking for girls, and you think I’m looking for prostitutes.“

    Jin Xi was confused: “What do you mean? Didn’t you say you were looking for girls?“

    Bo Chi said with disgust: “You pervert, the girls I’m looking for are not that kind of girls, but – hey, yes, that kind of girl ahead!“

    She sharply noticed a thin and small woman lying on the path ahead, and immediately said excitedly: “Let’s go, let’s go pick up a fat sheep!“

    Jin Xi couldn’t understand her meaning even more, and could only follow in confusion.

    After taking two steps, Bo Chi was suddenly grabbed by the arm by the person behind her. She turned around in confusion: “What’s wrong?“

    Yu Zhao’s expression was not good, and her tone was also very fierce, but her words were full of care: “This person might be a demon in disguise. If you want to save her, hide behind me, and I’ll check first.“

    Bo Chi snapped out of her excitement of ‘catching a fat sheep’, and grabbed Yu Zhao’s sleeve with her backhand: “How can I let you stand in front alone? What if this is a trap, wouldn’t you be in danger?“

    Yu Zhao hummed, and deliberately said: “Then should we bypass her? Ignore her?“

    Bo Chi shook her head decisively: “No, no, we still have to save people.“

    After going back and forth, Yu Zhao finally showed an impatient look, pointed to Jin Xi, who was doing nothing, and said decisively: “Then she and I will scout ahead, and you follow behind, don’t run around.“

    Jin Xi, the onlooker: “???”

    No, why was she being blamed for something she didn’t do?

    She was just a weak woman with no power, and she also wanted to be properly protected!

    Jin Xi looked at Yu Zhao with pleading eyes, hoping that she would change her mind.

    However, Yu Zhao didn’t even look at her, pressed Bo Chi’s head and gave a few more cold instructions, and then strode towards the woman on the path.

    Jin Xi could only follow with a sad face.

    After coming to the woman’s side, Yu Zhao took out the spirit-seeking compass from her arms, lightly tapped it in four directions with her fingertips, and the pointer on the compass suddenly turned.

    Bo Chi peeked twice, and found that the pointer always slightly paused in her direction, so she hurriedly took some more yin energy from Jin Xi and wrapped her soul tightly.

    The pointer on the compass turned a few times, and finally returned to its starting point, indicating that there were no demons or ghosts within a few miles. Jin Xi breathed a sigh of relief, Bo Chi also breathed a sigh of relief, and Yu Zhao’s face remained unchanged. After putting away the compass, she drew her peach wood sword and suddenly attacked the woman.

    Just as the tip of the sword was about to pierce the woman’s forehead, the woman still remained motionless like a corpse. Yu Zhao finally stopped the sword at the critical moment, sheathed her sword, and said: “She’s just an ordinary refugee.“

    Bo Chi and Jin Xi’s worried hearts relaxed, and they quickly half-dragged and half-carried the woman to under a tree, feeding her some water and dry food.

    After a while, the woman woke up in a daze, chased after the food and ate almost greedily for a while, then calmed down, looked at Jin Xi in front of her, and said gratefully: “Thank you, young lady, for saving my life.“

    Jin Xi smiled, her voice rough and heroic, like a strong man: “You’re welcome!“

    Woman: “…”

    Looking at the woman’s expression of ‘Am I still not awake‘, Bo Chi suppressed a smile, and asked: “What’s your name, miss? Why are you alone in this wilderness?“

    The woman followed the voice and looked at Bo Chi and Yu Zhao, her eyes instantly showing a look of amazement, and then she said timidly: “This concubine is Liu Qinger. I was originally going to the capital with my master to escape the chaos. On the way, I couldn’t stand the bumps of the carriage, and vomited a few times. I also cherished the water and didn’t use it to bathe, so my master disliked Qinger, and kicked Qinger out of the carriage.“

    She smiled bitterly, and said softly: “This concubine didn’t have any food or water with me, and barely made it here before collapsing on the road, unable to go any further. If it weren’t for you, ladies… benefactors, this concubine probably wouldn’t have made it.“

    ——She still couldn’t figure out Jin Xi’s gender, and changed the word ‘young lady’ to ‘benefactor’.