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  • Reincarnated as a Holy Nun, I Refuse to Lose! v2c38

    Volume 2: Witch Kingdom Arc

    Chapter 38: I’m Taking Her Away Today…

    Luo Yuxi froze, hearing the girl’s name. Xia? That was the name she had used for her final playthrough of the game. Why was the protagonist using the same name?

    “Your name is Xia…?”

    “Yes.”

    The girl’s robotic reply left Luo Yuxi unsure where to begin. She was about to ask something else when she noticed a golden chain on the girl’s ankle.

    “Why is there a chain? Strange…”

    Luo Yuxi tugged on the chain, realizing one end was attached to the bed, the other to the girl’s delicate ankle. With a slight pull, the shackled foot was exposed. Xia, as if understanding, lifted her white and gold dress, revealing her bound feet.

    “What’s going on? Aren’t you the new Saintess?”

    “I don’t want to be the Saintess. I want to go home, back to my little cabin. It’s small, but it’s warm…”

    Xia hugged herself, as if seeking comfort in the cold, cage-like room. Luo Yuxi looked at the chain, puzzled. This wasn’t in the game’s plot. The protagonist was supposed to be the Saintess, why was she chained up?

    “It seems you’re not so lucky either~ Look on the bright side, you’ll get used to it~”

    “Hmm?”

    Luo Yuxi sighed and patted Xia’s shoulder. As expected of an 18+ game’s protagonist, she’s still incredibly alluring, even with the plot deviations. Luo Yuxi looked at her.

    “Well, I don’t know who locked you up, but the previous Saintess has gone to the Holy War, so let’s go out for a walk~”

    “Eh? Can I go outside?”

    “Why not? First, let’s deal with this bothersome chain~”

    Luo Yuxi grabbed the chain, her divine power surging, but it remained unbroken. She looked closer and saw tiny magic circuits etched into the chain.

    “What the heck, why is a chain so sturdy?”

    Luo Yuxi continued to pull, even using Holy Flame, but the chain remained intact. Seeing Xia’s hopeful expression, she said,

    “Wait, this thing is tough. Damn it, why is a chain so strong? Couldn’t they have used ordinary iron?”

    [Ding]

    [Divine Art: Divine Word]

    [Chain material replaced.]

    [Divine Art Cost: Luck -10%]

    Luo Yuxi heard a voice in her head, and the chain in her hand crumbled into dust. Xia stared at the broken chain in disbelief. This pink-haired nun was different from the ones who had imprisoned her.

    …

    “Saintess! We’ve finally found you! Come back to the Church~”

    “You were born to be a guide of light, beloved by the Goddess, this is where you belong~”

    “What? That old wooden cabin? Why go back there? This is where the Saintess should live~”

    …

    Xia listened to the congratulatory words and the nuns’ admiring gazes, feeling suffocated. Her peaceful life had been turned into a play. But this pink-haired nun was different. Her gentle smile and kind words reminded Xia of her cozy cabin.

    “Finally, it’s broken. Wait, something popped up just now…”

    Luo Yuxi looked at the panel, then was suddenly hugged by Xia. She blushed, surprised by the sudden embrace.

    “Wh-What’s wrong?”

    “Thank you, Sister. I feel much better…”

    Luo Yuxi, flustered, didn’t understand. She had just broken a chain, and now the protagonist was hugging her, her soft body pressed against Luo Yuxi’s. As expected of the protagonist, she’s so well-endowed.

    “Alright, enough hugs, let’s go out for a walk. I’ll just take you to the Holy War…”

    Luo Yuxi reluctantly released Xia from her embrace. She’s so fair-skinned… I mean, so big. Luo Yuxi took Xia’s hand and walked towards the door, startling the trainee nun standing guard outside.

    “Wait, Sister! The Word Spirit Saintess forbade the Saintess from leaving this room until the Holy War is over!”

    “A war will last at least half a year, especially a large-scale Holy War. Keeping someone locked up will drive them crazy…”

    Luo Yuxi pushed past the trainee nun, who, seeing her pleas ignored, blew a whistle. Luo Yuxi turned and saw herself surrounded by trainee nuns.

    “We know we’re weak, the strongest among us is only 9th Order, but we’ll do our best to stop you, Lady Luo Yuxi!”

    Luo Yuxi hadn’t expected them to use force against her. It seemed the Word Spirit Saintess had given strict orders.

    “Hmph, I’m taking her away today, and none of you can stop me!”

    Luo Yuxi wasn’t sure why they thought she was so powerful, but she decided to use it to her advantage. She pulled Xia into her arms, enjoying the embrace.

    “I’ve always wanted to say this line, I didn’t expect it to be here~”

    Luo Yuxi looked at the surrounding nuns. Although some were higher level than her, with her cheat skills, she might stand a chance. After all, she had even fought a First Order, although she was easily defeated.

    “Don’t worry, Xia, I, Luo Yuxi, am taking you out today~”

    “Xia?”

    “What? Is that too forward? I can change it back if you don’t like it.”

    “It’s fine, I don’t mind. If it’s you, it’s okay…”

    Luo Yuxi, focused on the nuns, didn’t notice Xia’s blush. Xia tugged at her sleeve.

    “Do you need help…?”

    [Ding]

    [Xia]

    Race: Human
    Order Level: 4th Order

  • Shion’s Notes 134

    Chapter 134: Nangong’s Wandering

    Yu Linna packed her clothes, carefully placing them in her suitcase. She didn’t have many, so it wasn’t difficult. She wore a light blue scarf, the first gift Ye Zhiyun had given her, a cherished possession.

    She glanced at the worn notebook on the table, the one with her name on it, a bittersweet smile touching her lips as she placed it carefully at the bottom of her suitcase. These were her most precious memories.

    “Are you sure you have to leave?”

    Ye Zhiyun stood at the doorway, her expression calm, but her voice held a hint of reluctance. She didn’t want Yu Linna to go.

    “Thank you so much for taking care of me, but I have to leave. I can’t keep imposing on you.”

    Yu Linna smiled, continuing to pack.

    It had been three or four months since she moved in, time for her to move on. She was the winner of the Wenqing New Talent Awards, had received a substantial sum of money, and was now capable of supporting herself. And she didn’t want to be dependent on Ye Zhiyun.

    She was grateful for Ye Zhiyun’s kindness, truly grateful. But she couldn’t stay forever. Deep down, she was still afraid of being kicked out one day.

    “Nana, you know you can stay here as long as you like.”

    “I can’t. You have your own life, your own career. I can’t interfere.”

    “It’s not interference. I’m happy to have you here. Stay. Cook for me, look after the house. It wouldn’t be a bad arrangement.”

    “Zhiyun…”

    “I have everything here. I can give you anything you want, anything you lack. Isn’t that enough?”

    Ye Zhiyun wanted her to stay, desperately.

    Though their time together had been short, she had grown accustomed to Yu Linna’s presence, to coming home to a warm meal, a hot bath, a clean house.

    Yu Linna brought joy to her life, a happiness she hadn’t experienced in years, the joy of having someone by her side.

    She wanted her to stay.

    Nana, don’t go.

    The words remained unspoken.

    “Zhiyun, what are we?”

    Yu Linna’s sudden question caught Ye Zhiyun off guard.

    “Huh?”

    “We’re just friends, nothing more. As a friend, you’ve been more than kind to me. I can’t keep taking advantage of your generosity.”

    No, that’s not it. That’s not true.

    Not… just friends…

    Not… that simple.

    The words remained trapped in her throat.

    This usually assertive, outspoken girl couldn’t voice her true feelings. She knew she would regret this.

    Yu Linna finished packing, dragged her suitcase to the door, put on her shoes, and opened the door. As the light streamed in, Ye Zhiyun knew that once that door opened, it wouldn’t close again. It was Yu Linna’s choice.

    “I’ll see you off.”

    As a “friend,” it was all she could do.

    Having won the award, Yu Linna decided to move out, finding a new apartment, more expensive than her previous one but with a better environment, more conducive to writing. She gave Ye Zhiyun two million yuan from her prize money, insisting it was repayment for her debt, despite Ye Zhiyun’s protests. Knowing Yu Linna’s stubbornness, Ye Zhiyun accepted, though she didn’t want the money.

    If she had a choice, she wouldn’t have taken it.

    Yu Linna still had one million, enough for a new apartment, furniture, and a new computer. Her status was different now; she was a recognized author.

    Wenqing’s New Talent Awards concluded without much fanfare, the industry largely unaware of the significant change it represented. Qidian, having signed Luo Nan, had gained even more momentum. Though young, Luo Nan showed immense potential, and Qidian intended to nurture her into a star author.

    “Yuyan, I told you, times are changing. If you stay there, you’ll be left behind.”

    “Yes, I know, you’re right. But I’m staying with Wenqing~”

    Luo Nan chatted with Zhao Yuyan on the phone. They had grown up together, their bond strong, despite being competitors in the publishing industry. They remained friends.

    However, Luo Nan still hoped to lure Zhao Yuyan to Qidian.

    “Is Wenqing’s champion this year another established author using a pen name?”

    “If you think that, you’re wrong. This year’s winner is a newcomer, a complete newbie. And just like me, they’re only eighteen.”

    “Eighteen? Even younger than you were when you won? Who are they?”

    “You’ll be competing with them in sales soon. Isn’t your novel coming out in April? Their novel is scheduled for release around the same time.”

    “Interesting. I look forward to the challenge.”

    Qidian and Wenqing remained rivals, with Qidian leading in sales. But Wenqing wasn’t giving up. With the addition of Shion, the outcome was uncertain.

    Qidian was an established publishing house, older than Wenqing, with a larger roster of authors and undeniable influence. Wenqing, on the other hand, had been declining.

    But this year, things might change.

    After the New Year, Nangong Ying returned to school, embarking on a nationwide tour of university entrance exams. Though a celebrity, she was still a high school student and had to go through the process like everyone else.

    Traveling from city to city was nothing new to her; she wasn’t fazed by the arduous journey, simply moving from one exam to the next.

    She had her sights set on a specific university, her ultimate goal: Beijing.

    Studying there would provide her with the best acting training, honing her skills, benefiting her career in the long run. Her ultimate goal was to become a top-tier actress, representing her country in Hollywood. She had to work hard.

    “Phew…”

    Nangong Ying exhaled, wandering alone through the cold city, a loneliness only she could understand. She sometimes wondered if having someone by her side would make a difference.

    Buzz, buzz.

    Her phone vibrated. She answered, leaning against a wall, the bustling crowd in front of her, the city alive with activity.

    “How did the exam go, Xiaoying?”

    “It went well. I feel confident. If I keep this up, I should be able to get in.”

    “That’s good! I’m looking forward to having you as a junior. If you get into the same university as me, I’ll personally welcome you during orientation.”

    “Yes, I look forward to that day.”

    Looking at the darkening sky, Nangong Ying realized it was already nine o’clock. She had been wandering for hours. She would have to find a hotel for the night.

    “By the way, Xiaoying, you haven’t mentioned your friend lately. Did something happen?”

    Nangong Ying fell silent, unsure how to respond.

    “Sorry, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. Everyone has their secrets. I understand.”

    Nangong Ying remained silent, afraid to speak.

    Only she and Yu Linna knew the secret. To secure her footing in the entertainment industry, she had pushed Yu Linna towards Chenghe, almost leading to her exploitation. Nangong Ying had used that opportunity to get her film back on track, returning to the set, her name becoming known upon its release.

    She had ruthlessly betrayed her friend for her own ambition.

    The guilt lingered, a constant weight on her conscience. She knew she couldn’t forget, couldn’t let go. She could only carry this burden and keep moving forward.

    “Sister Yuexin, I will succeed. I will keep going, no matter how many people I have to step over. I will achieve my dream. Because I am Nangong Ying.”

    Nangong Ying, born to stand out, believed she was a unique talent. And so, she would continue on her path.

    “It’s good to be driven, but don’t push yourself too hard.”

    The call ended. Nangong Ying’s hand slipped, the phone still in her grasp, but her heart was as cold as the wind.

    Don’t push myself? If Chenghe hadn’t pressured her, would she have made that decision? If she hadn’t pushed herself, would she have condemned Yu Linna to such a fate?

    She was the one at fault; she knew it.

    And so, she would carry this guilt and walk this path to the end.

    Nangong Ying’s figure disappeared into the night…

    The film industry continued to dominate the entertainment world. Though Nangong Ying’s new film hadn’t been released yet, it was already generating buzz. Other directors were also preparing their films, hoping for box office success.

    “Director Wang, the script revisions are done. Shall we continue filming?”

    “Of course! Get ready, we’re starting!”

    “No problem. Director, why did you choose to write this script? It’s a realistic story, but… a struggling young man who can’t achieve his dreams, no matter how hard he tries? It’s so depressing. The audience might not like it.”

    “It doesn’t matter. I’m not doing this for box office success. It’s a good story, and I want to tell it well.”

    “I still think it’s too dark. Why write such a story? If the protagonist can’t achieve his dreams despite his efforts, isn’t that just antagonizing the audience?”

    “Are you the director, or am I? This story is about the struggles of a marginalized youth, not some inspirational tale. Just trust me.”

    Filming continued, the revised script lying on the director’s table…

  • The Vicious Female Lead Doesn’t Want to Do It Anymore 83p2

    Chapter 83: More Please – The End (Part 2)

    Although Dong Ling said she had been spoiled rotten, her parents and brother didn’t think it was a big deal, they doted on Dong Ling, and naturally hoped her partner would be even better to her, and Song Mingzhi could even help manage Dong Ling’s health, which was even better.

    After the holidays, on a weekday, Dong Ling started preparing for the second season.

    Still the same style as the first season, randomly selecting a destination during a short live stream, as for the guest stars, she invited two others and also brought Wen Tianzi along.

    Wen Tianzi had a natural sense of variety show entertainment, she wasn’t deliberately trying to be funny, but she was just naturally entertaining, and didn’t clash with the overall tone of the variety show.

    Wen Tianzi was signed for eight episodes, she celebrated on her private Weibo account, saying she felt like she had won the lottery, happily interacting with the Song Zhong sisters, and on her official account, she maintained a reserved but joyful tone, quickly packing her bags and joining the filming.

    By the fourth episode, Wen Tianzi sensed something was off.

    She was now starting to suspect that Dong Ling and Song Mingzhi’s relationship was real, although this sounded a bit convoluted, it was her true thought.

    Although she had been chanting “they’re locked together,” she hadn’t actually believed Dong Ling and Song Mingzhi were truly a couple, after all, this kind of thing couldn’t be speculated, she just thought they had a very close relationship, both on and off camera, the casual intimacy and sweetness in their gazes, the way they always thought of each other, it was truly amazing.

    What changed Wen Tianzi’s mind was the bite mark on Dong Ling’s neck.

    The mark wasn’t very obvious, located where her neck met her shoulder, and Dong Ling’s clothes completely covered it.

    But during the filming of a certain segment, Dong Ling’s clothes were caught by a decoration on the wall, exposing that area, although she quickly covered it up, Wen Tianzi, being the closest person to her, saw it clearly.

    They were in a small town with an exotic atmosphere this time, the available accommodation limited, so they shared rooms in pairs, Dong Ling shared a room with Song Mingzhi last night, and Wen Tianzi was certain Dong Ling didn’t have this mark two days ago, because Dong Ling was wearing an off-shoulder top that day, she even complimented Dong Ling on her fair and delicate skin.

    What was it like to ship a CP and then find out they’re actually real?

    What was it like to ship a CP and then find out they’re actually real?

    Wen Tianzi was first ecstatic, then a little worried amidst her excitement.

    So, during the subsequent filming, Wen Tianzi wasn’t just passively enjoying the sweetness, but constantly paying attention to any signs, even gasping inwardly when Dong Ling and Song Mingzhi were being too obvious.

    And when she stumbled upon them kissing secretly, she practically called an ambulance for herself, biting her arm to suppress her squeals of delight.

    Kiss! Kiss harder! Just do it!

    She might not have a sex life, but her CP definitely would! Wen Tianzi thought excitedly.

    The slight noise Wen Tianzi made as she left still startled Dong Ling, who snuggled into Song Mingzhi’s arms and said with some worry: “I think someone saw us.”

    “It’s okay, it’s not like we’re having an affair.”

    Song Mingzhi wiped the moisture from Dong Ling’s slightly swollen, red lips, and said with a comforting smile.

    Dong Ling’s earlobes were flushed, her hand held tightly in Song Mingzhi’s.

    After filming this episode, Dong Ling and Song Mingzhi didn’t go to the same destination.

    Song Mingzhi seemed to have some urgent matters to deal with, so she returned to Jingzhou, Dong Ling cheered her on and didn’t go with her, worried about distracting Song Mingzhi.

    While Song Mingzhi was busy in Jingzhou, Dong Ling lived a leisurely life in Beihai.

    She didn’t have any ambitions of making Canghai Entertainment an industry giant, she lived a carefree life, occasionally posting pictures of the flowers and plants in her garden on Weibo, expressing her longing for Jiejie.

    It had been almost half a month since they parted ways, and although they could video call anytime, it wasn’t the same as seeing each other in person.

    Although she missed her, Dong Ling didn’t rush Song Mingzhi, she could tell from their occasional conversations that Song Mingzhi was currently in a crucial period, so she didn’t send many messages, just read poems or played the violin for Song Mingzhi when she was tired, to help her sleep, and to show her affection.

    On the anniversary of Xuan Du’s death, Dong Ling went to visit her and brought a bouquet of flowers.

    When she arrived, she saw He Diesheng, who looked even thinner and frailer than before, her sickly appearance making one think she wouldn’t live much longer.

    Dong Ling didn’t talk to her, just placed the flowers down, stood quietly for a while, and then left.

    Sometimes, the connections between people were truly complex, beyond words.

    It was the same with Chen Shang Shang and Tang Qianxi. Perhaps encouraged by Dong Ling’s successful coming out, Chen Shang Shang also tried to subtly hint to her family, but was met with strong opposition.

    Chen Shang Shang felt dejected, but she didn’t know what to choose.

    She couldn’t bear to hurt either Tang Qianxi or her parents, sometimes, people had to make choices.

    “Sometimes I don’t know, should I just break up with her and end things here, or should we wait until we’re both exhausted and our love has faded before separating?”

    Chen Shang Shang couldn’t help but be pessimistic. Dong Ling knew that she was waiting for her suggestion, for her to make the decision for her.

    “Whether you stay together or break up, I know you’ll regret either decision, so I can only tell you, I’ll support you no matter what you choose.”

    Chen Shang Shang nodded and held Dong Ling’s hand tightly.

    Dong Ling comforted her, telling her not to worry too much, after all, constantly worrying wasn’t good for her health, and one could never predict what the future held.

    But Dong Ling didn’t expect this to happen to her as well.

    She looked at the live interview on TV, confused.

    If she wasn’t mistaken, the new chairman of that large corporation on the screen, that was her wife, right?

    The Dong family was also shocked by this news and asked Dong Ling about it.

    After all, Dong Ling had told them that Song Mingzhi was just running a small business, even if she was wealthy.

    If this was considered “moderately wealthy,” then what was “wealthy”?!

    Dong Ling was dumbfounded, Song Mingzhi did tell her she wasn’t rich, but she didn’t tell her she was this rich either.

    What was it like to find out that your girlfriend, who you thought was just moderately well-off, was actually the head of a large corporation, even richer than you?

    Dong Ling: Thanks for asking, after the initial shock, I’m laughing now.

    Netizens were equally shocked, thinking she was a sponsored actress, but it turned out she was the real tycoon.

    The Song Zhong sisters were ecstatic, what was more exciting than a domineering CEO x canary trope? Of course, it was the canary being another domineering CEO in disguise.

    Song Mingzhi was busy in Jingzhou and couldn’t leave, she didn’t know when she would be back, so Dong Ling went to see her.

    Afraid that Dong Ling would be unhappy, Song Mingzhi hurriedly explained: “I was planning to tell you after everything was settled, I was worried those relatives would retaliate, they’re capable of anything when pushed to a corner.”

    “It’s okay, have you been very busy lately? You’ve lost a lot of weight, haven’t you been eating properly?”

    Dong Ling looked at Song Mingzhi’s thinner face and frowned.

    Song Mingzhi was slightly startled, then smiled.

    “Because I missed you, I’ll eat properly.”

    …………

    The public announcement didn’t go as Dong Ling had planned.

    She originally intended to reveal it during the last episode of the variety show, but unexpectedly, after waking up, her Weibo was trending, or rather, she and Song Mingzhi were trending.

    It turned out her identity had been exposed, someone figured out that Jieshi was her.

    So one shouldn’t share too much of their life on Weibo, there were too many modern-day Sherlock Holmeses.

    Dong Ling was exposed because of a picture of her hand, her Weibo account had many followers who were fans of Song Mingzhi and also CP fans, they managed to identify her from a picture of her lips before, now, identifying her from a picture of her hand was even easier.

    And based on the background in the picture she posted earlier, someone recognized it as her garden.

    So her secrets on Weibo were no longer secrets, like the “Jiejie” she mentioned, and her Jiejie’s love story.

    On the day the news about Song Mingzhi came out, Dong Ling even posted on Weibo: She didn’t tell me she was this rich.

    One clue after another, the evidence was undeniable.

    And there were signs from the beginning, even in her name, Dong Lin Jieshi, overlooking the vast sea. (Dong Ling’s Weibo ID was Jieshi)

    Dong Ling simply took this opportunity to come clean and make a public announcement.

    @Jieshi: Want to watch the stars with you @SongMingzhi

    @SongMingzhi: Want to watch you with the stars @Jieshi

    @WenTianzi: Sisters, lock them up for me, may they be happy together forever!

    @WenTianzi: Sorry, wrong account, but whatever, hahahaha.

    For the remaining episodes of the variety show, Dong Ling simply turned it into a love diary with Song Mingzhi.

    021 successfully retired and left for the next world.

    Even friends had to part ways eventually, they would meet again in the future, Dong Ling and 021 wished each other well and disappeared from each other’s worlds.

    Yu Shuangwei submitted “The Legend of Liang Jin’an” for awards, this movie was her passion project and received the recognition it deserved.

    On the day Song Mingzhi won Best Actress, she was asked in an interview if she would continue acting in movies.

    Song Mingzhi replied: Depends on what my lover thinks.

    She said this actress, a unique existence in the film industry, had only acted in two movies, one a critically acclaimed suspense film, the other a textbook example of acting skills.

    Everyone envied her talent and good fortune, but Dong Ling knew that Song Mingzhi didn’t rely on luck to get where she was.

    If she hadn’t escaped from the human traffickers when she was five, perhaps things would be different now.

    In the same year Song Mingzhi won Best Actress, someone contacted her.

    It turned out that the Song family, heartbroken after losing their beloved daughter and unable to find her, had immigrated abroad. As for Zhong Zhong’s mother, she was Song Mingzhi’s aunt, who had broken ties with her family for love, even changing her surname, which was another reason for the Song family’s emigration.

    When she met her long-lost family, whom she no longer remembered, Song Mingzhi wasn’t overly emotional, facing her tearful family, Song Mingzhi smiled and introduced the person beside her.

    “This is my lover, Dong Ling.”

    From then on, through sunshine and rain, they journeyed together.

    [The End]

  • I’m Surrounded by My Own Pets! 212

    Chapter 212: Lian Xing’s Engagement

    “BOOM!!!!”

    At the edge of Cloud Mist Sea, a deafening explosion ripped through the sky, shattering the landscape for millions of miles and scattering the clouds.

    Seconds later, as the mist cleared, a massive chasm appeared.

    The black-haired woman in the feathered crown lay amidst the ruins, a single question mark floating above her head.

    She had been attacked…?

    As a being above Myriad-Level Emperors, an Ancient Species who had survived since ancient times, Lotus Concubine Tai Sui couldn’t remember the last time she had been attacked first.

    Even during the reigns of Star Goddess and Nether Concubine, they had always been wary of her.

    Because she alone could overwhelm their entire Pet Beast lineups!

    Though momentarily stunned, Lotus Concubine Tai Sui quickly recovered, her expression darkening as chaotic black smoke rose from her body.

    However, before she could retaliate…

    The Back-Tailed Moon-Chasing Demon Rabbit lifted her paw, still gripping Lotus Concubine Tai Sui’s ankle, and slammed her into the ground again.

    “BOOM!!!”

    “BOOM!!!!!”

    “BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!!!!!”

    Each impact was more devastating than the last, mountains and rivers turning to dust as the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit swung Lotus Concubine Tai Sui’s graceful body like a ragdoll, slamming her repeatedly against the chasm walls. Each impact deepened the chasm, the deafening sonic booms assaulting the eardrums of all nearby beings. The earth-shattering scene defied all comprehension.

    Not only the Beast Taming Evolution Duel players, but even Moonwalker and the Divine Machine were stunned.

    Moonwalker glanced meaningfully at the golden-haired girl with the strange expression.

    To start a fight with the First Emperor at a time like this…?

    But the golden-haired girl with the twin buns simply looked innocent.

    And, to be fair, Lian Xing was innocent.

    She had seen countless examples of disobedient Married Pet Beasts.

    Like forcing their masters to have children…

    But directly attacking a fellow Ancient Species, a powerful enemy… that was a bit much…

    So, what now?

    …

    …

    Meanwhile, Lotus Concubine Tai Sui, despite being repeatedly slammed against the ground, seemed relatively unharmed, her expression merely one of bewilderment.

    Finally, after the tenth slam, she broke free, her body reforming from countless black lines behind the Back-Tailed Moon-Chasing Demon Rabbit.

    Like Moonwalker, Lotus Concubine Tai Sui first glanced at the golden-haired girl, as if trying to understand her intentions.

    But Lian Xing maintained her innocent, almost oblivious expression.

    It was as if she couldn’t control her Married Pet Beast’s actions.

    And those who couldn’t control their Married Pet Beasts in that aspect were usually even worse in… other aspects…

    Lotus Concubine Tai Sui glanced at Lian Xing’s smooth, white thighs above her stockings, a malicious thought crossing her mind.

    But she quickly turned her attention back to the white-haired rabbit woman standing behind her, her crimson eyes gleaming, a scorching breath escaping her lips.

    The Ancient Moonlight Rabbit’s oppressive aura made Lotus Concubine Tai Sui frown.

    This monster…

    How had it been born?

    How had it reached Myriad-Level under her very nose…?

    The next second, the wind picked up.

    As the Beast Taming Evolution Duel players and the Divine Machine watched, their scalps tingling, the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit opened her mouth.

    Half of Cloud Mist Sea’s Pet Essence vanished in an instant, sucked into the Back-Tailed Moon-Chasing Demon Rabbit’s expanding lungs.

    Ancient Talent, Super Absorption!!!

    Bloodline Combat Skill, Howling Moon!!!

    Shining Combat Skill, Sun and Moon Harmony!!!

    “ROAR!!!!!”

    A terrifying sonic boom obliterated everything for hundreds of billions of kilometers.

    Like a scene from a disaster movie, everything vanished, including Lotus Concubine Tai Sui’s Ancient body, disintegrating into particles of Pet Essence.

    Super Absorption instantly absorbed Pet Essence to full capacity, with no cooldown or side effects, essentially granting infinite full Pet Essence for battle.

    Howling Moon was a classic Moonlight Rabbit Bloodline combat skill, though Starlight Never Diminishes, Moon Eternal hadn’t learned it yet.

    Sun and Moon Harmony was the Ancient Rabbit’s first Shining combat skill.

    It emptied all her Pet Essence, amplifying her next attack.

    Sun and Moon Harmony, combined with Super Absorption, meant every one of the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit’s attacks was an ultimate move.

    As the landscape vanished, so did Lotus Concubine Tai Sui.

    Half of Cloud Mist Sea was nearly overturned by the shockwave.

    …

    …

    [Star Concubine, please refrain from causing trouble before the Lunar Divine Festival.]

    [We’ll meet in a month.]

    Moments later, Lotus Concubine Tai Sui’s voice echoed in Lian Xing’s mind.

    Her aura had vanished from Cloud Mist Sea.

    Lian Xing blinked, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes.

    Moonwalker saw Lian Xing withdraw her hand, which had been reaching for a Pet Beast summoning shortcut.

    This woman…

    Could she truly not control her Married Pet Beast?

    If Lotus Concubine Tai Sui had shown even a hint of weakness, Lian Xing would have unleashed her full lineup, killing the renowned First Emperor.

    This wasn’t something an ordinary Beast Tamer would even consider…

    Lian Xing withdrew her hand, feigning innocence, and replied to Lotus Concubine Tai Sui’s message, “My child is misbehaving. Just playing around~~~”

    Lotus Concubine Tai Sui, reforming her body, nearly had a heart attack upon seeing this reply.

    She had anticipated many reactions from Lian Xing: a declaration of war, a plea for mercy, a request for peace…

    But she never expected such brazenness.

    ***

    Cloud Mist Sea border.

    Lian Xing was releasing the Beast Taming Evolution Duel players from Mist Colt’s viral world, one group at a time.

    However, few could stand steadily before the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit.

    They had witnessed her single roar flatten the landscape.

    If this were in Beast Taming Evolution Duel, it would have shattered thousands of map boundaries.

    This was…

    A true Ancient Species!

    The “fans” who had threatened to… ravage Lian Xing were no longer so bold.

    In the silence, the Divine Machine spoke, its voice filled with disbelief.

    “Your rabbit repelled Lotus Concubine Tai Sui?”

    “How… how are you so strong…?”

    Lian Xing rolled her eyes.

    I used your Beast Taming Evolution Duel server to evolve her, how do you think I got so strong?

    Suddenly, Lian Xing remembered something, turning to Moonwalker.

    “By the way, Mother, what’s this Lunar Divine Festival? You and the Divine Machine both know something, right?”

    “That Lotus Concubine Tai Sui was clearly afraid of something. She wouldn’t have acted like that before~~~”

    “…”

    “…”

    Moonwalker hesitated, then nodded.

    “More or less…”

    “Those who receive a Lunar Divine Festival invitation cannot fight each other before the festival begins.”

    “Your reckless actions are one thing, but Lotus Concubine Tai Sui has many concerns. Retaliating against you directly would have… consequences.”

    The Divine Machine chimed in.

    “It’s said the Lunar Divine Festival is held only once every few tens of millions of years, and each time, beings surpassing even Emperors and Overlords are born. For some reason, the victors erase themselves from existence, leaving no trace of their names or pasts.”

    “Oh, and those who receive invitations also get a special Beast Tamer talent. Its effect is revealed when the festival begins.”

    “But this talent isn’t comparable to Triple Awakening. It can alter the very rules and systems of Beast Taming.”

    Lian Xing blinked thoughtfully.

    The Lunar Divine Festival?

    Something even the First Emperor, Lotus Concubine Tai Sui, feared?

    Lian Xing felt a sense of unease.

    She had assumed the First Emperor was the strongest in the Moon Soul World, and the Eleventh Zodiac was too ethereal to affect her.

    But this Lunar Divine Festival had thrown a wrench in her plans.

    Undoubtedly, Lotus Concubine Tai Sui was just a messenger. Behind her were even more powerful beings, the organizers of the Lunar Divine Festival…

    Who were they…?

    Lian Xing looked at Moonwalker.

    “Your Highness, one more question. Lotus Concubine Tai Sui mentioned… Nine-Colored…”

    Moonwalker covered Lian Xing’s mouth, giving her a stern look.

    Anyone could say the words, but they shouldn’t think or speculate about that being.

    “Xiao Xing, open the invitation. I’ll explain later.”

    “Yes, Your Highness~~~” Lian Xing replied obediently, already having a hunch.

    Nine-Colored Deer…

    Was it a being like the Eleventh Zodiac?

    It seemed the Lunar Divine Festival was the only way to encounter such beings…

    Lian Xing opened the invitation.

    A faint golden light entered her mind, and the invitation vanished.

    [Beast Tamer, congratulations on becoming a sacrifice for this Lunar Divine Festival.]

    [Your Pet Beast slots have been increased by one.]

    [Your Married Pet Beast slots have been increased by one.]

    [You have received a gift from a higher being. Its effect will be revealed when the festival begins.]

    [You have gained immortality. Unless your entire Pet Beast lineup is defeated, you cannot die during the Lunar Divine Festival.]

    [Your right to lose is revoked. Any defeat will disqualify you from the Lunar Divine Festival.]

    [Tip: Defeat all other sacrifices and win the Lunar Divine Festival. If victory is impossible, delay your elimination as long as possible.]

    [Time until the Lunar Divine Festival begins: 35 days.]

    …

    …

    Lian Xing was slightly surprised.

    Quite a few benefits.

    Though no direct combat power boost.

    And the gift’s effect was still unknown.

    “Well?” The Divine Machine asked, its previous hostility replaced by a concern that seemed even greater than Moonwalker’s.

    Lian Xing rolled her eyes.

    “None of your business. Send me all information on Tai Yin within three days, or I’ll take over your server~~~”

    “Wait, I change my mind!!”

    “Hmm?” Lian Xing glared at the Divine Machine.

    The Divine Machine floated closer to Lian Xing’s feet, nuzzling against them.

    “Star Concubine, I’ll give you partial control of the server. Please protect me!”

    “That Sharp Edge Seven King Mother keeps chasing me! I can’t even show my face in the Moon Soul World! Teach her a lesson, and I’ll be your loyal servant!!”

    The thought of Lian Xing punishing Sharp Edge Seven King Mother, just like she had Lotus Concubine Tai Sui, made the Divine Machine tremble with excitement.

    “Get lost!!!”

    Lian Xing kicked the shameless Divine Machine several meters away.

    Then, she turned to meet Moonwalker’s tender gaze.

    This incident was over.

    It was time to go home and get married…

    Before the Lunar Divine Festival, she should produce some offspring…

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 76

    Chapter 76: Disciple and Wife

    At the mountain gate, Demon Lord Tu Ming, confident in his victory, sat atop his giant dragon, leisurely directing the assault on the Hanshan Sect’s protective formation.

    Under the relentless barrage, the formation flickered, its defenses weakening.

    Sensing this, Tu Ming sent his subordinates to taunt the defenders, their words a repetitive stream of insults and threats, intended to demoralize and distract.

    Battles between spiritual and demonic cultivators were often more brutal and destructive, but the initial posturing, the hesitation before the first strike, was similar to any mundane conflict. Without a clear advantage, neither side wanted to commit.

    The demons were waiting for the Saintess to breach the formation from within.

    So, for now, the battle remained a war of words, the Radiant Realm side fielding their most skilled orators to counter the demons’ taunts.

    The younger disciples, unfamiliar with the demons’ brutality, struggled to contain their amusement at the childish exchange of “Come out and fight!” and “Come in if you dare!”, their laughter stifled by the presence of their elders.

    Lizhu, however, wasn’t amused. Her calm demeanor was a carefully constructed facade.

    Elder Qianlian, standing beside her, muttered, “Senior Sister, tell me I’m not dreaming. Grand Ancestor… alive… Here…”

    Lizhu: “Don’t talk to me. I’m thinking.”

    Her hands moved rapidly, forming intricate seals, a blur of red as she reinforced the weakening formation.

    Elder Qianlian, a master of multitasking, her hands mirroring Lizhu’s movements, continued her rambling.

    She had always been like this, her anxiety manifesting as a torrent of words, her speed rivaling a Buddhist monk chanting scriptures.

    “It all makes sense now! Two divine artifacts… Why didn’t I realize it was Grand Ancestor?!”

    Lizhu, sending another surge of energy into the formation, thought, Why didn’t I realize it?

    She had suspected Tao Ning, testing her repeatedly, but the girl had deflected her inquiries effortlessly.

    She had assumed Tao Ning was a reincarnated cultivator, seeking refuge in the Hanshan Sect, her pure heart and her loyalty to the sect, despite her secrets, making her a valuable asset.

    If she had known Tao Ning’s true identity, she wouldn’t have tolerated the girl’s deception, helping Cen Dianshuang conceal it.

    But who would have guessed it wasn’t a reincarnated elder, but their own ancestor?

    She couldn’t dwell on it. The thought made her legs weak. Facing three Heaven-grade artifacts, she hadn’t investigated further, the revelation, now that it had come, strangely unsurprising.

    Tao Ning had, after all, hinted at her true identity, offering subtle clues, which Lizhu, having returned the artifacts, had misinterpreted.

    Remembering Qingji’s expression, she finally understood: it had been the look of disappointment, of unspoken words, of a message not received.

    With the Hanshan Sect’s combined efforts, the protective formation stabilized, its defenses restored, silencing the demons’ taunts.

    Tu Ming’s Left Protector spoke, his voice hesitant. “My Lord, the Saintess isn’t coming. Perhaps…”

    Tu Ming glared at him, and the Left Protector quickly lowered his head. “The Saintess is always reliable, my Lord. But those Hanshan Sect cultivators are unpredictable. Perhaps she’s been… delayed.”

    Before arriving, the Saintess had informed Tu Ming of the Wanhun Cauldron’s location within the Hanshan Sect, intending to retrieve it herself.

    Tu Ming, however, had other plans. He wanted to test the cauldron’s power, and the assembled cultivators were the perfect sacrifice, a chance to cripple the Radiant Realm’s next generation.

    He hadn’t considered targeting the elders. Witnessing the Radiant Realm’s weakened state, its future uncertain, was also part of his plan.

    His smile faded, his expression hardening, his demeanor now that of a true Demon Lord. “The Hanshan Sect cowards hide behind their formation. And you all cower with them. Very well. What’s the closest sect to this place?”

    The Left Protector, understanding his Lord’s unspoken intentions, replied, “The Zuo Yang Sect, my Lord. Then the Heavenly Heart Sect. And further south, the Green Pine Academy.”

    The cultivators behind the formation paled, especially those from the mentioned sects.

    Tu Ming waved a hand dismissively. “Then we’ll start with the Zuo Yang Sect. I’ll destroy a sect for every day you refuse to surrender the cauldron. Let’s see how long you can last.”

    The Left Protector bowed. “Yes, my Lord!” He turned to relay the order.

    The Zuo Yang Sect Leader’s face was ashen. “Despicable! Cowardly!”

    While they were safe behind the formation, the other sects lacked such powerful defenses.

    Many sect leaders and clan heads were present. Even if their elders emerged from seclusion, the damage would be done.

    First the Zuo Yang Sect, then who?

    Tu Ming’s voice boomed across the training grounds. “Surrender the Wanhun Cauldron. It’s not meant for the Radiant Realm.”

    His words sparked panic among the cultivators behind the formation, their voices rising in protest, demanding Lizhu’s intervention.

    “Sect Leader Lizhu, you have a protective formation! We don’t!”

    “Are you willing to sacrifice our sects to protect your own?!”

    A Hanshan Sect disciple retorted angrily, “What are you suggesting? That our Sect Leader lower the formation and let you all escape?!”

    Lizhu, her lips pressed into a thin line, was about to respond when a voice, amplified by spiritual energy, echoed through the arena. “My possessions? You dare claim them as your own? Such audacity.”

    The words brought a flicker of hope to the trapped cultivators, their gazes turning towards the source of the sound.

    The voice sounded familiar. Tu Ming, perched on his dragon, frowned, trying to place it.

    “Such arrogance. Show yourself!”

    The crowd of cultivators parted, revealing a figure in purple, their gaze fixed on Tu Ming.

    “Tu Ming, you dare speak to me like that?”

    She was right. During Qingji’s reign, Tu Ming had been a minor official in her palace, required to address her as “Lord.”

    A Demon Lord always had sycophants eager to defend his honor. Before Tu Ming could even react, one of his subordinates shouted, “Who are you?!”

    “You dare address our Lord by name?! You’re courting death!”

    Demonic cultivators were skilled in the art of verbal abuse, their insults far more direct and colorful than their Radiant Realm counterparts.

    The cultivators behind Tao Ning exchanged amused glances, their expressions a mix of shock and amusement. She’s got guts.

    The demonic cultivator, unaware he had just insulted the former Demon Lord, preened himself, expecting praise from his master.

    But Tu Ming’s arrogant expression faltered, his face paling as he recognized the figure before him, his hand instinctively tightening on the dragon’s mane.

    “Retreat!” he shrieked. “Retreat! Retreat!”

    The demonic cultivators: ???

    The dragon, its mane pulled painfully, roared in protest, its cry, amplified by its demonic energy, echoing through the arena, sending several cultivators reeling, blood trickling from their ears.

    They had never seen their Lord so terrified. Confused, they hesitated, then began to retreat.

    In their eyes, Demon Lord Tu Ming, a Body Integration cultivator, more powerful than even Lizhu, was invincible. Why was he so afraid of this unknown woman?

    Tao Ning, her back to the crowd, a single figure holding them all at bay, glanced sideways at Lizhu. “Sect Leader.”

    Lizhu immediately deactivated the formation.

    Tu Ming, abandoning his carefully trained mount, turned and fled.

    Facing Qingji directly?

    He wasn’t suicidal. She had survived a tribulation and was now standing there, unharmed. He had no chance.

    Tao Ning, with a flick of her wrist, unleashed a wave of spiritual energy, summoning the Wanhun Cauldron, which grew larger as it flew towards Tu Ming, engulfing him with a resounding boom.

    The cauldron he had coveted for centuries was now his prison.

    Tu Ming’s vision went black. When he opened his eyes again, he was surrounded by flames, trapped within the cauldron’s fiery depths.

    As a Demon Lord, he wasn’t easily killed. Tao Ning, having captured their leader, now turned her attention to the remaining demons, a disorganized rabble without their leader’s guidance.

    The demons, still confused, turned to flee, their morale shattered, their banners abandoned in their haste.

    The Wanhun Cauldron, having finally tasted something… returned, bobbing happily.

    Before it could receive its master’s praise, Tao Ning summoned Poheng, leaping into the air, and with a single, powerful strike, severed the dragon’s head.

    A torrent of black blood rained down, staining the earth, withering the grass for miles around.

    The massive head crashed to the ground, crushing several demons, the impact shaking the earth, sending the remaining demons fleeing.

    But their escape was short-lived. The dragon’s massive body followed, its weight crushing those beneath it. Those who survived would be dealt with by the Hanshan Sect disciples cleaning the battlefield.

    The single, earth-shattering blow, severing the dragon’s head, was a sight to behold.

    The earlier arguments about demon spies and cauldrons were forgotten. This display of power was awe-inspiring.

    A sword fanatic, too stunned to continue his pursuit of the fleeing demons, stared at Tao Ning, his voice filled with excitement. “What was that technique?! Is it the Hanshan Sect’s Carefree Sword? It must be!”

    Lizhu hesitated, then shook her head. “No. That was my Junior Sister Cen’s self-created Thirteen Forms of Falling Snow.”

    The sword fanatic: “I once fought True Person Cen. I almost defeated her. She used the Falling Snow technique, but it wasn’t as powerful… Is this a new form?”

    Lizhu chuckled. “Perhaps it’s a matter of cultivation level.” Or perhaps it’s just my Grand Ancestor showing off.

    With the main threat eliminated, the remaining demons, disorganized and demoralized, were easily dispatched by the other cultivators.

    Lizhu deactivated the protective formation, leading her disciples down the mountain to pursue the fleeing demons. The Zuo Yang Sect cultivators rushed towards their sect, hoping to salvage what they could.

    True Person Chang Xiang turned to Pang Xueting, her voice filled with disbelief. “Why didn’t you tell me your savior was so powerful?”

    Pang Xueting, near tears, replied, “Master, this isn’t the time for jokes.”

    True Person Chang Xiang, a flicker of confusion in her eyes, said, “Oh.” Perhaps she was getting old, unable to keep up with the younger generation’s humor. Was that not a joke?

    She turned, seeing Cen Dianshuang approaching, her own expression now a mix of apprehension and uncertainty. “Fellow Cultivator Cen…”

    Cen Dianshuang, her face impassive, replied, “I also don’t know what just happened.”

    True Person Chang Xiang: “…”

    That expression… something’s wrong… but I can’t quite place it…

    Demon Lord Tu Ming, arriving with confidence, had been swiftly and decisively defeated, most of his forces decimated.

    Tao Ning stood on the mountain peak, Poheng in hand, her gaze fixed on the disciples cleaning the battlefield.

    The Wanhun Cauldron, bobbing happily, circled her, complaining about the demon lord kicking it in the stomach.

    This time, 520 offered no commentary, its attention focused on its host’s new, astronomical debt.

    The moment the mission was completed, it had submitted its expense report, its efficiency honed by painful experience.

    Its well-worn excuses, however, were once again accepted.

    Tao Ning’s debt increased dramatically.

    The minus sign before the number was a constant reminder of her status as the ultimate debtor.

    520, despite knowing it wasn’t its own money, felt a pang of sympathy for its host, the long string of numbers a symbol of her romantic endeavors.

    “Stomach ache?” Tao Ning glanced at the cauldron.

    The Wanhun Cauldron, no longer daring to complain loudly in her presence, simply whimpered softly.

    Tao Ning: “Deal with it.”

    The cauldron, sensing its master’s displeasure, retreated into her sleeve, seeking a quiet corner to sulk.

    No fighting with that fiery furnace today. My stomach hurts.

    Tao Ning, unsure of what to do next, called out, “Sect Leader Lizhu.”

    Lizhu, having overseen the initial cleanup, approached hesitantly, bowing respectfully. “I’m here, Grand Ancestor.”

    Silence fell as Tao Ning, instead of speaking aloud, sent a private message to Lizhu.

    Lizhu’s expression shifted rapidly, a whirlwind of emotions, before settling on a look of bewildered acceptance. She looked at Tao Ning, her gaze complex.

    Tao Ning: “What?”

    Lizhu, suppressing her countless questions, lowered her head. “As you command, Grand Ancestor.”

    Tao Ning nodded, then, glancing at the Hanshan Sect’s mountain gate, flew away.

    Cen Dianshuang, who had known this might happen, still found herself taking a step forward, as if to follow, then stopped, watching as Tao Ning disappeared into the distance.

    She had no desire to linger, but her sect needed her.

    She turned to descend the steps, intending to find Lizhu.

    Below, Ling Huabi, shading her eyes, nudged Jin Jiamu. “Your ancestor is leaving.”

    Jin Jiamu: …She’s definitely doing this on purpose. She had explained the incident with the veil, the accidental sword strike, but Ling Huabi refused to believe her.

    Jin Jiamu sighed, not bothering to argue. “Yes, she’s gone. Who knows if she’ll ever return…” She paused, noticing Ling Huabi’s expression. “What’s wrong?”

    Ling Huabi pointed behind her. “Elder Cen…”

    Jin Jiamu’s face paled, and she turned, bowing quickly. “Elder Cen.”

    “Mmm.”

    Cen Dianshuang, outwardly calm, walked past them, her steps measured and controlled, but her aura radiated a storm of unspoken emotions.

    Her carefully nurtured disciple had suddenly turned into their ancestor. The shock was understandable.

    The demons at the gate, those who hadn’t fled, were being rounded up. Fortunately, they had arrived too late to cause significant damage to the nearby town, their desire for secrecy preventing a full-scale attack.

    The disciple competition was likely canceled, the other sects preparing to leave.

    Lizhu called out, stopping them. “Wait.”

    The two words sent a shiver of apprehension through the assembled cultivators. This sounded like a reckoning.

    Lizhu smiled, her expression carefully neutral. “You’re all curious about what Grand Ancestor just told me, aren’t you? I’ll relay her message.”

    An elderly cultivator waved his hand dismissively. “That’s a Hanshan Sect internal matter. We shouldn’t interfere.”

    Lizhu, however, her face as thick as a city wall, refused to be deterred.

    “No, no, it concerns everyone. Grand Ancestor said…”

    Tao Ning’s words echoed in her mind. “Don’t sugarcoat it. Tell them my services aren’t free. They’ll pay by the head. And if they dare try to cause trouble between me and Dianshuang, they’ll regret it.”

    Of course, Lizhu couldn’t repeat the last part. She still had to maintain a certain decorum as Sect Leader.

    Her voice, however, was flat, her tone betraying a hint of satisfaction. “She also said…”

    Tao Ning’s voice, cold and sharp, echoed in her mind. “I won’t do this for free again. The Heavenly Heart Sect will pay double. If they refuse, I’ll collect it myself. If this were the past… Hmph.”

    That single sound had sent shivers down Lizhu’s spine.

    Silence fell over the training grounds, the cultivators struggling to reconcile the image of the aloof and powerful figure with the… petty demand for compensation.

    But she was the former Demon Lord, a force to be reckoned with.

    The Heavenly Heart Sect Leader protested. “Why should we pay double?”

    Lizhu, giving him a sidelong glance, a smirk playing on her lips, replied, “Perhaps you should ask your own disciples how many of them were saved by my Grand Ancestor in Shadow City. Are you now refusing to repay that debt? If you have any objections, my Grand Ancestor will be happy to discuss the matter with you personally.”

    The Heavenly Heart Sect Leader’s expression shifted rapidly, his gaze lingering on the severed dragon head and the scattered remains of its body. He conceded.

    Lizhu, her gaze sweeping over the assembled cultivators, her smile not reaching her eyes, asked, “Any other objections?”

    Cen Dianshuang: …That sounds exactly like something Tao Ning would do.

    Whether you like it or not, I’ll do as I please.

    The cultivators: …Objections? Who would dare object?

    You Hanshan Sect hypocrites! Releasing your ancestor without warning! You should have told us not to provoke her!

  • Devilish Disciple [Transmigration] 64

    Chapter 64: Did She Have to Obey Her Master?

    No! What was happening?!

    What did she mean by…

    …finally having her too?

    Li Yu’s mind went blank.

    She stared at Mu Tao’s tear-filled eyes, her mouth slightly open.

    Just like before, her little disciple was before her, her eyes red, crying silently.

    But this time…it was different.

    She saw a possessiveness in those light brown eyes, a possessiveness that seemed to have been suppressed for a long time.

    Li Yu’s heart pounded in her chest.

    Having done everything the male protagonist was supposed to do, and shouldn’t have done, his storyline had inadvertently become hers.

    Perhaps, from the moment she tied the Harmony Bells on Mu Tao, things were destined to change.

    She had been so oblivious, simply because they were both women, so she had never considered this possibility.

    But for Mu Tao, the person who treated her best, and hurt her most, was Li Yu.

    Although she couldn’t believe it, couldn’t face it, what she was experiencing now was the twisted, possessive love of the protagonist in the latter half of the original story…

    When the Harmony Bells were severed, the little protagonist in the novel thought—

    Everyone has their own Dao.

    And Senior Brother’s Dao was diametrically opposed to her only path to survival.

    If she wanted to be with him, she would have to destroy his Dao.

    Yes, she had never been truly obedient and well-behaved.

    It was all an act, all her grievances, resentment, and hatred hidden deep within her heart, only showing her most vulnerable side to gain sympathy.

    It was the same in the novel and now.

    Perhaps Mu Tao was indeed innocent, but her heart was never pure.

    That initial 30% blackening value was the darkness within her.

    And when her pretense no longer garnered sympathy or affection, she discarded the act, allowing her suppressed desires to consume her.

    Li Yu even suspected that Mu Tao rushing to Mount Chao Yao wasn’t entirely about saving her.

    It was more about reclaiming what she believed belonged to her—taking something you desired didn’t require consent.

    So now, what was Mu Tao planning to do?

    Would she, like in the novel, destroy Li Yu’s “Dao” and then toy with her mercilessly?

    No, that was terrifying!

    She didn’t have a “Dao,” nor any grand sense of duty towards the world.

    She was just an ordinary person in a fragile, repeatedly patched-up body, a few more bumps and bruises away from completely falling apart.

    Besides severing the Harmony Bells and abandoning Mu Tao, she hadn’t done anything wrong, treating Mu Tao far better than the male protagonist in the original story.

    They were both just trying to survive; couldn’t the punishment for her mistake be a little less severe?

    This was negotiable, right?

    Perhaps she could calm Mu Tao down first and discuss this rationally.

    Li Yu: “M, Mu Tao…”

    Mu Tao: “Master won’t leave me again, right?”

    Li Yu hesitated, then, playing along, replied softly, “…Right.”

    That brief hesitation didn’t escape Mu Tao’s notice.

    Mu Tao tightened her grip on Li Yu’s wrist, a flicker of displeasure in her eyes, quickly masked by a seemingly innocent expression.

    Li Yu’s wrist ached, and she instinctively tried to pull away, but afraid of angering Mu Tao, she froze.

    “Master will never leave me again,” Mu Tao whispered, her words both a plea and a command.

    “I won’t leave,” Li Yu replied, taking a deep breath and trying to sit up.

    Mu Tao frowned, and a black flame flickered in her palm, a restrictive spell falling upon Li Yu.

    Li Yu felt a jolt, as if electrocuted, her strength vanishing as she fell back onto the bed, unable to move.

    “Mu Tao, you…”

    “Master is so good at pleasing me, saying exactly what I want to hear.” Mu Tao said, picking up the pearl with a flicker of dark red light and putting it into her spatial pouch. “But…it’s hard to tell…how much of it is true.”

    “I would never lie to you…”

    “Master, I trusted you completely, without reservation, and yet you still abandoned me, didn’t you?” Mu Tao chuckled humorlessly. “I’ve always wanted to ask…why did you leave me and return to Mount Chao Yao alone?”

    “Mu Tao, it’s difficult to explain, but I truly had no choice…” Li Yu said urgently. “If I had, I wouldn’t have left you there alone. Every promise I made was sincere.”

    Li Yu paused.

    She swore these words were true, but why did they sound so…wrong?

    It sounded like a cheater’s desperate excuses after being caught.

    “No choice? How much of a choice did you not have?” Mu Tao chuckled softly, but there was no mirth in her red-rimmed eyes. “You still brought me away from Mount Chao Yao, all the way to the entrance to the Demon Realm.”

    “If you had wanted to, you could have continued with me. Once inside the Demon Realm, no one could have separated us.” The flickering spiritual fire illuminated the shifting emotions in Mu Tao’s light brown eyes. “But you abandoned me, enduring the backlash of the Harmony Bells, turning your back on me without a second thought!”

    Mu Tao’s voice rose with increasing agitation, a dark red glint appearing in her eyes.

    Seemingly realizing this, she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

    She stood up, sat on the edge of the bed, leaned closer, and looked down at Li Yu, her expression pained. “What is it, Master, that’s so important to you? So important that you can break all your promises, abandon the person you swore to protect?”

    Li Yu opened her mouth, wanting to explain, but she couldn’t find a suitable excuse.

    She couldn’t tell Mu Tao that she had been forced, could she?

    Mu Tao wouldn’t understand.

    But deflecting the blame was better than accepting it.

    Whether they believed it or not was their problem; telling the truth was her responsibility.

    But she didn’t know if the system would mute her…

    If she avoided mentioning the system directly, just hinted at it, would that work?

    Li Yu said tentatively, “Mu Tao, what if I said…there was something, invisible, intangible, undetectable even with spiritual energy, but it was in my mind, telling me I had to leave you…”

    【Warning! Warning!】

    【The system has detected the host’s attempt to reveal its existence. This action could lead to the collapse of the world. The system has muted the host’s speech and disabled lip movement.】

    Li Yu: “…”

    Although she had anticipated this, she really wanted to strangle the system.

    Mu Tao: “Why did you stop talking, Master?”

    Li Yu: “Mu Tao…please release this spell, so we can talk properly.”

    “Is there something you can’t say…like this?” Mu Tao tilted her head, an innocent look in her almond-shaped eyes.

    She reached out and gently caressed Li Yu’s flushed face.

    Her cool fingertips traced Li Yu’s brow, her eyelashes, her cheekbones, the bridge of her nose, finally resting gently on her soft lips.

    “Actually, the reason you abandoned me…isn’t that important anymore… Some things, it’s better to know, but if not, it’s also fine. If you don’t want to tell me, you can keep it a secret forever. After all—I also have a secret I’ve been keeping from you.”

    Mu Tao smiled faintly, seemingly enjoying Li Yu’s restrained, slightly embarrassed expression.

    “Perhaps one day, you’ll be willing to tell me.” She said earnestly, “Secrets aren’t always permanent, just like me, I’m not planning on keeping this secret any longer.”

    “…”

    “My secret…it’s actually quite simple.” Mu Tao blinked, her hand sliding down from her lips, past her flushed ear, and resting on her neck.

    She leaned closer to Li Yu’s ear and whispered, “Last winter, when the first snow fell, I…kissed you.”

    Her warm breath tickled Li Yu’s ear, her soft lips brushing against it.

    Li Yu’s heart skipped a beat.

    She had kissed her…?

    Last winter, when the first snow fell—when she gave her the ice flower?

    That early…?

    Now that she thought about it, Mu Tao had seemed a bit…distracted that day, but she couldn’t remember clearly.

    Li Yu felt a pang of regret—she should have realized.

    Mu Tao’s dependence on her was far stronger than in the original story.

    And every increase in her blackening value was a reflection of her growing desires.

    She had always known, perhaps even everyone else had known, that Mu Tao was completely devoted to her, but she had never dared to consider this possibility.

    Now, a brief separation had shattered the illusion of a normal master-disciple relationship…

    As Li Yu was lost in thought, Mu Tao kicked off her shoes, climbed onto the bed, wrapped her arms around Li Yu, and lay down beside her.

    Like a puppy finding its nest, she closed her eyes and nuzzled against Li Yu’s face.

    Li Yu swallowed nervously, her mind reeling.

    After a moment of silence, Mu Tao muttered softly, “I want Master…to belong to me, only to me.”

    Her voice was so soft it was almost inaudible.

    But each word resonated deeply within Li Yu’s heart.

    She said that in the past, she wouldn’t have dared to even dream of this.

    But things were different now; many people feared her. A single word, a gesture, and people would offer her anything she wanted.

    Her master hadn’t lied; she could now obtain everything she desired.

    “I’ve waited for this day…for so long.” Mu Tao said. “I worked so hard to reach this position, just waiting for my injuries to heal, so I could bring Master back… But Master, why were you almost…married to someone else?”

    “I…”

    Mu Tao interrupted, whispering in her ear, “I know, I know. You escaped from Mount Chao Yao; you must have been unwilling—but when I first heard the news, I was so…so upset…”

    “I thought, even if it’s a trap, or even if you willingly agreed, I would still come and take you back!” Mu Tao’s voice was filled with possessiveness. “I thought you might be angry, but compared to your anger, I was more afraid of…never being with you again…”

    She tightened her embrace, as if wanting to merge with Li Yu, to never be separated again.

    “Mu Tao, listen to me…”

    “Mm,” Mu Tao replied softly, her cheek pressing against Li Yu’s.

    “I only agreed to marry Weisheng Xuanzhu because he was controlling me. He put me into a deep sleep and used my body to set a trap for you!” Li Yu said urgently. “He is the black-robed figure, I saw him use the power of the stars…”

    “Mm,” Mu Tao replied again, her voice soft, almost dreamy.

    “He wants to revive the Heavenly Demon, you’re the perfect vessel, he…”

    “Master is worried about me,” Mu Tao opened her eyes, a flicker of joy in them.

    “…Mm,” Li Yu replied softly, then, just as she was about to continue, Mu Tao buried her face in the crook of her neck.

    The girl’s warm breath on her neck made Li Yu’s mind go blank.

    She felt a slender hand sliding down her arm, resting on her waist.

    The delicate fingers traced circles on her thin robes.

    Li Yu snapped back to reality, a wave of panic washing over her. “Mu Tao! What are you doing?!”

    “…” Mu Tao frowned, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes, her hand pausing momentarily.

    “You can’t…you can’t do this…”

    “…”

    Mu Tao didn’t respond, her face still buried against Li Yu’s neck.

    Li Yu took a deep breath and tried to circulate her spiritual energy, to break free from the spell, but a sharp pain in her chest stopped her.

    Breaking Mu Tao’s spell required too much energy.

    Weakened by the curse, she couldn’t do it.

    She had to reason with her—

    “Mu Tao, listen to me, Weisheng Xuanzhu put a curse on me. It has no effect normally, but using spiritual power triggers a backlash—” Although her body was still immobile, Li Yu’s heart raced, her voice trembling slightly. “He doesn’t even see me as a threat anymore. This curse…isn’t meant for me. He wants to use me to transfer it to you, so you…”

    【Warning! Warning!】

    【The system has detected the host’s attempt to reveal plot details to the protagonist. This action could lead to the collapse of the world. The system has muted the host’s speech and disabled lip movement.】

    This was infuriating!

    She would try a different approach.

    Li Yu: “Mu Tao, Weisheng Xuanzhu has…tampered with me. If you get too close, you’ll fall into his trap!”

    【The system has muted the host’s speech and disabled lip movement.】

    Deep breaths, stay calm.

    Don’t be angry, anger was bad for her health.

    The Chinese language was rich and expressive; she could find another way to phrase it.

    Li Yu: “Weisheng Xuanzhu has been hiding his true power. He’s far stronger than we imagine. My escape from Mount Chao Yao was too easy; he must be planning something, perhaps I’m the bait, you…”

    【The system has muted the host’s speech and disabled lip movement.】

    Seriously, that didn’t work either?

    What was the point of having a mouth?!

    【Try appeasing the protagonist, Host.】

    Mu Tao wasn’t angry; she simply…wanted her.

    How absurd!

    And even if it wasn’t absurd, how was she supposed to “appease” her in this situation?

    Li Yu had never felt so speechless, so speechless that she didn’t even notice the anger burning in her eyes.

    Mu Tao gently tugged at the sash of her robe.

    Li Yu panicked. “Mu Tao! Stop!”

    Mu Tao sat up, a hurt look in her eyes.

    She looked at Li Yu, a flicker of anger in her eyes, then, perhaps because of the blush on Li Yu’s cheeks, the anger softened into a strange tenderness.

    Even when her master was angry, she couldn’t bring herself to resent her.

    Her master had said that anything in this world, if she wanted it, she could have it.

    Then why couldn’t she have her master?

    Thinking this, Mu Tao leaned down and kissed Li Yu’s forehead.

    Li Yu’s breath hitched, her cheeks burning.

    The young girl leaned against her, her hair, coming loose from its braid, brushing against Li Yu’s face, a cool touch against her burning skin.

    Their chests pressed together, silently sharing each other’s heartbeats.

    Li Yu’s heart pounded, a chaotic rhythm that threatened to overwhelm her.

    Her vision blurred, as if shrouded in mist.

    She looked at Mu Tao, and Mu Tao stared back, her gaze unwavering.

    This brief exchange of gazes intensified the already chaotic emotions swirling within them.

    No one had dared touch Li Yu since she returned, unconscious, only cleansing her body with spells.

    And she had left Mount Chao Yao in simple white robes, her hair tied back with a blue ribbon, without even a hairpin.

    This simple attire drew attention to her delicate features.

    And now, her usually pale face was flushed, a captivating sight that made it difficult to look away, like a flower blooming in secret, its beauty drawing one in.

    Master’s white robes are a bit too…cold, Mu Tao thought.

    Why did Master always have to be so aloof?

    Surely she could be closer to the world, closer to her.

    After a moment of hesitation, the hand that had been stopped earlier gently cupped Li Yu’s face.

    Her slender fingers brushed aside Li Yu’s slightly disheveled hair, tilting her face upwards slightly.

    She leaned in, gently tracing Li Yu’s features.

    As their lips met, she untied the sash of Li Yu’s robe.

    The once neat robes loosened slightly,

    A captivating sight.

    Suddenly, no longer satisfied, Mu Tao sought more.

    This bolder advance jolted Li Yu awake.

    She couldn’t, she couldn’t do this…

    The curse poison, it would harm Mu Tao.

    “Mu Tao, stop…”

    Mu Tao, as if she hadn’t heard, kissed her again.

    Li Yu’s body, though restrained by the spell, trembled instinctively.

    “You can’t… You can’t do this to me…”

    “…”

    “Mu Tao! I said stop!”

    “…”

    After a moment of silence, Mu Tao looked into Li Yu’s eyes.

    She saw fear, panic, and even resistance in those deep blue eyes.

    She had done everything her master asked; why was her master even more distant now?

    “Why?” she asked, her brow furrowed. “Are you that…unwilling to be with me?”

    “I can, I can stay by your side, I can always be with you…” Li Yu’s voice trembled. “But you can’t…do this…this is absurd…”

    Confusion flickered in Mu Tao’s eyes.

    After a long silence, she blinked, a mix of hurt and resentment on her face.

    She asked softly, “You said you left because you had no choice. Is returning to my side…also something you’re being forced to do?”

    Li Yu: “No…”

    Mu Tao: “No?”

    Li Yu suppressed a surge of guilt and whispered, “You’re my only disciple, I…I should protect you, returning to your side…wasn’t a forced choice…”

    Mu Tao: “Just that?”

    Li Yu: “…Yes.”

    Mu Tao: “Then, the Harmony Bells are broken, yet you’re still wearing yours, was I…mistaken about its meaning?”

    Li Yu: “…”

    That day, Mu Tao didn’t get the answer she wanted.

    A wave of bitterness washed over her.

    The person beneath her, her clothes disheveled, her hair messy, a sight she had never seen before.

    She should like this.

    But she couldn’t bear the unwillingness in her master’s eyes, the almost commanding tone of her voice.

    As the spell dissipated, Li Yu sat up, straightened her clothes, and subtly moved away.

    Such an obvious rejection.

    Why couldn’t she be bolder? Mu Tao thought.

    Did she have to obey her master?

    Couldn’t there be a day when her master obeyed her?

  • Qin Auntie, Save Me [Rebirth] 76

    Chapter 76

    Lunch was a feast. Shen Yiqiu had diligently prepared several home-style dishes that Li Wan had previously praised, the ingredients fresh, the cooking perfect. However, unlike before, Li Wan didn’t offer her usual detailed commentary.

    It wasn’t because the food wasn’t good; on the contrary, it was exceptionally delicious today. But the topic of their discussion was too heavy, no one was in the mood for lighthearted banter. Shen Yiqiu, seeing their serious expressions, couldn’t help but worry.

    But her abilities were limited, she couldn’t offer much help. She vaguely heard them talking about the station’s restructuring, seemingly related to Dongsheng Group. She had already told Qin Qianrou everything she knew about Shao Qidong.

    However, that man was cunning and resourceful, his numerous businesses providing cover, without concrete evidence, there was no way to touch him. Qin Qianrou had already made inquiries with the Economic Investigation Brigade, and there were no promising leads.

    She had thought He Chao’s imprisonment would serve as a warning to Shao Qidong, to make him more cautious, but villains never changed their ways, and he was now extending his reach to the television station. If things continued as they were, there would be no hope for Meng City Television’s programs in the future.

    Shen Yiqiu’s thoughts drifted to the dark period of her past life. She hadn’t lived alone for long after her parents’ death, those two years as an orphan filled with torment and hardship, never a single day of peace or warmth, let alone the current reality of sitting in a bright, spacious, and comfortable apartment, enjoying a meal with the person she loved.

    It felt like an unreal dream, yet it was truly happening. But now, because of Shao Qidong’s despicable actions, it seemed that dark period was about to return, how could she not worry?

    Lost in thought, Shen Yiqiu also fell silent. The four of them sat at the dining table, the only sound the clinking of their chopsticks, the silence unsettling.

    Qin Qianrou placed a spare rib in Shen Yiqiu’s bowl and softly said, “Don’t space out, eat your food.”

    The team leader and Li Wan’s serious expressions were understandable, but there was no need for Shen Yiqiu to be worried as well. Qin Qianrou was afraid it would affect her health, but she couldn’t say too much in front of others.

    Shen Yiqiu didn’t think much of it, put down her chopsticks, and started peeling shrimp. Soon, several peeled shrimp appeared in Qin Qianrou’s bowl.

    “You eat too.” Shen Yiqiu pushed the small dish of soy sauce closer to Qin Qianrou and smiled at her.

    Qin Qianrou enjoyed fish and shrimp, but the bones and shells were a hassle. Due to her work, she rarely had time for a proper meal. Since Shen Yiqiu arrived, such dishes had become more frequent.

    But having someone peel shrimp for her, this was a first.

    Qin Qianrou wasn’t a demanding person like some other girls, she wouldn’t make unreasonable requests to test her partner’s affection, but women in love all enjoyed being pampered and cherished, and although Shen Yiqiu’s gesture wasn’t unique, it still warmed her heart.

    Since confirming their relationship, she found herself increasingly enamored with this child. Shen Yiqiu’s smallest actions could make her heart flutter, she wanted to reward her with a kiss, but she restrained herself.

    Li Wan, observing their affectionate exchange, silently felt a pang of envy, but she didn’t tease them like she usually did.

    Her lips curved into a bitter smile, a mix of self-pity and longing. Her longtime friend had finally found love, while she remained alone.

    The excitement she had felt earlier was now replaced by a deep loneliness. Li Wan sighed inwardly and focused on her food. Lin Shuangzhi glanced at her a few times, but Li Wan didn’t react.

    Either she hadn’t noticed, or she didn’t want to.

    Lunch ended in a quiet atmosphere. Shen Yiqiu made them fresh tea and invited them to the living room to rest.

    Watching her efficiently clearing the table, Li Wan couldn’t help but exclaim, “Qianrou, you’ve trained her well, your little one is truly capable now, completely independent.”

    Qin Qianrou knew Li Wan was teasing her, but she still played along, “She’s truly amazing, the household practically runs on her now.”

    “Tsk, tsk, in such a short time, you’ve been completely conquered. Don’t forget who’s the head of the household, don’t let her completely control you, otherwise, you’ll lose your dominance, you’ll be at her mercy.”

    Qin Qianrou understood, but she didn’t care about dominance or control. In her mind, two people liking each other, living together, supporting each other, that was the meaning of life.

    “This is also Shen Yiqiu’s home.”

    Li Wan hadn’t expected Qin Qianrou’s acceptance of Shen Yiqiu to have reached this point. Then, she thought, it made sense, if Qin Qianrou wasn’t truly in love, if she didn’t intend to build a future with her, with her personality, she wouldn’t have entered such a relationship so readily.

    Li Wan’s envy intensified.

    Lin Shuangzhi had been quietly sipping her tea, not participating in their conversation, but they hadn’t deliberately excluded her either, which meant both Qin Qianrou and Li Wan trusted her.

    Li Wan’s words echoed in Lin Shuangzhi’s mind, although she had been advising Qin Qianrou, Lin Shuangzhi could clearly hear her true feelings.

    She also heard the loneliness and sadness in Li Wan’s voice, even a hint of… pain.

    She thought, Perhaps Xiao Wan regrets it now, regrets going home with me that night.

    Then, they continued discussing their strategy, and after two hours, they finally reached a preliminary agreement. Although not the ideal outcome, it was the most effective solution they could think of for now.

    Li Wan, feeling tired, stood up to leave.

    “Why don’t you stay for dinner?”

    Li Wan smiled and pointed towards Shen Yiqiu’s room, “I can’t impose on your little one any further, one meal is enough.”

    Shen Yiqiu, hearing they were about to leave, put down her book and emerged from her room. She overheard Li Wan’s polite words and quickly said, “It’s no trouble at all, there’s still plenty of food left from lunch.”

    “Thank you, but I shouldn’t intrude on your precious time with Qianrou. She’s tired from her trip, you should take good care of her.”

    Li Wan was leaving, and Lin Shuangzhi naturally wouldn’t stay behind. However, they stood in the elevator, silent, the atmosphere slightly awkward.

    Reaching the first floor, they walked out of the building, one after the other. Li Wan hadn’t driven, and Lin Shuangzhi’s car was parked in the visitor’s parking lot nearby. Seeing Li Wan walking towards the complex gate, Lin Shuangzhi quickened her pace and caught up with her.

    “Xiao Wan, where are you going? I’ll drive you.”

    Li Wan slowed down, the wind quite strong today. She tightened her coat and casually said, “I haven’t decided yet.”

    Lin Shuangzhi, hearing this, didn’t know how to respond, but she didn’t leave either.

    Li Wan, seeing her still standing there, tilted her head and looked at her with a smile. “Are you planning to stand here and wait for my answer?”

    Lin Shuangzhi’s eyes held that familiar look of helplessness and resignation, which Li Wan had previously interpreted as the team leader’s good nature, but now, she sensed something different.

    She straightened up, facing the cold wind, and took a deep breath.

    She thought she must be seeing things, how could she possibly detect a hint of… affection in the team leader’s eyes?

    It must be the earlier scene at Qianrou’s place, triggering a compensatory fantasy, making her have such unrealistic expectations.

    “Let’s think about it in the car.”

    Hmm? What does that mean?

    Li Wan blinked, confused, just as Lin Shuangzhi turned to leave.

    “It’s windy today, if you haven’t decided where to go yet, I can drive around while you think about it.”

    Li Wan understood now, Lin Shuangzhi was insisting on driving her home.

    Looking at her slender back, Li Wan wanted to be stubborn, but she figured there was no point.

    They were both adults, being difficult wouldn’t benefit her, and it was truly windy today, if she insisted on standing here, she would only end up with a runny nose and a red face.

    There was no need for that, a free ride wasn’t a bad thing.

    Li Wan got into the car, but Lin Shuangzhi didn’t immediately drive away.

    She was truly, as she had said, waiting.

    “Why aren’t you driving?”

    “You haven’t told me where you want to go.”

    Li Wan instinctively wanted to say, Just take me home, but she suddenly felt reluctant to end their time together, she was truly conflicted.

    Lin Shuangzhi’s hand rested on the steering wheel, as if finding an anchor, tightening and loosening its grip repeatedly.

    “How about… inviting me to your place?”

    Lin Shuangzhi almost lost her grip on the steering wheel, the surprise on her face making Li Wan slightly embarrassed.

    Perhaps she hadn’t expected anyone to actually invite themselves over again, and Li Wan, after saying it, also felt she had been a bit impulsive.

    Just as she was about to change her mind, Lin Shuangzhi started the car and drove away.

    “No need to drive so fast.” They weren’t in a hurry, there was no urgent matter, no need to speed.

    Lin Shuangzhi didn’t slow down, instead calmly reassuring her, “I’m not speeding, I’ll make sure you’re safe.”

    Li Wan couldn’t argue with her, so she just sat there quietly, fidgeting with her seatbelt, then said, her tone slightly defiant, “Do you have some precious treasure at home?”

    Lin Shuangzhi chuckled, “I’m afraid that if I drive too slowly, you might change your mind and not want to go.”

    This made Li Wan speechless.

    This was Li Wan’s second visit to Lin Shuangzhi’s home. Compared to her hurried arrival and departure the first time, she had more time to observe her surroundings now.

    Standing in the middle of the living room, the minimalist decor made it seem like the owner was in the process of moving.

    “Have a seat, what would you like to drink?”

    “Something warm.”

    Whether it was because of the previous incident, or her recent emotional turmoil, Li Wan had been feeling some discomfort in her lower abdomen, as if her period was about to start early.

    Lin Shuangzhi bustled about in the kitchen for a while, then emerged with two cups.

    Li Wan looked down and sniffed, ginger tea?

    “It’s a bit chilly today, this will warm you up.”

    Li Wan took a slow sip and, gesturing towards her surroundings, said, “Your decorating style is… unique. Has anyone ever told you it looks like you live in a cave?”

    Lin Shuangzhi admitted frankly, “You’re the first.”

    Li Wan took another sip; the tea was quite good.

    “Then I must be too critical.”

    Lin Shuangzhi looked at her intently, then sighed softly, “You’re the only one who’s ever been here.”

    Li Wan almost dropped her cup, she quickly placed it on the coffee table and smoothed her hair, trying to maintain her composure.

    She suddenly recalled that night, being pressed against the door by Lin Shuangzhi, the heat, her lingering scent, the team leader’s husky voice in her ear.

    She had said, “Xiao Wan, you’re the first.”

    Li Wan discreetly glanced at Lin Shuangzhi, who didn’t seem to remember, and she breathed a sigh of relief, then felt a pang of sadness.

    “Team Leader, have you… been planning this for a while?” Li Wan decided to change the subject, she had been wanting to ask, but the timing hadn’t been right.

    “Yes, I’ve had a feeling ever since returning from the city government.”

    “Willing to risk your career?”

    “I have no other choice.”

    Li Wan fell silent, Lin Shuangzhi’s decision couldn’t have been impulsive, she understood the implications better than anyone, what she stood to lose.

    “Alright, you’re a guest, no need to discuss such serious matters. We’ve been talking for hours, aren’t you tired?”

    “Then what should we talk about?”

    Lin Shuangzhi seemed at a loss, she wasn’t good at making small talk.

    Li Wan, knowing her personality, chuckled softly and didn’t press the issue.

    Li Wan stood up, and Lin Shuangzhi, thinking she was about to leave, also stood up nervously, her hands fidgeting by her sides.

    Li Wan, seeing this, felt a pang of sympathy.

    “Can I… take a look around?”

    “Of course.”

    Li Wan walked around the dining room, the living room, and the balcony, then, after a moment of hesitation, headed towards the bedroom. That night, she had barely been able to see, she had been carried inside.

    The bed was neatly made, the bedsheets seemingly the same as that night. She didn’t know if Lin Shuangzhi had multiple sets of the same bedding, or if she had simply washed and reused them.

    Li Wan’s gaze slowly swept across the room, finally settling on a display cabinet by the wall.

    Inside the glass doors, on four shelves, were a few carefully arranged items.

    Each one exquisite and unique, although she didn’t know their meaning, being displayed in Lin Shuangzhi’s bedroom meant they were definitely not ordinary trinkets.

    On the middle shelf was a vase, short and stout, not particularly beautiful, but clearly handmade.

    Li Wan recognized it; she had made it herself after completing her internship under Lin Shuangzhi’s guidance. She had insisted on giving it to her, but Lin Shuangzhi had refused, joking that it would make people think she was playing favorites.

    Although they both knew it was just a joke, Li Wan now understood the team leader’s intention back then, she had been afraid of people gossiping about Li Wan, a newcomer, using connections to advance her career. Even a small gift could become a source of rumors.

    That night, in the dim light, Li Wan, lying in bed, had noticed the vase, but she hadn’t seen it clearly, and she had left hurriedly the next morning. Seeing it clearly now, she didn’t know how to feel.

    “I didn’t expect you to still have it.”

    Lin Shuangzhi, standing behind her, her voice gentle and filled with fondness, “I like it very much.”

    Li Wan opened the cabinet and took out the vase.

    “I just made it randomly back then. I ruined several before finally making one that was… presentable. Then I vowed to just give you whatever I made, regardless of how it turned out.”

    So, the short, stout vase had ended up on Lin Shuangzhi’s display shelf.

    “It’s unique.”

    Li Wan turned and glared at her, clearly dissatisfied with this description.

    Seeing that she was still holding the vase, Lin Shuangzhi gently took it from her and carefully placed it back on the shelf.

    “You really like this vase?” Li Wan silently watched her actions, she hadn’t expected Lin Shuangzhi to treasure a random gift for so many years.

    “How could I not like a gift from you?”

    Li Wan was speechless, her breath catching in her throat.

    She turned away, walking around the bedroom again, carefully avoiding the bed.

    “Don’t you feel lonely living here alone?”

    Li Wan felt the decor in the team leader’s apartment was too cold and empty, even more so than Qin Qianrou’s.

    Qin Qianrou’s home, with Shen Yiqiu’s presence, although the furniture remained the same, the atmosphere was different, a constant warmth that made her cheeks flush.

    But here, it still felt cold and lonely.

    “That’s why I often work late, by the time I get home, I just shower and go to bed, I don’t have time to feel lonely.”

    Li Wan shook her head and returned to the living room.

    “You’re deliberately making things difficult for yourself.”

    Lin Shuangzhi seemed more relaxed today, more talkative than usual.

    “I just want to achieve more, otherwise I’ll have to pack up and go home.”

    “What, to inherit the family fortune?”

    Li Wan looked at her teasingly, and Lin Shuangzhi nodded seriously. “Not exactly a fortune, but there’s some inheritance.”

    “So you’re a rich heiress, my apologies.”

    They joked with each other, the atmosphere finally easing.

    Seeing Li Wan’s usual cheerful demeanor, Lin Shuangzhi’s heart lightened.

    “Team Leader, I remember you’re from Yong City, right?”

    “Sort of.”

    “Then why haven’t I ever seen you visit Yong City?”

    “I’m busy with work, and besides, there’s nothing for me there.”

    Li Wan felt something was amiss, but she couldn’t quite grasp it.

    Lin Shuangzhi had been observing her, she knew that, but she wasn’t ready to respond yet.

    “Actually, I’m from Meng City.”

    Li Wan choked, surprised.

    “I was found abandoned at the entrance of the Meng City orphanage, on a cold, frosty night.”

    **

    After her guests left, Qin Qianrou sat on the sofa for a long time, the documents still spread out before her, a reminder of their earlier discussion.

    Shen Yiqiu sat beside her, not disturbing her, just quietly accompanying her.

    Qin Qianrou leaned against Shen Yiqiu’s shoulder, still silent.

    Her long hair cascaded down, covering half her face, and Shen Yiqiu carefully tucked it behind her ear, gently smoothing the strands.

    “I suddenly feel so tired.”

    “From work?”

    “Mm, and a little… disappointed.”

    This was the first time Qin Qianrou had so openly expressed her feelings about work. The usually positive and determined Reporter Qin, it seemed, also had moments of vulnerability and uncertainty.

    Shen Yiqiu held her closer, gently swaying, and said, “Shao Qidong is cunning and underhanded, he’s only temporarily gaining the upper hand.”

    “But I’m still angry.” Qin Qianrou’s tone was almost childish.

    Shen Yiqiu kissed her forehead and chuckled, “A kiss, and the anger is gone.”

    Qin Qianrou wrapped her arms around Shen Yiqiu’s waist, holding her even closer.

    She didn’t want to rehash the serious discussion she had just had with the team leader and Li Wan, she didn’t want to involve Shen Yiqiu in the complexities of the television station’s internal struggles, but her heart was in turmoil, different from before.

    She now had someone to lean on, someone to listen to her rambling and venting, someone who allowed her to be herself, without pretense or forced composure.

    “Thank you.” Qin Qianrou buried her face in Shen Yiqiu’s embrace, her arms tightening around her slender waist.

    Such a slender body, a university student ten years younger than her, a seemingly improbable relationship, yet Qin Qianrou felt increasingly secure.

    Their discussion today hadn’t been smooth, although Lin Shuangzhi had come prepared, the plan she presented had long been formulated in her mind, all she needed was Li Wan and Qin Qianrou’s understanding and cooperation.

    But Qin Qianrou still felt frustrated, for Lin Shuangzhi, and also angered by the influence of money and power. However, for now, they could only endure.

    Shen Yiqiu hadn’t participated in their discussion, she hadn’t even interrupted them, but she had made Qin Qianrou feel her presence, her support.

    “There’s no need for thanks between us.” Shen Yiqiu held Qin Qianrou as if she was a precious treasure, her touch gentle and affectionate.

    “Then what should I say?” Qin Qianrou looked up, her head still nestled against Shen Yiqiu.

    “What do you think?” Shen Yiqiu smiled and gently tilted her chin upwards.

    Jiejie is so beautiful, a natural beauty, every feature so captivating.

    “I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking you.”

    Qin Qianrou’s mood lifted, and Shen Yiqiu was delighted. Like two children, they started playing a guessing game.

  • Miss Luo Yan’s Feet Are Buried With Corpses v3c14

    Witch’s Night: Chapter 14 A Flurry of Anomalies

    Back at the noble banquet, while Luo Yan and Tina were chatting pleasantly, Tina’s expression suddenly changed.

    “What’s wrong, Ms. Tina?”

    Luo Yan noticed Tina’s unusual expression and asked with concern.

    “They’ve started? Why would they choose this time…”

    Tina murmured in disbelief.

    “Hmm?”

    Luo Yan blinked.

    “…Apologies, Mr. Luo Yan,” Tina took a deep breath and steadied her expression. “There’s an emergency I need to deal with. I enjoyed our conversation today, and I look forward to our next meeting.”

    After quickly finishing the remaining pleasantries, Tina hurriedly left without even waiting to say goodbye to Luo Yan.

    Her close-fitting suit dress didn’t hinder her movements at all, and soon, her figure disappeared among the nobles.

    “So… sudden?”

    Luo Yan picked up her glass and took another small sip.

    It had to be said that, although she hadn’t been used to the slightly bitter and burning taste at first, after drinking more, it seemed acceptable.

    However, Luo Yan still couldn’t understand why anyone would be obsessed with this stuff. She was just trying it out of curiosity for new things.

    Compared to “drinking,” she was more interested in the process of mixing drinks. Using techniques and combinations to create different flavors with the same ingredients was very interesting.

    Unfortunately, before Luo Yan could continue mixing the next cocktail, Norian hurried over.

    He paced around the bar counter, his anxious expression suggesting he wanted to jump off a building, even with a hint of panic, but he still couldn’t find Luo Yan.

    The “Envy” threshold Luo Yan used to hide her presence was set very high. Even if someone deliberately searched for her, before she spoke, no one would be able to notice her.

    “Magistrate Norian, are you looking for me?” Luo Yan said softly, finally allowing Norian’s diverted attention to focus on her.

    At the same time, the nobles who were secretly observing Norian saw Luo Yan for the first time. They were puzzled by this mysterious young man who had appeared at the banquet at some unknown point.

    Not only because Norian had rushed over to find him, but more importantly… the banquet had been going on for a while, and no one had seen him before!

    Feeling the intense gazes of so many people for the first time, Luo Yan felt a little uncomfortable, but she still didn’t use her ability.

    Because her presence was too strong now, if she forcibly weakened it, she would have to actually use “Envy” on everyone present.

    This was a demonic power that distorted souls and wills. It was hard to estimate what would happen if she used it, so Luo Yan could only endure it for the time being.

    …Sister Qingling wasn’t having an easy time just now either.

    Luo Yan, who empathized with Hua Qingling due to the coincidental circumstances, thought so.

    “Hmm?!” Norian looked over and saw that Luo Yan was still obediently staying near the bar counter as before, and he breathed a sigh of relief. “Miss Luo Yan, it’s good that you haven’t left.”

    “What happened?” Luo Yan asked curiously. “Just now… someone else was also in such a hurry. Did something happen in Lannister?”

    She didn’t mention Tina. Clearly, from Norian’s words earlier, when Chris was giving her closing remarks, he clearly didn’t know that Chris’s mother, Tina, had also come to Lannister.

    Since Tina didn’t intend to reveal her presence, Luo Yan naturally had to respect her wishes.

    “Who… was in a hurry?” Norian was stunned for a moment, but didn’t pursue it further. Instead, he composed himself and replied, “Indeed, a very serious incident has occurred… I kept suspecting you were involved, but from the looks of it, you really weren’t.”

    “What…”

    Norian didn’t explain immediately. He looked around, and his voice sounded directly in Luo Yan’s mind,

    “Miss Luo Yan, have you heard of… the Church of the End Gods?”

    When he said the name of the church to Luo Yan, Norian was a little nervous, worried that something unexpected would happen to her after she heard it, after all, her existence was too special.

    Moreover, there were many people at the banquet, and Norian didn’t dare to directly say the name that put the nobles on edge, so he could only use this method of mental communication to talk to Luo Yan.

    …He was a “Peril” level ability user, after all, although this “Peril” level had some water in it, and he might not even be a match for a stronger “Ruin” level ability user.

    “What?” Luo Yan was a little puzzled. “It sounds… like a cult?”

    “Yes, they refer to the ten Primordial Demons as ‘Gods’ and have been trying to destroy the entire world, even in the nearly thousand years since the Primordial Demons have all fallen silent, they haven’t stopped trying.”

    Seeing Luo Yan’s reaction, Norian secretly breathed a sigh of relief, then explained to her.

    It was good that Miss Luo Yan hadn’t come into contact with the Church of the End Gods, otherwise something might really happen…

    Thinking of the terrifying aura that had appeared in the forest outside the city, if that thing were to appear in the core area of Lannister, it would really be the end.

    “Gods…”

    Luo Yan suddenly recalled the Witch of Envy’s title for her, and her expression immediately turned strange.

    “Anyway, they suddenly started taking action in Lannister, and reports have come in from various districts,” Norian didn’t notice Luo Yan’s expression and continued seriously. “Granny Zoya, whom I entrusted to investigate your residence, has already encountered their Bishop-level figure and can’t get away now.”

    Now he was glad that Luo Yan had secretly left Restricted Zone Seven. If she hadn’t left, Granny Zoya definitely wouldn’t have gone to investigate there, and wouldn’t have encountered Hamid head-on.

    What was even more terrifying was that Hamid would have directly encountered Luo Yan. The consequences of that situation were unimaginable.

    At this moment, Granny Zoya’s battle with the Bishop of the Church of the End Gods in Restricted Zone Seven was deliberately confined to a certain range by her to prevent it from affecting Lannister.

    However, Bishop Hamid Surian was from the same era as Granny Zoya, and his strength back then was even greater than hers.

    Coupled with the avatar of the “Sovereign of Terror” descending upon Hamid, even though Granny Zoya had the support of Lannister’s “Ember Cluster” and had reached the “Destruction” level, the pinnacle of human limits, this was all she could do.

    When Hamid decided to unleash this destruction, the followers of the Church of the End Gods, who had been waiting for a long time, appeared one after another. Several “Ruin” level Calamity warnings were issued from various districts in an instant, and even “Peril” level warnings near the core area.

    “Apologies, Miss Luo Yan, due to these incidents, you cannot leave here for the time being.” Norian continued mentally. “I will organize a team to deal with this trouble. Since these matters have nothing to do with you, please don’t interfere with Lannister’s actions, even help is unnecessary.”

    Luo Yan herself was a risk. The situation in Lannister was different from Yan City. They weren’t lacking in powerful forces and didn’t need to desperately send out even Luo Yan.

    “Mm, I understand.”

    Luo Yan nodded. Actually, since a while ago, she had vaguely sensed a familiar aura appearing in Lannister.

    Now that she thought about it, it was somewhat similar to the Witch of Envy; it should be another Primordial Demon.

    “I’ve already commissioned Miss Hua Qingling. Her combat power is very important to Lannister. This is a very standard employment procedure,” Norian continued. “I’m informing you of this to avoid any misunderstandings.”

    “What misunderstandings?”

    “…Forget it.”

    Looking at Luo Yan’s puzzled expression, Norian felt like he had wasted his breath. She didn’t seem to care about Hua Qingling.

    “Sister Qingling is short of money, it’s normal for her to take commissions, I know.”

    Seeing Norian’s choked expression, Luo Yan knew that this old gentleman was once again treating her as someone with a strange temper.

    But this was understandable. Norian was cautious by nature and always considered everything as thoroughly as possible.

    “Mm, since Miss Luo Yan is so understanding, Lannister will express its gratitude.” Norian nodded and said, “The situation is urgent, I have to leave immediately to deal with this matter.”

    Norian didn’t continue with the pleasantries and turned to leave after explaining the situation.

    These conversations were all done through mental communication. To others, it looked like Norian had just exchanged a few glances with Luo Yan before turning to leave.

    Of course, these nobles weren’t ignorant; they knew about mental communication.

    What was so important that the Chief Magistrate of the Lannister Council of Elders needed to convey it in such a secretive manner?

    The nobles became serious. They didn’t know what was happening outside at the moment. Norian had quietly sealed off the entire banquet hall; no information could enter or leave.

    This was a lesson learned from the previous incident in the forest outside the city. Never trust these nobles; they were the first to run when something happened, which would only cause more serious chaos.

    Lannister was far from its demise, and now they had to unite to face this difficult situation.

    Just as these nobles were puzzled and planning to find an opportunity to talk to the black-haired young man, they found that he had disappeared.

    Within the hall, they couldn’t find him anywhere.

    ……

    Of course, Luo Yan hadn’t left the banquet hall; she had just found an opportunity to use “Envy” again for cognitive distortion.

    She wasn’t used to attracting attention; over the years, Luo Yan had become accustomed to being alone.

    Luo Yan sat back at the bar counter, but she was no longer in the mood to mix cocktails.

    The “Church of the End Gods” that Norian mentioned made her inexplicably think of the Witch of Envy. In the Endless Void, she had revealed her true name.

    “Hope.”

    Regarded as the culprit behind the destruction of the world, one of the creators of the Calamity Tide, the true name of the conceptual entity of the Witch of Envy actually represented hope.

    “Gods…?”

    Luo Yan pondered the meaning of this title. Coupled with the words the Witch of Envy had declared to her, she vaguely grasped some unclear information.

    “It seems that this cult called the ‘Church of the End Gods’ might really know something.”

    However, Luo Yan didn’t intend to look for them.

    Admittedly, perhaps these commonly perceived cultists didn’t devote themselves to the Primordial Demons just for selfish desires or the pursuit of power.

    They had their own ideals, their own pursuits, that led them to side with the so-called “Gods.”

    However, these motives or reasons didn’t change the nature of their actions. The Church of the End Gods was indeed acting to destroy human civilization, and the countless tragedies recorded in the archives proved this point.

    Just as Luo Yan felt she was lost in thought, a figure unknowingly approached her, its gaze finally focusing on her with great effort.

    At this moment, the uncomfortable feeling of being the center of attention descended once again, and Luo Yan shuddered involuntarily.

    “Hey, you… where’s Sister Qingling?”

    A familiar, arrogant voice rang out. Luo Yan turned her head and saw Chris looking at her with her arms crossed, a hint of difficulty and obscurity in her eyes.

    …Chris had barely broken through the cognitive distortion set by Luo Yan, and because she herself had been under the close attention of other nobles, Luo Yan was once again exposed at this moment.

    “Huh?”

    Luo Yan was a little surprised. She was quite confident in “Envy”; this was the first time it had been broken through… the second time?

    Tina seemed to have broken through it once just now.

    It seemed that the Lequista family’s inherited ability did have something unique about it.

    “I want to ask, where did Sister Qingling go? I still have something to ask her.” Chris suppressed her displeasure and asked again in a deep voice. “And didn’t you go back? Why are you still… here?”

    After quickly ending the tedious and uninteresting socializing with those nobles, she wanted to find Hua Qingling.

    It was a rare encounter, and Chris wanted to spend more time with Hua Qingling.

    But for some reason, she couldn’t find her. Chris even secretly used her ability, “Siren’s Song,” to search for Hua Qingling, but to no avail.

    However, it wasn’t entirely fruitless.

    In the feedback from “Siren’s Song,” an abnormal mental fluctuation appeared in the banquet hall, forming a strange void.

    So, Chris came looking and, using the soul perception commonly used by mental ability users, finally discovered Luo Yan’s presence.

    “Something happened at my residence, so I can’t go back for now.”

    Luo Yan replied, looking curiously at this famous idol and young lady of the Free Federation.

    Even though the other party clearly had hostility towards her, for some reason, she still hadn’t expressed it directly.

    …Luo Yan didn’t know what was considered proper aristocratic elegance and upbringing, although most of the time, it was just for show, and in private, these nobles weren’t exactly clean.

    “As for Sister Qingling, she took a commission from Magistrate Norian and left earlier.”

    “Le-, Left?”

    Chris immediately deflated, then glanced at Luo Yan, who still had an indifferent expression, and frowned slightly.

    Wait, wasn’t this guy a man?

    When ordinary men saw her face, shouldn’t their reaction be different…

  • On How to Conquer System Fairies and Make Them Your Wives 203

    Chapter 203: NTR’d On the Spot

    Within the Poison Nightmare Realm.

    “Roar!”

    A monstrous purple wolf, its fangs bared in a terrifying snarl, its every roar imbued with the essence of the Dao, lunged towards Chen Yin.

    The Eternal Light sword shattered into countless shimmering fragments, a rain of ethereal blades descending upon the beast.

    The impact was deafening, the surrounding space shattering under the force of their clash, the distorted void their only battlefield.

    “I don’t believe you can maintain this level of power indefinitely, boy!”

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor’s face was contorted in a grimace.

    He couldn’t understand how this young cultivator, even with a Heavenly Dao Fragment, could fight an Immortal on equal footing.

    The difference between the Immortal Realm and the realms below was like that between heaven and earth. Only those who had comprehended the Dao could truly be called Immortals.

    And this boy’s swordsmanship, its power derived from the very essence of the Sword Dao, was unbelievable.

    The Sword Dao was a path to the Great Dao, and only the most exceptional cultivators could comprehend it.

    Yet, here it was, wielded by a young man at the peak of Supreme Clarity.

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor had heard that Chosen Ones were exceptionally talented, but this was beyond anything he could have imagined.

    He wondered what kind of figure this Chen Yin would become in the Upper Realm.

    “By the way, I forgot to tell you something.”

    Chen Yin’s sword flashed, forcing the purple wolf to retreat with a pained howl. He flicked his wrist casually and said calmly, “You seem to be mistaken about something. I’m not fighting you because of a Heavenly Dao Fragment. I don’t have one.”

    “In fact,”

    “I’m not even a Chosen One.”

    “Impossible!” the Wu Xuan Ancestor roared. “How can you defy the natural order and comprehend the Dao at the Supreme Clarity Realm?!”

    Chen Yin had already said it once. He didn’t know the reason.

    And he wasn’t going to explain it again.

    Thanks to the Wu Xuan Ancestor, he was able to fully unleash the power of his Second Sword, the countless variations and possibilities of its technique becoming clearer with each passing moment.

    It was the Ancestor who had made him realize that

    Perhaps he had already comprehended the Dao the moment he learned the Three Swords.

    But why was his cultivation stuck at the peak of Supreme Clarity, unable to reach even the Grand Clarity Realm? That was beyond his understanding.

    He would have to ask Master when he returned.

    Chen Yin refocused his attention on the Wu Xuan Ancestor.

    …He now had a good understanding of the Second Sword’s power.

    At its peak, it was comparable to that of an Immortal.

    But it was only enough to match the Wu Xuan Ancestor, not defeat him.

    …Should he use the Third Sword? Chen Yin hesitated.

    The power difference between each of the Three Swords was immense.

    If the Second Sword was comparable to the Immortal Realm, then what about the Third?

    He didn’t know.

    Because he had never used it before.

    He didn’t dare to.

    Even in the scroll’s space, he had only managed to execute it once, during practice.

    But before the sword light could even fully manifest, he had been ejected from the space.

    As if the scroll itself couldn’t withstand its power.

    The true power of the Third Sword was beyond his comprehension.

    So, he wouldn’t use it unless absolutely necessary.

    As he hesitated, the Wu Xuan Ancestor attacked again, the purple wolf lunging at him with renewed ferocity.

    Chen Yin had no time to think and met the attack head-on.

    “Try this, boy!”

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor roared, his withered hand absorbing the surrounding purple miasma, condensing it into a swirling mass of energy that gradually began to glow with a golden light.

    “Heehee, I only used this technique once before, to escape the Heavenly Tribulation.”

    He grinned sinisterly. “You should be honored to die by its hand!”

    “Take this!”

    A golden light erupted from his palm, and at the same time, something seemed to resonate with it, flying towards them from the distance.

    Chen Yin frowned.

    …It was the crystal skeleton from the pit.

    The skeleton, its bones as white and smooth as jade, radiated a holy aura as the Wu Xuan Ancestor channeled his spiritual energy into it.

    Its mere presence seemed to purify the surrounding miasma.

    “You can’t even imagine the power this skeleton wielded in its previous life, you insignificant brat.”

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor poured all his power into the skeleton, his eyes filled with confidence.

    “Even if you’ve comprehended the Dao, you’ll be reduced to dust before its might!”

    The skeleton glowed brighter, its aura growing more powerful and ancient, as if it had existed since the dawn of time.

    Chen Yin sensed danger.

    But he didn’t attack. He let the Wu Xuan Ancestor continue.

    He had a hunch.

    He was willing to gamble.

    “Die, boy!”

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor roared, and the skeleton unleashed a deafening sound, a wave of pure, overwhelming power crashing towards Chen Yin.

    Chen Yin just stood there, watching, his expression unchanged.

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor grinned triumphantly, watching as the boy below seemed to be frozen in fear.

    He was finished.

    His smile widened.

    Then it froze.

    And slowly crumbled.

    Because the crystal skeleton, filled with his spiritual energy,

    Suddenly flew from his grasp.

    …Towards Chen Yin.

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor was stunned.

    He couldn’t understand why his most precious treasure had betrayed him.

    And it had moved on its own.

    As if returning to its rightful owner, it flew straight into Chen Yin’s arms.

    Abandoning him without hesitation.

    Chen Yin watched as the skeleton, with a flash of light, disappeared into the scroll in his chest.

    Inside the scroll’s space, the statue resonated with the crystal skeleton, the two merging into one.

    A deep, resonant sound, like a giant bell, echoed through the space.

    …As expected.

    Chen Yin had been right.

    The statue, the scroll, and the crystal skeleton were connected.

    He suddenly felt like he was back in the bamboo forest within the Heavenly Path Perilous Domain.

    A vision, hazy and dreamlike, appeared before him.

    In the primordial chaos, before the separation of heaven and earth, a monk bowed before the universe.

    And with that single bow, heaven and earth were divided, clear Qi rising, turbid Qi sinking.

    The rest of the vision was blurry and indistinct.

    Chen Yin didn’t seem to notice that his hand, holding the Eternal Light sword, had instinctively mimicked the monk’s bow, the blade slicing through the air.

    It was a simple, almost effortless movement, barely creating a ripple.

    A stark contrast to the earth-shattering battle raging around him.

    But that single strike made the Wu Xuan Ancestor’s blood run cold.

    His expression changed drastically, and he tried to flee, his full power erupting outwards. But he was trapped, his struggles futile, as if caught in a powerful vortex.

    “Impossible!”

    “You! You’re a—”

    He couldn’t finish his sentence.

    The sword pierced through his defenses, effortlessly, like a blade slicing through paper.

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor’s withered body split in two, the pieces scattering like dust.

    With his death, the pressure on the surrounding space vanished, and the realm began to stabilize, the distorted void slowly returning to normal.

    The dust settled, and silence returned to the chamber.

    The Grand Witch and the masked man, their hearts pounding, looked up nervously.

    As the dust cleared, revealing Chen Yin’s calm and composed figure, the Grand Witch breathed a sigh of relief and was about to speak,

    When a dark figure rushed past her.

    “Chen Yin! Are you alright?!”

    Chen Yin, still lost in thought, was startled by the sudden voice. He turned around just as the masked man grabbed his shoulders and shook him frantically.

    “Are you… injured? What about the Wu Xuan Ancestor?”

    “I’m fine.” Chen Yin shrugged. “I’m too handsome and powerful for a withered old turtle to handle.”

    “But you… you seem quite concerned about my well-being. I’m flattered.”

    The masked man realized his outburst and quickly released him, his voice slightly flustered.

    “…I just didn’t want us to die here.”

    Chen Yin looked at him with a smile, saying nothing.

    “You actually killed the Wu Xuan Ancestor?”

    The Grand Witch looked at him with disbelief. “He had already reached the Immortal Realm! Are you really that powerful?”

    “Being handsome and strong has its perks.”

    Chen Yin sighed dramatically, feigning modesty.

    The Grand Witch’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, as if she wanted to uncover all his secrets.

    But the masked man subtly blocked her view.

    “Now that the Wu Xuan Ancestor is dead,”

    “Let’s go find the Phantasmal Harmony Ganoderma.” He said quietly.

  • Transformed into a Female Villain, But Captured by My Beautiful Girl Disciples v2c17

    17. A Glimpse of Brilliance

    The preliminary rounds of the competition spanned two to three days.

    Since Yin Qiushui and Lu Xinyao registered in Yanlie City, they had to win at least three out of five matches in the city’s arena to qualify.

    However, this wasn’t a challenge for them.

    Qiu Shui, already a Return to Origin cultivator, was among the strongest in the preliminaries.

    She only fought three matches, each time conjuring a field of plants and using them to toss her opponents out of the ring.

    Simple, painless, and efficient.

    Those with a fear of heights might have fainted midway, though.

    Lu Xinyao’s approach was more… forceful.

    Although she appeared timid on stage, taking small, hesitant steps, as if she might hide at any moment…

    Looking like a complete novice…

    —She was actually suppressing her Little Heehee persona.

    Little Heehee was different from her. She disliked demonic arts, while Little Heehee wasn’t proficient in fire-type techniques.

    So, this seemingly shy and timid girl, with a perceived combat power of 5, shocked everyone when she unleashed her fire-type spiritual arts.

    In the first match, her opponent was a large, muscular man.

    Without exchanging many words, the muscular man almost became a roasted man.

    Lu Xinyao nearly cooked him alive.

    In the second match, against an “old acquaintance” of the First Prince, Lu Xinyao almost burned the entire arena to ashes.

    After being thoroughly lectured by Gong Yiling, Lu Xinyao decided to tone it down in the third match, pretending to be exhausted from her previous displays of power.

    However, her earlier performance was too impressive. Her third opponent immediately surrendered before the match even began.

    Then, he vanished at the speed of light, not even waiting for Lu Xinyao to speak.

    Three consecutive victories, almost as fast as Qiu Shui.

    The two quickly became rising stars in the Yanlie City division, their impressive performance the talk of the town.

    They even gained nicknames:

    Phoenix Flame and Hundred Herbs.

    Not bad, quite fitting.

    Of course…

    These were just the preliminaries, not even the first round.

    Many were hiding their true strength, not revealing too much too early.

    So, their current fame was temporary. Many were already analyzing their potential opponents in the later rounds.

    Among the matches, a few were particularly strange.

    Especially this one.

    One contestant was petite, with her hair tied in a ponytail, her appearance ordinary and unremarkable.

    Her opponent was a muscular man with white bandages wrapped around his hands and a red cloth covering his eyes.

    His exposed skin indicated he was a body cultivator specializing in physical combat.

    “Fists and feet have no eyes.”

    The bald, blind man stood with his hands behind his back, his voice calm. “Young lady, surrender now and avoid unnecessary suffering.”

    The girl looked at him, her lips twitching.

    —*Dude, can you even do a spinning heel kick?*

    But she didn’t retreat, replying calmly, “I will use both hands to fulfill your dream.”

    Yes, quoting the opponent’s lines, leaving them speechless.

    This actually stunned the man.

    Not because she quoted him, but because…

    What did she mean?

    Fulfill whose dream?

    “Since you insist on suffering, then I shall… oblige!”

    The battle began. The bald man lowered his stance, a powerful aura erupting from him, cracking the arena floor.

    “Boom!”

    His fist shot out, displaying his Core Transformation physical cultivation.

    His opponent, however, only seemed to be at… Core Formation.

    Honestly, his Core Transformation strength wasn’t impressive here. A Core Formation cultivator participating in this competition…

    Was just asking to be a punching bag.

    However, the girl simply exhaled softly and threw a punch.

    In this seemingly one-sided clash, the girl’s punch actually repelled his attack.

    And not just that, with this single, simple punch, the body cultivator was sent flying before he could react.

    He landed outside the arena, stunned.

    The unremarkable girl…

    Won!

    “You…!?” The man didn’t even understand what happened.

    She clearly displayed Core Formation cultivation, and her punch was clearly a Core Formation punch.

    Why… why did he lose?

    “I’ll accept your concession.”

    The outcome wasn’t surprising to the girl. She bowed to her opponent and left the arena, disappearing into the crowd.

    In her next two matches, she similarly displayed Core Formation cultivation, ending them with swift punches.

    Her efficiency didn’t attract much attention.

    After all, many hid their true strength, pretending to be weak. Her approach was even considered clumsy among those who played the “hidden boss” trope.

    —If you wanted to act like a newbie, you should at least appear weaker, struggling before winning, to deceive those arrogant disciples from prominent sects and families.

    Away from the crowd…

    The girl removed the high-quality disguise Yan Chuyue had lent her, put on her veil, and turned to her, smiling. “Thanks.”

    “No need for thanks,” Yan Chuyue said, applying her own disguise. “There are many other ways to participate anonymously.”

    “But…” After putting on her mask, Yan Chuyue looked up and asked, “Why did you suddenly decide to participate?”

    Yes, the person who had just dominated the arena was Gong Yiling.

    As for when she signed up—the next morning.

    Partly because it allowed her to test her unique power and the true potential of her unusually wide meridians.

    And…

    The results showed she was invincible at the same cultivation level. However, cultivating the Heavenly Saint Technique was incredibly slow, not even comparable to Qiu Shui’s speed.

    To improve quickly, besides proper training, she needed… a so-called secret realm of a powerful being.