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  • I’m Surrounded by My Own Pets! 213

    Chapter 213: Sea Soul World, Eight Emperor Tears

    Moon Soul World, virtual map.

    The white dot marking the First Emperor moved rapidly across the map, her speed rivaling even Storm, the fastest of the Four Great Calamities.

    If other beings were walking on the map, she was spinning a globe, even Cloud Mist Sea, which occupied one-fifteenth of the Moon Soul World, flashing past in an instant.

    “Whoosh—!!!!!”

    The clouds around Lotus Concubine Tai Sui shattered as she crossed four Guardian territories, including Cloud Mist Sea and Inverse Time’s domain, reaching the northernmost edge of the Moon Soul World.

    The moment she entered this region, her aura and marker vanished from the map.

    She stumbled forward.

    “…”

    “…”

    “Ugh!!!!!”

    Lotus Concubine Tai Sui vomited blood, her pale face turning even whiter as a searing pain ripped through her body.

    She leaned against a cliff, the image of the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit’s final roar, the collapsing landscape, flashing through her mind.

    “What monster was that…”

    “Could I… lose?”

    “Lose to a member of my own species, thousands of levels below me…?”

    “Impossible! Absolutely impossible!!!” Lotus Concubine Tai Sui’s eyes were filled with desperation.

    She had sensed her impending defeat when she saw the Nine-Colored Deer.

    But she refused to accept it. She was the first Ancient Species born in the Moon Soul World’s evolutionary system. Even Star Goddess’s full lineup in its prime could only fight her to a draw.

    However, that Ancient Moonlight Rabbit, the Back-Tailed Moon-Chasing Demon Rabbit’s roar, had instilled a fear she hadn’t felt in millions of years.

    Lotus Concubine Tai Sui’s heart wavered…

    “…”

    “…”

    “Whoosh—”

    A silver light descended.

    As Lotus Concubine Tai Sui watched, wary, a silver-haired woman in flowing robes appeared before her, seated on a silver crescent moon ship, her shimmering hair cascading like a waterfall, silver shackles adorning her delicate ankles. Her ethereal beauty seemed more like a divine creation than a mortal being.

    But Lotus Concubine Tai Sui felt no admiration, only wariness.

    The silver-haired woman also observed the pale, blood-soaked woman.

    After a long silence, she asked, “The next Lunar Divine Festival is about to begin?”

    “…”

    “…”

    “Tai Yin, I’ve warned you countless times! Don’t use my body as a teleportation anchor!!!”

    “And don’t come near me! You’ll taint my Ancient blood!!!” Lotus Concubine Tai Sui snapped at Tai Yin, the First Guardian and foremost of the seventy-two Legends.

    Unlike Lotus Concubine Tai Sui and the other Guardians, Tai Yin governed the seventeen subordinate Soul Worlds surrounding the Moon Soul World, the strongest of which was the Star Soul World, its strongest beings nearly on par with the Moon Soul World’s Six Guardians.

    For millions of years, Tai Yin had been manipulating these subordinate worlds to invade and corrupt other evolutionary systems, even infiltrating them as a spy, bringing countless worlds to the brink of destruction.

    Tai Yin and the First Emperor were also the only two who could communicate with the Twelve Moons.

    Unfazed by Lotus Concubine Tai Sui’s outburst, Tai Yin waved her hand dismissively.

    “I have some interesting intel this time…”

    “For nearly ten thousand years, the evolutionary paths of several Soul Worlds around the Sea Soul World have been artificially altered. It concerns the Eight Emperor Tears. The Twelve Moons will be interested~~~”

    “Are you insane!? How dare you utter those words!!!” Lotus Concubine Tai Sui, drenched in cold sweat, interrupted Tai Yin.

    But Tai Yin remained indifferent. “Relax, this is the Moon Soul World, one of the Six True Spirit Worlds. Even the Eight Emperor Tears’ power can’t reach here~~~”

    “According to my investigation, the three birthplaces of the Eight Emperor Tears’ ancestors—the Water Soul World, the Cloud Soul World, and the Snow Soul World—have undergone the most significant alterations.”

    “So, in recent millennia, I’ve sent the Flame Soul World, the Jade Soul World, and the Star Soul World to invade, but they all failed miserably.”

    “This time, I plan to gather experts from the Moon Soul World and personally investigate those three places~~~”

    “Alright, I’ll report to the Twelve Moons now. You… play nicely~~~”

    With a condescending tone, Tai Yin vanished, leaving the injured Lotus Concubine Tai Sui fuming.

    But her expression quickly turned complex.

    The Sea Soul World, the Eight Emperor Tears…

    If the Moon Soul World clashed with such beings, even her invincible Ancient blood would be insignificant.

    Except for the untouchable Twelve Moons, all beings would be erased with a single thought.

    Tai Yin was insane…

    To provoke the Sea Soul World’s subordinate forces!

    But Lotus Concubine Tai Sui had her own problems.

    The deadline for accepting the Lunar Divine Festival invitation was fast approaching.

    She had to deliver the invitation to Sharp Edge Seven King Mother at Sharp Edge Mountain by tomorrow.

    But…

    Lotus Concubine Tai Sui’s lips trembled as she coughed up blood again.

    Her injuries from the Moonlight Rabbit hadn’t fully healed.

    If she faced Sharp Edge Seven King Mother in this state, she would be slaughtered…

    And…

    Star Concubine…

    That woman…

    She had truly intended to kill her.

    ***

    Yes, during their first encounter at the Cloud Mist Sea border, Lian Xing had indeed planned to kill the First Emperor.

    The Ancient Moonlight Rabbit’s initial tackle had seemed like an attack or a provocation, but she had only used a fraction of her power, simply playing around.

    But her final roar had been different…

    She had truly intended to kill Lotus Concubine Tai Sui.

    The playful tackles had lulled the First Emperor into a false sense of security.

    Unfortunately, her injuries hadn’t been severe enough, and Lian Xing had let her go.

    However…

    Now, after all the recent incidents…

    It was Lian Xing’s turn to face a true challenge.

    The Shining Six Stars Banquet, Replay’s reincarnation, Drought’s descent, the mass transmigration of Beast Taming Evolution Duel players, and her first encounter with Lotus Concubine Tai Sui.

    Though Lian Xing had experienced much since arriving in the Moon Soul World…

    This was her most precarious and dangerous moment…

    Especially after she revealed a certain effect of the Lunar Divine Festival invitation to her Pet Beasts.

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

    …

    …

    Quite a significant benefit, upon closer inspection.

    But Lian Xing, after all her promiscuous adventures, now faced a cruel and desperate situation. Anyone in her position would likely say, “Good riddance.”

    Within the Cloud Mist Sea palace, Cloud Princess, with her white, cloud-like curls, sat listlessly in a guest chair.

    Beside her, Wuyun Dizang, the seventy-two Legends’ Cumulonimbus, one of the Cloud Mist Sea’s Four Guardians, stood with a complex expression.

    Cloud Mist Sea was bustling today.

    Not only were they holding a welcome ceremony for a group of country bumpkins from the Bubble Pet Beast World, but it was also the day a certain… indecent woman officially joined Cloud Mist Sea.

    Joined how?

    Through marriage, of course…

    And the bride was Moonwalker herself…

    Of course, today was just the engagement ceremony, not the actual wedding.

    Cloud Princess had been pursuing Moonwalker for years, only to be beaten to the punch before even setting foot in her bedroom.

    Even more dejected were Silver Dragon and the others, standing in the corner like children being punished.

    Silver Dragon, Thunder Fly, Tears Maiden, and Jade Maiden.

    Due to their insufficient strength and low presence, they weren’t even on Lian Xing’s radar.

    But the billions of Royal-Tier and above players present were quite happy.

    This was their first time in another world, their first time seeing a venue that could hold billions of people and Emperor-Tier Pet Beasts. It was an eye-opening experience.

    The players below Royal-Tier had either returned to Earth or were watching the live broadcast from the guest area.

    Lian Xing suspected Earth was in chaos now, with thousands of real Pet Beasts running amok.

    That was why she had made a grand show of force with the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit upon the players’ arrival.

    If they didn’t want to be obliterated by the rabbit’s aura, they wouldn’t dare cause too much trouble on Earth…

    As the banquet reached its halfway point, Moonwalker and Star Concubine Lian Xing finally appeared.

    First came the deer woman in the white wedding dress.

    Moonwalker’s beauty was undeniable. As a Myriad-Level Emperor, a Guardian, her beauty was unmatched in the Moon Soul World, especially her long, smooth legs, a sight that could make one’s eyes pop out.

    Even though she had suppressed her aura, many Royal-Tier players still felt a chill run down their spines.

    Seconds later…

    Right behind Moonwalker, a golden-haired girl with twin buns entered the banquet hall.

    Silence fell.

    Cloud Princess and the others froze, their expressions stunned.

    Lian Xing wore a white wedding dress identical to Moonwalker’s, translucent white stockings clinging to her thighs.

    Though her twin buns remained, they were half their usual size, the rest of her golden hair cascading down her back like a waterfall, a few strands framing her face, creating a breathtakingly beautiful, melancholic image.

    Instead of a single Moonlight Rabbit perched on her buns, two snow-white rabbits adorned each bun like custom-made hair accessories.

    Lian Xing’s appearance today, compared to her usual comical and suggestive style, was elegant and melancholic, the hint of sorrow in her eyes making Silver Dragon and Tear Heavenly Maiden want to storm the stage and steal her away.

    No longer frivolous, no longer indecent, no longer shameless.

    Lian Xing, whose beauty had always been hidden beneath her ridiculous, attention-grabbing appearance, had transformed into a gentle, elegant, and aloof wife.

    Her former companions and fans, having never seen her like this, were either stunned into silence or frantically taking photos and videos, planning to share them on Earth.

    Wuyun Dizang patted Cloud Princess’s shoulder sympathetically.

    “You didn’t lose unfairly…”

    “This woman’s beauty rivals even Star Goddess.”

    “And she has a certain… allure that Star Goddess lacked. It’s not surprising Moonwalker was attracted to her…”

    Wuyun Dizang’s words offered no comfort.

    Cloud Princess’s head drooped even lower.

    Even the Divine Machine, hiding in a distant corner, was impressed by Lian Xing’s appearance.

    Such a beautiful woman, why had she ruined her image with that ridiculous hairstyle and public… displays?

    If Lian Xing had looked like this during their first encounter, the Divine Machine would have groveled at her feet.

    As everyone was captivated by Lian Xing’s beauty, she sent a smug message to Moonwalker.

    “How is it, Mother? I didn’t embarrass you, did I?”

    “As agreed, please be gentle during tonight’s engagement ceremony~~~”

    “But I’m an Emperor-Tier Beast Tamer now. Perhaps I should be the one showing mercy~~~”

    “…”

    “…”

    However, Moonwalker, instead of looking happy, seemed troubled, hesitant to speak.

    After a long pause, she finally said, “Xiao Xing, actually…”

    “There’s something I haven’t told you…”

    “I’ve been keeping it from you, unsure how to say it.”

    “Please, Mother, speak freely~~~” Lian Xing took a sip from a nearby wine glass, seemingly unconcerned.

    In her mind, it was probably something trivial, like Little Moonwalker’s parentage.

    Nothing she couldn’t handle.

    “Actually…”

    “I lied to you before. Even reaching Emperor-Tier doesn’t fix your physical weakness. It only makes it worse.”

    “Your Pet Essence density is now billions of times higher than when you were Commander-Tier. Even I am hesitant to… touch you…”

    “…”

    “…”

    “Pfft!!!!”

    Lian Xing spat out her wine, her vision darkening, her legs weakening.

    She nearly fainted.

    But even more despairingly… she didn’t.

    Lian Xing, about to become a wife, faced her greatest crisis!

  • Shion’s Notes 135

    Chapter 135: New Neighbors

    Moving out on her own again meant readjusting to living independently and acquiring essential household items. Unlike before, when she juggled multiple jobs to survive, she now had prize money to spend freely, though years of frugality prevented her from splurging.

    From now on, she could focus on writing, waiting for her books to be published and earning royalties. Nothing else mattered. She was finally embarking on her dream journey, overcoming countless hardships and setbacks to reach this point.

    She had once chased Nangong Ying’s shadow; now, she would climb her own Mount Everest, reaching for higher, farther destinations.

    Everyone had dreams, but realizing them wasn’t easy. True dreamers were one in a million.

    Though she didn’t consider herself one in a million, she would give her all, letting her own light shine.

    “Phew… finally here…”

    Stepping out of the van, dragging her suitcase, Yu Linna wiped the sweat from her brow. Moving was always a chore. Though she was used to moving frequently, having lived alone for so long, unlike her childhood when a few clothes were all she needed, she now had a considerable amount of luggage.

    “Hey, little Linna! You’re here! Chen Xi said she found you a nice place. I didn’t expect it to be across from mine! We’re neighbors now!”

    Zhao Yuyan appeared from across the street, Bluetooth earphones around her neck, clearly having been playing games before coming over. Judging by her slippers, she had probably left her apartment less than five minutes ago.

    “This is going to be a problem, Zhao Yuyan…”

    “Call me big sis, little Linna~ I’m your senior~”

    “…”

    Does she even act like a big sister?

    Though numerous retorts sprang to mind, Yu Linna held them back. They were both working with Wenqing, and Zhao Yuyan was her senior. Calling her “sis” wasn’t unreasonable.

    “Big Sis Yuyan.”

    “There we go.”

    Zhao Yuyan beamed, the sound of Yu Linna calling her “sis” music to her ears.

    This Yu Linna was adorable, petite, and cute, her only flaw being her appetite. She was a gift from the heavens.

    Come to think of it, Luo Nan had been the same when she was younger, always trailing behind her, calling her “sis.”

    But Luo Nan had lost her cuteness as she grew older.

    Yu Linna was much more fun.

    “Little Linna, let me help you with your luggage. You’re new here; there are things you don’t know yet. I’ll help you settle in. Oh, school’s starting soon. I only come back on weekends. You’re in your senior year, right? Studying for the college entrance exams and writing… do you have enough energy?”

    Zhao Yuyan was genuinely concerned. Yu Linna was a high school student facing the crucial exams in a few months.

    The gaokao was incredibly important in China, a serious matter. High school seniors spent an entire year preparing, hoping to achieve a high score and secure a place at a good university.

    Zhao Yuyan, now a university student, had a much more relaxed schedule than in high school. But Yu Linna was still under immense pressure.

    “I’ve thought about it. I plan to take a break from writing after my second book is published, focusing on the exams.”

    “That’s a lot of pressure.”

    For a newcomer, not capitalizing on the momentum of a new release to build a fanbase was a risky move. But Yu Linna had no choice; she had to prioritize the gaokao. Zhao Yuyan understood.

    The gaokao was crucial for everyone.

    She remembered her own parents keeping a close watch on her during her senior year, practically imprisoning her at home to study. Now that she was in university, they were much more lenient, even allowing her to write, something they would have forbidden before.

    Yu Linna’s parents must feel the same way, furious if their daughter prioritized writing over her studies.

    But Zhao Yuyan didn’t know Yu Linna had no parents, no family to worry about.

    “Do you have any universities in mind?”

    “…Not yet, but I want to get a good score.”

    Yu Linna exhaled, her expression calm, but her voice firm.

    She was a top student, having represented her school in competitions, a pillar of the First Municipal High School, the only one capable of competing with the Municipal Experimental High School. Aiming for a good score meant she was aiming for a top ranking in the province.

    Though not a large province, Huainan was known for its competitive gaokao. Achieving a high ranking was no easy feat.

    But she had made up her mind.

    She was Yu Linna, after all.

    After meeting the landlord and agreeing on the terms, Yu Linna received the keys. This landlord, unlike her previous, shrewish one, was quite pleasant. Yu Linna didn’t haggle, simply accepting the keys and dragging her suitcase to her new apartment.

    Chen Xi had found the apartment for her, claiming it was convenient for work. It was a one-bedroom apartment, just the right size. Opening the door, she was greeted by an empty living room, devoid of furniture. The bedroom had a bed, but no sheets or blankets, which she could easily buy. She touched the floor, her fingers coated in dust. It hadn’t been cleaned in a while.

    “I need to clean this place.”

    “Ugh, is that really necessary? I always hire someone…”

    Looking at the apartment, though not large, Zhao Yuyan wasn’t keen on cleaning. She was lazy; she hated chores.

    She would rather spend her time playing PUBG; time was precious.

    Her mother often scolded her for her laziness, warning her that no one would want to marry such a lazy girl.

    “Hiring someone costs money! It’s not worth it! I’ll do it myself. There should be a mop and disinfectant downstairs. I’ll buy them later.”

    “…Fine.”

    Though reluctant, Zhao Yuyan couldn’t refuse when Yu Linna seemed so determined.

    Later, Yu Linna bought cleaning supplies, kitchen essentials like seasonings, a cutting board, and an induction cooker. She considered furniture too expensive, opting to buy it online. Despite having a substantial amount of money, her frugal habits persisted.

    Having lived through periods of hunger, pinching pennies, and even forgoing medicine when sick, she couldn’t bring herself to be extravagant. She would save wherever she could; it was in her nature.

    After shopping, it was time to clean. Yu Linna put on gloves, tied her hair back in a ponytail, and started mopping. Zhao Yuyan, though reluctant, couldn’t just stand there, so she grabbed a rag and started cleaning the windows. A pampered young lady like her, reduced to cleaning windows? If her mother knew, she would laugh herself silly.

    Unlike Zhao Yuyan’s reluctance, Yu Linna was full of energy, changing the water repeatedly, mopping the floors, cleaning the windows and doors, and even scrubbing the bathroom. Having lived alone for so long, she was accustomed to these chores. Zhao Yuyan, however, was struggling just with the windows.

    “You clearly don’t do chores often.”

    “You can tell? My mom usually does everything…”

    “Whatever. It’s almost clean anyway. I just need to buy a computer, and then I can start working.”

    Though small, the apartment was perfect for writing, located away from the bustling city center, surrounded by trees and fresh air, a far cry from her previous living conditions in the slums.

    The quiet environment, free from noise and pollution, was conducive to writing.

    “Big Sis Yuyan, the air here is so fresh.”

    “Yes, the longer you stay here, the more you’ll like it.”

    Yu Linna couldn’t believe how far she had come. She used to be content with just a roof over her head; now, she had a comfortable home and didn’t have to worry about food. She used to hesitate even before buying warm clothes, shivering in thin layers while other children were bundled up. She used to be satisfied with a single meat dish; now, she could afford meat with every meal.

    She was no longer poor. She had truly escaped poverty.

    But she also had new goals, new aspirations.

    One day, she wanted to buy a big house and live with the person she loved.

    With more money, she would buy the finest ingredients and cook delicious meals for everyone.

    She would travel the world, experiencing the joy she had missed out on for so many years.

    She would visit the beach, see the girls in bikinis.

    She would travel to America, to England, to see if there were others like her, children of mixed heritage.

    “Little Linna, I’ll go with you to buy a computer. Desktop or laptop? If you want to play games, I recommend a desktop. I’ll teach you how to play PUBG; we can team up.”

    “No, I’ll get a laptop. It’s more convenient for traveling.”

    “Why not a desktop? We can play games together! If you don’t like PUBG, we can play 300 Heroes!”

    “I’ll pass on the games. I’m not very good at them. And girls shouldn’t be playing games all the time.”

    “Hey, that’s not true! Why can’t girls play games?!”

    Yu Linna walked, gazing at the path leading down from her apartment building, the steps descending towards a new road, a road to the outside world. She was finally stepping onto that road, venturing out into the world.

    No matter the hardships, no matter the setbacks, she would overcome them, using them as stepping stones to reach her destination.

    Yu Linna was ready to spread her wings and soar towards her dreams.

    A fledgling, its wings fully grown, ready to take flight.

    —-

    Afterword for Volume Three

    Author Notes:

    This volume is finally finished! It feels so liberating!

    I’ve had these ideas for a long time, waiting for the right moment to write them. From Nangong Ying’s betrayal, the protagonist’s downfall, to her eventual rise, everything followed the outline. No one achieves success easily, no one receives divine favor without reason. To gain something, you must lose something.

    That’s what I wanted to convey.

    It’s also a message of self-encouragement.

    Like Yu Linna, I’ve experienced numerous setbacks and failures, constantly striving to move forward, only to be thwarted by fate. There are struggles I can’t express, pains I have to endure silently. Life is often cruel. Not everyone meets a Ye Zhiyun, and not everyone is as lucky as the protagonist, able to rise from the ashes after so much suffering.

    Some readers might find certain parts of this story too heavy. After all, people read for enjoyment, not for pain. Therefore, unlike Internet-Addicted Girl is a Hero, I didn’t focus solely on angst. I included more positive elements, but the popularity still hasn’t picked up (╥╯^╰╥).

    Perhaps everyone has to go through a difficult period in their lives. Only those who have succeeded know the sacrifices they’ve made. I’ve been writing for three or four years now, and without realizing it, I’ve written three novels. Only I know the struggles behind them. Those days weren’t easy. If it hadn’t been for the support of a few readers, I might have given up writing /(ㄒoㄒ)/~~

    But I persevered, and here I am today. Though I haven’t achieved instant success like the protagonist, nor do I have millions of views like other authors, some of my peers are far more popular than me. My focus on darker themes has put me in an awkward position.

    But I don’t regret it. Stories aren’t always smooth sailing. Everyone wants a smooth path, but that’s unrealistic. Therefore, in this book, Yu Linna’s journey to success isn’t easy. To achieve something, you have to work for it. (￣▽￣)／

    I’m not saying all this for sympathy, but simply to express my thoughts, feelings I rarely share with others. Few people in my life know I’m a writer, and I rarely talk about it. Even my parents don’t know, so they can’t possibly understand my struggles.

    I’m still quite lucky to have been writing for so long. If no one had read The Witch’s Journey, I would have quit long ago. But I didn’t want to abandon it, wanting to give my readers a complete story. I persevered, and I finally found you.

    Perhaps we’re all like Yu Linna, yearning for success, constantly striving, yet constantly facing setbacks, constantly falling. But I hope everyone can pick themselves up, bravely face their challenges. Perseverance might not always lead to success, but without perseverance, there’s no chance at all (〃’▽’〃).

    I hope that in the future, I can reach greater heights together with you. That’s my dream.

    Please continue to support Shion. The story will only get more exciting. What challenges will our protagonist face? How will her relationships with the other girls develop? Stay tuned to find out! ￣ω￣=

  • Qin Auntie, Save Me [Rebirth] 77p1

    Chapter 77 p1

    The situation at the television station was more complicated than they had anticipated. After the weekend, Lin Shuangzhi, following their plan, went to the city government, making one last attempt. As expected, the officials in charge were evasive and noncommittal.

    Lin Shuangzhi was furious, but she couldn’t show it. She was disappointed, and also, as she had expected, it was a disaster.

    Leaving the city government building, a light drizzle had started. Winter rain, not at all romantic, only intensified the damp coldness, and Lin Shuangzhi, her hands in her pockets, glanced at the gloomy sky, her heart heavy.

    Tomorrow, she would go to the provincial government. Hopefully, the weather would improve, and hopefully, there would be a turning point.

    She walked forward numbly, then suddenly stopped. Li Wan, holding an umbrella, was standing in the distance, seemingly waiting for her.

    Lin Shuangzhi slowly walked over. “Why are you here?”

    “I was worried you might be upset, unable to drive.”

    Li Wan’s attitude towards her had softened slightly since that day at her apartment, and she had even messaged her this morning. Lin Shuangzhi hadn’t expected her to come in person.

    Lin Shuangzhi took the umbrella from her, tilting it slightly towards Li Wan as they walked side by side. “I’m not that fragile, I was prepared for this.”

    “It seems there were no pleasant surprises.”

    Lin Shuangzhi sighed, her voice filled with disappointment. “No, just as I expected.”

    Li Wan’s heart ached, knowing Lin Shuangzhi was going to the provincial government tomorrow.

    “Don’t worry, it’s not a big deal, just a few more trips, it’s not like you’ll lose an arm or a leg.”

    Li Wan bit her lip, avoiding Lin Shuangzhi’s gaze, quickening her pace, and stepping out from under the umbrella.

    Lin Shuangzhi was taken aback, unsure why she was suddenly angry, but afraid she might catch a cold in the rain, she hurried after her, holding the umbrella over her.

    “Xiao Wan, wait for me, it’s raining harder now, don’t catch a cold.”

    “Are you… concerned about me?”

    Lin Shuangzhi nodded. “Yes.”

    “Then I’m also concerned about you, but you don’t seem to care at all.”

    Lin Shuangzhi thought for a moment, realizing she was referring to her earlier comment about “not losing an arm or a leg.”

    “It was just a figure of speech, don’t take it literally.”

    Li Wan, however, ignored her and said softly, “You think these things won’t happen, but you don’t know how ruthless those people can be. Haven’t you seen the news reports over the years? Those who persist in seeking justice, how many of them haven’t suffered?”

    Both she and Lin Shuangzhi were experienced professionals at the television station, having handled many sensitive stories, some unsuitable for broadcast, but they were both aware of the dark underbelly of society.

    “I won’t let anything happen to me.” Lin Shuangzhi’s tone was serious, no longer pretending to be nonchalant.

    Li Wan sighed helplessly, she couldn’t do anything more.

    “I hope you can keep your word.”

    Qin Qianrou, after learning about the situation, decided to extend her leave by two days, which meant more time in Meng City. However, she actually spent less time with Shen Yiqiu, which Shen Yiqiu understood and fully supported.

    Wen Yirong had asked Qin Qianrou if she needed any help from the family. Qin Qianrou hesitated, then decided against involving them for now. Her grandfather’s health wasn’t good, and knowing about this would only worry him further.

    Wen Shao Ze had called her a few times, but some things couldn’t be discussed over the phone.

    “Qianrou, I’m going to Meng City tomorrow, there’s been some progress with the information you asked me to look into.”

    “Okay.”

    After saying this, Wen Shao Ze seemed hesitant to end the call.

    “Anything else?”

    “That… I’ve decided to talk to him.”

    Qin Qianrou immediately knew who he was referring to, she hadn’t contacted Yuan Qi since learning about his relationship with Shen Yiqiu.

    “Have you thought this through?”

    Wen Shao Ze paused, then said firmly, “I have, instead of waiting in the shadows, it’s better to face him directly.”

    “Since you’ve made up your mind, then I wish you all the best.”

    The matter between Yuan Qi and Wen Shao Ze was complicated, a history spanning many years, and they hadn’t been in contact during that time. Yuan Qi’s current feelings were unknown.

    Qin Qianrou had probed, and it seemed Shen Yiqiu didn’t know about the relationship between Yuan Qi and Wen Shao Ze, she had even been vague about her own relationship with Yuan Qi. Qin Qianrou decided not to bring up their past, respecting Yuan Qi’s decision.

    If he wanted to talk about it, he would tell Shen Yiqiu himself.

    Qin Qianrou had taken a week’s leave to stay in Meng City, but she hadn’t gone to the television station, and even Li Wan had taken two days off. With the major personnel changes underway, apart from the regular programs, everything else was practically at a standstill, and many people weren’t focused on their work.

    Li Wan, hugging a pillow, sat on Qin Qianrou’s sofa.

    “I offered to go with her today, but she refused, I don’t know why she’s being so stubborn!”

    Qin Qianrou took a sip of tea, “You going with her wouldn’t have helped, she doesn’t want you there, she doesn’t want to involve you.”

    “If she gets into trouble, how can I just stand by and do nothing? I’ve already prepared myself, if nothing else works, I’ll ask my father to intervene.”

    Qin Qianrou wasn’t surprised, it was Li Wan’s unusual calmness these past two days that was more concerning.

    “What, is your relationship better now?”

    Li Wan, preoccupied with Lin Shuangzhi’s situation, didn’t think before blurting out, “Not really.”

    Then, realizing what she had just said, she quickly added, trying to cover it up, “It wasn’t that bad before either, pretty much the same as always.”

    The more she tried to explain, the more suspicious it seemed.

    “Did something happen while I was away?”

    Li Wan’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she avoided her friend’s gaze, her chin resting on the soft pillow. Qin Qianrou, seeing her shyness, was lost in thought.

    She had sensed the strange tension between Li Wan and the team leader but couldn’t figure out what had happened, now it seemed it wasn’t as simple as she had thought.

    Li Wan gathered her courage and looked up, “The team leader and I… slept together.”

    A crack appeared in Qin Qianrou’s usually calm and composed facade, she hadn’t expected this.

    Li Wan looked away uncomfortably, her gaze fixed on a potted plant in the distance.

    “Don’t ask me why, I don’t know why either, perhaps the moon was too beautiful that night, the night was too enchanting, I wasn’t myself.”

    Qin Qianrou gently placed her hand on Li Wan’s, not asking any further questions.

    They had been friends for many years, and although Li Wan was usually boisterous, bold, and proactive, when it came to relationships, she was serious and cautious.

    Even during her university years, deeply in love, her relationship with Zhuo Cheng hadn’t gone beyond kissing, he had made advances, but Li Wan had always held firm to her boundaries.

    Thankfully, Zhuo Cheng had respected her decision and hadn’t pressured her further. Qin Qianrou hadn’t expected Li Wan and the team leader, their relationship still undefined, to have taken such a significant step.

    “Are you surprised?” Li Wan didn’t sound triumphant at all, her tone hesitant. “Even I find it unbelievable, but it just… happened.”

    “The team leader, she also… likes women?”

    Li Wan shook her head. “I don’t know, she hasn’t said anything.”

    Qin Qianrou looked at her, puzzled. “Then what’s your current situation…?”

    “Our current situation? Same as always. Just slept together once, nothing’s changed.”

    Li Wan’s tone was casual, as if she didn’t care, but Qin Qianrou could clearly see the concern and disappointment hidden within.

    “After this matter at the station is resolved, find a chance to talk to the team leader, I don’t think she’s a casual person.”

    Although she didn’t understand why Lin Shuangzhi would suddenly take such a step with Li Wan, after years of working together, Qin Qianrou didn’t think the team leader was frivolous.

    “I thought so too, but it might be difficult now.”

    “Why?”

    Li Wan shifted the pillow in her arms and said worriedly, “That day, she also told me, if she loses her position at the station, she’ll just go home and inherit the family business.”

    Qin Qianrou hadn’t known about Lin Shuangzhi’s background before, the team leader rarely mentioned her family, she rarely even talked about her hometown, Yong City.

    “I only realized that day how little I actually know about her.”

    Qin Qianrou thought that if the team leader really went home, they would be separated by distance.

    “Although Yong City is a bit far, transportation isn’t a problem, and besides, the situation might not be that dire. If you want to protect her, you can.”

    Simply preventing her from being promoted, keeping her in her current position, Li Wan could probably manage that.

    Li Wan sighed again. “She’s incredibly stubborn, she refuses to let me help.”

    Qin Qianrou understood; Lin Shuangzhi wanted to handle this alone, she didn’t want to implicate Li Wan.

    “That’s just how she is.”

    Li Wan had initially been angry, but after thinking about it, she understood her intentions.

    “She’s so foolish, wanting to protect me, can’t she understand my feelings?”

    You want to protect me, but don’t you think I care about you too?

    Li Wan wanted to knock some sense into Lin Shuangzhi.

    Qin Qianrou didn’t have much experience offering relationship advice, all she could do was listen.

    “By the way, how are things with Shen Yiqiu? Have you… slept together yet?”

    With Shen Yiqiu at school, and just the two of them at home, Li Wan was less guarded in her speech.

    Qin Qianrou glared at her, not answering.

    “So you haven’t.”

    Li Wan took a sip of tea, clearing her throat, as if preparing for a speech.

    “Qianrou, listen to my advice, as someone with experience, if you’re planning on… doing it, you absolutely have to be prepared.”

    Qin Qianrou wasn’t interested in this topic, but Li Wan was speaking so earnestly, she couldn’t rudely interrupt her.

    “Firstly, you have to remind Shen Yiqiu to trim her nails. Secondly, take it slow, don’t rush, don’t just… fumble around cluelessly. And lastly, absolutely remember, aftercare is crucial, you have to comfort her.”

    Qin Qianrou didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, they had discussed such things before, but applied to herself, it still felt strange.

    But Li Wan’s serious tone, her increasing fervor, made Qin Qianrou realize this was probably a lesson learned from personal experience.

    “It seems your experience wasn’t very pleasant.”

    “It was a disaster.” Li Wan thought that if it weren’t for the alcohol that night, she would have kicked Lin Shuangzhi out of bed.

    She had thought, even if not a pro, at least she would be somewhat experienced, who knew she wasn’t even a beginner?

    She sighed, she had been a blank slate, and encountering a complete novice, she didn’t know whether it was fortunate or unfortunate.

    “Take it slow, practice makes perfect.”

     

  • Miss Luo Yan’s Feet Are Buried With Corpses v3c15

    Witch’s Night: Chapter 15 A Coin

    This wasn’t Chris being narcissistic; it was her lived experience.

    Chris’s appearance was indeed stunning, attracting countless admirers, and many noble children pursued her.

    However, Chris didn’t like these people, regardless of gender.

    This wasn’t a matter of sexual orientation. Among those who pursued Chris, there were quite a few women, but these women were no different from other pursuers.

    They had the same fervent, invasive gazes, which couldn’t be concealed beneath their polite exteriors.

    Some valued Chris’s beauty, some her family background, and others, more vulgarly, her money.

    In short… very few people saw Chris simply as Chris. In their eyes, Chris had many identities, but being “Chris” herself was the least important one.

    —Except for Hua Qingling.

    Hua Qingling could almost be said to be the first friend who treated her purely as Chris, not as the second daughter of the Lequista family, or a national idol, or anything else.

    Of course, Chris wasn’t so attached to Hua Qingling solely because of this. Something had happened between them that even Hua Qingling herself had forgotten… which wouldn’t be mentioned here for now.

    But this wasn’t important. In short, Hua Qingling was Chris’s only true friend.

    And this young man…

    Chris knew that if Sister Qingling liked him and chose him as her partner, she had no right and no need to stop her.

    Sister Qingling would have her own happiness; she knew that very well.

    However…

    She still couldn’t help but feel hostile.

    Now it seemed, as expected of someone Sister Qingling favored, he remained calm even when seeing her true appearance. It seemed she could approve of him a little…

    But definitely not completely!

    In Chris’s eyes, Sister Qingling was the most perfect woman in the world, elegant, gentle, and very powerful, even the Saints in their youth were nothing more than this.

    No one was worthy of her, not even herself.

    If Luo Yan knew about Chris’s messy thoughts, she would probably give her a look of “Are we talking about the same Hua Qingling?”

    It had to be said that Hua Qingling’s public image management was too good; even her younger sister was fooled. Only Luo Yan had seen through her.

    “Since it’s Magistrate Norian’s commission, then… it seems there’s nothing that can be done.”

    Chris said dejectedly. The reason she had so readily agreed to attend the banquet, besides giving Norian face, was mainly because of Hua Qingling.

    Unfortunately, Sister Qingling had left early, and she could only continue to deal with these decadent and unbearable nobles.

    “Did Magistrate Norian say what the commission was?”

    Chris was still holding onto a sliver of hope. She secretly planned to find an opportunity to sneak out.

    Even if she would be questioned by her mother and butler afterwards, and punished or something, she didn’t care. She couldn’t stay in the banquet hall without Sister Qingling for even a moment longer.

    Luo Yan thought for a moment and replied, “It’s a commission that can’t be spoken about directly.”

    Judging from Norian’s attitude, he didn’t seem to intend to tell these nobles, who were still enjoying themselves, about the Church of the End Gods, at least not before the matter was resolved.

    Therefore, Luo Yan wouldn’t presume to reveal the information, even to Chris.

    Chris: “?”

    What… was a commission that couldn’t be spoken about directly?

    Chris quickly thought of some unpleasant things, and her pretty face instantly flushed red, even her ears turning pink.

    “You, you dare to play me!” Chris exclaimed in a rare loss of composure, glaring at Luo Yan. “How could Sister Qingling do that kind of thing! She, she…”

    Chris stammered for a long time, but still didn’t say what she thought the “commission that couldn’t be spoken about directly” was.

    Luo Yan: “?”

    Now it was her turn to be puzzled. Was such a strong reaction necessary?

    As an adventurer, wasn’t it normal for Sister Qingling to take commissions?

    Moreover, Magistrate Norian’s offer was indeed generous, and Sister Qingling, who was short of money, naturally wouldn’t miss it.

    Furthermore, the experience of dealing with such large-scale Calamities was also very valuable. Who knew, Yan City might encounter similar situations in the future, and these were all valuable experiences.

    After a moment of thought, Luo Yan suddenly realized why Chris was so nervous.

    So that’s how it is…

    Miss Chris, like herself before, thought Sister Qingling was just an ordinary tailor… oh no, a fashion designer!

    When she first heard about her sister from Hua Qiling, Luo Yan’s impression of Hua Qingling was only that of a “gentle and kind tailor.”

    Although the later Hua Qingling was completely different from this impression, clearly, Chris only seemed to know Sister Qingling as a tailor.

    “Don’t worry, Miss Chris,” Luo Yan said in as gentle a tone as possible to soothe Chris. “Everyone has another side, and Sister Qingling is no exception. She also has a side you haven’t seen… She does do that kind of thing.”

    “That kind of thing” referred to taking commissions.

    “Nonsense, Sister Qingling… how much does she charge per time?” Chris asked inexplicably, then immediately stamped her foot and said angrily, “Impossible, absolutely impossible! Sister Qingling… impossible!”

    “I remember she said, from one hundred to ten thousand Nos, she’s taken them all.”

    Luo Yan recalled, mainly depending on the difficulty of the task.

    However, generally speaking, Hua Qingling only took on Calamity-related tasks. She never took on escort missions, which other adventurers often accepted.

    But Chris was already enraged and rushed over to attack Luo Yan,

    “Shut up! Sister Qingling wouldn’t be that cheap… no, she wouldn’t do that kind of thing!”

    Seeing this, the butler, who had been secretly watching, immediately rushed over and held Chris back, preventing her from further losing her composure.

    The surrounding nobles watched the scene with interest. After all, it wasn’t often that they saw nobles from Noah quarreling, especially Miss Chris. This was the first time she had lost her composure so badly in public.

    Fortunately, this banquet was relatively private, and no one would go around gossiping, but some rumors were unavoidable.

    “Shocking! National idol Miss Chris publicly loses her temper at a man, and the reason is this!”

    This kind of news would definitely appear.

    “I’ll kill you! Kill you!”

    Chris was furious, and Luo Yan was bewildered.

    Although the butler held Chris back, preventing her from rushing over and beating up Luo Yan, the look in her eyes towards Luo Yan clearly showed displeasure.

    She had heard Luo Yan’s words. Because of Chris’s relationship with Hua Qingling, this butler, also a young woman, had a very good impression of that well-mannered and elegant older sister.

    Hearing these “slanderous” words, the butler also felt angry. How could Sister Qingling do that kind of thing!

    The small interlude at the banquet seemed to be escalating. At this time, the host of the banquet finally stepped forward.

    “Alright, alright, this gentleman, and Miss Chris, you two seem to have some unpleasant dispute… But the banquet is still going on, you can’t disturb everyone’s mood, can you?”

    Count Spencer, wearing a monocle, stepped forward, nodded to Luo Yan, and then looked at Chris,

    “Miss Chris, would you give me some face?”

    “Hmph!”

    No matter how temperamental Chris was, she knew her limits at this time and could only suppress her anger.

    “Thank you for your understanding, Miss Chris,” Count Spencer smiled slightly, then looked at Luo Yan. “As for this gentleman… by the way, how should I address you?”

    He sized up Luo Yan through his monocle, hiding his surprise.

    Because even he hadn’t noticed Luo Yan’s presence until Norian appeared just now.

    This was definitely some kind of special ability.

    “Luo Yan,” Luo Yan was quite straightforward and didn’t want to make up a fake name. “Just call me Luo Yan.”

    It seemed like an ordinary name. The nobles watching thought that perhaps there was a prominent family with the surname Luo, but after careful recollection, they couldn’t find one.

    However, two people’s expressions changed when they heard this name.

    “Luo, Luo Yan?”

    Chris was stunned. She stared blankly at Luo Yan and rubbed her eyes.

    “You’re Luo Yan?”

    Chris murmured in a daze.

    “You know me?” Luo Yan looked at Chris and asked curiously. “Or did Sister Qingling mention me to you? No, that’s not right, when she met you, she shouldn’t have known me yet.”

    She didn’t know her, but she knew of her.

    Chris knew who Luo Yan was.

    She knew.

    But… wasn’t Luo Yan a woman?

    Why did she appear at the banquet in this form again…

    The scene slowly emerged in Chris’s mind. The silver-haired girl quietly opened the window, a look of surprise on her beautiful face, her pale red eyes like autumn water, gazing at her as if to drown her in the deep sea.

    An unspeakable fear welled up in her heart. If she continued to look, a permanent mental scar might be left, and she would never be able to escape the fear brought by those eyes for the rest of her life.

    But fortunately, another voice sounded, allowing her to break free from this fear and escape.

    Indeed, the mysterious shadow who had been peeping at Luo Yan outside was Chris.

    Besides the few identities known to the public, she had another identity that could never be revealed, that of a Shadow Guard.

    A secret guard belonging only to the Eleventh Saint, “Shadow.”

    In fact, the Lequista family had been hereditary guards of “Shadow” for generations, serving several generations of Saints “Shadow.” The current “Shadow” was the sixth generation.

    Chris’s intention in acting secretly wasn’t to monitor Luo Yan; her target was Hua Qingling… but not because she was a pervert, but out of concern.

    The fact that Hua Qingling was with “Luo Yan,” the source of the incident in the forest outside the city, wasn’t a secret to the Shadow Guards.

    In Chris’s view, this was very dangerous for Hua Qingling, but no information could be transmitted from Restricted Zone Seven, which was completely isolated, so she could only act secretly.

    The special Shadow Guard uniform could erase all her aura and hide any features that might reveal her identity. Coupled with years of secret training, Chris was able to approach the apartment without Luo Yan and Hua Qingling noticing.

    Unfortunately, due to a series of coincidences, Chris was still discovered by Luo Yan.

    At that time, Luo Yan couldn’t recognize Chris; she was just curious why Chris had such a strange reaction when she heard her name.

    Luo Yan couldn’t understand Chris more and more…

    On the other side, there was another person who reacted to Luo Yan’s name.

    Count Spencer.

    His pupils constricted violently, and after staring at Luo Yan for a while, he inconspicuously looked away.

    “Alright, Mr. Luo Yan,” Count Spencer used the reflection of his monocle to conceal where his gaze fell. “Please continue to enjoy the banquet. The Spencer family will do its utmost to satisfy every guest… including you, of course.”

    “Mm.”

    Luo Yan had heard this kind of polite remark many times, so she just nodded and didn’t say anything more.

    Count Spencer bowed slightly and retreated again, but his steps seemed somewhat hurried.

    On the other side, the stunned Chris was easily dragged away by her butler, without even resisting.

    After this little interlude ended, the gazes falling on Luo Yan suddenly increased, but… as long as no one with a strong presence continued to talk to Luo Yan, it was still easy for her to hide.

    Soon, the black-haired young man once again disappeared from everyone’s sight like an illusion, no matter how hard they searched, they couldn’t find him again.

    ……

    The smile on Count Spencer’s face quickly faded as he returned to his room with a serious expression.

    He dismissed the servants in the room and told everyone not to approach, then solemnly took out a coin.

    It was an ancient coin, engraved with characters not belonging to this era, and strange patterns.

    A bizarre mechanical flying machine, and a dazzling starry sky.

    This was the common currency of the Old Era. In the New Era, due to the Calamity Tide, the sky had become an absolute forbidden zone. The current humans had neither the ability nor the resources to research how to travel above the stars.

    Count Spencer looked at the coin, took a deep breath, and flicked it with his finger,

    “When the truth is revealed, the day the Gods return… Praise the Gods.”

    The coin hovered in mid-air, and a hoarse voice came from it,

    “What is it, Count Spencer.”

    “…I’ve seen her.” Count Spencer said in a deep voice. “She wasn’t in Restricted Zone Seven. She’s at the noble banquet I’m holding in Spencer Manor right now!”

    Norian hadn’t expected… no, no one would have expected that Count Spencer was also a member of the Church of the End Gods.

    No one could, or would dare to believe, that Count Spencer, a descendant of a thousand-year-old noble family, would actually join… a cult.

  • Devilish Disciple [Transmigration] 65

    Chapter 65: Was This Also Absurd?

    The deathly silence in the room stretched on.

    Li Yu huddled in the corner, her hair disheveled, her cheeks burning, silently straightening her clothes.

    Her mind was blank, her thoughts sluggish, her actions purely instinctive.

    Only after she was properly dressed did she realize that even simple tasks like dressing and fixing her hair required only a simple spell, and her forgetting that must have looked incredibly foolish.

    But then she thought, with the curse poison still in her body, even simple spells caused discomfort, best avoided if possible.

    As for Mu Tao…

    Li Yu could feel her intense gaze, unwavering.

    But she didn’t dare meet her eyes.

    She couldn’t explain why, perhaps afraid of being overwhelmed, perhaps afraid of seeing the disappointment in Mu Tao’s eyes.

    Mu Tao must think she was angry.

    Perhaps she had scared Mu Tao, or perhaps…hurt her.

    In the oppressive silence, she lost track of time.

    It felt like both a fleeting moment and an eternity as she slowly processed what was happening.

    Her seemingly obedient and well-behaved little disciple had harbored these unusual desires for a long time.

    Was she afraid, repulsed?

    She thought she would be, but now, she realized she wasn’t as resistant as she had imagined.

    She wasn’t entirely against Mu Tao crossing that line, just…surprised, unsure how to react, how to accept it.

    For a moment there, during that unexpected intimacy, she had almost…surrendered.

    She just needed time, time to process everything…

    If it weren’t for the curse…

    …she wouldn’t have said those hurtful words.

    She hadn’t wanted to, but she couldn’t explain their current situation to Mu Tao.

    It seemed that any hint of affection from her was interpreted by Mu Tao as…permission.

    Besides forcefully stopping her, besides emphasizing their precarious master-disciple dynamic, she couldn’t think of any other way to make Mu Tao understand.

    For now, she could only delay, searching for a way to remove the curse or subtly inform Mu Tao about it.

    Li Yu sighed softly.

    The sound broke the silence in the room.

    Li Yu’s gaze was lowered, but she saw a flash of red from the corner of her eye as Mu Tao approached.

    She almost stopped breathing, instinctively wanting to move away, but her body froze.

    This time, Mu Tao didn’t try anything, just sat beside her and gently started combing her tangled hair.

    After a moment of hesitation, Li Yu didn’t pull away, just looked away, letting Mu Tao’s fingers play with her hair.

    Mu Tao’s touch was incredibly gentle, as if afraid of hurting her.

    Her gaze softened, her mind drifting as the soft strands of hair slid through her fingers.

    She carefully combed Li Yu’s hair, a hint of reluctance as she tied it back with a ribbon.

    As if once this task was done, she would have no further excuse to be so close.

    They shouldn’t be so silent, she thought.

    Had she done something wrong?

    She had done something her master wouldn’t like, crossed a line no disciple should cross.

    But even if she stopped now, could they ever go back to how things were before?

    She didn’t understand.

    “Master must be hungry,” Mu Tao suddenly whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

    She stood up but didn’t leave, seemingly waiting for a response.

    Li Yu nervously clutched her robes, her heart pounding, then finally managed a soft “Mm.”

    Mu Tao’s nose twitched, and she walked to the door, pausing just before leaving.

    “This disciple will prepare some food for Master,” she said in a low voice, then left, closing the door silently behind her.

    As Mu Tao left, Li Yu saw a faint barrier appear outside the door.

    Her insecure little disciple still needed to lock her in to feel safe.

    Li Yu lowered her gaze, hugging her knees, her back against the cold stone wall, her mind a whirlwind of chaotic thoughts.

    The spiritual fire flickered, casting dancing green shadows, as she pondered her situation.

    Finally, she felt a glimmer of hope.

    Despite the curse, Mu Tao was still listening to her, not completely lost in her obsession like in the original story.

    Thankfully, the curse was dormant when she wasn’t using spiritual energy.

    She remembered the excruciating pain from last time and had expected far greater damage, but she seemed mostly fine now.

    Either the curse wasn’t that potent, or the person who cast it still had some…compassion.

    Regardless, their situation had changed; she needed to adapt.

    Li Yu composed herself, stood up, and walked to the window, opening it.

    A few demon maids passed by outside, seemingly not noticing her.

    She looked out at the dim sky through the thin spiritual barrier.

    It wasn’t night, not the complete darkness of night.

    But the sky was still dim,

    Like a sudden storm, the clouds obscuring the sun.

    This was the Demon Realm, a truly lightless place.

    It was said to be as cold as a snowy winter in the human realm.

    But she didn’t feel any chill; the barrier seemed to be blocking not just her escape, but also the cold.

    The human realm had four seasons, but the Demon Realm didn’t.

    The demons, accustomed to this constant cold, could no longer tolerate the human realm’s summer and autumn.

    Perhaps because of the darkness and the cold, the plants here were strange and distorted.

    The dark trees, with their sparse, blue-tinged leaves and gnarled branches, flickered with a faint, dark light.

    Even the flowers were unlike those in the human realm.

    Regardless of their color, they all glowed faintly, as if even plants needed spiritual energy to survive here.

    Any life that could thrive in this place must be incredibly resilient, Li Yu thought.

    And Mu Tao…

    Having reached such a high position in just six months, how resilient was she, what hardships had she endured?

    She still wanted to protect Mu Tao, care for her, treat her well, as she had before.

    But many things had changed silently.

    Abandoning Mu Tao at the entrance to the Demon Realm had hurt her deeply.

    She had thought she could make amends, but fate, it seemed, had other plans—the author, the garbage system, even her seemingly reasonable colleague, they all pushed her towards this predicament.

    Now, still constrained, how could she heal Mu Tao’s wounds?

    Li Yu couldn’t find an answer, so she just sat down, resting her chin on her hand, and looked out the window.

    She didn’t know how long she had been unconscious, nor what was happening on Mount Chao Yao.

    Si Qinglan, having awakened and released her, would have to face Weisheng Xuanzhu alone.

    She had left in such a hurry, so many things forgotten, urged on by Si Qinglan.

    She hadn’t even told Si Qinglan about Weisheng Xuanzhu’s true identity.

    She wondered how Si Qinglan was doing, whether Weisheng Xuanzhu was making things difficult for her.

    Mu Tao’s blackening value always increased whenever Si Qinglan visited Chaoxi Pond.

    With her changed personality, would Mu Tao even be willing to inquire about Si Qinglan…?

    As she was lost in thought, she saw the girl in red, carrying a food box, hurrying towards her.

    Seeing her by the window, a smile appeared in the girl’s eyes.

    She entered the room, her steps quick, and placed the food box on the black stone table.

    The door closed behind her.

    As usual, Mu Tao took out the dishes and placed them on the table.

    She looked up at Li Yu tentatively. “Master, dinner is ready.”

    Her voice was soft, a hint of apprehension in it.

    After what happened earlier, the atmosphere in the room was slightly tense.

    Li Yu took a deep breath and sat down at the table.

    Mu Tao’s eyes lit up, and she placed the bowls and chopsticks before Li Yu.

    Looking at the familiar dishes, a familiar ache arose within Li Yu.

    “I vaguely remember…Master didn’t particularly like these dishes.” Mu Tao sat down, picked up her chopsticks, and said softly, “The Demon Realm is barren, and although the Demon Lord’s palace has ingredients from the human realm, the selection is limited…so I could only make these…”

    She lowered her gaze. “It’s been a long time since I cooked these; I hope they’re still to Master’s liking.”

    It had been a long time since Li Yu had tasted Mu Tao’s cooking.

    She had never found it displeasing, even that bland, slightly fishy grilled fish in the snowy wilderness was now a fond memory.

    Li Yu picked up her chopsticks and started eating silently.

    The taste was just as she remembered.

    For a moment, it was as if they were back at Chaoxi Pond, those peaceful days of quiet companionship.

    She fought back tears and whispered, “It has been a while, but the taste is still the same.”

    Mu Tao: “Does Master still like it?”

    Li Yu: “Mm.”

    Mu Tao: “Has the food at Qianlizhu improved?”

    Li Yu: “No.”

    Mu Tao: “Master must have suffered.”

    Li Yu: “…”

    What suffering had she endured?

    After returning to Mount Chao Yao, besides cultivating and recuperating, she had done nothing.

    The food at Qianlizhu wasn’t as good as Mu Tao’s, but it was just…bland, not inedible.

    She hadn’t suffered; Mu Tao was the one who had suffered.

    She couldn’t bear to think about what Mu Tao had endured during these past six months, yet Mu Tao never mentioned it, as if nothing had happened, as if all those hardships paled in comparison to not having a good meal.

    The more Mu Tao acted like this, the more Li Yu’s heart ached.

    She looked at Mu Tao, wanting to say something, then just sighed softly and lowered her gaze. “I didn’t suffer…”

    Mu Tao nodded and silently ate her rice.

    A moment later, some food was placed in her bowl.

    She paused, then accepted it.

    More and more food appeared in her bowl, and she bit her lip, her eyes reddening slightly.

    Li Yu: “Don’t just eat rice.”

    Mu Tao: “Mm.”

    A brief exchange, then silence again.

    Mu Tao finished her meal, tears in her eyes, a mix of happiness and bitterness in her heart.

    She couldn’t believe that her master, who treated her so well, truly only saw her as a disciple.

    She couldn’t accept it.

    After putting down her chopsticks, she hesitated, unsure whether to leave or find an excuse to stay.

    Li Yu asked softly, “Do you want to stay and talk?”

    “Yes!” Mu Tao replied instantly.

    Tears, which she had just wiped away, started falling again.

    She thought she had so much to say, but now, she didn’t know where to begin.

    Thankfully, Li Yu spoke again.

    Looking at Mu Tao with sympathy, she said, “You must have suffered a lot these past six months.”

    Mu Tao: “Seeing Master again makes it all worthwhile.”

    Li Yu: “…”

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

    Li Yu: “I won’t leave.”

    Mu Tao looked into Li Yu’s eyes, then asked after a long moment, “Now that Master knows…my feelings…can we…still be the same as before?”

    Li Yu: “If you’re willing, I can…”

    Mu Tao interrupted. “What if I’m not willing?”

    Li Yu: “…”

    Mu Tao: “In Master’s heart, am I…destined to be just your disciple?”

    Li Yu: “…”

    Mu Tao: “You’re willing to give me such an important place in your life, why can’t you…let me be even closer?”

    Li Yu: “…”

    “I can cook for Master forever, I can protect Master forever.” Mu Tao’s voice was soft, her eyes filled with a near-desperate longing. “Anything Master desires, as long as the Demon Realm has it, I can give it to you. And if it’s not here, I can find it for you in the human realm!”

    She said, she wasn’t willing.

    She didn’t want things to go back to how they were.

    She no longer wanted to be the one being cared for, protected, loved, seemingly carefree and happy, yet ultimately powerless.

    She hated her former self, the one who was always so easily satisfied just by being near her master.

    That self was always passive.

    Ostracized, mocked, bullied, she could only swallow her humiliation.

    When those who protected her were hurt, she could only watch helplessly.

    It hadn’t been so bad; she had believed things would get better, especially after her master finally started caring for her.

    She could eat with her master every day, she had her own cultivation manual, she went to the human realm with her master, and her master finally started teaching her spells.

    But she was still too passive…

    For two hundred years, whether bullied or loved, she had only passively accepted everything.

    She always felt insecure, the underlying anxiety never truly disappearing, no matter how happy she seemed on the surface.

    She knew how long and unpredictable life could be.

    And in this long life, everything could change.

    If her master wanted to leave, just like how she had suddenly decided to be kind to her, she wouldn’t need her permission—she couldn’t stop her, couldn’t make her stay.

    So when that moment arrived, watching her master’s retreating figure disappear into the darkness, her heart felt empty, as if she had never possessed anything.

    She stood alone in the darkness.

    Only a faint blue light lingered beside her.

    She stood beneath the light, her heart numb, yet still hoping her master would return.

    But it was wishful thinking; she was deceiving herself.

    She said she waited there for a long time.

    Until the light finally faded.

    Her world seemed to crumble around her.

    Crumbling into an endless darkness, without a single spark of light.

    But she survived.

    From that moment on, she vowed to become so strong that she could hold onto everything she desired.

    Then, she would never have to fear being abandoned again.

    “Mu Tao…”

    “Master, I wish…you were still the master I respected. I don’t want to…disobey you.” Mu Tao’s eyes were red as she asked softly, “Can’t you…be like before, fulfilling all my wishes, as much as possible?”

    “…”

    Li Yu’s silence extinguished the last flicker of hope in Mu Tao’s eyes.

    Mu Tao lowered her gaze and chuckled humorlessly, as if suddenly seeing clearly.

    “It’s fine,” she said faintly, a slight smile on her lips. “One day…Master will change your mind.”

    A black flame flickered at her fingertip and then, without warning, flew into Li Yu’s forehead.

    Li Yu frowned, a momentary discomfort, then nothing.

    “What did you do to me?”

    “Just…sealed your meridians.” Mu Tao’s eyes, though filled with tears, held a bright, innocent smile, just like before. “Now…Master can’t leave this place.”

    Li Yu couldn’t help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation.

    Although seemingly cruel, it didn’t really matter to her.

    With the curse poison already in her body, this additional seal, blocking her meridians, actually prevented the minor backlash from casual spellcasting.

    “From now on, Master will belong only to me,” Mu Tao said, standing up and walking behind Li Yu, gently caressing her face. “How wonderful, no one else can share you with me, not even for a moment.”

    Li Yu instinctively flinched from her touch.

    Mu Tao looked down at her flushed ear, her smile widening.

    She playfully traced the curve of Li Yu’s ear with her fingertip.

    Li Yu’s heart raced, and she took a deep breath, closing her eyes, her brow furrowed.

    “I often felt that Chaoxi Pond wasn’t secluded enough, supposedly our residence, yet people could come and go as they pleased.” There was a hint of annoyance in Mu Tao’s voice, but she quickly corrected herself. “From now on, Master will live here, undisturbed.”

    “There’s a barrier outside, ordinary people can’t see inside, and sounds can’t travel out…” She smiled and put her hands behind her back. “So, only I can see Master.”

    Li Yu didn’t dare respond, just squeezed her eyes shut tighter.

    Mu Tao clearly didn’t like her silence, her tone turning slightly sullen. “Master is now…like how you were before—I don’t like this Master.”

    …Didn’t she just say she did?

    “But it’s fine, Master has just woken up, you must be feeling…restless.”

    …Here we go again.

    “I’ll come and keep Master company every day, I’ll cook for you, just like before.” Mu Tao leaned closer to Li Yu’s ear and whispered, “Do you…prefer the old me? Although…I can’t go back, but I’ll try…to be more like her.”

    Her words carried a forced cheerfulness, a hint of underlying sadness. “Please…cooperate, Master. If I’m not happy, I…I can’t keep pretending.”

    She gently kissed Li Yu’s flushed ear.

    Li Yu flinched, trying to pull away, but a strong arm wrapped around her waist, holding her in place.

    She swallowed nervously and said, trying to sound firm, “Mu Tao, have you forgotten what I just said…?”

    Mu Tao frowned slightly. “No.”

    “Then let go…”

    “Is this also…absurd?” Mu Tao asked, pressing her cheek against Li Yu’s, a hurt look in her eyes. “Master’s standards are so high; this disciple is at a loss.”

    “…” Li Yu felt a wave of helplessness wash over her.

    “I’ve always obeyed Master. You raised me, protected me, I should listen to you.” Mu Tao blinked innocently, a hint of confusion in her voice. “But now, Master, you depend on me. Isn’t it only natural that you…listen to me sometimes?”

    Natural? This was a complete role reversal!

    The now dominant disciple continued, her voice filled with mock grievance. “Earlier, Master was lying in bed, unable to move, and this disciple, unable to control herself, acted…inappropriately—If Master finds it inappropriate, I accept the blame.”

    “But now, I’m not doing anything like that, just…wanting to be closer to Master…” She tightened her embrace.

    After a moment of silence, she asked, her tone slightly displeased, “If this is also absurd, aren’t you worried that this disciple will be unhappy?”

    “…”

    “If I’m unhappy…I might…stop being so obedient.”

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 77

    Chapter 77: Disciple and Wife

    A Mahayana cultivator could travel thousands of miles in an instant. One moment, she was at the Hanshan Sect’s gate, the next, she stood on Wangshu Peak.

    The peak, bathed in perpetual spring, its lush vegetation even more vibrant than she remembered, welcomed her back. The startled birds and beasts, momentarily forgetting their former resident, scattered, then cautiously reemerged, their curious eyes peering from behind trees and bushes.

    Ignoring them, she walked towards the two small houses, her robes swirling around her.

    Tao Ning circled the houses, disabling the protective formations she had set up, then stepped inside.

    The interior was unchanged, clean and dust-free, the landscape screen emitting a soft, warm glow.

    Sensing her return, the ever-burning lamp in the corner flickered to life, illuminating the room.

    Tao Ning sat down, retrieving a small, ice-like shard from her sleeve, barely an inch long, resembling a miniature jade slip.

    She had taken it from Xiao Haoran’s spatial pouch. It was the source of the faint demonic aura clinging to him.

    With his soul destroyed, the spiritual imprint was weak, easily erased.

    She turned the shard over in her fingers. It seemed ordinary, unresponsive to her spiritual energy, neither growing nor shrinking, offering no clues.

    520 scanned it, but found nothing. 【What is this? I can’t identify it.】

    Tao Ning: “You don’t know either?”

    520: 【Is there something special about it?】

    Tao Ning placed the shard on the table, her voice carrying across the empty room. “I’m back. Aren’t you coming out?”

    A shadowy figure materialized behind the table, settling onto a chair. “My master was the founder of Qianqi Peak. You’re in the wrong place.”

    Tao Ning: “Just wait. I’ll bury you on Qianqi Peak later.”

    The figure was silent for a moment, then, glancing at the empty table, seemed to let out a soft tsk. “I found a patch of rare tea plants on the back slopes of Qianqi Peak. The last time I left, they weren’t ready for harvest. I only took a small amount. I wonder who’s enjoying them now.”

    The sudden appearance of the figure almost made 520 scream. It did, in fact, emit a high-pitched shriek, but Tao Ning, anticipating its reaction, had muted it, sparing her eardrums.

    Calming down, it reminded itself this was a cultivation world. Ghosts were normal.

    The figure, however, looked familiar. Its features were slightly blurred, indistinct, but it wore dark robes and a golden crown, suggesting a position of power in its previous life.

    And it bore a striking resemblance to Tao Ning, like a reflection in a mirror.

    The only differences were in their demeanor and their aura.

    A soul could influence its host’s appearance, but subtle differences always remained.

    The figure exuded an untamed, almost regal aura, while Tao Ning was more reserved, her power concealed beneath a gentle exterior.

    520 finally understood. This was Qingji’s lingering spirit, somehow evading the Heavenly Dao, hiding within the protagonist’s jade slip.

    That’s why it couldn’t scan anything. It had registered as a blank shard.

    “Tea? That’s easy.” Tao Ning’s hand swept across the table, and a tea set materialized.

    With graceful, practiced movements, she brewed a pot of tea, its fragrant steam filling the room. A hand reached out, pouring the tea into two jade cups.

    Placing one cup before the figure, she said, “Here.” She took a sip from her own cup.

    Qingji, a mere wisp of a soul, nearing dissipation, could only observe, unable to partake in such earthly pleasures.

    Enjoying the aroma, she asked, “How did you know it was me? Why didn’t you mistake that demonic aura for another cultivator?”

    Tao Ning took another sip of tea, shaking her head. “I’m not risking another lightning strike.”

    The Heavenly Dao in cultivation worlds was sensitive, far more active than in other worlds, always ready to punish transgressions.

    Qingji, understanding, realized there was no need to pry. Everyone had their secrets. “I see. You’ve… experienced that.”

    Tao Ning, placing down her cup, said, “You kept leaking demonic energy. It was hard to miss.”

    Qingji: “Many missed it. Are all Radiant Realm cultivators so… oblivious?”

    The once-proud Demon Lord, in her usual condescending manner, dismissed all cultivators, forgetting her own origins.

    Talent often bred arrogance. Qingji, having achieved fame at a young age, ruling the Demonic Realm for centuries, wasn’t known for her humility.

    Tao Ning felt the need to explain. “You managed to evade the Heavenly Dao’s detection. It’s not surprising they couldn’t sense your faint demonic aura.”

    Qingji: “That’s different. They couldn’t even sense the demonic energy from the abyss. They’re just… incompetent.”

    Tao Ning sipped her tea, listening as the former Demon Lord continued her rant, sparing no one.

    Finally, Tao Ning spoke. “I wouldn’t be satisfied unless I saw him die myself.”

    She gestured towards the jade shard. “So you created this?”

    Qingji: “I sent him to the Hanshan Sect to die. I didn’t expect him to be so useless. He couldn’t even join the sect. I overestimated him.”

    She had anticipated Xiao Haoran’s attachment to the “Heavenly Book,” his reliance on it making him a target, assuming any cultivator encountering him would eliminate him.

    At the very least, upon reaching the Hanshan Sect’s spirit testing stone, his unusual spiritual roots and blocked meridians would be discovered.

    But few had noticed, only the Demonic Realm spy and Tao Ning.

    Tao Ning: “You went too far.”

    Qingji conceded. “Indeed. That’s why he escaped several times, meeting Chi Xiaxia prematurely, clinging to that sliver of hope.”

    A thousand years ago, at the height of her power, on the verge of ascension, Qingji had glimpsed a sliver of destiny, foreseeing her own future.

    She wouldn’t be anyone’s stepping stone. She had made preparations, even crafting artifacts to withstand the tribulation lightning, but time had run out. Her tribulation arrived early, forcing her hand. Delaying it further would have resulted in her death, either by tribulation lightning or by her own uncontrolled power.

    She had gambled, and lost.

    “Heaven wouldn’t allow it. It wanted to destroy my soul. But I found a loophole. I waited for you.”

    Tao Ning’s voice was soft, almost a whisper. “So the final lightning strike… it hit me. You transferred it.”

    Qingji hadn’t completed her tribulation.

    While she was a spiritual cultivator, her years in the Demonic Realm, her creation of the Wanhun Cauldron, had tainted her, creating karmic debts.

    She couldn’t survive the full force of the Nine Heavens Tribulation. Her soul would have been destroyed, her essence scattered, preventing reincarnation.

    But now, not only was her soul intact, but it had also entered the cycle of reincarnation, seeking a suitable vessel. In a hundred years, another “Qingji” would be born.

    Qingji smiled faintly, not denying it.

    She hadn’t expected this otherworldly soul to survive. When that annoying little thing had asked about her final wish, she had planted a seed, not expecting it to bear fruit.

    520 was speechless.

    It hadn’t been a system error that had brought its host into the world prematurely. It had been a deliberate act.

    With or without a host, Qingji would have abandoned her dying body, preserving her soul. The host had simply provided a more secure hiding place.

    That explained her ready agreement to Tao Ning’s request. She had been eager to escape!

    Qingji, her voice filled with a newfound respect, said, “You and I… we’re the same.”

    Tao Ning quickly raised her hand, palm outwards. “No, I’m not like you. I’m not alone. I have a Dao companion.”

    Qingji: “…”

    The figure vanished, 520 suspecting she had been offended.

    Even her disappearance was accompanied by a disgruntled huff.

    Cen Dianshuang arrived at the small house halfway up the mountain, finding Tao Ning crouched in the courtyard, drawing in the dirt with a stick.

    She watched for a moment, then approached, her steps lighter than usual. “What are you doing, Grand Ancestor?”

    Tao Ning jumped, clutching her chest, falling dramatically to the ground. “You scared me!”

    Cen Dianshuang, not believing her, simply stared.

    Tao Ning, clutching her chest like a delicate flower, looked up at her, her voice weak and slightly breathless. “I think… I think I’m injured. That mirror… There seem to be… lingering effects.”

    Having lived for centuries, surviving a tribulation and arriving at the Hanshan Sect bearing countless scars, she was a master of playing the victim.

    Cen Dianshuang’s eyes flickered, then hardened.

    Tao Ning, her beauty enhanced by her fox-like eyes, beckoned weakly. “Perhaps you should… examine me?”

    520, always eager to encourage mischief, added, 【Why don’t you loosen your collar a bit? Expose a little shoulder?】

    Cen Dianshuang, after a moment of contemplation, turned and walked away, her expression unreadable.

    She needed time to process everything. She couldn’t even manage a proper reprimand.

    A hand grasped her skirt, tugging gently. Tao Ning, her grip light and hesitant, simply held on, swaying slightly.

    Like a child seeking attention.

    Cen Dianshuang sighed, turning back to help Tao Ning up, her hand instinctively reaching for her wrist, then pausing, her own spiritual sense momentarily overwhelmed by the sheer power of Tao Ning’s meridians.

    She looked at Tao Ning, her gaze complex, then turned and walked towards the steps leading up to her cave.

    Tao Ning followed, her voice soft, almost pleading. “I didn’t mean to deceive you. I just… I didn’t know how the Hanshan Sect felt about… those from the Demonic Realm… But my feelings for you are real. I truly… I truly care for you. I swear to the heavens.”

    Cen Dianshuang stumbled on the steps.

    She quickened her pace, refusing to turn around.

    Tao Ning, her robes swirling around her as she hurried after her master, continued, “I, Tao Ning, swear to the heavens, if I have been deceitful in any way, then…”

    A Mahayana cultivator’s oath carried weight. Dark clouds gathered overhead. Any falsehood would be punished by tribulation lightning.

    Cen Dianshuang, seeing her seriousness, stopped, turning sharply. “Why did you shield me from the Cycle Mirror?”

    Unlike the others, she possessed her mother’s inherited memories. She knew the Cycle Mirror was a Demonic Beast Realm treasure, its activation requiring the sacrifice of a thousand-year-old demon core, a precious and rare artifact.

    The two schemers, their greed blinding them, had inadvertently empowered Tao Ning.

    Tao Ning hesitated, her mouth opening and closing slightly. “Because… there were so many people… and he said it could… reveal one’s true form… I couldn’t let you be exposed.”

    Her instinctive reaction had been genuine. Cen Dianshuang hadn’t anticipated such a drastic measure. She had been terrified, fearing her true nature would be revealed. Tao Ning had shielded her, pushing her behind her, covering her eyes with her hand, whispering, “Don’t worry. It’ll be alright.”

    And she had been protected. If her true form had been revealed, not only would she have been in danger, but the Hanshan Sect would have faced severe repercussions.

    Cen Dianshuang’s voice was barely a whisper. “You knew… I was a… demon?”

    Tao Ning: “Yes.”

    Cen Dianshuang: “Did you know…?” …that I’m a hybrid?

    Tao Ning’s voice was firm. “Yes. I don’t care. I only care about you.”

    Cen Dianshuang, no longer able to deny her own feelings, asked, “When did you know?” She hadn’t sensed any mockery or judgment from Tao Ning.

    Transforming into her true form might shrink her size, but not her intelligence.

    She was simply… confused.

    Tao Ning’s voice was soft, almost hesitant. “I’ve known for a while. The screen with the Shangxi bird… This peak’s name, Wangshu… The ‘Frost’ token… And you never appeared with the Shangxi bird at the same time.”

    520 was bewildered. This isn’t how it’s supposed to go! Where’s the denial? The accusations? The dramatic pronouncements of betrayal?

    Why are they talking about demons?

    It had been confused by the mention of Shangxi birds, then realized – The bird! The grumpy little bird Tao Ning kept teasing! It was Cen Dianshuang all along!

    How?! How did she figure it out?! They’re so different! There’s no resemblance!

    Were there really that many clues? Why didn’t I notice?

    Who would connect such minor details to a Hanshan Sect elder? Wouldn’t that be crazy?

    520, as usual, struggled to keep up with its host’s thought processes.

    Cen Dianshuang, listening to Tao Ning’s explanation, felt exposed, her carefully constructed facade crumbling, then she recovered.

    Tao Ning was observant, perceptive, and Cen Dianshuang, having lowered her guard, had practically handed her the answers.

    Remembering the ruthless efficiency of Tao Ning’s earlier actions, she asked, “You knew… from the first time we met?”

    Tao Ning, unaware of her reputation shook her head quickly. “No, not then. I didn’t know.”

    Cen Dianshuang was relieved. She didn’t want to relive the constant frustration of those early encounters. She had assumed Tao Ning’s change in demeanor had been a sign of maturity.

    Now, she realized it had been suspicion.

    “The spirit boat in Shadow City… You did that deliberately, didn’t you?”

    Tao Ning nodded. “Yes.”

    Cen Dianshuang: “Why?” If not for today’s events, she would have found a way to ask.

    Tao Ning: “Because I didn’t want to keep it from you forever, but I didn’t know how the Hanshan Sect would react.”

    It was a complicated situation, a secret she had never shared before.

    Crippling her cultivation had been a precautionary measure. If the Hanshan Sect, like other sects, rejected former demonic cultivators, it would have created unnecessary complications.

    And with no one suspecting her true identity, she hadn’t seen the need to reveal it, to disrupt their peaceful existence.

    She hadn’t anticipated regaining her full power, or today’s events.

    Cen Dianshuang understood.

    She too had struggled with her Shangxi heritage.

    Tao Ning, taking her hand, her gaze fixed on Cen Dianshuang’s face, said, “No matter who I am, my feelings for you won’t change. If you want to stay at the Hanshan Sect, I’ll stay with you. If you want to leave, I’ll travel the world with you. We’ll be free.”

    Cen Dianshuang: “I… I need some time.” She turned and practically ran back to her cave, activating the protective formation.

    Tao Ning, her first time at the summit, stopped before the cave entrance, not daring to intrude.

    A sweet fragrance reached her, and she noticed a lotus pond beside the cave, its blossoms large and vibrant, their scent intoxicating.

    She remembered the lotus flowers depicted on the screen in her room, the one Cen Dianshuang had used for only a single night.

    That explained Wangshu Peak’s isolation, Cen Dianshuang’s reluctance to allow visitors. There were always clues, if one looked closely enough.

    A rumble overhead, and a sudden downpour drenched Tao Ning, who hadn’t brought an umbrella.

    Tao Ning: …Did I anger the bird?

    520 silently activated its camera function.

    Outside Wangshu Peak, passing disciples, noticing the sudden storm, looked up in surprise. “What’s with the heavy rain?”

    Another disciple, also looking towards the peak, exclaimed, “I haven’t seen rain like this in a hundred years!”

    Cen Dianshuang, after a long period of emotional turmoil stopped the rain, emerging from her cave.

    Tao Ning was still there, standing by the lotus pond, a large lotus leaf held above her head like an umbrella, its surface dotted with raindrops.

    She had changed her clothes, but the style remained the same: long, flowing robes, layered and intricate.

    The pale green fabric, elegant and refined, suited her perfectly, like a lotus spirit given human form.

    The purple robe had also suited her, its color vibrant and striking.

    In truth, everything looked good on Tao Ning. In Cen Dianshuang’s eyes, she was perfect.

    Tao Ning, holding the lotus leaf, her feet submerged in the shallow water, muttered, “What am I supposed to do now…?”

    520: 【It’s simple. Wait for her to calm down, then tell her, ‘Let’s keep our titles. You call me Grand Ancestor, I call you Master. We can even get married secretly. It’ll be exciting.’】

    Tao Ning: “…”

    Sensing Cen Dianshuang’s approach, she turned, holding a bowl filled with lotus seeds. “I peeled some lotus seeds. Would you like some?”

    Cen Dianshuang sat beside her, her voice calm. “Yes.”

    Lotus seeds peeled by my Grand Ancestor, who is also potentially my “wife” – I’ve faced demon lords and survived. I can handle this.

  • On How to Conquer System Fairies and Make Them Your Wives 204

    Chapter 204: No One Leaves Empty-Handed

    Wu Xuan Cave.

    Lian’er, nestled in her bed, was dreaming sweetly.

    She was in Chen Yin’s room, happily munching on a cheesecake, his hand gently stroking her hair.

    She loved the feeling of his touch, the gentle pressure of his fingers on her scalp, like a soothing massage.

    And he always had the most delicious treats, things she had never tasted before.

    As she dreamed, a loud knocking startled her awake.

    She rubbed her eyes and stumbled towards the door.

    “Who is it? It’s the middle of the night—”

    “Grand Witch! Where’s the Grand Witch?!”

    Lian’er recognized the frantic voice.

    Hu Luo was one of the few remaining loyal disciples of the Wu Xuan Cave.

    She opened the door, and Hu Luo said urgently, “We have to find the Grand Witch!”

    “What?”

    Lian’er was confused.

    But before Hu Luo could explain,

    A sharp blade pierced through his chest from behind.

    Lian’er’s eyes widened in horror.

    She felt something warm and wet splatter on her face, a sickening metallic scent filling the air.

    Her vision blurred, the room darkening.

    Hu Luo’s eyes widened in shock and disbelief, his face contorted in a silent scream.

    As blood trickled from his lips, he used his last breath to whisper,

    “…Run…”

    Lian’er didn’t hear him.

    She watched in horror as his body slumped to the ground.

    Behind him stood a group of strangers, dressed in unfamiliar uniforms, like disciples of a cultivation sect.

    One of them looked at Lian’er and asked, “Are you the caretaker?”

    Lian’er didn’t answer.

    “If you don’t want to die, cooperate.”

    The disciple seemed relaxed. He could sense that this seemingly harmless girl was just a beginner, at the early Gathering Qi Realm.

    No threat to him at all.

    “Where does your Grand Witch keep her treasures?”

    Lian’er remained silent.

    “Cat got your tongue?” The disciple frowned and slapped her face roughly. “I’m talking to you—”

    The next moment, he screamed in terror and stumbled backward.

    A strange purple discoloration, reeking of decay, spread rapidly across his hand and up his arm.

    “Ah! What is this?! Help—”

    Within seconds, his flesh melted away, his body dissolving into a puddle of goo.

    The other disciples, their eyes wide with horror, drew their weapons and surrounded Lian’er.

    Lian’er stared at Hu Luo’s body, her brow furrowed in sadness.

    “Why… did you kill him?”

    No one answered. They just backed away, their eyes wary.

    “You’re all bad people!”

    Lian’er’s face turned red with anger. She clumsily formed a hand seal, trying to replicate the low-level technique Chen Yin had taught her.

    “Bad people!”

    A small ball of energy shot out from her hand and exploded harmlessly on the ground, creating a small crater.

    The force behind the attack was far greater than that of a Gathering Qi Realm cultivator, but the technique was crude and unrefined, like a child wielding a giant sword.

    As the dust settled, the disciples looked at Lian’er, their eyes narrowed.

    She was panting, her face flushed, her hair plastered to her forehead with sweat.

    “Careful! This Wu Xuan Cave witch must have countless poisonous Gu worms! Don’t get too close!”

    “It seems she only knows Gu techniques, not spells. Stay back and observe.”

    Lian’er’s eyes filled with tears.

    …Bad people.

    All of you are bad people.

    Don’t bully the people of the Wu Xuan Cave!

    She gathered her energy again and launched another attack.

    The explosion echoed through the mountains, startling the birds in the forest.

    Under the cover of darkness, countless unseen battles raged.

    Inside the secret realm…

    “This is the Phantasmal Harmony Ganoderma?”

    Chen Yin looked at the small, yellow plant with curiosity.

    “What’s so special about this thing that an Immortal would wait hundreds of years for it to ripen?”

    “The scriptures only offer a vague description of its properties.” The Grand Witch’s eyes were fixed on the Ganoderma. “It’s a divine object, perhaps not even meant for this world. A true immortal herb.”

    The masked man gently touched one of the leaves, and the plant trembled slightly.

    “But according to the Wu Xuan Ancestor, it’s not ripe yet.”

    “What should we do?”

    The Grand Witch frowned.

    Chen Yin stared at the Ganoderma, a thought suddenly crossing his mind.

    “…Grand Witch.”

    “Hmm?”

    “Want to make a bet?”

    The Grand Witch looked at him with surprise.

    “If I can make this Ganoderma ripen, you grant me one wish. How about that?”

    “Really? Can you really do it?” A flicker of excitement crossed her eyes, quickly replaced by suspicion. “What’s your wish?”

    “Let me think…”

    Chen Yin imagined a rather… interesting and slightly erotic scene.

    Just thinking about it made his blood rush.

    “I want you and Nan Xiaoxiang to take a bath together.”

    A stunned silence filled the air.

    The masked man stood there silently, his gaze fixed on Chen Yin.

    The Grand Witch was speechless, then her face flushed crimson.

    “What kind of ridiculous request is that?!”

    “You and Nan Xiaoxiang seem to be on bad terms.”

    Chen Yin said seriously, “I think it would be… interesting to see you two bathe together.”

    …Maybe they’ll even start fighting. I love watching girls fight.

    The Grand Witch shook her head vehemently. “No way! I’m not taking a bath with that woman!”

    “Really?”

    Chen Yin teased, “If you didn’t care, why did you go out of your way to provoke her? You’re the Grand Witch. If you don’t like her, just beat her up in the bath. She’s just a mortal, she can’t fight back.”

    “You wouldn’t mind if I hurt her? You wouldn’t intervene?”

    “Of course I would mind.” Chen Yin blinked innocently. “And I’d love to ‘intervene’.”

    The Grand Witch understood his meaning, her cheeks flushing slightly. “You pervert!”

    “What can I say? I have a thing for long-legged beauties.”

    “Can’t you ask for something else?”

    “If you’re willing to wait, that’s fine too.” Chen Yin shrugged. “Maybe the Ganoderma will ripen on its own in a few days.”

    The Grand Witch hesitated.

    …According to the Wu Xuan Ancestor, the Ganoderma was nourished by the children who participated in the Sacred Child trials.

    That was something she couldn’t accept.

    If the trials continued, then what was the point of everything she had done?

    But without the Phantasmal Harmony Ganoderma, Lian’er…

    Thinking of the approaching Triennial Day, she gritted her teeth.

    It was just a bath with Nan Xiaoxiang.

    They were both women. What was the big deal? She could just ignore her and pretend she was alone.

    “…Fine.”

    The Grand Witch said, her voice firm, “I agree.”

    “But don’t get ahead of yourself. If you can’t make the Ganoderma ripen—”

    Her words were cut short as her eyes widened in disbelief.

    Chen Yin gently channeled his blue spiritual energy into the Ganoderma, and its color instantly shifted from a pale yellow to a deep, vibrant orange.

    The small, withered leaf beneath the other three began to grow rapidly.

    Within moments, the Phantasmal Harmony Ganoderma, now with four healthy leaves, was fully mature, its potent spiritual energy filling the chamber.

    “This…”

    The Grand Witch was stunned. She quickly tried to infuse it with her own spiritual energy, but nothing happened.

    “H-how did you do that?”

    “Want to know?” Chen Yin grinned. “It’s probably because of my unique physique. If you want this ability, it’s not impossible.”

    “Really?” The Grand Witch’s eyes lit up. “How?”

    “Simple. Just leave my genes inside you, and our offspring will definitely—”

    Before Chen Yin could finish his sentence, the Grand Witch turned and walked away.

    She had no sense of humor. Chen Yin shrugged.

    The masked man couldn’t help but sneer. “Perhaps you should refrain from making such vulgar remarks to women.”

    “What?” Chen Yin grinned. “Are you jealous that I’m flirting with her?”

    The masked man paused, then said calmly, “…I didn’t know you were interested in men as well.”

    “If you’re truly interested, I might consider it.”

    The masked man, unable to endure his teasing gaze, snorted and walked away.

    But as soon as he was out of earshot, he said to his System, his voice filled with a mixture of disgust and confusion, “He’s… he’s actually bisexual? How could he…”

    “…Considering his behavior these past few days,” the System couldn’t help but comment, “I think he’s more likely to have recognized you.”

  • You’re Not Allowed to Kiss Me Anymore! [Quick Transmigration] 53p2

    Chapter 53 p2

    After Xu Jingyu left, she had spat out the cockroach, her body trembling with disgust and fear, and had run to her parents, crying.

    Her parents, hearing about Xu Jingyu’s actions, had been furious, even her useless brother joining in their outrage.

    They had surrounded Xu Jingyu, their voices filled with accusations.

    Xu Jingyu, sitting on the sofa, rubbing her temples, had found their noise annoying.

    She had lost all patience with this family.

    Fine.

    Then no one would be happy.

    She had gone to her room, retrieved a stack of photos, and tossed them onto the coffee table, right in front of her mother, who had been defending her adopted daughter.

    The living room had fallen silent.

    As her mother looked at the photos, her face paling, her body swaying slightly, she had forgotten all about Xu Jingyu, turning to slap her husband across the face.

    From that day on, their family had never been the same.

    And Xu Jingyu, a detached observer, had watched their world crumble.

    She had been only fifteen years old, her coldness already unsettling.

    Three years later, it had only gotten worse.

    She had taken control of the company, seizing her family’s assets, her grip on their lives absolute.

    She had replaced her father, sending her enemies to faraway lands, firing those she disliked.

    She had frozen her mother’s credit cards, ending her extravagant spending habits, and had sent her useless brother abroad.

    And then, with a touch of malicious amusement, she would occasionally return home, spending a few days with her terrified mother and sister.

    Even now, her sister couldn’t speak in her presence, her fear crippling her.

    She had destroyed their family, turning them into puppets, their lives at her mercy.

    But she had found peace, and that was enough.

    From then on, everyone knew Xu Jingyu was ruthless, a force to be reckoned with, a monster who wouldn’t hesitate to destroy even her own family. They treated her with a cautious respect, their fear palpable.

    Xu Jingyu, the cold, aloof, and utterly ruthless woman, was known as one of the two “madwomen” of their social circle, the other being Dan Yan.

    Dan Yan, however, was the opposite of Xu Jingyu, a fiery, impulsive creature of chaos, always on the verge of explosion.

    Xu Jingyu had heard the rumors, but she didn’t comment.

    She considered herself perfectly sane, her emotions under control, unlike Dan Yan, who was a true sadist.

    The churning waves calmed, their foamy edges receding as they lapped gently against the shore.

    And Xu Jingyu’s memories, like faded photographs, sank into the depths of her mind.

    She stood there, the cool water washing over her legs, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

    Just then, as she stood there, lost in thought, someone grabbed her wrist.

    She turned instinctively, and as she saw the person beside her, her memories, her anxieties, the vastness of the ocean, it all faded away, a soft smile playing on her lips.

    It was Xin Yao.

    Xin Yao knew how to swim, but it was her first time swimming in the ocean.

    Despite the lifeguards and the lifeboat nearby, she hadn’t dared to venture too far from the shore.

    She had been splashing around near the water’s edge, holding onto a pink inflatable float, her legs kicking, her arms flailing, like a little corgi paddling in the water.

    She had floated over to Xu Jingyu and grabbed her wrist.

    “Why are you just standing there? Are you still sulking about your rejected proposal?”

    Just then, a wave crashed against the shore.

    Xin Yao’s face paled, her arms and legs flailing wildly as she tried to paddle away.

    “Help! Xu Jingyu, run! The wave… glub, glub, glub… I’m drowning! Glub, glub, glub… I’m going to drown!”

    Xu Jingyu, unable to contain her laughter, walked over and scooped Xin Yao up into her arms.

    Then, cupping her face in her hands, she kissed her, a long, deep kiss.

    She held Xin Yao close, her head buried in her neck, her laughter muffled by Xin Yao’s hair.

    “I think I’m starting to like the ocean.”

    Xin Yao, having swallowed a mouthful of seawater, pouted, her face still slightly pale. “Really? That’s sudden. You looked like you wanted to die just a moment ago.”

    “Mm-hmm,” Xu Jingyu, amused by her description, held her even tighter. “Because I like you. I like you very much.”

    Seeing you is like seeing the sun.

    You have no idea how much I like you.

    They spent the afternoon playing in the water, their laughter echoing through the air.

    It wasn’t until they returned to the villa that evening that Xin Yao, while Xu Jingyu wasn’t looking, retrieved her phone and saw the missed calls.

    Over a dozen missed calls, all from Ying Xi.

    Her eyes flickering with concern, she called back.

    The person on the other end seemed to have been waiting for her call, answering immediately.

    But she didn’t speak.

    Xin Yao also remained silent, waiting.

    After a long moment, Ying Xi finally spoke, her voice hoarse, as if she had been crying.

    “I called you many times.”

    “I didn’t have my phone with me this afternoon,” Xin Yao explained. “I just saw the missed calls.”

    Ying Xi was silent for a moment, then continued, her voice even softer now. “I saw the news.”

    “And?”

    “He’s targeting you, isn’t he?”

    “Obviously.”

    Another long silence followed.

    Then, Ying Xi laughed, a strange, hollow sound, her voice a mix of resignation and despair.

    “The streetlights and security cameras in the alley near my home are broken.”

    It had happened just two days ago, both on the same day.

    Ying Xi, remembering Xin Yao’s warning, had been paying attention to such details. Standing at the entrance of the alley, bathed in sunlight, she had felt a chill run down her spine.

    And then she had seen the news about Xin Yao.

    It couldn’t be a coincidence.

    She had to believe Xin Yao now. Li Xu was targeting them, and he wouldn’t hesitate to kill them.

    Sometimes, love turned to hate very easily.

    And Ying Xi, tormented by Li Xu’s betrayal, his affair, his abandonment, and now his threat to her life and the life of her unborn child, was filled with a burning rage.

    She wiped away her tears, her voice hard. “You were right. Why should we die, while he gets to live?”

    Xin Yao’s eyes flickered as she looked out the window at the moonlit sky.

    “Then I look forward to working with you, to making him pay.”

    She hung up the phone and turned around, then paused, seeing Xu Jingyu standing in the doorway, her expression unreadable.

    Seeing her like this, Xin Yao knew she was worried, that she wanted to protect Xin Yao, to take revenge on her behalf.

    Xin Yao walked over and took her hand.

    “I know you’re worried about me, but I’m really fine. And I want to handle this myself, okay?”

    Xu Jingyu, her lips pressed together, looked at Xin Yao for a long moment, then finally nodded.

    “This is the last time. If they hurt you again, I won’t hold back.”

    Xin Yao smiled, gently squeezing her hand.

    “Okay.”

    The next day, after lunch, Xin Yao prepared to leave.

    Xu Jingyu had wanted her to stay longer, to relax and enjoy the beach, but Xin Yao, feeling better and not wanting to delay the filming any further, decided to return to the set.

    As she arrived that afternoon, the crew, seeing her, fell silent.

    Xin Yao, however, her usual cheerful demeanor unchanged, greeted them with a smile, making their hearts ache even more.

    She blinked, her voice light and teasing. “What’s with the long faces?”

    Director Gao, seeing her, rushed over. “Yao, are you okay? Why didn’t you rest for a few more days?”

    “I’m fine, really,” Xin Yao said, smiling wryly, then, seeing their concerned expressions, she added, “How about I treat everyone to milk tea? Don’t worry about me.”

    Li Ying, the makeup artist, couldn’t help herself.

    “I’ll treat you!” she exclaimed.

    Her words seemed to break the tension, and other voices echoed her offer.

    “I’ll pay!”

    “Me too!”

    “Let the director pay!”

    Xin Yao, surprised by their generosity, looked at their concerned faces, then chuckled.

    “I’d be drinking milk tea for the rest of the year!”

    She turned to Li Ying, her smile warm and sincere.

    “Thank you.”

    Her gaze, so earnest and heartfelt, made Li Ying’s heart flutter.

    “You’re so sweet! I love you, Yaoyao Laoshi!” [Teacher/Ms. Xin]

    Xin Yao winked at her. “I love you too.”

    Li Ying, smitten, was about to say something when the assistant director grabbed her arm, pulling her back.

    “Are you crazy?! Ms. Xu is staring daggers at you! You’d be toast if looks could kill!”

    Li Ying, following her gaze, saw Xu Jingyu standing among the crowd, her eyes dark and intense, sending a chill down Li Ying’s spine.

    She gulped. “How long has she been staring at me?”

    The assistant director scoffed. “Since you confessed your love for Xin Yao.”

    A beat of silence.

    Then, they both whispered in unison, “Wow, she’s jealous!”

    Ms. Xu, you’re so in love!

    After that incident, Xin Yao officially returned to work.

    She filmed her scenes, monitored the online discussions, and continued gathering evidence with Ying Xi.

    Once they were ready, they would choose the perfect moment to strike, to bring Li Xu down.

    Meanwhile, the filming of “Unseen Spring” progressed, reaching the middle of the story.

    Today, Xin Yao was filming a pivotal scene, the first intimate scene between the two female leads after they got together: a love scene.

    She and Xu Jingyu would be sharing a bed again.

    Sitting in her chair on set, Xin Yao felt a flicker of nervousness. She hadn’t expected to film another intimate scene so soon.

    But she was an experienced actress now, having gained even more experience with her girlfriend, so…

    No, she was still nervous!

    It was a love scene, after all. No matter how many times she did it, or who she did it with, she couldn’t help but feel a little shy and awkward.

    Just then, Director Gao, her script clutched in her hand, walked towards her, her eyes lighting up as she saw Xin Yao.

    “Yo, Yao, been waiting long?”

    “Have you read the script? Are you ready? It’s a tough scene, but don’t worry, we’ll take our time. No pressure.”

    As she spoke, Xu Jingyu, also in costume, approached them.

    She was wearing a simple white shirt, black pants, and black boots, her demeanor cool and aloof, her presence intimidating.

    And this was the person Xin Yao would be sharing a bed with.

    Director Gao, leading Xu Jingyu towards Xin Yao, continued, “It’s a tough scene for both of you. I can see you’ve become closer, but sometimes, the more comfortable you are with someone, the more awkward these scenes can be.”

    “So, how about, like last time, you two chat for a bit before we start filming, to build some chemistry?”

    Always impatient, she didn’t wait for their reply, simply saying, “Alright, then. You two get to know each other. I’ll go check on the cameras.”

    With that, she hurried away, leaving a slightly nervous Xin Yao and a seemingly indifferent Xu Jingyu standing there.

    Xu Jingyu, taller than Xin Yao, her dark eyes cool and intense, her gaze slightly intimidating, said, “Then I look forward to working with you, Ms. Xin.”

    But this seemingly aloof and composed woman had been kicked out of bed by Xin Yao that morning, still smarting from their passionate encounter the previous night.

    On set, they maintained a professional distance, their interactions polite and formal.

    No one knew the hidden depths of their intimacy, the passion that burned between them in the darkness of their shared nights.

  • The Delicate Female Lead Only Wants to be Loved by the Villainous Young Ladies 318-319

    Chapter 318: Two Little Crybabies

    Because Xiao Ai was covering her mouth, Adele could only kiss her smooth, white forehead.

    “Mmm…I’m being eaten!” Now it was Xiao Ai’s turn to cover her forehead. Adele couldn’t help but laugh. She patted the little one’s head and said with a smile, “Mama’s not a monster, how could I eat you?”

    “Silly, Mama’s going to make you breakfast, stay in the room and be good.”

    Because of her mind-reading ability, Xiao Ai could understand every word Adele said. At the same time, she memorized the meaning of the “words” in Mama’s speech. For example, the word “breakfast.” Xiao Ai learned both its pronunciation and its meaning: “food eaten in the morning.”

    The little one had a good memory, perhaps just a little short of photographic memory. She could remember after just two glances. Therefore, as long as Adele spent time chatting with her, introducing everything she saw to her, Xiao Ai would quickly become proficient in human language. Calling her a prodigy wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

    This made Adele think, as long as she was around, if Xiao Ai went to school in the future, no matter what difficulties she encountered, as long as she, as a parent, worked hard to understand them, wouldn’t that mean Xiao Ai understood them too? Wouldn’t she be Xiao Ai’s human cheat code?

    It was just a bit painful to relearn all that old knowledge. But for her child, no matter how hard it was, it was worth…Wait! Why was her thinking already shifting to that of a parent!? Even Adele herself was still a student!

    “Mm! Xiao Ai, good!” Xiao Ai responded to Adele’s instructions. She would stay in the room and wait for “Mama” to return.

    Adele then left the room with peace of mind, her footsteps light as she padded down the stairs. She hadn’t even changed out of her nightgown, and unless something unexpected happened, like having to go out, Adele would stay in her pajamas at home.

    If only I could wear nightgowns and pajamas forever! she thought. They were a hundred times more comfortable than regular clothes, especially uniforms!

    Adele arrived in the kitchen. She planned to make noodles for her little Xiao Ai! Adele’s noodles were super delicious, meow! Especially instant noodles! Ahem, just kidding. How could Adele give Xiao Ai instant noodles? Of course, it had to be her own special plain noodles. They looked simple, but the taste was complex and addictive. Add two soft-boiled eggs, the kind where the yolk would run when poked with chopsticks. Simply divine~

    Meanwhile, as Adele happily prepared breakfast in the kitchen, an unexpected “guest” arrived at her window. It was, of course, First Snow, the kitten, who hadn’t even had time to eat the breakfast prepared by Headmistress Winona.

    After yesterday’s reunion, the kitten’s relationship with Adele had returned to its former harmony, or rather, it had become even closer. And so, early in the morning, she came to Adele’s house to freeload. Actually, it didn’t matter whether she ate canned food or not, the important thing was to be with Adele. Then, during the holidays, they could do comfortable things together~ or play games in front of the computer, which could bring a lot of happiness to both human and cat.

    “Meow~ Little First Snow is here, meow!” First Snow, without a word, used short-range teleportation magic to pass through the tightly closed glass window and into Adele’s room.

    This startled Xiao Ai, who was obediently staying in the room. How could a fluffy, flying thing suddenly appear!? Was it a bug!? It seemed not…not only was it not a bug, it was also quite cute.

    Xiao Ai knew about griffins because there were griffins among the mist monsters she could control. But this was the first time she had seen a Cat-Bird. Since First Snow was currently in her cat form, the two little ones just stared at each other, one floating in the air, the other kneeling on the bed. Both received a mental shock.

    First Snow’s reaction was particularly strong. She meowed and, flapping her small golden wings, flew to Xiao Ai’s side, circling her continuously. At the same time, she let out a series of rapid meows! She even forgot to transform into her human form. So no one could understand her.

    But in fact, translated from cat language, First Snow was asking Xiao Ai, “Ade-Ade-Adele! Why have you become so small, meow!? Although you’re still very cute like this…but if we want to do comfortable things, it would be a crime, a crime, right!? I don’t want to become a criminal kitty, meow…Or do human laws not apply to cats? Meow…then I can only do it, meow!”

    First Snow, quickly changing her train of thought, even thought that Adele in this form might be easier to bully. Therefore, after circling several times, she suddenly pounced into Xiao Ai’s arms, knocking her onto the bed. At the same time, First Snow transformed into her human form, a teenage cat-girl with fluffy ears and a tail.

    Xiao Ai, who had just arrived in the human world, had never experienced this before and was completely flustered. No matter how cute First Snow looked, it was difficult to dispel the child’s instinctive fear of the unknown. So First Snow could see that “little Adele’s” lips were pursed so tightly that her smooth skin wrinkled, and her pupils trembled continuously. This was clearly…

    “Waaah!!!” A sign of crying!!

    First Snow panicked, and she finally smelled Xiao Ai’s scent as she got closer, realizing…that this girl might indeed be related to Sister Adele…but definitely not Sister Adele herself! As expected, she was a fool to believe that Sister Adele could become smaller, meow!

    But what should she do in this situation, meow!? First Snow herself was still a child who had just grown up a little. To have her deal with Xiao Ai, who was younger than her in both appearance and mental age… Maybe she should just shave her head! This is a joke, not a serious suggestion.

    First Snow, at a loss, sat on Xiao Ai and came up with a brilliant solution. That was…

    You cry, I cry! It was childish, indeed, like a solution from kindergarten. One child cried, and then the whole kindergarten cried. Don’t ask why, just cry!

    “Meowww! Meow!”

    “…” First Snow cried with genuine emotion, confusing Xiao Ai.

    So when Adele heard the crying and rushed upstairs, taking five steps at a time, and pushed open the door, the scene she saw…was First Snow, who had pushed Xiao Ai down, crying…on top of Xiao Ai? And Xiao Ai looked at her with pleading eyes. Then, Xiao Ai seemed to feel that it was unfair that she wasn’t crying in front of Mama. So she also wailed loudly, crying again. This made Adele, who had just opened the door and hadn’t figured out the situation yet, even more confused.

    “Eh…”

    “Eh?!?” Something wasn’t right. Who was the victim here!? Should she cry too??

    Chapter 319: A Friendly Pawshake

    True to Adele’s nature, even in this situation, she came up with a unique solution. However, she didn’t actually cry. There were two little ones waiting for her comfort. Of course, she was also curious about what happened between First Snow and Xiao Ai while she was downstairs preparing breakfast. Xiao Ai was pushed down on the bed, and First Snow was on top of her, looking bewildered.

    But now First Snow had come to her senses. The big Adele at the door was the real Adele! As for the “little Adele” in front of her, she wasn’t Adele, meow!

    Startled, First Snow bounced up like a spring and flew around the small room, the flapping of her wings rustling the pages of the books Adele had left on the table. It reminded Adele of a poem she had read: “The breeze doesn’t know how to read, so why does it ruffle the pages?”

    But now wasn’t the time for literacy. First Snow went from shock to fear.

    “Ade-Ade-Adele! Meow meow meow!”

    Adele probably understood. She was asking, “Who is she!?” First Snow finally landed and ran to Adele, who was still wearing her apron, hiding behind her in a panic and looking at Xiao Ai, who was sitting up on the bed, rubbing her eyes pitifully.

    It had to be said that even though everything she saw was beyond First Snow’s comprehension and made her panic, she couldn’t bring herself to dislike the little girl who looked almost exactly like a younger Sister Adele. Instead, she felt like comforting her. Perhaps this was what it meant to love someone so much that you loved everything associated with them.

    “Alright, alright, quiet down!”

    “I’ll explain everything to you separately.” Adele stepped forward in time to take control of the situation.

    First Snow clutched her clothes and nodded obediently. Xiao Ai also cutely covered her small mouth. It was so red that it made one want to taste it, to see if it tasted like cherries or red berries. So tempting…

    “Then I’ll start by introducing Xiao Ai.”

    “This is my ‘daughter’ whom I brought back from the Vampire territory after…certain events!”

    “What do you mean by ‘certain events,’ meow!?”

    “And what’s a ‘daughter,’ meow!?” This explanation was as good as no explanation! It only made the cat more curious.

    “How could Sister Adele have a daughter…That’s not right, meow!” Because having a daughter meant that either Sister Adele was pregnant, or another girl was pregnant. Either way, it was difficult for First Snow to accept.

    Although First Snow was naive and just entering puberty, she had lived for a long time and knew exactly what pregnancy was. She couldn’t imagine how Sister Adele had secretly raised such a little daughter! Who took advantage of Sister Adele when she was young, meow!? Damn, so enviable…no, wait!

    Or…given Sister Adele’s personality, was it more likely that she, at a young age, had won over an innocent girl, had a child with her, and raised her in the vampire territory? It sounded like something Sister Adele would do…

    Fortunately, Adele didn’t know what First Snow was thinking. Otherwise, she would definitely vomit blood. Was she really that much of a scumbag!? And a scumbag from a young age? This was slander!

    “She’s not…born in the usual way!”

    “Anyway, it’s a long story. I met Xiao Ai, found out she looked exactly like me, and then I treated her like my daughter.”

    “We…shouldn’t be blood-related.” Adele said “shouldn’t.” She wasn’t entirely sure. Because what if this was one of the author’s abandoned plot points, a setting that wasn’t written out? For example, Xiao Ai’s true identity was the child of Adele’s parents, or the child of one of Adele’s relatives, etc. Anything was possible. But Seraph also said she was the “creation of a false god.” It was giving Adele a headache.

    Fortunately, she wasn’t someone who liked to get to the bottom of things. And she couldn’t just ignore Xiao Ai, who looked exactly like her younger self. So she brought her back to raise her. It was also a way to gain experience for raising a daughter in the future.

    Seeing First Snow’s dumbfounded look, Adele continued to introduce First Snow to Xiao Ai, regardless of whether she had fully accepted it.

    “And this is First Snow, my little kitty!”

    “Meow…” This kind of thing couldn’t be said in front of Headmistress Winona. Otherwise, the Headmistress would really lose it. I’ve been feeding you since you were a kitten, until now. You’ve only eaten a few cans of Adele’s food, and now you’re her kitty!? That’s too much. Is there such a thing as a ‘poached’ cat!?

    “Little…kitty?” Xiao Ai wiped her tears, looked at Mama’s face, and murmured pitifully. She could understand a kitten. But she couldn’t understand a kitten with wings that could transform into a silver-haired loli with cat ears and a tail.

    However, Adele didn’t want to explain too much. They would get along eventually. Or rather, because First Snow came to cling to Adele every day, she would probably become one of the beings Xiao Ai was most familiar with.

    “Now that everyone knows each other, let’s shake paws and make up~”

    “…”

    “…” Clearly, both First Snow and Xiao Ai were still a little confused. But since Adele had said so, they wouldn’t continue making a fuss. Besides, First Snow was indeed curious about Xiao Ai. Loving the house and its crow, First Snow couldn’t dislike Xiao Ai. Or rather, looking at Xiao Ai reminded her of Sister Adele when she was little, making her instinctively want to take care of her, protect her, bully her… Uh, scratch that last one.

    But loving someone meant loving every aspect of them, whether they were laughing or crying. As for Xiao Ai’s thoughts on First Snow, it was probably just: white, fluffy, and wanting to touch. A cat’s affinity was undeniable.

    The two little ones stared at each other for a long time. Finally, First Snow, who looked older, pursed her lips and bravely walked towards Xiao Ai. Since Sister Adele had said so…let’s shake paws, meow.

    Xiao Ai also sensed the urge to befriend Sister First Snow from Adele’s heart. After hesitating for a moment, she extended her small, tender hand. The historic handshake between First Snow and Xiao Ai was born at this moment! Truly a joyous occasion.

    “M-My name is First Snow, meow!”

    “…First Snow, meow?”

    “It’s First Snow, meow! Not First Snow, meow!” Who could understand that!?

    But the clever Xiao Ai quickly understood. That “meow” seemed to be Sister First Snow’s verbal tic. So she repeated it in a murmur, “First…Snow.”

    “Yes, that’s right, meow!” First Snow patted Xiao Ai’s hair. This felt new to Xiao Ai.

    Adele smiled at the harmonious scene before her. Until—she remembered the two eggs she had left boiling in the pot! The smile instantly vanished from her face! At the same time, Adele uttered words that could be easily misinterpreted: “My eggs!” Then she rushed downstairs to the kitchen.

  • Sickly Girl Doesn’t Die in Zombie Simulator 138p2

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Eight: Keep an Eye on Mommy p2

    “Huff…”

    Until he could no longer see the crowd behind him, the leader slowly breathed a sigh of relief.

    There was no turning back. Next, he just needed to wait quietly for the result.

    Three modified jeeps were driving in an orderly manner, lined up in a row, driving on the highway towards the black ruins.

    Even from such a long distance, they could still seem to smell the strong smell of smoke and feel the rise in temperature.

    Now it was not only the leader, but even the breathing of others was about to stop.

    When they passed the toll station, they saw that the vines at the toll booth and the ashes in front had a gap of several hundred meters wide, and you couldn’t see the end at a glance.

    Near the place where the plants were broken, there was a car that was deformed by the high temperature and almost buried by ashes.

    “That car…” There was no road ahead. After careful consideration, the boss ordered, “Second, drive to that car and have a look.”

    Although that car was buried by ashes, it was also the only surviving object in the nearby “firebreak”. Maybe they could find something there.

    When they parked the car near that car, the subordinates used their hands to dig away the ashes, and finally saw the full picture of this car.

    Although it was blackened by ashes, you could still see the countless scratches on the car body, and the paint was basically gone. You would be very impressed once you saw such a car.

    “It’s this car, boss…” The man called Second, looking at the deformed car in front of him, murmured.

    Most of the supplies in the car were scorched, but there were no corpses in the car…

    Then after the battle, where did those people, or that organization, go?

    Did they leave after the battle?

    The boss suddenly thought of this possibility.

    If they left after the battle, could they set up camp in this city…

    “What are you… doing?”

    When they were looking at each other around the car, a cold female voice came from the pile of ashes in the distance.

    The moment he heard this voice, the hair on Second’s back stood up.

    It was this voice! The woman sitting in the driver’s seat!

    She survived this battle… She was also a B-rank!

    A B-rank powerhouse…

    “She… she was the one driving… boss…” Second looked in the direction of the voice, looking at the woman standing in the ruins, intact, but carrying a tattered travel bag in her hand.

    The woman held a huge backpack in her left hand. Through the holes in the tattered backpack, you could see the blood crystals inside.

    And on the strap of the backpack, there were two charred corpses hanging… It seemed to be the corpses that could remain intact in the terrifying fire.

    Even though they had become corpses and precipitated blood crystals, the residual blood crystal fluctuations on the corpses still made them, who were also Awakened, tremble with fear.

    “You… hello…” The boss raised his hands high, walked out of the crowd, and explained loudly to the woman carrying the terrifying corpses, “I am the boss of the camp that encountered you before… Maybe there may be some misunderstandings between us, but I can explain.”

    The boss didn’t know that the unfathomable, low-key and restrained “B-rank” Awakened not far away was more nervous than them at this time.

    Lin Xiwan’s hand holding the backpack tightened. She never expected that when she was scavenging the remaining or precipitated blood crystals nearby, she would encounter a team of Awakened.

    Eight Awakened came down from the three cars, the lowest one was D-rank, and there were even two C-ranks. If they really fought, Lin Xiwan might not be able to run.

    Damn… Could it be that they found out that she had cheated them out of water last time, so they came after her? It shouldn’t be, right? There were also a lot of remaining Voodoo supplies?

    At worst, she would give them the burned car… Anyway, Lin Xiwan had checked, and there was nothing of value inside.

    No matter what, she would not give up the spoils in her hands… This was to be brought to her sister. She had practiced countless times in her heart the scene of her sister’s eyes shining brightly when she took these blood crystals to her sister.

    If the blood crystals were snatched away by others, it would be equivalent to snatching away her sister’s expectant expression.

    How could she let others snatch it away!

    Just when Lin Xiwan was observing the other party’s movements, ready to use her muscle-type Awakened speed to rush back to the building-tree to find Huayibai, the other party’s performance was a little beyond Lin Xiwan’s expectations.

    “We have no malice. We didn’t deliberately drive the convoy to follow you before… It’s just that the journey is dangerous. We were just thinking that it would be good to have a car to open the way in front…”

    Seeing that the atmosphere was becoming more and more tense, the camp leader quickly continued to explain:

    “We didn’t know that your vehicle was going to Kun City to perform such a difficult task… We are very impressed that you beheaded the three B-ranks of the Voodoo Cult and made them fall apart—the Voodoo Cult has harmed us very badly.”

    “So we came here this time to apologize and bring you the Voodoo supplies that you temporarily stored with us last time.”

    The word temporary storage was very interesting. It would not make the other party feel uncomfortable, nor would it make their side appear too humble.

    This not only explained their intentions, but also explained part of the motivation why they had been following…

    First, they recognized the other party’s battle and showed their position, and then said that they were just bringing the things that the other party temporarily stored here.

    His attitude could be said to be impeccable. As long as it was not deliberately making things difficult, they should also be able to see his sincerity.

    Lin Xiwan was also a little puzzled at first, but after seeing the two corpses in her hand, she came to her senses a little.

    The other party was definitely not here to settle accounts.

    Her sister had told her that the news that three B-ranks had died in Kun City had spread. As long as they were not fools, they would not come to make trouble at this time.

    If they were not here to make trouble, and they came like this, and brought these cars of supplies, then the purpose was very clear.

    Lin Xiwan herself had been a camp person, knew the operation mode of most camps, and also knew what the camp leaders were generally thinking.

    They were generally thinking about how to keep the camp going. Now that they came to the door, it was very likely that they were seeking an alliance.

    She had just talked about this with her sister last night, but it was only one night before the first camp that might be seeking refuge came.

    This was too fast…

    So fast that Lin Xiwan hadn’t made any preparations.

    She had planned to live happily with her sister in the uninhabited “primitive forest” for a month or two…

    No matter what, this matter was considered a major event and had to be discussed with her sister. She definitely couldn’t make the decision alone.

    First, let’s ask about the other party’s intentions… They might not be here to seek refuge.

    “Going in this direction… are you going out of the country?”

    Yun Province was already the most border of China. Continuing in this direction, except for the desert in the northwest, it was the unknown land of foreign countries.

    The desert did not have the conditions to support the entire camp, and there might be different mutated zombies, and the danger was unknown.

    From this point of view, if the other party wanted to survive, going out of the country was a more reasonable plan.

    After hearing Lin Xiwan’s question, the man with his arms raised in front of him smiled bitterly:

    “Yes… we are preparing to go out of the country. The supplies we brought do not support the convoy to cross the mountains and rivers to return. If we don’t find a suitable place to live nearby, we should go out of the country to find a way to survive.”

    Although the expression on his face was bitter, the man’s heart was full of hope.

    It was better if the other party didn’t ask. If the other party started to ask about the survival problems of their camp… then there was a good chance.

    “Actually, I have a presumptuous request,” The leader of the Panlong Camp raised his head and looked in the direction of the woman, asking, “Can our camp join your organization…”

    “We are a peaceful camp. We have never done anything like robbery or annexation. Although there are many ordinary people in our camp, they are very skilled in using firearms, and there are also skilled car repair workers…”

    The man quickly listed the advantages of his camp in front of Lin Xiwan like a resume. Finally, he stated his request.

    “Assign tasks to our Awakened, and we can also complete them… As long as we can give the other camp people a full meal.”

    After saying so much, it still couldn’t get away from so many mouths to feed.

    The establishment mode of the camps was similar. A small number of Awakened formed the upper level, each Awakened trained and led a team of combat personnel to form an exploration team, and then supported their respective families.

    As long as one combatant died, someone had to make up for it, or the “idle personnel” had to be reduced.

    If the combat personnel were lost but the “idle personnel” were not reduced in time, there would be more and more non-combat personnel, and the food brought back by each exploration team would also be in short supply, forming a vicious circle.

    Therefore, for the healthy development of non-self-sufficient camps, most camps adopted this model.

    Although it was cruel, necessary sacrifices were also for the better operation of the camp and to allow other people to live.

    What the leader said just now was to prove to the other party that he was still a camp in a “virtuous circle”. The combat personnel and idle personnel were maintained in a good proportion, and the value created by their combat personnel could support the idle personnel.

    After the man finished speaking, the other Awakened couldn’t help holding their breath.

    They knew that the next answer from the woman opposite would determine the fate of their entire camp.

    Whether their camp would continue to drift in the future, or even go overseas, or stay in the country and live a stable life, depended on what the woman in front of them said.

    Looking at the pairs of expectant eyes, Lin Xiwan, who was cold-faced but warm-hearted, also began to struggle in her heart.

    After a long while, she slowly exhaled and said:

    “Sigh… you wait here for a while, I will go and ask, and give you an answer later.”

    After Lin Xiwan left these words, she directly carried the backpack, dragged the corpses hanging on the backpack, and walked towards the city wrapped in greenery in the depths of the ruins.

    At that moment, Lin Xiwan’s back looked tall in the eyes of these people.

    “Second Brother… her meaning is…”

    “She is this,” Second Brother slowly raised his thumb and looked at the Awakened who asked, “A very good person.”

    “Yeah, sigh…” The boss also slowly breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a little weak all over, and smiled, “Looking at her sighing, if she wants to keep us, she may have to argue with the top management for a long time.”

    “That means there is a chance for us to join?!”

    “Shh… It’s not a foregone conclusion yet. It still depends on the meaning of the top management of this organization…” The person called Second Brother, who was the Awakened who gave Lin Xiwan water at the beginning, said with a smile, “From the time they gave away a carload of Voodoo supplies, I knew they were good people.”

    “Yeah… It depends on whether she can persuade the top management…”

    “I hope so…”

    “Xiao Wu, go and inform everyone and let them all come and wait.”

    “Okay, boss!”

    The woman did not directly refuse, which made everyone present breathe a sigh of relief, and the atmosphere was no longer so depressing.

    There were still many good people in the world…

    ……