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  • The Delicate Female Lead Only Wants to be Loved by the Villainous Young Ladies 316

    Chapter 316: That Was Close

    Seraph suddenly felt Adele’s gaze upon her. She couldn’t say what she read in it, but it was obvious that Adele looked somewhat pitiful. A wronged expression, the kind where nothing had actually happened, yet the girl felt aggrieved and wanted to be coaxed. Such a spoiled brat. Many people would probably think that.

    But what Seraph wanted to tell Adele was that when she made this expression, her pursed lips shimmered with a cool, delicate, downy light under the moonlight, making one want to kiss them, to suck on them. Like savoring a marshmallow, slowly enjoying its sweetness, letting it melt away.

    But Seraph would only think, not speak. She was clumsy with words, and her eyes lacked the girl’s vibrancy, as if they could speak and sing.

    “Even if that time comes, you can slack off, you can pretend you didn’t see anything.”

    “Don’t hurt Xiao Ai…okay?” Adele was referring to Seraph considering Xiao Ai a heretic. And the “that time” she mentioned probably referred to the day the “Lord” returned to this world.

    Seraph, a rather rigid and serious angel, heard such a request for the first time. But it felt unexpectedly good. At least much better than the outcome of “falling.” Seraph was still worried about how to balance the relationship between the God she worshipped and Adele. But with Adele’s words, she suddenly realized that she could indeed…in human terms, it should be called “outwardly compliant but inwardly opposed.” A clever way to offend neither side.

    Seraph didn’t know whether there would be a day of exposure, nor did she want to think about it. She nodded to Adele.

    “Okay.”

    An angel who once didn’t even know how to lie was now going to deceive her God for the girl before her. Although it hadn’t happened yet, some people with a strong moral compass would believe that even thinking about it was a betrayal. Seraph hadn’t found any clues in her memories about whether God had such a moral compass. But she knew that the “Lord” abhorred fallen angels and would mercilessly obliterate them. However, angels were the “Lord’s” creations, so He could naturally obliterate them as He pleased.

    What Seraph truly remembered all these years was her confusion about those fallen angels. She was puzzled as to why they didn’t flee, but instead turned their blades against the invincible God. What made them not even fear death? Over the long years, Seraph couldn’t understand. But after spending time with Adele, she vaguely grasped that feeling.

    Hearing Seraph’s reply, Adele finally relaxed and smiled happily. Then, she suddenly covered Xiao Ai’s eyes, very gently. Xiao Ai tilted her head in confusion, not understanding why her mother did this, what was happening. But then, a slender shadow passed over Xiao Ai’s head. At the same time, Xiao Ai smelled a faint fragrance, fresh and natural, as if from the soaring heavens.

    Above Xiao Ai, where she couldn’t see, Adele touched her lips, her smile blooming like a flower. It was a very ordinary gesture, but it made Seraph’s cheeks flush slightly. Then, she kissed the girl’s lips.

    It was a pure kiss, without any other desire. Angels were inherently pure beings. As for Adele…she could also be pure and flawless occasionally. Only Xiao Ai, unable to read minds, was kept in the dark. But the precocious little girl vaguely sensed something. So her soft, pink lips drooped slightly.

    However, when she was allowed to open her eyes and her mother’s hand moved away, Xiao Ai was surprised to find that the dangerous…silent angel sister had disappeared.

    “Mama, my Mama!” She immediately murmured, as if declaring ownership. Adele just smiled. At this moment, she still had no idea what kind of little mama-con daughter she would unknowingly raise.

    “Mama’s here~” Adele rubbed Xiao Ai’s cheek, which was almost identical to her own. It was just an affectionate gesture, not painful.

    Just then, Adele couldn’t help but yawn. “It’s so late already.”

    “Xiao Ai, sorry Mama can’t play with you anymore.”

    “Mama needs to rest so she’ll have enough energy to do other things tomorrow.”

    According to the rules Adele set for Xiao Ai, she could only read minds when they were alone. Otherwise, if other girls were present, Adele didn’t want Xiao Ai to read her active, inappropriate thoughts.

    Xiao Ai readily agreed and obediently followed the rules. A child without a rebellious phase was so nice~ Or rather, even if Xiao Ai did have a rebellious phase, it probably wouldn’t be for a long time. By that time, it was uncertain whether Adele would still have the energy for flirting. Perhaps she would already be living happily with her entire harem.

    Through mind-reading, although Xiao Ai hadn’t fully mastered human language, she could understand the meaning of every word Mama said. Therefore, her eyes suddenly lit up.

    “Sleep…Xiao Ai, Mama, sleep!”

    “Xiao Ai likes sleeping too, so let’s rest together.”

    “Yay!”

    “What’s ‘Yay’? Are you starting to make up your own words now? Giggle.”

    “Since it’s vacation, I’ll be in charge of tutoring you in human language.”

    “Xiao Ai is so smart, you’ll definitely learn quickly.”

    “Mm! Xiao Ai, big smart!” She wanted to express that she possessed “big” smartness, the opposite of “small.” Meaning she was very smart and wouldn’t disappoint her mother. But the combination sounded rather amusing.

    However, after laughing, Adele gently told Xiao Ai, “Big smart doesn’t mean what you think it means.”

    “It’s actually the opposite~”

    “Big smart means ‘silly’!”

    “!” Xiao Ai’s eyes widened as if she had heard something unbelievable. Human language…was so strange! And she had just called herself silly in front of her mother…

    Xiao Ai shyly burrowed into Adele’s arms, refusing to let the girl see her blushing cheeks. Until she felt her body suddenly lift into the air.

    “Eep!” She let out a very cute, childish sound. Xiao Ai then realized that Mama had scooped her up and was walking up the stairs. This was a posture called a “princess carry.”

    Xiao Ai, you’re my little princess~ Adele thought silently. Being read by the mind-reading Xiao Ai, the effect was no less than secretly eating an incredibly sweet candy, the aftertaste lingering sweetly.

    High EQ flirting! Sweeten her up all night!

    However, Adele really didn’t have any intention of deliberately flirting with her “daughter.” All she was thinking about now was getting into her soft, comfortable bed and having a good sleep. Tomorrow’s matters could wait until tomorrow.

    Besides…was it an illusion? Why did Adele always feel like she had forgotten something? Something related to Seraph. This feeling even startled her awake in the middle of the night.

    Adele finally remembered! The secret! No, not that the thing Adele remembered was a secret. But according to their agreement, Adele had told Seraph about Xiao Ai’s existence. So Seraph should also tell her a secret in return. That would be a fair exchange. But after a kiss, Seraph had fled in embarrassment, disappearing right in front of Adele. She didn’t remember…angels being so thin-skinned.

    “Sigh…”

    “I’ll have to settle this with Seraph another day!”

    With that, Adele closed her eyes and went back to sleep. She always slept well. Even if there was an earthquake, Adele suspected she could sleep through it. There was no need to run from a small earthquake, and you couldn’t outrun a big one. In short, just give up! This is a fatalistic approach to earthquakes. Do not follow this advice.

    But the moment the girl closed her eyes, she never imagined that Xiao Ai, “sleeping” soundly beside her, would suddenly open her eyes. The little girl’s breathing was slightly rapid. She was thinking, That was close…I thought Mama found out…

  • Dear, it’s time for your medicine! 285

    Chapter 285: God-Mother Mavis – The Most Formidable Foe Yet!

    Seeing Qin Chu, Nikles had felt a surge of hope, his face lighting up with joy as he cried out for help.

    But his hope quickly faded.

    The Hero simply stood there, watching him suffer, unmoved. He was even smiling.

    Why?

    “Save me…” Nikles wailed.

    He could feel his life ebbing away, the pain unbearable: “You’re the Hero! You have to save me…”

    His voice weakened.

    “Am I obligated to save you just because I’m the Hero?” Qin Chu asked, spreading his hands.

    Nikles was stunned. Wasn’t the Hero’s duty to protect everyone in the Heavenly Continent? He was a citizen. Wasn’t it the Hero’s duty to save him?

    It was what he was supposed to do.

    “Tell me, Nikles…” Qin Chu’s smile remained, but his voice was icy: “How does it feel to impale someone on your spear, to watch them struggle?”

    Nikles, writhing in pain, didn’t understand why the Hero was asking this. He had asked the same question before.

    He enjoyed impaling his enemies on his spear, watching them squirm like worms. It gave him a strange thrill.

    He knew it wasn’t a good habit, but it was his business, not the Hero’s.

    “Save me…”

    He just wanted to live.

    Qin Chu sighed and fell silent. Nikles’s hope turned to despair. The Hero was here, but he was merely watching, indifferent to his suffering.

    He couldn’t hold back any longer. With his last breath, he snarled at Qin Chu like a rabid dog: “Bastard! You call yourself a Hero…”

    “Watching someone die before your eyes and doing nothing! Qin Chu, you’re not fit to be the Hero…”

    Rip.

    Mavis, seemingly annoyed by Nikles’s cries, tightened her hair. Nikles gasped, chunks of his internal organs splattering from his mouth.

    His eyes widened, then his head lolled to the side, lifeless.

    The hair retreated from his corpse, as if losing interest, spreading across the ground like a sheet of ice.

    The strands writhed like snakes, then surged towards Qin Chu.

    Even Heloise and Iyeta, being Demon Beasts, had never seen anything like it.

    Sylph frowned, moving to shield Qin Chu.

    Not out of concern for him, but because her own survival depended on him. If he died, she would die too.

    But before she could act, Qin Chu spoke, his voice low and cold: “Light!”

    Let there be light!

    In that moment, he became the embodiment of light.

    Darkness vanished, replaced by a soft, white glow.

    The hair recoiled from the light with a hiss, retreating rapidly.

    A hole was blasted through the church wall, allowing the light to flood the interior.

    The naked bodies within writhed in the light, screaming in pain as the holy energy burned away the Witch Society’s corruption.

    It was clearly not a pleasant experience.

    Mavis struggled against the light.

    It pierced her skin like needles, causing intense pain.

    But her rank was far higher than the other followers. Despite the agony, she endured.

    Her hair whipped around her, her body convulsing.

    Her azure eyes, now bloodshot, glared at Qin Chu with pure hatred: “You…”

    “You killed my son.”

    She had loved her son deeply, even though Wadsworth had taken him from her just days after his birth.

    Perhaps that forced separation had only intensified her love.

    Looking at his magical image, watching him grow, had brought her joy, easing her pain, loneliness, and despair. Those had been her happiest moments.

    But that damned Hero had killed him.

    And now he stood before her again.

    “Are you going to take my second child too?”

    No.

    She was the God-Mother. The child within her would become the Heavenly Continent’s one true god.

    She wouldn’t allow this bastard to harm her child.

    With a chilling scream, Mavis, ignoring the burning pain of the holy light, walked towards Qin Chu, her hatred fueling her. She didn’t notice her grotesquely swollen belly.

    It was even larger than Angela’s had been.

    Looking at the countless corpses on the bloody altar, Qin Chu swallowed. How much sustenance had this woman consumed?

    Her belly was stretched so thin it was almost transparent.

    He could see the fluid within, the crisscrossing veins and tendons.

    A small, distorted face pressed against the skin, its body writhing within, as if trying to escape.

    With each step she took, the stench of evil intensified.

    His fingers twitched, and the light around him converged, forming a giant blade of pure light.

    Mavis sensed the danger and opened her mouth wide:

    “Die!”

    Iyeta’s face paled as she stepped forward, creating a translucent shield.

    Bang!

    She stumbled back, her face whiter than before.

    Despite her strength, blocking Mavis’s attack was difficult. The invisible force carried an icy chill, frosting her legs.

    But she had bought Qin Chu precious time. A single second was enough.

    The holy light coalesced into a divine blade, falling from the sky towards Mavis.

    The church was torn asunder.

    Walls crumbled, the ground cracked, and the bodies within were reduced to dust.

    Mavis raised her right hand, her long, sharp nails, tipped with crimson threads, reaching for the blade of light.

    As the blade touched her hand, it exploded into a blinding sphere of light, engulfing Mavis and the being within her.

    The light was so intense that Heloise, Iyeta, and Sylph shielded their eyes.

    Only Qin Chu, squinting, could see through the glare.

    The light faded as quickly as it appeared.

    The sudden darkness was disorienting.

    Ash rained down like feathers.

    Mavis was gone, only a few strands of hair remaining on the ground. The church was completely destroyed, not a single stone left standing.

    Had Mavis and the being within her been eliminated?

    It seemed so, but Qin Chu frowned.

    It was too easy.

    Too easy to be true.

    Suddenly, the ground beneath him cracked open, and a cluster of ice-blue hair emerged, coiling around his legs.

    He looked down and saw Mavis’s face in the fissure, a twisted smile on her lips.

    A chill ran down his spine.

    Before he could react, Sylph flicked her wrist, a wind blade slicing through the hair binding his legs.

    The severed strands made a sound like snapping steel wires.

    Sylph grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back.

    Heloise unleashed a barrage of ice shards at the ground, retreating rapidly.

    Mavis was unlike any enemy they had faced before. She was utterly unpredictable.

    Qin Chu pushed Sylph away.

    Sharp claws emerged from where she had been standing, tearing through the air.

    Mavis’s attacks were swift and unpredictable, coming from all directions.

    Before he could catch his breath, five claws pierced his chest from behind.

    Mavis held his heart in her hand.

    A grotesque smile twisted her lips…

    But it quickly faded, replaced by shock.

    Thud.

    A strange sound reached her ears.

    She looked down in disbelief. A crimson spear, wreathed in flames, had pierced her abdomen…

    And the being within.

    Pain, then terror, then despair filled her eyes…

    “AAAAAAAAAA…”

    The creature’s cries and Mavis’s screams mingled into a chilling, unearthly sound that echoed through the night.

  • Transformed into a Female Villain, But Captured by My Beautiful Girl Disciples v2c16

    Chapter 16: Attack on Titan Disciple (Attack on Disciple?)

    “Bai Dao Mountain…”

    Yan Chuyue rested her chin on her hand and smiled. “I don’t know anyone there. Why would I join them?”

    “Then how about joining my Great One Engineering Sect?” Gong Yiling offered an olive branch. “A legendary medical sect, quite fitting for your skills.”

    “The Great One Engineering Sect…” Yan Chuyue pouted at the name.

    Having a sect with such a ridiculous name in her novel…

    Aaaaaaah—it made her skin crawl.

    “But are you really from the Great One Engineering Sect?”

    Gong Yiling munched on her candied hawthorn and nodded seriously. “I am.”

    “And despite my appearance, I’m actually the Sect Master.”

    Yan Chuyue rolled her eyes.

    —*Yeah, right. Pull the other one.*

    “Don’t you believe me?” Gong Yiling became even more serious. “The Nine-Colored Deer personally appointed me. It’s officially recognized.”

    Although Yan Chuyue didn’t roll her eyes again, her expression clearly said, *I’m listening, keep making things up.*

    Gong Yiling sighed. “Fine, I admit, I’m the current Sect Master’s… daughter. So, calling myself the Sect Master isn’t that far-fetched.”

    “I knew it!” Yan Chuyue suddenly exclaimed, as if a great mystery had been solved. “You’re afraid of being targeted by the demonic sects if your identity is exposed, so you have to wear a veil!”

    Wow… my goodness.

    Why were these people so imaginative?

    No one believed her when she told the truth, but they readily accepted her lies without question.

    Strange.

    “Whatever you’re thinking… is correct.” Gong Yiling composed herself and renewed her invitation. “So, are you willing to join?”

    If she joined, the Great One Engineering Sect’s membership would increase by… twenty-five percent!

    —There were only four members to begin with.

    Yan Chuyue paused. “Can I think about it and give you an answer later?”

    “You’re welcome anytime.”

    Having the protagonist on her side would be a great advantage.

    After their discussion, it was time to head back.

    Before leaving, Gong Yiling bought two more deluxe candied hawthorn sets.

    She wanted to surprise the three girls.

    But the one who received a surprise, or rather, a shock, wasn’t the girls, but Gong Yiling herself.

    —

    —

    “What did you say!?”

    Gong Yiling froze, hearing Qiu Shui’s report.

    “It’s just…” Qiu Shui repeated, “Little Heehee and I have signed up for the ancestral worship competition.”

    Gong Yiling thought, *Good heavens…*

    She had only casually mentioned it to the Grand Elder, and it had become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

    But…

    “I understand you joining,” Gong Yiling said, “but Little Heehee… she hasn’t forgotten that she only uses demonic techniques, right?”

    Just then, Lu Xinyao suddenly appeared.

    “I… haven’t forgotten.”

    It was the original Shangguan Ziyuan speaking, not Little Heehee.

    The girl fidgeted with her dress, muttering, “Is that… not allowed?”

    “But your cultivation technique can’t…”

    As Gong Yiling was wondering, Lu Xinyao opened her palm.

    A unique fire-type true essence flickered within it.

    She had seen other people’s fire-type true essence before. It was usually a faint flame, almost gaseous.

    But Lu Xinyao’s was different.

    It was a real flame, a crimson fire with the faint sound of a phoenix’s cry within it.

    “Dual spiritual apertures?”

    Gong Yiling was stunned.

    But that didn’t make sense. The system never mentioned her having dual spiritual apertures. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have to worry about her demonic cultivation being exposed.

    “To prevent the host from accusing me of deception, I have something to explain,” the system suddenly said.

    “The disciples’ initial status screens are based on Gong Youyuan’s original settings, or AI supplements, and are not immutable.”

    “Shangguan Ziyuan doesn’t have dual spiritual apertures. The change is due to the Spirit Phoenix Broom. The host can check its current state.”

    The Spirit Phoenix Broom…

    Instead of opening the status screen, Gong Yiling extended her hand. “Zi… Xinyao, show me the Spirit Phoenix Broom.”

    “Okay.”

    Lu Xinyao handed it to her.

    The moment Gong Yiling touched it, she sensed something different.

    When she “charged” it earlier, it absorbed a large amount of spiritual energy, producing not only phoenix true essence, but also a unique type of spiritual energy.

    This energy was the sign that the broom could communicate with a real phoenix, proof of its authenticity.

    But now, only the phoenix true essence remained, the unique energy gone.

    No… not gone.

    Gong Yiling looked at the flames in Lu Xinyao’s hand.

    The energy… had transferred to her.

    Unbelievable!

    She finally opened the status screen.

    Everything else was the same, except her bloodline level was now at Roman numeral III.

    And at the bottom, a new line appeared:

    “Note X: Shangguan Ziyuan has obtained the Phoenix Spirit from the Spirit Phoenix Broom. Her bloodline power can now transform into phoenix fire essence of equal strength, and she can use all fire-type martial and spiritual skills within her cultivation level without learning any techniques.”

    So… it was really like this.

    Gong Yiling returned the broom and smiled, patting the girl’s head. “Yes, you can participate.”

    Not just “can,” she practically wanted to serve her disciple a cappuccino.

    “Really?” Lu Xinyao’s eyes sparkled like stars. “Thank you, Big Sister!”

    “As long as you’re confident, I don’t mind.” Gong Yiling said, “But I’m curious, why do you want to participate in this competition?”

    “Because…” Lu Xinyao clenched her fists, a red spiritual mist emanating from her.

    A sign of her anger.

    Seeing this, Gong Yiling had a guess. “Shangguan Qingyun is participating too, isn’t he?”

    Lu Xinyao didn’t speak, just nodded silently.

    “Alright.”

    Gong Yiling gently unfurled the girl’s clenched fist. “Since I’ve brought you here, we’ll take back what belongs to you, bit by bit.”

    “I promise.”

     

     

     

  • After Failing to Find Immortality 217

    Chapter 217: Trouble on the Street, Nighttime Disturbance

    A commotion outside the restaurant naturally drew Lin Tianlu and the others’ attention.

    Several young men in sturdy attire rushed down the street, accidentally knocking over a middle-aged woman.

    However, there didn’t seem to be any conflict. One of the men quickly helped the woman up, apologized, and they parted ways.

    The woman didn’t appear angry. It seemed like a minor incident.

    But…

    Judging by their attire and the weapons at their waists, those men were probably constables or guards.

    “Could there be an urgent case in Anshi County?”

    Hua Shuya, who had just sat down, wondered aloud, “Those constables seemed to be in a hurry, as if they were chasing someone.”

    “You’re quite observant, Miss.”

    The waiter’s cheerful demeanor faded slightly, and he said seriously, “If you’re just passing through Anshi County, it’s best not to wander around at night. There have been several murders lately, and bandits are rampant. It’s quite dangerous without proper protection.”

    “Bandits?”

    Lin Tianlu was surprised. “Are the bandits so bold as to operate openly within the town itself?”

    “Perhaps it’s because the New Year is approaching, and they’re desperate for money. They’re probably trying to make a big score before the holidays.”

    The waiter sighed, his face filled with worry. “But those criminals are truly a nuisance. And they’re dangerous. There have been several deaths this past month. Even the number of travelers passing through has decreased.”

    Although he tried to maintain a calm facade, his tone revealed his true feelings.

    The ordinary people of Anshi County clearly despised these bandits.

    Lin Tianlu nodded thoughtfully and pointed at the menu hanging on the wall, ordering a few dishes. “And three bowls of rice, and a pot of wine.”

    “Right away! Your food and drinks will be ready shortly!”

    The waiter’s cheerful smile returned as he hurried towards the kitchen.

    “…”

    Mao Ruoyu, sitting beside Lin Tianlu, watched the bustling crowd outside the restaurant and sighed softly. “Even if the world isn’t in chaos, there will always be suffering and injustice, criminals disrupting the peace and causing hardship for ordinary people.”

    “If there truly are so many bandits, it might be due to poor governance, unequal distribution of resources, and a struggling economy, forcing people to resort to desperate measures,” Hua Shuya said thoughtfully.

    Mao Ruoyu blinked her beautiful eyes. “Do you think that’s the case in this town, Shuya?”

    “I don’t know the local situation well enough to make a judgment.”

    Hua Shuya shook her head. “Perhaps it’s just a group of ruthless criminals. They deserve to be punished severely.”

    No matter how tragic their past might be, those who chose the path of evil deserved no sympathy or forgiveness. And those who harmed others, taking innocent lives, should be punished accordingly.

    “You’ve gained a lot of experience as a constable, Miss Shuya.”

    Lin Tianlu poured her a cup of tea.

    “It’s not really experience, Senior. The difference between right and wrong is something we learn from a young age. Working as a constable in Changling just taught me more about human nature.” Hua Shuya smiled faintly. “And you’ve taught me a lot about being more tactful and diplomatic, Senior.”

    “Me?”

    Lin Tianlu was startled, then chuckled. “I don’t remember teaching you anything like that.”

    “But you clearly… Hmm?”

    Hua Shuya’s brow furrowed slightly as she glanced at a nearby table.

    She could hear a few diners talking amongst themselves, their conversation seemingly about the recent events in Anshi County.

    …

    “You’ve been working outside the town for half a month, and you don’t even know what’s been happening here? How could you wander around alone like that?”

    A middle-aged man’s voice was filled with concern and reproach. “It’s dangerous!”

    “I apologize for my ignorance, Brother Chang. I’ve heard about the bandits, but what does that have to do with us?”

    The young man beside him popped a peanut into his mouth and chuckled. “Are they going to rob us poor folks? We have nothing but our lives.”

    “You fool! Don’t you know about the big incident a few days ago?”

    “What incident?”

    “Magistrate Hua… is dead!”

    The young man’s chopsticks clattered to the table, his face filled with shock. “Dead?! But he’s only in his thirties! He just got married! How could he—”

    The middle-aged man lowered his voice, his tone grim. “I heard it was those bandits. They killed him to get revenge. It was a brutal murder. And with the magistrate dead, the government has been in chaos for days. Everyone’s terrified!”

    “That’s terrifying. To think they would dare to kill a government official… Those bandits are truly…”

    …

    Snippets of their conversation reached Lin Tianlu’s ears.

    It wasn’t just that table. Several other diners were also discussing the magistrate’s death.

    Lin Tianlu put down his teacup, his expression grim. “So there’s been a murder in this town.”

    “No wonder those constables were in such a hurry. They must be on high alert.”

    Thud!

    A sudden sound, like someone falling to the ground.

    “What was that?”

    Mao Ruoyu turned to look outside, her eyes widening in surprise.

    With her enhanced vision, she could clearly see a child, small and frail, lying on the ground. His clothes were ragged and dirty, clearly from a poor family.

    But what was truly shocking was…

    A group of constables surrounded the child, their expressions grim.

    This sudden scene drew the attention of many diners in the restaurant.

    “If you dare to run again, we’ll cut off your hands and feet, on Magistrate’s orders!”

    One of the constables roared, drawing his sword.

    The gleaming blade terrified the child, who curled up on the ground, trembling.

    “P-please don’t kill me! I didn’t do anything!”

    “Silence!”

    Several constables produced chains and shackles, approaching the child.

    A few young men on the street frowned, about to intervene, but the leader of the constables glared at them. “Don’t interfere! This child is connected to the recent bandit attacks! He’s a suspect! Don’t do anything foolish!”

    His words silenced the onlookers, who quickly backed away.

    “Help! Someone, please help me!”

    The child cried as the constables bound him with chains and shackles.

    “Shut up!”

    They dragged him away, ignoring his pleas.

    Hua Shuya, sitting in the restaurant, frowned, her hand on her sword. “Senior, that child—”

    “It’s wise of you not to interfere, Shuya.”

    Lin Tianlu’s gaze returned to his table, his voice calm. “That child might look innocent, but his hands are stained with blood.”

    “…”

    Hua Shuya and Mao Ruoyu were silent.

    Lin Tianlu’s eyes flickered as he discreetly scanned the street outside.

    …

    Late at night…

    In their room at the inn…

    Hua Shuya sat cross-legged, meditating, circulating her Azure Spirit energy.

    At the same time, she was practicing the hand seals and techniques she had learned, trying to control the Moon Shadow Breath within her.

    “…”

    She and Mao Ruoyu had undergone a trial in the sacred ground, receiving a gift of power, a mysterious energy that had flowed into their bodies.

    Although she wasn’t skilled in using Yin energy, and the Yin energy Yu Xuanling had given her had been mostly wasted, the power of the sacred ground had transformed her. Not only had she received the Moon Shadow Breath, but she had also learned a few techniques of the Lunar Valley, allowing her to absorb moonlight and convert it into Yin energy, nourishing her body and enhancing her martial arts cultivation.

    The Moon Shadow Breath was remarkably versatile, blending seamlessly with her existing techniques, without any conflict.

    However, she hadn’t learned any other Moon Shadow Secret Arts.

    But she didn’t regret it. After all, she was still unfamiliar with those techniques.

    After finishing her meditation, she opened her eyes.

    “Miss Xuanling, do you want to come out for a while?”

    “I don’t want to bother you too much, Miss Hua…”

    Yu Xuanling’s voice, filled with a hint of embarrassment, echoed in her mind.

    “You’re too kind.”

    Hua Shuya smiled faintly. “You’ve helped me so much, Miss Xuanling. Lending you my body is no trouble at all. And I’m not tired.”

    “But I accidentally embarrassed you a few times, Miss Hua. I feel so guilty.”

    “That…”

    Hua Shuya’s smile froze, and she fell silent, her expression awkward.

    Those incidents in the Lunar Valley… were truly unforgettable.

    Thankfully, Senior and Martial Aunt had been understanding. Otherwise, it would have been incredibly embarrassing.

    But those incidents were in the past now. There was no need to dwell on them.

    “You still can’t materialize your own body, Miss Xuanling?”

    “Not yet.” Yu Xuanling’s voice was filled with frustration. “I can only use your body, Miss Hua. I still don’t have my own physical form.”

    Hua Shuya said thoughtfully, “Perhaps we can ask Senior. He might be able to help you.”

    Yu Xuanling didn’t respond.

    But Hua Shuya could sense her gratitude.

    She sighed softly and glanced at Yun Yue, who was sleeping soundly on the bed beside her.

    Since Lin Tianlu and Mao Ruoyu were enjoying their time together, the fox demon had decided not to intrude.

    And…

    Something seemed to have changed about Yun Yue. She hadn’t woken up all day, remaining in her fox form, fast asleep.

    “Miss Yun Yue has been sleeping for so long. Is she really alright?”

    Hua Shuya felt a pang of concern and gently stroked Yun Yue’s soft fur.

    Hum!

    A faint light suddenly emanated from Yun Yue’s body, startling Hua Shuya, who quickly withdrew her hand.

    But the light vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

    And Yun Yue continued to sleep peacefully, as if nothing had happened.

    Hua Shuya was puzzled.

    She carefully examined Yun Yue, sensing her calm and steady aura, no signs of injury.

    “Was I imagining things? Why does Miss Yun Yue’s body seem… more refined?”

    And her fur seemed to shimmer with a moonlight glow, its color more vibrant and lustrous.

    And most importantly…

    Strange markings had appeared on her forehead, intricate and mysterious.

    Where had she seen those markings before?

    Hua Shuya pondered for a moment, then her eyes widened in realization.

    They were similar to the markings on Miss Cheng’s chest!

    But she had only glimpsed them briefly and hadn’t had a chance to ask about their origin.

    “At least Miss Yun Yue seems to be alright.”

    Hua Shuya decided to inform Lin Tianlu, just in case.

    But as she got out of bed, she suddenly frowned.

    —Someone was outside.

    Knock, knock, knock!

    A frantic knock echoed through the room.

    Hua Shuya summoned her sword, its scabbard still attached, and walked towards the door, her expression cold.

    She opened the door to see a young woman with a delicate face and long, black hair, her expression filled with panic.

    “M-miss, can I hide in your room for a while? Some thugs are chasing me. I had to run into this inn.”

    Hua Shuya glanced at her bare feet, covered in dust. She must have been running for a while.

    She asked in a low voice, “Why are you wandering around alone at this hour, Miss?”

    “I have to work to support my family.”

    “Where do you live? I can escort you home.”

    A soft chuckle echoed through the hallway.

    The young woman froze and turned to see Lin Tianlu emerging from his room, a smile on his face, bowing politely.

  • The Villainous Older Sister Who Loves Her Younger Sister Aims for the Guillotine 64

    64: Measurements After a Long Time

    As I stood before “Tailor” for my measurements, raising my arms slightly, her slender, spider-like hands darted out from under my arms—and then Leticia cried out.

    “W-wait a minute!”

    “Yes? What is it?”

    “Tailor,” who had stopped, tilted her head, a movement I could sense even behind me.

    “B-but you already took my measurements! And you said you weren’t making any new clothes for Elder Sister…”

    “Body lines are constantly changing. I need to check if alterations are necessary.”

    If it turned out I only needed alterations to the bust area, I would cry a little.

    But I wouldn’t let it show.

    “C-can’t you tell just by looking?”

    “By the time you can tell just by looking, it’s too late.”

    Indeed.

    By the time changes in physique were visible to others… it was too late.

    Well, with enough effort, it could be fixed.

    I believed that, but I also remembered how difficult it had been when I had gained a little weight.

    There was a considerable difference between a healthy figure and the ideal figure of a Vanderwaals family head, who couldn’t show any weakness.

    “Especially Lady Leticia, who is still growing.”

    As for me, my growing days were over.

    “Now then, Lady Adelheid… are you ready?”

    “Yes.”

    I nodded, and she firmly grasped my chest. …Though perhaps not as firmly as she could have.

    As always, she was… thorough.

    But she had been like this from the moment we met, so I had given up on protesting.

    “Um… uh…?”

    Leticia, her cheeks flushed, watched intently as my chest was measured.

    …This was awkward.

    Or rather, I was starting to feel embarrassed.

    I couldn’t help but look down.

    Being touched by a tailor was a normal occurrence.

    When I was a child, perhaps out of consideration for my age, the measurements were taken quickly and roughly.

    And when I was old enough to have proper dresses made, the family tailor was an elderly gentleman I knew and trusted.

    I had never had my chest… handled so… firmly before.

    …Come to think of it, my mother or father was always present during fittings and measurements… I recalled those days.

    Perhaps they were walking a tightrope, knowing that any suspicion of impropriety with a noble’s daughter could cost them their heads.

    Since becoming the head of the family, and since welcoming my sister, I felt like I was starting to understand my parents’ feelings in a way I hadn’t before.

    Because I trusted Ciel and entrusted her with most of my upbringing, it must have seemed like neglect.

    Being the head of the family was a busy position, and because of our family’s reputation as the “Coldhearted Vanderwaals,” social engagements, which were easily neglected, had been handled by my mother. I was starting to understand that now.

    …Just like now, where Leticia had a higher favorability rating with the [Capture Targets]—the promising young men who would shape the future of Eustasia—than I did.

    Our family tailor, already elderly when I was a child, had retired before I became the head of the family.

    I had heard it was because his hands were no longer steady due to illness. When I visited him with a get-well gift to express my gratitude, I was startled to see tears in the eyes of the man who had always worn a stoic expression.

    The tailoring industry was chronically short-staffed, and most skilled tailors were either employed by other families or running their own businesses.

    Of course, I could have used the Vanderwaals name to pressure another family into releasing their tailor, or to acquire a tailor with their own shop, but…

    Interfering too forcefully could damage relationships.

    Naturally, there was nothing wrong with simply placing an order with a shop, and that was what I had been doing for a while.

    Then, I heard about a foreign tailor in the “back alley.”

    I went to check them out, and while they were a bit inarticulate and seemed to have some… personality quirks, they were skilled.

    I was impressed, so I pulled some strings, took over their debts, and bound them to our service.

    While our family name and the nature of our work were a bit… unsettling, being the exclusive tailor for a noble family, especially a ducal family, was a tailor’s dream.

    They had apparently run their own shop before, so they must have been quite successful… or rather, they must have been unsuccessful, which was why they ended up in the “back alley” of Eustasia.

    In any case, they were now a legitimate source of income.

    When “Tailor” opened their shop, I had paid the elderly tailor who had served our family a proper severance and asked him to act as an intermediary for procuring materials, and even he was impressed with “Tailor’s” skill.

    After freely touching, grabbing, prodding, and measuring me with a measuring tape, “Tailor” stepped back.

    “Are you finished?”

    “Yes. It doesn’t seem like any alterations are necessary. Next, I would like to check your closet to see if any of your clothes require maintenance.”

    I nodded and gave her permission.

    While Ciel would be present, this was a familiar task for our exclusive tailor.

    Having an in-house tailor was certainly convenient.

    “…Lady Adelheid, you are very diligent.”

    I gave “Tailor” a puzzled look.

    “What do you mean?”

    “I’m impressed that your measurements haven’t changed since last time.”

    So that was it.

    “That’s only natural.”

    “No, it takes effort to maintain your figure. Your waistline has become more defined as well.”

    I was a little pleased.

    Perhaps it was worth abstaining from unscheduled snacks, aside from the cookies Leticia had given me.

    I had reported those to Ciel later, so she could adjust my diet accordingly.

    …Once, when Ciel was away and I was swamped with work, I had indulged in snacks during parties and outings, and I had gradually gained weight.

    While she didn’t scold me, it was… unsettling to have my former governess, who had been with me since birth, silently scrutinize my figure.

    “――Now, Lady Leticia, it’s your turn.”

    “Tailor” looked at my sister with a sharp glint in her eyes.

    If I didn’t trust her, I would have called for Ciel.

    “Y-yes. Please… be gentle…”

    “Of course. …As a tailor, I would never harbor inappropriate feelings towards a client.”

    Was that true?

    ――I had to believe it was, or I couldn’t entrust her with my sister.

    Leticia raised her hands in surrender, and “Tailor,” approaching from behind, firmly grasped my sister’s chest, which was more ample than mine.

    I watched intently.

    My sister glanced at me and then quickly looked away.

    Her cheeks were slightly flushed.

    So, she was embarrassed.

    …Come to think of it, earlier, I had been more embarrassed about Leticia seeing me being touched and measured than about being touched by the tailor myself.

    However, such expressions from my sister were precious and adorable.

    Even as she averted her gaze, she would occasionally glance at me from the corner of her eye, then slowly look away again, which was also adorable.

    And the fact that she thought I didn’t notice was even more adorable.

    …I wondered what kind of face she would make if I touched her.

    Would she push me away, like she did with “Tailor” the first time?

    Or…

    Perhaps…

    …would she accept it?

    “There, that’s all. Thank you for your cooperation, Lady Leticia.”

    I flinched.

    My vision cleared, like a dissipating mist.

    I seemed to have been lost in thought.

    Leticia had just been released from “Tailor’s” grasp.

    “Your bust has grown slightly.”

    Mine hadn’t changed.

    …It was good that my sister’s nutritional state had improved.

    It was a good thing that she was developing well.

    I told myself that, trying to maintain my composure.

    “And your overall physique seems more toned. Have you been exercising?”

    “It’s thanks to Elder Sister, who practices dancing and horseback riding with me.”

    “Is that so?”

    I wanted to retort something to “Tailor,” who nodded with a smile, but Leticia’s explanation was factual, so I couldn’t deny it.

    Since horseback riding required a trip to the countryside, now that the [Horse Riding Event] was over, I probably wouldn’t have time for it.

    Though I did want to say goodbye to Lillie.

    However, with the [Final Ball] approaching, I couldn’t neglect dance practice, and since I had a suitable environment for practicing at home, I tried to make time for it.

    Lately, she hadn’t been getting dizzy after our practice sessions… or so I thought, but even so, it had become her habit to rest her head on my lap afterward.

    Since I hadn’t objected the first time, I couldn’t very well object now.

    I was concerned about… the smell of sweat, but I couldn’t ask her about it.

    While Leticia’s sweat didn’t bother me—I even found it somewhat… endearing, a sign of her hard work—I didn’t know how she felt about mine.

    “Since your everyday clothes aren’t too tight, they probably don’t need alterations. I’ll just confirm that later, as I did with Lady Adelheid.”

    “Okay…”

    Leticia nodded.

    As “Tailor” took out her notebook and pen, starting to scribble notes, I sat down on the sofa, resting my arm on the armrest.

    Then, Leticia walked over, looking a bit unsteady, and sat down next to me, even though there was plenty of space on the sofa.

    And she leaned against me.

    Our arms touched.

    Even through our clothes, I could feel her warmth.

    I glared at her, but whether she noticed or not, Leticia smiled weakly.

    “…I was a little nervous, since it had been a while since my last fitting.”

    “…I see.”

    I was the one who was nervous now.

    …What was I thinking, with my sister right next to me?

    “I’m looking forward to the trip.”

    “It’s not a trip, it’s an inspection.”

    …But I was also a little… excited about going somewhere with Leticia.

    A little emotional indulgence was… permissible for a villainous sister, I thought. Probably.

    As long as I didn’t show it outwardly.

    I thought it was… permissible to care for my sister.

    “Tailor” looked up from her notebook… then closed her eyes and looked towards the ceiling. She opened her eyes wide, as if suddenly realizing something, and then abruptly turned back to her notebook. Her pen strokes became more frantic.

    …It seemed like her pen strokes had shifted from writing words to drawing.

    挿絵(By みてみん)

  • My Girlfriend is a Cold and Aloof Sickly Beauty 54

    Chapter 54: Crossing Time and Space

    As soon as she stepped out of the sedan chair, Jiang Xue saw the Crown Prince.

    On this “joyous” day, the Crown Prince was also dressed festively, in bright red with gold-embroidered python and auspicious cloud patterns, and a red and yellow crown on his head.

    According to Daying palace customs, there weren’t many elaborate rituals for taking a concubine, and the Crown Prince, with his ulterior motives, cared even less.

    “Follow me,” he said, striding towards the bedchamber.

    Xiao Luohan, her face still covered by the red veil, couldn’t see the path, but no one came to help her!

    Jiang Xue felt that the Crown Prince was still trying to make things difficult for Xiao Luohan because of the “ghostly powers,” but they were at the crucial step now, and they didn’t bother arguing with a dying man. They would let him be arrogant for a little while longer.

    So she extended her hand to Xiao Luohan and led her closely behind the Crown Prince.

    As she followed, Jiang Xue couldn’t help but look around, observing the distribution of the guards.

    The closer they got to the bedchamber, the quieter it became, so quiet that it was eerie.

    If it weren’t for the red silk decorations everywhere, she would have thought she had entered a haunted house.

    When they finally reached the bedchamber, she found that the guards from earlier were all gone.

    …Was the Crown Prince that confident? Or was the scene they were about to witness a forbidden taboo that couldn’t be seen by outsiders?

    Regardless of the reason, Jiang Xue clenched her fists nervously.

    Just then, a flash of bright color caught her eye.

    The red fox was standing beside them, its gaze meeting hers.

    Jiang Xue suddenly relaxed—even if Elder Sister Red Fox was blocked by the magic and couldn’t enter the bedchamber, as long as she knew she was there, they could both feel at ease.

    “Elder Sister Red Fox is with us!” she immediately told Xiao Luohan softly.

    Xiao Luohan paused, then nodded slightly, clutching the diary in her sleeve.

    The Crown Prince walked quickly and had already entered the bedchamber, leaving only the slightly open door behind him.

    Jiang Xue was about to push the door open when Xiao Luohan stopped her. “I’ll do it.”

    She gently pushed the door open, as if afraid of disturbing something.

    Sandalwood.

    A strong sandalwood fragrance wafted towards them, and through the red veil, she could sense many flickering candle flames inside.

    Besides that, there was also a faint scent of wine, the smell of the ceremonial wedding wine.

    “…I knew it!” she heard Jiang Xue’s trembling voice. “Uncle’s guess…”

    Before she could finish, she knew what Jiang Xue had seen.

    “Remove it yourself. Do you need me to do it for you?”

    It wasn’t her imagination. There was a hint of amusement in the Crown Prince’s voice, as if he was greatly enjoying this.

    Sighing softly, Xiao Luohan removed the red veil with one hand.

    She first saw Jiang Xue’s back—the young woman was standing in front of her with her arms outstretched, breathing heavily, but even so, she stood firmly, preventing her from seeing what was ahead.

    Then, red candles filled her vision, from the table to the floor, burning brightly, flickering, as if some kind of bizarre ritual was being performed.

    Xiao Luohan didn’t approach, but said in a deep voice, “My elder sister’s body is missing. Your Highness must have hidden it.”

    “Ha… did the ghosts and spirits tell you the answer? How boring!” The Crown Prince’s voice was filled with disappointment. “I originally wanted to see your terrified expression when you saw your sister, but you’re so calm! It seems you’re also a heartless and ungrateful wretch! Princess Zhemei even called out your name before she died!”

    The more he tried to wound her with his words, the calmer Xiao Luohan became.

    Her real elder sister was currently maintaining the “connection” between the two worlds, waiting outside the palace, ready to send her away as soon as she fulfilled her wish.

    She placed her hand on Jiang Xue’s arm, patting it twice, indicating that she didn’t need to stop her, then calmly walked forward, her gaze landing on the “woman” sitting opposite the Crown Prince.

    Her elder sister was dressed in the same wedding attire as her, her hands resting on her lap, her eyes closed, her expression serene, leaning back against the sandalwood chair.

    But Xiao Luohan immediately saw that there was a silver needle inserted into her forehead and another into the xuanji acupoint on her neck, presumably the “soul-trapping” devices.

    After observing, she opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but her throat tightened, and she covered her mouth, coughing violently, her mouth filled with the metallic taste of blood.

    Even though she had been prepared, seeing her elder sister, who had died for her country, in this state, Xiao Luohan still couldn’t control her emotions.

    “Xiao Luo!!” Jiang Xue hurriedly supported her, patting her back, her gaze unconsciously falling on the bloodstains on the cover of the diary.

    “Haha! I thought you were so calm, but it seems just a few glances are enough to break you!” She heard the Crown Prince laugh triumphantly. “Don’t forget! This is your choice—your own choice!”

    …The red candle.

    Xiao Luohan recalled the four items on the tray that night.

    The wine cup representing poisoned wine, the white silk representing hanging, the silver silk charcoal representing death by suffocation or burning Wangmei Pavilion, and… the red candle, which she thought represented death on the “wedding night.”

    She had chosen the red candle, and on the “wedding day,” the Crown Prince had indeed shown her a room full of red candles.

    She wiped the blood from her lips, exhaled, walked to her elder sister’s body, hugged her, and then knelt down.

    At the same time, she used her lipstick-stained fingernail to make a deep mark on the last page of the diary!

    “There, you’ve broadened your horizons. Nothing happened, did it?”

    She heard the Crown Prince chuckle and saw him stand up from his chair and walk towards her. “The ghosts and spirits you rely on so much are watching right here, right? They can’t do anything, they can’t save you. They can only watch as you sisters reunite in this bridal chamber!”

    Hearing this, Xiao Luohan immediately went on high alert.

    —”Uncle Seuss said that scum like him, with their twisted minds, when they’re about to kill you, they actually want to watch you die slowly!”

    —”So you must be wary of him suddenly rushing forward and strangling you!”

    She calmly turned on the stun gun in her hand, setting it to maximum power.

    Seeing the Crown Prince’s hand reach towards her, she gripped the stun gun tightly.

    The next moment, she heard the thud of a porcelain jar hitting someone! Then the Crown Prince’s furious roar!

    “Useless evil spirits! Only resorting to such despicable tricks!”

    Now!

    As the Crown Prince turned around, clutching the back of his head, Xiao Luohan leaped up!

    Like a nimble cat, she silently pounced on him, her eyes flashing coldly, the stun gun hitting the Crown Prince’s neck with pinpoint accuracy!

    “Zzz!!”

    “Ugh!!”

    Just as Uncle Seuss had predicted in his plan, the Crown Prince, caught off guard, collapsed under the powerful electric shock.

    But she didn’t relax. She pressed the stun gun against his neck again, then his temples, his eyes, the bridge of his nose… all the most vulnerable spots that Uncle Seuss had marked on the anatomical chart.

    Perhaps with her elder sister’s blessing, she felt an immense surge of strength and courage. She didn’t stop until the Crown Prince was only convulsing involuntarily, then put down the stun gun and made another lipstick mark on the diary.

    Jiang Xue, who had frozen after throwing the porcelain jar at the Crown Prince, came to her senses and hurriedly stepped forward. “I-I’ll take the stun gun! I can do it!”

    Xiao Luohan shook her head. “Please bolt the door. We can’t let the guards come in so quickly!”

    Jiang Xue quickly did as she was told, not only bolting the door but also pushing nearby cabinets and tables against it, blocking it completely.

    When she returned, Xiao Luohan had already taken the gun with the silencer Uncle Seuss had prepared and was checking the bullets.

    Although her hands were trembling, Xiao Luohan’s movements were swift. Once everything was ready, she aimed the gun at the Crown Prince’s forehead.

    “Bang!”

    It was the fatal shot. After a muffled sound, a bloody hole appeared on the Crown Prince’s forehead.

    But Xiao Luohan didn’t stop there. She fired two more shots, one into his heart and another into his chest.

    “Is-Is he… is he dead?” Jiang Xue asked, her voice trembling. “I’m not A-Xi, I-I can’t see souls…”

    Xiao Luohan didn’t answer, only putting the gun into the diary, then staggering towards her elder sister’s body.

    She used all her strength to carry her elder sister down from the chair and placed her among the red candles on the floor.

    But the moment Xiao Linghan’s body touched the ground, Xiao Luohan’s vision went dark, and she collapsed as well.

    Jiang Xue panicked, calling out her name and trying to help her up, but she heard Xiao Luohan say weakly, “Help me…”

    Help me bury my elder sister.

    Jiang Xue’s tears flowed as she nodded, biting her lip. In front of Xiao Luohan, she found cloth and paper from the cabinets, placed them around the room, helped Xiao Luohan into a chair, and then lit the flammable materials with the red candles, one by one.

    By the time she lit the third pile of paper, the flames had started to engulf Xiao Linghan’s body, and smoke filled the air.

    “Let’s go!”

    A red figure suddenly appeared in the room, transforming into a human amidst the flames and smoke. “Don’t do anything unnecessary! Come with me!”

    “Elder Sister Red Fox!” Jiang Xue was both surprised and overjoyed, her nose tingling. “How did you—”

    But she knew this wasn’t the time to ask questions. She quickly picked up Xiao Luohan, who was exhausted, and followed closely behind.

    Xiao Luohan’s consciousness was fading. She felt pain and heat all over her body, and her breathing was labored, but she still clutched the diary tightly.

    She vaguely felt Jiang Xue carrying her, running through a dark passage.

    She seemed to see her elder sister, not in armor, but dressed in a red outfit as she remembered, walking ahead, not too far away, occasionally turning back to guide them.

    “After the Crown Prince’s death, the witchcraft that bound me was lifted. I just personally destroyed his soul,” her elder sister’s voice reached her ears, as if through a wall.

    “After sending you away, I’ll catch up with Shizhu and return to Beiliao with her.”

    That’s good… with Elder Sister escorting her, Shizhu… Shizhu should be…

    Before she could finish the thought, she felt something struggling in her hand.

    The movement wasn’t large, but it… seemed to want her to “let go”…

    So she let go.

    Her vision suddenly cleared. She saw her elder sister walking ahead, and the diary, which both she and Jiang Xue cherished, was floating in mid-air, its pages flipping.

    Then, in the blink of an eye, it burst into flames!

    The ashes transformed into gray moths, rising one after another towards the sky, towards an unknown destination.

    Xiao Luohan instinctively reached out to grab the ashes—that was Jiang Xue’s diary! All of Jiang Xue’s important memories since high school!

    But her outstretched hand was firmly grasped by Jiang Xue.

    “If that’s the price, I’m willing!” Jiang Xue said to her. “I’m willing to exchange a diary for your freedom and future!”

    Or rather, it was a blessing that they only had to pay such a small price.

    As the diary burned to ashes, a small light appeared ahead, gradually expanding.

    Jiang Xue could see clearly! As long as they passed through the circle of light, she could bring Xiao Luohan back to her sister and the others!

    “Jiang Xue.”

    Hearing her name, Jiang Xue instinctively turned around.

    Xiao Linghan was standing behind her, smiling gently and freely.

    But in her eyes, Jiang Xue clearly saw reluctance and regret.

    “Don’t forget to water my plum blossoms after you return.”

    As soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Linghan’s form dissipated, transforming into countless red plum blossoms, flying away in the direction they had come from, presumably to catch up with Shizhu, who was still on the road.

    Jiang Xue stood there, watching until she was completely out of sight, then turned and strode towards the circle of light.

    “Let’s go home, Xiao Luo. Everyone is waiting for you!”

  • Friend(GL) 111

    Chapter 111: It Is

    Zhou Tianzui didn’t go home that night, but she did change wards, moving into the same room as You Ruxu. You Ruxu was in a VIP single room, requiring a key card to enter, which deterred most visitors, and the ward became quiet. Wu Xiulian, after helping them move, seemed to have something to say to Zhou Tianzui, but with Yu Qiao and You Ruxu present, she hesitated, then said, “I’ll come back tomorrow then. Sister, are you going home with me?”

    Yu Qiao said, “I’ll stay here with them, they’re both injured.”

    Wu Xiulian said, “Then I’ll be going.”

    She glanced at Zhou Tianzui and You Ruxu, then left.

    You Ruxu saw her to the door. When she returned, she received a call from Chen Xiang, her voice as energetic as ever, “Teacher You, did anyone call you?”

    “Why?” You Ruxu’s voice was calm and even as she wheeled herself back into the ward. Zhou Tianzui watched her talk on the phone, turning her head slightly. It was a single room, and she had moved her bed closer to You Ruxu’s. Yu Qiao was cutting fruit for them, her mood much improved compared to the past few days, even smiling when she entered the ward earlier, a rare sight recently.

    Yu Qiao looked down, hearing You Ruxu say, “I understand.”

    Chen Xiang said, “But there are still many people questioning the story online.”

    After all, it was a twenty-year-old case, not easily explained with just a notebook. The online discussions were mostly doubts and demands for more evidence, a heated debate. You Ruxu said, “I’ve contacted Captain Zhou.”

    Chen Xiang said, “Okay, I’ve already arranged tomorrow’s interview. You just focus on resting today.”

    You Ruxu said, “I will.”

    As Chen Xiang had said, after the initial shock and anger subsided, people started questioning the story, finding the timing too coincidental, how could a twenty-year-old notebook suddenly appear? If it existed, why wasn’t it presented earlier? Some even suspected that the TV station was protecting Zhou Qiming, using Zhou Tianzui’s injury to gain sympathy.

    That was how rumors worked, a single seed of doubt could take root and grow.

    Many people were also leaving comments on her social media, demanding more concrete evidence.

    You Ruxu glanced at the time; it wasn’t even nine o’clock yet.

    Yu Qiao handed her a plate of fruit, “Xiao Xu, you should eat some too.”

    You Ruxu took the plate with both hands: “Thank you, thank you, Godmother.”

    She looked at Zhou Tianzui, lying quietly in bed, unusually silent. You Ruxu wheeled herself over to her bedside and offered her the fruit. Zhou Tianzui looked at her for a few seconds, then took a slice of apple and ate it slowly.

    You Ruxu also ate a slice, a bittersweet taste.

    She heard Yu Qiao ask, “Is there still a problem?”

    You Ruxu said, “No, there’s no problem.”

    Just past nine o’clock, the Jindu police issued a statement, one about the preliminary results of the notebook verification, the other confirming the identity of the interviewee.

    The full verification results usually took half a month, but the preliminary results were much faster. You Ruxu had asked Captain Zhou for the preliminary results, which, combined with the interviewee’s identity verification, left no room for doubt.

    Of course, some people wouldn’t be convinced no matter what. But the focus of the online discussions shifted.

    Shifted to the interviewee.

    And a new round of digging began.

    You Ruxu, seeing the numerous “revelations” online, put down her phone and ate her fruit. They hadn’t eaten much for dinner, and Yu Qiao wanted to make them some late-night snacks, but Zhou Tianzui said, “Mom, don’t bother, I’m not hungry.”

    “Even if you’re not hungry, Xiao Xu must be, she’s been busy all day.” Yu Qiao said, “Xiao Xu, what would you like?”

    You Ruxu said, “Some fruit is fine.”

    “You two need to nourish yourselves, can’t be careless, what if you develop long-term health problems later?” Yu Qiao rambled on, and You Ruxu suddenly felt a pang of nostalgia. She remembered when she first became Yu Qiao’s goddaughter, she was like this too, always fussing over her, even their phone calls would last for several minutes, ending with Yu Qiao asking, “Xiao Xu, am I being too much of a bother?”

    You Ruxu had never felt bothered.

    It wasn’t that long ago, but it felt like a lifetime. Now, remembering those moments, she felt a lump in her throat.

    You Ruxu looked down and said, “Godmother, don’t bother, just sit down and rest.”

    “I’m not tired.” Yu Qiao had been through a rollercoaster of emotions these past few days, Zhou Qiming’s case resurfacing, another wave of attacks and accusations, she thought it would be like before, another disaster, but You Ruxu had resolved it.

    She felt strangely calm now, no longer resisting their relationship.

    Xiao Tian was a good person.

    Xiao Xu was also a good person.

    Them being together, it was good.

    She started imagining the trip Zhou Tianzui had described, after she recovered, the three of them traveling together.

    Yu Qiao looked down.

    It was just a pity, she never got to meet that child. Yu Qiao clenched her hand, then seeing You Ruxu eating her fruit, took a deep breath, and relaxed her hand. You Ruxu said she wasn’t hungry, but Yu Qiao still went out to buy her some food. Only You Ruxu and Zhou Tianzui remained in the ward. You Ruxu sat by her bed, seeing her staring at the ceiling, she asked, “What are you looking at?”

    Zhou Tianzui said, “My mom went out?”

    “Yes, to buy some things.” You Ruxu said, “I submitted my resignation today.”

    Zhou Tianzui’s gaze sharpened, focusing on You Ruxu, “What did they say?”

    “They didn’t believe me.” You Ruxu said, “They all thought I was joking.”

    You Ruxu, ever since joining the station, had always prioritized work, working overtime while her colleagues rested, taking on assignments no one else wanted, covering every story, big or small, working herself to exhaustion.

    Even Shi Qi had said, anyone else might resign, but not her.

    But she had.

    Shi Qi couldn’t believe it, “Really?”

    You Ruxu said, “Really.”

    Her tone was calm, her expression composed. Shi Qi was completely bewildered.

    Zhou Tianzui asked, “Any regrets?”

    You Ruxu wasn’t sure which she was referring to, Zhou Qiming’s case or her resignation. She thought for a moment, then asked Zhou Tianzui, “Do you have any regrets?”

    Zhou Tianzui looked at her. They hadn’t had much time alone recently. Yu Qiao had finally agreed, a heavy burden lifted, yet it also felt like a new weight, a sense of guilt accompanying every action.

    Zhou Tianzui didn’t regret her choice.

    She didn’t regret it now either.

    It was just painful.

    She closed her eyes.

    You Ruxu suddenly leaned closer, pulling on the bedsheet, sliding closer to Zhou Tianzui, reaching out to hold her hand. You Ruxu was both eloquent and inarticulate, but she knew Zhou Tianzui understood her.

    Zhou Tianzui, her hand held by You Ruxu, wanted to turn over, but the movement sent a jolt of pain through her abdomen, the wound reopening, she couldn’t move, she had been lying in the same position all day, it hadn’t been uncomfortable before, but now, she suddenly wanted to turn, a restless energy coursing through her, a mix of itching and pain, her face paling, her body covered in a cold sweat.

    You Ruxu, seeing this, was worried, “What’s wrong? Zhou Tianzui, what’s wrong?!”

    “I’m fine.” Zhou Tianzui gritted her teeth, “I’m fine.”

    Just a sudden wave of pain.

    Overwhelming her.

    Zhou Tianzui said, “Hug me.”

    She wanted to sit up, to be held. You Ruxu, ignoring the pain in her leg, got up and leaned over her, wrapping her arms around Zhou Tianzui’s waist, holding her gently through the blanket. Zhou Tianzui said, “Hold me tighter.”

    You Ruxu’s embrace tightened, her arms around Zhou Tianzui’s waist. Zhou Tianzui wanted to hug her back, but her arm hurt too much, she could only rest it lightly on You Ruxu’s back.

    Surrounded by each other’s familiar scent, Zhou Tianzui’s pain gradually subsided. She lay there quietly, held by You Ruxu.

    Yu Qiao, entering the room without knocking, stopped abruptly, seeing them, and quickly closed the door, standing outside.

    You Ruxu, hearing the noise, released Zhou Tianzui and sat in her wheelchair, looking at Zhou Tianzui for a few seconds, then wheeled herself to the door and opened it, “Godmother.”

    Yu Qiao hadn’t expected to see them embracing.

    Although she had been preparing herself, seeing that scene still shocked her. She looked at You Ruxu and gave a small “mm-hmm,” changing the subject, “I bought some food, have some.”

    You Ruxu said, “Okay.”

    She took the bag from Yu Qiao, who wheeled her back to the small dining table. Zhou Tianzui couldn’t sit up, so Yu Qiao fed her porridge. The atmosphere in the ward was slightly awkward. Yu Qiao said, “I heard downstairs that the murderer in the Fengyuan case confessed.”

    You Ruxu looked up, “He did?”

    Yu Qiao nodded. You Ruxu checked her phone, the messages in the group chat were flying, everyone had been focused on Zhou Qiming’s case, the Fengyuan story continued to be reported, but without much progress, and now, with the confession, there wasn’t a single mention of it in the group chat.

    Because of Xu Jinwan.

    You Ruxu also fell silent.

    Just as she was about to exit the group chat, she received a message, an unknown number, but a number she knew too well, a number she had memorized, calling every weekend, asking, “Haven’t you received it yet? It’s a package, a file folder, with a notebook inside, the kind you use for work, black cover, there’s a name inside…”

    You Ruxu opened the message: [Reporter You, it’s Ji Lanfang, do you remember me?]

    Of course she remembered.

    You Ruxu: [Hello, is something the matter?]

    Ji Lanfang: [Nothing much, just saw you on the news today and remembered your calls, that package, it was Zhou Qiming’s work journal, right?]

    You Ruxu stared at her phone, forgetting to eat.

    Ji Lanfang: [Don’t misunderstand, since the interviewee chose to remain anonymous, I won’t interfere, I just admire your persistence all these years.]

    You Ruxu pursed her lips, her fingers hovering over the screen, typing and deleting several times, before finally replying: [Yes, it was that package.]

    After sending the message, there was no reply.

    You Ruxu put down her phone and heard Zhou Tianzui say, “I’m not eating anymore.”

    “Always so picky.” Yu Qiao said in exasperation, “Just starve then!”

    You Ruxu, seeing this, said, “Godmother, let me feed her, you go ahead and eat.”

    Yu Qiao, annoyed with Zhou Tianzui, glared at her, handed You Ruxu the bowl and spoon, and said, “Let her be if she doesn’t want to eat, you haven’t finished yet.”

    “My food’s a little too hot, I’ll eat it later.” You Ruxu said, “You go ahead and eat, you haven’t had dinner yet.”

    Yu Qiao nodded, sat at the table, and watched You Ruxu coax Zhou Tianzui to eat, the scene from when she entered the ward earlier replaying in her mind, a wave of complex emotions washing over her. Talk about acceptance, that scene was quite a shock, but not unacceptable.

    Yu Qiao was trying to convince herself, breaking apart her disposable chopsticks, when she saw You Ruxu’s phone light up.

    A new message notification.

    She glanced at it unintentionally and saw the message on the screen: [You’re that little girl, aren’t you?]

  • The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated 503

    Chapter 503: “You’ll Pay for This.”

    When Shien finished dressing, Millu, holding Lid, came to him.

    “Airi, Airi…”

    The little girl with immense magic power tugged at Shien’s clothes repeatedly, her face anxious, as if urging or worried about something.

    “This…”

    Shien didn’t know what she wanted and looked confused.

    “Alright, don’t worry, Airi won’t run away.”

    Lid comforted her in a casual tone, and although Millu still looked anxious, she didn’t say anything more.

    Seeing this, Shien had a thought.

    “Could she be wanting to see Airi?”

    Shien asked the little beast on Millu’s head, a strange expression on his face.

    “Well, haven’t you guessed it already?” Lid yawned, looking at the puzzled Shien, a glint of intelligence in its eyes. It chuckled and said, “This girl likes Airi the most. Whenever she sees Airi, she’ll cling to her until Airi gets annoyed. If we hadn’t heard you mention Airi’s name when passing by, we might not have even noticed you.”

    In short, if it weren’t for the mention of Airi, Shien might have been ignored by them.

    To this pair, Shien’s only value seemed to be “knowing Airi.” Besides that, he didn’t seem to have anything they were interested in.

    …He felt an urge to ruffle that child’s hair and eat a roasted beast leg.

    “You want to see Airi, right?” Shien said with a forced smile, “Fine, I’ll take you to her.”

    He would deal with their arrogance later.

    However, as Shien thought this, Lid said,

    “Before that, do us a favor first.”

    Lid actually said this.

    “A favor?”

    Shien raised an eyebrow.

    “That’s right.” Lid pointed outside the barrier. “It’s in that direction. Let’s go.”

    Without waiting for Shien’s response, Lid tugged at Millu’s hair.

    “Let’s go, Millu. Let’s finish this quickly so we can go see Airi.”

    Lid’s words instantly changed Millu’s aggrieved expression.

    “See Airi! See Airi!”

    The little girl’s face lit up, and she ran outside.

    Surprisingly, the barrier of the Elven Homeland seemed to have no effect on her.

    The little girl with the mysterious creature on her head passed through the barrier silently, as if walking through water, completely unaffected.

    “What the hell…”

    Shien was dumbfounded.

    The barrier that the Elven Homeland was so proud of, and which was possibly set up by the Goddess of Nature herself, was actually ignored by her so easily. It was truly shocking.

    If she had broken the barrier with force, Shien wouldn’t have been so surprised.

    If he hadn’t guessed wrong about her identity, then her power could only be greater than that of the Goddess of Nature. Being able to break the barrier set up by the Goddess of Nature wasn’t strange.

    But she didn’t break the barrier, but directly ignored it, as if nothing in the world could stop her, completely unaffected.

    This was quite impressive.

    Shien hadn’t intended to follow.

    After all, being ordered around like this, what did that make him?

    But now, Shien was interested in this pair.

    What did such a strange duo want to do here?

    “Let’s go and see.”

    Shien couldn’t suppress his curiosity.

    Shien followed them.

    Lid, as if knowing Shien would follow, said casually to Millu,

    “Bring him out of the barrier, Millu.”

    Millu didn’t hesitate at all, walked through the barrier, took Shien’s hand, and pulled him out, as easily as if they were taking a stroll.

    “Airi! Airi!”

    Millu, holding Shien’s hand, kept chanting this name, then pulled Shien forward impatiently.

    “Where are we going?”

    Shien couldn’t help but ask.

    But…

    “You’ll know when we get there.”

    Lid’s casual tone made Shien narrow his eyes.

    This little guy needed to be taught a lesson.

    He would find a chance to mess with her.

    It had been a while since he had some fun. He didn’t know if his skills had deteriorated.

    …

    Meanwhile, Carol was still waiting boredly some distance away from the hot spring.

    “Why is he taking so long?” Carol complained. “A man, taking longer to bathe than a woman.”

    Carol was getting impatient.

    If she wasn’t afraid of being caught red-handed, accused of spying on him while he was bathing after promising no one would go in, she would have already barged in.

    “I’m the vice-commander of the Elven Corps, a level eighty-nine archmage, actually acting as a lookout for a man from another race, I must be crazy.”

    Carol muttered to herself, either in self-mockery or helplessness.

    “Hmm?”

    At this moment, Carol noticed something and looked up in surprise.

    In the distance, under the beautiful night sky, a stream of evil aura and a dragon’s shadow were rapidly approaching.

    “That is…?”

    Carol tensed up.

    She felt a suffocating threat from that evil aura and dragon’s shadow.

    The next moment, the evil aura and the dragon’s shadow arrived, hovering in mid-air for a moment, then descended.

    Their target was her.

    “What?”

    Carol’s expression changed.

    But before she could react, the evil aura and dragon’s shadow landed before her, revealing their forms.

    It was Lilith and Airi.

    “Dragon… Dragon Demon Princess…!? And Goddess Lilith…!”

    Carol held her breath.

    But Airi and Lilith clearly weren’t in the mood for small talk.

    “Where’s Shien?”

    Airi asked directly.

    “Shien?” Carol was stunned for a moment, then reacted and said quickly, “V-Viscount Buztout is currently bathing inside.”

    “Inside?” Airi gave Carol a deep look, making her feel uneasy, then said calmly, “He has already left the Elven Homeland and is outside the barrier.”

    “Wh-what!?” Carol’s eyes widened in shock. “Impossible! The Elven Homeland’s barrier is still active. Unless one of us opens the entrance, no one can freely enter or exit!”

    This was a barrier set up by the Goddess of Nature, utilizing the power of nature and the environment. Without knowing the method, even level limit experts couldn’t freely enter or exit, and transcendent beings could only break through with force.

    Since the barrier was still active, logically speaking, unless an elf guided him, Shien should still be inside the barrier.

    Now, Airi was saying that Shien had already left. It was no wonder Carol was shocked.

    But this was a fact.

    “It’s precisely because he left the barrier that the magic power I placed on him is no longer detectable, and even the connection between Lilith and her [True Mark] has become blurred, making us unable to find his location.” Airi murmured calmly, as if talking to herself. “However, if it’s them, they can indeed easily enter and exit this barrier and block our senses, preventing us from finding Shien.”

    Airi seemed to have guessed the reason.

    Beside her, the evil aura around Lilith fluctuated continuously, showing that her mood was unstable, making even Carol apprehensive.

    Carol was worried that Lilith would cause trouble in the Elven Homeland.

    If that happened, it would be a big problem.

    Fortunately, their savior arrived quickly.

    “Your Highness Airi, Lady Lilith.”

    With this call, an emerald green light descended from the sky, transforming into the graceful figure of the Elven Queen.

    “Sophie?” Airi wasn’t surprised by Sophie’s arrival and asked directly, “You sensed it too, right?”

    “Yes.” Sophie sighed and nodded seriously. “Such magic power, it’s indeed those two, isn’t it?”

    “It can only be them.” Airi said with dissatisfaction. “Besides them, who else would wander around in this ancient forest filled with monsters?”

    “Then…” Sophie said with worry, “Since those two have appeared here, does that mean something happened in the Tegor Forest again?”

    “Who knows?” Airi said coldly, “I just want to know why they took my person and what they’re planning to do.”

    “Viscount Buztout?” Sophie said hesitantly, “Isn’t it because of Your Highness Airi that he was taken away?”

    Airi glared at Sophie, making her chuckle awkwardly.

    She knew that she had exposed the truth, making it impossible for Airi to keep up her pretense.

    “Should I send someone to look for him?”

    Sophie could only suggest this.

    “…Forget it.” Airi’s face was still filled with displeasure, but after thinking for a moment, she said, “If it were before, I would have been worried that Shien would be toyed with by those two. Now, with his increased strength, he should be able to handle them… as long as they don’t go too far.”

    Towards the end, Airi finally showed a troubled expression.

    Lilith immediately tugged at Airi’s clothes, seemingly objecting to her decision.

    “Don’t worry.” Airi comforted Lilith. “He’s still safe. Otherwise, even with their interference, you would be able to sense his location through the [True Mark].”

    Once the bearer of the [True Mark] was in danger, the owner would immediately sense it and, through the connection of the [True Mark], instantly arrive at their location.

    Since Lilith couldn’t sense Shien, it meant he wasn’t in danger.

    Thinking of this, Lilith calmed down.

    Only Airi remained, looking towards the depths of the forest ahead, a menacing glint in her eyes.

    “If you don’t bring him back safe and sound, you’ll pay for this, Millu, Lid.”

    Airi murmured.

    The night continued.

  • Reborn to Stew Soup (GL) 117

    Chapter 117: Reality Show

    Mi Hongdou spent two whole days trying to process her conversation with Qiao Rubai. And the secret Qiao Rubai revealed filled her with endless what-ifs. Like, what were her own feelings when she first approached Ji Junxin in her previous life? And Ji Junxin’s? And had Ji Junxin ever liked her? If Ji Junxin had been open to same-sex relationships in her previous life, did that mean… she wasn’t completely straight in this life? …

    These thoughts ultimately led nowhere. The past was the past, some answers would forever remain unknown.

    Mi Hongdou spent these two days in a daze, her replies to Ji Junxin’s messages filled with complex emotions.

    When she first realized her feelings for Ji Junxin, her first thought had been that Ji Junxin was straight, that she shouldn’t have any unrealistic expectations. She had then resolved to remain just a friend, carefully hiding her feelings, her restraint and effort… all based on the assumption that eventually, a good, reliable man would appear and give Ji Junxin a happy future.

    But after Qiao Rubai’s revelation, the question was, should she be waiting for a good, reliable woman instead?

    And wasn’t she, Mi Hongdou, the best, most reliable, and most devoted woman who loved Ji Junxin?

    Although Qiao Rubai claimed not to know Ji Junxin’s true feelings in their previous life, or whether Ji Junxin’s refusal of the blind date and her subsequent trip abroad suggested an openness to same-sex relationships, Mi Hongdou still saw a glimmer of possibility in Qiao Rubai’s words.

    After two days of agonizing over it, Mi Hongdou decided… she could try.

    According to Qiao Rubai, Ji Junxin’s relationship with Jiang Duo in their previous life began around the time “Imperial Secrets” wrapped up. And since filming for “Imperial Secrets” had been longer in her previous life, it meant that now was roughly the time when Ji Junxin’s romantic feelings started to develop.

    Mi Hongdou was glad that, because of her strong dislike for Jiang Duo and Zhang Zijing’s relationship in her previous life, she had been cold and distant towards Jiang Duo in this life, besides preventing Zhang Zijing from getting close to Ji Junxin. Whenever Jiang Duo tried to talk to Ji Junxin on set, Mi Hongdou would glare at her and chase her away. And in this life, Ji Junxin had overheard the conversation between Lu Gaoshi and Jiang Dingyi at Nan Tian, so she probably didn’t have a good impression of Jiang Duo. And with Jiang Duo’s terrible performance in “Imperial Secrets,” Mi Hongdou thought there was no way for Jiang Duo to catch Ji Junxin’s eye in this life.

    But she couldn’t be too optimistic, there was always a chance…

    Mi Hongdou decided that she still had to be wary of Jiang Duo during this filming. And she also hoped to repair her relationship with Ji Junxin, which had become strained after “Imperial Secrets” wrapped. Once they regained their closeness, she would subtly hint at her feelings, she couldn’t be too direct, in case Ji Junxin wasn’t ready yet, scaring her away would be a disaster.

    Learning from Qiao Rubai that Ji Junxin wasn’t completely straight, Mi Hongdou’s suppressed feelings resurfaced. If Ji Junxin was open to it, then the person by her side had to be her! Thinking this, she started planning elaborate meals, preparing for her “Operation Bring the Foodie Home.”

    Mi Hongdou didn’t know that while she was still planning her careful approach, someone else was becoming impatient.

    Ji Junxin had thought that after “Divorce, So Be It 2” wrapped, Mi Hongdou would have more time for her. But that wasn’t the case!

    After the wrap-up party, Mi Hongdou had disappeared for the entire afternoon, only replying to her messages that night. And for the next two days, although Mi Hongdou had returned to Jiang City after finishing her work in Shudian, their conversations felt… distant.

    Distance, besides creating beauty, also created anxiety. Ji Junxin was increasingly eager to return to China, to see what was going on with Mi Hongdou.

    During the filming of “Imperial Secrets” in Shudian, they had spent their days and nights together, filming, eating, sleeping, sharing everything, that was how she had managed to maintain the boundaries of friendship, although… she had almost crossed the line several times. And after filming wrapped, to detach from the role, she had had to cut off contact with Mi Hongdou, a painful decision. And then, before she could even recover, she had gone to Japan…

    Being in Japan had its perks, the food, the mature yuri culture. But it also made her more impatient. She wanted to know what Mi Hongdou was doing, wanted to share their lives, even feared that the distance would make them strangers. And then Jiang Lingling went to Shudian… Ji Junxin was like a cat on a hot tin roof. She tried to calm down, but her anxiety only intensified.

    By the time “Reality Online” started filming, and the crew arrived in Japan to pick her up, she really… didn’t want to film the packing scene! She had packed days ago! Couldn’t they just go back to China already!

    The filming location was Wenlong Mountain, on the other side of the country.

    Mi Hongdou left Jiang City early in the morning, a five-hour flight followed by a three or four-hour drive, arriving at the county near Wenlong Mountain around 7 PM.

    By then, she hadn’t contacted Ji Junxin for almost a day.

    The reality show, “Reality Online,” advertised 24/7 filming and live streaming, a complete detachment from reality. This detachment included no access to modern communication devices. So, the night before, when the crew came to film her packing, her phone had already been confiscated.

    When she signed the contract for “Imperial Secrets,” she had also signed a preliminary agreement for “Reality Online.” The details hadn’t been finalized then, just a non-binding agreement of intent. The official contract arrived halfway through filming.

    Seeing the program’s format – “24/7 filming, live streaming, complete detachment from reality” – Mi Hongdou had panicked. She had imagined Qiao Rubai abandoning them on a deserted island… Fortunately, the contract also stated that basic necessities would be provided, and although the conditions wouldn’t be luxurious, their safety and health would be guaranteed. But the specific content of the show, the details, were all omitted.

    She had asked the person from Qiong Yu who brought the contract, but… he had just said that the project was being handled by a new team, it was highly confidential, he didn’t know the details.

    So, all Mi Hongdou knew was that about a month after the release of “Imperial Secrets,” she would go to Wenlong Mountain for twelve days to film a reality show called “Reality Online,” 24/7 filming, live streaming…

    When Qiao Rubai first mentioned the reality show, Mi Hongdou had known that with Qiao Rubai’s personality, it wouldn’t be like the other reality shows, with scripts, NGs, and reshoots, all for dramatic effect. But she hadn’t expected that Qiao Rubai would not only not provide a script, but also describe the show’s content with just one vague sentence: “Striving for a better life!”… Keeping the celebrities completely in the dark, 24/7 filming, live streaming, how could anyone sign such a contract!

    Even the reborn Mi Hongdou hesitated.

    She had even asked Ji Junxin about it. Ji Junxin said she had already signed. When asked about the show’s content, Ji Junxin had been clueless… She had just said that since Qiao Rubai asked her to sign it, she signed it, flipping to the last page and signing without reading the details, Qiao Rubai would take care of everything.

    Such blind trust! Mi Hongdou had been so shocked that she almost choked.

    Later… she had signed, of course.

    An opportunity to spend more time with Ji Junxin, even if it was a dragon’s lair or a tiger’s den, she had to take it.

    Mi Hongdou hoped that the reborn Qiao Rubai would be more reasonable. Even without a script, for a 24/7 live stream, they should at least know the general format or content. But she waited and waited, from the beginning of “Imperial Secrets” to its wrap-up, even after the film’s release, there was no further information.

    At the wrap-up party for “Divorce, So Be It 2,” Qiao Rubai had revealed Ji Junxin’s secret, leaving Mi Hongdou in a daze. And although they had talked for a while, even as fellow time travelers, when Mi Hongdou asked about “Reality Online,” Qiao Rubai had just said that she would find out in two days, that she should just be herself, no preparation needed.

    Although Mi Hongdou hadn’t gotten any specifics, she had gleaned one piece of information.

    Around the time “Divorce, So Be It” premiered, another reality show, a licensed adaptation of a popular foreign program, featuring an all-male cast competing in outdoor challenges and puzzles, had also aired. It was an instant hit, igniting the nascent reality show market in China. Mi Hongdou, filming “Divorce, So Be It 2” in Shudian at the time, had been surprised. In her previous life, this show hadn’t aired until two years later, its popularity further boosting the growing reality show market. But then it was exposed for being heavily scripted, with retakes and manufactured drama to make the male cast appear more intelligent and capable… She hadn’t understood why a show from two years later was airing now. But soon, like in her previous life, at the peak of its popularity, the show was exposed for its fakery. At the wrap-up party, she had mentioned this to Qiao Rubai, wondering if there were other time travelers. And Qiao Rubai had calmly admitted that she was the one who had orchestrated the show’s early arrival, its purpose being its eventual exposure as fake and scripted.

    Mi Hongdou had been stunned. She had thought Qiao Rubai was trying to get ahead in the reality show market, why help a competitor? And Qiao Rubai had said proudly, “Let them go first, to hype up the market, to create interest and anticipation for the real thing. And their eventual exposure will highlight our authenticity. After all, we’re filming 24/7, live streaming, a direct contrast to their fakery. Comparison highlights the difference. And they were going to be exposed anyway, I just sped things up a little.”

    A businessman’s heart was truly unfathomable.

    Qiao Rubai was candid about her business tactics, but when Mi Hongdou asked about her death in their previous life, she avoided the topic again, saying that there were still some loose ends, and she would tell her when the time was right.

    Mi Hongdou knew Qiao Rubai was hiding something, but… she didn’t have the right to demand full disclosure. After all, they were just friends, employer and employee, not as close as she and Ji Junxin. But she knew that Qiao Rubai always had Ji Junxin’s best interests at heart, they were on the same page on that, and that was enough.

    But even though she understood Qiao Rubai, when the “Reality Online” crew entered her life, confiscating her phone, cutting off contact with Ji Junxin for a whole day and night, Mi Hongdou was still frustrated.

    And the most frustrating part was that after a long day of travel, arriving at the county near Wenlong Mountain, the crew told her that to maintain a sense of novelty, the participating celebrities were staying at different hotels and would only meet at the filming location tomorrow…

    What novelty! Mi Hongdou was speechless! Most of them were from “Imperial Secrets,” they had filmed together for months!

    But facing the cameras, she had to smile and express her understanding and anticipation.

    A reality show, even without a script, can’t be completely unscripted, she thought, not realizing how wrong she was.

    Not staying at the same hotel, unable to contact each other, she didn’t even know if Ji Junxin had arrived. Mi Hongdou, who had hoped to see Ji Junxin tonight, was disappointed.

    Fortunately, although it was 24/7 filming and live streaming, the crew still had some sense of decency. For example, no cameras in the bathrooms… and when they weren’t filming, the cameramen wouldn’t follow them into their rooms, just using the fixed cameras. And at night, the cameras would only record video, no sound, and without lights, it would just be darkness, no night vision. After all… broadcasting a celebrity’s snoring or sleep-talking wouldn’t be very nice.

    So, Mi Hongdou, no longer feeling the need to pretend, went to wash up and went to bed.

    24/7 live streaming, how stupid, she thought, glancing at the cameras in her room before falling asleep.

    Mi Hongdou, without her phone or access to the internet or TV, didn’t know that even though the cameras in her room only showed darkness, on the live stream page, which had opened last night, many people were constantly switching between the different camera angles for her room, watching the different yet similar darkness. And the comments section was filled with complaints about her going to bed so early.

    Ji Junxin’s live stream also had similar complaints… After learning that they weren’t staying at the same hotel, she had also quickly washed up and gone to bed, even earlier than Mi Hongdou. And her fans, having only seen her on the plane and in the car, not even her packing, were unsatisfied!

    Ji Junxin had many more fans than Mi Hongdou, so the complaints on her page were even louder. But… without access to the internet, the celebrities, isolated from the outside world, couldn’t see them.

    However, besides the complaints about their early bedtime, there were also a few different voices in both comment sections, stubbornly proclaiming, “Support the CP! Reversible, but inseparable!” demanding that the show reunite them quickly.

    Yes, those different voices were from the mysterious “Sweet Red Bean Soup” group!

    The comments kept coming all night. If Mi Hongdou could see them, she would be amazed by the fans’ dedication, watching darkness all night. More accurately, she would be amazed by the influence of “Reality Online.”

    But she didn’t know.

    Early the next morning, Mi Hongdou sleepily got up and got ready. Soon, there was a knock on the door. The crew arrived, bringing a cart laden with breakfast.

    Chinese-style porridge with youtiao and steamed buns, Western-style milk with toast, eggs, and bacon.

    Although the contract didn’t specify the show’s content, Mi Hongdou, having seen a few reality shows in her previous life, knew that the usual format was to torture the celebrities. This extravagant breakfast and the crew’s cheerful demeanor were suspicious.

    Mi Hongdou, wary, didn’t even touch the food.

    Then, the staff member spoke: “Please enjoy this last meal before filming officially begins! Eat more!”

    What the… Mi Hongdou looked at the cart full of food, a sense of foreboding washing over her.

    After cautiously trying a spoonful of porridge, confirming there were no strange ingredients, she ate more than usual.

    Both her own intuition and the crew’s attitude suggested… she was about to be abandoned on a deserted island! Mi Hongdou nibbled on a steamed bun, glancing at her suitcase, hoping they wouldn’t confiscate her things.

    The crew said they could choose what they wanted to eat, and the rest would be eaten by the staff, no waste. So, Mi Hongdou took milk, toast, eggs, bacon, and a meat bun, returning the rest. Western-style breakfast had more calories, and the meat bun… well, if she was stranded on a deserted island, she would definitely miss the taste of meat.

    Worried about the upcoming filming, she took a little extra. But she overestimated her appetite and was already full by the last bun. But… she still finished it. Firstly, for energy, and secondly… facing the cameras, she still cared about her image. I wonder how Ji Junxin is doing… she thought as she ate.

    Meanwhile, the comments on Ji Junxin’s live stream were exploding.

    Although the celebrities were staying at different hotels, the crew’s arrival time, the food, and their words were the same.

    When the crew told Ji Junxin to choose her food and they would take away the rest, she said, “No need to take anything away.”

    Although unsure about the show’s format, as Qiao Rubai’s friend, she had received some advice before joining, one of which was “Eat everything, eat as much as you can.”

    Combined with the staff member’s earlier words, “Please enjoy this last meal,” Ji Junxin decided to take everything.

    After she said this, the crew kindly reminded her not to waste food… But Ji Junxin, seemingly oblivious to the hint, started eating calmly and methodically.

    By the time she finished the Western-style breakfast, the comments on her live stream were filled with amazement. After all, in their minds… celebrities didn’t eat. And Ji Junxin’s speed was incredible. While Mi Hongdou, on another live stream, had only finished two-thirds of her Western-style breakfast, Ji Junxin was already having porridge…

    A bowl of porridge, two youtiao, two meat buns… after the Western breakfast disappeared, Ji Junxin elegantly finished the Chinese breakfast as well, not leaving a single crumb.

    The comments section exploded with disbelief, many wondering if they were still dreaming, their goddess couldn’t possibly eat so much… And those who woke up late or were watching other celebrities missed the entire spectacle, begging for recordings.

    When Ji Junxin finished eating and got into the car heading towards the filming location, the comments were filled with people saying they were now hungry after watching her eat, that they had to get out of bed and find food! Porridge, youtiao, and steamed buns, please! Milk, toast, bacon, and eggs too! This is a reality show, why are we hungry! Crew, come out, we promise not to hit you!

    The legend of Ji Junxin devouring a double portion of breakfast spread online, and those who missed it begged for recordings, but the only available ones were low-quality, filmed on phones, incredibly unsatisfying!

    “Reality Online” was trending because of a breakfast. Qiong Yu’s staff asked Qiao Rubai if they should upload the footage. Qiao Rubai said no, the scarcity would only increase the hype and drive traffic to the live stream, which would be beneficial for future online and offline interactions. After the twelve days of filming, the edited version would be broadcast on TV, which would attract even more viewers.

    When Qiao Rubai first proposed the 24/7 live stream format, there had been strong opposition within Qiong Yu. The cost of the location and the equipment alone was exorbitant. And the audience also had jobs, who would watch a 24/7 live stream? But even before filming started, just the journey to the location, the number of viewers online proved them wrong.

    This novel approach had piqued the audience’s curiosity, and Ji Junxin’s breakfast had made the show a trending topic.

    Compared to the excited Qiong Yu staff, Qiao Rubai, the mastermind, was much calmer. She was confident in the show. 24/7 filming, live streaming, then edited episodes for TV broadcast, that was just part of the plan. The most interesting part was just beginning.

    The official website for “Reality Online” had been launched a few hours before the crew arrived at the celebrities’ homes. The celebrities, still with their phones and internet access, had seen the website. At that time, it was just a simple introduction and individual live stream pages for each celebrity, with five camera angles to choose from. Of course, the camera placements would change during filming. The live stream allowed viewers to watch up to four different feeds simultaneously, either four different angles of the same celebrity, or different celebrities. But they could only hear the audio from one feed.

    As the celebrities arrived at Wenlong Mountain, the website changed.

    The individual live stream pages remained, but the main page now had three new camera angles: the main cameras for when all the celebrities were together. This was just a minor change. The biggest change was a strange, table-like… system at the top of the main page.

    “Real-Time Online Game Data Statistics System.”

    At first, many viewers were confused by this, but then, after examining it, they were stunned. Qiong Yu has gone crazy… that was the consensus.

    In this system, each participating celebrity was treated as a game player.

    Each player had a skill bar, an equipment bar, an inventory bar… as if they were characters in a game. There was no experience bar, but there was a “goodwill” value. And several hidden bars without labels, probably for future content. The final line, “More interactive elements coming soon, join us!” was intriguing, making them want to constantly refresh the page.

    And some observant viewers noticed that the system… updated in real time!

    Initially, all the players’ bars were empty, their goodwill value zero.

    But two minutes later, someone refreshed the page, and while the others were still empty, Ji Junxin’s skill bar now had one word: “Eating.”

    Unbeknownst to Ji Junxin, Weibo was now flooded with discussions about “Eating” as a skill.

    This skill had exceeded the audience’s expectations for a reality show.

    And the word “Eating” drove the number of online viewers to a new high.

    Ji Junxin, on her way to the filming location, had forgotten all about breakfast. She was thinking about what the staff member had told her earlier: “Because your hotel is the furthest from the filming location, you might arrive a little later, but it’s okay, they’ll wait for everyone to arrive before starting.”

    Why is it okay! It’s not okay! If they wait for everyone, then filming starts as soon as I arrive! I won’t have time to talk to Mi Hongdou! Unhappy!

    Regardless of her feelings, when she arrived, the first person she saw was Mi Hongdou… and Jiang Lingling, chatting next to her.

    Hmph! Haven’t you talked enough in Shudian! Ji Junxin didn’t approach, just watched from afar, and then… the two, engrossed in their conversation, didn’t even notice her!

    Unhappy!

    As the staff member had said, she was the last to arrive. Just as she hesitated, about to approach Mi Hongdou, the director’s voice boomed through the loudspeaker.

    “Everyone’s here! Line up, line up, yes, by the small yellow flag, line up. We’re about to start filming!”

    Ji Junxin slowly walked towards the flag. Before she could reach Mi Hongdou, a clear voice called out to her.

    “Sister Junxin.”

    She turned and saw Bao Yueqiao from Qiong Yu, smiling at her.

    Right, besides the “Imperial Secrets” cast, a few from “Promise in Troubled Times” were also here.

    “Yueqiao…” Ji Junxin was about to greet her when the director’s voice boomed again.

    “Okay, everyone’s here, let’s begin!”

    Wait! Ji Junxin glanced at Mi Hongdou, several people away. She hadn’t had a chance to talk to her! She mentally reached out, but then reason stopped her.

  • Reincarnated as a Holy Nun, I Refuse to Lose! v2c33

    Volume 2: Witch Kingdom Arc

    Chapter 33: Lost in Paradise?

    Luo Yuxi looked out the window, marveling at the divine realm, the place the Church devoted their lives to reaching, a place she had arrived at so easily. She closed the window, realizing the beautiful scenery wouldn’t speed up her resurrection.

    “Not admiring the view anymore~?”

    “Ah!! You scared me! Goddess, can’t you make any noise when you walk…?”

    Luo Yuxi was startled by the girl who had appeared behind her. Not only was she silent, but it was as if she had teleported. But seeing the plate of pastries she was carrying, Luo Yuxi’s annoyance vanished. Divine pastries weren’t something ordinary people could enjoy.

    “I brought you some snacks, in case you were bored~”

    “Sob, you’re so kind, Goddess. I didn’t expect to have pastries even after death…”

    “It’s just some pastries. Eat up. If you get tired of them, tell me, and I’ll bring you something else~”

    Luo Yuxi took a bite, and the sweet flavor captivated her. The aroma of milk and the sweetness of some unknown ingredient filled her mouth. She was instantly hooked.

    “Mmm… this is so delicious~”

    “If you’re tired, you can lie down on the bed and rest. Just ring this bell, and fresh tea will appear~”

    The girl demonstrated, ringing a bell on the table. A delicate tea set appeared. Luo Yuxi poured herself a cup of milky white liquid, which, despite its appearance, tasted like black tea.

    “So amazing!”

    “There are many amazing things in the divine realm. You can experience them all before you’re resurrected~”

    The girl clapped her hands, and four or five beautiful girls with wings and halos entered the room. Luo Yuxi stared at them, confused.

    “These are my angels. They’ll take good care of you~”

    “Th-That’s too much trouble! You’re already helping me with my resurrection!”

    Although she protested, Luo Yuxi couldn’t tear her eyes away from the angels. Although angels existed in the game, they rarely appeared, and they were usually fallen angels or half-angels born from the union of humans and angels.

    “I didn’t expect to see pure-blooded angels!”

    Before Luo Yuxi could finish, the Goddess pulled her onto the bed and offered her a lap pillow. The soft touch of the Goddess’s skin and hair was intoxicating. The angels surrounded her, massaging her legs and shoulders, peeling grapes and feeding them to her. Luo Yuxi felt like royalty.

    “Goddess, th-this is too much…!”

    Luo Yuxi sat up, almost succumbing to the comfortable sensation. She had initially thought the Goddess was just being kind, but this was excessive.

    “Don’t you like it? Is my lap pillow uncomfortable? Or are my angels not attractive enough~?”

    “Th-That’s not it… it’s just…”

    Luo Yuxi couldn’t bring herself to dislike it, she had almost become addicted. The Goddess, seeing her troubled expression, stood up and whispered in her ear,

    “If you don’t dislike it, why not enjoy it~?”

    “!!!”

    “Just kidding, just kidding. If you don’t like it, I won’t force you. I just wanted you to relax~”

    The Goddess waved her hand, and the angels lined up obediently. She walked towards the door.

    “I’ll go prepare for your resurrection. It’ll take some time, so just relax, it’ll be fine~”

    Luo Yuxi, relieved, watched her leave. Even a simple touch from the Goddess was intoxicating. So this is the being who created me.

    “That was terrifying, I almost lost control. Good thing I had special training…”

    Luo Yuxi looked at the angels, their long legs and fair skin incredibly alluring. She felt her mouth go dry.

    “Maybe the Goddess is just being kind. Just a little bit of relaxation won’t hurt…”

    Luo Yuxi stood up and approached the angels. Meanwhile, the Goddess, who hadn’t gone far, watched through a crystal ball. The white figure inside was the Time Witch, who had killed Luo Yuxi.

    “These witches can be useful sometimes. The unstable elements are under control. My play should begin~”

    The Goddess looked at the crystal, the entire world seemingly under her surveillance. She saw the figure chained to a bed in the Church, her bare feet resting on a pillow. The girl on the bed seemed to sense the Goddess’s gaze.

    “My protagonist doesn’t need unnecessary things. It’s time for the plot to begin~”

    The Goddess crushed the crystal, infusing the fragments with her power. In a luxurious church, the Word Spirit Saintess knelt before a statue, praying, until a golden divine message appeared.

    “Praise be to the Goddess…”

    “You are permitted to use your lowly life to perish alongside the Time Witch. The position of Saintess is no longer needed…”

    “As you will…”

    The Word Spirit Saintess received the divine message, knowing her time had come. She turned, her staff tapping the ground, her eyes empty. She was just a pawn in the Goddess’s game.

    “Relay the divine decree, commence the Holy War. The witches, abandoned by the Goddess, must be purged…”

    A single decree mobilized the Church’s forces. 700,000 soldiers of the Divine Punishment Army gathered at the border, a sea of armor, their movements like thunder. Healing nuns and Punishment Nuns were also mobilized.

    “Senior… I wonder what her expression will be when we meet…”

    The Word Spirit Saintess flew towards the border, followed by bishops, even former bishops, five 2nd Order powerhouses, 18 3rd Order, 40 4th Order, 76 5th Order, and countless lower-ranked individuals.

    “Let’s see how well my sacrificial lamb can perform~”

    The Goddess looked towards a nearby room, as if everything was going according to plan. She heard Luo Yuxi’s moans of pleasure and smiled darkly.

    “Where are you, my pretty little angels? Hehe…”

    “Come and catch me, customer~”

    “Oh my, that was close, almost caught~”

    “Customer, don’t just chase them, I’m here too~”

    …

    The Goddess opened the door and saw Luo Yuxi, blindfolded, playing hide-and-seek with the angels. Her smile widened, imagining Luo Yuxi’s eventual corruption. She composed herself and approached.

    “How are you enjoying your relaxation~?”

    “G-Goddess!”

    Luo Yuxi ripped off the blindfold, and the angels instantly lined up, as if nothing had happened. Luo Yuxi was mortified.

    “If I offered you resurrection or continued pleasure, which would you choose~?”

    “Which one?”

    “Well, the preparations for your resurrection are almost complete~”

    “I’m quite happy here, there’s no need to rush my resurrection…”

    Luo Yuxi sat back down, practically radiating contentment. The Goddess smiled gently.

    “If you don’t want to leave, then stay~”

    “Okay…”