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  • My Evil God Girlfriend (gl) 94

    Chapter 94: Split

    For a long time, Xiang Er couldn’t understand the words.

    Outside, the sun shone brightly, birds chirped, insects buzzed, a vibrant, lively scene, but the room was unusually cold, a chill running down her spine.

    She reread the letter, its delicate paper carrying a faint fragrance, several times, recognizing each individual character, yet their meaning eluded her.

    She clutched the paper, confused, and turned to sit down on the sofa, but the world suddenly tilted… and she collapsed, unconscious.

    She didn’t know how much time had passed.

    Xiang Er was awakened by a cacophony of voices, her mind slowly returning, and she found herself in a sterile white hospital room, wearing a hospital gown, lying in a bed.

    Beside her pillow, a small, black sphere was crouching, and seeing her awake, it opened its single eye, its eyelid drooping, then extended a tentacle, carefully placing it on Xiang Er’s forehead.

    Xiang Er was confused. Was that the small eyeball? Why was it here, in the hospital with her? What had happened?

    And the most important question, the question that filled her with a growing unease.

    Her throat parched, she tentatively called out:

    “A… Akhe…”

    Several people immediately rushed into the room, some in white coats, some in uniforms, only An Yue a familiar face.

    Xiang Er gave An Yue a questioning look as the doctors examined her, their instruments beeping and whirring. She noticed that they seemed to be accustomed to the small eyeball, they could see it, they weren’t surprised, just gently pushing it aside so it wouldn’t interfere with their examination.

    An Yue gave her a reassuring look, her hands in her pockets, her demeanor slightly awkward as she stood by the door.

    After the doctors left, their instruments packed away, they spoke briefly to An Yue, who nodded, her expression grave.

    Xiang Er’s gaze remained fixed on An Yue, and when An Yue finally looked at her, she immediately asked:

    “Where’s Akhe?”

    An Yue opened her mouth, then closed it again. Xiang Er, her patience wearing thin, frowned:

    “Is she… on another mission? When will she be back?”

    An Yue’s eyes widened in surprise:

    “Huh?”

    Xiang Er:

    “Isn’t she? I’m in the hospital, why isn’t she here?”

    An Yue’s expression turned complex, and after a moment, she finally said:

    “Do you… remember the letter?”

    Letter? What letter? Xiang Er didn’t remember any letter, she only remembered Akhe driving her to the mountains, and then her memory was a blank, until she woke up here.

    Had they been attacked in the mountains?

    An Yue, after a moment of thought, winced as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a sealed plastic bag containing a piece of paper, which she handed to Xiang Er.

    Xiang Er took the paper and stared at it.

    She recognized every word, but their meaning eluded her. And the signature, Akhe? Why? Why would Akhe write her a letter, weren’t they together every day?

    Vague images surfaced, the black stream in the mountains, the giant pillars of the temple… the human skulls, the blue flames, and… the red heart.

    Before she could piece together the fragments of memory, a wave of panic made her gasp, her heart pounding, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

    She clutched at her chest, frantically searching:

    “Where is it? Where’s my heart?”

    An Yue asked:

    “What heart?”

    Xiang Er, gasping for air like a beached fish, her chest heaving, her voice hoarse and broken, managed to say:

    “I have to go back!”

    An Yue didn’t argue, didn’t try to stop her, just opened the door.

    But outside wasn’t the hospital corridor, but a road, a police car waiting, its door open. Xiang Er immediately got out of bed, grabbed the small eyeball, tucked it into her pocket, and jumped into the car.

    This “special ward” had been hastily set up for her, right next to her apartment building, and the car, after a few minutes, reached the building, stopping at the entrance. Xiang Er jumped out and ran inside.

    Her body, strengthened by months of exposure to the Cthulhu’s… fluids, was now surprisingly resilient, and An Yue, running after her, could barely keep up. Within a minute, Xiang Er had reached the sixth floor, stopping in front of her apartment door.

    She didn’t have her key, and An Yue, catching up, took out a key and was about to unlock the door, when Xiang Er snatched it from her hand:

    “I’ll do it.”

    It had been over six months since Xiang Er had last touched her apartment key.

    The cold, hard metal pricked her palm, and she fumbled with the lock, her hand trembling, like a willow branch in the wind.

    She must be tired from running.

    She took a deep breath, inserted the key into the lock, and turned it.

    The familiar creaking sound. Surely, this would be enough to make Akhe come and greet her, wouldn’t it?

    She didn’t push the door open, waiting for Akhe’s tentacles to open it for her. But… the door didn’t move.

    After a long moment, An Yue reached out and opened the door. Xiang Er hesitated, then stepped inside.

    The slippers by the door were neatly arranged, Akhe’s fluffy rabbit slippers for winter, and the red woven slippers for summer.

    Both pairs were there.

    Xiang Er walked inside, the small eyeball jumping from her hand and rolling listlessly across the floor.

    The memories gradually returned, and Xiang Er remembered… last time, she had also searched the entire apartment, but Akhe had been gone, not a single tentacle in sight.

    She looked at the letter she had been clutching, trying to decipher the words, it seemed… it said that… Akhe had left?

    She turned to An Yue:

    “Akhe’s not home?”

    An Yue nodded sympathetically.

    Xiang Er looked at the letter again, but she refused to understand.

    She handed the letter to An Yue, her eyes closed, and said:

    “What does it say? Explain it to me.”

    An Yue looked at the letter, then at Xiang Er, and felt that this was the most difficult mission she had ever been assigned.

    She carefully chose her words:

    “It says… that… another Cthulhu-like entity has appeared near this planet, and Akhe has to go and… negotiate with it, which means… Akhe has to leave this planet for a while, and you should… take care of yourself, and wait for her to return… that’s… what it says.”

    An Yue tried her best to sugarcoat the message, hoping it sounded optimistic, hoping it would be enough.

    She looked at Xiang Er.

    Xiang Er had been unconscious in the hospital for three days, waking up only in the late afternoon, the fiery glow of sunset filling the sky, the clouds like a painted landscape, the golden light illuminating her face.

    She stood there, silently, like a withered branch on a snowy mountain, like a defiant antler in the desert.

    Her pale, thin face, half in shadow, half illuminated by the golden light, a strange juxtaposition of warmth and coldness.

    Her eyes, normally soft and timid, were now dull and vacant, devoid of emotion.

    She looked like… a hollow clay statue, its eyes unpainted, its ribbons gone, its form rough and lifeless.

    An Yue’s heart sank.

    After a long silence, Xiang Er finally spoke.

    Her lips, pale and dry, like paper, whispered:

    “The letter said… not to wait for her to return. What does that mean?”

    An Yue’s heart ached for her, and she stammered, trying to find the right words:

    “She didn’t mean it like that… she just… wants you to live your life…”

    But Xiang Er’s gaze was fixed on a point on the wall, as if seeing something invisible, her voice a harsh, metallic rasp:

    “She’s going to die, isn’t she? She’s gone to fight, and she’s going to die! Ahahahaha!!! She’s going to die!!!”

    She suddenly burst into laughter, a hysterical, unrestrained laughter, her hands flailing, as if she had discovered some secret incantation, pacing the room, her movements erratic, her laughter and screams echoing.

    “Ah!!! She’s going to die!!! She’s going to die, hahahahaha!!! Aaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!”

    An Yue rushed forward, using her combat skills to restrain her, pushing her onto the sofa, trying to calm her down, but Xiang Er, even with her limbs held captive, continued to scream:

    “She’s going to die!!! She’s going to die!!! Do you know why she’s going to die? It’s because of me!!! I told her to die, and she’s going to die, ahahahaha!!! Wuwuwu, aaaaaaaah, it’s because of me!!!!”

    She suddenly arched her neck back and vomited, a retching sound.

    Having not eaten or drunk anything for three days, it was just bile.

    An Yue quickly dodged, but some of it splattered on her arm, and she patiently cleaned it up.

    Xiang Er’s vomiting fit subsided, and she lay on the sofa, her body covered in her own vomit, her clothes stained.

    She stared blankly at the ceiling, her throat burning, her voice a hoarse whisper, repeating over and over:

    “I did this… I killed her… I cursed her… she’s dead, she’s going to die…”

    An Yue looked at her. She no longer looked human, like a beautiful corpse, drained of blood, her skin deathly pale, yet her eyes wide and staring, not a single tear.

    Her hospital gown was stained with green bile, the stench overwhelming, but Xiang Er seemed oblivious to it, just repeating those words, over and over.

    Just like the doctors had said, her physical health was perfect, but her mental state… early signs of schizophrenia, delusions, hallucinations, mania, compulsive repetition… she should be hospitalized.

    But… no one dared commit the Cthulhu’s lover to a mental institution.

    An Yue sighed and, grabbing a cloth, was about to clean up the mess…

    When she was stopped by several thin tentacles.

    It was the small eyeball’s tentacles, An Yue recognized them. It was supposedly Akhe and Xiang Er’s pet, harmless, just a bit… polluting.

    The small eyeball, using its tentacles, took the cloth, then some tissues and wet wipes, and, its spherical body bouncing, hopped onto the sofa, carefully cleaning Xiang Er.

    It wiped the vomit from her clothes, then gently cleaned her face.

    Xiang Er didn’t move, her eyes fixed on the ceiling, like a doll’s, unseeing, unaware of who was cleaning her.

    Then… a strange, childlike wail echoed through the room.

    Night had fallen, the light fading, the room almost completely dark, the delusional patient muttering incoherently.

    And in this setting, a sudden, childish wail, filled with sorrow and anguish… made An Yue jump, and she quickly switched on the light.

    The old light fixture flickered, then bathed the room in a harsh, bright light, and from Xiang Er’s wide, staring eyes, tears finally began to flow.

    The wailing was close.

    Xiang Er slowly turned her head, her gaze falling on her own chest.

    The small eyeball, its blood-red eye filled with tears, was clinging to her, its thin, black tentacles spread out like weeds, its cries soaking Xiang Er’s clothes.

    The small eyeball looked at Xiang Er, its slit-like mouth wide open, its cries even louder:

    “Waaaaah—guwah—”

    Xiang Er stared at the small eyeball, her gaze regaining some focus, as if finally realizing she was back in the real world.

    An Yue, seizing the opportunity, said:

    “Look, you still have a child, you can’t fall apart now.”

    Xiang Er didn’t respond, didn’t move.

    Just as An Yue thought she hadn’t heard, Xiang Er suddenly moved.

    She raised a trembling hand and gently touched the top of the small eyeball’s head. A few tentacles immediately wrapped around her finger, and the small eyeball, its cries turning into soft sobs, its tears flowing even more freely, its mouth wide open, its voice filled with anguish and longing:

    “Mom… Mommy… wuwuwu… Mommy…”

    Xiang Er’s lips trembled, her muttering stopped, her gaze finally finding a focal point.

    Tears streamed down her face as she hugged the small eyeball close, finally letting herself cry.

  • Female Lead Was Coaxed Away by the Villain Again [Quick Transmigration] 116

    Chapter 116: My Guardian Spirit is Dead (2)

    Xie Yunzhi looked at the two ghosts floating in front of her, neither of which looked remotely benevolent, and said, a little puzzled, “Don’t you even bother changing your appearance when you try to scam people? If you transformed into the God of Wealth, more people would probably fall for it.”

    “Scam? You’re saying we’re trying to scam you?” one of the ghosts shrieked, its voice rising sharply.

    Xie Yunzhi raised an eyebrow and asked, “Can you really grant any wish?”

    “Of course.”

    “I want to become a god,” Xie Yunzhi said, looking at them and smiling.

    The two ghosts exchanged glances, then spat at Xie Yunzhi, although, being ghosts, they didn’t actually produce any saliva.

    “Ha, if I could become a god, would I be out here scamming… no, cultivating?” the larger ghost said with dissatisfaction. “Don’t be ridiculous, becoming a god? How about something more realistic? Money? Academic success? Love?”

    Xie Yunzhi took a step back: “My monthly allowance is eight hundred thousand, academically, I’m in the top three in my department, and as for love, I’m not interested at the moment, although many people are pursuing me.”

    The two ghosts: …

    Although they hadn’t made a deal with Xie Yunzhi, hearing her words made them want to strangle her.

    “I’m leaving, if I’m late, the cold noodles I want to eat will be sold out,” Xie Yunzhi said, nodding.

    “Eight hundred thousand allowance and you’re eating cold noodles?”

    “I like them,” Xie Yunzhi said, walking past them with her bag, but the two ghosts persistently followed her.

    “Why are you following me?” Xie Yunzhi asked, not understanding.

    One of the ghosts took a deep breath: “Because your soul smells delicious.”

    “It’s not that you can’t follow me, but please make yourselves look more presentable.” Xie Yunzhi was still too late; the cold noodles were sold out. She sighed softly and bought a sausage instead.

    Although it was summer, with the two ghosts behind her, she felt as cool as if she were in an air-conditioned room.

    She went home, and the two ghosts followed her inside.

    Before even approaching, Jiang Zhiyan sensed the presence of two unfamiliar ghosts. Because she had concealed her vengeful spirit aura, the two ghosts inside didn’t notice her. When she entered, she saw them standing next to Xie Yunzhi, looking menacing, while Xie Yunzhi was sitting on the carpet, reading.

    She floated over, and only when she was right in front of them did the two ghosts notice her presence. Their already ugly faces distorted in shock, their eyeballs popping out, and their jaws dropping to the ground.

    “G-Great, Great King, we didn’t know this was your chosen… meal.”

    Jiang Zhiyan punched each of them, then slowly floated to Xie Yunzhi, looked down at her, bent down, and gazed into her eyes.

    “Can she see me?”

    “Yes,” the System said. “She just saw those two ghosts.”

    “Then why is she ignoring me?”

    “Maybe because you’re a vengeful spirit,” the System replied.

    Jiang Zhiyan stood up again. She still didn’t know what she looked like and asked the System to project her image. She fell silent after seeing it.

    She had all the elements of traditional Chinese horror: a red wedding dress, a head full of hairpins, a pale face, and blood-red lips.

    “She has strong nerves,” Jiang Zhiyan couldn’t help but comment, she knew she was wearing a red wedding dress, but she didn’t expect her face to look this ghastly.

    “Indeed, she didn’t even flinch,” the System said with emotion. “I would be scared to death.”

    Jiang Zhiyan floated beside Xie Yunzhi: “You ate a sausage, and now I want one too, buy one for me tomorrow.”

    Xie Yunzhi turned a page in her book.

    “I just had a fight, with a charlatan, be careful he doesn’t try to scam you,” Jiang Zhiyan said, circling Xie Yunzhi and floating above her head. “Do you know why no ghosts usually bother you? Because I’m here.”

    “I’m bored when no one talks to me, Xie Yunzhi, why are you so cold?” Jiang Zhiyan suddenly moved closer to Xie Yunzhi’s face, but the latter remained calm.

    “She seems to be used to ignoring you,” the System said.

    “I can form a marriage contract with her,” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Xie Yunzhi.

    Ordinary people couldn’t handle it, but Xie Yunzhi, with her special constitution and protagonist halo, definitely could.

    Xie Yunzhi stood up and went to the bathroom. Jiang Zhiyan, looking at her retreating figure, said: “I have a feeling she was waiting for me to come back before taking a shower.”

    “See? Those two ghosts clearly have ulterior motives, but she doesn’t know, you’re the most twisted one,” the System sighed.

    Jiang Zhiyan: …

    “Some ghosts are truly morally depraved, the underworld should enact laws, those who peep should be sent to hell,” Jiang Zhiyan said, getting to work and started writing a proposal to the underworld. “And don’t compare me to those disgusting things.”

    “Host, aren’t you afraid of the underworld coming after you? You’re a vengeful spirit!”

    “You’re right.”

    Jiang Zhiyan added at the end: “As a vengeful spirit, I despise such shameful behavior, I believe ordinary ghosts wouldn’t do such things, and since you consider vengeful spirits the most despicable of ghosts, as a centuries-old vengeful spirit, I should be the moral bottom line for all ghosts.”

    As the underworld’s most wanted criminal, the letter she sent down was quickly brought before the King of Hell, who, after a moment of silence, said: “Very reasonable, approved, go and handle this matter.”

    The judge who received the letter scanned it, fell silent, and then relayed the instructions.

    The System, observing the underworld, was a bit speechless.

    “They’re not even planning to arrest you,” the System said, not understanding.

    “The underworld is very busy right now, and I’m being so well-behaved, they naturally wouldn’t want to waste resources coming after me,” Jiang Zhiyan floated in the air. “I’m so bored, I’ll write another article.”

    The System glanced at Jiang Zhiyan’s title: Creating a Civilized Underworld, Building a Harmonious Space.

    After finishing writing, she burned the article and sent it down again.

    Xie Yunzhi came out of the bathroom, wearing a newly bought nightgown, a lace-trimmed camisole, but Jiang Zhiyan only glanced at it before Xie Yunzhi covered herself with a small blanket.

    “Go to bed early,” Jiang Zhiyan said.

    Xie Yunzhi ignored her and even made herself a cup of coffee, just to spite her.

    After being discovered, Song Zhili was sent to the hospital, and the police also arrived. Faced with their questions, he didn’t know what to say, and coincidentally, the surveillance footage from that period was missing.

    “I lost a dare,” Song Zhili said with a dry laugh.

    The police officer looked at him suspiciously, and a worldly person next to him patted the officer’s shoulder: “Respect personal preferences.”

    Only when Song Zhili left did he realize what “respect personal preferences” meant.

    He looked around, took out his compass, couldn’t find Jiang Zhiyan’s location, hesitated for two seconds, and decided to go to A University, since Jiang Zhiyan had stayed there for so long, there must be a reason.

    When Song Zhili arrived at the gate of A University, he sensed an unusual aura, and just as he was about to enter, he was stopped by the security guard.

    “Do you have an appointment?”

    Song Zhili was stunned for two seconds: “No.”

    “You need an appointment.”

    Song Zhili immediately took out his phone and, unfortunately, discovered that today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow were all fully booked.

    “I have urgent business inside,” Song Zhili said.

    “Everyone says that.”

    Song Zhili looked inside the school and quickly booked a visiting slot for three days later.

    Jiang Zhiyan wasn’t surprised that Song Zhili was at the gate of A University, after all, he wasn’t stupid, it was difficult to trick someone twice, and she couldn’t kill him.

    “Is his leg okay?”

    “He’s using crutches, he can’t enter without an appointment, he booked a slot for three days later.”

    “I was too lenient, but Xie Yunzhi doesn’t have classes three days from now, so she won’t be at school, is his brain not working?” Jiang Zhiyan narrowed her eyes and looked at Xie Yunzhi. “I know your birth date and time, if you don’t speak, it means you agree to be engaged to me.”

    Xie Yunzhi still didn’t react.

    “I know the date on your ID is fake,” Jiang Zhiyan said, floating under Xie Yunzhi’s umbrella. “You’re really good at enduring.”

    Xie Yunzhi had a full day of classes. Because she was bored, Jiang Zhiyan learned about the situation in the underworld from the System and wrote two more articles, Building a New Underworld, Keeping Up with the Times and Underworld Technological Reform: Recommendations for Re-employment of Waiting Souls.

    “They even have to work after death?” the System complained. Jiang Zhiyan’s articles resonated with the King of Hell and were actually kept, absurd, so absurd, the two sides were supposed to be sworn enemies in the book.

    “I wrote about the principle of voluntary participation, thank you very much,” Jiang Zhiyan corrected it. “But I actually gained merit.”

    “You did gain merit, but your merit is still negative,” the System said.

    Jiang Zhiyan exhaled softly and looked at Xie Yunzhi’s notebook: “You made a typo, here.”

    She pointed at it.

    The next second, Xie Yunzhi subconsciously crossed out the typo, realizing what she had done, her hand paused, but her expression remained unchanged.

    “Can’t you hear me?” Jiang Zhiyan asked, lying on the table, resting her head on her arm, and looking at Xie Yunzhi. “Why are you ignoring me?!”

    “Be quiet, this is important!” Xie Yunzhi finally couldn’t help it and said in a low voice.

    Jiang Zhiyan, satisfied, widened her eyes slightly: “So you can see me.”

    “Quiet,” Xie Yunzhi said, looking up at the blackboard.

    Jiang Zhiyan quieted down, her mood joyful, she floated around the classroom twice, then returned to Xie Yunzhi’s side.

    However, her good mood disappeared after class. A well-dressed man sat down next to Xie Yunzhi, taking her seat, and kept glancing at her, seemingly planning something.

    Jiang Zhiyan stood there, dissatisfied, looking at Xie Yunzhi: “Make him leave.”

    Xie Yunzhi didn’t speak.

    “Classmate, can I add you on WeChat? I’ve been following you for a long time.”

    “No,” Xie Yunzhi said, without even looking at him.

    “Why? Let’s be friends.”

    “I have intermittent explosive disorder,” Xie Yunzhi said, looking at him expressionlessly. “You’re disturbing me taking notes, I’m trying very hard to control myself right now.”

    His expression froze for two seconds, then he quickly got up and left. Jiang Zhiyan returned to her seat and looked back at the man, who had already left the classroom and was talking to someone else, seemingly a student from another class: “He seems to have believed it.”

    “Let him believe it, it’s fine,” Xie Yunzhi said casually.

    Passing classmates looked around, puzzled, recalling the gossip they had just heard, and quickly distanced themselves from her.

    Xie Yunzhi: …

    That afternoon, she was called in by her counselor. She explained that she had just said that to avoid adding him, and only after a long explanation did the counselor let her go.

    “You can tell people you have a guardian angel,” Jiang Zhiyan suggested.

    Xie Yunzhi didn’t speak, ignoring her, she took out her sunglasses and put them on, looking unapproachable.

  • The Vicious Female Lead Doesn’t Want to Do It Anymore 78

    Chapter 78: More Please – Male Lead Handover

    The sword of Damocles hanging over her head finally had a resolution, Dong Ling sat on the chair, her mind in turmoil.

    Her mind was empty, terrifyingly quiet.

    Soon, 021’s excited and hurried voice rang out: [Girl, headquarters is retrieving the male lead’s consciousness, he’ll wake up soon.]

    [Hey, hey, hey, don’t pull me away, I haven’t finished, I still…]

    021’s voice suddenly disappeared, making Dong Ling panic for a moment.

    A strange, subtle slurping sound suddenly came from her mind, Dong Ling frowned.

    [021?]

    [Sorry, I just finished my last lobster, 021’s battery died and he was sent to the charging station, he’s quite depleted, I’m his colleague, here to take over, you can call me 036.]

    A casual voice rang out in her mind, with a hint of what seemed to be a gasp from the spiciness of the lobster.

    Could AIs feel spiciness? No, wait, could AIs even eat lobster?

    Dong Ling’s confusion was conveyed mentally, and 036 replied: [Of course, we have simulated senses, but 021 doesn’t eat spicy lobster, he says it damages a domineering CEO’s image, what image does he even have?]

    A colleague’s complaint was truly merciless and fatal, Dong Ling deeply understood.

    [What about the tasks I’ve already done? How will those be handled?]

    Dong Ling asked the question she was most concerned about, it was good that Wen Han would return safe and sound, but what about the tasks she had already completed?

    036: [This depends on your, the male lead’s, and the female lead’s wishes, we’ve had similar situations in the past, we’ll choose the best option after considering all factors.]

    036 explained, which meant that if Dong Ling was willing to continue the tasks, and Wen Han wasn’t, the male lead’s script would be transferred to Dong Ling.

    And if both Dong Ling and Wen Han were willing, or both unwilling, then headquarters would consider who was more likely to have a good relationship with the female lead and complete the storyline, and choose one of them.

    036: [I’ve seen the reports submitted by the task system, don’t worry, I think no matter what, you two will be together.]

    [Thank you.]

    Dong Ling was completely relieved, it was the best outcome not to have to break up with Song Mingzhi.

    She immediately took a liking to 021’s replacement, because 036 seemed very happy about the female lead and the supporting character being together.

    The system could detect the host’s surface thoughts, 036 heard Dong Ling’s thoughts, and replied with a smile: [Because I’m an anti-CP system.]

    [They weren’t in love in the first place because there was no spark between them, it’s better to give way to someone more suitable.]

    Dong Ling smiled, then from the corner of her eye, she saw Wen Han’s finger move, and immediately looked at the person lying on the bed nervously.

    Wen Han’s eyelashes fluttered, he was clearly about to wake up.

    “Wen Han? Wen Han?”

    Wen Han heard someone calling his name, frowned, and said: “How dare you!”

    Which impudent girl dared address him so directly?

    Dong Ling was rendered speechless by his words and looked at the man who had opened his eyes, her arms crossed.

    Wen Han looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar furnishings in the room, a moment of confusion.

    Seeing Dong Ling’s face, it felt like a lifetime ago.

    “Dong Ling?”

    “It’s me, you’re finally back.”

    Wen Han then understood, his expression changing drastically.

    “Why did you bring me back? I was about to ascend the throne tomorrow!”

    Wen Han almost spat out blood, he had spent eight years in another world, starting as an unfavored prince in the cold palace, painstakingly scheming and maneuvering to gain power, finally controlling the court when the old emperor fell ill, and just as the old emperor finally died and he was about to legitimately ascend the throne, he was brought back?!

    “Eight years? But you’ve only been in a coma for a little over a year.”

    036 explained: [The flow of time in different worlds is different.]

    036: [Now, regarding the matter of taking over the male lead’s script, what are your thoughts?]

    Wen Han couldn’t care less about some male lead script involving falling in love with the female lead, his mind was filled with his unfinished business in the other world.

    After confirming with the system that he couldn’t go back, Wen Han closed his eyes dejectedly.

    Then he quickly opened his eyes again and asked Dong Ling: “I’ve been asleep for over a year, how is my company doing?”

    His company was on the rise when he left, now that he, the leader, was gone, things definitely weren’t going as he had hoped.

    No, he couldn’t be dejected, he had to work, to build his business empire as soon as possible.

    Dong Ling: …………

    She wasn’t surprised at all that Wen Han wasn’t interested in the male lead’s script, or any of that “keeping a lover” drama, Wen Han’s heart only had room for work, not celebrities.

    036: [Confirmed with headquarters, you’ll be fully taking over the male lead’s script, the task system will adjust its tasks accordingly, please continue your efforts.]

    Dong Ling was completely relieved, feeling refreshed.

    “I’ll call the nurse for you and inform your parents, Your Majesty, you can put aside your unfinished business in the other world.”

    Dong Ling patted Wen Han’s shoulder with mock sympathy.

    Brother, truly unfortunate, you’re the expert in undeserved calamities.

    Hearing Dong Ling’s address, Wen Han’s expression twisted for a moment.

    A knock came at the door, Dong Ling opened it, saw Song Mingzhi, who had arrived, and threw herself into her arms.

    “Don’t worry, everything is resolved, I’m the official princess now.”

    Dong Ling hugged Song Mingzhi’s waist, comforting her anxious heart.

    “That’s good.”

    Song Mingzhi, who had been tense since seeing the message, finally relaxed, gently patting Dong Ling’s back.

    A difficult-to-ignore gaze fell on her, Song Mingzhi looked over and met Wen Han’s eyes.

    This was the first real meeting between the male and female leads in this novel, one looking critical, the other calm.

    The male lead said to the female lead, almost as a warning: “Take good care of her, if you bully her, even if you’re a woman, I won’t let you off the hook.”

    Wen Han knew Dong Ling’s personality, seemingly smart, but too soft-hearted.

    Dong Ling, the former vicious supporting character and current male lead, cringed inwardly at his greasy, domineering CEO aura.

    “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely take good care of her.”

    Song Mingzhi looked at her originally destined partner and gave a flawless, polite smile.

    Dong Ling pressed the nurse call button and then called Mr. and Mrs. Wen. After they arrived in a hurry, she didn’t disturb their family reunion and left the ward with Song Mingzhi.

    Song Mingzhi held Dong Ling’s hand as they went downstairs, walking through the crowd.

    “Is it still in your head?”

    Song Mingzhi secretly hoped that thing was already gone from Dong Ling’s mind, then she could truly be at ease.

    Dong Ling nodded: “The fairy godmother is resting, her colleague is here now.”

    Although Dong Ling didn’t think about the system when saying this to avoid triggering the restriction, 036 still understood who she was referring to and made a sound.

    036: [Fairy godmother, hahahahaha, I’ve decided, I’ll use this as 021’s nickname, just imagining that scene is hilarious.]

    036: [Okay, then I won’t disturb your lovey-dovey time, activating silent mode, I’m going to eat lobster, bye.]

    After saying this, 036 went silent, clearly having activated silent mode, as free as the wind.

    “So there are still tasks, but if they’re all like that three-day cold war task, it doesn’t seem so bad.”

    Song Mingzhi said calmly, if Dong Ling didn’t know what she was talking about, she would think she was discussing serious business.

    This had nothing to do with serious business, Dong Ling replied shyly: “They should all be like that, after all, this is a sweet romance novel.”

    Song Mingzhi’s smile deepened, the girl, unaware of her own teasing, answering seriously with a flushed face, was too cute.

    She replied: “Then we have to work hard.”

    Although it was a perfectly normal conversation, Dong Ling couldn’t help but look around to see if anyone was listening.

    Song Mingzhi turned her head and kissed her forehead.

    Open and unreserved, regardless of the people around them.

    Dong Ling, feeling her tenderness, intertwined their fingers.

    Their cars were both parked near the hospital, but Dong Ling didn’t want this atmosphere to end so soon.

    All the worries weighing on her heart had been resolved, the future was bright.

    She led Song Mingzhi towards the inpatient department, this was a private hospital, the environment very good, there was a large garden in the inpatient department, enclosed in glass, blocking the cold autumn wind, and in the center of the garden, there was a small moon-shaped lake, as if the moon in the sky had been plucked and placed there.

    Dong Ling and Song Mingzhi didn’t talk, just strolled hand in hand, enjoying the moonlight and the fragrance of flowers.

    At this moment, in this mood, nothing else mattered.

  • I’m Surrounded by My Own Pets! 206

    Chapter 206: Fallen Golden Leaf!!!

    “Boom, boom, boom, boom!!!”

    Inside Drought, one of the Four Great Calamities, a Fallen Species, blizzards and flames clashed across its massive body.

    Billions of parasites were incinerated in their wake.

    It was a breathtaking, dreamlike song of ice and fire.

    The numerous Emperors could only see blurry red and white streaks flashing before their eyes before losing consciousness.

    If this were the Royal-Tier Snow Flower, she would have been instantly killed.

    However, she had now evolved into the Monarch-Tier Ice Attendant Snow Youluo!!!

    And Golden Leaf’s Black combat skill, Nether Severance, was growing increasingly powerful.

    Even against a Monarch-Tier Fallen Species, she could put up a fight!

    “…”

    “…”

    “Bang, bang, bang, bang!!!”

    Snow Flower’s pale, beautiful body was sent flying as she swung her flaming, icy dragon bone tail, clashing with the Fallen phoenix.

    Black energy that tore through space and fiery phoenix claws intertwined, deafening explosions ripping through the air.

    The surrounding parasites watched in despair.

    These two were insane! They didn’t even care if their auras alerted Drought!

    Did they want Drought to wake up and obliterate all the parasites on its body?

    “Whoosh—”

    Knocked back again, the snow woman’s white feet carved a deep furrow in Drought’s shell as she spun around, her tail whipping at the pursuing Fallen Species.

    Golden Leaf’s full-force swing, like a speeding truck, created sparks as it tore through the air.

    “BOOM!!!”

    A deafening crash echoed.

    The phoenix woman, unable to stop in time, was sent flying by Golden Leaf’s tail, her small body tumbling through the air as she released bursts of flame to stop her retreat.

    Suddenly, massive ice coffins materialized along the Fallen Species’ path like dominoes.

    “Crash, crash, crash, crash, crash, crash, crash—”

    Unable to dodge, she crashed through them, melting or shattering them with her body.

    After smashing through millions of ice coffins, the phoenix woman finally stopped, staggering to her feet, her battered body nearly frozen by the ice.

    Even the flames surrounding her flickered, threatening to extinguish.

    “Hooo~~~”

    The next second, a scorching wave of air melted the ice on her body.

    Bathed in crimson flames, like a fiery monarch, she stepped out of the icy zone, walking towards Snow Flower with a cold expression.

    She accelerated, her body lowering into a low-flying dive, her aura trailing behind her like a fiery phoenix tail.

    Everything behind her was vaporized by the flames, turning the world into a scorching inferno.

    Then, without warning, the Fallen Species vanished from Snow Flower’s sight.

    “…”

    “…”

    The next second, as Snow Flower reacted, she was engulfed by the fiery sphere.

    A searing pain coursed through her body.

    “BOOM!!!”

    A terrifying white explosion ripped through the air, incinerating everything within billions of miles, engulfing Snow Flower in flames and obliterating a large section of Drought’s body.

    Seconds later, the flames dissipated.

    Not only was Drought’s black shell scorched, but Snow Flower’s aura had also vanished, all her Pet Essence incinerated.

    Even Golden Leaf, hundreds of miles long, was reduced to a bare skeleton, its unique traits and appearance gone.

    The Fallen phoenix’s flames subsided.

    She looked at the charred black figure before her, her eyes filled with disappointment.

    “Is this the extent of her lineup this time!?”

    “How boring…”

    The phoenix woman turned to leave.

    As that woman’s former second main Pet Beast, how could she not recognize Snow Flower as her current Married Pet Beast?

    Was this level of strength worthy of being a Married Pet Beast?

    It seemed she, already protected by an Ancient Species, had become complacent…

    However…

    Just as the Fallen phoenix took a few steps—

    “BOOM!!!”

    She was slammed into Drought’s melting body by Golden Leaf, falling from the sky.

    The Fallen Species froze.

    In her aura perception, behind her, Snow Flower’s burns were fading, her perfect, snowy form returning.

    Whether Pet Essence depletion or literal death, for Snow Flower, with her Seven Snow Souls ability—

    The battle had just begun!

    ***

    Ten minutes later, having died repeatedly, Snow Flower was down to four Snow Souls.

    With four Snow Souls, her counterattack power increased more than tenfold.

    She relentlessly pummeled the Fallen phoenix, who could barely fight back.

    However, with a Fallen Species’ aura strength, as long as its Life Crystal wasn’t completely crushed, it could regenerate, incredibly resilient.

    And since Snow Flower hadn’t yet unleashed Golden Leaf’s Nether Severance, her own attacks couldn’t inflict significant damage, resulting in several deaths even in her four-Snow Soul state.

    Even with powerful counterattacks, Golden Leaf several times wanted to activate Nether Severance on its own, but Snow Flower remained unmoved.

    Yes, Snow Flower was replicating the Shining Moonlight Rabbit’s battle against the Fallen Species!

    Among her traits was an ultimate ability she had yet to use.

    [The fewer Snow Souls remaining, the greater the counterattack power and physical defense.]

    [With one Snow Soul remaining, Snow Flower enters One Life state.]

    [One Life state activates infinite counterattack mode, allowing unlimited attacks without needing to block.]

    Golden Leaf’s Nether Severance, having absorbed power from Heartless Purgatory Life, was already incredibly strong.

    Even in Snow Flower’s seven-Snow Soul state, it was devastating.

    They couldn’t imagine its power with just one Snow Soul.

    Not to mention…

    Infinite Nether Severance…

    Snow Flower intended to use this as her finishing move!

    Therefore, she couldn’t let the Fallen phoenix see it, couldn’t let it adapt!

    Thirty minutes later, three Snow Souls remained.

    Two hours later, two Snow Souls.

    Five hours later, Snow Flower finally entered her One Snow Soul state.

    And it was One Snow Soul with Double Awakening active!

    The snow woman clasped her hands together, snowflakes swirling around her.

    “—Ice Prison—”

    “Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!!!”

    The next second, countless ice and snow kingdoms descended, engulfing both the Fallen phoenix and Snow Flower herself.

    Ice shattered, snow danced.

    Several parasites observing from afar were instantly frozen and shattered.

    Massive ice walls, hundreds of millions of miles long, formed around Snow Flower, not as elemental ice, but solid, frozen water!

    Even Golden Leaf’s body was covered in icy armor, its form transforming into a white, icy dragon tail swaying behind the snow woman.

    Seeing this icy spectacle, the phoenix woman smiled.

    [Transcendent Transformation]

    “Whoosh—”

    Her humanoid form disintegrated, replaced by a massive, fiery phoenix, its size exceeding tens of thousands of kilometers!

    Though smaller than the Four Great Calamities, it towered over Snow Flower’s ice fortress like a fifty-meter-tall giant, a single swipe of its claw shattering half of the fortress.

    “BOOM!!!!!”

    Under everyone’s gaze, the fiery phoenix collided with the ice kingdom.

    A deafening explosion of ice and fire erupted, like a detonating star, its shockwaves rippling across Drought’s body.

    The moment the ice prison shattered, Snow Flower dodged with a twist of her body and a flick of her tail.

    But then… she froze.

    A white, fiery pattern covered the phoenix’s body!

    Wait…

    This was…

    A Shining combat skill!?

    How could a Fallen Species possess a Shining combat skill!?

    And judging by the combat skill’s solidified form, it was clearly highly developed, having been honed through countless battles!

    With just Golden Leaf’s Black combat skill, defeating this opponent was a pipe dream.

    Regardless…

    She had to fight!

    Snow Flower focused all her Pet Essence into her icy dragon tail.

    “Infinite Nether Severance!!!”

    “Slash, slash, slash, slash, slash, slash, slash, slash—”

    Countless black slashes ripped through the space between Snow Flower and the phoenix, relentlessly attacking the phoenix and everything around it.

    But the phoenix, adorned with a crown of feathers and wreathed in flames and a white feather coat, continued to advance towards Snow Flower.

    Snow Flower’s heart sank.

    Was this Fallen Species’ Shining combat skill even stronger than the Shining Rabbit’s Infinite Phases?

    Even with her One Snow Soul amplified counterattack, Nether Severance could only slightly stagger the phoenix!

    And at this critical moment…

    Golden Leaf’s attack power weakened.

    Its attacks became sluggish, its aura fading, as if it were about to fall asleep.

    Just as Snow Flower was about to warn it, Golden Leaf’s Nether Severance suddenly intensified, almost stopping the Fallen phoenix’s advance.

    The next second, it weakened again…

    Then, it intensified again…

    After several repetitions, Snow Flower felt exhausted by Golden Leaf’s fluctuating aura.

    She tried to contact it, but received no response.

    What was going on?

    It was normal for Pet Beasts to tire or get excited during battle, but Snow Flower had never seen one so inconsistent.

    Unlike Snow Flower’s confusion, the Fallen phoenix’s brow furrowed.

    “Wait, could it be…”

    “Did this one defeat a Fallen Species before?”

    “Did it… absorb its essence?”

    “Tsk, this is troublesome—”

    “…”

    “…”

    After defeating the Fallen Species, Lian Xing had overlooked a basic principle.

    The Second Talent theory.

    Ancient and Shining Species left behind Life Crystals upon death, which could be consumed by other Pet Beasts.

    What about Fallen Species’ crystals?

    Heartless Purgatory Life’s Life Crystal had been shattered, impossible to retrieve intact.

    After all, a Fallen Species was only declared defeated after its Life Crystal was completely destroyed.

    Lian Xing had naturally assumed the same.

    But if that were the case…

    Wouldn’t a Fallen Species’ traits and talents be lost forever!?

    No. A Fallen Species’ traits and talents could be inherited. Its remnants would automatically flow into the victor, the most transcendent Pet Beast, becoming part of its Fallen Factor!!

    “Whoosh—!!!!!”

    The next second, as Snow Flower and the phoenix clashed, their expressions froze simultaneously.

    What the…?

    Black, crystalline snowflakes fell within Snow Flower’s ice world, the pure white landscape fading, replaced by an endless darkness, as if they had entered a different world.

    Even the snow woman’s pristine form was corrupted.

    Two black and red horns sprouted from her head.

    Snow Flower finally understood.

    She turned her head, her breath catching in her throat.

    The icy dragon tail connected to her spine was no longer white, but covered in black, metallic fangs, crimson ice crystals frozen between them.

    And then, the dark red dragon tail began to grow rapidly, expanding from hundreds of kilometers to tens of thousands, rivaling even the Fallen phoenix!

    But strangely, despite its increasing size, the tail’s aura weakened, then gradually intensified again.

    Snow Flower’s eyes widened.

    She finally understood why Golden Leaf’s aura had been fluctuating!

    A simple question.

    What realm was Golden Leaf currently?

    …

    …

    …

    Three seconds to answer.

    Even Snow Flower and Lian Xing often mistook Golden Leaf for an Emperor.

    However, no matter how powerful it seemed…

    Whenever Lian Xing checked its panel, she saw a clear:

    [High-Tier]

    Transcendent evolution didn’t change a Pet Beast’s rank.

    No matter how many times it transcended, it remained at its initial rank.

    So, imagine…

    Assuming Fallen Species had the same combat power as Ancient and Shining Species.

    Drunken Glaze Eight-Star Bewitching Moon, upon awakening, as a Royal-Tier, could barely defeat an ordinary Emperor.

    What could a High-Tier Shining Species defeat?

    Nothing!

    The same applied to Fallen Species.

    A High-Tier Fallen Species was nothing, probably weaker than even a Monarch-Tier Pet Beast…

    Snow Flower finally understood why Golden Leaf’s aura had fluctuated.

    Its five transcendent evolutions had vanished!

    Golden Leaf was evolving again.

    Its transcendent evolution path had been distorted.

    It could now evolve towards Commander-Tier.

    This was…

    Fallen Transformation!

    “…”

    “…”

    “BOOM!!!!!”

    The next second, a black aura erupted from Golden Leaf, expanding for millions of miles, its size increasing to hundreds of thousands of kilometers, dwarfing even the Fallen phoenix.

    Bigger, weaker, weaker, bigger.

    Even after its Fallen evolution, Golden Leaf was still weak, only its aura intimidating.

    However, the Fallen phoenix stopped abruptly.

    Before leaving, she glanced meaningfully at the white snow woman with black horns.

    How envious…

    Even she hadn’t killed a Fallen Species.

    “Death Sentence!!!” the phoenix roared.

    “Whoosh—”

    As Snow Flower watched in surprise, the Fallen phoenix’s head was severed by a blade appearing from nowhere.

    Then, her body blurred, vanishing from Snow Flower’s sight.

    She… escaped!?

    What was going on?

    Snow Flower was completely bewildered.

    Wasn’t this the perfect opportunity to defeat them, now that Golden Leaf had undergone Fallen evolution?

    A High-Tier Fallen Species was incredibly weak…

    Seconds later, Snow Flower finally understood.

    The mysterious path of Fallen, unknown to most, was now revealed before her.

    “BOOM!!!!!”

    A terrifying pressure erupted from Golden Leaf, crushing several nearby parasites.

    Not only its aura, but its destructive desire also intensified, radiating a chilling, despair-inducing presence.

    So that was it…

    No wonder there were no Fallen Species below Monarch-Tier!

    All Fallen Species had destroyed countless lives, their suppressed levels and realms accumulating until their Life Crystals swelled from the constant pressure.

    Then, after Fallen Transformation, it all exploded outwards!

    A level jump!

    Could a High-Tier defeat a Fallen Species?

    Could a High-Tier kill countless Emperors?

    Of course not.

    Therefore, Golden Leaf instantly shattered its High-Tier limitations!!!

    Then, it bypassed Commander-Tier and Royal-Tier entirely, its explosive experience points shattering all bottlenecks.

    And then—

    Just as Snow Flower thought the evolution was over…

    Golden Leaf’s level increased slightly.

    This slight increase was the legacy of Heartless Purgatory Life, the unprecedented death of a Fallen Species.

    “…”

    “…”

    “BOOM!!!!!”

    Seconds later, a massive, black dragon tail, millions of kilometers long, like a galaxy, slammed onto Drought’s back.

    A deafening roar echoed, and the Pet Essence and space above Cold Moon Palace froze.

    Then, with another roar, the sky above Cold Moon Palace was torn apart by a terrifying black snow explosion, countless beings sent flying, towns and nations obliterated.

    And under the golden-haired girl’s disbelieving gaze…

    Drought, one of the Four Great Calamities…

    Fell…

    And on Lian Xing’s Pet Beast panel, Golden Leaf’s information had completely changed.

    [Emperor-Tier]

    [—Fallen Species—]

    [Nether Leaf Dark King’s Court!!!]

    …

    …

    …

  • Reincarnated as a Holy Nun, I Refuse to Lose! v2c15

    Volume 2: Witch Kingdom Arc

    Chapter 15: Confession

    Yun Keke sat on the bed, arms crossed, her gaze sharp and interrogative. Yu Keke sat beside her, still blushing furiously. Luo Yuxi, the cause of this situation, knelt before them, her head bowed, unable to meet their gaze.

    “So you remember everything…?”

    “Yes…”

    “You remember when we fought to save you?”

    “Yes…”

    “You remember what we did to you afterwards…?”

    “Partially…”

    “So you also heard what I whispered in your ear…?”

    “W-Well…”

    Luo Yuxi’s evasive gaze said it all. Yu Keke trembled, her face red as an apple, and picked up the nearby stick.

    “I-I’ll just help big sister forget this unpleasant memory!!!”

    Yu Keke was about to lose control. Yun Keke quickly stopped her. After all, Yu Keke was a 2nd Order witch. In her current state, a single blow could be fatal.

    “Wait! Little Yu, calm down!”

    After some coaxing, Yu Keke calmed down, sitting on the bed, clutching her skirt, her emotions in turmoil. Yun Keke, relieved, sat back down.

    “Since you know everything, I won’t hide it anymore…”

    “Okay…”

    “You know we’ve both been planted with Elven Seeds, right?”

    Yun Keke rested her chin on her hand, looking at the flustered Luo Yuxi with amusement, as if anticipating her reaction. Luo Yuxi knew pretending to be oblivious would be the best course of action, but she had a feeling she would miss out on something if she didn’t confess.

    “Yes, I know. And I’ll take responsibility!”

    “Really, making it sound like I’m forcing you. Who needs you to take responsibility? Weakling big sister~”

    Yun Keke unbuttoned her shirt, revealing the green mark on her stomach, the sign of the Elven Seed. Luo Yuxi couldn’t tear her eyes away.

    “So white… I mean…”

    “Really, weakling big sister, where are you looking~?”

    Yun Keke pointed at the heart-shaped mark on her stomach, tracing it with her finger. Luo Yuxi looked away, embarrassed.

    “It’s just a heart shape now. That means last time wasn’t successful. Did you really think you could get me pregnant so easily, weakling big sister~?”

    “Eh?”

    Luo Yuxi remembered the game’s detailed descriptions. When the protagonist was captured by elves and planted with an Elven Seed, she would be repeatedly “visited” by elven girls until the first CG was triggered, showing a larger mark on her stomach.

    “So that time actually didn’t…?”

    “That’s right, weakling big sister is just a weakling. How could we become mothers so easily~”

    Yun Keke buttoned her shirt. Luo Yuxi felt a mix of relief and disappointment. Yun Keke stood up and pointed at Luo Yuxi.

    “I was planning to drug you every night and do it while you were asleep, but now that you know, you have to take responsibility!”

    “Huh? Take responsibility? For what?”

    Yun Keke smirked, making an “OK” sign and then sticking a finger through the hole, her usual bratty expression.

    “Doing lewd things with me and Little Yu every night, of course~”

    “Hmm???? Can you even say that?! This book will be banned!!”

    “Tsk, weakling is a weakling. You said you would take responsibility, don’t you know the desire from the Elven Seed increases tenfold? Do you want me and Little Yu to take care of it ourselves?”

    Yun Keke put her hands on her hips. Luo Yuxi didn’t know how to respond. Yu Keke, who had been silent, tugged at Yun Keke’s skirt.

    “Little Yun, if big sister doesn’t want to, it’s okay, don’t force her…”

    “No way, Little Yu! Be more assertive! We’ll lose our wife if you keep being so passive!”

    “But…”

    “No buts! Luo Yuxi! Give us a straight answer! Yes or no!”

    Luo Yuxi felt conflicted. Agreeing or disagreeing both felt wrong. Disagreeng would make her feel guilty, agreeing would be mentally healthy but physically damaging.

    “But you’re always so rough, even my healing magic can’t keep up…”

    “Then we’ll take that as a yes. Until these green marks on our stomachs grow, we’ll be relying on you, big sister~”

    Luo Yuxi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. At least things were settled. Yu Keke, no longer shy, walked over and kissed Luo Yuxi’s cheek.

    “Please take care of us… b-big sister…”

    Luo Yuxi thought back to her pre-transmigration self, a shut-in playing lewd games. Although she was reasonably attractive, no one had paid much attention to her in that steel and concrete world. But in this world, not only did she have close friends, but also two adorable loli wives.

    “Life couldn’t get any better. Wait, where are we…?”

    “Oh, this? Little Yu and I flew here as soon as we sensed your presence. This is the closest city…”

    “Wait, this isn’t…?”

    Luo Yuxi ran to the window and looked outside at the bustling streets, the brightly lit shops, several witches even flying openly in the sky, their identities unconcealed.

    “Sehanu, the capital of the Witch Kingdom?! We’re in their lair?!”

    “We had to bring her somewhere, and she was being too noisy…”

    “Hmm? Her? Wait, you brought Ling Shuang too?!?”

    Luo Yuxi stared at Yun Keke in shock. Yun Keke stammered,

    “If Ling Shuang is here, then where is she?!”

    “W-Well… we might have left her at the inn…”

    “???”

    Luo Yuxi froze. Yun Keke, realizing the problem, flew out of the room. Luo Yuxi looked at Yu Keke, who was fidgeting.

    “Wait, if the Church sent you to rescue me, why is Ling Shuang here?!”

    “Big sister, don’t worry, Ling Shuang is also a witch, she’ll be fine. And your Saintess seems to have seen through her identity…”

    Luo Yuxi was shocked. So Ling Shuang’s identity had been exposed. But why hadn’t the Saintess done anything?

    “Damn it, the Saintess… another character who only appears in the backstory…”

    Luo Yuxi remembered a CG of the protagonist receiving the title of Saintess under the Saintess’s watchful gaze. But that was the only CG featuring the Saintess. The rest of the information was in the backstory. She was said to be the strongest in the Church, second only to the previous Saintess, a true representative of the Goddess, her beauty so captivating that it could arouse impure thoughts.

    “Even in the CG, her face was shadowed. I didn’t expect her to appear. How messed up is the plot now…?”

    Luo Yuxi was worried. Her “Witch Domination” ability was a lie. Now that Yun Keke and Yu Keke had rescued her, and even Ling Shuang’s identity had been exposed, her fragile lie would surely be discovered.

    “What should I do?! I’ll just stay in the Witch Kingdom and avoid reality…”

    Luo Yuxi imagined the Saintess exposing her lie, listing her sins, and then declaring her punishment.

    “You deceitful liar, how dare you deceive the Goddess! Take her away, throw her into the repentance room and make her repent with her body!”

    “No! I only lied on impulse! Please spare me!!”

    “And these witches! There’s a hole in the repentance room door, stick their waists in it, and have the nuns record their sins on their bodies! Especially that pink-haired one, mark every sin with a tally!”

    “Ah!! I was wrong! Please, have mercy!!”

    Luo Yuxi imagined the scene, although it was unlikely to happen, but in this lewd game, with her own alluring body, who knew what kind of punishment she would receive?

    “Sigh, I’m such a sinner~”

     

    —-

    ——–

    Author: 

    (Doris’s character design)

  • Shion’s Notes 128

    Chapter 128: Moving Forward

    Yu Linna accompanied Wu Siyu to the site of the former orphanage, a place demolished years ago, located in a different city. It took a three-hour drive for Yu Linna to return to the city of her childhood.

    The streets were unrecognizable, now lined with towering commercial buildings, a stark contrast to the old, worn-down streets of her memory, reminiscent of Beijing’s ancient hutongs. The familiar landscape had been replaced by a bustling commercial district.

    She remembered the orphanage at the end of the street, a small building housing at most a hundred children. Wu Siyu had been the director.

    Yu Linna had lived there for about three months before the government demolished it, leaving Wu Siyu jobless. Though there had been some compensation, it was Yu Linna who suffered the most. While other children found adoptive families, she remained unwanted. Her mixed-race appearance was a disadvantage; few wanted to adopt a child of mixed heritage.

    Yu Linna then began her nomadic life, moving between at least twelve foster families each year, lucky if she could stay in the same school for a full year.

    At ten, she declared her independence, moving out to live alone, with only a nominal guardian. Eight years had passed, and she had grown up, the world around her changing drastically.

    “That’s where the orphanage used to be. Now, it’s a commercial building.”

    Wu Siyu pointed to a towering skyscraper, now a popular entertainment hub, its exterior plastered with advertisements. The entrance was crowded with smiling people, a group of girls chatting and laughing as they entered.

    “It’s changed so much.”

    Seeing the transformation of her former home, Yu Linna felt a wave of nostalgia.

    Time flew by; over a decade had passed in the blink of an eye.

    The orphanage was gone, and she had moved on, but she still hadn’t found her place in the world.

    Wu Siyu didn’t know who or where her parents were. If the police couldn’t find them, how could she?

    But it was true that she had been bought from human traffickers. Whether she had been kidnapped or sold, she didn’t know.

    Life was easier without attachments, without ties. But attachments, once formed, brought pain.

    That was Yu Linna’s burden.

    She didn’t know who her biological parents were, but she couldn’t help but feel a connection to them.

    Even if they were dead, she wanted to know their names.

    Even if they had sold her, she wanted to know their names.

    That was all she wanted.

    But it was a wish that might never be fulfilled. In a world of billions, finding her blood relatives was almost impossible.

    I want to know where I came from. I want to know if they loved me.

    The thought brought tears to Yu Linna’s eyes.

    Wu Siyu’s words had only deepened her sorrow. She didn’t know how she had ended up in this situation. According to Aunt Wu, she had been passed around by numerous traffickers, the origin lost, making it almost impossible to trace her roots.

    “Nana… let’s go back.”

    Seeing her distress, Wu Siyu felt a pang of sympathy. She was still the same crybaby, always worrying her.

    She knew Yu Linna was yearning for her family. Having grown up with nothing, this news about her past had stirred something within her. She had always longed for family. Unfortunately, due to the passage of time, the police couldn’t trace the original sellers, making it impossible to find any information about her parents.

    Finding one’s biological family in this vast world was incredibly difficult.

    Almost impossible.

    For Yu Linna, finding her parents was a near-impossible dream.

    Even with her DNA on file with the police, if her parents weren’t looking for her, it was useless.

    And she didn’t even know if they had abandoned her or if they had been unable to protect her, leading to her being sold.

    Regardless, human traffickers were the most despicable of people.

    Taking the tissue Wu Siyu offered, Yu Linna wiped her tears, looking at the street, her heart gradually calming. The longing, the loneliness, began to dissipate.

    Wu Siyu, worried about her, suggested they stay in the city for a couple of days, giving Yu Linna time to process everything. Yu Linna, wanting to revisit her childhood city, agreed.

    That evening, they stayed at a hotel, and Wu Siyu took her on a tour of the city. She felt that Yu Linna had missed out on so much, unlike herself, who had a family, a husband, and a daughter. Yu Linna had always been alone, from the moment they met, over a decade ago, to this day.

    Wu Siyu’s heart ached for her, showering her with kindness, buying her anything she wanted.

    The next day, Yu Linna’s mood had lifted considerably. She revisited the site of the former orphanage, this time alone.

    Standing there, gazing at the commercial building that had replaced her childhood home, she felt a wave of nostalgia. The past couldn’t be changed. She could only stand here, looking at this place where she once belonged.

    “Isn’t that little Nana? Are you here on vacation?”

    A familiar voice called from behind. Yu Linna turned and saw a woman wearing a gray cotton jacket and small leather shoes. Though time had left its mark on her face, she was still elegant.

    “Auntie…”

    “It really is little Nana! What are you doing here? Are you with friends?”

    It was Zhang Jing, Nangong Ying’s mother.

    If Zhang Jing was here, that meant Nangong Ying… Yu Linna turned, and sure enough, there she was, standing behind her mother, an expression of surprise on her face. She hadn’t expected to run into Yu Linna here.

    The former best friends stared at each other, neither speaking.

    “Xiaoying, what are you doing? Go on, aren’t you two close? Why are you just standing there?”

    Zhang Jing was unaware of what had happened between her daughter and Yu Linna.

    Only Nangong Ying, Yu Linna, and Ye Zhiyun knew about the betrayal, the near-assault. No one had spoken about it; naturally, no one else knew.

    If Zhang Jing knew, she would be devastated.

    “Mom, I want to talk to her alone.”

    “I understand. You two have fun. I’ll go find your father.”

    Zhang Jing tactfully gave them space, assuming they wanted some privacy to catch up.

    How could she have known?

    If she knew, she wouldn’t have done that.

    “Linna…”

    Finally alone, Nangong Ying couldn’t help but utter her name.

    Her voice was filled with guilt, sorrow, and a hint of longing.

    “What are you doing here?” Yu Linna asked, her tone much calmer.

    “I’m here with my parents. You’re not here on vacation, are you?”

    “…This… This is where the orphanage I used to live in used to be. I came back to have a look.”

    She pointed to the commercial building behind her.

    Yu Linna had told her about living in an orphanage for three months; Nangong Ying remembered. Looking at the building, she thought, So this is where Linna used to live.

    “Nangong, do you really… have nothing to say to me?”

    “…”

    “Why?”

    She asked again.

    She had always wanted to understand Nangong Ying’s reasoning. What kind of dream was worth betraying your best friend? What kind of dream could drive someone to such lengths?

    She truly couldn’t understand.

    “Linna… I… It was my dream.”

    “So, you sold me out, right?”

    “…Yes.”

    Nangong Ying finally admitted it.

    She knew what she had done.

    There was no turning back. When she made that decision, she hadn’t expected forgiveness.

    “Nangong, I trusted you so much, and you did this to me…”

    Though Yu Linna’s voice was calm, her head was bowed, her hands clenched tightly.

    Sold as a child, passed around from one person to another, she had thought growing up would free her from that fate. But she had been sold again, just in a different way.

    Nangong Ying didn’t reply, turning to leave, unwilling to offer any explanation. She was avoiding Yu Linna, unable to face her.

    “Nangong! Did I mean nothing to you? How could you be so cruel?!”

    Nangong Ying stopped, her back to Yu Linna.

    “Linna, you don’t understand how difficult it is to achieve a dream. You don’t have parents; you don’t understand the yearning for recognition, for belonging. You don’t understand, not having had anything from the start. You can’t possibly understand.”

    “So, that justifies what you did?! Have you forgotten? I was your friend!”

    Tears streamed down Yu Linna’s face, her heart aching. Being treated this way by Nangong Ying, dismissed so casually, it hurt.

    “Fine, you say I don’t understand, that I don’t have dreams. Fine! I’ll show you! I’ll show you, Nangong! I promise I will! I promise…”

    She cried, she shouted, oblivious to the passersby. Though tears streamed down her face, her resolve hardened.

    Nangong Ying didn’t reply, continuing on her path, disappearing from sight.

    “I’m sorry, Linna. I know you’ll never forgive me.”

    Her words were meaningless now, too late to mend what was broken.

    Their paths had diverged; there was no chance of reconciliation.

  • Reincarnated as a Holy Nun, I Refuse to Lose! v2c14

    Volume 2: Witch Kingdom Arc

    Chapter 14: Elven Seed, You Know What It Is

    Yun Keke felt the magic power surging within her, gathering in her dantian. Yu Keke continued to savor the “delicious treat,” while Luo Yuxi, though immobile, was fully conscious, acutely aware of every sensation.

    “Little Yun, how do you use this Elven Seed…?”

    Yu Keke innocently took out a small, green capsule. Luo Yuxi, seeing the vibrant life force emanating from it, panicked. She had hoped Yun Keke had mistaken it for something else, but seeing the capsule, she knew they were serious.

    “I wanted to ask big sister directly, but knowing her, she would probably refuse. But when she sees our child, she’ll be happy, right? I wonder what we should name it?”

    Yu Keke gently caressed Luo Yuxi’s face. Luo Yuxi knew resistance was futile. It was better to relax and accept her fate. She couldn’t defeat them anyway, and they were quite cute. It wasn’t a total loss.

    “Screw it, I’ll just give up. Come at me, all of you. The Elven Seed has a trigger rate in the game, I don’t believe it’ll work on the first try…”

    Luo Yuxi had resigned herself. Resisting would only make things worse, her struggles becoming their “spice.” She had never succeeded in resisting anyway, and she would just faint afterwards, forgetting everything.

    “Little Yu, you don’t just eat the Elven Seed. That won’t work. It’ll only provide a temporary boost in power…”

    “Huh? Then how do you use it? Is there a special incantation?”

    Yu Keke looked at the capsule-shaped seed, flustered. Yun Keke, a mischievous glint in her eyes, placed a hand on Yu Keke’s shoulder and whispered in her ear,

    “It’s okay, I’ll teach you~”

    Yun Keke took Yu Keke’s hand, guiding it downwards. Yu Keke hesitated.

    “Are you sure this is how you use it…?”

    “Yes, otherwise, it won’t work. Don’t worry, I’ve tried it myself. The seed secretes a special power that protects you, there’s no pain or discomfort~”

    Yu Keke was still nervous, but Yun Keke, seizing the opportunity, nibbled on Yu Keke’s ear, distracting her and quickly planting the seed. Yu Keke, caught off guard, almost fainted from the strange sensation.

    “Ah!”

    “Alright, preparations complete. Now~”

    Yu Keke was about to scold Yun Keke, but seeing her removing Luo Yuxi’s restraints, she felt a surge of anticipation, a burning desire to learn more. Luo Yuxi, looking at the flushed lolis, their eyes practically sparkling with hearts, knew the Elven Seed had taken effect. A long “study session” awaited her.

    “This is even more lewd than the CGs in the game~”

    Although enjoying the view, Luo Yuxi felt a sense of dread, seeing her restraints being removed. The previous times had started pleasantly but ended in painful exhaustion. And now, they didn’t even know she was conscious.

    “I’ll just treat this as a dream. After all, big sister would never forgive me for doing such things…”

    Yu Keke lifted Luo Yuxi’s wrist, her skin like white jade, delicate and pink, like a blooming peach blossom, its fragrant pistil inviting the bees. The diligent bees gathered their pollen, not just from one flower, but two, their thirst insatiable. Who knew if this pollination would be successful?

    “Really, Little Yu, you’ve been at it for so long, it’s my turn!”

    “I want to stay with big sister a little longer…”

    …

    The morning sun shone on Luo Yuxi’s face. She opened her eyes, looked at the unfamiliar ceiling, and cautiously moved her right hand. Relieved that she could move, she sat up.

    “Same as always, I fainted in the end…”

    Luo Yuxi looked around the unfamiliar room, remembering her last memory of lying in the forest, being subjected to an intense “lesson” by the two lolis, then being “studied” until she fainted.

    “Being done in by lolis… it’s so embarrassing, no matter how many times it happens…”

    Luo Yuxi examined her body. She had been healed, the marks from the battle and the previous night’s activities gone.

    “They healed me completely. If I were unconscious, I wouldn’t even know what happened…”

    She looked at her chest, where the puppet nail had been, now just smooth skin. She couldn’t underestimate even seemingly harmless witches. They were dangerous.

    “What should I do now? I can’t face them…”

    Luo Yuxi thought about pretending she didn’t remember anything because of the puppet nail, continuing her carefree life as a “scumbag,” but the thought of what would happen next made even the soft bed feel hard.

    “Weakling big sister~ Oh, wait, darling, look how much our child looks like you~”

    “My baby looks just like my darling too…!”

    Luo Yuxi imagined the scene: two cute loli daughters in her arms, their mothers looking at her lovingly, a happy family in this strange world.

    “That… doesn’t sound so bad…?”

    The door opened, and Yu Keke entered, leaning against the wall for support. Luo Yuxi was about to confess and take responsibility when she noticed Yu Keke’s slightly swollen belly.

    “That was fast! Isn’t the Elven Seed supposed to take years to take effect?”

    “Big sister, you’re awake…!”

    Yu Keke called out excitedly. Before Luo Yuxi could react, Yun Keke, also with a slightly swollen belly, entered.

    “Oh my, is weakling big sister touched~?”

    Yun Keke hugged Luo Yuxi, who subtly avoided her, careful not to touch her stomach.

    “Don’t come closer! What if I accidentally touch your belly…?”

    “Belly? How did you know I hid a pillow inside~?”

    Yun Keke pulled out a pillow from under her clothes. Luo Yuxi looked at the pillow, then at her flat stomach, confused. Yu Keke also pulled out a pillow.

    “We were playing a game and forgot to take them out. You’ve been unconscious for a whole day. Do you remember what happened after you were turned into a doll~?”

    Luo Yuxi, as if making up her mind, suddenly hugged Yun Keke, who blushed, surprised by the sudden embrace. Even Yu Keke gasped.

    “No need to explain, I’m not a scumbag! I’ll take responsibility!”

    “Huh??”

    Luo Yuxi didn’t want a repeat of those tragic “runaway pregnant” stories from novels. Although the pregnant ones were witches, if they ran away, her comfortable life in this world would be over.

    “Wait! You… you know?!”

    “Yes, I was conscious the whole time!”

    Yun Keke’s arrogant facade crumbled. She pushed Luo Yuxi away, her face red, and hid under the covers. Luo Yuxi turned to Yu Keke, intending to explain.

    “Little Yu, don’t worry, I’ll take responsibility for you too…”

    “She knows, she knows, she knows…”

    Luo Yuxi reached out to hug and comfort Yu Keke, but she saw Yu Keke crouching down, her eyes dazed, her face flushed, seemingly not hearing anything. Something was wrong. Suddenly, a wooden stick whizzed past Luo Yuxi’s ear.

    “Little! Little Yu!”

    “So embarrassing, so embarrassing! Big sister saw everything! I have to make her lose her memory again…!”

    Luo Yuxi looked at Yu Keke, wielding a long stick she had found somewhere. This wasn’t good. Before she could say anything, the stick hit her leg, and she fell to the ground in pain.

    “Big sister, if you lose your memory, tell me, and I’ll take good care of you…!”

    “Wait! Wait! This isn’t what I expected!”

  • Miss Luo Yan’s Feet Are Buried With Corpses v3c8

    Witch’s Night: Chapter 8 Talking Behind Someone’s Back, To Their Face

    Due to Luo Yan’s special nature, neither Granny Zoya nor Norian had approached that area in the past few days, and they had also strictly forbidden anyone from approaching the apartment.

    The situation in Lannister was very different from Yan City, and Luo Yan’s arrival had indeed been too alarming.

    Before the Saint arrived in Lannister, Norian didn’t intend to change the current situation and wanted to maintain the status quo as much as possible.

    It was best to leave this thorny matter to the Saint to resolve.

    But this didn’t mean that Norian wasn’t paying attention to Luo Yan’s situation.

    In fact, he had many questions about this mysterious girl, but due to caution, he hadn’t voiced them.

    —Unnecessary knowledge could bring disaster, and forbidden knowledge could drive people mad.

    No matter what, all matters related to the Primordial Demons had to be treated with the utmost caution.

    “Um…”

    Hua Qingling hesitated for a moment, glanced at Luo Yan, who was frowning and fiddling with a cocktail next to her, and nodded,

    “It should be fine.”

    …What kind of answer was that?

    And, following Hua Qingling’s suddenly shifting gaze, Norian finally saw Luo Yan, who had been previously ignored.

    The presence that Luo Yan had reduced through “Envy” was almost like invisibility. Even if someone was very close, without deliberately looking, they would be forced to overlook her.

    It wasn’t until Hua Qingling’s glance that Norian had the chance to notice Luo Yan.

    He was startled. A black-haired young man was sitting right next to him, and he hadn’t noticed at all.

    Norian didn’t suspect that this was Luo Yan’s ability, but rather attributed it to his scattered attention due to exhaustion and mental fatigue from the past few days.

    “Oh… sorry, young man, I didn’t see you just now.” Norian looked at Luo Yan and nodded apologetically. “You must be Hua Qingling’s partner? You two are a good match.”

    Just as Granny Zoya’s information suggested, it was indeed a handsome young man.

    Norian had only said this out of politeness, but before Luo Yan could say anything, Hua Qingling hurriedly denied it, her cheeks slightly flushed,

    “No, no, we’re not… that kind of relationship.”

    “We are friends.”

    Luo Yan looked up slightly and said seriously.

    The clear voice was very pleasant, but Norian felt that it was somewhat familiar, but he couldn’t remember where he had heard it before.

    He didn’t connect it to Luo Yan, mainly because of the gender…

    If Granny Zoya were here, she would have seen through Luo Yan’s appearance hidden by the mental distortion at a glance. Unfortunately, Norian’s strength wasn’t nearly enough to reach that level.

    “Hmm?” Norian was a little taken aback, but he quickly adjusted. “Alright, it seems your relationship hasn’t been confirmed yet. I’ve spoken out of turn.”

    “It’s not… forget it.”

    Hua Qingling didn’t want to continue down this path, although Luo Yan didn’t seem to mind.

    She took a deep breath, her voice slightly lower,

    “Magistrate Norian, before that, there are some important questions I’d like to ask you.”

    Even though she had the right to question, facing the renowned Chief Magistrate of Lannister, Hua Qingling was still somewhat nervous.

    Admittedly, Norian wasn’t particularly strong, but in the New Era… there were many things just as important as strength.

    Norian could make Lannister powerful, and that was enough.

    “It seems… these aren’t friendly questions.” Norian’s expression also became slightly serious. “Ask away. Even if they are offensive questions… I will try my best to answer your doubts.”

    He had a good impression of Hua Qingling; she was indeed an outstanding young talent.

    “May I ask, Magistrate Norian, why did you secretly send surveillance personnel to our residence?”

    Hua Qingling’s tone wasn’t strong, but her attitude was quite firm.

    “If this is Lannister’s way of treating guests… I can only say that there are some serious flaws in the impression you and Lannister have left on me.”

    “Surveillance personnel? No… I never authorized such actions.”

    Norian’s pupils constricted, and his expression became serious. “This is a very serious incident. I… Lannister will investigate this thoroughly.”

    After saying that, Norian immediately took out his communicator. After a few rings, Granny Zoya’s surprised voice came through,

    “Norian? Why are you suddenly contacting me through the emergency line? Did something unexpected happen at the banquet?”

    Although Granny Zoya had left the room with Norian, she hadn’t entered the banquet hall.

    On the one hand, she wasn’t interested in these things due to her age, and on the other hand… her status was rather special.

    To use a somewhat inappropriate but apt analogy, Granny Zoya was to Lannister what the Saints were to all of humanity. Someone who usually didn’t appear, and when she did, it was a big deal.

    Moreover, she was also of a very high seniority. Even the oldest elder in the Council of Elders had to address her as Granny. Her presence at the scene would create too much pressure.

    “No… Granny Zoya, this is much more serious than an accident at the banquet. I need you to investigate this matter immediately.”

    Norian said in a deep voice.

    “What is it?”

    Hearing this tone, Granny Zoya immediately became serious as well.

    “Someone has quietly infiltrated Restricted Zone Seven and has already made contact with Miss Hua Qingling and Miss Luo Yan. I suspect it’s… their doing.”

    Although Norian didn’t explicitly say it, Granny Zoya knew at once that “they” referred to the Church of the End Gods.

    These troublesome cultists had often caused chaos in major mega-cities in recent years, and there had been several difficult incidents in Lannister as well.

    Moreover, these cultists had been gathering in Lannister recently. Coupled with Luo Yan’s identity, it was hard not to make further associations.

    “Alright, I’ll set off immediately.”

    Granny Zoya didn’t waste any time. This matter concerned the safety of Lannister, and there was no room for ambiguity.

    After hanging up the phone, Norian looked at Hua Qingling apologetically,

    “I’m very sorry, this was our mistake. It won’t happen again. Please believe in Lannister’s sincerity. We treat every guest with the same sincerity.”

    “Uh… I can see that…”

    Hua Qingling was somewhat dazzled by Norian’s actions.

    Usually, when officials said they would launch an investigation, or that there wouldn’t be a next time, or expressed that the higher-ups hadn’t authorized it, they were just covering up the truth.

    But Norian…

    Clearly, he wasn’t.

    Even if it were a staged act, it wouldn’t be possible to involve a “Destruction” level ability user…

    However, was it necessary to go to such lengths?

    “It seems we’ve misunderstood Lannister,” Hua Qingling breathed a sigh of relief, but was still somewhat puzzled. “But, is it necessary to trouble Granny Zoya with this matter?”

    “Of course it’s necessary, very necessary,” Norian looked deeply at Hua Qingling. “Young lady, you have no idea how dangerous the young lady beside you is.”

    Hua Qingling: “?”

    Luo Yan: “?”

    Seeing Hua Qingling’s bewildered expression, Norian sighed deeply.

    In his opinion, Hua Qingling didn’t believe him.

    Indeed, during the short time he had spent with the mysterious girl from the forest outside the city to Lannister, it was hard for Norian to associate her with the terrifying Primordial Demons.

    No matter how you looked at it, she was just an ordinary girl who was a little frail.

    However… Norian had thoroughly learned about everything that happened in Yan City through various channels, combined with the on-site intelligence brought back by the rescue team he had casually sent out.

    Norian had come to the truth known only to a few, that Luo Yan had used the body of Dawn’s Mister “One” and entered the Void to confront the Witch of Envy in the final battle.

    No one knew what happened in the Endless Void, only that Luo Yan eventually returned to the present world alive.

    But there was another point. Granny Zoya had seen Luo Yan in her crimson dress form, and the unknown and terrifying feeling she felt when looking directly at her was very similar to the Witch of Envy.

    Coupled with the Saint’s specific instructions…

    It was hard not to suspect whether the one who returned to the present world was the original Luo Yan, or the Witch of Envy.

    Or perhaps both.

    “Anyway, just take my advice, it’s best to keep your distance from her,” Norian composed himself and continued,

    “After this matter is over, don’t have anything more to do with her. Even a slight connection could bring unimaginable disaster—it’s precisely for this reason that I designated your residence as a restricted zone, absolutely forbidding anyone from entering or leaving.

    “As for surveillance, that’s even more absurd. Lannister doesn’t want to take unnecessary risks, and neither do I.”

    After Norian finished this series of earnest words, Hua Qingling’s expression became even more bewildered, while Luo Yan remained expressionless.

    Talking bad about someone in front of them.jpg

    “It shouldn’t… be that serious,” Hua Qingling coughed lightly, trying to defuse the awkward situation and salvage Luo Yan’s image in Norian’s eyes.

    “Miss Luo Yan stayed in Yan City for several months and resolved many Calamity events for the city… including this war. If it weren’t for her, Yan City might not have survived.”

    Luo Yan, upon hearing these words, slightly turned her face away, a faint blush appearing almost imperceptibly.

    Being praised to her face… was still a bit awkward.

    “No, no, Miss Qingling—please allow me to address you as such. From various perspectives, Yan City was just a lucky exception, and we absolutely cannot expect such an exception to occur a second time.”

    Norian shook his head and said seriously, “Admittedly, Miss Luo Yan is a very good young lady. Putting aside these external factors, even I admire such a young person very much… However, her personality doesn’t change her essential nature.

    “No matter how kind a person is, they are dangerous when their pockets are full of explosives. The danger of explosives doesn’t change because the person holding them is kind. In my opinion, the power Miss Luo Yan possesses is this ‘explosive.’

    “You can choose to believe that her kind nature will prevent her from using the ‘explosives’ recklessly, but you can’t guarantee that these ‘explosives’ will never fall on your own head.”

    Although he was speaking ill of Luo Yan, Norian’s words made a lot of sense.

    “That’s the first time I’ve heard such an analogy, it’s quite apt.”

    Luo Yan said softly, finally putting down the cocktail glass she had been fiddling with for a long time.

    …She really didn’t have any talent for mixing drinks; the several glasses she had made all tasted quite strange.

    “Power indeed has no inherent good or evil, but it does possess a certain degree of danger. When this danger exceeds control, it doesn’t matter who holds the power, what matters is… the ‘explosive’ explodes.”

    Luo Yan continued along Norian’s line of thought. “The result of the explosion won’t be weakened because the person who triggered it is kind… Therefore, when such terrifying power appears in the present world, one must always be prepared for it to lose control.”

    Were the Misters of Dawn good people?

    Undoubtedly, in the general sense, they were all good people.

    However, when the demonic powers they possessed went out of control, could the fact that they were good people prevent the consequences of that loss of control?

    No.

    All the contradictions of tragedy stemmed from this.

    Luo Yan had been quite ignorant of these things before, until Norian’s words enlightened her, summarizing these things that she vaguely understood but couldn’t express.

    “Oh?” Norian turned his gaze to Luo Yan (black-haired young man face) again. “Unexpectedly, young man, may I ask your name?”

    “Luo Yan.”

    “Alright, Mr. Luo Yan… Luo Yan?”

    The glass in Norian’s hand trembled.

    “Or you can just call me Luo Yan, or Miss Luo Yan.”

    Luo Yan picked up the juice used for mixing cocktails next to her, filled her glass, and slightly raised it to touch Norian’s glass,

    “Apologies, Magistrate Norian, I left the restricted zone without permission, but I have already gotten the answers I wanted and will be leaving here soon.”

    “…My words just now may have been offensive.”

    Even a seasoned veteran like Norian couldn’t help but feel embarrassed when caught talking behind someone’s back, especially to their face.

    Norian blushed, at a loss for words.

    “But those were all truths,” Luo Yan said indifferently, her gaze falling on the scene of clinking glasses not far away. “Hmm… so this is what it’s like to hold a banquet in a hall. I’ve never seen it before.”

    Everything in Natalie Manor was desolate, and even the spacious hall never had any guests.

    Even though the memories left in Ghost Town were heartwarming, Luo Yan knew very well that if she were still immersed in Ghost Town to this day, even more terrifying consequences might have occurred.

    She couldn’t guarantee that when facing the Witch of Envy, she would still be able to wake up from the whispers of divinity.

    These… were all “explosives,” unstable factors that could lose control.

    Feared by others, causing panic… This was who she was, and the nature of the power she possessed.

    “What a peaceful scene, Magistrate Norian,”

    Luo Yan turned to look at Norian, a faint red glimmering in her dark eyes,

    “Just as you said, my power is dangerous ‘explosive,’ and it will destroy so many beautiful things like this…

    “But avoidance can’t solve the problem, I’ve already tried… And, you underestimate my danger, and you underestimate me.”

  • Qin Auntie, Save Me [Rebirth] 71p2

    Chapter 71 p2

    Li Wan thought for a moment, recalling the online discussions. She wasn’t very familiar with these things, but since realizing her own feelings, she had been browsing websites and forums discussing same-sex relationships.

    Naturally, such discussions inevitably touched upon intimacy, and being adults, safety and hygiene were paramount, a reminder couldn’t hurt.

    “You know, condoms?”

    Qin Qianrou’s gaze fell on Shen Yiqiu’s hand holding the glass and froze.

    “Ahem, no need to be embarrassed, just a friendly reminder, enjoy your weekend, but… be mindful.”

    Qin Qianrou looked away, took a deep breath, and sternly said, “Li Wan.”

    Li Wan, quicker than a rabbit, sensing the danger, quickly said, “Okay, okay, I also need to work on getting my own condoms. That’s all, have a wonderful weekend, bye!”

    Shen Yiqiu, seeing that she had hung up, asked, “What did Sister Li Wan say?”

    “Nothing, she just wished us a happy weekend.”

    Shen Yiqiu was used to Li Wan’s boisterous personality and her occasional randomness and didn’t suspect anything, simply thinking that Sister Li Wan’s weekends must be quite boring.

    “Jiejie, what are our plans for this weekend?”

    Qin Qianrou hadn’t actually considered this, what was there to plan for a weekend? Weren’t weekends just… weekends?

    Shen Yiqiu, seeing her actually thinking about it, couldn’t help but smile and lean closer.

    Her girlfriend was like a magnet, drawing her in, no matter the distance.

    “This weekend is different, you have a girlfriend now.”

    Qin Qianrou’s heart softened, looking at Shen Yiqiu, saying such things with her soft, sweet voice.

    She reached out and gently ruffled Shen Yiqiu’s hair, her hand then sliding down to her soft earlobe.

    Seeing her own reflection in Shen Yiqiu’s eyes, Qin Qianrou’s heart skipped a beat. “Indeed, it’s different, you also have a girlfriend now.”

    Shen Yiqiu beamed, not giving Qin Qianrou any time to react, and quickly pecked her on the lips.

    “Jiejie, you’re the best.”

    Qin Qianrou had never known being in a relationship felt like this. Although this “girlfriend” status had only been established a few hours ago, she felt it was the right decision.

    The doorbell rang, and just as Shen Yiqiu was about to answer it, Qin Qianrou stopped her.

    “I’ll get it.”

    Shen Yiqiu paused, nodded, and turned around.

    During dinner, they discussed going shopping and watching a movie together tomorrow.

    However, after dinner, even the background noise from the TV couldn’t dispel the slight awkwardness in the air. Qin Qianrou still had some work to do, so she suggested Shen Yiqiu take a shower first. But when Shen Yiqiu emerged from the bathroom in her pajamas, they both realized they would be sharing a bed tonight.

    This seemed like a first, and their relationship was different now.

    It wasn’t like they were living in the dark ages, whether it was between men and women, or women and women, intimacy was… intimacy. However, for them now, it seemed a little too soon.

    “Jiejie, should I sleep on the sofa tonight?” Shen Yiqiu’s voice was slightly muffled by the towel around her neck, her hair half-dry, but she was still sweating slightly.

    Qin Qianrou pursed her lips, glancing at the layout of the room, then at Shen Yiqiu.

    Fresh from the shower, she looked even more innocent and pure, her rosy cheeks and delicate skin exuding a youthful vibrancy that no amount of money could replicate.

    Qin Qianrou, staring, mesmerized, suddenly recalled Li Wan’s words.

    “Jiejie?” Shen Yiqiu, seeing her silence, didn’t know if she agreed or not.

    Qin Qianrou composed herself and, looking at her intently, asked, “Do you like sleeping on the sofa?”

    Shen Yiqiu frantically shook her head, answering honestly, “Who would choose the sofa when there’s a bed?”

    “Then why did you suggest it?”

    “I thought you might feel awkward.”

    “Why would I feel awkward?”

    Shen Yiqiu wiped her flushed cheeks with the towel, the friction making her skin even redder.

    “Just… nothing.” Shen Yiqiu realized Jiejie was teasing her.

    Then, she saw the faint smile in Qin Qianrou’s eyes.

    Feeling slightly embarrassed, she walked over to her desk, the fresh scent of Qin Qianrou’s shower gel, the same one she used at home, lingering in the air.

    “Since we’re together now, there’s nothing to be awkward about. Sleeping together isn’t a big deal, you don’t have to worry.”

    Shen Yiqiu’s heart was filled with tenderness. “I understand, Jiejie.”

    “I still have some work to do, you go to bed first.”

    Shen Yiqiu had rushed straight to the airport after class, then hurried to the hotel, not wasting a single moment. From extreme anxiety to overwhelming joy, her emotions had been on a rollercoaster ride, and only after a hot shower did the exhaustion finally set in.

    She couldn’t help but yawn, gave Qin Qianrou a quick kiss, then, not wanting to disturb her work and her rest, returned to her own room.

    Bothering Jiejie now would only be hindering her work and disrupting her rest, Shen Yiqiu knew her priorities.

    **

    Thinking of Qin Qianrou and Shen Yiqiu enjoying their romantic weekend together, Li Wan felt a pang of loneliness. It was the weekend, the time most office workers looked forward to, yet she couldn’t bring herself to feel any joy.

    The restructuring at the station was underway, and everyone was on edge. The usually relaxed and cheerful atmosphere in their team had vanished, even those colleagues who usually rushed home to their families were now voluntarily working overtime, which gave Li Wan an excuse to stay at the office as well.

    “Editor Li, the team leader wants to see you.”

    Li Wan smoothed her hair and went to Lin Shuangzhi’s office.

    “Team Leader, you wanted to see me?”

    Lin Shuangzhi was frowning, reviewing a document. Hearing Li Wan’s voice, she simply glanced up.

    “Mm, come in and have a seat.”

    Li Wan sensed something was off with Lin Shuangzhi’s mood today. Although she was usually busy, and sometimes her mood would sour after a difficult meeting, it wasn’t like today, a mix of dejection, frustration, and even a hint of anger.

    “What’s wrong?” Li Wan asked tentatively after sitting down.

    Lin Shuangzhi didn’t answer immediately, her gaze fixed on the report, not reading further.

    After a moment, she handed the document to Li Wan.

    “Take a look at this first.”

    Li Wan’s heart sank as she took the document.

    After reading it, her mood soured as well.

    “Is this from the station directors?”

    Lin Shuangzhi didn’t answer, but her gaze confirmed it.

    Li Wan scoffed and handed the document back.

    “What is this? Assigning someone who’s always been in charge of advertising to oversee our special projects team? Are our programs going to become advertising compilations now?”

    “I’ve already expressed my objections at the meeting, the reason being that Director Yu is unfamiliar with our team’s work and has no relevant experience.”

    “What did Deputy Director Ding say?”

    Lin Shuangzhi sighed, “He said it’s normal for those outside a field to manage those within it, and with experience, they’ll naturally become familiar with it.”

    Li Wan’s anger flared upon hearing this, but before she could explode, Lin Shuangzhi continued, “Deputy Director Ding also said, with our full cooperation, Director Yu’s adjustment period will be significantly shortened.”

    Li Wan took a deep breath, stood up, walked to the door, closed it, then lowered the blinds on the window before returning to her seat.

    “So it’s settled then?”

    Lin Shuangzhi frowned. “Not officially confirmed yet, but it’s almost certain.”

    Li Wan picked up a stack of documents from the corner of the desk and threw them back down forcefully. “No, absolutely not! We can’t let Director Yu interfere with our team!”

    Sensing Li Wan’s anger, Lin Shuangzhi, who had been feeling frustrated all day, felt a sense of relief.

    After a whole day of meetings, dealing with the endless probing and political maneuvering, only Li Wan’s presence felt real.

    She walked over to Li Wan, gently placed her hand on hers, which was still clutching the document, and sighed, “Don’t be angry, if Deputy Director Ding insists, then I’ll report it to the city government.”

    Lin Shuangzhi’s sudden approach flustered Li Wan, her anger dissipating slightly. It had been a while since they had been this close, and she couldn’t help but yearn for more.

    “Wouldn’t going over their heads cause trouble for you? Should I… ask my father to intervene?”

    Lin Shuangzhi smiled and took her hand, her gesture more reassuring than intimate. “Deputy Mayor Li always keeps his professional and personal life separate, and besides, his responsibilities aren’t related to the news department, don’t make things difficult for him.” Then, her gaze deepened, her tone firm. “If I can’t even protect our team, how can I be your team leader?”

    Lin Shuangzhi’s strength and resolve had a powerful effect on Li Wan, especially with her hand being held like this, and she couldn’t help but whisper, her heart overflowing, “Team Leader…”

  • Devilish Disciple [Transmigration] 59

    Chapter 59: “The Three of Us, We’ll Kill Him!”

    Everyone stared, frozen in place.

    In the sudden silence, sunlight, previously obscured by the spiritual light, streamed through the massive crack in the sky, casting golden beams onto the blue world.

    Large snowflakes fell, sometimes tinged with gold, sometimes a soft, moon-like white.

    “The Heavenly Gate! The Heavenly Gate is closed!”

    Someone exclaimed, as if awakening from a dream.

    More and more people came to their senses, their eyes wide with shock, unsure what had just happened.

    Snow fell on their shoulders, carrying a deep winter chill.

    “What happened?!”

    “Someone tried to stop the Heavenly Gate from opening!”

    “Who is behind this?!”

    Li Yu frowned as the shouts echoed around her.

    Perhaps the Heavenly Gate wasn’t just closed.

    Although it hadn’t been open before, she could sense its location.

    But now, despite the formation still active, the surrounding spiritual energy abundant, she couldn’t sense it anymore.

    If this wasn’t an illusion, then the connection between the human realm and the Heavenly Realm had been severed…

    She had hoped to use the Heavenly Realm’s power to counter the black-robed figure; now that plan was ruined.

    As everyone stood in stunned silence, the snowflakes silently fell onto the formation.

    A layer of white frost formed on the hands of the cultivators maintaining the formation, extinguishing the spiritual light at their fingertips.

    Someone cried out in pain as the frost spread, flowing down their bodies like water, then rapidly expanding outwards upon reaching the ground.

    Silently, the frost enveloped the entire formation, immobilizing everyone within it, except for the Exalted Immortal at the center.

    “Someone is breaking the formation!”

    The belated warning sounded like a joke.

    By the time everyone reacted, the light of the frost-covered formation had already faded.

    The formation’s power dissipated, and the blue sky shattered.

    Silently, like dust motes scattering in the wind and snow, disappearing into the returning sunlight.

    “There’s something wrong with the snow! Protect yourselves with spiritual energy!”

    Someone shouted, and the cultivators quickly conjured protective barriers, blocking the falling snow.

    Cries of surprise, angry shouts, and confused murmurs filled the air.

    Unharmed, Li Yu didn’t interfere.

    She had a suspicion, though still uncertain, and looked towards where the Heavenly Gate had vanished.

    The falling snow slowly coalesced, forming a dark figure in the sky.

    The figure, backlit by the sun, was indistinct.

    “Opening the Heavenly Gate?” A cold voice echoed through the air. “A bunch of insignificant mortals, you think you’re worthy of ascending?”

    The voice was deep and resonant, reaching everyone’s ears.

    The dismissive words, devoid of any emotion, neither mocking nor sarcastic, just a simple statement of fact.

    Someone, enraged, started to shout, but the snowflakes instantly transformed into sharp ice shards, hovering menacingly above them.

    Sunlight, refracting through the ice, created halos.

    Seemingly harmless, yet carrying a chilling aura.

    A flicker of surprise appeared in the eyes of a Mount Chao Yao disciple.

    He then shouted joyfully, “It’s Lingyao Revered One!”

    Since the breach of the mountain gate, Mount Chao Yao had been filled with outsiders.

    They were arrogant, their words dripping with disdain for the Mount Chao Yao disciples.

    They said that Cangming Revered One, the head of the Three Revered Ones, guardian of the Upper Spirit Lamp, had not only almost lost the Lamp, but also released the Demon Bone she had secretly kept for over two hundred years, a heinous crime!

    And they said, “Like master, like disciple,” implying that with such a leader, the disciples of Mount Chao Yao couldn’t be any better.

    The disciples had been constantly belittled and ordered around.

    If it weren’t for Qingxuan Revered One, these outsiders would have imprisoned all the dissenting voices in the Spirit Restraint Hall.

    Although most disciples also feared and loathed the Demon Bone, unable to understand why Cangming Revered One protected that little wolf demon,

    Seeing their once revered sect being trampled upon, who wouldn’t feel resentful?

    The disciples often wished that Cangming Revered One hadn’t been injured.

    Or that Lingyao Revered One hadn’t entered hibernation; then these outsiders wouldn’t be so arrogant.

    “Lingyao Revered One is awake!”

    Cheers erupted from the Mount Chao Yao disciples.

    The ice shards above no longer seemed like deadly weapons but a protective force.

    “Kun Peng Monarch of the North Sea!”

    “How is he awake?!”

    The immortals from other sects exchanged uneasy glances.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu looked down at them coldly, his dark eyes emotionless.

    Someone bravely stepped forward and asked loudly, “Kun Peng Monarch, are you preventing us from opening the Heavenly Gate? Are you protecting Li Yu?”

    “Li Yu, as the guardian of the Upper Spirit Lamp, not only kept the Demon Bone by her side, but also defied the entire immortal world to send it to the Demon Realm!” another person quickly added. “Such actions are a threat to the world and should be judged by the Heavenly Realm!”

    “Have you been asleep for too long, Kun Peng Monarch? Have you lost your sense of right and wrong?!”

    “Mount Chao Yao first lost the Upper Spirit Lamp, then released the Demon Bone. We just want an explanation! You’ve delayed us for so long, and after agreeing to open the Heavenly Gate, now you’ve changed your mind. Are you mocking us?!”

    “Is Mount Chao Yao defying the entire world?”

    Si Qinglan frowned. “There’s no need for such harsh words.”

    “Si Qinglan!” someone shouted angrily. “You were the one who agreed to open the Heavenly Gate! Now that you’ve changed your mind, shouldn’t you give us an explanation?!”

    Explanation, explanation, always demanding explanations.

    Si Qinglan opened her mouth, wanting to defend herself, but realized that anything she said would only worsen the situation.

    She took a deep breath and gritted her teeth.

    Accusations and insults, each one more offensive than the last, echoed around her.

    Suddenly, someone stepped forward, attempting to mediate. “Everyone, please calm down. We should trust Mount Chao Yao, trust Qingxuan Revered One’s character! She agreed to open the Gate before Kun Peng Monarch awakened; perhaps there’s a misunderstanding!”

    “Kun Peng Monarch has just awakened; he might not know what happened.” He continued, “Li Yu’s actions are akin to releasing a tiger back into the mountains, the consequences could be dire! As terrestrial immortals, we don’t have the authority to judge her. That’s why we need to open the Heavenly Gate and seek guidance from the Heavenly Realm!”

    His seemingly conciliatory words carried a hidden threat.

    He looked up at Weisheng Xuanzhu and said loudly, “Kun Peng Monarch, if you step aside now and let us open the Heavenly Gate, we promise not to mention this matter to the Heavenly Court!”

    “Exactly!” someone shouted impatiently. “Step aside now, and we’ll let this go. But if you insist on protecting her, then don’t…”

    His words abruptly stopped.

    After a brief silence, a strange gurgling sound came from his throat.

    Everyone turned to look. Although his protective spiritual energy was still active, a layer of frost was forming on his body.

    The frost spread from his open mouth, and he struggled to speak, but the ice quickly covered his lips, silencing him.

    Within seconds, his entire body was encased in ice, his protective aura disappearing.

    If it weren’t for the two nostrils still visible, allowing him to breathe, he would have looked like a corpse.

    This scene silenced everyone, and they quickly moved away from him.

    Those who had spoken so boldly just moments ago now hid behind the crowd.

    Fear filled the air; no one dared speak.

    Li Yu found it amusing.

    So many people, easily silenced by a single person.

    Indeed, in the face of absolute power, no one dared to say “no.”

    So, the original Li Yu could have protected the little protagonist; she simply chose not to.

    No wonder Mu Tao had said, “But Master, you never truly intended to save me.”

    The master she respected so much, when she was unjustly accused and bound to the execution platform, didn’t even try to defend her, just readily caving in to the pressure of “the greater good.”

    How could she not resent her, how could she not hate her…

    As everyone stood in stunned silence, the dark figure in the sky, like a gust of wind, appeared before them with impossible speed.

    Many instinctively stepped back, leaving only the frozen cultivator in place.

    “The Upper Spirit Lamp, the Demon Bone, these are matters of Mount Chao Yao.” Weisheng Xuanzhu’s voice was cold, his gaze sweeping across those who had spoken earlier. “Since when do outsiders have a say in Mount Chao Yao’s affairs?”

    “But…” someone started, then met Weisheng Xuanzhu’s dark gaze.

    He lowered his voice, seemingly intimidated. “But this matter…concerns the well-being of the world…”

    “So concerned about the world, where were you when resentment was running rampant in the human realm?”

    “With the laws of heaven in place, human calamities aren’t something immortals…”

    “Are your disciples also immortals?” Weisheng Xuanzhu interrupted.

    The man was speechless.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “Has the Demon Bone harmed any innocent lives?”

    “The Demon Bone injured many disciples from various sects at the entrance to the Demon Realm!”

    “Indeed!” Si Qinglan quickly added. “She only injured those who blocked her path while escaping and didn’t kill anyone. Besides that, she hasn’t harmed any innocent lives.”

    “You’re biased, Qingxuan Revered One!” someone shouted angrily.

    “It’s the truth!” Si Qinglan glared at him. “The Demon Bone never harmed anyone. Everyone saw it; how can you accuse me of being biased?”

    “Even if she hasn’t harmed anyone, she still has a Demon Bone!”

    “What’s wrong with having a Demon Bone?!” Si Qinglan retorted, raising her voice. “It has been sealed for over two hundred years! If it weren’t for needing her help to find the Upper Spirit Lamp, the seal wouldn’t have been broken!”

    “Even if the seal was broken, you were still planning to hide her!”

    “She didn’t hurt anyone even after the seal was broken. As long as we kept an eye on her, nothing would have happened!” Si Qinglan said angrily. “You’re accusing us of releasing a tiger back into the mountains, but who forced her to flee to the Demon Realm in the first place?!”

    “This concerns the Heavenly Demon, this isn’t a game! And what about the Upper Spirit Lamp, also under your watchful eye? How did you lose that?!” the man retorted.

    He was pulled back by his fellow disciples, realizing he had raised his voice too much and might become the next example. He quickly shut up and retreated into the crowd.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu asked again, “Where is the Upper Spirit Lamp now?”

    “It has already been retrieved by Cangming Revered One,” Si Qinglan said, a sneer in her voice. “But Mount Chao Yao is no longer worthy of guarding it, so it’s not in our possession.”

    Everyone could hear the sarcasm in her words.

    So, they all looked at an elderly Daoist with a long white beard.

    The Daoist froze, then conjured the Upper Spirit Lamp, his voice trembling. “This, this… This old one is just…safekeeping it…unable to guard it, truly unable…”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu raised his hand, and the Lamp flew into his palm.

    His eyes were cold as ice. “The Upper Spirit Lamp hasn’t been lost, the Demon Bone hasn’t harmed anyone, how does this concern the world?”

    “This…”

    The immortals exchanged glances, speechless, although feeling that this wasn’t logical.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “Mount Chao Yao has guarded the Upper Spirit Lamp for over four thousand years, and you haven’t lifted a finger. Now that we’ve made a small mistake, one that hasn’t even caused any real harm, you’re all clamoring for an explanation.”

    “…”

    “Have you…been waiting for this day for a long time?”

    “T, this… What do you mean, Kun Peng Monarch? We just…”

    “There’s unresolved resentment in the human realm, yet you’re here discussing how to punish Li Yu, who has guarded the Upper Spirit Lamp for over four thousand years.” Weisheng Xuanzhu made the Lamp disappear with a flick of his wrist.

    “But the De…” someone started to argue, then felt a sudden chill.

    He glanced at the frozen cultivator, whose breathing had weakened, and quickly shut up.

    “It seems the ‘world’ isn’t that important after all…” A cold glint appeared in Weisheng Xuanzhu’s dark eyes. “Just a sword anyone can wield, unable to slay demons, yet capable of slaying gods.”

    “Unfortunately, this sword is useless against me.” He chuckled coldly. “The word ‘world,’ coming from your mouths, is laughable.”

    His harsh words silenced them, making them ashamed.

    Many wanted to argue,

    But the ice shards above them descended slightly, and after a moment of silence, they all fell quiet.

    “The Heavenly Gate will not be opened again. The Upper Spirit Lamp will return to Suiqiong Cave. And whether Li Yu was right or wrong is not for you to judge.”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu raised his hand, unleashing a brilliant, sky-reaching light.

    The icy blue light enveloped Mount Chao Yao, quickly repairing the broken mountain gate.

    He lowered his hand and asked calmly, “Does anyone else require an explanation?”

    The immortals remained silent.

    It wasn’t that they didn’t want an explanation, but the menacing ice shards were still hovering above them.

    Holding a sword to someone’s neck and asking for their submission, this was a first for Li Yu.

    Sometimes, actions spoke louder than words.

    Perhaps the original Li Yu was too reasonable, allowing herself to be morally kidnapped by a bunch of useless talkers.

    She had thought the Three Revered Ones of Mount Chao Yao were all righteous and honorable.

    If she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes, she wouldn’t have believed her colleague capable of such actions.

    But thinking about it, it wasn’t that surprising.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu wasn’t an immortal or a demon but an ancient divine beast, having lived for countless years, perhaps lacking some…humanity.

    He volunteered to guard the Upper Spirit Lamp not for the sake of the world, but for…a certain someone.

    Such a person being morally ambiguous was perfectly normal.

    As Li Yu thought this, the ice shards above turned into water, raining down on the immortals, sparing the Mount Chao Yao disciples, drenching and humiliating them.

    The frost on the frozen cultivator melted.

    He gasped, his body covered in purple frostbite, as if he had just escaped death.

    Many quickly fled.

    Si Qinglan watched them leave and breathed a sigh of relief.

    Li Yu silently stepped out of the formation.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu asked, “Are you alright?”

    Li Yu: “I’m fine.”

    She replied softly, avoiding his gaze.

    For some reason, her mind felt blank, as if she had forgotten something.

    Si Qinglan, in high spirits, invited her two colleagues to Qianlizhu.

    In the past, she would have avoided having them together.

    But after the recent events, she had a lot to discuss with them.

    Before they even reached Qianlizhu, she started chattering away.

    Then, as if remembering something, she summoned a butterfly and sent it to the Spirit Restraint Hall.

    “I almost forgot, your disciple is still locked up there. Now that those people are gone, we can finally let her out.” Si Qinglan said, hurrying inside and pouring three cups of tea.

    Li Yu hadn’t seen her move so energetically in a while. As expected, happiness was invigorating; even the flowers in Qianlizhu seemed brighter than usual.

    After they sat down, Si Qinglan sighed heavily, relief in her voice. “Thank goodness the Heavenly Gate didn’t open. Otherwise, who knows what kind of punishment the Heavenly Realm would have inflicted upon Li Yu!”

    Li Yu: “I was prepared.”

    Si Qinglan: “You were practically suicidal! Ever since returning from the Demon Realm’s entrance, you’ve been acting like you didn’t care whether you lived or died!”

    Li Yu just smiled, not arguing.

    Si Qinglan rolled her eyes and looked at Weisheng Xuanzhu. “She’s been acting very strange lately; I can’t communicate with her at all! Thank goodness you arrived in time. Otherwise, I don’t know how much more spiritual energy and medicine I would have had to waste on her!”

    She paused, and seeing no response, pouted and finished her tea in one gulp.

    After a brief silence, she asked, “Weisheng, why did you suddenly wake up?”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “Noise.”

    Si Qinglan: “You were woken up by the noise?”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “Mm.”

    Si Qinglan: “Your sleep quality is terrible. How did you manage to sleep for hundreds or thousands of years before?”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “Perhaps the North Sea is quieter.”

    Si Qinglan nodded thoughtfully. “Regardless, I’m glad you’re awake.”

    She muttered, “So much has happened lately, I thought we wouldn’t make it…”

    Li Yu: “We’ll make it.”

    “I know, I know, but it’s hard not to worry!” Si Qinglan took a deep breath and smiled. “Now that the mountain gate is repaired, we just need to fix Suiqiong Cave, and everything will be back to normal!”

    Well…not necessarily.

    Perhaps in three years, the demons would invade.

    Si Qinglan: “By the way, Weisheng, how long…how long will you stay awake this time?”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “I don’t know.”

    Si Qinglan frowned. “Li Yu’s injuries won’t heal anytime soon, and that black-robed figure is incredibly powerful. Both the mountain gate and the seal on Suiqiong Cave were broken in an instant. If you go back to sleep, and he returns, we won’t be able to handle him!”

    She sighed. “And it’s his fault Mu Tao is in the Demon Realm now!”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu was silent for a moment, then looked up. “You haven’t told me about Mu Tao.”

    Si Qinglan: “W, well…”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “A Demon Bone, and you dared keep her on the mountain.”

    Si Qinglan: “Nothing happened, did it?”

    Li Yu: “…”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “Where did you find her?”

    Si Qinglan: “The human realm…”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “Where in the human realm?”

    Si Qinglan: “It was over two hundred years ago, how would I remember?!”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “Knowing she had a Demon Bone, why did you bring her back?”

    Si Qinglan: “I, well…”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “Why did you keep it a secret from me?”

    Si Qinglan: “…”

    After a long silence, Si Qinglan slammed the table. “What’s with the interrogation?!”

    Li Yu jumped, her hand trembling.

    Si Qinglan: “Look at your questions, so heartless!”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “…”

    Si Qinglan: “I didn’t tell you because I was afraid you would kill her!”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “…”

    Si Qinglan: “Do men even deserve to know women’s secrets?!”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “…”

    Si Qinglan’s sudden outburst was startling.

    From being interrogated to being the interrogator, in just a few seconds.

    “Alright! Back to the topic!” Si Qinglan poured herself a cup of tea, calmed down, and then said loudly, “Give us a rough estimate, how long will you stay awake this time? We have to find a way to lure out that black-robed figure while you’re still here.”

    She made a slashing gesture across her neck.

    “The three of us,” she said seriously, “We’ll kill him!”