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  • Miss Luo Yan’s Feet Are Buried With Corpses v3c13

    Witch’s Night: Chapter 13 The Sovereign of Terror

    When did it begin?

    Cecilia opened her eyes. After the medicine took effect, the burning pain in her body subsided slightly.

    But when she moved her limbs, Cecilia could still feel a faint stinging pain in her blood vessels, as if boiling magma was flowing through them.

    “Bishop… Grandpa?”

    Cecilia struggled to sit up from the bed, her skin an unhealthy pale white, and her thin, petite body made her look frail.

    There was no one in the room; Grandpa Bishop seemed to have left.

    “Grandpa Bishop, has he gone to destroy civilization…”

    Cecilia supported herself against the wall, slowly shuffling forward step by step, each step as if walking on the tip of a blade.

    A piercing pain shot through her body, which was constantly crying out in protest. Cecilia’s small face was almost crumpled in pain, but she didn’t cry.

    Because Grandpa Bishop had said that crying… would make it hurt more, and become more serious.

    Actually, Cecilia knew Grandpa Bishop was lying to her, but she didn’t want to disappoint him, so she persisted and didn’t cry.

    Cecilia walked to the window. Near the window was a high chair with a small ladder attached, specially prepared by the Bishop for Cecilia, so she could look out the window whenever she wanted.

    The Bishop hadn’t deliberately confined Cecilia, but due to her constitution, not to mention going out, even the ten to twenty meters from the bed to the window was extremely difficult for her, especially when she was having an episode.

    The crowds outside the window were still bustling. The three-story house the Bishop bought was located in one of the most inconspicuous districts of Lannister, and he had specifically chosen a location near the market.

    Therefore, the surrounding environment looked no different from Yan City.

    Cecilia skillfully climbed onto the high chair using the small ladder and looked out the window, resting her chin on her hand.

    The hawkers’ cries, the chaotic noise, the aroma of food mixed with the stench of various livestock wafted in. Cecilia observed all this with a hint of yearning.

    In reality, she didn’t understand the concept of destroying civilization and saving the world that Grandpa Bishop and the strange uncles and aunts talked about.

    But Grandpa Bishop was a good person, and he was very good to her, so Cecilia thought it must be a good thing.

    She hadn’t received any education and rarely saw the outside world, having spent more than half of her seven or eight years of life in pain.

    Cecilia always felt like she was going to die, but Grandpa Bishop always said no, as long as Cecilia was obedient, everything would be alright.

    Would it… really?

    Cecilia tilted her small head back, looking into the distance, extending her small, childish hand towards the unknown.

    She seemed to be trying to grasp something.

    But she couldn’t grasp anything.

    ……

    “Bishop, is it really alright to leave Cecilia alone at the base?”

    Cronin, who was accompanying him, frowned. “Her body is like a lit bomb, ready to explode at any moment… But the place she’s in is the least important part of Lannister.”

    Cronin wasn’t worried about whether Cecilia would lose control, but rather that the location of the loss of control wasn’t important enough to cause unbearable damage to Lannister.

    “Cronin, please watch your words.”

    The Bishop glanced at Cronin with his hands behind his back.

    “Cecilia doesn’t belong to you or me, nor was she born for the Church of the End Gods. She is her own person.

    “She is just a fellow traveler who seeks the will of the Gods with us. We cannot control her at will; her power should be used according to her own wishes.”

    “Apologies… Bishop, I was reckless.” Cronin quickly lowered his head. “But, she…”

    “Cecilia will take care of herself. Please put away your unnecessary worries,” the Bishop said in a deep voice, his expression serious. “And don’t forget the purpose of our trip… She may be the only person in this world besides me who has seen the Gods with her own eyes.”

    The Bishop and Cronin were hurrying along the road, heading towards Restricted Zone Seven.

    Clearly, they were going to find Luo Yan.

    Through their inside contact within the Lannister Council of Elders, the Church of the End Gods was actually more aware of the inside story of this matter than most Lannister nobles, instead of mistaking Luo Yan for some illegitimate daughter. It had to be said that this was quite ironic.

    As they got closer to Restricted Zone Seven, the number of pedestrians gradually decreased, and they occasionally saw Lannister city guards on alert, and fully armed ability user squads patrolling.

    But no one noticed the Bishop and Cronin. It was as if they were shrouded in some strange force field, deflecting everyone’s gaze.

    —”Sovereign of Defilement.” This was Cronin’s belief, also known as the “Saint of Fortitude” within the Church of the End Gods, the counterpart to the “God of Hope,” the “Witch of Envy.”

    Similar to “Envy,” the power of “Defilement” was also mental, but it took a completely different path.

    The essence of “Envy” was to rewrite the soul and will, while “Defilement” was another extreme, erasing the soul and will, leaving only an empty shell, a walking corpse.

    To be precise, it was more like Grifres’ type of mental ability, more offensive.

    However, even so, Cronin could still use some techniques common to mental abilities.

    If Luo Yan were here, she would discover that the effect of Cronin using the power of “Defilement” was almost the same as her Life Hacks.

    The difference was that Cronin used “Defilement” to erase his and the Bishop’s presence, rather than distorting others’ perceptions like Luo Yan.

    In short, with Cronin’s ability, the two quickly arrived at Restricted Zone Seven.

    Before they started their operation, the Bishop had already consulted their inside contact in the Council of Elders. Restricted Zone Seven was under Norian’s highest order, meaning even he himself couldn’t enter.

    The only way to lift the restriction was when the Saint arrived in Lannister.

    But this situation, on the contrary, created an opportunity for the Church of the End Gods.

    Since there wouldn’t be anyone else in Restricted Zone Seven, they could more confidently contact this mysterious girl named “Luo Yan.”

    The Bishop believed that Miss Luo Yan had already seen the Gods and should also be aware of the truth behind the Gods.

    And everyone who had seen the truth had become a fellow traveler of the Church of the End Gods, acting to destroy civilization and save the world.

    Even the senior Elder of the Council of Elders, after witnessing the terrifying and tragic truth of this world, had made the same correct choice and abandoned the current erroneous prosperity and continuation.

    Because there was a mole in Lannister, the Church of the End Gods had long ago grasped Lannister’s most important city defense deployments.

    This included the defensive forces of Restricted Zone Seven, which had been delivered to the Bishop immediately.

    They avoided the patrolling guards as much as possible, and when they inevitably encountered them, they managed to evade them with the demonic power invoked through Cronin’s prayers.

    Cronin’s use of demonic power was far inferior to Luo Yan’s; it was best not to use it continuously for too long, otherwise it would be easy to be detected.

    If it were Luo Yan, she could dance in front of these guards, and no one would see her. Only mental ability users above “Peril” level or “Destruction” level ability users could break through her cognitive barrier.

    Just like that, the Bishop and Cronin finally stepped into this restricted zone, barred to all. Not far ahead was an apartment building, not luxurious but quite refined.

    “Bishop, something’s strange.” Cronin looked up at the apartment, a flicker of black flashing through his eyes almost imperceptibly. “I don’t sense the presence of the Gods here, only some faint residual power scattered around… Did she leave?”

    “Could it be, as we thought, that the Lord has already descended upon this world through her? Is that why… she secretly left?”

    The Bishop’s perception was exactly the same as Cronin’s, but he was equally puzzled.

    “No, the Lord couldn’t have secretly left Lannister. As long as She descends, the tens of thousands of followers in Lannister are Her source of power, more than enough to destroy the entire city.”

    With the Lord’s power, even a tiny fragment of it could cause at least a “Peril” level or higher Calamity, let alone the terrifying aura sensed in the forest outside the city before.

    Coupled with the followers who had been rooted in Lannister for many years, annihilating a mere Lannister was nothing.

    No matter what, even if the Bishop and Cronin had more questions, this trip was in vain.

    “Let’s leave for now,” the Bishop had a bad premonition. “This place isn’t safe. If we can’t see her, leave quickly… Don’t be discovered by Lannister.”

    But as soon as the Bishop finished speaking, a cold, raspy voice sounded from beside them,

    “Too late, Hamid Surian, it really was you causing trouble.”

    “We’ve been discovered!”

    Hearing this voice, Cronin didn’t hesitate to attack.

    His eyes were like black smoke, and he chanted in a low voice,

    “I pray to my Lord… for a miracle…”

    As the prayer sounded, thick, almost solid black smoke formed in Cronin’s hands, and then, with lightning speed, dozens of black arrows shot out, directly at the source of the voice.

    Somewhat similar to Grifres’ Soul Spear, this was an attack targeting the mind, impossible to defend against.

    Cronin’s ingenious attack using the power of “Defilement,” even experts above “Peril” level could be instantly killed if they were careless.

    Unfortunately… he was facing a “Destruction” level ability user, far stronger than a “Peril” level one.

    A withered hand waved seemingly casually, and these deadly black smoke arrows instantly vanished into thin air.

    “…Zoya Sivir, how many years has it been since we last met?”

    The Bishop—Hamid Surian—looked at the equally aged figure in front of him and said in a deep voice.

    “Two or three hundred years, I can’t remember clearly anymore.” Granny Zoya slowly walked out, her slightly cloudy gaze falling on the shocked Cronin. “Unorthodox methods, using the evil power of the ‘Demons’ in this way, I’m afraid your days are numbered.”

    Even those born as God’s Chosen could hardly bear the innate demonic power, let alone Cronin, who forced demonic power into his body using special methods.

    The last one to do this was called Frick.

    “To realize the hopes of the ‘Gods,’ it’s just a mere life.” Cronin said in a low voice, not shaken by Granny Zoya’s words.

    “The followers of the Church of the End Gods are still as crazy as ever… And you, Hamid,” Zoya looked at Hamid. “You were the most talented among us back then, and the one with the most hope of competing for the position of Saint.

    “I thought you took this evil path because you were bewitched by demons, but even now, after hundreds of years… you seem very lucid, lucidly mad.”

    “Zoya, if your eyes had witnessed the truth above the starry sky with me, you would have taken the same path as me.” Hamid sighed. “This season of civilization has been going against the proper course for too long. If it continues… we will only face a future of despair.”

    Zoya sneered and said coldly,

    “Hamid, you’re crazy, and you have your reasons, but that doesn’t mean I’ll go crazy with you… Since you’re here, don’t even think about escaping.”

    Invisible mental waves spread, enveloping the entire Restricted Zone Seven.

    She had been entrusted by Norian to investigate the situation in Restricted Zone Seven, but she encountered this old acquaintance whom she hadn’t seen for hundreds of years.

    She had previously judged that the inexplicably appearing peeper was from the Church of the End Gods. Now that even Hamid had appeared here, it was most likely their doing.

    “It seems you’ve been waiting for me… Is this a trap?”

    Hamid sighed deeply, slowly raised his hand, and created a safe area within this zone filled with mental waves.

    “Forget it, whether it’s a trap or a deception… Since I’ve already come this far, it wouldn’t hurt to bring a new wave of destruction according to the Gods’ hopes.”

    As his voice fell, Hamid’s cloudy eyes lost all their luster, leaving only an indifferent coldness. Almost all his emotions and feelings disappeared at this moment.

    “Sovereign of Terror… you really have devoted yourself entirely to the Primordial Demon, Hamid.” A sharp glint flashed in Granny Zoya’s eyes, and her pupils constricted violently. “And, you’ve actually become a Devil’s Apostle… Are you the only Devil’s Apostle left in the world today?”

    But the current Hamid could no longer answer Granny Zoya’s question. The moment he released this state and merged with the avatar of the “Sovereign of Terror,” he had transcended humanity, becoming more of a conceptual existence.

    Before this, Cronin, who had been accompanying Hamid, had been sent away in advance, to gather all the followers of the Church of the End Gods in Lannister, to welcome this destruction offered to the Gods.

  • On How to Conquer System Fairies and Make Them Your Wives 202

    Chapter 202: Battles Begin

    “You’re asking for it.” As Chen Yin spoke, his aura sharpened, his body radiating a chilling sword intent. His gaze was like a thousand blades, piercing through the darkness.

    The Grand Witch and the masked man instinctively retreated, their eyes wide with surprise.

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor’s voice, filled with disbelief, echoed from above. “Impossible! You weren’t even using your full strength?!”

    “Try me and find out.”

    Chen Yin’s eyes had lost their warmth, replaced by a cold, hard glint.

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor roared, and the giant hand, imbued with the essence of the Dao, descended again, the surrounding lava churning and swirling around it.

    This time, Chen Yin didn’t dodge. He charged forward, his sword a blur of motion.

    Countless sword images flickered around him as he leaped onto one of them, the images converging into a single, blindingly bright blade.

    The ascending sword energy shattered the giant hand and the molten lava, its power tearing through the very fabric of reality.

    “You!?”

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor’s eyes widened in disbelief. “The Sword Dao? You’ve comprehended the Dao?!”

    “If this is the Sword Dao,”

    Chen Yin chuckled wryly, “then perhaps I’ve already comprehended it.”

    “Impossible! You’ve comprehended the Dao, yet your cultivation is only at the Supreme Clarity Realm…”

    “I don’t know.” Chen Yin’s gaze hardened, and he pointed his sword at the Wu Xuan Ancestor. “You can ask Yama when you get to hell.”

    “Arrogant!”

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor roared in fury. “Even if you’ve comprehended the Dao, victory is not assured!”

    “Die!”

    The withered canopy of the tree began to crumble, and the massive face slowly disappeared, revealing a hunched and emaciated figure.

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor had finally revealed his true form.

    Although he looked like a frail old man, his withered body radiated a power far greater than before.

    The moment he appeared, the Grand Witch and the masked man’s hearts skipped a beat.

    “Is this… the Immortal Realm?”

    “Holy crap,” the masked man’s System exclaimed. “This is way beyond your level! I’m not sure I can save you if you fight him!”

    The masked man stared at the Wu Xuan Ancestor, his resolve unwavering.

    “We might as well die here together.”

    “You’re more likely to die from the aftershocks of their fight if you don’t get out of here.”

    Chen Yin’s eyes were locked on the Wu Xuan Ancestor, not with fear, but with a burning fighting spirit.

    “So you were holding back.”

    “I imagine maintaining your existence in this world after reaching the Immortal Realm comes at a great cost, doesn’t it?”

    “Heh, you’re a clever boy.” The Wu Xuan Ancestor chuckled darkly. “To avoid the Heavenly Dao’s suppression, I used the power of the Phantasmal Harmony Ganoderma to conceal my true form centuries ago. So I could survive until it ripened. But now… I can no longer hold back.”

    He raised a withered hand, and the very air around them crackled with power.

    A chilling sense of danger washed over the Grand Witch and the masked man.

    “Danger!” their Systems warned simultaneously. But even with the warning, they couldn’t react to an Immortal’s attack.

    An invisible force gripped their hearts, a crushing pressure threatening to suffocate them.

    The Grand Witch’s eyes widened in terror, while the masked man gritted his teeth.

    “Don’t you dare!”

    But the Wu Xuan Ancestor’s attack was interrupted.

    A sharp sword light pierced through the air, forcing him to defend himself.

    Clang!

    The Eternal Light sword clashed against an invisible barrier, the impact sending shockwaves through the chamber, the lava solidifying instantly.

    Chen Yin held his sword, his gaze calm and unwavering.

    “That’s twice now.”

    “A so-called Immortal, resorting to such cowardly tactics.”

    “No wonder you’ve been hiding in this place like a turtle for so many years.”

    “Insolent brat!” The Wu Xuan Ancestor roared, his hand crushing the space around Chen Yin, trying to obliterate him.

    But the Eternal Light sword shone brightly, its light unwavering amidst the chaos.

    Chen Yin’s hair whipped around his face as he stood there, his body radiating a powerful sword intent, like a blade piercing through the heavens.

    The masked man stared at him, his eyes unfocused.

    …Is he angry?

    Why?

    Because the Wu Xuan Ancestor tried to kill us?

    He knew it wasn’t possible.

    But he couldn’t help but hope.

    If only it was for him.

    If only he was angry because someone had tried to hurt him.

    If only he cared.

    …If only.

    A sudden burst of sword energy snapped him back to reality.

    Chen Yin and the Wu Xuan Ancestor were exchanging blows, their power shaking the very foundations of the secret realm, the space around them distorted beyond recognition. He and the Grand Witch could only see blurry shadows, unable to discern what was happening.

    “What’s going on?” the masked man asked his System anxiously.

    “When those who have comprehended the Dao fight, it’s not like your petty squabbles.”

    The System’s voice was grim. “This world can barely withstand their power. That entire area has been reduced to pure void. I can’t see what’s happening.”

    The masked man fell silent.

    “You should trust him,” the System said, seeing his unease. “He’s the only person I’ve ever seen who’s not a Chosen One, yet more powerful than most.”

    The masked man nodded slowly.

    The Grand Witch, on the other hand, was more direct with her System.

    “Hey, can Chen Yin win?”

    “I don’t know.”

    “Then what can we do if he loses? Do you have any escape plans?”

    “Not necessarily.”

    “Then what good are you?!”

    The Grand Witch cursed, and the System wisely remained silent.

    She looked towards the blurry figures in the sky, her eyes filled with a desperate hope.

    …Please win, Young Master Chen. Please.

    Meanwhile, on the Ten Thousand Mountains…

    The night was quiet and still, even the insects had settled down.

    The Wu Xuan Cave was silent and peaceful.

    But on the cliff overlooking the village, countless figures moved swiftly and silently through the shadows.

    Three figures stood at the edge of the cliff, their hands clasped behind their backs.

    “It’s so quiet, I thought the village was deserted.” The Huanxi Sect Master said, his voice filled with surprise.

    “The miasma is at its densest at night. Naturally, the Wu Xuan Cave’s defenses are also at their weakest.”

    The Lingyu Sect Master whispered, “Even they wouldn’t expect a night attack in such dense miasma.”

    “Thanks to the Divine Messenger’s pills, our disciples can move freely through the poison.”

    The Chiyu Sect Master bowed respectfully to the figure behind them.

    Divine Messenger Fu Zhe smiled faintly. “I always keep my promises.”

    “The opportunity is before you. Whether you seize it or not is your choice.”

    The three Sect Masters bowed in unison.

    Under the moonlight, their figures became blurry and indistinct as they dispersed, their disciples following them like shadows, melting into the darkness.

    Fu Zhe stood on the cliff, looking down at the silent village, a satisfied smile on his face.

    He knew that

    Within half an hour…

    …This place would become a living hell.

    “Heehee,” he chuckled darkly.

    “I haven’t felt this excited in a long time.”

    “Soon, the air will be filled with the sweet scent of blood.”

    He was truly happy.

    He had been suppressed for too long.

    Ever since the Divine Son had ordered them to avoid the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion and Yu Ling, he hadn’t had a chance to indulge his bloodlust.

    He hadn’t killed anyone in a long time.

    The peaceful village below was like a sleeping paradise in his eyes.

    He couldn’t wait to hear the screams and cries of pain.

    “System, can I finally let loose tonight?”

    The System sighed softly.

    “You’re the host. I can’t stop you.”

    “Heehee, then I won’t hold back.”

    Fu Zhe licked his lips and took a step forward.

    His figure vanished instantly.

    Although it was late at night, a candle flickered in Nan Xiaoxiang’s room.

    She sat at her desk, diligently recording her observations and the various ailments she had encountered that day.

    The Wu Xuan Cave was truly a treasure trove of medical knowledge. The villagers were well-versed in the properties of poisons and possessed knowledge of rare and unusual herbs not found in any medical texts. She had learned much from them.

    She wanted to record everything she had learned and bring it back to her clinic.

    As she wrote, her eyes suddenly flickered, and she looked towards the door.

    Qingying and Luo Luo appeared.

    “Luo Luo? Miss Qingying? What are you—”

    “We have to leave.”

    Qingying’s expression was serious, her voice urgent. “Something’s about to happen.”

    Before Nan Xiaoxiang could ask, a playful voice came from outside:

    “The System wasn’t wrong.”

    “There are other Chosen Ones here.”

    Qingying’s eyes widened, and she drew her dagger, her gaze fixed on the doorway.

    Fu Zhe, his face hidden behind a mask, strolled into the room.

    “What a pleasant surprise.”

    “Young lady, would you be interested in joining Shen Li?” He asked with a smile.

    Qingying whispered to Luo Luo, “Take Nan Xiaoxiang and hide in the void. Don’t come out,” her eyes fixed on Fu Zhe.

    Luo Luo, no longer the naive little fox, immediately shifted to her true form and pulled Nan Xiaoxiang into the void.

    Fu Zhe’s smile faded.

    “It seems you’re not interested in my offer.”

    Qingying didn’t answer, but silently called out to her System.

    “This won’t be easy.”

    “We have to try.”

    “Then let’s do it.”

    A faint light flickered in Qingying’s eyes.

    Like a cat lurking in the shadows.

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

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

    “Bai Dao Mountain…”

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

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

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

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

    Aaaaaaah—it made her skin crawl.

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

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

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

    Yan Chuyue rolled her eyes.

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

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

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

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

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

    Wow… my goodness.

    Why were these people so imaginative?

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

    Strange.

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

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

    —There were only four members to begin with.

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

    “You’re welcome anytime.”

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

    After their discussion, it was time to head back.

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

    She wanted to surprise the three girls.

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

    —

    —

    “What did you say!?”

    Gong Yiling froze, hearing Qiu Shui’s report.

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

    Gong Yiling thought, *Good heavens…*

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

    But…

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

    Just then, Lu Xinyao suddenly appeared.

    “I… haven’t forgotten.”

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

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

    “But your cultivation technique can’t…”

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

    A unique fire-type true essence flickered within it.

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

    But Lu Xinyao’s was different.

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

    “Dual spiritual apertures?”

    Gong Yiling was stunned.

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

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

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

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

    The Spirit Phoenix Broom…

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

    “Okay.”

    Lu Xinyao handed it to her.

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

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

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

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

    No… not gone.

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

    The energy… had transferred to her.

    Unbelievable!

    She finally opened the status screen.

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

    And at the bottom, a new line appeared:

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

    So… it was really like this.

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

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

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

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

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

    A sign of her anger.

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

    Lu Xinyao didn’t speak, just nodded silently.

    “Alright.”

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

    “I promise.”

     

     

     

  • Sickly Girl Doesn’t Die in Zombie Simulator 137p2

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Seven: A4’s Delicacy p2

    As long as they hadn’t reached C-rank, the attacks of most Awakened were not as powerful as rifles, so rifles were a very important combat resource for the camp. Ability plus gun fighting was basically the standard configuration of every low-level Awakened.

    But when these bullets hit the bone plates of that zombie, there were sparks of metal friction, and they couldn’t penetrate the armor at all.

    And the bullets that hit the head and gonads of the shrimp zombie, although they exploded blood flowers, seemed to have no effect on the shrimp zombie.

    Although the attack had no effect, their attack had obviously angered the shrimp zombie.

    The shrimp zombie did not roar or howl, and even its legs were holding those eggs flowing with poisonous blood… It used its two large pincers to support its body and quickly swung towards Wan Zi.

    When a huge zombie with no weaknesses found was rushing towards you, it was impossible to say that you were not afraid.

    But Wan Zi couldn’t retreat. If she retreated, no one behind her could withstand the zombie in front of her.

    If she retreated further, behind her were the old, weak, women, and children of the camp.

    “Get behind me!!!”

    Wan Zi, who rarely spoke loudly, was a little out of tune. She raised her hands and inserted them into the ground. The sand and soil infused with adhesive rushed up from the ground, forming a sand and soil cage to isolate the shrimp zombie inside.

    “Boom—”

    The shrimp zombie hit the pillar and made a huge shaking sound, but fortunately, Wan Zi’s pillar blocked the zombie.

    Huff… fortunately it was blocked…

    “Open—!”

    Just when Wan Zi was about to take advantage of the victory and let others shoot, suddenly, the shrimp zombie in the sand and soil cage opened its curled abdomen covered with giant eggs.

    After the abdomen was opened, Wan Zi saw that in the middle of the dense round eggs on the shrimp zombie’s abdomen, there was a round giant mouth.

    And in the center of the giant mouth, there was a slightly glowing round insect egg.

    “Wanzi! Be careful!”

    “Pfft—”

    With a disgusting squirting sound, the shrimp zombie, supporting its body with its giant claws, bit the insect egg in its mouth with its round mouth on its abdomen.

    The viscous insect blood and venom sprayed towards Wan Zi at a speed that Wan Zi did not expect.

    But a D-rank Awakened with muscle evolution next to her reacted faster than Wan Zi.

    He rushed directly in front of Wan Zi, opened his arms, and took this venom spray for Wan Zi. His entire front was corroded by the venom and made sizzling sounds.

    But even though he blocked it like this, a few drops of venom still passed him and dripped onto Wan Zi’s arm, melting through her clothes, corroding her flesh and blood, and leaving a deep wound visible to the bone.

    Excruciating pain.

    Not only in her hand, but also in front of her, her subordinate was gradually dissolving before her eyes.

    Wan Zi felt that her brain was burning, but the anger was quickly extinguished by the heavy rain and the shrimp zombie in front of her that put another egg into its mouth again.

    She had to stay calm… No matter how angry she was, she had to stay rational at this time… She was carrying not only her own life…

    She absolutely couldn’t let this zombie run to the camp below along the water… Fortunately, it was discovered early, and there was still a chance to lure it away…

    “Pfft—”

    Pink gel shot out from Wan Zi’s hand and wrapped the fallen subordinate’s whole body. Although she didn’t know if this could save his life, at least it could prevent his flesh from being corroded by the venom.

    “Damn it!”

    Picking up the uncorroded rifle on the ground, Wan Zi rushed towards the cage of sand pillars.

    “Dada-dada—”

    Even when running and shooting, her marksmanship accurately hit the insect egg in the center of the zombie’s abdominal mouth. After the insect egg was blown up, the zombie had to reload its poisonous eggs.

    Throwing away the rifle that had run out of bullets, Wan Zi had already rushed to the sand pillar, and her hands slammed into the sand pillar.

    “Ch—”

    A huge amount of gel connected all these sand pillars together, looking like the cage was filled with dripping glue.

    The zombie struggled frantically in the gel, and these gels couldn’t stop it for long.

    “Drink ah—!”

    After imprisoning the shrimp zombie, Wan Zi’s bloody hands slammed into the mud in front of the cage. A huge mud pillar stabbed out diagonally, lifting the huge gel cage into the air.

    Try to use this method to push this B zombie to a place far away from the camp before her blood crystals were exhausted…

    No matter what…

    “Boom—”
    “Whoosh—”

    Suddenly, just when Wan Zi was thinking about how to kill this tricky thing, a rumbling sound suddenly sounded from behind in the distance.

    No… this sound seemed to have sounded before, but it was too far away, and coupled with the heavy rain, people thought it was thunder.

    Wasn’t it thunder?!

    Before Wan Zi could turn around to look, a blood-red stream of light, like a meteor, fell directly from the sky and slammed into the sand and soil cage that Wan Zi had just lifted.

    “Rumble—”

    The sand and soil cage, which had not flown far, was directly pressed to the ground by the red stream of light, making a huge vibration sound. Mud and stones even splashed onto Wan Zi’s face.

    “Rumble—”

    A bolt of lightning struck in the distance, making a loud explosion. And the flash brought by this thunder also allowed Wan Zi to see more directly what the red stream of light in front of her was.

    This was…

    In the white light of the lightning, Wan Zi saw a figure with long golden hair, holding the terrifying head of the shrimp zombie with one hand in the rain.

    It was a… woman?

    And she was a beautiful woman with a slender body and a very beautiful and well-proportioned figure.

    But what the “beauty” was doing at this time was enough to make people dumbfounded.

    Her left foot stepped on the ground, her right foot stepped on the tail fin of the shrimp zombie, her right hand was raised high, her right hand was covered with a blood-red, black giant claw that was unknown whether it was flesh or something, and she was firmly grasping the shrimp’s head.

    And the position where she was standing was exactly the blind spot of the two huge shrimp pincers—in the “arms” of the shrimp zombie.

    Maybe the shrimp zombie itself didn’t expect that someone would directly send themselves to its mouth.

    The shrimp zombie, which didn’t have much intelligence, its abdominal mouthparts wriggled directly, and with a “pop” sound, it bit the poisonous egg in its mouth.

    “Be careful!”

    “Pfft—”

    Wan Zi was still too late to shout.

    The venom sprayed on the woman’s body, emitting bursts of white smoke… but it didn’t even burn through her body!

    What the hell was this person?!

    Soon, the golden-haired “woman” proved to Wan Zi with her actions again that she was really not a human.

    Seemingly curious about the structure of the poisonous egg, the woman’s free left hand stretched out directly and forcibly pulled out a fist-sized insect egg from the shrimp zombie’s abdomen.

    Then, under everyone’s gaze, she directly… put the insect egg… into her mouth.

    Without even chewing, the insect egg was swallowed whole. In less than a second, the muscles of the woman’s whole body began to wriggle as if they were alive.

    Under Wan Zi’s horrified gaze, the woman slowly opened her mouth to the shrimp zombie in front of her.

    “Pfft—”

    A black insect egg with a similar structure was ejected from the woman’s mouth and hit the shrimp zombie’s mouthparts and exploded. Then black blood splashed, and the shrimp zombie’s body was quickly corroded by the black blood.

    The golden-haired woman shook her head slightly, seemingly not very satisfied with this ability.

    This… this… this woman… used an ability similar to that of the shrimp zombie?

    No… this was not a human… this must be a human-shaped zombie!

    All the actions of the golden-haired “woman” violated everyone’s common sense. Soon, under the watchful eyes of everyone, the giant claw in the woman’s hand clenched tightly, directly crushing the entire head of the shrimp zombie!

    “Pop—”

    The bursting brain matter splashed everywhere, but soon seemed to be attracted, and poured into the woman’s body. If you looked closely, you could see that it was black and red mycelium that was pulling the splashed debris into the woman’s body.

    Under this rapid devouring, besides a small amount of black blood, only two shining blood crystals were left on the ground.

    The golden-haired “woman” lowered her right hand, which had turned into a black giant claw, and pinched the two blood crystals with the tip of her claw. Then, the blood crystals disappeared out of thin air in her hand.

    “Boom—”

    Without any eye contact, or even a word, the monster-like woman bent her knees slightly and directly leaped to the top of the mountain with a long jump that ordinary people could not understand.

    Then, on the top of the mountain, another booming sound of jumping sounded again, and the golden-haired woman’s body turned into a stream of light, dragging a blood-thread-like “tail wing”, and gliding towards the distance.

    What the hell…

    What happened?

    The surroundings fell into silence. Wan Zi stared blankly at the sky, countless question marks flashing in her mind.

    But the mountainside that had calmed down and the continuous heavy rain finally brought Wan Zi back to her senses.

    “Damn it! Don’t stand there! Carry the wounded down! Quick, quick, quick!!!”

    B-rank, absolutely the legendary B-rank! It was just unclear whether it was a zombie or a human… Looking at the ability, it didn’t seem like a human, but it didn’t attack them, so it didn’t seem like a zombie…

    Since the other party didn’t trouble her, that was a good thing… Instead of dwelling on this, it was better to quickly carry the wounded down for rescue.

    The wounded were quickly carried down the mountain for treatment under the command, and the golden-haired figure, the blood-red stream of light, and the scarlet tail wing left a deep impression and a deep sense of powerlessness on everyone present.

    It was as if in front of that terrifying blood crystal entity, they were all insects, and their lives would be destroyed in an instant…

    Too terrifying… B-rank…

    Unlike the people in the Qingzhou University Camp, there was the person of that blood-red stream of light.

    At this time, Lin Jiayao was gliding towards the next C-rank zombie, smacking her lips in the air, as if she was reminiscing about something, completely not thinking about what happened just now.

    After swallowing the insect egg just now, A4 also obtained a similar ability, but it was basically useless.

    It was not needed to deal with the weak, and it could not be used to deal with the strong. It was quite useless for the B-rank A4.

    What made Lin Jiayao more gratified was that A4’s sense of taste seemed to have evolved to B-rank and could block some disgusting tastes.

    It was also possible that A4’s definition of delicious was different.

    Just like just now, she directly swallowed the insect egg without feeling any disgust, and it was even sour and a little appetizing.

    Of course, this was also related to Lin Jiayao’s strong psychological quality.

    As someone who had eaten raw Lurkers and swallowed raw Biters, Hunters, and Sprinters, and even enjoyed unlimited refills in her “mind”, swallowing a poisonous egg raw really didn’t have any psychological pressure on her.

    Maybe under the influence of 【Hunting Rhythm】, she did these things like instinct, without causing any psychological discomfort or nausea, and she was in a very good state.

    Leaving aside the ability, in terms of the taste and texture of various zombies, Lin Jiayao should be considered an expert.

    People had seen people being chased and bitten by zombies, but others had definitely not seen people chasing and biting zombies.

    In the next two hours, Lin Jiayao hunted seven C-rank zombies and obtained more than fourteen blood crystals.

    She arrived at the Extraction Point half an hour early with the blood crystals, and planned to quickly collect a wave of Zombie Loot Boxes after going out, quickly check if there was anything new in the Hideout, and what needed to be upgraded, and then go to sleep to replenish her energy.

    It should be around nine or ten o’clock in the evening outside, and she could still rest for a long time.

    But just after she extracted, put the blood crystals into the Warehouse in the settlement space, and just clicked the button to leave the settlement interface, her eyes went black and she fainted.

    Before fainting, Lin Jiayao sighed slowly in her heart.

    Sure enough, her mental power was still not enough…

    After seeing Mask tomorrow, she would go to Goldie’s place to “harvest” and see if she could evolve Goldie.

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

    Chapter 316: That Was Close

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “Okay.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “Sleep…Xiao Ai, Mama, sleep!”

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

    “Yay!”

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

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

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

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

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

    “It’s actually the opposite~”

    “Big smart means ‘silly’!”

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

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

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

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

    High EQ flirting! Sweeten her up all night!

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

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

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

    “Sigh…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

    But his hope quickly faded.

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

    Why?

    “Save me…” Nikles wailed.

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

    His voice weakened.

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

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

    It was what he was supposed to do.

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

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

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

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

    “Save me…”

    He just wanted to live.

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

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

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

    Rip.

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

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

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

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

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

    Sylph frowned, moving to shield Qin Chu.

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

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

    Let there be light!

    In that moment, he became the embodiment of light.

    Darkness vanished, replaced by a soft, white glow.

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

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

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

    It was clearly not a pleasant experience.

    Mavis struggled against the light.

    It pierced her skin like needles, causing intense pain.

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

    Her hair whipped around her, her body convulsing.

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

    “You killed my son.”

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

    Perhaps that forced separation had only intensified her love.

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

    But that damned Hero had killed him.

    And now he stood before her again.

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

    No.

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

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

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

    It was even larger than Angela’s had been.

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

    Her belly was stretched so thin it was almost transparent.

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

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

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

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

    Mavis sensed the danger and opened her mouth wide:

    “Die!”

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

    Bang!

    She stumbled back, her face whiter than before.

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

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

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

    The church was torn asunder.

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

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

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

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

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

    The light faded as quickly as it appeared.

    The sudden darkness was disorienting.

    Ash rained down like feathers.

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

    Had Mavis and the being within her been eliminated?

    It seemed so, but Qin Chu frowned.

    It was too easy.

    Too easy to be true.

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

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

    A chill ran down his spine.

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

    The severed strands made a sound like snapping steel wires.

    Sylph grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back.

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

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

    Qin Chu pushed Sylph away.

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

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

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

    Mavis held his heart in her hand.

    A grotesque smile twisted her lips…

    But it quickly faded, replaced by shock.

    Thud.

    A strange sound reached her ears.

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

    And the being within.

    Pain, then terror, then despair filled her eyes…

    “AAAAAAAAAA…”

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

  • After Failing to Find Immortality 217

    Chapter 217: Trouble on the Street, Nighttime Disturbance

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

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

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

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

    But…

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

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

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

    “You’re quite observant, Miss.”

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

    “Bandits?”

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

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

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

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

    The ordinary people of Anshi County clearly despised these bandits.

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

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

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

    “…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Lin Tianlu poured her a cup of tea.

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

    “Me?”

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

    “But you clearly… Hmm?”

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

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

    …

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

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

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

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

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

    “What incident?”

    “Magistrate Hua… is dead!”

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

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

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

    …

    Snippets of their conversation reached Lin Tianlu’s ears.

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

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

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

    Thud!

    A sudden sound, like someone falling to the ground.

    “What was that?”

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

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

    But what was truly shocking was…

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

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

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

    One of the constables roared, drawing his sword.

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

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

    “Silence!”

    Several constables produced chains and shackles, approaching the child.

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

    His words silenced the onlookers, who quickly backed away.

    “Help! Someone, please help me!”

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

    “Shut up!”

    They dragged him away, ignoring his pleas.

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

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

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

    “…”

    Hua Shuya and Mao Ruoyu were silent.

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

    …

    Late at night…

    In their room at the inn…

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

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

    “…”

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

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

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

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

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

    After finishing her meditation, she opened her eyes.

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

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

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

    “You’re too kind.”

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

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

    “That…”

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

    Those incidents in the Lunar Valley… were truly unforgettable.

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

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

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

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

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

    Yu Xuanling didn’t respond.

    But Hua Shuya could sense her gratitude.

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

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

    And…

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

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

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

    Hum!

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

    But the light vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

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

    Hua Shuya was puzzled.

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

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

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

    And most importantly…

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

    Where had she seen those markings before?

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

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

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

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

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

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

    —Someone was outside.

    Knock, knock, knock!

    A frantic knock echoed through the room.

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

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

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

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

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

    “I have to work to support my family.”

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

    A soft chuckle echoed through the hallway.

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

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

    64: Measurements After a Long Time

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

    “W-wait a minute!”

    “Yes? What is it?”

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

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

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

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

    But I wouldn’t let it show.

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

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

    Indeed.

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

    Well, with enough effort, it could be fixed.

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

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

    “Especially Lady Leticia, who is still growing.”

    As for me, my growing days were over.

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

    “Yes.”

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

    As always, she was… thorough.

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

    “Um… uh…?”

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

    …This was awkward.

    Or rather, I was starting to feel embarrassed.

    I couldn’t help but look down.

    Being touched by a tailor was a normal occurrence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Interfering too forcefully could damage relationships.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “Are you finished?”

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

    I nodded and gave her permission.

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

    Having an in-house tailor was certainly convenient.

    “…Lady Adelheid, you are very diligent.”

    I gave “Tailor” a puzzled look.

    “What do you mean?”

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

    So that was it.

    “That’s only natural.”

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

    I was a little pleased.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “Y-yes. Please… be gentle…”

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

    Was that true?

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

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

    I watched intently.

    My sister glanced at me and then quickly looked away.

    Her cheeks were slightly flushed.

    So, she was embarrassed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Or…

    Perhaps…

    …would she accept it?

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

    I flinched.

    My vision cleared, like a dissipating mist.

    I seemed to have been lost in thought.

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

    “Your bust has grown slightly.”

    Mine hadn’t changed.

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

    It was a good thing that she was developing well.

    I told myself that, trying to maintain my composure.

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

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

    “Is that so?”

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

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

    Though I did want to say goodbye to Lillie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “Okay…”

    Leticia nodded.

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

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

    And she leaned against me.

    Our arms touched.

    Even through our clothes, I could feel her warmth.

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

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

    “…I see.”

    I was the one who was nervous now.

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

    “I’m looking forward to the trip.”

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

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

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

    As long as I didn’t show it outwardly.

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

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

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

    挿絵(By みてみん)

  • My Girlfriend is a Cold and Aloof Sickly Beauty 54

    Chapter 54: Crossing Time and Space

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Sandalwood.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    …The red candle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Hearing this, Xiao Luohan immediately went on high alert.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Now!

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

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

    “Zzz!!”

    “Ugh!!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “Bang!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Help me bury my elder sister.

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

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

    “Let’s go!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    So she let go.

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

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

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

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

    But her outstretched hand was firmly grasped by Jiang Xue.

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

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

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

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

    “Jiang Xue.”

    Hearing her name, Jiang Xue instinctively turned around.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Friend(GL) 111

    Chapter 111: It Is

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    You Ruxu said, “I will.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    You Ruxu also ate a slice, a bittersweet taste.

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

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

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

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

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

    Shifted to the interviewee.

    And a new round of digging began.

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

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

    You Ruxu said, “Some fruit is fine.”

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

    You Ruxu had never felt bothered.

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

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

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

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

    Xiao Tian was a good person.

    Xiao Xu was also a good person.

    Them being together, it was good.

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

    Yu Qiao looked down.

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

    Zhou Tianzui said, “My mom went out?”

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

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

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

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

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

    But she had.

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

    You Ruxu said, “Really.”

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

    Zhou Tianzui asked, “Any regrets?”

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

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

    Zhou Tianzui didn’t regret her choice.

    She didn’t regret it now either.

    It was just painful.

    She closed her eyes.

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

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

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

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

    Just a sudden wave of pain.

    Overwhelming her.

    Zhou Tianzui said, “Hug me.”

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

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

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

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

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

    Yu Qiao hadn’t expected to see them embracing.

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

    You Ruxu said, “Okay.”

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

    You Ruxu looked up, “He did?”

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

    Because of Xu Jinwan.

    You Ruxu also fell silent.

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

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

    Of course she remembered.

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

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

    You Ruxu stared at her phone, forgetting to eat.

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

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

    After sending the message, there was no reply.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    A new message notification.

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