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  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 69

    Chapter 69: Disciple and Wife

    “Bang!” A half-person-tall basket overflowing with high-grade spirit stones landed on the floor.

    “Thump! Clatter!” Another basket followed, its contents carelessly spilled onto the floor.

    The dimly lit room brightened, the spirit stones’ glow outshining the nearby fire, their radiance highlighting the luxurious couch.

    The youngsters peering through the doorway: …Our eyes!

    They had never seen such a casually extravagant spirit gathering formation.

    As the formation activated, a wave of pure, concentrated spiritual energy washed over them, like the refreshing burst of fresh air after a rain shower.

    It was a strange sensation, spiritual energy as palpable as rain, invigorating and revitalizing.

    Tao Ning, lying on the couch, her eyes closed, absorbed the energy instinctively, her depleted meridians eagerly drinking it in.

    Cen Dianshuang, seeing this, felt a wave of relief.

    But the lingering resentment from the Wanhun Cauldron still clung to Tao Ning, a shadow in her aura. They needed to return to the Hanshan Sect soon.

    Cen Dianshuang stepped outside, retrieving two bottles of pills from her spatial pouch. She offered one to Pang Xueting. “Replenishing Pills. One each. Restore your spiritual energy.”

    “Thank you, Senior.” Pang Xueting took the jade-red bottle, then looked up, puzzled, as Cen Dianshuang offered another.

    Cen Dianshuang tapped the second bottle. “Cleansing Pills. Everyone needs to take one. Even the children. It will… prolong their lives.”

    Pang Xueting, her admiration growing, nodded. “Thank you, Senior.” She hadn’t expected the Senior to be so considerate.

    The savior’s master is also a kind person. Cold and aloof on the outside, but warm-hearted.

    Shadow City, steeped in resentment for centuries, was devoid of spiritual energy, making cultivation impossible.

    The disciples had initially relied on Replenishing Pills, but their supply had run out, forcing them to rely on their own dwindling reserves.

    Cen Dianshuang returned to Tao Ning’s side, maintaining her vigil.

    Pang Xueting distributed the pills. As she handed one to Zhuang Shimei, he suddenly slapped his thigh, his eyes widening in realization. “I remember!”

    The others, startled by his outburst, turned to him.

    Zhuang Shimei, having depleted his arsenal of protective artifacts, no longer cared about their loss.

    His voice was filled with awe. “I went to the Hanshan Sect with my father once, to trade for pills. I saw her there, calling the Peak Master ‘Senior Brother.’ Later, my father told me she was Elder Cen, the Disciplinary Hall Elder! Immortal Dianshuang! I remember the red mark on her forehead clearly!”

    “I knew she looked familiar! I was too young back then. I just remembered!”

    The others stared at him, their hands frozen mid-air, the pills clutched in their fingers.

    Who? Who did you say she was?

    And what hall did you say she managed?

    How did such a powerful figure end up in this remote, desolate city?

    When Cen Dianshuang emerged again, she found a group of unusually subdued and respectful youngsters.

    Cen Dianshuang: …This feels like I’m back at the Hanshan Sect.

    Hanshan Sect disciples were notoriously respectful, and terrified, in her presence.

    She turned to Pang Xueting, who seemed the most articulate among them. “You…”

    Pang Xueting straightened up, bowing respectfully. “What are your instructions, True Person Cen?”

    Cen Dianshuang: “…”

    Tao Ning awoke to the sound of hushed whispers, her depleted meridians gradually replenished by the concentrated spiritual energy.

    She opened her eyes to the dust-covered ceiling, 520’s voice echoing in her mind. 【After five hundred years, you finally awaken.】

    Rubbing her temples, she sat up, her complexion returning to its normal, healthy glow. She hadn’t been injured, just drained of spiritual energy.

    She remembered Cen Dianshuang taking the Wanhun Cauldron. That was reassuring.

    Maintaining her current disguise, concealing her true identity, possessing the cauldron would have been a liability. It was better off in the Hanshan Sect’s custody.

    The most powerful sect in the Radiant Realm would surely find a way to contain its resentment. She had no desire to reclaim her title as Demon Lord.

    The room was empty, the door closed. Looking down, she saw a pile of grey stones at the foot of the couch, their texture softer, less dense than ordinary stones.

    The spirit stones, their energy drained, were now just… husks.

    Poheng lay beside the couch. Touching its hilt, she said, “520, check the Sever Fate progress bar. Five hundred years later.”

    520 hesitated, its tone suggesting it already knew the answer. 【Um… current progress: 98.7%. It decreased by 0.02% while you were unconscious.】

    Tao Ning, her hand still resting on Poheng’s hilt, stared at the grey stones, lost in thought.

    520, rummaging through its database, found this situation wasn’t unusual, but for Tao Ning… it was.

    It should have reached 99%. How could it decrease?

    After a long silence, Tao Ning sighed. “Never mind. It’s not important. We’ll investigate later.”

    She stood up, putting away the spirit jade couch, and opened the door.

    It was still dark outside. Shadow City, nestled at the foot of a mountain, was always shrouded in shadows.

    With the Thousand-Thread Gu mostly eradicated, the disciples felt safe enough to gather outside, huddled around a fire.

    Hearing the door open, they turned.

    Pang Xueting, the first to stand, approached Tao Ning. “Senior Tao, you’re awake! Are you feeling alright?”

    Tao Ning, her gaze sweeping over the small group, her eyes cold and distant, noticed several young, mortal children hiding behind the cultivators.

    Perhaps a trick of the firelight, but her expression was sharp, almost predatory, making them instinctively avoid her gaze.

    Pang Xueting, standing closest, felt it most acutely, her heart pounding as Tao Ning’s eyes met hers.

    “Where’s my master?”

    Pang Xueting quickly replied, “True Person Cen asked me to tell you she’s dealing with the cultivator’s cave. She said it’s where the mother Gu is located, and it needs to be destroyed to prevent the Thousand-Thread Gu from returning.”

    Tao Ning nodded. “Did you only find these children in the city?”

    The children hadn’t been in the cultivator’s cave, but hidden in the cellar of another abandoned house, the walking corpses bringing them food. Several had fallen ill, only recovering after taking Cen Dianshuang’s pills.

    One, a girl in a pink dress with two braids, the daughter of the wealthy man who had hired them, clung to Pang Xueting’s side, peering at Tao Ning with wide, curious eyes.

    Pang Xueting, stroking the girl’s hair, replied, “Yes, only these children. Why do you ask, Senior? Are there others trapped in the city?”

    Tao Ning, withdrawing her extended spiritual sense, smiled. “No.”

    Looking at Pang Xueting, her voice softening slightly, she said, “Stay here. I’m going to find someone.”

    Pang Xueting, assuming she was going to find Cen Dianshuang, readily agreed, promising to keep everyone safe.

    Tao Ning smiled, a curt nod. “Good.”

    “Senior Sister Pang, doesn’t Senior Tao seem… different… since waking up?” a young disciple asked after Tao Ning had left.

    Pang Xueting’s face hardened. “The Senior fought all night, slaying countless Gu insects and the Zombie King, then defeating the rogue cultivator, exhausting her spiritual energy before collapsing from exhaustion. She just woke up.”

    “That’s not what I meant. I just…” The disciple looked aggrieved, wanting to explain, but struggling to articulate the unsettling feeling.

    It was like… the aura of someone struggling with a heart demon.

    But he wasn’t sure, unable to distinguish between the influence of a heart demon and residual resentment.

    Pang Xueting, not wanting to hear any more, said, “We’re running low on firewood. If you have time, help me dismantle those broken tables and chairs. We need to keep the fire going.”

    The disciple, knowing he had upset his senior sister, quickly obeyed.

    Pang Xueting didn’t notice that Tao Ning wasn’t heading towards Cen Dianshuang’s location, but towards the western part of the city.

    Before its fall, the western district had been the city’s commercial center, its streets and alleyways a maze of buildings, easy to get lost in.

    A perfect hiding place.

    A figure landed silently on a rooftop, her hand resting on her sword hilt, the full moon casting her shadow against the wall, like a scene from a shadow puppet play.

    Below, three voices argued, two female, one male.

    Tao Ning recognized one of the female voices: Er Lan, whom she had met briefly at the Hanshan Sect’s outer territory. The other two were unfamiliar.

    But she recognized the man’s voice: Xiao Haoran. And the other woman, who kept referring to herself as “Princess,” was the Demonic Beast Realm princess, Chi Xiaxia.

    In the original storyline, the protagonist’s vast harem was categorized into ranks: one Empress, two Noble Consorts, four Celestial Consorts, and eight Beauties. Chi Xiaxia was one of the Noble Consorts.

    Born with six tails, a sign of exceptional talent among the Chi Fox clan, she was also notoriously playful, often sneaking into the Radiant Realm, her elders’ scolding having little effect.

    On his way to Shadow City, Xiao Haoran had rescued Chi Xiaxia, who, trapped in her fox form after being ambushed, had been captured by fur traders.

    Xiao Haoran, guided by the Heavenly Book, had arrived just in time, buying her and nursing her back to health. Later, upon entering Shadow City, she had repaid his kindness by protecting him from the walking corpses, revealing her human form.

    Er Lan, initially assuming Xiao Haoran had another lead on a treasure, had reluctantly accompanied him to Shadow City, only to discover he had rescued a fox demon.

    She recognized Chi Xiaxia as a member of the Chi Fox clan, and specifically, the six-tailed princess.

    Secretly, she had been impressed by his luck. Perhaps his claim about obtaining the Wanhun Cauldron wasn’t so far-fetched after all.

    This had made her tolerate his… impulsive actions.

    They hadn’t revealed their true intentions to each other yet. The princess, assuming Er Lan was Xiao Haoran’s lover, and accustomed to getting her way, was jealous, treating Er Lan with open hostility.

    Er Lan, a spy loyal to the Demonic Realm, found the clingy, six-tailed fox, constantly vying for Xiao Haoran’s attention, incredibly annoying. If not for the Demon Lord’s instructions to bring both Xiao Haoran and the Wanhun Cauldron back to the Demonic Realm, she would have eliminated them both.

    Their argument ended unresolved, Er Lan, unable to tolerate the princess’s whining any longer, storming out.

    “I’ll cultivate elsewhere tonight.”

    The princess’s petulant voice echoed after her. “She’s just jealous! Why won’t you come to the Demonic Beast Realm with me? My father can easily help you with your cultivation bottleneck.”

    Xiao Haoran’s soothing voice followed, not mentioning that returning to the Demonic Beast Realm wasn’t a good idea right now, simply blaming Er Lan’s behavior on concern, unaware of his true nature, assuming she saw him as a human cultivator.

    Er Lan stepped out into the moonlight, then paused, glancing around, a flicker of unease in her eyes.

    But the city was quiet, only the distant sounds of Cen Dianshuang’s battle reaching her. No one was watching.

    She sighed inwardly. They were too late. Cen Dianshuang had likely taken the Wanhun Cauldron.

    Facing Cen Dianshuang directly would be suicide.

    Shaking her head, she walked away, seeking a quieter place, away from the annoying fox.

    Tao Ning wasn’t interested in killing Er Lan. She was just a pawn, her actions dictated by others.

    Poheng’s blade shimmered as she dropped down from the rooftop.

    Chi Xiaxia’s voice, sharp and accusatory, echoed from within the house. “You like that Er Lan, don’t you?! That’s why you won’t come to the Demonic Beast Realm with me!”

    “Xiaxia, calm down. I…”

    “No explanations! I’m leaving!”

    Before Xiao Haoran could finish, Chi Xiaxia, transforming into her fox form, jumped out the window.

    Xiao Haoran, after a brief, half-hearted pursuit, muttered, “Jealous women are so troublesome.”

    The door behind him opened, a gust of wind entering the room.

    “Xiaxia, I really didn’t mean… ” He turned, expecting to see the princess, waiting to be coaxed back, but the figure standing in the doorway was unfamiliar.

    His hand instinctively went to the saber at his waist. “Who are you?”

    Tao Ning, her gaze cold, replied, “You carry the scent of the Demonic Realm.”

    It wasn’t Er Lan’s scent. She cultivated spiritual energy, her actions in the Radiant Realm those of a human cultivator.

    His secret exposed so easily, Xiao Haoran’s heart pounded. “I can explain.”

    The woman’s expression remained impassive, her attack swift and brutal.

    Xiao Haoran drew his saber, blocking her strike, the clash of metal echoing through the room. “There’s no need for violence, fellow cultivator. I’m Xiao Haoran, a member of the Hanshan Sect.”

    Tao Ning twisted her wrist, deflecting his attack, sparks flying as their blades met, the force of their colliding spiritual energy creating a miniature whirlwind.

    Seeing the inner sect disciple token at her waist, he quickly added, “There’s another Hanshan Sect disciple next door. She can vouch for me!”

    In a sword fight, agility and precision often trumped brute force.

    He had assumed his superior cultivation level and his powerful saber, which had once cleaved a mid-tier Heaven-grade spirit sword in two, would give him the advantage. He was wrong.

    Their spiritual energies clashed, and Xiao Haoran, unable to withstand the force, was sent flying, crashing against the wall, the impact shattering his supposedly invincible Golden Core.

    My Nascent Soul… it feels… fake.

    If Tao Ning knew his thoughts, she would agree.

    Of course it felt fake.

    He had needed the sacrifice of another Nascent Soul cultivator, the Pleasure House Mistress, to achieve his breakthrough. Now, he would never meet Pang Xueting, the Mistress of the Pleasure House.

    There was no Pleasure House Mistress named Pang Xueting. Only a Heavenly Heart Sect disciple.

    Xiao Haoran coughed up blood, his meridians shattered, his spiritual core broken. The pain was blinding.

    Footsteps approached, and he watched helplessly as the woman in green walked towards him, his body unable to move, his escape routes blocked.

    Her sword, glowing with a faint purple light, pierced his already shattered core, extinguishing the last flicker of life within him.

    He stared at her, his eyes wide, memorizing her face, his voice a raspy whisper. “Who… are you…?”

    As the sword was withdrawn, Tao Ning knelt beside him, two fingers reaching for his forehead.

    Panic surged through him. He wasn’t afraid of death. He had a soul-protecting artifact. He would simply regenerate.

    But she was targeting his soul. His survival instincts kicked in, a golden light erupting from his forehead, deflecting her attack.

    Tao Ning, her fingers tingling, frowned, puzzled.

    She tried again, her fingers almost touching his forehead when a gust of wind brushed past her face. She struck out, her palm connecting with something solid.

    A cry of pain, and a figure in red tumbled from the window, a concealing artifact rolling across the floor.

    Ignoring the pain, Chi Xiaxia, her six crimson tails flaring, their fur bristling like needles, lashing out at Tao Ning, the force of the blow shattering the walls of the small room.

    Tao Ning dodged, but the sharp fur grazed her hand, drawing blood. She ignored the wound.

    Poheng flashed, severing one of the tails.

    Chi Xiaxia, losing a tail, a century of cultivation gone, coughed up blood, her face ashen.

    “Leave now, and I’ll spare you. I’m the princess of the Chi Fox clan. I have far more ways to kill you than you, a mere Golden Core cultivator, can imagine.”

    “Save your breath,” Tao Ning replied, attacking again.

    A few moves later, another tail fell, and Chi Xiaxia, ignoring the pain and the loss of cultivation, focused on survival, throwing a barrage of artifacts at Tao Ning.

    She retreated, partially shifting to her fox form, her fingers elongating into claws, their battle seemingly evenly matched, but a sense of dread filled her.

    Who is this cultivator? Why is she so strong?

    A faint zither melody echoed through the night, and Tao Ning’s attack faltered, giving Chi Xiaxia the opportunity she needed. She lunged, forcing Tao Ning back, then turned, grabbing the unconscious Xiao Haoran.

    The teleportation formation on one of her artifacts activated, and they vanished.

    “520, check the progress bar,” Tao Ning said, Poheng still humming in her hand, its blade eager for more.

    Why did Master stop?

    520: 【Current progress: 99%. Increased by 0.03%.】

    It was starting to wonder if the mission required the protagonist’s complete and utter demise, but it doubted the criteria were that simple.

    Tao Ning, ignoring the numbers, frowned. “The progress bar is still active.”

    He was still alive. Killing the protagonist of a cultivation world was proving more difficult than anticipated.

    She suspected that even without the zither melody, something else would have happened, allowing Chi Xiaxia to escape with Xiao Haoran.

    Glancing at the scratches on her hand, she wondered how to explain them to Cen Dianshuang.

    Cen Dianshuang arrived quickly, having sensed the commotion and the surge of demonic energy.

    Taking in the scene – the ruined buildings, the two severed fox tails – she asked, “What happened here?”

    Tao Ning, hiding her injured hand, smiled brightly. “Master, you came! A demon attacked me. I fought back.”

    Circulating her spiritual energy, she healed the scratches on her hand.

    Cen Dianshuang’s brow furrowed. “A demon attacked you? Are you injured?”

    Before Tao Ning could answer, Cen Dianshuang began examining her, pulling up her sleeves, searching for any hidden wounds.

    Tao Ning stood still, her expression innocent, allowing her master to fuss over her. “I’m fine. Unfortunately, the fox demon escaped.”

    Cen Dianshuang’s hand, holding Tao Ning’s, suddenly stilled, then she released it, her expression unchanged, pulling down Tao Ning’s sleeve.

    “What are your thoughts on demons?”

    Tao Ning blinked, then, emboldened by Cen Dianshuang’s subtle encouragement, spoke her mind. “All creatures are born with the potential for both good and evil. Demons are no different. They have their own territory, separate from the Radiant Realm. We coexist peacefully. If a demon living in the Radiant Realm chooses the path of righteousness, there’s no need for eradication.”

    She felt like she was knocking on a closed door, unsure if it would ever open.

    But it didn’t matter. She could pretend to be oblivious, if necessary.

    Cen Dianshuang didn’t respond, unable to before Tao Ning, her spiritual energy depleted once again, collapsed.

    Catching her, Cen Dianshuang frowned, checking her pulse before scooping her up.

    She expertly adjusted Tao Ning into the most uncomfortable carrying position.

    This disciple was… high-maintenance. She needed to bring her back to the Hanshan Sect, where she could keep a closer eye on her. A third incident of spiritual exhaustion would damage her meridians.

    The disciples waiting in the courtyard were worried. They had heard the sounds of collapsing buildings and fighting, Tu Shimei reporting seeing massive fox tails.

    But Senior Tao had left a protective formation. They dared not enter.

    As dawn broke, they finally saw the two figures returning, their posture… unusual.

    Senior Tao had left standing. Now, she was being carried by Cen Dianshuang.

    Pang Xueting’s mind reeled. What happened?!

    Why does Senior Tao keep fainting?

    Wait… was that my imagination?

    She rubbed her eyes, staring at the returning figures.

    Cen Dianshuang, putting Tao Ning down, her gaze lingering on the two white feathers in her disciple’s hair, smiled.

    It was a small, subtle smile, but its warmth was undeniable, her eyes shimmering with affection.

  • The Delicate Female Lead Only Wants to be Loved by the Villainous Young Ladies 307

    Chapter 307: Licking Away the Tears

    When Adele woke up again, it was the dimmest hour of dusk.

    To be precise, it wasn’t quite waking up.

    The dim and quiet surroundings, coupled with her own disorientation, made her think she was still in a meaningless dream.

    But soon, a faint light flickered in her slightly opened eyes.

    Even this small spark was enough to enhance the girl’s already bright and delicate features.

    Adele was a girl suited for sunshine; anyone would think so. But some people were suited for the cold moonlight, like Hermione, like Edith… and First Snow.

    She saw First Snow curled up in her arms, in cat form. Her soft body rose and fell gently with each breath, her whiskers and fluffy outline shimmering in the faint moonlight, along with those golden wings Adele often joked about roasting and eating. This was what lit up Adele’s eyes.

    So, I should dream of First Snow. This bad cat doesn’t even miss me… but I miss her. You dream what you think about during the day, the old saying went.

    Thinking of this, Adele felt pathetic, not in a derogatory sense, but in a self-deprecating way, like she had sold herself short. She had given her heart away so easily; how could she not be considered cheap?

    Adele sniffled, a mix of emotions welling up in her heart, like a spilled spice rack. But even so, because she thought this was a dream, Adele instinctively reached out and held First Snow tighter. If this were reality, she would definitely sulk for a long time, making First Snow realize her mistake. But now, without any other thoughts, not wanting to play any mind games, she just wanted to hold First Snow close, to do what she had been wanting to do since she decided to return to school: “Pet the cat.” But back then, Adele could proudly and boastfully declare, “First Snow is my cat, what headmaster, I don’t understand!” And now, even her petting was cautious, as if touching something precious and unattainable.

    Suddenly, a pair of bright eyes opened slowly, meeting Adele’s.

    First Snow’s eyes were filled with wavering and trembling.

    Adele just looked at her, without much expression or reaction.

    She wouldn’t be angry at First Snow in a dream.

    The First Snow in her dreams was still that pure and flawless little kitten, not the kind of bad girl who would treat her like a toy… and throw her away when bored.

    But then Adele thought,

    Even if First Snow is a bad girl, so what? I still like her very much…

    She wanted to see First Snow resting beside her, her belly exposed cutely under the warm, gentle sunlight.

    She wanted to suddenly feel a light weight on her legs while playing games, then, one person and one cat, conquering everything together.

    Thinking this, Adele habitually stroked First Snow’s back, hearing a sensitive meow from the little cat.

    First Snow’s back was always her sensitive spot; Adele often teased her. Or perhaps it wasn’t teasing, but just a kind of fun.

    First Snow’s eyes suddenly glistened with tears. Then, she raised her soft little paws and crawled towards Adele’s face.

    From Adele’s perspective, it was a fluffy cat head nudging her face, making her vaguely feel like a mouse caught by a cat, being slowly approached.

    First Snow, are you going to eat me? Adele wondered randomly.

    But with a brush-like sensation on her cheek, Adele’s mind suddenly cleared.

    This was First Snow licking her… And the sensation was too real.

    A cat’s tongue had barbs, and it seemed griffins were no exception.

    These soft barbs weren’t exactly comfortable, but they definitely weren’t unpleasant either.

    Wait—

    Shouldn’t the First Snow before her be the kitten from her dream!? It was fine for her to lick Adele, because that was exactly what Adele wanted.

    She had been looking forward to it, looking forward to First Snow appearing beside her after she woke up, meowing softly, rubbing her wet nose against her cheek, licking her with her little tongue… of course not licking strange places! Cheeks, hair, and so on were all acceptable. Finally, purring with her throat.

    That was a sign of a happy cat.

    And now, all of this was happening before her. And as time passed, the sensations became even clearer. Adele’s eyes, initially hazy, gradually widened. It was as if she had thought of something unbelievable. But rather than unbelievable, it was exactly what Adele had been hoping for.

    “…Is that you, First Snow?”

    It was a reunion after a long separation. But in reality, it was a meaningless question.

    But it was this meaningless question that made First Snow meow with a hoarse voice.

    The next moment, First Snow’s cat form emitted a soft, golden light that completely enveloped her. The light wasn’t dazzling, but it still made Adele, who had just woken up, close her eyes. But then, the light in her retina dimmed, meaning the light had disappeared.

    Adele opened her eyes, and what she saw was First Snow, now in her girl form, with fluffy cat ears and a tail.

    “Cute” wasn’t enough to describe the little catgirl; she was the embodiment of “moe.”

    In the past, Adele would have cheered and shouted, “Beastgirls are the best!”

    But now, her expression could only be described as otherworldly.

    She had finally seen First Snow again. But in this kind of situation. And First Snow’s teary eyes

    … Did I do something wrong…?

    Adele, not yet fully recovered, only felt a soft and warm body falling into her arms, and the soft sobs, incredibly moving and pitiful.

    “Waaah, meow… Adele…”

    “First Snow was… wrong, meow…”

    “I’m sorry!”

    At this moment, no matter how much dissatisfaction and resentment Adele had, they all vanished in the face of the pitiful little First Snow.

    This was the first time First Snow had cried so hard, so sadly.

    But that sadness stemmed from self-blame.

    Especially when Adele still embraced her warmly, First Snow finally couldn’t bear the pressure in her heart.

    Crying, she confessed everything to Adele.

    How she had missed Adele so much, how she came to Adele’s room every day, waiting for her to come home.

    Because Adele had been gone for too long, she got angry and willfully used magic to restore the room she had messed up to its original state.

    But this resulted in Adele’s sadness…

    This was the root cause of First Snow’s emotional breakdown.

    She had overestimated her own “cruelty.”

    When she saw Adele experiencing the loneliness and feeling of betrayal she had intended, First Snow’s heart wasn’t filled with satisfaction, but with a suffocating feeling, like an invisible hand gripping her throat, making her want to shout, No! Stop!

    But things didn’t go as First Snow wished. Just like how her body was frozen in place, her mind was already filled with regret.

    Even if that was what she had experienced… it didn’t mean… she was willing to let Adele experience it.

    So, she confessed everything, repenting to Adele.

    As for what kind of punishment she would receive from Adele, she didn’t care anymore.

    Even if Adele hated her… although this possibility was very low, Adele couldn’t possibly hate First Snow.

    But First Snow had already made up her mind to make amends this time, on her own initiative.

    “…” Adele quietly listened to the little catgirl’s often incoherent and tearful explanation, roughly understanding what had happened here.

    An almost “profiling” ability emerged in her mind.

    It was a still yet dynamic image. Still, referring to Adele’s room.

    The messy sheets, the knocked-over can of cat food, the cat paw prints on the floor, the dent on the chair in front of the computer desk where a cute creature had slept, and the tear stains on the pillow and sheets.

    Then, the only moving creature in this quiet environment: the little catgirl curled up on the white sheets, clutching the last bit of warmth in her hands, trembling and sobbing. She could only rely on this method, relying on absorbing Adele’s scent, to temporarily alleviate the emptiness caused by longing.

    Adele vaguely felt a connection with First Snow at that moment, empathizing with her.

    Such overwhelming sadness and care… made tears stream down Adele’s face.

    Seeing this, First Snow panicked and worried. But she was clumsy with words, not knowing how to comfort Adele, not knowing why Adele was suddenly crying.

    Perhaps she’s angry at me?

    Thinking of this, First Snow’s small chest heaved. She sniffled, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand.

    Then she slowly crawled forward, wanting to make amends in her own way.

    She gently licked Adele’s cheek with her little tongue, carefully… wanting to lick away the tears…

  • After I Abandoned the Protagonist [Quick Transmigration] 231

    Chapter 231: So I’m the Protagonist After All (End)

    Just as Xiao Xingwei swung his first sword at Su Mingxiu, Sui Yihuan summoned the God Sealing Mirror, blocking Tai’e’s attack. The jade-green artifact, struck by the sharp blade, rang out, a crack appearing on its surface.

    Sui Yihuan frowned, retracting the God Sealing Mirror. A shadowy figure lunged at her back, only to be stopped by a net of lightning.

    Su Mingxiu raised an eyebrow at the Heavenly Demon, who had lost her former elegance, “No greeting for your disciple, Master? How hurtful.”

    The Heavenly Demon, her sneak attack thwarted by pure thunder spiritual power: “…”

    She’d known this wretched disciple was powerful and sharp-tongued, but it still stung.

    Although they’d blocked Xiao Xingwei’s first attack, Su Mingxiu and Sui Yihuan couldn’t create many more opportunities with the pearl.

    His tribulation lightning armor prevented them from getting close, and with the Heavenly Demon lurking, waiting for revenge, they quickly tired.

    Only then did Xiao Xingwei reveal his true strength.

    The path of cultivation grew harder with each stage, the gap between realms widening. Su Mingxiu, though powerful, was no match for Xiao Xingwei, empowered by the Buddhist treasure to the peak of Tribulation Transcendence. Her attacks seemed feeble.

    And she had to watch for the Heavenly Demon’s attacks on Sui Yihuan—

    She was quickly injured, her left arm nearly severed.

    “I’ll handle the Heavenly Demon. You…” Sui Yihuan knew Su Mingxiu was stronger than this, capable of more. The Heavenly Dao’s restrictions were holding her back. “Hold on, I’m coming.”

    Drip.

    Red blood fell from the sky above the Demon Abyss, disappearing into the vast blood lake without a ripple.

    Su Mingxiu locked onto Xiao Xingwei, the smile never leaving her lips. Her voice, though lacking its usual warmth, held a unique tenderness, “I should be saying that to you.”

    “We’ve come this far. Dying here for love isn’t my ideal ending.”

    Sui Yihuan’s crimson eyes also held a smile. She knew Su Mingxiu’s fear. Though much remained unspoken between them, she knew what Su Mingxiu wanted.

    To live, together.

    Xiao Xingwei, irritated by their closeness, couldn’t understand their bond. He and Su Mingxiu were both born with Daoist constitutions.

    But Sui Yihuan was a filthy demon. He couldn’t fathom Su Mingxiu choosing her over him.

    She was foolish, blind to the obvious advantages.

    Foolishness demanded a price. He swung Tai’e, an unavoidable blow—

    Just one more strike…

    Pure black sword energy, with world-destroying power, bore down on Su Mingxiu. The green figure, like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, was quickly enveloped, about to be crushed.

    Xiao Xingwei didn’t even look, turning instead to Sui Yihuan, now possessed by the Heavenly Demon and frozen in mid-air. Disdain filled his eyes as he prepared to end them both.

    Suddenly!

    A surge of spiritual power behind him made his spine tingle. He turned too late, barely raising Tai’e to block!

    “Boom!”

    A deafening explosion rocked the Demon Abyss. Su Mingxiu’s proximity to Xiao Xingwei meant the tribulation lightning engulfed them both, stray sword energy scattering like an exploding lightning ball.

    “You…”

    Xiao Xingwei blocked her attack, his eyes widening as he realized how she’d evaded his earlier strike. Not worried, but delighted, he laughed, “You dare ascend amidst tribulation lightning? You’re courting death!”

    As he spoke, the tribulation lightning intensified, engulfing the Demon Abyss. The demons thought they were doomed. Only Su Mingxiu knew the lightning targeted her.

    Undeterred, she blocked Tai’e and looked down, “I meant to mention, your sword is as weak as ever, all show and no substance.”

    Her fingers on Tai’e tightened slightly. Xiao Xingwei’s eyes widened—

    Two sword cultivators at the Tribulation Transcendence realm, the difference in raw power laid bare.

    Xiao Xingwei doubled over, a Tribulation Transcendence Venerable’s blood splattering onto the cliff beside the blood lake, solidifying into golden crystals, blooming like strange flowers.

    The unique power of gold spiritual energy.

    But no one had time to admire the spectacle. As Xiao Xingwei was injured by Su Mingxiu’s casual sword energy, the tribulation lightning converged on her, the will of the Nine Continents striking down!

    The Heavenly Dao, merciless against defiance, sought to obliterate this failure!

    In an instant, the blood lake parted, and a faintly glowing spiritual sword flew out, blocking the destructive lightning before Su Mingxiu.

    But the Heavenly Dao’s power was overwhelming. Even with the sword spirit awakened and reconnected to Su Mingxiu, it seemed too small to resist.

    Xiao Xingwei, injured but distanced, watched coldly, waiting to finish off the Demon Lord and city lords after Su Mingxiu was reduced to ashes. Such a feat would make him the undisputed ruler of the Nine Continents!

    Too confident in Su Mingxiu’s demise, he forgot the possessed Demon Lord. Looking around, he didn’t see the black-clad figure outside the lightning—

    【Beware!】

    The Heavenly Dao’s voice echoed in his mind.

    “Looking for me?”

    A cold voice came from behind. He reacted, instinctively swinging his sword, but he was frozen.

    A hand pierced his chest, dripping gold blood, laced with black and red curse threads, a terrifying sight. In that pierced hand, she held the faintly glowing green…God Sealing Mirror.

    Sui Yihuan, using the Mirror’s power to shatter space, tore through Xiao Xingwei’s body, then infused him with blood curse power, preventing his wounds from healing, immobilizing him.

    He could only feel the vile curse spreading through his veins.

    “How could you…”

    Xiao Xingwei couldn’t comprehend how she’d overcome the Heavenly Demon so quickly, let alone have the strength to attack him.

    As the curse spread, tainting even his Daoist constitution, his eyes widened in horror. He made the agonizing decision—

    His Nascent Soul burst from his forehead, abandoning his cultivated body. His voice was filled with hatred and desperation, “Heavenly Dao! Protect me!”

    Su Mingxiu was doomed! No need to waste all the tribulation lightning on her, killing this Demon Lord who’d taken his body was paramount!

    He was the chosen one; his protection was paramount!

    His miniature form flew towards the lightning, abandoning all pretense of their deal, shouting—

    The lightning surrounding Su Mingxiu hesitated, about to divert to protect him, when he saw a hand gripping a sword hilt within the blinding white light.

    Terror, greater than any near-death experience, gripped him. His Nascent Soul tried to turn, too late—

    He watched as the hand gripped the sword within the lightning vortex. The sword, already humming from absorbing the tribulation lightning, was turned, its wielder seemingly commanding the very heavens!

    The accumulated lightning power, absorbed by the sword and its master, was unleashed in a blinding white flash, less terrifying than Tai’e’s black sword energy, yet silencing the world.

    Blinding white filled Xiao Xingwei’s vision.

    He heard nothing.

    Then, the crackling of tribulation lightning returned, and he rejoiced, thinking the Heavenly Dao’s protection had arrived. Then, darkness.

    His Nascent Soul extinguished, he died not understanding his defeat.

    Behind his fading Nascent Soul, his body was shattered by the unstoppable blow. Sui Yihuan, knowing he was dead, released his remains to fall into the blood lake, her hand rising instinctively.

    She touched the snowflake earring on her left ear; a petal was broken.

    But she didn’t care, nor did she look to see where Su Mingxiu’s attack had flown after breaking through the Demon Abyss formation. She rushed to Su Mingxiu’s side, pushing the bloodstained God Sealing Mirror forward, shielding her from the intensifying tribulation lightning.

    Su Mingxiu, having unleashed that attack, ready to be struck, saw the figure enter the lightning and said, bewildered, “Why—”

    “A lover’s death isn’t my ideal ending.” Sui Yihuan embraced her, their bodies cracking under the lightning, their meridians overflowing with power. With her last strength, she said, “But living alone is far more terrifying.”

    Her spiritual sword shattered after that blow. Su Mingxiu focused on absorbing the tribulation lightning, her meridians repeatedly breaking and reforming, the pain indescribable, only blood froth escaping her lips.

    She lost the chance to argue; she wouldn’t inflict this on Sui Yihuan. If she feared being alone, why had she made that deal with the Heavenly Dao in her past life?

    Embracing, their consciousnesses intertwined, they heard a terrifying sound, but had no time to discern it.

    They were fading.

    Even the sounds of the world quieted.

    The tribulation lightning had long since faded.

    But Su Mingxiu and Sui Yihuan still held each other close, a golden light piercing the Demon Abyss formation, bathing them in warmth, their souls soaking in a comforting spring.

    “The former Heavenly Dao, lacking virtue and showing favoritism, caused chaos in the Nine Continents…” A familiar mechanical voice reached Su Mingxiu’s ears, and she, who thought she’d become one with the wind and rain, opened her dark eyes.

    Before her, Sui Yihuan also opened her eyes, hearing the same voice, and asked with a strange expression, “Is this a new trick of the Heavenly Dao?”

    It shouldn’t be.

    It had just tried to kill them; why this conciliatory tone now?

    Bathed in golden light, Su Mingxiu pondered, looking down at her body. The lightning scars were gone, the pain vanished, her sea of consciousness vast, sensing the breath of the stars and the Nine Continents.

    Her body was clothed in a robe woven from golden light, soft and warm, surpassing any mortal finery.

    Alive, Su Mingxiu’s mind raced. After a moment, she smiled at Sui Yihuan, “I don’t think it’s a trick.”

    She explained, “My attack must have reached the heavens.”

    Unlike Xiao Xingwei’s ascension, aided by the Heavenly Dao, Su Mingxiu’s power was earned. Her sword intent could split heaven and earth. She’d returned the Heavenly Dao’s most powerful weapon against it.

    She’d intended to pierce the sky; she hadn’t expected this.

    The former Heavenly Dao’s will had been extinguished.

    A new will was born, now bathing Su Mingxiu and Sui Yihuan in golden light, reciting a confession of sorts. The former Heavenly Dao, lacking virtue and impartiality,

    Was no longer worthy. They, the instruments of change, should…take its place.

    Hmm?

    Take its place?

    Su Mingxiu instantly flashed out of the golden light. After enduring the tribulations of her past life and battling the Heavenly Dao across eight worlds, reunited with Sui Yihuan, she’d had enough of control and emotional suppression. She’d rather be free as the wind than rule all creation.

    Besides.

    Her heart already belonged to someone.

    Sui Yihuan, watching her, quickly understood. She too,

    Flashed out of the golden light, apologizing, “I…don’t want to lose my seven emotions and six desires. I’m sorry.”

    The nascent Heavenly Dao: “?”

    Confused, it reviewed the former Heavenly Dao’s rules. Wasn’t becoming an emotionless immortal the ultimate goal of cultivators?

    But then, the old rules were flawed; this wasn’t surprising.

    The golden light formed into a child, seven or eight years old, with long silver hair, chubby cheeks, and bright eyes. In a calm, ancient voice, it said:

    “Congratulations on breaking free from your unjust fate and following your own path. This deity wishes to atone for past transgressions. You may each make a wish for the new order.”

    “A wish?”

    Su Mingxiu casually played with her hair, replying indifferently, “I’ve already fulfilled all my wishes myself.”

    Sui Yihuan hesitated, glancing at Su Mingxiu, who nodded. She exhaled and said, “I only wish for equality for all beings in the Nine Continents, whether demon, cultivator, or mortal, to stand under the sun.”

    “Granted.”

    More golden light poured in, dispelling the black and red mist above the Demon Abyss, forming pillars of light, dreamlike and ethereal.

    In the slums,

    Low-level demons, hiding underground, heard the silence and, seeing no change in the Demon Abyss, knew the Demon Lord had won, emerging to celebrate.

    A child pointed at the golden light and asked an elder, “Is that…the legendary sun?”

    A demon, sensing the shift in the Heavenly Dao’s will, wiped a tear and smiled, “It’s hope.”

    Hope?

    Looking at the elder’s smile, the child scratched his goat horns, thinking it must be a good word.

    “Don’t you have anything to ask me?”

    In the tower bathed in golden sunlight, Sui Yihuan looked at the person dozing since their return and reached for the black neck ring, originally meant for protection, yet still there.

    As she tried to remove it, Su Mingxiu caught her hand, the mole at the corner of her eye lazy in the sunlight. She kissed Sui Yihuan’s hand. Just as Sui Yihuan expected her to ask about the Heavenly Demon, Su Mingxiu’s eyes narrowed, her other hand reaching for the snowflake earring.

    “It’s missing a petal.”

    It was now a five-pointed snowflake.

    “Uh…” Sui Yihuan hesitated, unsure how to explain that it had been shattered by a stray lightning bolt when she killed Xiao Xingwei, “Should I find someone to fix it?”

    “I’ll do it.”

    Su Mingxiu removed the earring. Seeing Sui Yihuan’s eagerness to confess, her face practically screaming “I want to tell you everything, just give me a chance,” she chuckled and pulled her close.

    “Alright, tell me.”

    Sui Yihuan hurriedly confessed about the Heavenly Demon. It had all happened so fast. The Heavenly Demon, despite her betrayal and hatred, still prioritized the demon race’s revival over revenge. So, in a way, they shared a common enemy.

    As long as Sui Yihuan lived and led the demons back to the prosperous Nine Continents, the Heavenly Demon would pay any price, even her own life.

    —Another outcome the Heavenly Dao and Xiao Xingwei hadn’t foreseen. Well, the former Heavenly Dao.

    Su Mingxiu wondered what it would think, knowing everyone but its protagonist defied its will. It was a pity she’d never know.

    The snowflake in her hand melted, and in the dim room, flowers bloomed, swaying gently, their vibrant colors drawing their gaze.

    Unexpectedly seeing the sea of flowers again, Sui Yihuan relaxed, nestled in Su Mingxiu’s arms, her eyes reflecting the colors, “I think I remember some things from my past life.”

    She felt a twinge of guilt,

    Afraid Su Mingxiu would settle old scores.

    But Su Mingxiu’s method was unique. With an “Oh?” she suddenly gripped Sui Yihuan’s waist, pulling her closer, “Then tell me, why did you choose a demon as your queen?”

    Ah, this.

    Caught off guard by such a pointed question, the Demon Lord rubbed her nose, her eyes reddening with nervousness, “I had just become the Demon Lord, my authority wasn’t secure. To invade the Nine Continents, I needed the other city lords’ support. It was just a promise, not a real marriage.”

    It wasn’t a real marriage.

    Because before that, Sui Yihuan had already traded her soul for Su Mingxiu, just like in the last world Su Mingxiu experienced.

    Even though she had to maintain relationships with others, in the end, her heart belonged to her.

    Seeing the dangerous glint in Su Mingxiu’s eyes, Sui Yihuan abruptly got up, walked barefoot towards the sea of flowers, looked around nervously, and changed the subject, “Oh no! The broken patch is missing roses!”

    Su Mingxiu raised an eyebrow, got up from the deck chair, walked towards her, also into the sea of flowers, looked around, and suddenly opened her palm towards Sui Yihuan—

    Under the Demon Lord’s puzzled gaze, she suddenly moved towards her. When she reacted, she realized that the black neck ring that had been locked around Su Mingxiu’s neck was now on hers!

    When did Su Mingxiu unlock it…no, how did she even know how to do that?

    Sui Yihuan held the thread of spiritual power in her palm, her expression bewildered.

    As she stared blankly, Su Mingxiu laughed, her fingertips tracing the edge of the neck ring, her nose rubbing against Sui Yihuan’s cheek, “It’s not missing, the rose is right here.”

    Having just finished her sweet words, she slowly hooked the neck ring, leaned closer, and whispered in Sui Yihuan’s ear, “If you don’t say something nice to coax me, this rose’s petals will be crushed, and she’ll only be able to pitifully leak juice.”

    Sui Yihuan: “?”

    Her face was full of terror. After a long moment of trepidation, she said ingratiatingly, “How about…I marry you? I’ll make you my Demon Queen.”

    As soon as she finished speaking, she was lifted into Su Mingxiu’s arms and carried towards the bed. She kicked her feet, knocking a water lily askew in the essence flower sea.

    The unsuccessful Demon Lord tried to negotiate again, “This time, I’ll be with you for not just a hundred years! A thousand years, ten thousand years! Is that okay?”

    ……

    In the surging heat, Sui Yihuan thought she had failed in her negotiation.

    Until her soul also drifted, she heard the other person’s slightly hoarse voice, the deep affection within it so hot that she shivered even in her sleep, as if branded with an inescapable mark.

    “A thousand years? Ten thousand years?”

    “Far from enough.”

    Since this rose chose to land in her soil, it could only take root and grow here. From then on, all its charm was dedicated to her, all the morning dew it exuded could only nourish her. As the rose grew, the soil provided nutrients. If the rose withered, this land would die with it.

  • On How to Conquer System Fairies and Make Them Your Wives 195

    Chapter 195: I’ll Bite You Back

    Nan Xiaoxiang had been avoiding Chen Yin for the past two days.

    She spent all her time at the clinic, treating patients, and would quickly avoid him if they happened to meet outside.

    Chen Yin wasn’t worried. He spent his days leisurely strolling around the village, playing with Luo Luo, teasing Qingying, occasionally cooking delicious meals, and enjoying the peace and quiet.

    Until Lian’er appeared before him, her expression troubled.

    “Big Brother…”

    “Lian’er? What’s wrong?”

    Lian’er was fidgeting with her dress, her head lowered, as if she had made a difficult decision.

    “I-I’ll agree to your request, Big Brother. Just give me some more lollipops!”

    Chen Yin’s mind went blank for a moment.

    …Here’s what had happened.

    Lian’er had become attached to him, knowing he had an endless supply of treats. She would visit him constantly, which annoyed Chen Yin.

    He had been hoping to spend some quality time with Luo Luo and Qingying, but this little girl was always around, impossible to get rid of.

    No matter how many treats he gave her, she would finish them all within a day and come back for more.

    Finally, exasperated, he had said, “This is the last lollipop you’re getting.”

    “If you want more, there’s a price to pay.”

    “What price?” Lian’er had asked innocently.

    “Hmm…”

    Chen Yin had thought for a moment. Ordinary threats wouldn’t work on her. He needed something more drastic.

    “If you want more, you have to take off your skirt and let me spank you.” He had said, trying to scare her.

    But Lian’er had taken it seriously, her face crumpling in fear.

    “Ah? Lian’er is afraid of pain! Don’t spank Lian’er, Big Brother…”

    “Then don’t eat so much, okay?”

    He had finally managed to get rid of her.

    But he hadn’t expected her to return today.

    With a look of determination on her face.

    “Lian’er… Lian’er won’t cry, Big Brother! Do it!”

    Seeing her teary eyes and her trembling hands as she reached for her skirt, Chen Yin was stunned.

    “Whoa, hold on! Let’s talk about this!”

    “Did you… finish all the lollipops already? I gave you so many!”

    “Not all of them…” Lian’er pouted, “but the Grand Witch took them.”

    Chen Yin: “…”

    “And she told me to get more, and that I have to agree to any request you make…”

    Chen Yin couldn’t listen anymore.

    This was child abuse!

    Not only did she steal a child’s candy, but she was also willing to sell her servant for more?

    This Grand Witch was something else.

    He sighed and patted Lian’er’s head. “Forget it, I’ll give you some more lollipops. It was just a joke.”

    “Really?”

    Lian’er’s face lit up instantly, her mood changing so quickly that Chen Yin wondered if he had been tricked.

    “Yay! I knew Big Brother was the best!”

    She took the box of lollipops, then ran over and kissed him on the cheek.

    Chen Yin blushed. “Ahem. What was that for?”

    “Didn’t you say you outsiders like this?”

    Lian’er blinked her innocent eyes. “Lian’er can’t just take your food for free. And we don’t have such customs in the Ten Thousand Mountains. If you like it, Big Brother, I can kiss you again—”

    “Stop, stop!”

    Chen Yin chuckled nervously, wiping the sweat from his brow. “I was just joking. Don’t take it seriously.”

    This girl was surprisingly forward.

    But she was too innocent and pure. He couldn’t bring himself to take advantage of her.

    As Lian’er happily munched on her lollipop, Chen Yin ruffled her hair gently. “Good girl. Let me check your cultivation progress. Make sure there are no problems with your meridians.”

    Lian’er nodded obediently, her tongue swirling around the lollipop, as Chen Yin’s hand rested on her lower abdomen.

    His eyes narrowed slightly as he channeled his spiritual energy into her body.

    …Her spiritual energy was incredibly pure and potent, far beyond that of a beginner.

    What kind of talent did this girl possess?

    Chen Yin suddenly thought of his own Boundless Root. So far, its only benefit seemed to be the ability to use the scroll. And his supposedly “bottleneck-free” cultivation was now stuck at the Grand Clarity Realm.

    He sighed inwardly. Comparison is the thief of joy.

    “Big Brother, what’s wrong?” Lian’er tilted her head slightly.

    “Nothing. It seems you’ve been working hard on your cultivation.”

    “Of course! Lian’er is very diligent!”

    She puffed out her chest proudly, waiting for his praise.

    Chen Yin pulled her into his arms, gently caressing her cheek. “Good girl. As a reward, I’ll give you another box of lollipops later.”

    “Yay! Thank you, Big Brother!”

    “You should call me Master now, shouldn’t you?”

    “Thank you, Master!”

    Lian’er’s sweet smile made Chen Yin’s heart melt.

    After playing with her for a while longer, she finally left, clutching her two boxes of lollipops.

    As soon as she was gone, Chen Yin saw a pair of furry ears peeking around the doorway.

    “Why don’t you come in?” He poured himself a cup of tea.

    Luo Luo emerged from the shadows and stood beside him.

    “You and Lian’er seemed to be having… a lot of fun.”

    “Are you jealous?” Chen Yin asked with a playful smile.

    “N-no…”

    “Really?”

    “Maybe… a little.” Luo Luo blinked at him shyly.

    “Then how should I compensate you?”

    Luo Luo thought for a moment, then snuggled into his arms.

    “Luo Luo also wants head pats.”

    Chen Yin happily obliged, his hands gently caressing her soft, furry ears.

    Luo Luo closed her eyes contentedly, a soft purr escaping her throat.

    But then, Chen Yin gently nibbled on the tip of her ear.

    “Ah!”

    Luo Luo yelped, her face turning crimson.

    “Y-Young Master, what are you doing…?”

    “Someone’s jealous, and the room is filled with a sour scent.”

    Chen Yin said seriously, “I need something sweet to neutralize it.”

    “What’s sweet?”

    “Luo Luo is the sweetest thing in my heart.”

    “Ah? Don’t bite Luo Luo, please…” she whined, her ears drooping.

    Chen Yin chuckled.

    “Then you can bite me instead.”

  • Sickly Girl Doesn’t Die in Zombie Simulator 133

    Chapter 133: A Promise Between Sisters

    “Huff… huff…”

    Lin Xiwan’s face was flushed, her lips pressed tightly together, her breathing heavy, as if trying to suppress something. Her arms were spread wide, gripping the edges of the vine-scoop. Her grip tightened, the vines crumbling under the pressure, water spilling out.

    The dripping water momentarily distracted her. She looked down, only a hazy mist visible below.

    At this height, the ground was obscured, the mist making it seem like they were floating among the clouds.

    She wanted to talk to Huayibai, to distract herself, but Huayibai was lying limply at the bottom of the pool, its body swaying gently with the water, its limbs like jelly, as if boneless. If not for the occasional bubbles escaping its lips, Lin Xiwan would have thought something was wrong.

    “Swish—”

    Her sister’s hands emerged from the water.

    Lin Xiwan instinctively reached out, supporting her sister’s waist and lifting her out of the water.

    “Gasp—”

    Lin Jiayao inhaled deeply, then took a few more breaths.

    She couldn’t hold her breath for long yet, unless she used a tendril as a snorkel… but that seemed unnecessary and… strange.

    After settling onto her sister’s lap, Lin Jiayao looked up and paused.

    Her sister was leaning back against the vines, her head resting against the edge, her eyes closed, seemingly enjoying the sun.

    Following her gaze, Lin Jiayao felt the warmth of the sun on her face.

    Only the upper part of the scoop received direct sunlight; the lower part, shaded by the vines and the mist, was cooler.

    Huayibai, however, seemed to enjoy the cool shade, its feelings of contentment and relaxation transmitted to Lin Jiayao through their connection.

    “Does it hurt?” Lin Xiwan asked softly, her ears still red, her voice slightly hoarse, wanting to know if her sister was alright.

    “Hmm? Oh… no, it doesn’t hurt,” Lin Xiwan replied, her mind slightly hazy, her sister’s voice echoing faintly.

    “Then I’ll continue?” Lin Jiayao looked at her sister’s upper body; the healed skin was smooth and unblemished, no visible scars.

    “Huh?” Lin Xiwan, her head still resting against the vines, looked at her sister, confused.

    There was more?

    After a moment, she nodded reluctantly. “Mm…”

    “Really doesn’t hurt?” Seeing her sister’s expression, Lin Jiayao wasn’t convinced. If it did hurt, she could add a bit of numbing blood; a small amount shouldn’t affect her sister too much, not as an Awakened.

    “It doesn’t hurt,” Lin Xiwan said, avoiding her sister’s gaze.

    It didn’t hurt, but it was… itchy.

    An unbearable itching, and the sensation varied depending on where her sister touched her.

    A different kind of itch for every spot.

    But she had endured it so far; she was developing a tolerance.

    The rest should be easier.

    Lin Jiayao, seeing her sister’s averted gaze, her eyes narrowed slightly.

    “Maybe I should add a bit of neurotoxin then, just to be safe. It won’t hurt, just a slight tingling sensation,” she said.

    By now, she was certain her sister was just being brave; she must still be feeling some pain.

    “Gurgle—”

    As she submerged herself, before she could even open her eyes underwater, she was suddenly lifted out of the water.

    “No, no neurotoxin! It really doesn’t hurt!” Lin Xiwan said quickly.

    Lin Jiayao, pushing her wet hair back, looked at her sister, puzzled.

    Her sister’s expression… was that panic?

    She seemed genuinely afraid of the neurotoxin.

    Lin Xiwan was terrified of the neurotoxin.

    The itching was already unbearable; adding numbness… she wasn’t sure she could handle it.

    “Oh.” Lin Jiayao nodded and was about to submerge herself again when she realized her sister was still holding her.

    “Really don’t need it?”

    “Really.”

    “Promise?”

    “I promise.”

    “Okay…”

    After several reassurances, finally convinced her sister wouldn’t use the neurotoxin, Lin Xiwan carefully lowered her back into the water.

    “Form is emptiness, emptiness is form…” she muttered, her eyes closed, steeling herself.

    Like being at the dentist, hearing the drill whirring, never knowing when the next jolt of pain would come.

    Her heightened senses amplified every sound, every ripple in the water as her sister moved.

    Even the light touch of her sister’s hands on her thighs as she adjusted her position sent shivers down her spine.

    She couldn’t help herself and peeked down.

    Through the gap between… well, let’s just say her natural endowments, she could clearly see her sister’s face.

    The sunlight, filtering through the water, reflected off her sister’s skin, making her seem almost… luminous.

    A beautiful girl, bathing in the sunlight, a captivating sight.

    But the location of her sister’s tongue… was… compromising.

    Her inner thigh!

    Even though she had been expecting it, bracing herself, she still couldn’t suppress a shudder as her sister’s tongue touched her, her legs instinctively clamping shut.

    It wasn’t intentional, a purely involuntary reaction.

    And her sister’s head was now… trapped…

    Thankfully, she’d eased her grip in time, her C-rank strength not fully unleashed; otherwise… well, it could have been messy.

    “Gurgle, gurgle—”

    Lin Jiayao, startled by the sudden pressure, choked, the air escaping her lungs, forcing her to surface for air.

    “Cough… sorry, it was an accident… won’t happen again…” Lin Xiwan said, seeing her sister’s slightly annoyed expression.

    Lin Jiayao, seeing her sister apologize, didn’t say anything more and took a deep breath, submerging herself again.

    She saw that her sister, to prevent another… accident, had placed her hands in the water, one on each knee, her legs slightly apart.

    A… suggestive position.

    But Lin Jiayao didn’t dwell on it, her eyes focusing on the next set of stitches.

    She was also inspecting the system’s handiwork, ready to complain if she found any scars.

    Time passed, even Huayibai, blissfully floating in the water, eventually surfaced.

    Opening its eyes, it saw a strange sight.

    What is Mommy doing?

    It blinked, confused, scratching its head.

    Is it something yummy?

    It tilted its head, observing its Mommy’s actions, not daring to interrupt.

    Finally, it understood.

    Mommy is eating something yummy!

    It could clearly see Mommy’s tongue licking those thin, thread-like things, seemingly… collecting them.

    Yibai can do that too!

    It swam over and tapped Mommy’s shoulder.

    Mommy looked at it, a questioning look in her eyes.

    Huayibai proudly puffed out its chest and pointed at the few remaining tendrils on Lin Xiwan’s thigh, offering its assistance.

    But Mommy just shook her head and pushed it away.

    “Huh?”

    Confused, it didn’t understand.

    Wouldn’t it be faster with two people working together?

    It could even share some of its own tendrils with Mommy; they could do that.

    But it quickly dismissed the thought.

    Pushing off the soft vines with its small feet, it stood up, creating a splash.

    “Yibai…”

    Lin Xiwan, noticing it had surfaced, greeted it weakly.

    “Sister Xi!”

    Under Lin Xiwan’s persistent tutelage, although Huayibai hadn’t changed its way of addressing Lin Jiayao, it had finally learned to call her sister “Sister Xi.”

    But it noticed that Sister Xi didn’t look well.

    “Sister Xi, are you… okay?” it asked, concerned, taking a few steps towards her.

    “I’m fine…” Lin Xiwan raised a hand dismissively.

    But before she could finish, a sudden sharp intake of breath, as her sister’s fingers brushed against a particularly… sensitive… spot.

    “Hmm?” Huayibai blinked.

    Was Sister Xi really okay?

    “Are you… done…?” Lin Xiwan asked, changing the subject.

    “Yes!” Huayibai nodded.

    It had let every tendril within its body absorb the water infused with its Mommy’s essence. It felt wonderful, revitalized.

    And this place… it felt like home. The climate was perfect, the other fungi here docile and friendly.

    “Sister Xi, I want to go… somewhere… I’ll be back soon.” Perhaps wanting to analyze the local fungi, to surprise its Mommy with a gift, Huayibai decided to find a fungal colony and study it.

    “Be careful… and come back soon…”

    Knowing Huayibai was a B-rank Awakened, Lin Xiwan wasn’t too worried about its safety.

    And right now, she was slightly distracted.

    “Mommy, I’ll be back soon~”

    Huayibai called out to its submerged Mommy, and receiving no response, repeated it, this time underwater.

    “Gurgle, gurgle…”

    Although the words were muffled, Lin Jiayao understood, nodded, and then continued working.

    Almost done. She wanted to finish quickly.

    Her tongue was numb, almost to the point of cramping.

    Having received permission from both parents, Huayibai climbed out of the vine-scoop, onto the platform, grabbed its dress, and put it on.

    As it did, a pair of thin, white stockings and a pair of fungus-formed shoes materialized on its feet.

    Dressed, Huayibai looked down at the mist below and jumped, its flexible body easily handling the impact, landing without injury, just a slight ripple as its form solidified.

    Shortly after Huayibai left, Lin Jiayao’s arm emerged from the water, waving slightly.

    Seeing her sister didn’t seem to notice, she pulled herself out, using her sister’s shoulder for support.

    “Hoo… Done,” she said, sitting on her sister’s lap, her chest heaving from holding her breath underwater; she hadn’t yet evolved the ability to breathe underwater.

    There had been a water-breathing evolution earlier, but she hadn’t chosen it.

    Initially, because she’d been mostly inland, and it seemed unnecessary.

    But now she realized these abilities had… hidden benefits.

    For example, [Shallow Water Breathing Lv.1], although seemingly just about breathing underwater, would also enhance her lung capacity and stamina.

    I have to consider these hidden benefits when choosing evolutions.

    While thinking about this, she looked at her sister and paused.

    Her sister’s arms were still spread wide, resting on the vines, but her eyes were unfocused, her lips slightly parted.

    Like a broken doll.

    “Sister?”

    She’d never seen her sister like this. Hesitantly, she reached out and touched her cheek.

    “Sister?”

    She called out again, and her sister finally seemed to “reboot”.

    “Fell asleep?” Lin Jiayao asked casually, splashing water on her sister’s face, cleaning the grime.

    “Ah… mm… yes, I fell asleep,” Lin Xiwan said, her voice slightly drowsy, her sister’s soft voice having pulled her back.

    She’d said “asleep,” and it was… sort of true… her soul had left her body, ascended to somewhere…

    She’d never experienced anything like that before.

    But she had completed the task without making any… unnecessary noises, her willpower rivaling that of Guan Yu undergoing surgery without anesthesia.

    Seeing that her sister’s expression was normal, she relaxed, sliding slightly lower into the water.

    “Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle…”

    She didn’t play around any further but quickly finished cleaning both of them, then carried her sister to the vine platform and sat her down.

    Then, taking their clothes, she rinsed them in the vine-scoop.

    Without any detergent, it was just a quick rinse, removing the visible dirt, ash, and bloodstains.

    After rinsing their clothes, the water in the scoop was now murky, mostly blood.

    “Splash—”

    Lin Jiayao, using her abilities, opened a small hole in the bottom of the vine-scoop, draining the dirty water.

    Although dirty to them, to the building-trees and their vines, this was nutrient-rich fertilizer.

    After hanging their clothes on some sunlit vines to dry, Lin Xiwan returned to her sister’s side.

    They sat there in comfortable silence, watching their clothes swaying gently in the breeze, the sun warm on their faces.

    After a while, Lin Xiwan sighed softly and smiled. “It’s been so long since I’ve felt this… relaxed.”

    “Yes,” Lin Jiayao agreed.

    It had been so long…

    Perhaps the most relaxed she’d felt in the five years since the apocalypse began.

    No worries about survival, no arduous exploration missions, no impending disasters, no relentless pursuers…

    No fighting, no blood, no separation, just the two of them, enjoying the peace and quiet, the warmth of the sun, the lush greenery surrounding them.

    And no one, besides Huayibai, would disturb them. They were alone in this city, the only sentient beings, as far as they knew.

    Sitting there, naked, amidst the greenery, they were like… Eve and… Second Eve… in the Garden of Eden.

    No Adam; there were no men here.

    Lin Jiayao could create one from fungal tendrils, but it would be just a hollow shell, and she had no desire to create… that.

    It was completely unnecessary.

    Lin Xiwan, sitting on the vines, her legs dangling over the edge, the mist and the intertwined vines below creating a dreamlike landscape, looked at her sister.

    “Is there any… food here…?” She took her sister’s hand.

    “Food?” Lin Jiayao thought for a moment, then shook her head.

    Although she had been here before, during a battle, she didn’t remember the details.

    Whether there was food here… she wasn’t sure.

    But she did remember seeing a place, on the other side of the city, untouched by the fire, its pink blossoms a stark contrast to the surrounding greenery.

    A large sign, covered in thorns, with the words – Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

    According to the information she’d gathered in Survivor’s Light, the largest germplasm resource bank in China was located within this institute.

    They might find preserved seeds there… if it hadn’t been destroyed.

    She told her sister about this, and Lin Xiwan’s eyes lit up.

    “That’s… the place Survivor’s Light was planning to go to?” she asked, squeezing her sister’s hand excitedly. “Should we… go there… after our clothes are dry?”

    “Okay,” Lin Jiayao nodded.

    Even if her sister hadn’t suggested it, she would have gone there anyway.

    And she could guess her sister’s reasoning.

    She had always admired Survivor’s Light. Even though it had fallen, as long as it wasn’t officially declared dead, there was still… hope.

    After all, she had listened to their broadcasts for almost four years.

    Although their broadcasts were now just warnings, no one knew the true situation there; as long as the radio station was still active, there was still a glimmer of hope.

    Knowing the seed bank hadn’t been destroyed made Lin Xiwan even more excited. “Hopefully, it’s still intact… I remember seeing a lot of agricultural universities near there when I was filling out my university applications. Maybe…”

    “Oh, right, university applications… that’s what you do after the gaokao, you choose your preferred universities based on your scores… I don’t think I ever explained that to you, haha…”

    Lin Jiayao smiled faintly, listening to her sister’s excited ramblings.

    It was like… back in the resort camp, after a long exploration, her sister would tell her everything she’d seen and heard, pouring out all the things she’d kept bottled up.

    “Yao.”

    Lin Xiwan suddenly stopped talking and looked at her sister, her expression serious.

    “What is it?”

    “If… if we find wheat seeds there, or other seeds… let’s settle down here, okay?”

    Although she was phrasing it as a question, the longing in her eyes was clear.

    She wanted to find a safe place, a permanent home, for her, her sister, and Yibai. Even a simple life of farming and gardening would be better than constantly fighting for survival.

    And this place seemed perfect.

    No other humans, just a vast network of plants, and her sister could even control them.

    If they could become self-sufficient here… it would be a true haven, a place where they could live in peace, forever.

    “Okay,” Lin Jiayao said with a smile, readily agreeing.

    A permanent home… that wasn’t a bad idea.

    Staying in Kun City would be much safer than constantly traveling.

    And with the system, she didn’t need to travel to find zombies and evolve; she just needed to log in and extract.

    Distance was meaningless.

    She could just live here with her sister, log in daily, exhaust her mental strength, and then sleep, her power steadily increasing.

    Without any unforeseen circumstances, she could even reach the legendary A-rank in this peaceful environment.

    And as for Japan… that shouldn’t affect them here. And there hadn’t been any news from the north, which was a good sign. And the smaller neighboring countries, with their lower population densities, were unlikely to produce any truly powerful mutated zombies.

    Safe and sound.

    Hearing her sister’s agreement, Lin Xiwan beamed, like a groom hearing “I do,” and kissed her sister’s cheek.

    “So cheesy…” Lin Jiayao gently pushed her away, but her sister, exaggerating, fell backwards.

    And her hand, still holding Lin Jiayao’s, pulled her down with her.

    They lay there, side-by-side, their legs dangling over the edge of the platform, and laughed.

    Suddenly, Lin Xiwan remembered something. “Where’s Huayibai? It hasn’t come back yet?”

    She had been so engrossed in her conversation with her sister that she’d forgotten about the little girl.

    Lin Jiayao activated Bone Spike Lurker.

    “It’s nearby, don’t worry, it’s safe.”

    Huayibai seemed to be crouching beside a building-tree, talking to… the white fungus growing on it?

    “Good…”

    They lay there, chatting, and as the sun rose higher, Lin Xiwan moved them to a shaded area.

    Soon, their clothes were almost dry. After helping her sister dress, Lin Xiwan also put on her clothes.

    Placing her sister back in the wheelchair, they descended, the vines gently lowering them.

    Back on the ground, they saw Huayibai, still crouching near a building-tree.

    Beneath the canopy, the sunlight wasn’t as intense, the air damp and cool.

    Their hair was still slightly damp; it would probably take a while to dry completely in this humidity.

    Lin Xiwan pushed the wheelchair towards Huayibai.

    “It’s okay… your abilities are too weak, I won’t hurt you… oh… that little green one is stronger, I’ll talk to it next time…”

    Huayibai, seemingly talking to a small white mushroom on the tree’s roots, stopped as they approached.

    “I’ll talk to you later. Mommy is here.”

    It stood up, smoothed its skirt, and turned, looking at Lin Xiwan and Lin Jiayao.

    “Sister Xi! Mommy!”

    It ran and hugged Lin Jiayao. Mommy, freshly bathed, smelled even better now.

    Even among all the different fungi here, Mommy’s scent was the best.

    “Don’t rub against me, be good…”

    After petting Huayibai, Lin Jiayao looked at her sister and then pointed.

    “It’s… over there.”

    “Okay.” Lin Xiwan nodded, also petting Huayibai’s now dry, fluffy hair.

    Pushing her sister’s wheelchair, she followed Lin Jiayao’s directions towards the seed bank.

    It was quite far, and their current pace was slow; they might not reach the Institute of Botany until nightfall.

    So they changed their mode of transport; Lin Jiayao abandoned the wheelchair and let her sister carry her, Huayibai clinging to her back, the three of them running now, much faster.

    Finally, before sunset, they saw a different color, a pink hue amidst the greenery, and a stone stele they hadn’t seen before.

    “Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences…”

    Lin Xiwan read the inscription aloud and exchanged glances with her sister.

    They had arrived. The largest seed bank in Asia.

  • My Girlfriend is a Cold and Aloof Sickly Beauty 47

    Chapter 47: The Future

    Ever since learning that a little princess from ancient times would be coming to live with them, Sister Cheng had taken on the responsibility of preparing her three meals a day and snacks.

    A poor child who grew up in the cold palace and was sent away for a marriage alliance while still ill! —Every time she thought of the child’s background and experiences, Sister Cheng’s heart ached.

    Third Miss was in poor health, thin and frail. The food had to be soft and easy to digest. She needed to be nourished before coming over, so she could gain some weight during the winter.

    Whatever the two young misses ate, Sister Cheng prepared the same for Xiao Luohan. But during special holidays like the winter solstice and Christmas, she would prepare something extra special for Xiao Luohan.

    On the winter solstice, she made assorted dumplings for lunch, adding a few shepherd’s purse and cabbage dumplings, and sprinkled a generous amount of cilantro, which Third Miss liked. In the evening, she timed it perfectly and made sweet fermented rice balls, just as Second Miss came home, and the two girls shared a bowl each.

    On Christmas Eve, before picking up Second Miss from evening self-study, she baked a soft apple pie, adding finely chopped pieces of the Christmas apples Ms. Wei brought home from work. She also baked a large batch of gingerbread cookies in the shapes of five-pointed stars, six-pointed snowflakes, Christmas trees, Christmas stockings, and candy canes.

    Seeing this, Ms. Wei would laugh and accuse her of “favoritism,” but even she couldn’t help but prepare things for Xiao Luohan.

    They all wanted to care for this well-behaved and resilient child, to make her remaining days in the ancient world more comfortable and happy.

    Jiang Xue was busy with her studies during the day and spent her nights decorating the mindscape with the Third Princess in her dreams. Days flew by, and soon it was the end of the month.

    According to Si Ling’s “tradition,” performances that were highly rated during the preliminary auditions would usually be performed twice, once for the performers’ own grade, and another for a grade chosen randomly by the performer’s representative.

    The program list for all three grades had to be finalized before the dress rehearsal. Dan Yuanyuan, who always had bad luck, “unfortunately” drew the freshman year, which started at 10:00 AM, but their turn wouldn’t be until around 11:30 AM.

    Jiang Xue had experienced this in her freshman year and wasn’t surprised. Amidst the groans of complaint, she wrote to Xiao Luohan: 【I’ll send you breakfast and lunch together! What do you want to eat?】

    【Anything is fine for breakfast, but I’d like self-heating rice for lunch, the carrot and beef stew flavor.】

    Xiao Luohan’s health had improved a bit, and she was starting to be interested in richer-flavored instant foods. Jiang Xue had sent her instant noodles and self-heating rice before.

    【Do you want fresh vegetable soup? Sister Cheng made it.】

    【Yes!】

    【And chicken feet? Do you want braised or pickled pepper flavor?】

    【Braised, the pickled pepper is too spicy, I can’t handle it yet.】

    Having decided on the food, Jiang Xue sent Xiao Luohan breakfast and lunch early in the morning, since there were no classes on the day of the New Year’s Eve gala. She went back to bed for a while before going to school with Jiang Mei.

    But when she got in the car, she found someone already sitting in the passenger seat.

    “Hi.” Dr. Qi took off her sunglasses, turned around, and held up her bag. “I’m your makeup artist.”

    Jiang Xue: …

    She had only said that her older sister should find a makeup artist. Her older sister had a wide network, so the makeup artist she found would definitely be reliable.

    She hadn’t expected their family doctor to be so multi-talented. If she had known, she wouldn’t have hired a separate makeup artist in her freshman year. It was better to keep the money within the family!

    Jiang Mei, on the other hand, had changed into her costume, done her own makeup, and left the house with her sword case. She was a bit of a germaphobe, especially with cosmetics, and preferred not to use other people’s.

    Sister Cheng started the car and drove the three of them to school.

    Changing clothes and applying makeup wasn’t a big deal. Dr. Qi was skilled and quickly finished everyone’s makeup.

    Around 10:30 AM, she also brought takeout, emphasizing, “Your older sister bought it.”

    Jiang Mei: …

    She gave Dr. Qi an amused look. She had wanted to be an anonymous benefactor, but she had been exposed.

    The takeout was boxed lunches from a well-established restaurant. Jiang Mei had ordered from them before for performances at her workplace, so they were regular customers, and the restaurant always gave them generous portions.

    …It’s just that she had forgotten to ask them to leave out the celery today. Opening the lid, she saw a mountain of celery stir-fried with meat, and her head started to ache.

    She was about to ask Jiang Xue to pick out the celery when a spoon reached over and scooped out half of it, then another scoop, and the “celery mountain” was gone.

    Jiang Mei was stunned. Turning her head, she saw Xie Xitong sitting next to Jiang Xue with her takeout, picking out the celery from Jiang Xue’s food as well.

    She had forgotten that this girl next door loved celery.

    When Xiao Luohan entered the dream, Jiang Xue and the others were waiting backstage.

    The performers for the next two acts were also waiting. The freshmen weren’t as composed as the seniors and were even taking deep breaths nervously.

    There were too many people around. Even if Jiang Xue saw her, she only waved discreetly under her sleeve. Xiao Luohan smiled and floated over, sitting down in the empty space behind Jiang Xue.

    “Are you cold?”

    Jiang Xue didn’t dare shake her head. She hooked her pinky finger and wiggled it slightly, indicating that she wasn’t cold.

    But her hand was actually a little icy.

    Xiao Luohan couldn’t help but cover Jiang Xue’s hand with her own—she didn’t know if she could warm her up in the dream.

    She felt Jiang Xue tremble, thinking she was cold but too stubborn to admit it, and held her hand even tighter.

    Jiang Xue felt that tingling sensation again!

    She hadn’t thought about it that way at first, but every time Xiao Luohan touched her, she felt this tingling. Even a fool would have realized by now!

    But this wasn’t something she could talk about, especially not with Xiao Luohan. She was afraid that if this girl knew about her feelings, she would actually add “repaying kindness with her body” to her list of repayment methods!

    She wanted to pull her hand back, but was afraid of being misunderstood by Xiao Luohan. It wasn’t convenient to explain now, with everyone backstage watching.

    But continuing to be held like this made her feel that tingling sensation, making her both embarrassed and nervous. Hearing the commotion outside, the play had just reached the part where the female general’s spirit appeared in a dream to teach her younger sister. She knew there was still some time left, so she simply stood up and said to Jiang Mei, “I’m nervous, I’m going out for some air.”

    Then she was met with her older sister’s puzzled look, and when she turned around, her friend Xie Xitong’s face was red from suppressing laughter!

    Afraid that Xie Xitong would say something to her sister, Jiang Xue pulled her out with her. As soon as they reached a secluded spot, Xie Xitong burst out laughing.

    Xiao Luohan looked at them, puzzled.

    But although Xie Xitong laughed, she wouldn’t betray her friend for now—she wanted to see when these two would finally realize their feelings. Her friend seemed to be on the right track, but the other girl from ancient times… it was hard to say, but it was probably just a matter of time.

    “I’m done,” she said after she finished laughing, and returned backstage, winking at Jiang Xue before leaving, indicating that she knew what was going on.

    Jiang Xue took this opportunity to pull her hand away from the Third Princess’s, rubbing her hands and moving her limbs, confirming that she had only come out for “some air.”

    “Why was A-Xi laughing?” Xiao Luohan was genuinely curious.

    Jiang Xue couldn’t tell her the truth, so she made up another story: “She thought of something happy.”

    Xiao Luohan, unfamiliar with the “mermaid” meme, just looked at her, waiting for the rest of the story.

    “She gets to perform on the same stage with the older girl next door she likes in their senior year, and twice, too.”

    Jiang Xue had long since figured out that Xie Xitong had a crush on her older sister.

    Her friend was an “older sister complex,” and since the Jiang and Xie families had always been close, and her older sister had always been excellent, dazzling, and beautiful, Xie Xitong had unilaterally included her in her future plans.

    “You know now that in our society, women can not only marry each other, but also have children,” Jiang Xue said. “And young people in this era are more direct in their relationships. A-Xi is very outgoing and always seizes every opportunity.”

    Xiao Luohan suddenly understood, then asked tentatively, “But, Mei-jiejie doesn’t seem to know?”

    “Even if my sister knows, she won’t reciprocate for three to five years,” Jiang Xue shrugged. “Young people, you know, they might impulsively pursue someone, then suddenly give up when the passion fades.”

    “Anyway, A-Xi is still young… uh, in my sister’s eyes, we’re all still children. After we graduate and go to university, she might start pursuing a senior there.”

    She paused, a hint of embarrassment in her pride. “My sister is hard to chase! It’s said that since elementary school, both boys and girls have had crushes on her and pursued her. If she paid attention to every one of them, she would have so many worries!”

    Xiao Luohan thought about it and agreed.

    Her elder sister had never mentioned such troubles to her, but her elder sister was the Emperor’s first child, and her maternal family was a powerful military clan, guarding Beiliao’s borders. No man dared to pursue her without her consent.

    Jiang Xue had successfully explained Xie Xitong’s laughter. Since it would soon be their turn to perform, Jiang Xue breathed a sigh of relief and told Xiao Luohan about the seating arrangements in the auditorium. “The auditorium is full today, and even the homeroom teachers have to share seats, so you won’t find any empty ones. But there’s a small platform on the second floor… you saw it last time, right?”

    Xiao Luohan nodded knowingly. She had seen it in Jiang Xue’s first-year diary entries and knew that only important school leaders sat there. It had the best view, and Jiang Xue could see her from the stage.

    After sending Jiang Xue backstage, she floated to the back of the auditorium, up the stairs to the second floor, found an empty seat, and looked at the stage expectantly.

    Jiang Xue and the others were performing twice today, and she wanted to accompany her for both performances.

    Such a meaningful performance, having another witness, when they talked about it in the future, there would be one more person to share it with.

    At this thought, Xiao Luohan paused.

    “The future”…

    A-Xi had included Mei-jiejie in her future plans, and she herself had also quietly placed Jiang Xue in “the future.”

    She followed this train of thought for a while, then felt that Jiang Xue seemed to have always done this.

    They were from two different worlds, initially just pen pals, never imagining that one day they would truly be by each other’s side.

    Was this… also a form of kindness?

    She couldn’t help but wonder how she could possibly repay it.

    Would she repay the Jiang family for the rest of her life? To what extent? Jiang Xue, Mei-jiejie, the two aunts, Sister Cheng… with her abilities, what could she do for them?

    Xiao Luohan continued to ponder, but when Jiang Xue’s performance started, she immediately focused all her attention, applauding several times, although only Jiang Xue and Xie Xitong could hear it.

    After waking up, she cleaned up the self-heating rice packaging, still thinking about it. When she ate the noodles Jiang Xue sent later that evening, she was still thinking about it.

    In the end, she only thought of one way to repay Jiang Xue, but as soon as the thought crossed her mind, she felt presumptuous and ashamed, hugging the Shiba Inu plush toy and falling asleep filled with guilt.

    When she “woke up” in the dream, she heard the sounds of fireworks and firecrackers from outside the auditorium… no, from outside the school.

    The New Year’s Eve celebration had begun. Although it was the Gregorian New Year, it was also very important to the people in this world.

    She went to her usual spot, sitting next to the school leaders, watching the performances and occasionally glancing at the school leaders who were busy replying to messages on their phones.

    It was so nice that even the head of the school in this world was a woman.

    When it was Jiang Xue’s turn to perform again, Xiao Luohan stood up and was the first to applaud.

    The night was long, and she slept deeply. Later, she should be able to sit with Jiang Xue, watch the rest of the senior year performances, and then go home with her—day students could go home directly after school today, while boarding students would go home tomorrow morning.

    Just as she was thinking this, she suddenly felt a biting coldness on her face!

    Not just her face, she felt the coldness seep into her neck, her collar, and finally, into her bed.

    Startled, she instantly woke up, then her eyes were stung by a bright light.

    The bed curtains were drawn back, and the room was brightly lit.

    Countless servants were holding lamps, standing ominously around the room.

    Xiao Luohan’s eyes widened. She instinctively sat up and looked towards the end of the sea of lamps—

    Behind her desk, sat the Crown Prince of Daying, reading a book!

  • Dear, it’s time for your medicine! 278

    Chapter 278: Ruthless Destruction

    Even Qin Chu felt his explanation sounded weak.

    The scene, to any observer, looked like he was assaulting the woman. It was a classic case of “damned if you do, damned if you don’t.”

    Not that Qin Chu particularly cared.

    Seeing his apparent indifference, Angela was surprised by his calmness, but she didn’t have time to dwell on it. Almost instinctively, she shrieked: “Your Majesty, you must uphold justice for me! Don’t listen to his lies! This beast lunged at me the moment he saw me, tearing at my clothes!”

    “I refused him, and he hit me… sob…”

    Angela cried convincingly, her tear-streaked, bloodied face lending credence to her performance.

    Sharon frowned. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.

    Wadsworth, though seemingly enraged, showed no sign of attacking.

    What was going on? When had Wadsworth become so restrained?

    Was it because of Qin Chu’s status as the Hero?

    This plan relied on Wadsworth’s impulsive and violent nature. He was supposed to lash out without thinking, before realizing who Qin Chu was.

    A sense of foreboding washed over Sharon.

    But gritting her teeth, she pressed on.

    “Hero, you have deeply disappointed His Majesty.”

    “His Majesty treats you like a brother, yet you dare assault his consort! You’re incredibly audacious! Do you think His Majesty’s trust grants you impunity?”

    “We all saw what happened. Do you still intend to deny it? Are you going to claim that Lady Angela threw herself at you?”

    Which she actually did.

    “I saw you making advances towards Lady Angela earlier. I thought you had some decency, that you wouldn’t cause trouble within the palace walls. But I underestimated your depravity.”

    Sharon’s accusations solidified the image of Qin Chu as the aggressor: “If this gets out, where will His Majesty’s face be? Where will the Auville Empire’s dignity be?”

    “Your Majesty, kill this scoundrel! Uphold the royal family’s honor! We cannot allow a fifth person to learn of this…”

    This woman is truly vicious.

    Is she goading Wadsworth into killing me?

    Qin Chu saw her as nothing more than a clown.

    Seeing Wadsworth’s continued inaction despite his obvious fury, Sharon’s unease intensified. Growing impatient, she urged him again: “Your Majesty, what are you waiting for?”

    “Now, while it’s just us, is the perfect time to eliminate the Hero. If anyone else comes…”

    Suddenly, Wadsworth roared:

    “Shut up, bitch!”

    His voice boomed like thunder.

    Sharon’s heart lurched, her words catching in her throat.

    Her face paled. At such close proximity, Wadsworth’s aura was overwhelming, making her tremble.

    She couldn’t understand. The Hero had assaulted his consort, yet Wadsworth was directing his anger at her?

    What had gone wrong?

    Before she could comprehend the situation, Wadsworth’s suppressed rage erupted. His hairy hand shot out, seizing her throat and lifting her into the air.

    Despite her strength, Sharon was helpless against Wadsworth.

    Her tall frame seemed delicate in his grasp.

    His thick fingers threatened to snap her neck.

    Sharon struggled desperately, her face contorted in pain and asphyxiation. Her hands clawed at his fingers, but they held firm like iron shackles.

    Her long legs kicked wildly.

    “Your Majesty, wh… what are you doing?” Sharon choked out, making a last-ditch effort: “The… the Hero is assaulting Sister Angela! Why…”

    “Shut up, you stupid bitch!” Wadsworth snarled, his voice like a lion’s roar.

    The rage that had been building since Carol and Angelica informed him of the plot now exploded. His most beloved consorts were members of that depraved organization, and he didn’t even know if his sons were truly his…

    All his fury was unleashed.

    His eyes were bloodshot, his face contorted like a wild beast, his lips drawn back in a snarl, his teeth bared as if he wanted to tear Sharon apart.

    “Did you really think you could fool me?”

    “Huh?”

    “Did you really think I didn’t know who you and Angela really are?”

    “Sharon, you’re a duke’s daughter, aren’t you? And Angela, your father is a marquis, right? Noble ladies, members of that filthy, depraved Blissful Witch Society!”

    Blissful Witch Society?

    Hearing those words, Sharon and Angela’s faces paled.

    Their bodies stiffened.

    Wadsworth knew? How?

    It was impossible. They had erased all traces. He shouldn’t have been able to find out.

    What had gone wrong?

    Wadsworth’s voice softened, a gentleness that terrified Sharon even more. His rough fingers traced her delicate face, the touch almost painful:

    “Sharon… and Angela… I doted on you these past few years…”

    “You were the most powerful and influential consorts in my harem. What more could you want? Why join such a filthy, depraved organization?”

    “You know, the thought of our intimacy these past few years makes me sick!”

    Sharon shook her head frantically: “No, Your Majesty! You… you misunderstand! We’re not…”

    Seeing her desperate denials, Wadsworth’s rage overflowed. He lifted Sharon high, then slammed her onto the stone floor.

    Bang!

    The ground trembled.

    Cracks spiderwebbed across the hard stone.

    Sharon’s body bounced, then collapsed, her back taking the brunt of the impact. She gasped, blood spraying from her mouth, staining her chest crimson.

    The love Wadsworth had once held for these women was now replaced by rage, hatred, and disgust.

    The feeling of betrayal drove him to the brink of madness.

    A murderous intent filled him, an urge to destroy everything.

    He hadn’t held back.

    The Emperor’s methods were far more brutal than anyone imagined. He had used his ancestral battle qi, shattering every bone in Sharon’s body, except for those in her head, leaving her alive but in agonizing pain.

    Sharon’s screams mingled with the blood bubbling from her lips, her beautiful face now smeared with dirt and blood.

    Her body writhed like a worm, twisting and struggling.

    Splintered bones pierced her flesh, causing excruciating pain.

    She wanted to die, to escape this torment worse than hell. But she couldn’t die, her consciousness agonizingly clear, amplifying her suffering.

    This torture could last for hours, even days, as she slowly felt her life ebb away, waiting for death in fear and despair.

    Wadsworth’s ruthless attack on his own consort shocked even Qin Chu.

    Suddenly, Wadsworth crouched down, grabbing Sharon’s hair and lifting her head: “Sharon…”

    “And Angela…”

    “Open your stupid eyes and look. Who is this?”

    As Wadsworth roared, Carol emerged from behind a pillar, supporting Angelica.

    Despite her agony, Sharon turned her head. Seeing Angelica, her eyes widened in shock.

    Angela cried out in disbelief: “How is she still alive? The Vice President clearly…”

    She stopped mid-sentence, realizing her mistake. It was too late.

    Despair filled her face.

    Wadsworth’s last shred of hope vanished.

    Those words ignited a murderous fury within Qin Chu.

    These bitches had harmed Angelica?

    His face turned to ice. Seeing Angelica’s weakened state, her pale face, the flicker of pain in her eyes…

    Killing intent erupted from him like a storm.

    The intense, bone-chilling aura made even Wadsworth shudder.

    Qin Chu seemed enveloped in a crimson shroud, like a bottomless sea of blood filled with white bones and rotting corpses.

    Despairing souls struggled and wailed within the bloody depths.

  • The Villainous Older Sister Who Loves Her Younger Sister Aims for the Guillotine 60

    60: A Mud-Covered Saint

    Knight Commander Felix, minus three points.

    Prince Konrad, minus two points.

    Chief Physician Louis, minus one point. (in order of score)

    The three men’s favorability ratings plummeted shortly after the [Horse Riding Event] began.

    For my sister, it was a heart-pounding romantic event (probably), and for me, it was an opportunity to assess whether these men were worthy of her.

    While I was judging them, ultimately, the choice was Leticia’s, so my opinion of them didn’t matter.

    However, since I couldn’t just gallop off on Lillie, all I could do was observe and mentally deduct points.

    Felix, who showed no concern for my sister on her pony despite his earlier words of caution, was out of the question. He was treating a leisurely ride with a lady the same as a ride with his fellow knights.

    Konrad wasn’t much better. He hadn’t made her gallop, but he was far ahead.

    Louis… was keeping an eye on us from a distance, but he hadn’t said anything, so he wasn’t being helpful.

    …I was starting to worry about my sister’s future after I was gone.

    Well, they were supposed to be closer by then…

    And my sister was supposed to be able to choose who she rode with during this event…

    My sister seemed a little nervous.

    Well, she had been expecting a pleasant horseback ride, only to be given a pony as a mean-spirited prank. It was understandable.

    “…Leticia, you can ride with those three if you’d like.”

    I tried to say it gently, so she wouldn’t feel pressured to stay with me.

    However, my sister, riding her pony beside me, looked up at me—since she was on a smaller horse, she had to look up—and smiled radiantly.

    “I want to be next to Elder Sister.”

    Her cuteness was interfering with my plans!

    “…Flattery won’t get you anywhere.”

    “That’s not what I—”

    My sister’s expression visibly darkened.

    Oh, dear! I didn’t mean it like that! I didn’t want to make her sad!

    But there was nothing I could do.

    …Well, I was supposed to be sent to the guillotine as the head of the Vanderwaals family, not stripped of my title.

    Our graves might be next to each other.

    It was a long-term plan, since I intended for my sister to live a long and happy life.

    Thinking such thoughts, I watched for the right moment.

    We were almost at the designated spot.

    The moment everyone’s attention shifted away from my sister, I made my move.

    “—!”

    I let out a dramatic scream, feigning a loss of balance—I slipped my foot out of the stirrup and ‘fell’ towards my sister.

    What was I doing falling? Well—the scenario didn’t say the ‘villainous sister didn’t fall,’ nor did it say she had to ‘look down from her horse.’ Besides, when I callously plucked the wildflower and threw it at her, I was on the ground. Doing it earlier wouldn’t change anything.

    I ‘fell’ from my horse, bumping Leticia’s pony and causing her to fall as well, while subtly guiding her fall with my hand on her back to prevent any serious injuries.

    Bracing myself for some bruises, I landed on the grass, rolled to lessen the impact, quickly got to my feet, and positioned myself to look down at my sister.

    “E-Elder Sister? W-what—? Mud?”

    My sister, sitting on the ground, looked up at me with bewildered eyes, covered in mud.

    I had carefully dug up the soil with a shovel and sprinkled it with water, creating a muddy patch that would both cushion her fall and enhance the visual impact of my mean-spirited prank. I had even meticulously removed any small stones, so while she was muddy, she shouldn’t be injured.

    Of course, I had prepared several such spots.

    It had been a full day’s work.

    I had used all my free time, somehow squeezed out of my schedule, preparing for this day, to safely push Leticia off her pony.

    It had been a good workout.

    Today’s ‘fall’ and ‘injury’ were meant to showcase my cruelty as the villainous sister to the player.

    And to lessen the unpleasant aftertaste of my execution.

    But wouldn’t everyone in this world already know that?

    That’s why I decided to preempt fate and create the [Falling Event] myself.

    And, looking down at my sister, still sitting on the ground, I delivered the [Official Line].

    “[Oh dear, Leticia. Despite all my instruction, you still can’t ride properly. Perhaps you’re better suited to tending to draft horses?]”

    挿絵(By みてみん)

    She was riding a pony, and I was the one who pushed her off.

    The line lacked any credibility, but wasn’t being unreasonable part of being a villain?

    I wasn’t expected to be reasonable.

    My ‘role’ was the [Villainous Sister] of [Moonlight Liberium].

    “Um, that was… kind of weird… did you perhaps—”

    “—What was that?”

    I silenced her with a glare.

    “N-nothing!”

    My sister lowered her gaze.

    “Lady Leticia!”

    The prince called out my sister’s name and rode towards her.

    He subtly pulled on the reins, using his horse as a barrier. I understood his haste, but what was he going to do if his horse couldn’t stop in time? Minus points.

    “—Leticia?! What happened?!”

    Minus points for the Knight Commander as well. Leaving the lady he was supposed to be protecting to go off on his own; what a mutt.

    While scouting ahead to ensure there were no dangers was important, his first priority should have been to watch me.

    “Leticia, are you hurt?”

    Perhaps I would give the Chief Physician a pass.

    Though just being near my sister warranted a deduction.

    All three of them looked at me as if I were their sworn enemy.

    “[Oh my, what’s with the scary looks? —This was just an accident, wasn’t it?]”

    What a nasty line.

    It sounded exactly like something I would say.

    Well, it was me, so naturally.

    The mutt, I mean, Knight Commander Felix, snapped at me.

    “You…! There’s a difference between right and wrong!”

    “I didn’t do anything… anything to hurt my precious little sister…”

    I smiled seductively.

    Well, all I had done today was put my sister on a pony and make her land on her backside in a mud puddle I had diligently prepared the day before.

    Thank you, Ciel. Thanks to your rigorous training, I was able to push my sister off her horse while pretending to fall, without injuring her—I sent a grateful thought to my absent tutor.

    Lillie, who had suddenly been forced to dismount, was also unharmed. I also confirmed that the pony, which had been similarly forced to dismount Leticia, was also fine.

    “I-I’m alright. It was… my fault… I-I fell on my own. I’m not hurt.”

    My sister shook her head.

    No, I pushed you.

    “Lady Leticia…”

    “Leticia…”

    “Leticia…”

    The three men looked at her with concern, seeing her bravely enduring such unfair treatment.

    Good, they were all on my sister’s side!

    Now, for the finishing touch.

    I checked to make sure the [Yamaidome] was at my feet.

    ――Of course, I had created the mud puddle where it was growing.

    A resilient plant that bloomed from spring to late autumn. Its jagged leaves grew in thick clusters, and its small white flowers, while not showy, were… quite pretty.

    Harvesting and drying the Yamaidome before the onset of winter… before the snow buried it and it lost its blossoms, to be brewed and used as needed—that was a practice of the past.

    Even now, it was sometimes used in herbal teas as a folk remedy, and the Vanderwaals had also been producing it in small quantities.

    However, it had a distinct bitterness and was mainly advertised as a stimulant.

    I plucked one of the delicate white flowers and tossed it at my sister.

    It landed on her ample bosom.

    “[Here’s your medicine. Just right for a country bumpkin like you.]”

    The prince, the Knight Commander, and the Chief Physician all closed in.

    “Lady Adelheid! We will be filing a formal complaint with the Royal Palace about today’s incident!”

    “Be my guest. But if you protest over such a trivial matter, it’s my sister who will be embarrassed.”

    Villainous.

    “Adelheid! Stop disgracing the family name!”

    “Oh, I’m honored that you’re so concerned about our family name. But… you know… our family is known as the ‘Coldhearted Vanderwaals,’ and I am the head of the family…”

    Villainous.

    “Lady Adelheid…! What were you planning to do if she had been seriously injured?”

    “Injured? She’s just a girl, not even the head of the family. What’s the problem?”

    Villainous.

    “Thank you… Elder Sister…”

    Huh?

    Leticia picked up the flower from her chest and examined it closely.

    “This flower… it’s medicinal, isn’t it?”

    She knew?

    At this point in the game, there was no explanation; it was simply a scene where the [Protagonist], the player’s avatar, was callously tossed a weed and told it was medicine…

    The fact that this plant was once used medicinally was something the player only learned after diligently researching in the library, connecting it to my words.

    There was no indication that Leticia had this knowledge… there shouldn’t be.

    “You were worried about me, even though I wasn’t hurt.”

    Um, no…

    This wasn’t going as planned.

    The three men reached the edge of the mud puddle, but Leticia stood up and climbed out without any help.

    Then, she smiled brightly.

    “Are you alright, Elder Sister?”

    …My sister was a saint.

    I wondered when the guillotine would finally claim me…

    Or rather, let’s just skip ahead to the ball.

    My sister was a saint.

    “Lady Leticia…”

    “Leticia…”

    “Leticia…”

    While all three men’s favorability towards her seemed to be increasing, I was actually the one whose favorability towards my sister was increasing the most.

    But this event had to end with the lines from the scenario.

    “[This has ruined my mood. I’m leaving.]”

    “Whoa!”

    As a final touch, I pulled a towel from my pocket and threw it at my sister’s face.

    “This rag is all that’s fit for such a dirty face.”

    It was clean, by the way.

    “Make sure you wash off all that mud. You won’t be allowed back in the mansion otherwise.”

    Tossing her the towel under the guise of meanness was… probably within the performer’s discretion.

    Ignoring the three men, who were now glaring daggers at me, I gracefully mounted Lillie and nudged her sides.

    Without looking back, I urged her forward, picking up speed.

    “Elder Sister!”

    To outrun my sister’s voice calling after me.

    I wiped the mud from my cheek with the back of my hand.

    I looked down at the mud smeared on my skin.

    …I wish I could have stayed like that.

    With my sweet little sister, who still admired me—the head of the “Coldhearted Vanderwaals”—as her older sister, despite everything.

    I wanted to walk alongside her on horseback through the refreshing summer fields, undisturbed, enjoying the scenery and each other’s company.

    But that was outside the performer’s discretion.

    I didn’t want to change the future.

    I shouldn’t change it, for my own selfish desires.

    ――Except for the future where she found happiness.

  • Transformed into a Female Villain, But Captured by My Beautiful Girl Disciples v2c9

    Chapter 9: Character Collapse

    “Little~ Qiu~ Shui~~~”

    Gong Yiling squeezed Qiu Shui’s chest, then wrapped her arms around the girl’s neck, giggling and blowing on her veil.

    “Why do you have three heads like that… thing?”

    Qiu Shui, pulling her into the room, replied patiently, “Master is mistaken. Qiu Shui only has one head.”

    “Eh… was I wrong? I’m not drunk. How could I be wrong?”

    Gong Yiling pouted, blinking at Qiu Shui with uncharacteristic flirtatiousness.

    Qiu Shui sighed. “Then Qiu Shui has three heads. Master is right.”

    Gong Yiling poked her nose playfully. “Little Qiu Shui, you little liar, trying to trick me. Normal people don’t have three heads.”

    Qiu Shui: “…”

    She had no response to that!

    Was this her master drunk? How did she become so… adorable?

    “Why is Qiu Shui ignoring me? Am I not fragrant anymore?”

    Seeing Qiu Shui speechless, Gong Yiling leaned closer, squinting.

    But her veil was in the way, so she simply ripped it off.

    This startled Qiu Shui.

    She hurriedly turned Gong Yiling around and pushed her into the room, a yelp and a clattering sound following.

    Then, Qiu Shui turned back, apologizing to the dumbfounded duo in the courtyard with a smile, and slammed the door shut.

    More sounds came from inside.

    Gong Yiling: “Little Qiu Shui, let’s eat some beef jerky, heehee. One bite for me, one bite for you.”

    Qiu Shui: “Master, put that down. That’s an ink stick, not beef jerky.”

    Gong Yiling: “Little Qiu Shui, I’m flying! Come play with me!”

    Qiu Shui: “Master, lie down on the bed, be good.”

    Gong Yiling: “The bed… heehee, is this the bed? Why is it so wet? So strange.”

    Qiu Shui: “Master, I told you to go to the bed, not the bathhouse.”

    Gong Yiling: “Then this must be the bed. Little Qiu Shui, I’m so hot! These clothes are so annoying!”

    Qiu Shui: “Master, don’t pull your clothes! You’ll rip them. Let me help you undress.”

    Gong Yiling: “Mmm… Little Pillow is helping me undress. Little Pillow is a little blanket, so soft…”

    Qiu Shui: “Master, I’m not a pillow, nor a blanket…”

    Then, silence.

    Shangguan Lingyue touched her nose. “I think I’ve had that wine before, but I didn’t feel any effects.”

    Of course, she didn’t know how much Gong Yiling had drunk.

    After Gong Yiling stated her outrageous demands for compensation, the Emperor and Grand Elder had hesitated before finally agreeing.

    Then, they gave her a tour of the palace and hosted a banquet for three.

    Although he was being extorted, Emperor Shangguan Long was in a good mood and even brought out his prized wine.

    Miss Gong wasn’t interested in alcohol, but after trying a sip, she found it tasted like…

    Fanta with a hint of alcohol.

    Although not quite soda, it was the closest thing she had encountered, so she couldn’t resist having more.

    A bit more.

    And then a bit more.

    A little bit.

    And then… a lot.

    The key was, this wine never appeared in the novel.

    So, Gong Yiling was completely unaware of its side effects, only knowing it was less intoxicating than pre-mixed cocktails, and she ended up drinking half a jar.

    Shangguan Lingyue, on the other hand, only had three cups.

    So, facing a severely drunk Gong Yiling, Qiu Shui could only use her spiritual arts to ease her condition and let her sleep it off.

    As for Yan Chuyue outside… she was still bewildered.

    “This woman… is the Immortal Master who asked you to bring me here?”

    She tugged at Shangguan Lingyue’s sleeve, puzzled.

    “Yes,” Shangguan Lingyue replied. “But seeing her like this, she won’t be waking up anytime soon. So, I’ll just tell you directly.”

    “Hmm?”

    “The reason she called you here.” Shangguan Lingyue patted her head. “She wants you to help treat the Grand Elder’s old injury.”

    Huh?

    An old injury?

    The Grand Elder’s?

    Wasn’t that…?

    Yan Chuyue was so surprised she almost cried out.

    Treating the Grand Elder wasn’t supposed to happen until much later in the story. Why was it happening now?

    “But Chuyue, when did you start learning medicine? And how did you meet this Immortal Master? You didn’t know anything about this when you were young.”

    How should she explain this?

    She didn’t know how much the Immortal Master had revealed about her, but her medical skills and ability to repair meridians must have been mentioned.

    “It’s been a while,” Yan Chuyue decided to play dumb, sticking out her tongue. “I met this senior by chance. She asked me to gather some herbs for her and then started teaching me alchemy and medicine.”

    As she spoke, Yan Chuyue suddenly had a realization.

    Perfect!

    She had been worried about how to explain her medical skills if they were ever exposed. Making up a story about a reclusive master was only a temporary solution, and not many would believe it. But now it was different.

    She could claim this person as her master, and her Divine Physician’s space would make perfect sense!

    (Yan Chuyue: *I’m so smart! What a brilliant idea!*)

    “So, this Immortal Master is actually your master?” Shangguan Lingyue suddenly understood. “No wonder she specifically requested you. She must have faith in your medical skills and wants you to gain some experience.”

    Yan Chuyue nodded quickly. “Yes, yes, that’s right. Just like Aunt Lingyue said.”

    “I was worried about how you were doing at the Yan Estate.” Shangguan Lingyue pulled Yan Chuyue into a hug, rubbing her head affectionately. “If it weren’t for the ongoing war, I would have visited you.”

    “But if the war is so troublesome, why is Aunt Lingyue acting as a messenger for my master?”

    Shangguan Lingyue’s expression faltered, and she sighed. “Little Five disappeared while traveling, and her guards were all killed. So, my brother asked me to investigate. That’s how I met your master.”

    Yan Chuyue’s jaw dropped.

    Shangguan Ziyuan was missing???

    What was going on???

    Was this still her story?

  • Inferior A After Having a Baby with the Top Boss 37p2

    Chapter 37: Ineffective p2

    The hovercar arrived at the Abisaro Library fifteen minutes later.

    The changing weather blurred the dark ink of the sky, dyeing it a light gray.

    Ming Fei held Zhu Yiqiao’s hand as they got out of the car. After facial recognition on the first floor, she released Zhu Yiqiao’s hand.

    “Jiejie, I want to go to the thirteenth floor.”

    Zhu Yiqiao said, “I’ll wait for you in Area A.”

    “Okay.”

    Entering the library, Ming Fei was like a blue whale returning to the sea.

    She had been to the Abisaro Library during her first business trip to Taiya, but time was limited then, and she could only stay for half an hour, so she hadn’t been able to finish reading many materials, leaving her with some regrets.

    And at that time, the ancient Abisaro Library hadn’t yet opened online browsing, still maintaining its traditional offline reading mode.

    But almost two years later, in response to public demand, the Abisaro Library had opened online browsing channels. Only some very old and precious classical books still needed to be found in the library, and after registering with the librarian, one could obtain a time-limited electronic version.

    Ming Fei took the elevator to the thirteenth floor, a smile in her eyes.

    She looked at the unique decoration and design style of the thirteenth floor, and then, according to her pre-planned schedule, used the search system to find the books she wanted to read.

    It took her half an hour to find all the books.

    She carefully placed the heavy books into the automatic rolling book cart and controlled the cart towards the registration desk on the thirteenth floor, expressing her needs to the librarian.

    The librarian had gray hair, wore black-framed glasses, and had a kind face, patiently helping her find the electronic versions of these sixty books.

    Ming Fei waited quietly, using this time to sit down and open the illustrated guide to paleontology on the far right.

    This ancient book was out of print, and only the Abisaro Library still had a copy. Because it was precious, her movements were very light and careful as she flipped through the pages. The librarian, glancing at her from the corner of her eye, gradually became certain that she was a book lover.

    Because of this cherishing attitude, the librarian’s gaze became even kinder, and she searched even faster.

    Ming Fei didn’t notice the librarian’s change. She was immersed in the knowledge of the book. When she casually flipped to page 113, her gaze paused.

    Because—

    The illustration of the creature in the book made her feel inexplicably familiar.

    It was an extinct ancient creature. People at the time hadn’t even given it an official name, only using a series of numbers to represent its existence.

    [W1215304]

    In the notes on the left side of the page, the author described it as a creature with unclear abilities, able to accurately predict disasters before they occurred, and capable of fission and proliferation to achieve immortality, and even…

    The following introduction was too old and blurred into a mess.

    Ming Fei stared at the illustration without blinking. In a flash, the scene at St. Gesali that night flashed through her mind.

    She suddenly looked up and told the librarian that she would be back later, then quickly took the elevator down to the first floor with the book.

    Area A was sparsely populated, and she quickly found where Zhu Yiqiao was and strode towards her.

    Because she was a little anxious, a faint blush crept up her cheeks, but it was completely covered by the mask, so it wasn’t visible at all.

    “…Jiejie!”

    Zhu Yiqiao looked up: “Mm?”

    Ming Fei sat next to her, then directly opened the book to page 113, pointed at the illustration of the creature, and explained to Zhu Yiqiao in a low voice,

    “At St. Gesali that night, before I fired, I saw a ring on Bai He’s right pinky finger. The pattern on the ring was exactly the same as this illustration.”

    The color of Zhu Yiqiao’s eyes deepened.

    She didn’t doubt Ming Fei’s words. After carefully reading the description of the creature on this page, she went with Ming Fei to the library’s office on the twentieth floor and directly presented her Trial Court credentials, requesting to take the book back for further examination.

    The library director, knowing the seriousness of the matter, naturally didn’t dare to refuse.

    As they left the twentieth floor, Zhu Yiqiao looked at Ming Fei in the elevator mirror and said calmly,

    “You did very well.”

    Not just right, not just correct, but very well.

    This was the second time Ming Fei had heard Zhu Yiqiao’s approval. She smiled shyly, her dimples faintly visible.

    “Any citizen of the Independent State of Yi Meng would do the same.”

    “I really like the Independent State of Yi Meng,” she whispered. “I hope it can continue to develop healthily.”

    “Jiejie has helped me many times. I’m very happy to be able to help Jiejie.”

    The elevator reached the thirteenth floor, and Zhu Yiqiao only replied, “It will.”

    Entering the thirteenth floor, Ming Fei first thanked the librarian who had transferred the electronic versions, then returned the books according to her memory.

    She had a good memory and quickly put the books back, finding their original locations without looking at the search system prompts.

    In a short while, fifty-nine books were returned.

    Light snow began to fall. As the two left the library, Ming Fei felt a strange sensation in the gland on the back of her neck.

    As they sat in the back of the hovercar, and the door automatically closed, the strange feeling in her gland became more pronounced.

    Ming Fei hesitated to speak.

    When she looked at Zhu Yiqiao for the second time, Zhu Yiqiao, who had already noticed her movements, turned and asked,

    “What’s wrong?”

    The next moment, the surging pear scent answered the question for Ming Fei.

    This time, the pear scent was extremely unusual, as if a switch had been flipped, becoming exceptionally rich, the sweetness mixed with bitterness and a hint of unripe tartness.

    When Zhu Yiqiao sensed the familiar pear scent, a dark glint flashed in her usually calm eyes.

    Because—

    The reverse temporary marking had completely worn off.

    Having once been a member of the Ole Empire’s royal family, she knew that the speed at which the marking had worn off on Ming Fei was far too… abnormal. Even renewing the reverse temporary marking would have little effect.

    The situation was urgent, and she had to make a decision at this moment.