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    Quick Transmigration: Fate Trading System

    Fate Trading System – Chapter 251

    by Little Panda

    Plan A

    Furnace 2

    Encounter

    Her body felt as if it were filled with lead, unable to move even a tiny bit.

    Su Xin surveyed her surroundings. This was the room the black market merchant had prepared for Wei Shuangling. Wei Shuangling had never stepped out of it.

    If it weren’t for recuperating after the deed was done—recuperation that took at least seven or eight days—she would be used for caibu​1 again before she even fully recovered. It was miserable.

    Lord Fourteen, give me the map of this place.

    【Okay.】

    The map Fourteen transmitted was very clear, allowing Su Xin to get a general understanding of the situation.

    【Host, this place is full of formations​2. The map will change, but it’s alright, this lowly one​3 can still guide you. The trouble is, there’s a jinzhi​4 outside this door. The moment you step out, that person will know.】

    This was truly bad news.

    The cultivation world​5 was even more troublesome than the modern world, for example, this jinzhi, or yujian feixing​6.

    Su Xin managed to sit up in bed. Ever since Wei Shuangling arrived here, everything on her body had been stripped clean, including her storage bag​7 and storage ring​8. Nothing was left.

    It was like being dropped into a game’s newbie village, without any system-provided starting equipment, and even worse, with a built-in debuff​9.

    Her body’s condition was terrible, covered in wounds.

    Su Xin stepped barefoot onto the floor, preparing to walk to the bath pool to bathe.

    This was why she was increasingly disliking men; girls were still cuter.

    Concepts like these were gradually influenced. Because of Su Xin’s own gender, the clients whose missions she accepted were of the same gender as her.

    And these girls’ misfortunes, most of them originated from boys; only a small portion was due to other reasons.

    After Su Xin cleaned herself and applied medicine, she sat cross-legged in the room and began to assess her internal condition.

    Her meridians​10 were severely damaged, and her previous cultivation base​11 had been completely abolished. In a word, she had become a cripple. Although her spiritual root​12 was still there, she could no longer cultivate.

    She couldn’t circulate spiritual energy​13 in her meridians, let alone communicate with the spiritual energy between heaven and earth.

    Su Xin didn’t know what the situation was like outside. The original owner, Wei Shuangling, had been here for over a month, which meant she had been missing from the outside world for over a month.

    Su Xin initially thought this should easily arouse suspicion, but on second thought, this was the cultivation world. Closed-door cultivation​14 was a common occurrence; a month was short, and it could easily be several years.

    As long as Elder Wei​15 told outsiders that Wei Shuangling was in closed-door cultivation, no one would come to disturb her. Besides, based on the original owner’s social circle, probably no one would visit anyway.

    Because although Wei Shuangling had a pampered and willful personality, always surrounded by a large entourage​16, she was only close with a few. Some were from cultivation families, others from different sects​17. They would meet up at most once every few months; everyone was busy, busy with cultivation.

    The years of cultivation were very dull and tedious. Apart from constant cultivation and more cultivation, there wasn’t much else to do.

    Cultivators of the Dao​18, sever worldly emotional ties, single-mindedly pursue the Dao.

    There were many injury-healing medicines in the room. Su Xin walked over with difficulty and, prompted by Fourteen, took two medicinal pills​19. Instantly, all the wounds on her body disappeared, and the pain was completely gone.

    Those filthy, unbearable traces of evidence had completely vanished.

    Su Xin accepted that segment of memory but subconsciously ignored it; she didn’t want to dwell on it.

    Although Wei Shuangling was a cultivator, like other children of prominent families, she had always had smooth sailing. Such a series of major blows, if her foundation and cultivation hadn’t been abolished, she might have immediately suffered qi deviation​20.

    Abandoned by trusted relatives, all her painstakingly cultivated skills lost, unable to cultivate ever again, transformed from a favored daughter of heaven​21 into the furnace she had once despised. Each of these events alone was enough to make Wei Shuangling break down, let alone all of them happening together.

    After Su Xin took the medicinal pill, the effect on her body was quite good. She was like an ordinary person who could walk normally, just a bit weak. Although she was still below average—ordinary humans on the continent could defeat her—it was much better than before.

    Su Xin went to rummage through the wardrobe, intending to change into clothes that offered better concealment, but found almost none. They were all bathrobes made of high-quality fabric.

    The hem of the bathrobe reached her knees. The black one offered better concealment. There were no shoes.

    What was even more worrying was how to break this jinzhi.

    As soon as she walked out, the person on the other side would immediately receive a notification and appear before her instantly.

    She was currently a level 0 newbie with no equipment. How could she fight against the well-equipped 【???】.

    Su Xin searched Wei Shuangling’s memories for the appearance of that black market merchant, but there was only a man in a black robe whose face couldn’t be seen clearly.

    Caibu wasn’t exactly the great harmony of life​22; Wei Shuangling didn’t know anything specific.

    This was truly troublesome. If this first problem wasn’t solved, none of the subsequent matters could be addressed.

    Lord Fourteen, you have a way, right?

    The great system couldn’t possibly be stumped by such a trivial thing.

    【Later, this lowly one can sever the jinzhi’s connection. Host, you should run out quickly.】

    Okay, okay, but I don’t need to pay anything… right?

    This isn’t the system’s style.

    【No need. This time it’s a freebie.】

    Great! Lord Fourteen, can you find out where the original owner’s previous belongings went?

    【They were all burned.】

    Su Xin touched her forearm. It seemed she could only run wildly barefoot.

    Su Xin didn’t decide to run out immediately. Instead, she planned to memorize the map in her mind thoroughly and choose the easiest escape route.

    This was a valley-shaped place with no way out. There were transportation array​23 in various locations. The map marked their positions but didn’t show where they teleported to, or whether they were one-way or two-way.

    These transportation array all had one characteristic: they were far from Su Xin. For a cultivator, it would be very simple—just yujian feixing or use a faqi​24 to get there. Those without could form a fengjue​25 to accelerate themselves, running as if wind were at their feet​26.

    But for the current Su Xin, it was too difficult. She only had her two legs, and no shoes.

    Su Xin was a little worried. This body had delicate skin and tender flesh; she wondered about its pain tolerance.

    After some study, Su Xin planned the shortest route, intending to go from that place, reach that transportation array, and teleport herself out.

    Going anywhere was better than staying here. Actually, Su Xin wasn’t optimistic about her prospects; the disparity in strength was too great.

    If she were to be caught and subjected to that, Su Xin would definitely fight with her life on the line, absolutely not cherishing her life points. But things hadn’t reached the worst imaginable point yet.

    Su Xin habitually made the worst-case assumptions, because compared to that, other situations would seem better.

    Su Xin remembered another problem: the transportation array in this world all required spirit stones​27 to activate.

    Spirit stones were the currency used for circulation in the cultivation world, divided into high, middle, and low grades.

    Su Xin walked around the room and discovered a cruel fact: she had no money on her now, and there were no spirit stones in this room at all.

    The black market merchant wasn’t some local tyrant​28; he wouldn’t do something like leaving spirit stones lying around his home. It should be said that even a local tyrant wouldn’t do this. Who didn’t have a storage bag these days?

    Despair.

    She hadn’t even stepped out the door, and there was already a pile of damn problems waiting to be solved.

    【Host, you don’t need to worry. This lowly one can activate the formation for you once, free of charge.】

    Free! So good?

    【En.】

    Lord Fourteen, you’re acting a bit strange today.

    Su Xin stroked her chin. Why did she keep feeling that something wasn’t quite right?

    【Does the Host mean that you don’t need this lowly one’s help?】

    No, no, no, thank you!

    Fourteen didn’t know why, but as an AI, it actually had an emotion similar to guilt. It always felt it had done something to let the Host down and should compensate, because it had tampered with the Host’s memories without authorization.

    Fourteen thought for a moment; Qiu Qingqing should take the blame for this​29.

    Escape operation, prepare!

    Su Xin took a bottle of injury-healing medicine. This was good stuff; if she got injured later, she could pop one and continue escaping full of vitality.

    【Host, go.】

    The jinzhi was severed for an instant, and Su Xin seized the opportunity to rush out.

    Outside the room was a peach blossom forest with falling petals in profusion. The peach blossoms were blooming with unusual lushness, exceedingly beautiful.

    Things that are too beautiful are often dangerous.

    Su Xin thought this should be an illusion formation​30, but there was no method in her memories to break it.

    Wei Shuangling had focused on cultivation and hadn’t paid any attention to formations at all.

    【Host, this lowly one has calculated the initial pattern. Follow this.】

    The route on how to walk automatically appeared in her mind, and Su Xin followed it, stepping forward.

    Thank you, Lord Fourteen!

    After exiting the formation, Su Xin took to her heels and ran wildly​31, heading towards the direction of the (transportation) formation.

    Winding and turning, she finally ran to the target location she had planned in her mind.

    This place was very hidden. Towering trees blocked out all the light. The transportation array was under the largest tree. Since it hadn’t been activated, the surrounding colors were still dim.

    With Fourteen’s help, that formation emitted a faint glow.

    Su Xin stepped onto it and felt the world spin​32.

    Meanwhile, a man far away in another place suddenly stopped his actions.

    “Shang​33, what happened?”

    The man standing opposite him noticed his unusual behavior.

    The man called Shang shook his head, the lips beneath his mask curling slightly, a playful look in his eyes.

    “Nothing, just a naughty little bird has flown away.”

    “Shall we go catch her now?”

    “No need, let her fly a little longer.”

    It was just past the beginning of the month. If the little bird flew into someone else’s hands, the backlash she would endure wouldn’t be so easy.

    He had left something in the little bird’s body. If something else entered, then the scorching fire poison​34 would burn the little bird to ashes.

    “Then let’s continue our discussion.”

    At this very moment, Su Xin was worrying about the predicament she faced.

    After stepping onto the transportation array and opening her eyes, she found herself in a land of ice and snow.

    This was truly not good, because she was still barefoot, and her only “equipment” was a thin bathrobe. A gust of wind blew past, and she felt like she was about to freeze to death.

    The snow was a vast expanse of white, and the distant snow-capped mountains were majestic and towering.

    She was treading on snow, and Su Xin’s feet had already turned purplish-blue.

    This luck was really puzzling.

    She didn’t know if this formation was one-way, two-way, or non-directional. In any case, Su Xin had no intention of stepping on it again.

    Fourteen had already given her the map of this area. There was a treasure land​35 on the mountainside of the snowy mountain ahead. Su Xin decided to head there.

    【Host, are you sure you can hold on?】

    The original owner, having lost her power, had a body even more delicate than an ordinary girl’s.

    In this icy and snowy land, there was nothing. To climb that mountain, she would have to walk for a long time.

    During this time, she also had to ensure she wouldn’t freeze to death.

    I actually think it’s a bit iffy​36.

    The good news should be that Su Xin had just eaten a Fasting Pill​37, so she wouldn’t starve. She also had a bottle of Purple Sandalwood Pill​38 that could restore her body.

    Actually, that medicinal pill wasn’t that fast-acting for cultivators, but for Su Xin, who was currently an ordinary person, it was more than enough and could instantly heal her injuries.

    Even more fortunately, it wasn’t windy right now, nor was it snowing.

    It was just freezing cold, not quite adding frost to snow​39.

    If it were really windy and snowing heavily, Su Xin might really give up; she would freeze to death before reaching her destination.

    Su Xin walked forward one step at a time. The coldness of her body made it impossible for her to run.

    Facts proved that sometimes the discrepancies brought about by visual perception were truly heartbreaking.

    A mountain that clearly didn’t look far, and wasn’t far on the map, yet she had walked for over half an hour… and there was still a long way to go.

    This was definitely the weakest she had been since she could remember.

    On the silver-clad, white-wrapped land​40, only this spot of black was exceptionally conspicuous.

    The girl’s long hair was scattered down her back. The clothes on her body couldn’t cover her thin frame. The cold had drained the color from her face, and her lips were purplish-blue.

    Her existence was out of place here​41.

    A weak, beautiful, alluring prey that could be torn apart at any moment.

    Su Xin’s steps subconsciously paused. She smelled the scent of blood. No matter when, she couldn’t mistake this scent, because this scent had accompanied her for long years.

    Indeed, in this world, there was no such thing as most unlucky, only unluckier.

    That was a demonic beast. Su Xin’s current level couldn’t detect its rank or whether it had spiritual intelligence​42.

    The bloodstains came from this demonic beast. Su Xin saw the wounds on its body; blood dripping from it stained the snow red.

    Su Xin could tell from its drooling expression that this snow wolf-like demonic beast wanted to hunt her. She had no chance of winning.

    Su Xin froze in place, not moving. She couldn’t outrun this demonic beast. That kind of action would also provoke the demonic beast, making it feel excited and pounce to bite.

    This demonic beast was very large. Su Xin estimated how much of her flesh it could bite off in one go. It was truly… too terrible.

    In this vast expanse of white, there were no trees for Su Xin to hide behind. Danger was imminent.

    “This brother​43, if you can understand what I’m saying, how about we make a deal?”

    Obviously, this big demonic beast brother didn’t understand Su Xin’s words and opened its mouth.

    Su Xin had already gathered her strength. With a sou​44, she dodged past the demonic beast’s body and ran continuously in the direction the demonic beast had come from.

    Whatever injured that demonic beast must be a more formidable existence. There was a fifty percent chance the demonic beast wouldn’t chase her. Although the path ahead might be more dangerous, it was better than standing there and being eaten.

    Su Xin had a burst of speed for a while but soon ran out of strength. The wounds on the demonic beast hindered its movement speed, but it was still considerable.

    The demonic beast was enraged. How could it watch its targeted prey escape?

    Su Xin had just poured out a Purple Sandalwood Pill from the bottle and fed it to herself.

    Her whole body was filled with strength again, and she also felt warmer.

    But the effect lasted for too short a time. After regaining strength, Su Xin ran forward recklessly. If she didn’t run, she would die.

    Human potential was indeed limitless, especially when one’s life was threatened. Su Xin could no longer feel the cold; she only wanted to run forward with all her might, faster, and even faster.

    Su Xin had moved from the plain and was approaching another place. She had deviated from her map, but that wasn’t important at the moment.

    Su Xin felt that there should be people in this direction.

    Because the wounds on that demonic beast didn’t look like they were caused by other demonic beast; they should be from human cold weapons​45, like a sword.

    Su Xin plunged headfirst into a small wooden cabin.

    There was nothing in the small wooden cabin; it was empty, with only a cattail hassock​46 for meditation.

    A few lines of words were carved on the wall opposite the door.

    “Flying Spirit Mountain​47 has many demonic beast, sword qi​48 guards the door to drive beasts away. Don’t laugh at the mountain cabin’s crudeness, it can protect for a while, no need to worry.”

    A senior​49 must have built this wooden cabin here. Because dangerous demonic beast often appeared in this area, this place could offer shelter to later travelers in distress.

    What a good person! Su Xin was very grateful to this unknown senior.

    The demonic beast indeed did not approach. It circled three meters away, as if wary of something.

    Su Xin breathed a sigh of relief and sat on the cattail hassock.

    There were no miracles here; sitting on the cattail hassock revealed nothing.

    She didn’t know how long that demonic beast would circle outside. She still needed to head to her destination.

    The wind picked up outside. The cabin’s window was drafty, making Su Xin shiver.

    This skilled and kind senior definitely wouldn’t have imagined there would be an ordinary person here who was afraid of the cold.

    Su Xin didn’t sit loosely on the cattail hassock but began to meditate​50.

    This was a habitual action for the body. Su Xin closed her eyes. Unable to sense spiritual energy, she began to reminisce.

    She recalled, one by one, various things about the original owner, Wei Shuangling, and remembered the power in those memories.

    All the cultivators in this world, none did not cultivate for the Great Dao. Unless they knew it was hopeless, they all pursued power.

    If only I had power, I could do whatever I want… no matter what method… I could…

    Su Xin abruptly opened her eyes and got off the cattail hassock.

    That wasn’t her thought.

    She did indeed desire to become stronger, but “doing whatever I want no matter the method” or whatever… sounded very villainous.

    That voice echoed in her mind and disappeared the moment Su Xin left the cattail hassock.

    Lord Fourteen, what just happened?

    【Detected a remnant consciousness infiltrating the Host’s brain, attempting to achieve a certain purpose. The Host had already awakened before this lowly one could begin to block it.】

    Okay, next time something like this happens, give me a heads-up. No need to block it for me.

    【Okay.】

    This cabin shouldn’t be strange; what was strange was just that cattail hassock.

    Demonic Path​51?

    Su Xin frowned and tentatively sat on it again.

    This time, there was no reaction at all.

    This wasn’t an illusion realm, nor was there anything else, apart from that inexplicable voice just now, and that voice had also disappeared.

    Su Xin stayed in the wooden cabin for about ten days. Fourteen told her that the demonic beast had finally left.

    Finally left!

    Su Xin practically gave it a joyous send-off, as happy as a child in a TV show seeing off relatives after Chinese New Year.

    This big brother (the demonic beast) was too persistent. Or perhaps it was because in this mountain, this big brother had only seen her as prey. It had waited for twelve days! Twelve whole days!

    After resting well, Su Xin decided to set off again. That Fasting Pill was still very useful; at least she didn’t feel very hungry now.

    Su Xin walked for a distance. When she reached the plain and was about to head towards the other side, Su Xin caught a glimpse of the seemingly well-hidden big brother lurking there.

    Su Xin looked at the big brother, the big brother looked at Su Xin, Su Xin still looked at the big brother, the big brother was also looking at Su Xin, and then Su Xin ran.

    Wocao​52, it even knows how to ambush?

    Even if this wasn’t a demonic beast that had gained spiritual intelligence, it at least had basic consciousness. Or it was just too smart, actually hunting like this. But no matter what, it wasn’t beneficial for her.

    When the demonic beast saw Su Xin run, it also quickly gave chase.

    If Su Xin had read the 《Flying Spirit Mountain Zhi》​53, she would definitely know what kind of demonic beast this was.

    They were the phantoms of the snowfields—fast, light in movement, and skilled at concealment.

    Su Xin discovered she couldn’t outrun the big brother.

    The big brother’s speed was faster than before, possibly because its injuries had healed.

    Su Xin ran in a zigzag pattern, but the demonic beast’s speed and agility were both higher than hers, and it could maneuver quickly.

    Wocao, heaven wants me dead!

    The demonic beast’s claw slashed Su Xin’s arm. A piece of cloth was torn off, and blood flowed down her arm.

    Su Xin’s movements didn’t change; she continued to run wildly.

    The pain from the wound stimulated Su Xin, and the scent of blood also stimulated the demonic beast.

    Su Xin still ran along her route. Hearing the sound from behind, she immediately dived to the ground. The demonic beast flew over her body, and she immediately got up and continued running.

    I just won’t let you pounce on me!

    Su Xin had rich experience in dodging, but unfortunately, her “hardware” (physical capabilities) was really not up to par​54.

    Su Xin took out the last medicinal pill from the bottle, preparing to pop it.

    However, because it was a bit difficult to take out the medicine while running, Su Xin managed to get it out with great effort, but the big brother pounced on her again.

    That medicinal pill flew out, and Su Xin’s heart was bleeding​55.

    If Laozi​56 had a knife in hand, I would have fought you long ago!

    Su Xin had already sensed that this was a low-level demonic beast. If it were a high-level or mid-level demonic beast, she would have already died​57.

    Although the big brother was smart, its combat power was really not up to par compared to others, so it could only torment Su Xin, this powerless little pitiful thing, in this area.

    Su Xin had already seen the foot of the mountain and mustered all her strength to rush over.

    But at this moment, her calf was bitten by the demonic beast.

    Su Xin suppressed a cry of pain. Her other foot kicked directly at the demonic beast’s eye. The demonic beast yelped in pain, loosened its mouth, and tore off a piece of flesh.

    Su Xin felt excruciating pain in her leg, wishing she could clutch it and wail, but she grit her teeth and endured it. Beads of sweat seeped from her forehead.

    Su Xin had a premonition: as long as she got up there, she would definitely be safe.

    Su Xin charged recklessly. With the pain in her leg, all other pain on her body was negligible. The scratches from tree branches were not worth minding.

    Her vision gradually blurred, and Su Xin felt her head growing increasingly dizzy.

    She absolutely could not collapse here. It was too cold; she would die.

    Further ahead… keep going!

    Su Xin dragged her legs. The path behind her was sprinkled with bloodstains. The bone was faintly visible in the area of her calf, and the wound on her arm was still bleeding profusely.

    Her vision suddenly cleared​58. Su Xin saw a hot spring. Here, at least she wouldn’t freeze to death.

    Su Xin thought this in a daze. For a moment, the world spun, and her body collapsed.

    Before fainting, Su Xin saw a corner of a white robe.

    Jing Yueru​59 looked at this uninvited guest who had barged in. Every mid-month, she would specially come to the hot spring on Flying Spirit Mountain to cultivate and stabilize her spiritual power​60. Just now, she had been too focused, with no distractions​61, and thus hadn’t heard any commotion.

    Jing Yueru saw the person faint. She stood up from the water and put on her robes.

    The one unconscious on the ground was a young girl. Jing Yueru took a closer look and found it was actually an acquaintance of hers.

    If a love rival could also be considered an acquaintance.

    Jing Yueru could absolutely never forget Wei Shuangling’s face. Although she was good-looking, her personality was truly annoying. She always spoke ill of her​62. Jing Yueru looked at her as if looking at a clown.

    Jing Yueru certainly knew why Wei Shuangling treated her with such hostility​63. Wei Shuangling liked Xiu Yan​64. The two had the relationship of an engaged couple—of course, that was just a joke back then; becoming cultivation partners still depended on fate. But Wei Shuangling insisted on taking that so-called engagement seriously, always pestering Xiu Yan.

    Xiu Yan had quite a good impression of her (Jing Yueru). Jing Yueru, however, felt indifferent. A cultivation partners wasn’t a necessity. If she were to choose one, Jing Yueru might consider Xiu Yan, because she liked the strong.

    Jing Yueru had come this time to prepare for Foundation Establishment, while Xiu Yan had already reached Foundation Establishment. Wei Shuangling was still at the seventh layer of Qi Refining.

    The question was, how did Wei Shuangling end up here, and looking so wretched​65?

    Jing Yueru saw Wei Shuangling’s strange, tattered clothes, the wounds on her arms, some abrasions on her face, and the bleeding wound on her calf.

    This was too wretched, not at all like the face-conscious​66 Wei Shuangling.

    Someone had collapsed in front of her; it was ultimately karma​67. Even if she didn’t like her, she still had to save her.

    Jing Yueru felt that these injuries wouldn’t be a problem for a cultivator. But Wei Shuangling was, after all, at the seventh layer of Qi Refining. The demonic beast on Flying Spirit Mountain were mostly in hibernation; the only active ones were likely Phantom Wolf​68. The Phantom Wolf clan was weak; a cultivator could crush a whole bunch of them with a single move without issue.

    Jing Yueru took out a medicinal pill from her storage ring and fed it to the girl on the ground.

    The wounds on the girl’s body healed instantly, and her complexion also became much rosier.

    Jing Yueru frowned. How could the effect be so fast?

    She squatted down, placed her hand on the girl’s pulse, and her spirit senses​69 also probed into the girl’s body.

    Meridians completely destroyed, cultivation base entirely gone.

    The girl before her had already become a cripple.

    How could this be?

    Even with the greatest enmity, one wouldn’t retaliate like this, right?

    To throw an unarmed girl with no cultivation onto Flying Spirit Mountain, in this icy and snowy land, even a Phantom Wolf could easily kill her.

    What kind of deep-seated hatred was this?

    Jing Yueru was about to retract her spirit senses when she unconsciously probed a certain place, and her expression became complicated.

    She sighed. Forget it. No matter how bad her impression of Wei Shuangling was, she couldn’t abandon her at this time. She should take her back to the Wei family first.

    At this time, it was precisely mid-month.

    Jing Yueru noticed that the unconscious girl on the ground had opened her eyes. Her expression was a bit dazed, and those eyes were staring straight at her.

    “Wei Shuangling, you’re awake? I saved you, but I don’t intend to ask for any reward. Although I don’t know why you’ve become like this, anyway…”

    Before Jing Yueru could finish her words, she was stunned by the girl’s actions and almost bit her tongue.

    Su Xin felt her consciousness was very blurry. She couldn’t see the face of the person in front of her clearly, and even her words seemed to come from far away, not very distinct.

    It was a girl.

    Su Xin realized this and felt relieved. She reached out and hugged the slightly taller girl, leaning her head against her.

    So uncomfortable, and this touch seemed to alleviate some of it.

    “Hey… Wei Shuangling… what are you doing!”

    Jing Yueru was so scared she forgot to push the girl off her.

    “Hot.”

    Su Xin uttered a single, concise word. Seeing the lips of the person in front of her opening and closing, she also felt a bit thirsty and moved closer.

    I must have seen a ghost today.​70

    This might be an illusion realm; it’s all fake.

    The third disciple under the Sect Master of the Lancang Sect​71 began to have deep doubts about herself.

    She hadn’t doubted for long before her senses stole the rhythm of her breath.

    Cool, soft.

    Jing Yueru abruptly sobered up and forcefully pushed the person in front of her away.

    The pushed-away girl tilted her head in confusion and pouted, looking very wronged.

    “Why did you push me away?”

    Her voice was also light and soft; the wronged accusation sounded like sajiao​72.

    “You can’t possibly be Wei Shuangling, right? Are you some kind of yaomo​73 that has gained sentience​74?”

    Wei Shuangling would usually be thinking of skinning her, this ‘love rival,’ alive. How could she possibly demand a kiss from her, and be so obedient?

    “So uncomfortable.”

    Su Xin squatted on the ground, her body beginning to tremble.

    Her body felt cold. In her blood vessels, there was a tearing pain, bit by bit.

    “Help me… help me…”

    The girl raised her head, looking at her imploringly.

    Jing Yueru didn’t know why, but her heart softened. As if driven by a ghost​75, she walked over and took the girl’s outstretched hand.

    “Help me…”

    Su Xin repeated these two words, her body as delicate as a flower that could easily be broken.

    Jing Yueru hugged the girl, a troubled look on her face, not knowing what to do.

    “What on earth is wrong with you… I don’t know how to help you… How about I take you back to our sect now, let the elders of the Pill Peak​76 take a look at you, or let my Shifu​77 take a look at you…”

    “Wei Shuangling, sober up a bit!”

    Before Jing Yueru could finish her words, her mouth was blocked by the girl’s kiss.

    The girl was demanding a kiss. Her lips were so soft, her eyes a little red, her lips slightly parted. Jing Yueru looked at her, but made no move.

    Jing Yueru made the second move she would regret: she extended her tongue.

    The girl’s body was very cool, but her lips were very hot. Her tongue was also soft, waiting to be bullied. The girl was also very sweet, sweeter and softer than the most delicious pastries Jing Yueru had ever eaten.

    Jing Yueru was somewhat mesmerized, wanting to swallow the person whole just like that.

    But the girl whimpered and pushed her away, writhing in her arms, her expression pained.

    Ice, freezing inch by inch in her blood vessels; scorching flames, burning bit by bit.

    Su Xin was in so much pain she wanted to roll on the ground, but habit didn’t allow her to do such a thing.

    “Wei Shuangling? How can I help you?”

    Jing Yueru initially thought Wei Shuangling had been afflicted by some strange substance, but this situation didn’t seem like it. Who would suffer so much because of something like that?

    So, it would be safer to take her away and let Shifu take a look, right?

    Jing Yueru thought this, looking at the girl’s face, as beautiful as spring flowers and autumn moon​78, and her moist, deep red lips, feeling a bit reluctant.

    It was rare for Wei Shuangling to be so obedient, ai, but Wei Shuangling was also in too much pain.

    Just as Jing Yueru was about to crush her transportation talisman​79, a cold hand suddenly reached into her clothes, startling her so much that her hand trembled and the talisman fell to the ground.

    “Wei Shuangling, calm down a bit, I’ll take you away now.”

    Jing Yueru frantically lowered her head to pick up the talisman, then looked over worriedly. But with just that one glance, she couldn’t move.

    Jing Yueru somewhat understood why Wei Shuangling, despite her detestable personality, could also be called one of the Twin Beauties.

    That strange, torn dress had long since fallen to the ground. The girl’s fair skin was comparable to the white snow of Flying Spirit Mountain.

    When the girl pressed close to her from behind, Jing Yueru disastrously discovered that she seemed unable to take her away.

    “Hold me.”

    The girl enunciated clearly. In those eyes, her face was reflected.

    Jing Yueru carried the person into the hot spring. It was more comfortable to soak there, and it was a spirit spring​80, having a weak restorative effect.

    Jing Yueru could no longer recite the Heart-Clearing Mantra​81; her mind was filled with the image of the girl sucking her fingers.

    Those black pupils seemed capable of drawing one’s soul in. Jing Yueru thought, it was a good thing Wei Shuangling was from the Righteous Path​82. This appearance, these eyes, how suitable they were for demonic cultivation​83. She had once gone into battle with her master and had seen such a demonic cultivator—that person also had unparalleled beauty, captivating souls​84, but those eyes were too turbid, holding too many unsightly things.

    But the person before her was different, clean, reflecting only her figure. Her curved eyes seemed to be filled with lake water, sparkling brightly.

    So obedient and soft, she would ask her to slow down with a tearful voice.

    Jing Yueru became completely engrossed, but upon touching a certain point, her mind completely cleared, and her eyes widened.

    How could there be Scorching Flame Fire​85? Who was so malicious?

    The fire poison was already starting to backlash. Su Xin bit her lip tightly and closed her eyes.

    Just for this pain alone, she should smash that black market merchant’s dog head​86.

    Jing Yueru had a single-element mutated water spiritual root​87. She pushed her spiritual energy out bit by bit from her fingertips. The place her fingers touched was so hot, and the girl before her was in so much pain.

    “Wei Shuangling, hold on a little longer, endure it, bear it, I’ll help you control it.”

    Jing Yueru didn’t know if Su Xin could still hear her speak, and slowly infused her spiritual energy.

    It couldn’t be too fast, nor too slow.

    If it was too fast, Su Xin’s damaged meridians wouldn’t be able to bear it, and it would be even more painful.

    If it was too slow, it wouldn’t be able to control the spread of the fire poison, and she would be severely tormented.

    Jing Yueru thought, luckily her cultivation technique​88 was unusual and could suppress it.

    Under the pressure of the spiritual energy, the fire poison slowly, slowly retreated to its original place.

    Su Xin’s brow gradually relaxed. The wound on her lower lip was particularly obvious.

    Jing Yueru licked that wound and continued to complete her unfinished actions.

    Su Xin was already awake at this time and also remembered the identity of the person before her.

    The third disciple of the Lancang Sect’s Sect Master, a girl with excellent aptitude, surname Jingyue​89, given name Ru​90.

    En… the original owner’s love rival.

    A not very complicated love triangle story: the original owner liked Xiu Yan from another family in the cultivation world. Xiu Yan liked Jing Yueru and expressed wanting to work hard together and strive to be together. Jing Yueru’s attitude was unclear; she neither agreed nor disagreed.

    The beloved of the original owner’s beloved—the original owner naturally wouldn’t like Jing Yueru. She even always tried to make her lose face​91, but was repeatedly slapped in the face​92. In short, very miserable.

    Su Xin, however, didn’t care. Anyway, she didn’t like Xiu Yan.

    She only recognized Jing Yueru as the person who had just saved her.

    The black market merchant indeed had a backup plan. That small ball of fire in her body was simply causing her extreme pain, but Jing Yueru could actually suppress it.

    Su Xin relaxed and leaned her head on Jing Yueru’s shoulder.

    “Thank you.”

    Hearing this thanks, Jing Yueru’s hand movements faltered for a moment. Then, she felt a wave of wet heat on her palm.

    Jing Yueru’s ears instantly turned red.

    “No need to thank me… I… You… How did you become like this? Let me take you home.”

    “No need. My father sold me.”

    Jing Yueru wanted to say something more, but she felt a surge of power transferring from Su Xin’s body to hers.

    Jing Yueru sensed it; she was about to break through.

    “Wei Shuangling… you…”

    “En, I’ve become a furnace.”

    The girl had an indifferent look, but Jing Yueru felt a pang in her heart.

    TOC

    Footnotes

    1. 采补 | cǎibǔ | Lit. “to pluck and supplement/nourish.” In cultivation, often refers to a dual cultivation practice where one partner (often male) absorbs the vital essence (yin or yang) from another (often female, the furnace) to enhance their own cultivation. It can be exploitative or forceful.
    2. 阵法 | zhènfǎ | Formation/Array. Magical or spiritual formations used for various purposes like defense, attack, trapping, or concealment.
    3. 在下 | zàixià | “This lowly one/underling.” A humble first-person pronoun used by a subordinate or someone wishing to show deference.
    4. 禁制 | jìnzhì | Restriction/Seal/Prohibition. A magical barrier or spell that restricts access, seals power, or enforces a prohibition.
    5. 修真世界 | xiūzhēn shìjiè | Cultivation world. The setting for stories involving cultivation (修真 | xiūzhēn | Lit. “cultivating truth/reality”), the Taoist practice of cultivation to achieve immortality or supernatural powers.
    6. 御剑飞行 | yùjiàn fēixíng | Lit. “ride sword fly travel.” The ability to fly on a sword, a common skill for cultivators.
    7. 储物袋 | chǔwù dài | A magical bag that can hold more items than its physical size would suggest, common in xianxia/xuanhuan genres.
    8. 储物戒指 | chǔwù jièzhi | A magical ring with spatial storage capabilities, similar to a storage bag but often considered more advanced or convenient.
    9. debuff | N/A | A term borrowed from gaming, referring to a negative status effect that weakens a character.
    10. 经脉 | jīngmài | Meridians/channels. Pathways in the body through which qi (vital energy) is believed to flow in traditional Chinese medicine and cultivation.
    11. 修为 | xiūwéi | Cultivation base/level/attainment. Refers to the level of power and spiritual development a cultivator has achieved.
    12. 灵根 | línggēn | An innate attribute that determines a person’s aptitude for cultivation and affinity with spiritual energy.
    13. 灵气 | língqì | Spiritual energy/aura. The vital energy of heaven and earth that cultivators absorb and refine to increase their power.
    14. 闭关修炼 | bìguān xiūliàn | Closed-door cultivation/seclusion. A practice where cultivators isolate themselves for an extended period to focus on training, breakthroughs, or recovery without disturbance.
    15. 卫长老 | Wèi zhǎnglǎo | Elder Wei. Zhanglao (长老) is a title for an elder in a sect or family.
    16. 前呼后拥 | qiánhūhòuyōng | Lit. “people shouting in front and surrounding behind”; Fig. to be surrounded by a large entourage, indicating importance or popularity.
    17. 门派 | ménpài | Sect/School/Clan. An organization dedicated to cultivation or martial arts, usually with a master and disciples.
    18. 修道者 | xiūdàozhě | Cultivator of the Dao/Way. Similar to cultivator, one who cultivates to understand and follow the Dao (道 | Dào | The Way/Path, a fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy and cultivation).
    19. 丹药 | dānyào | Medicinal pill/elixir, often with magical properties in cultivation settings.
    20. 走火入魔 | zǒuhuǒrùmó | Lit. “to catch fire and enter the demonic”; Fig. (in cultivation) to suffer a cultivation mishap where one’s internal energy goes haywire, leading to madness, severe injury, or death; (colloquially) to become obsessed or fanatical.
    21. 天之骄女 | tiānzhījiāonǚ | Lit. “heaven’s favored daughter”; Fig. an exceptionally talented or privileged young woman, often admired and envied.
    22. 生命的大和谐 | shēngmìng de dà héxié | Lit. “the great harmony of life.” A euphemism often used in Chinese internet slang or censored contexts to refer to sexual intercourse or orgasm.
    23. 传送阵 | chuánsòng zhèn | Transportation array/Teleportation formation. A magical formation used for instant travel between two points.
    24. 法器 | fǎqì | Magical artifact/tool/instrument. Items imbued with spiritual power used by cultivators for various purposes like combat, defense, or travel.
    25. 风诀 | fēngjué | Wind incantation/seal/spell. A magical technique to manipulate wind, often for speed or attack.
    26. 脚底生风 | jiǎodǐ shēng fēng | Lit. “wind springs from the soles of the feet”; Fig. to walk or run very quickly.
    27. 灵石 | língshí | Crystals containing concentrated spiritual energy, used as currency and a power source for cultivation, formations, and artifacts.
    28. 土豪 | tǔháo | Lit. “local tyrant/rich and powerful person.” Modern internet slang for “nouveau riche,” someone rich but often uncultured, or simply “filthy rich.”
    29. 背锅 | bēiguō | Lit. “to carry a pot on one’s back”; Fig. to take the blame, be a scapegoat.
    30. 幻阵 | huànzhèn | Illusion formation/array. A type of magical formation that creates illusions to confuse or trap those within it.
    31. 撒丫子狂奔 | sāyāzi kuángbēn | Lit. “to spread one’s feet and run wildly”; Fig. to run as fast as one can, often in a somewhat undignified or desperate manner. 撒丫子 (sāyāzi) is a colloquial term for running quickly.
    32. 天旋地转 | tiānxuándìzhuàn | Lit. “heaven revolves and earth spins”; Fig. to feel dizzy, as if the world is spinning around; can also describe a chaotic or tumultuous situation.
    33. 商 | Shāng | Merchant/trade. Likely a name or codename.
    34. 火毒 | huǒdú | Fire poison. A type of poison with fiery properties, often causing burning pain and internal damage.
    35. 宝地 | bǎodì | Treasure land/Precious place. A location rich in spiritual energy, resources, or opportunities.
    36. 悬 | xuán | Lit. “to hang/suspend.” Colloquially, “有点悬” (yǒudiǎn xuán) means something is uncertain, risky, doubtful, or “a bit touch-and-go.”
    37. 辟谷丹 | bìgǔ dān | Abstinence from Grains Pill / Fasting Pill. A pill that allows cultivators to abstain from ordinary food for extended periods by providing necessary sustenance, often spiritual energy.
    38. 紫檀丹 | Zǐtán Dān | Purple Sandalwood Pill. Zitan (紫檀) is rosewood/purple sandalwood.
    39. 雪上加霜 | xuěshàngjiāshuāng | Lit. “to add frost to snow”; Fig. to make a bad situation worse; to add insult to injury.
    40. 银装素裹 | yínzhuāngsùguǒ | Lit. “silver attire and white wrapping”; Fig. describes a landscape covered in white snow, looking as if dressed in silver and white.
    41. 格格不入 | gégébùrù | Lit. “square peg in a round hole” (though not directly); Fig. incompatible with; out of tune with; out of one’s element; clashing.
    42. 灵智 | língzhì | Spiritual intelligence/sentience. The level of consciousness and intelligence possessed by non-human beings like demonic beast or spirits.
    43. 兄弟 | xiōngdì | Brother/Bro. Can be used to address a male peer, even a stranger, in a casual or friendly (or sometimes confrontational) way.
    44. 嗖 | sōu | Sound of something whistling or whizzing past quickly, like an arrow or a swift movement.
    45. 冷兵器 | lěngbīngqì | Cold weapons. Weapons that do not rely on gunpowder or explosives, such as swords, spears, bows, etc.
    46. 蒲团 | pútuán | Cattail hassock/Meditation cushion. A round, woven cushion used for sitting.
    47. 飞灵山 | Fēilíng Shān | Flying Spirit Mountain. Fei (飞) means fly; Ling (灵) means spirit; Shan (山) means mountain.
    48. 剑气 | jiànqì | Sword Qi/Energy. A projection of energy from a sword or a cultivator’s internal energy channeled through a sword, often sharp and destructive.
    49. 前辈 | qiánbèi | Senior/Elder/Predecessor. A respectful term for someone older or more experienced in a particular field, sect, or generation.
    50. 打坐 | dǎzuò | To sit in meditation (often cross-legged). A common practice for cultivators to regulate qi, cultivate, or recover.
    51. 魔道 | módào | Demonic Path/Devilish Way. The path of cultivation that often involves unorthodox, malevolent, or power-at-all-costs methods, often contrasted with the ‘righteous’ path (正道 – zhèngdào).
    52. 卧槽 | wòcáo | Internet slang, an exclamation of surprise, shock, or frustration, similar to “Fuck!” or “Damn it!”. It’s a euphemism for 我操 (wǒ cào – I fuck).
    53. 《飞灵山志》 | 《Fēilíng Shān Zhì》 | “Annals/Gazetteer of Flying Spirit Mountain.” Zhi (志) often refers to a record, annals, or gazetteer of a place or subject.
    54. 硬件设施不给力 | yìngjiàn shèshī bù gěilì | Lit. “hardware facilities are not awesome/powerful.” Geili (给力 | gěilì) is internet slang meaning “awesome,” “cool,” “powerful,” or “supportive.” “Bu geili” means the opposite. Here, “hardware facilities” refers to her physical body and abilities.
    55. 心在滴血 | xīn zài dīxuè | Lit. “heart is dripping blood”; Fig. to feel extreme pain, sorrow, or regret, as if one’s heart is bleeding.
    56. 老子 | lǎozi | Lit. “old master.” An arrogant and informal way of saying “I” or “me,” often implying superiority or defiance. Similar to “Your old man” or “This daddy.”
    57. 挂了 | guà le | Lit. “to hang up (a phone)”; Slang for “to die” or “to be done for,” similar to “kicked the bucket.”
    58. 豁然开朗 | huòrán kāilǎng | Lit. “suddenly opens up to a wide panorama”; Fig. to suddenly see the light; to be suddenly enlightened; for a view to open up.
    59. 镜月如 | Jìng Yuèrú | Surname Jing (镜 – mirror); Yueru (月如 – moon-like/as the moon).
    60. 灵力 | línglì | Spiritual power/energy. Similar to spiritual energy, often referring to the refined spiritual energy a cultivator can wield.
    61. 心外无物 | xīnwàiwúwù | Lit. “nothing outside the mind”; Fig. (in Chan Buddhism) the mind is the only reality; (more generally) to be completely focused, with no external distractions.
    62. 恶言相向 | èyánxiāngxiàng | Lit. “to face each other with evil words”; Fig. to speak ill of each other; to exchange harsh words; to insult.
    63. 横眉冷对 | héngméilěngduì | Lit. “to raise eyebrows and treat coldly”; Fig. to look at someone with disdain or hostility; to treat with scorn.
    64. 修衍 | Xiū Yǎn | Surname Xiu (修 – to cultivate/repair); Yan (衍 – to spread out/develop/overflow).
    65. 狼狈 | lángbèi | Lit. (describes two mythical beasts that depend on each other); Fig. in a difficult position; in a tight spot; embarrassed; wretched; disheveled.
    66. 爱面子 | àimiànzi | Lit. “to love face”; Fig. to be concerned about one’s reputation or social standing; to be sensitive to public perception; face-conscious.
    67. 因果 | yīnguǒ | Cause and effect (Sanskrit: karma). The principle of causality, often in a moral or spiritual sense, where actions lead to consequences.
    68. 幽狼 | yōuláng | Nether Wolf / Phantom Wolf. You (幽) means secluded, hidden, dark, or netherworld.
    69. 灵识 | língshí | Spiritual sense/Divine sense. A cultivator’s ability to scan their surroundings, inspect objects, or probe others’ bodies with their spiritual energy. Sometimes translated as spiritual consciousness.
    70. 见了鬼了 | jiànle guǐ le | Lit. “to have seen a ghost”; Fig. an expression of disbelief or surprise, similar to “What the hell?” or “This is crazy!”
    71. 澜沧派 | Láncāng Pài | Lancang Sect/School. Lancang (澜沧) is a geographical name (Lancang River/Mekong River). Pai (派) means sect or school.
    72. 撒娇 | sājiāo | To act like a spoiled child; to coquette; to act cute or whiny to get one’s way, often towards a loved one or superior.
    73. 妖魔 | yāomó | Demon/Monster. Yao (妖) often refers to妖兽 (demonic beast) or spirits that have cultivated, while mo (魔) refers to demons or devils, often more malevolent.
    74. 成了精 | chéng le jīng | Lit. “to have become a spirit/essence.” Refers to an animal, plant, or object that has cultivated or lived long enough to gain sentience, magical powers, and often a human form.
    75. 鬼使神差 | guǐshǐshénchāi | Lit. “ghosts and gods send envoys”; Fig. to do something inexplicably, as if prompted by supernatural forces; an unaccountable impulse.
    76. 丹峰 | Dān Fēng | Dan (丹) means pill/elixir; Feng (峰) means peak. A common name for the division or peak within a sect that specializes in alchemy and pill concoction.
    77. 师父 | shīfu | Master/Teacher. A respectful term for one’s teacher or master, especially in martial arts or cultivation.
    78. 色若春花秋月 | sè ruò chūnhuā qiūyuè | Lit. “complexion like spring flowers and autumn moon”; Fig. describes a face of exceptional beauty, radiant like spring blossoms and serene like the autumn moon.
    79. 传送符 | chuánsòng fú | Transportation Talisman/Teleportation Talisman. Fu (符) are talismans or paper charms inscribed with magical symbols, used for various purposes.
    80. 灵泉 | língquán | A spring with water rich in spiritual energy, beneficial for cultivation or healing.
    81. 清心咒 | Qīngxīn Zhòu | Heart-Clearing Mantra/Incantation. A mantra or spell intended to calm the mind, clear distracting thoughts, and maintain mental purity.
    82. 正道 | zhèngdào | Righteous Path/Orthodox Way. The path of cultivation that is generally considered morally upright, often contrasted with the Demonic Path (魔道 – módào).
    83. 修魔 | xiūmó | To cultivate the demonic path. The practice of demonic cultivation methods.
    84. 勾魂夺魄 | gōuhúnduópò | Lit. “to hook the soul and snatch the spirit”; Fig. to be extremely captivating, enchanting, or bewitching, often referring to beauty or charm.
    85. 炙炎之火 | Zhìyán zhī Huǒ | Scorching Flame Fire / Blazing Flame Fire. Zhiyan (炙炎) means scorching flame. This is a type of potent fire, likely related to the fire poison mentioned earlier.
    86. 狗头 | gǒutóu | Dog head. Often used derogatorily or informally to refer to someone’s head, implying they are contemptible like a dog.
    87. 单系变异水灵根 | dānxì biànyì shuǐ línggēn | Single-element mutated water spiritual root. Danxi (单系) means single-element/system. Bianyi (变异) means mutated/variant. Shui spiritual root (水灵根) is water spiritual root. This indicates a rare and potentially powerful aptitude for water-element cultivation.
    88. 功法 | gōngfǎ | Cultivation method/technique. A specific set of practices and principles a cultivator follows to train their spiritual energy and advance their cultivation.
    89. 镜月 | Jìngyuè | Surname Jingyue (Mirror Moon). This implies her full name is Jingyue Ru, but she is consistently referred to as Jing Yueru (镜月如).
    90. 如 | Rú | As / like / if.
    91. 下面子 | xià miànzi | To cause someone to lose face; to embarrass or humiliate someone publicly. This is the opposite of 给面子 (gěi miànzi – to give face).
    92. 打脸 | dǎliǎn | Lit. “to slap face”; Fig. to be proven wrong after being arrogant or confident; to have one’s claims or actions refuted, often embarrassingly or publicly.

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