the multi

Chapter 23

"…Rest assured, the negative effects of that cultivation technique won't affect you when I teach it to you. As for your family's cultivation technique, although I could improve it, at most, it would only double the cultivation level of your family members when they learn it. However, it would still require a place rich in natural qi and great wealth for your family to practice it. Since you're my disciple, I wouldn't let you continue learning a technique with so many flaws. I will give you a new cultivation technique that will make it easy for you to become immortal."

The new disciple, bowing in gratitude, was moved upon hearing that Vheena would grant her a cultivation technique just for her. With eyes red from holding back tears, she thanked her master while taking out a book from her storage ring and handing it to Vheena.

"Th-thank you, Master. Xianxiu thought you would only improve my family's cultivation technique. I never expected you would give me a divine-level cultivation technique, even though I am newly accepted as your disciple. Xianxiu is truly grateful, Master. Also, here is the secret family cultivation technique book, Master."

'Hmm? D-didn't I imply a subtle refusal to improve her family's technique earlier? I even mentioned I'd create a new one for her. S-so why is she giving me her family's secret cultivation book? Does she want me to improve it after all? Maybe it's a misunderstanding, and she's offering it to show her trust. Yes, that must be it. I'd better ask her.'

"Xianxiu, ...why are you giving me this book?"

"Eh? Oh, I'm sorry, Master. Xianxiu grabbed the wrong book. Here is the family technique book you're going to improve. My family will owe you greatly for your kindness in doing this, Master!"

'The F*ck! This kind girl! She's thinking of her family while giving me this cursed book. You're seriously stressing me out, making me fix your family's technique and create a new one for you! I'll probably go gray from this stress! Wait...my hair is already white. Huh? How do you know if a person with white hair is going gray? Ahhh! Now I'm overthinking everything!'

With her mind in chaos due to her new disciple, Vheena blankly took the book without realizing it and left her disciple behind, who watched in confusion.

"My master is truly a powerful immortal. She just walked off to improve my family's technique without a word. Truly, this is what you'd expect from an immortal in disguise; they're indifferent to wealth and debts."

Watching her master leave so casually, Luo Xianxiu was in awe of her. Unfortunately, Vheena did not hear her disciple's words and remained unaware of the misunderstanding.

--------

'Hahaha, Xianxiu-chan, you've truly provoked me now. I can't let you off after giving me two tasks that will stress me out! Just watch! I'll finish your family's technique in one day and then give you a new cultivation technique you'll never be able to master. Hahaha!'

Returning to her bedroom in the early morning, still fuming at her new disciple for the two stress-inducing tasks, Vheena decided she would take revenge for this.

She planned to improve her disciple's family technique and then create a new one that would be impossible for her to learn. She would lock herself in her room for a day to complete everything, ready to get her payback by tomorrow.

'Watch out! I've learned from my mistakes with RuanRuan. This time, I'll make sure the technique is impossible to learn, so I can enjoy seeing your regretful face for disappointing your master! Hahaha!'

With villainous thoughts, Vheena eagerly awaited the next day to see her disciple's sad expression after she completed her tasks.

The next morning, after pulling an all-nighter to finish the cultivation technique for her new disciple, Vheena went to wake her. Finding the room empty, she walked to the back garden and saw her disciple meditating.

Fixing her slightly messy long hair from staying up late, she approached her disciple with newfound confidence. Hearing footsteps, her disciple opened her eyes and stood up to greet her.

"Good morning, Master."

"Good morning, Xianxiu. Have you just finished meditating? Sorry to interrupt your practice."

"It's no problem, Master. Besides, I've been meditating since you left me yesterday."

"O-oh, uhum, here's your family's cultivation book. Fortunately, I had bought paper, ink, and brushes at the border town, so I could correct it… However, it's better for you to keep the book, as it's time for me to give you the cultivation technique I've created for you."

"Yes, Master."

'I was too confident thinking I could fix that book. I even fell asleep several times while working on it. Although I finished correcting it with my imagination, I hope it works? Will it? Now that I think about it, why was I so confident yesterday? I'm not even a cultivator. Why was I brave enough to fix her family's technique? Hopefully, nothing goes wrong... Oh no, now I'm scared of the consequences.'

Losing her confidence after handing the corrected book to her disciple, Vheena walked towards a large broken boulder, followed by her disciple. Once there, she prepared to teach her the new cultivation technique she had thought of during her all-nighter.

'Thankfully, I told her to keep the family technique book. Once I give her this new cultivation technique, she'll struggle with it and forget about the family book, right? This new technique should be difficult enough. I'm even teaching her in a remote place so she won't bother me with questions. I'll check on her every day in case some miracle happens while she's training. Alright, time to start teaching.'

"Xianxiu, we'll be training here. Sit in a meditation position. Okay, you'll use the breathing technique from your family's book; it's good for increasing your qi. Next, I want you to meditate while also levitating yourself without using external qi."

"Levitating myself without external qi? How am I supposed to do that, Master?"

"Just use the internal qi within your body, like circulating it through your body or your mind. Also, look at the small stones around you. They're remnants of your senior sister's strikes. I want you to lift those stones without external qi while meditating. As you train, you'll feel the effects of the technique, which will improve both the quality and control of your qi, even increasing its potency several times."

"Alright, Master, but how do I lift myself without external qi? And the stones too? Do you have any advice for me, Master?"

'Advice? Hahaha, how would I know? Figure it out yourself, Xianxiu-chan, that's your task.'

Turning her back to her disciple and looking up at the sky with what she thought was an expert aura, Vheena bought herself some time. After a moment, she turned around and faced her disciple again, saying,

"Xianxiu, you need to figure it out on your own. If I help you, you might start relying on me for every decision. Remember, your mind is powerful. Use it to help you find the way. I'm confident you'll gain enlightenment as you practice this technique. Just believe in yourself."

"Understood, Master. I will remember your words and start training now."

'Yes, go ahead and train. I'll be sitting here every day, watching you. I'll keep observing to see if any miracles occur.'

Watching her new disciple meditate, Vheena sat on the ground, which she had covered with leaves, to ensure there was no oddness in her disciple's practice.

The first day of training, Vheena saw no miracles.

The second day, after breakfast with her disciple, she observed again. Still no miracles.

The third day, the same routine. No miracles, and Vheena was pleased.

The fifth day, as usual, there were no miracles, and Vheena grinned with satisfaction.

The seventh day, again, nothing extraordinary. Seeing her disciple frustrated while meditating, Vheena suppressed a victorious smile.

The ninth day, with no change, Vheena was confident enough to stop watching her disciple train. She returned home, convinced that after nine consecutive days of observation, her disciple would never master the technique.

"Hihihi, hahahaha! There it is! I've watched her train, and she hasn't managed to levitate even once. Yeah! Now I can relax without worrying about giving her a new technique. Huh? I feel déjà vu... never mind, it's probably just my imagination. Forgive me, Xianxiu-chan, you'll be stuck practicing that technique every day. Once I'm satisfied with seeing your frustration, then I'll give you an easier cultivation technique to learn. Hahahaha!"

That day, Vheena's gleeful laughter echoed through her home, convinced that her disciple would never master the technique. Afterward, she didn't bother checking on her disciple's training.

Every day, she lazily lounged in the backyard, drinking makeshift fruit juice. Little did Vheena know, her stress and frustration were just around the corner, as her disciple would soon approach her to show something remarkable.

Chapter 24

"Luo Xianxiu, would you like to become my disciple?"

"Yes! I would, Miss Immor-Vheena!"

While following the Miss immortal on trivial shopping errands, as Marquis Feng Tuo mentioned it was her disguise, Luo Xianxiu suddenly heard the miss ask her to become a disciple. Hearing this, she immediately agreed.

Originally, Luo Xianxiu had secretly followed the Marquis because her father, who was sick, wanted to marry her off. She never imagined that this boring journey would lead to her being accepted as a disciple by an immortal.

Even after parting ways with the Marquis and her troublesome servants, who would return to the kingdom leaving her and her master behind, Luo Xianxiu still couldn't believe what had happened. She even asked her master why she had been chosen. Her master replied that it was because she possessed extraordinary talent (money).

When they reached her master's mysterious house, which astonished her upon sight, her master told her to rest for the night as it was already late. Forced to sleep in the room her master provided, she struggled due to her excitement. All she could think about was the amazing life she would live as an immortal's disciple.

Awakening in the morning after a sleep she barely noticed, Luo Xianxiu left her room upon hearing the sound of dishes. Seeing her master preparing food, she wanted to help, but her master refused and told her to sit.

Seeing the simple home-cooked meal that didn't look particularly special, Luo Xianxiu remembered that her master was an immortal, so surely the food her master made would be highly beneficial. Taking a bite with her chopsticks, she was shocked by the effects of the meal.

The food had an effect similar to the fruit she had bought from her master, but much stronger. Her entire body and qi were strengthened and restored, and she felt the energy from her master's hands infusing the food, clearing her mind of negative thoughts, purifying her soul from impurities, and even sharpening her thinking.

Because of these miraculous effects, she devoured the food enthusiastically, unaware of her master's strange gaze. After breakfast, her master led her to the backyard. Once there, her master asked her to display her strength.

"Ahem, Xianxiu, since you're a new disciple, I want to see what power you possess so I can create a suitable technique for you. Show me any technique you have."

"Yes, Master."

'Since I'm a new disciple, surely Master wants to see my cultivation technique. I'll show the family cultivation technique, which I'm proud to say is one of the best on the Fellow Sun continent. Master will definitely praise it.'

Sitting in meditation as her family's cultivation technique instructed, Luo Xianxiu was unaware of her master's surprised expression at her choice. After a while, Luo Xianxiu opened her eyes, seeking her master's guidance.

"Xianxiu, where did you learn this cultivation technique?"

"This cultivation technique was passed down from my family's ancestors, who created it for their descendants. Is there a problem with it, Master?"

'Could it be that my family's ancestral cultivation technique is flawed? Did it surprise Master to the point of asking such a question?' Luo Xianxiu thought anxiously, seeing her master question the technique.

"Hmm… yes, this technique has a lot of deficiencies. I'm sure those in your family who practiced it faced limitations when they reached a higher level of cultivation, correct?"

"M-master is correct. The Xianxiu family's cultivation technique only allows practitioners to reach the peak of the Nascent Soul stage. According to the family, breaking through to the Body Integration stage is impossible. Only the family's ancestor managed it, and even then, only after consuming many treasures. The family believes the cause is the lack of natural qi in the Fellow Sun continent. Do you, Master, know how to improve the technique?"

After responding, Luo Xianxiu hoped that her master would be willing to improve her family's technique, but sadly, her master had something else to say.

"Xianxiu, you should give up on that technique. I'm hesitant to say this, as it may hurt your feelings. Are you sure you want to hear it?"

'I never expected Master to tell me to abandon my family's cultivation technique. Since that's the case, I'll hear all the weaknesses in this technique.'

"It's okay, Master. I can accept whatever you say."

After saying that, Luo Xianxiu watched as her master nodded and then explained all the shortcomings of her family's technique. She was shocked by everything she heard.

'The technique created by my great-grandfather is trash? Is Master's statement true? As I recall, my father once said that the three major sects recognized our royal family's cultivation technique as one of the strongest on the Fellow Sun continent. Could the cultivators from the three sects have lied? No, they didn't lie. It's because their cultivation level was low compared to Master's, so they assumed our technique was one of the best. The problem is that Master is an immortal, far stronger and more knowledgeable. I hope the bad effects of this technique haven't impacted my body too much, making it harder for Master to teach me.'

Reflecting on her master's words about the harmful effects of her family's technique, Luo Xianxiu felt only sadness. She didn't want her future cultivation to be hindered because of this technique. Not wanting to be mediocre, Luo Xianxiu bowed her head to her master, asking for help.

"You're right about the bad effects of my family's technique, Master. Will that cause any issues for you in teaching me? Do you think the technique can't be fixed? If it can't, will you give me a new cultivation technique?"

"…Rest assured, the negative effects of that technique won't affect your training under me. As for your family's technique, even if I could fix it, it would only double the cultivation level of those practicing it. But it would still require a place rich in natural qi and many treasures for study. Since you're my disciple, of course, I won't let you continue with a flawed technique. I'll give you a new cultivation technique that will help you become an immortal easily."

'…Truly, I've found a great master. Not only will Master fix my family's technique, but she's also giving me a cultivation technique that can turn me into an immortal. Such techniques are usually divine-level treasures, but Master is giving it to me so easily, even though I've just become her disciple. Master's kindness makes me want to cry.'

Her master's words deeply touched Luo Xianxiu. Holding back her tears, she raised her head to thank her master sincerely and then took out her family's secret cultivation technique book to offer to her.

"T-thank you, Master. I thought you would only fix my family's technique. I didn't expect you to give me a divine-level technique just for being your new disciple. I'm truly grateful, Master. Also, this is the secret cultivation technique of my family, Master."

Chapter 25

"Xianxiu, why did you give this book to the master?"

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry, master, Xianxiu took the wrong book. Here is the Xianxiu family's cultivation technique manual for you to repair. With the master's kindness in fixing the Xianxiu family's cultivation technique, Xianxiu guarantees that my family will forever be in your debt!"

'This is embarrassing, how could I give the wrong book to the master? M-Master, why did you just leave? Is it because you noticed how embarrassed I was? A-And what about what I said earlier, won't the master consider it? Maybe to her, the wealth and gratitude of my family seem ridiculous. That must be it, after all, the master already has everything and wouldn't bother with such things, especially since she's in disguise as an ordinary person.'

Confused about why her master left, Luo Xianxiu pondered the reason. After reaching a conclusion, she could only marvel at her master and muttered under her breath, luckily out of earshot.

"The master is truly a great immortal. She even left without a second thought to repair my family's cultivation technique, unaffected by my words. Just as expected from an immortal in disguise, they aren't tempted by wealth or gratitude."

Since her master had left without giving her any orders, Luo Xianxiu could only wait for her to return. After waiting for hours and seeing no sign of her master, she could only meditate while waiting.

________

The next morning, while still meditating, Luo Xianxiu heard footsteps approaching. Curious about who was coming, she opened her eyes and saw it was her master. Seeing her, she immediately rose from her meditation to greet her respectfully.

"Good morning, master."

"Good morning, Xianxiu. Have you just finished meditating? Sorry to interrupt your meditation."

"It's no problem, master. I've been meditating since yesterday after you left."

"Oh, I see. Ahem, here is your family's cultivation technique book. Fortunately, I bought paper, ink, and brushes when we were in the border town, so I could correct the cultivation technique. ...You should keep this book, as it's now time for me to give you the cultivation technique I created just for you."

"Thank you, master."

'The master is truly amazing. In just a day, she corrected all the flaws in my family's cultivation technique. My father once said it took my great-grandfather years to create it. As expected of my immortal master.'

Storing the corrected technique manual in her storage ring, Luo Xianxiu hurriedly followed her master, who had already walked ahead.

As they arrived at the hill in the forest of death, they saw many broken stones and fallen trees. Her master stopped and instructed her to halt as well.

"Xianxiu, we will train here. Sit down as if you're meditating. Now, you'll use the breathing technique from your family's manual, as it's good for increasing your qi reserves. While meditating, I also want you to lift yourself off the ground without using external qi."

"Lift myself without using external qi? How do I do that, master?"

"Just use the internal qi within your body. Flow it through your body or to your mind. Also, see those small stones around you? They are the remnants of your senior brother's strikes. I want you to lift those small stones too, without external qi, while meditating. Once you start training, you'll feel the effects, like strengthening and better controlling your qi. Even the quality of your qi will improve several times over."

"Yes, master, but how am I supposed to lift myself without external qi? And I also have to lift these small stones. Do you have any advice for me, master?"

"Xianxiu, you have to figure it out on your own. If I help you, you'll become too reliant on me for decisions. Remember, your mind is very powerful, use it to find a way. I'm sure you'll have an epiphany while practicing the technique. Just trust yourself."

'It seems the master won't give me any advice, unlike when I was in the kingdom where my father or grandfather would help me during training. I can only follow the master's words and train diligently until I gain some insight.'

"Yes, master, I will remember your words and begin training now."

After responding to her master, Luo Xianxiu sat down and started her meditation, following her family's breathing technique. She tried to find a way to lift herself while meditating with her eyes closed. She repeatedly circulated her qi throughout her body, but nothing happened. Frustrated, she continued meditating, searching for an answer.

The first day yielded no results.

On the second day, she returned home in the morning for breakfast, then went back to the hill to train with her master following her. Unfortunately, the second day brought no progress either.

By the third day, she followed the same routine, but still no results.

On the fifth day, despite her efforts, she felt no improvement.

By the seventh day, her resolve began to waver, and she grew frustrated with the lack of progress, especially since her master was watching.

By the ninth day, frustration had clouded her focus. When she heard her master's footsteps walking away, she feared she was disappointed in her lack of progress.

Not wanting to disappoint her master, Luo Xianxiu forced herself to cast aside all negative thoughts. She even heard a laughing voice, which she ignored, believing it to be the demon in her heart, a result of her shaken determination.

After hours of meditating and clearing her mind, her master's words suddenly resurfaced in her mind.

'Wait, didn't the master say I have a very powerful mind? I thought she meant I needed to think of a way to circulate my qi through my body to lift myself. Could it be that I need to direct my qi into my brain to give my mind the strength to lift my body? It sounds ridiculous, but maybe I should try it.'

With this thought, she decided to try directing her qi into her brain, although she wasn't sure if it would work. Circulating qi into her brain didn't yield immediate results, but Luo Xianxiu kept experimenting with different methods. Eventually, she found success by circulating qi into her brain and repeatedly thinking the word 'float.' Suddenly, her qi reversed its flow from her brain to her body, making her feel lighter with each repetition.

As she continued to mentally repeat 'float,' her body became so light that she began to levitate. Seeing herself floating, she was baffled.

'Huh? I'm actually floating? This is so strange; all I did was keep repeating the word 'float' in my mind, and it worked. Could this be the power of the mind, like the Nascent Soul cultivators my father mentioned? But this is different; my father said the power of the mind is used to attack the opponent's mind, transmit techniques, or break formations.'

'So, what kind of technique am I using now? W-Wait! I'm floating too high! How do I get down?'

Panicking as she rose higher into the sky, Luo Xianxiu changed the word in her mind from 'float' to other words in an attempt to bring herself down. After several tries, she succeeded in descending by thinking the word 'heavy.'

After landing back on the ground, she tested the technique again to make sure it wasn't a fluke. Each time she repeated 'float,' she successfully levitated. Overjoyed, she felt she had discovered a powerful new technique.

'This cultivation technique is amazing. I can make myself light enough to float and even make myself heavy. Is this the cultivation technique the master gave me? If it is, this technique is incredible. With all the effects the master mentioned, this will make me so much stronger. Now that I've mastered it, I should report to the master, right?'

'No! I can't report to the master yet. I need to fully master it. The master said I should also be able to lift the small stones around here. Since I can now float, lifting the stones should be easy. I need to try.'

In the following days, Luo Xianxiu experimented with her new technique. She tried directing qi from her brain to her hands and then toward the stones to lift them. Seeing the stones levitate as she intended, she continued lifting more stones around her to test her limits. Eventually, she discovered she could lift a significant number of stones at once. Unsatisfied, she also tried lifting nearby trees and even herself.

After four days of experimentation, Luo Xianxiu figured out the full extent of her new abilities. She could affect an area of about 50 meters, manipulating the weight of everything within it. She could lift and make herself or others heavy, and she could also lift objects around her, as long as they weren't too far away.

Despite all these abilities, the technique had its drawbacks. The heavier or lighter and the more objects she tried to move, the more qi it consumed. Additionally, prolonged use of the technique caused intense headaches due to the continuous flow of qi into her brain.

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the technique, Luo Xianxiu felt confident that she had mastered it.

'With all this, I should be able to report to the master, right? It's been two weeks of training, and only now have I fully mastered it. Although it took longer than expected, the master shouldn't be angry—Huh? Who are those two girls talking to the master? And one of them has horns! Could she be a demon? No, that can't be, not while the master is there.'

While thinking about the results of the techniques she had learned, walking down the hill and almost reaching her master's house, Luo Xianxiu saw two girls talking to her master. Curious about one of the girls who had horns, she approached them and was shocked when she heard the horned girl speak.

"Honorable master! Please make me your pet! I, Long Linglu, who have pure blood from the divine dragon race, am willing to do anything for you, honorable master! I am also willing if the honorable master wishes to ride me. Please make me your pet!"

'Huh? This girl is from the dragon race?'

Chapter 26

The backyard of Vheena's house was quiet, with the occasional sound of a rooster crowing. Vheena, who had been sound asleep in a chair, woke up after sleeping for a long time.

"Ugh... ahh, yawn... ugh, my body is stiff. I didn't expect to sleep until noon in the backyard. Now that I'm awake, I'm a bit hungry. I better head to the kitchen to make some lunch."

As Vheena entered the house and was about to go to the kitchen, she heard the front door open. She turned toward the door to see who had come in, but before she could get there, a small dark figure suddenly rushed up and hugged her tightly.

Vheena froze in shock at how fast the figure had moved to embrace her. She nervously looked down to see who it was and realized it was her student, Ruan Xiaoyue, wearing an old black cloak that used to belong to her.

"Master, RuanRuan missed you so much."

"RuanRuan? Oh, welcome back. I didn't expect you to be gone for so long during your adventure in the Death Forest. Were you okay in there? Did you get hurt?"

"RuanRuan is fine, Master. No issues while exploring the Death Forest, and I was only there briefly because I attended the opening conference for the alternate realm to gain access to it."

'Huh? The opening conference for an alternate realm? I think I've heard of that before, but where? Wait, that's not important right now. Didn't I send this little girl to explore the Death Forest to gain experience and gather plants and animals? And now she just runs off to some conference instead?'

"RuanRuan, didn't I ask you to explore the Death Forest to gain experience? Where are the plants and animals I requested?"

"Oh yes, of course, Master. Here, take this ring. I've stored many plants inside. As for the animals, they're outside. Let me show you."

Her student took her hand and led her to the front yard. Stepping outside, Vheena saw a small child she didn't recognize, standing in her yard with a hood covering their face.

'Who is this child? Why are they in front of my house? Are they lost? Wait, why does their body seem to stiffen when they see me? Don't tell me they've been fooled by my appearance too? Never mind, I'll ask them later. I should first ask RuanRuan about the animals she brought.'

"Where are the animals you were supposed to bring, RuanRuan?"

"The one standing right in front of us is the animal, Master."

"Animal? …isn't this a human?"

"No, take a closer look, Master." RuanRuan responded as she removed the hood, revealing the small horns on the girl's head.

"Huh? Horns?"

'A horned girl? And she's so cute, exactly my type. …No! I must not fall for a loli!'

"Yes, Master, as you can see, I brought back a demon dragon. I brought her for you to keep as a pet. At first, I was confused when you asked me to bring an animal that could be eaten, especially since there are plenty of edible animals in the Death Forest."

"But when I entered the alternate realm and found this demon dragon, and with help from Sister Xue who became my friend, I realized that this was the animal you meant. Since you are an immortal, your perspective is different from that of human cultivators. To you, this demon dragon is just like any other edible animal. That's the conclusion I came to. So, I brought this dragon demon for you, whether you want to eat her or keep her as a pet. There was also a rare golden-beaked swan I wanted to bring, but unfortunately, it was killed by this demon dragon."

'Ruan-Chan, you talk way too much. I only caught bits of what you said because I was distracted by this loli—uhuk. Wait, did she say the animal I could eat is this dragon girl? What? Is she suggesting I eat this loli-uhuk, dragon girl? Does she want me to get arrested? No, wait! There's no police here anyway. Does that mean I can—guhehehe..., no! My mind is wandering. I need to correct RuanRuan's misunderstanding.'

"RuanRuan, you misundersto—uhum, but as expected from my disciple, you managed to understand my words and complete the task perfectly. Good job."

'Ruan-Chan, what's with that face begging for praise? With a face like that, how could I possibly scold you? She might start crying.'

Feeling it was unfair to scold Ruan Xiaoyue after seeing her pleading expression, Vheena decided not to reprimand her. Instead, she patted Ruan Xiaoyue's head as a gesture of praise.

"Hehehe… t-thank you, Master."

'What's with this girl's goofy face? Where's that cold expression you had when we first met? Just by patting your head, your expression becomes like this. Never mind, I should ask this loli-uhuk, dragon girl something first.'

"So, …little dragon girl? May I know your name?"

"Honorable Master! Please make me your pet! I, Long Linglu, a pure descendant of the divine dragon race, am willing to do anything for you, Honorable Master! I am even willing to let you ride me. Please, let me be your pet!"

'What? That speed! It stirred up the wind around us. Wait, what do you mean by asking me to make you my pet? Is this dragon girl sane? And what does she mean by letting me ride her? We've just met, and she's asking me to ride her? Are all dragon species this lustful? Forget her strange behavior, I need to respond and correct her way of speaking.'

"Honorable Master… Long Linglu, is it? You don't need to call me that. As for becoming my pet, is that really your wish?"

"Of course, that's my wish, Honorable Master—I mean, mighty mysterious immortal master of unparalleled strength."

'Wow, what a desperate attempt at flattery. She's using every impressive title she can think of just to get me to accept her as a pet? Wow. I'm speechless. I can only say WOW.'

Vheena was genuinely impressed by this odd dragon girl who flattered her so desperately just to become her pet.

"Long-Chan—I mean, Linglu, it feels strange hearing you call me that. Just call me Miss Vheena."

"Alright, Miss Vheena! S-so, will you make me your pet? Please, will you?"

'Why does this dragon girl want so badly to be my pet? Aren't dragons supposed to be proud creatures? If I accept her, won't her entire race come after me for turning one of their kin into a pet? I can't take that risk. I'd better refuse.'

"Uhum, sorry Long-ch-Linglu, but I'm not really looking for a pet right now—"

"Waaah! Please, Master, let me be your pet! I promise I'll be a good girl if you take care of me! Please! Waaah!"

'Let go of my leg, oi! This kid has no shame! Don't cry while hugging my leg!'

"Get off my Master, you demon!"

"Please, Master, let me be your pet!"

'Haaah… now they're both fighting. What should I do? Should I accept this dragon girl or not?'

Watching Long Linglu shamelessly clinging to Vheena's leg while Ruan Xiaoyue tried to pull her off, Vheena stood there silently observing the absurd scene. As she did, someone suddenly approached and spoke to her.

"Master, who are these two?"

"Xianxiu? You've been gone for five days. Have you finished your training?" Vheena asked upon seeing that it was her other student, Luo Xianxiu.

"Yes, Master. But who are they?"

"Oh, them—hey, you two, stop fighting! RuanRuan, stop pulling Linglu. Linglu, stop hugging my leg. I'll accept you as my pet, so let go of my leg."

'Alright, I give up on this situation. I'll just accept Linglu as my pet. What's the worst that could happen? If her race comes to take revenge on me, they'll probably end up bowing before me once they see me. Maybe?' Vheena thought as she surrendered to the absurd situation.

"Yeah! I'm now the pet of a powerful being! Hahaha! Once I awaken my full divine dragon lineage, I'll make every creature in this world bow to me! Hahaha—ow! That hurts!"

"You're too noisy, demon. Show some respect in front of my Master."

"Why couldn't you just tell me nicely to be quiet? That punch really hurt!"

"Quiet, or do you want me to make you beg again?"

"Hey! I'm not scared of you. Just wait until my bloodline is fully awakened, I'll take my revenge on you!"

"Hah? You want more?"

"Ouch! Stop! That hurts! I'm sorry! We're family, please, stop hitting me! Master, help me! Stop this evil person!"

'Wow, the two of them are really close, seeing two lolis playing around makes my heart feel purified.'

With a peaceful expression while watching the two cute lolis playing, the hidden lolicon spirit in Vheena unknowingly awakened. While enjoying the tranquility, she heard Luo Xianxiu speak to her again.

"Master? W-who are they?"

"Oh right, sorry for forgetting to introduce them to you. The little girl in the black robe is named Ruan Xiaoyue, she is the master's first disciple, or your senior sister. Meanwhile, the little girl with horns is named Long Linglu, as you've heard, she is... the master's pet."

'It's quite embarrassing to say that a human-like creature is my pet, especially in front of my own disciple,' Vheena thought as she continued speaking.

"RuanRuan, stop hitting Linglu, look, your junior sister wants to get to know you."

"Huh? Junior sister?"

"H-hello, Senior Sister Ruan. My name is Luo Xianxiu, I'm the master's newly appointed disciple. It's nice to meet you, Senior Sister Ruan."

Chapter 27

"H-Hello, Senior Sister Ruan. My name is Luo Xianxiu, I am the newly appointed disciple of Master. It's nice to meet you, Senior Sister Ruan."

"…Nice to meet you."

'Is that all? I know RuanRuan is quiet, but I didn't expect her aloofness to make her so hard to approach. Since both of them are my disciples now, I'll have to help them get closer. But that can wait—I'm hungry, so I'll invite them to lunch first.'

"You haven't had lunch yet, right? Let's head back to the house; it's time to eat."

Returning to the house with her two disciples and their pet, Vheena went into the kitchen to prepare a simple meal, assisted by RuanRuan. While they were peacefully enjoying the food, the calm atmosphere soon turned chaotic again.

"Master—nom, nom, this food is amazing, I—nom—love the effect—nom, nom—while eating it!"

"Demon! Don't be so greedy! I haven't had enough yet!"

"That's your fault—nom, nom—because you're too slow! I'm not missing out on this meal!"

"You! This food was made by me and Master, don't be greedy! Or I'll take the food away from you!"

"Why should I listen to you? Even Master is just watching me eat happily!"

"Are you challenging me? Don't make me make you cry again!"

"Hahaha! Who's scared? My cultivation has already reached the peak stage of Golden Core, and with your early-stage cultivation, I can beat you easily!"

"H-Hey, both of you are too noisy! We're eating, you're going to make Master upset!"

Seeing that her senior sister and her master's pet were about to fight, Luo Xianxiu quickly intervened to stop them. Vheena, who had been silently watching their antics, finally spoke up.

"RuanRuan, Linglu, stop fighting. Both of you, just eat peacefully. And RuanRuan, let Linglu eat heartily. Think of it as a gift for her first meeting."

'Honestly, I was about to tell them to stop, but seeing RuanRuan get angry and unintentionally turn her chopsticks into dust left me stunned. Isn't her strength a bit ridiculous? Even though I've seen how powerful her strikes are, it's still strange to see such strength come from her small body. And this dragon loli is boldly provoking her—does she not fear RuanRuan's wrath? Maybe it's because of her strong dragon physique that she feels confident enough to challenge her?'

"You heard that, Master said I can eat everything!"

"You! …Huuuft, haaaah…"

After finishing their lunch, Vheena invited a still-irritated RuanRuan to the backyard to listen to her adventures while exploring. Luo Xianxiu, unsure of what else to do, also sat down to listen to RuanRuan's stories. Meanwhile, Long Linglu wandered around the backyard, trying out all the vegetables and fruits Vheena had planted.

Ignoring Long Linglu's antics, Vheena focused entirely on the experiences RuanRuan shared, pondering everything her first disciple had been through.

'Is this girl a main character? What kind of experiences are these? How could she have met a kind cultivator right after entering the Death Forest, who not only gave her information but also invited her to an alternate realm? And how could the alternate realm open just as she got there? Isn't that strange?'

'And the reason she brought this dragon loli along was because she thought it was my intention, as told by someone named Xue Lanting? When did I ever ask for that? I only wanted an animal we could raise for food. Not only does my face cause misunderstandings, but now even my words are being taken as lofty commands. Ugh, I better prepare myself for more misunderstandings like this in the future.'

'But when I hear how this little girl mercilessly killed many cultivators and demons in the alternate realm without offering any mercy, isn't that quite cruel? Does she feel nothing when killing them? She's still so young but already so ruthless. I guess I'll need to teach her about morals.'

"RuanRuan, don't you feel anything when you kill someone?"

"No, Master. In fact, RuanRuan is happy when bad people like them disappear, so they can't harm anyone else."

"O-Okay. Did bad people often trouble you before you met Master?"

"Yes, Master. They love picking on the weak, and some kill without reason. Many also like to capture young girls to make them slaves. Luckily, RuanRuan cut her hair short so people thought she was a boy, though I still often got beaten up while begging in their territory."

'This girl's mind is quite mature for her age, though it's unfortunate that her morality has been twisted by the bad things she's experienced. In a world where the strong prey on the weak, I suppose thinking like this is a good way to survive. Still, I need to correct her morality a bit so she doesn't become too cruel.'

"RuanRuan, it's good to kill bad people so they can't do evil anymore. But if they show they want to change, give them mercy. And if they're truly wicked, don't torture them—just end their lives quickly. We're not cold-blooded killers, remember that."

'Didn't I just give a great speech about morality? Hopefully, she'll remember my words when she's about to kill someone, right?'

"Okay, Master, RuanRuan will remember your words."

Vheena continued listening to RuanRuan's stories about meeting Xue Lanting, searching for plants and animals, and occasionally recounting bits of her past. Luo Xianxiu, who was also listening, would occasionally correct RuanRuan when she misidentified a plant or animal. RuanRuan enthusiastically shared her experiences until the day grew darker.

That night, after having dinner while hearing the familiar bickering of RuanRuan and Linglu, which was mediated by Xianxiu, Vheena suddenly remembered that Long Linglu didn't have a place to sleep.

'I just realized I never told Linglu where to sleep. There are only three rooms in this house, and they're all taken. I'll just have her sleep with RuanRuan.'

"RuanRuan, since there are only three bedrooms in Master's house, would you mind sharing your room with Linglu?"

"Wait, Master! I don't want to sleep with this cruel person!"

"I don't want to sleep with this demon either, Master."

"Oh, alright then. Xianxiu, would you mind sharing your room with Linglu?"

"Of course, Master—"

"I don't want to sleep with someone weaker than me, Master! Her cultivation is only at the mid-stage, while I'm at the peak stage. I don't want to be with someone weak, Master!"

"Weak… how dare you! This dragon deserves a beating!"

'Oh no! This dragon girl's mouth is too arrogant, she provokes others too easily. Even Luo Xianxiu, who's been acting so reserved, is getting upset because of her words.'

"What? You want to fight me? Since we're family, I'll tolerate your words this time. But watch your mouth, or you'll feel the strength of my peak Golden Core cultivation, which rivals a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator!"

"Enough with your arrogance! You're just a pet, how dare you insult me, a princess of the Fallen Rainbow Kingdom! I will surely beat you until you can't speak!"

"Yes! Go for it, Junior Sister, I, RuanRuan, support you! Beat that demon!"

'Wow! I just took my eyes off them for a moment, and now they're about to fight. Also, RuanRuan, what's with your attitude? Instead of stopping them, you're encouraging your junior sister.'

"Enough, all three of you. Don't be so noisy, it's already night. Since no one wants to sleep with Linglu, she'll sleep with Master."

"Wait, Master! Why does this demon get to sleep with you? Let her sleep outside, anyway, her thick skin won't let her feel the cold." RuanRuan quickly responded when Vheena suggested Linglu sleep with her.

"As if I, a princess of the divine dragon race, would sleep outside! You're just mad because you heard I'll be sleeping with Master!"

"You! Master, let this demon sleep in RuanRuan's room, while RuanRuan will sleep with Master."

"No! I'm going to sleep with Master! You're not invited, don't take my chance to sleep with Master!"

"You brat! You're new here, Master is closer to me! Don't be arrogant!"

"Hahaha! Master still chose to sleep with me!"

"You two stop fighting! Master already said not to be noisy!"

"But Junior Sister, this demon has been provoking me all this time!"

'What's going on with this drama? I was just trying to find a room for Linglu, and since no one wanted to, of course, I decided to let her sleep with me. But now they're fighting over who gets to sleep with me? Also, RuanRuan, your intentions are clear—you just want to sleep with me. But I can't let that happen, because with your immense strength, I'd be afraid you'd crush my bones if you hugged me while sleeping.'

"That's enough, all three of you be quiet. RuanRuan, stay in your room and let Linglu sleep with the master."

"But master! I-if that's the case, why don't we let this demon sleep in junior sister's room, while junior sister can sleep with the master?"

'What! Ruan-Chan, although your suggestion is good, unfortunately, I, your master, am not sure if I can maintain my composure. Just look at your junior sister's sexy body, I'm sure her chest is big, and I fear that will awaken my desires. I might end up molesting her while we sleep together, so just let me sleep with Linglu. It's because I want to study biology— I mean, this dragon girl seems to be the only one who is not dangerous to me, maybe?'

"That's enough, senior sister Ruan, I'm sure the master has her reasons for inviting Long Linglu to sleep with her. So just let it be."

"Ugh, b-but... the master will be taken away from me, the master's bed is only mine... hiks..." replied Ruan Xiaoyue in a very soft voice after hearing her junior sister speak to her.

After that unclear drama, Vheena went to take Long Linglu to her room, leaving RuanRuan kneeling in sadness and Luo Xianxiu with a blank expression after hearing her senior sister's reasoning.

When sleeping together, of course, Vheena did—nothing. The two of them slept soundly, though Vheena had a bit of trouble breathing because Long Linglu's tail was choking her neck.

Chapter 28

"Enough with you! I'm tired of your arrogance! I'm sick of seeing your pride and how you ignore those you think are weaker than you! Let's fight! I'll beat you until you submit to me!"

"Fine! I've been wanting revenge for how you humiliated me in our last fight! Prepare yourself! This time, I'll be the one to make you cry!"

"I'll be the one making you cry! Master, RuanRuan will go fight this demon, please grant us both permission to battle."

"O-okay, you have my permission, but while you two are fighting, don't kill each other. We're family, so no killing. Also, find somewhere a bit far from here. I don't want to see my house destroyed by your battle."

"Yes, Master!" "Understood, Master!"

'Linglu, you're doomed. RuanRuan is furious. All I can do is pray that your bones don't shatter under her blows. I'd love to watch your fight to make sure nothing bad happens, but I'm scared one of your attacks might accidentally hit me,' thought Vheena as she watched RuanRuan and Linglu leave quickly after gaining permission.

After watching the two lolis bow and depart after breakfast, Vheena gathered the plates from the table, assisted by Xianxiu, and washed them in the kitchen. Once they were done, Xianxiu, who had been helping, spoke up to show something.

"Master, are you busy today?"

"Busy? Of course not. Why?"

"If you're not busy, could you come with me to the training grounds so I can show you the results of the training you've given me?"

'Oh no! I have a bad feeling! C-could it be that this beautiful girl has already mastered the training I gave her? T-that's impossible, right? M-maybe Xianxiu just wants to show me a bit of progress to see if she's doing the technique right. Yes! That must be it! Besides, she didn't say she's mastered it, so I can just pretend her technique is wrong so she can't fully master it.'

"Alright, let's go."

As they walked to the spot where Ruan Xiaoyue had once trained, Vheena also thought about the right words to prepare for deceiving her disciple.

'When Xianxiu shows her results, what kind of act should I put on to trick her? Should I be a strict master or a kind one? Maybe it's better to act strict, so I can criticize her technique and push her to work harder on mastering something that's impossible. That way, I'll have plenty of time since she'll never be able to fully master it.'

'That sounds like a solid plan. First, I'll have her show me everything she's got using all her strength. Then, when I criticize her, she won't have any excuses like not using her full power. Afterward, I can tell her to work even harder to master it.' Vheena thought, hiding a smirk.

When they arrived, Vheena immediately spoke up with what she had planned.

"Xianxiu, when you demonstrate the technique, use your full strength so I can see just how much progress you've made."

"Of course, Master. I'll give it my all and use every ounce of power I have. I'll begin now."

'Yes, hurry up so I can—huh? Why did the ground beneath me suddenly drop? The area where Xianxiu is standing also sank—did the ground collapse? What! W-what is this? X-Xianxiu is floating while lifting rocks and giant trees? Oh no! M-my stomach hurts! How did she manage to master it! I didn't give her any real guidance! Why is she so skilled? W-why are you suddenly looking at me with admiration? D-don't come any closer!'

"How is it, Master? Does the technique match what you taught me?"

"…"

'M-my stomach hurts from stress! W-what should I say? My plan's completely useless now! Just seeing her float and lift objects is already spot on with the description I gave her! N-now I can only improvise when I respond to her!'

"…The technique you're using is in line with what I wanted. Well done. So …what techniques have you mastered so far?"

"As you can see, I can float, lift objects, and create an area 50 meters wide that I can make either heavy or light."

'S-so the ground collapsed because she used an area technique? D-does that mean she was trying to kill me with her gravity-like technique? W-wait, only the ground beneath me collapsed, and nothing happened to me, so Xianxiu must have excluded me when she used her power, right? Forget it, I need to continue the conversation.'

"…Actually, the technique you're using has many more applications, did you know?"

"You're right, Master. I realized that too, but due to my lack of experience, I've only been able to use these three moves. Would you be willing to teach me the other moves?"

'Oh no! I was just bluffing! There's no way I know the other moves! She can't possibly believe what I said! Damn, I need to think of a move that fits her technique! Come on, brain, think of all the techniques from my old world!'

"I-is there another move, Master?"

'Why are you asking again so quickly, Xianxiu-Chan! I haven't even thought of the next move yet! Someone, help me! My head hurts, I—'

THUUUMP!

"Guhak! Guhek! Guhuk! Guhk! It hurts so much! Hic, hic…my bones are shattered!"

"...Who? Linglu?"

"Hic…Master? M-my master! Help me! W-why can't I move! Master, please help! That monster is too strong! I was winning, but then suddenly her power spiked when she advanced in her cultivation!"

"A monster? What monster? Where is it?"

"I mean your first disciple, Master! She almost killed me! Her punches were terrifying, and she sent me flying all the way here. Hic, hic…"

'Pftt, hahaha, hold back your laughter! Don't let them see you laughing! I do feel sorry for Linglu after hearing how RuanRuan punched her so hard she flew all the way here. But seeing her talk so seriously while lying flat in Xianxiu's gravity area is too funny. Hahaha…'

"Master, help! I can't move! Why—"

"Demon, stand up, our fight isn't over. I'm not done beating you!"

"Uwaah! Master, save me! She's coming! I don't want to die! Her punches hurt so much! Help me, Master! M-my body, move! Why can't I move! Hic, hic, hic…"

"Pfft…ahem, Xianxiu, stop your technique, look at Linglu, she can't move anymore."

"…Very well, Master," Xianxiu responded, slightly disappointed that her master had asked her to stop the technique, which meant she couldn't get revenge on the rude dragon.

Once Xianxiu stopped her technique, Linglu, who had been lying on the ground covered in bruises, stood up as soon as she no longer felt the heavy pressure on her body. Linglu quickly ran behind Vheena, hiding from RuanRuan, who had appeared in front of them.

RuanRuan, with a bruised and disheveled face, was furious when she saw the demon hiding behind their master. Frustrated that she couldn't hit the demon while she was hiding, RuanRuan had no choice but to confront the coward.

"Demon, don't be a coward hiding behind Master! You can't escape. We're still in the middle of a fight! Face me! Where's your arrogance now!"

"Hic, hic, I don't want to! Your punches hurt! Master, please stop her!"

"It's pointless! Master already gave us permission to fight, and this battle won't stop until one of us surrenders!"

"I-I surrender, okay! You've won, so stop the fight!"

"I don't believe you! Unless you promise never to be arrogant in front of me and always do as I say!"

"No way I'll agree to that! You only won because I was caught off guard when your cultivation suddenly advanced! We're evenly matched! I'll only listen to someone stronger than me!"

"Since you don't agree, I won't accept your surrender. Let's continue our fight!"

"Hic, hic, fine, I'll promise to do as you say, just let me surrender. I don't want to feel your punches anymore."

"S-since Linglu has surrendered, RuanRuan is the winner."

"Thank you, Master!" "Hic, hic…"

'As expected, RuanRuan won. With punches that strong, of course she'd be victorious. Still, Linglu's dragon physique is amazing. Her body could withstand RuanRuan's punches with just some bruises. And thanks to RuanRuan's punch that sent Linglu flying, I've managed to think of a way to stop Xianxiu's training. Phew, now I have plenty of time to come up with a plan.'

"Xianxiu, let's continue the training later. For now, let's go home to tend to the wounds RuanRuan and Linglu got. After that, we can resume the training."

"Of course, master."

Due to the interruption caused by RuanRuan and Linglu, Vheena managed to come up with an excuse to stop Xianxiu's training. As a result, she was able to invite Xianxiu back home to help treat RuanRuan and Linglu's injuries, which made Vheena quite happy because now she had more time to come up with a new plan.

Chapter 29

'For now, I will follow your orders. But remember this, Ruan Xiaoyue! Once my divine dragon bloodline is purified and awakened, I will surely take my revenge! I cannot accept being humiliated by you twice! As a descendant of the dragon, I cannot accept this defeat! Just watch! In the future, I will humiliate you, and I will make you follow my orders!'

"Why are you quiet, Linglu? Does your wound still hurt? Since we're home, come with me. Let me help you treat your injury."

"O-oh, no, master! There's no need to treat me! Since I am a descendant of the dragon race, this wound will heal faster, master!"

"Are you sure? Didn't you say earlier that your bones were crushed?"

"Of course, master! If you're still worried about me, you can just give me some fruit to eat, master! The fight earlier made me hungry again, master!"

"Okay, but since the fruit was all eaten during breakfast, you can pick some from the backyard. RuanRuan, come with me, and let me treat your wounds."

"No need, master, this wound doesn't hurt much. If possible, just give RuanRuan some fruit like this demon requested, master."

"Alright, but since both of you are injured, should I go pick the fruit from the backyard myself?"

"No, master! Let Xianxiu go pick the fruit. It's not proper for you to do such a trivial thing!"

"You don't need to go, junior sister. Let the demon go pick the fruit herself."

"What! Why do I have to go pick the fruit alone! Don't we both need it! I refuse to be ordered around!"

"Huh? What happened to your promise to follow my words? Do we need to fight again? Besides, the fruit ran out because you ate the most during breakfast!"

"Guh! Fine, fine, I'll go get it myself. Satisfied?"

'Just you wait, Ruan Xiaoyue! You belittled me again by ordering me to do something as trivial as picking fruit in front of our master! We are irreconcilable! Just watch, after I defeat you, the first thing I'll do is order you to pick fruit for me! Hahaha! I can't wait to see you humiliated when I command you to do something so menial!'

After being humiliated by Ruan Xiaoyue for sending her to pick fruit in the backyard alone, Long Linglu left in a huff to follow the order. It didn't take long for her to return with a lot of fruit and share it with Ruan Xiaoyue.

"Here's the fruit, take it!"

"You're only giving me one? You brought so much fruit. Give me a few more; don't be greedy!"

"Don't take mine! I already gave you one! Don't be greedy and take what's mine!"

"You shameless creature! You're the greedy one! You picked so many of our master's fruits and won't even share!"

"I gave you one! You should be grateful that I'm even giving you any after you dared to order a descendant of the divine dragon to pick fruit!"

"Damn it! You really are—"

"Stop fighting, both of you! Our master is still here, and you have the nerve to argue! Aren't you ashamed of bickering every day over trivial things?"

"Silence, weakling, don't interfere in our matters! You have no right to interrupt our conversation!"

"Damn dragon! I was trying to stop your argument so our master wouldn't be upset, but you insulted me instead! I've had enough of you belittling me! Let's fight! I'll make you suffer, just like how senior sister humiliated you!"

"You! Fine! I accept your challenge! I won't stand for you bringing up my defeat! Just wait! I'll make you cry and beg for mercy!"

"Don't be afraid of her words, junior sister! Defeat her and make sure she never dares to look down on you again! I'm backing you up!"

"That's enough, all three of you, stop fighting! And RuanRuan, finish your food quickly. I have new training prepared for you and Xianxiu."

"New training! Wait a moment, master! RuanRuan will finish this fruit quickly!"

'Master is giving that monster new training? If that's the case, won't she become even stronger? I haven't even purified my bloodline yet! If that monster gets stronger, I won't be able to take my revenge! I need to follow and see what kind of training master is giving her so I can figure out the secret to her power!'

"Master! May I join you when you train these two?"

"You want to come? ...Sure, you can watch them train."

"Thank you, master!"

__________

"Hngg!"

"Ugh!"

'Wow! The training master is giving them is incredible! Is this the secret to the monster's strength? Watching her carry that massive stone on her back while the weak one uses some mysterious technique is amazing! I wish I could experience the gravity technique the weak one is using, but for now, I can only watch.'

Long Linglu, standing next to her master who was sitting a bit further away from the training area, was amazed by what she saw. She watched as Ruan Xiaoyue, lying flat, performed push-ups while carrying a massive stone on her back. Meanwhile, the weak one, Luo Xianxiu, sat on the stone, using a gravity area technique that made everything within the area incredibly heavy.

"Hngg! Haa, haa... haa… Let's take a break for a moment, senior sister, I need to rest. Haa... My head hurts, and my qi is almost depleted."

"Ugh! Haa... haa... Fine, junior sister, I'm also exhausted. My body aches from carrying this weight…"

"Are you both alright? Is the training I gave you too hard?"

"Haa... no, master, haa... we can handle it. The training, haa... you gave us is amazing. RuanRuan can feel the effects..."

"Me too, haa, haa... master, Xianxiu feels her soul, mind, and qi getting stronger, master!"

"As long as you're not pushing yourselves too hard, then it's fine. That's why I'm cheering you on to finish 1000 push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and running 100 km in place every day. And Xianxiu, continue to assist RuanRuan with the weight and your gravity technique while she trains. Haha—uhum, don't worry, if anything dangerous happens, I'll help. So keep up the hard work!"

"Yes, master!" "Yes, master!"

"Master will train those two until they finish? It looks like today they're resting more than training. I wonder if they'll actually complete it."

'I just want to confirm from master so I can make sure that monster doesn't grow stronger too quickly. Even though I'm not training, I know the training master gives is effective. I just don't want my revenge to take longer because that monster gets stronger!'

"…Don't worry, Linglu, both of them will complete their training. They are students I personally chose for their talent and extraordinary physiques."

'Woah! Master looks so cool when she turns her head to the sky like that. And when she turned back to answer me, her expression was like that of an immortal who knows everything. Master is so cool!'

'Still, master's words are bad news for me. But it's not certain yet! I'll have to see if the monster really completes the training. If she does, I'll need to quickly find a way to purify my bloodline so I don't fall behind her!'

Unfortunately, her master's words came true. As Long Linglu watched the monster and the weak one finish their training just before midnight, her face filled with frustration, unaware that her master's expression beside her had darkened as well.

Chapter 30

"RuanRuan and Xianxiu, since I have observed your training progress over the past ten days, and it has gone very smoothly, there is no longer a need for me to watch over your training. You are free to express your creativity in your exercises. Moreover, as both of you have grown strong enough to travel anywhere, I have decided that you are free to go wherever you wish to gain more experience."

After saying that, their master left the two disciples at the training ground. The beast and the weak one, who had been training, stopped upon hearing their master's words and bowed deeply with respect as they watched her depart. Long Linglu, who had been sitting nearby, watched as the two of them rose from their bow and resumed their training as usual. Seeing how accustomed they had become to their exercises made Long Linglu anxious at the rapid speed of their progress.

'This cannot go on! I've only been watching them train for ten days, but their progress is unbelievably fast! I can't let this happen! Otherwise, the revenge I seek will become nothing more than a pipe dream!'

"Haa, haa... Senior sister, let's take a short break, haa, haa... My head is starting to hurt, and my qi is nearly depleted. I need to rest for a bit to ease the headache and restore my qi."

"Haa, haa... No, we can't stop. You heard what the master said earlier, right? We are free to unleash our creativity. Haa, haa... I think it would be better if we trained past our limits until we're on the verge of fainting, then use the master's fruits to restore our vitality. That way, we'll have more time by finishing our training faster, and we can explore the area to gain the experience the master mentioned."

"Great idea, senior sister! Maybe that way we can surprise the master when she sees us train again someday."

"That's unlikely, as the master probably already knows we'd think of such a plan. If we want to surprise her, we'll have to exceed her expectations, perhaps by doubling the amount of training she set for us. Forget it, let's just start pushing beyond our limits!"

"Of course! Let's work hard and go beyond our boundaries!"

'You two are insane! I'm sure the creativity the master mentioned wasn't about destroying your bodies like you're doing! Hiii... Ruan Xiaoyue, you're already vomiting blood! A-and this weak one... h-her eyes, ears, nose, and mouth are bleeding, yet she's still training!'

'At this rate, their strength will increase several times faster! As a descendant of the divine dragon, I can't allow myself to be the weakest among them! At this point, my only option is to beg the master to give me a technique or special training!'

Feeling the crisis of falling behind, Long Linglu, alarmed by the rapid progress of the two maniacs training beside her, immediately ran home to beg her master for a technique or training regimen.

Upon arriving home, Long Linglu rushed inside, searching everywhere for her master until she found her crouching in a corner near the kitchen, holding her head. Because she was so anxious about falling behind, she ignored her master's strange behavior and ran up to her, hugging her while pleading desperately for her request.

"Master~, can you help me?"

"...Linglu? Help you? What do you need help with?"

"Yes~, Linglu needs help. Can you give Linglu a technique or training for me to master? Please, Master?" Linglu asked, pleading with a pitiful expression.

"Give you a technique or training? ...I can't, you're not my disciple, so I can't help you."

"Uwaaah! Master, please! I don't want to be the weakest of your disciples! Otherwise, they'll both become arrogant and start bothering me! I'm the only one allowed to bother them, not the other way around! Please help me, Master!"

"You want me to help you by giving you a technique or training so you can dominate my disciples? Are you even thinking straight?"

"Eh?"

"O-oh, what I meant to say is... if you want to defeat them, your bloodline at least needs to be awakened and purified. Otherwise... it will only remain a fantasy if you wish to defeat them."

"In that case, please give me a way to purify my bloodline quickly, Master!"

Hearing Long Linglu's request, her master just stared at her for a long time, making her uncomfortable as if her entire being was being scrutinized. After a moment, the master smiled and reached out to pat Long Linglu's head, speaking gently.

"...Linglu, forget about that for now. It would be better if you helped me plant the herbs that RuanRuan brought from the alternative realm in the backyard. They've been left unattended for a while because I forgot about them. Will you help me?"

"Planting herbs? What about my bloodline, Master?"

"We'll deal with that later. Let's farm first. Aren't you tired of eating the same fruits and vegetables all the time?"

"Uh, alright, Master..."

'It seems the master doesn't want to help purify my bloodline, nor does she want to give me any techniques or training. What should I do? Should I try asking again after I help her?'

Following her master to the backyard with a slightly disappointed expression, Long Linglu saw that the master stopped and spoke to her when they reached the garden.

"...Linglu, when you first arrived here, didn't you have a storage ring?"

"No, Master. My storage ring was lost when I fought your disciple in the alternative realm."

"O-okay, in that case, take this cheap ring that RuanRuan gave me. You'll probably need it."

"Thank you for the gift, Master!"

'This ring is of low quality, I feel embarrassed wearing it. But since it's a gift from my master, I'll wear it. But why would the master give me this ring? When I glanced inside by channeling qi into it, there wasn't anything interesting except for a few rare plants.'

"It's fine... also, could you take out the plants inside the ring? I forgot to remove them before giving the ring to you."

"Oh, of course, Master. I'll take them out now."

"Is this all the plants?"

"Yes, Master."

'Why did the master ask that? Could it be she hasn't checked all the plants inside the ring?'

"Well then, let's get started. Linglu, you dig the soil and plant them, while I'll go fetch some water."

"Yes, Master..."

Long Linglu quickly dug the ground and planted all the herbs, waiting for her master to return. After a while, the master came back carrying a bucket of water and handed it to her.

"Linglu, you're very fast at completing your tasks. Here, take this bucket of water and water the plants you've just planted."

"Uh, yes, Master..."

'Why am I doing all the farming tasks? Is the master doing this to make me forget about the bloodline conversation? Could it be the master doesn't know how to help me purify my bloodline and is distracting me with all this work?'

Suspicious of her master's motives, Long Linglu buried her doubts and continued to follow her instructions, such as gathering leaves, placing them in a designated area, spreading chicken manure around the plants, pruning tree branches, and other menial tasks.

Doing all these minor chores made Long Linglu feel a bit insulted, as if her master was belittling her dragon heritage by making her do such tasks. But she soon regretted having such thoughts after feeling something remarkable happening within her body.

'E-eh, w-why do I feel my bloodline gradually being purified? W-what is causing this? C-could it be because I was farming? B-but how could performing menial tasks help purify my bloodline? I can't deny it... the master himself suddenly asked me to farm! She must have done something when she asked me to farm!'

Reaching this conclusion, Long Linglu immediately ran toward her master, hugging her while apologizing.

"Master, I'm sorry for thinking that you were mocking me. I didn't expect that doing these menial tasks would be so beneficial!"

"O-oh, o-of course farming is beneficial... do you enjoy it?"

"Yes, Master! If possible, let me be the one to take care of this garden, Master! I love it!"

"S-sure, you can take care of it... I'd appreciate it if you could look after all the plants in the garden every day, would that be alright?"

"Of course, Master! Just leave it to me!"

"…then the master will leave you alone to farm here, that's alright, isn't it?"

"No problem at all, Master!"

After her master left her, with a confused yet happy expression that she did not fully understand, Long Linglu resumed her duties of tending, cleaning, and caring for all the plants in the garden wholeheartedly. Every day, she performed these tasks without any laziness after experiencing the profound benefits they brought her.

After a month of caring for the garden, her efforts finally bore fruit. She could feel that her bloodline had been purified and was on the verge of awakening. This realization made Long Linglu incredibly happy.

'Finally! A month of tending to the master's plants has purified my bloodline! Even though I didn't ask the master the reason behind it, at least what I desired is about to be achieved! All I have to do is wait for my purified bloodline to awaken, and then I'll finally be able to transform into a true divine dragon! Hahaha! Just you wait, Ruan Xiaoyue, once my bloodline awakens, my revenge against you will be fulfilled! Hahaha—'

"Demon, you must come with me!"

"W-what, R-Ruan Xiaoyue? W-why are you here?"

"Hurry up, I don't have time! You need to come with me!"

"N-no! I'm sure you just want to drag me into a duel! At least wait until my bloodline awakens, then we can duel!"

"You fool! I'm not asking you for a duel! This is urgent! I'm taking you to the alternate realm!"

"To the alternate realm? Why are you taking me there?"

"Just come with me! I need your help to find Sister Xue, who's being chased by the Great Thunder Sect all the way into the alternate realm!"

Chapter 31

"Just come with me! I need your help to find Sister Xue, who's being chased by the Great Thunder Sect all the way into the alternate realm!"

"I can't! I'm busy! And why don't you go with that weakling?"

"I've already looked for junior sister but couldn't find her. I don't know where she went. Besides, I think you're the only one who knows all the places in the alternative realm. So just come with me and help me find her! Don't pretend to be busy just because you don't want to help me!"

"I really am busy! Can't you see I'm farming?"

"You're farming? Are you crazy?"

'This arrogant demon is farming? Does she think I'm a fool who'd believe such a ridiculous excuse?'

"I'm not crazy! Don't insult me!"

"Whatever, I don't care about your excuses! Just help me find her! Remember, you already lost and have to do what I say!"

"Guh! Fine, fine! I'll go! But I need to ask for permission from my master."

"No need, our master already gave us permission to go anywhere a long time ago. Let's just go find Sister Xue, and once we save her, we can quickly return."

"Alright, let's go."

"…"

Seeing that the demon didn't transform into a dragon and just stood there staring at her, Ruan Xiaoyue was confused. She waited for a moment, but the demon continued to stand still, staring, prompting her to ask her.

"Why are you just standing there? Hurry up and transform!"

"Huh? Transform into what? I'm standing here waiting for you to lead so I can follow!"

"Idiot! Aren't you a dragon? Hurry up and transform so we can fly to the alternative realm and get there quickly!"

"Damn it! How dare you mock me for not being able to transform into a dragon!"

"I'm not mocking you. Don't you have dragon bloodline? Why can't you transform? Pathetic." Ruan Xiaoyue replied, mocking Long Linglu for her inability to transform into a dragon.

"You! I can't transform because my bloodline hasn't awakened yet! But soon, very soon, my bloodline will awaken! And the first thing I'll do is get revenge for all the humiliation you've caused me!"

"Bla bla bla… pathetic. Let's just run there."

"Pathetic... you dare mock me again… remember this, Ruan Xiaoyue! I will never make peace with you! Once I defeat you, I'll make you feel humiliated every day by licking my feet—hey! Wait! Listen to me!"

Dashing through the forest with inhuman speed toward the alternative realm, followed closely by Long Linglu, Ruan Xiaoyue ignored the demon's angry ranting while reflecting on Sister Xue's situation.

'I learned about Sister Xue being chased by the Great Thunder sect from a group of cultivators I encountered while exploring the death forest. I didn't expect them to try capturing me as well because of a mission from their sect elder. I don't know why their elder was looking for me, as I accidentally killed that group when I tried extracting more information by striking one of them with a hand slash, causing the others to fear me.'

"Hey! Ruan Xiaoyue! Remember this! I'll make you feel so humiliated that you won't even be able to look at me!"

'I never expected that my hand slash would generate such a large wind blade that hit the group directly, killing them. Because of that blunder, the information I gathered is incomplete, and I don't know how Sister Xue is doing after entering the alternative realm. I just hope she's okay.'

"You should know! It's been 500 years since anyone from my race had their bloodline awaken, except for my father! Now, it's not just my father; I will awaken the divine dragon bloodline too! Isn't that amazing? I'm a genius to be able to awaken it at such a young age! Hahaha! So, once you lose to me and become my subordinate, you should be grateful! Hahaha!"

'Damn! This demon is so noisy! I can't even sort through the information in my head! If I didn't need her to guide me through the vast alternative realm, I would've punched her until she begged for mercy!'

Annoyed that she couldn't focus on Sister Xue's situation, Ruan Xiaoyue remained silent as she ran, ignoring the demon's endless ranting. After an hour, they finally arrived at the site of the alternative realm's opening conference.

Seeing the once-bustling conference site now deserted with no one in sight, the two of them walked toward the cave entrance to the alternative realm. As they neared the entrance, Ruan Xiaoyue noticed two cultivators from the Great Thunder sect standing guard. Finding it strange that White Lotus sect cultivators weren't guarding the cave, she signaled the demon to stop and observe.

"Stop, look at the cave entrance. There are two Great Thunder sect cultivators guarding it. Let's hide first and figure out why they're guarding the cave."

"Why! It's just—hmm! Hmm!"

Seeing Long Linglu still speaking loudly, Ruan Xiaoyue quickly covered her mouth and dragged her to a large tree to hide.

"Quiet! Do you want us to be discovered? Can't you lower your voice? I don't want us to get caught, so let's spy on them first to see if they reveal any useful information."

"Hmm! Hmm! I don't want to wait! Let's just attack them! Their cultivation is only at the early Golden Core stage!" Long Linglu replied after managing to free her mouth from Ruan Xiaoyue's hand.

"Damn demon! Why can't you—"

"Who's there? Show yourself!"

"See! Now we've been spotted because of you! Damn it!" Ruan Xiaoyue responded angrily, hitting Long Linglu on the head multiple times.

"Ouch! Ow! That hurts! Stop! Don't hit my head! It hurts! I'm sorry, okay? Stop! Please stop!"

"It's them! Two children... and one is a demon! Go alert everyone! I'll hold them off!"

As Ruan Xiaoyue was busy hitting Long Linglu out of frustration, one of the Great Thunder sect cultivators guarding the cave spotted them and ordered his companion to alert the others after seeing that one of the children was a demon.

The remaining cultivator wasted no time, drawing his sword and muttering an incantation that caused the blade to glow blue, crackling with lightning. He swiftly charged at the two children, swinging his sword with all his strength.

Seeing the sword slash approaching, Ruan Xiaoyue quickly pulled Long Linglu in front of her as a shield. Long Linglu, still rubbing her sore head, didn't notice the lightning-infused slash and took the hit directly, letting out a pained scream.

"Gyaa! Abbaba! Bbaba! R-Ruan X-Xiaoyue! You wretched human! I'm your ally! Why are you using me as a shield?"

"I just wanted to see how strong a Golden Core cultivator's attack is. Besides, your body is strong. There's no way a little attack like that would hurt you."

"Damn it! That's not the point! Why did it have to be me? Your body is strong too!"

"I'm sorry, okay."

"Don't mock me with that deadpan apology! Damn it! Ahhh! Just you wait, Ruan Xiaoyue, I'll get my revenge! As for you, foolish human! How dare you attack me! I'll kill you!"

"N-no way… h-how can my sect's lightning technique have no effect on a demon like you? Who are you! Ghakk!"

The Great Thunder sect cultivator was shocked, as his sect's lightning technique, which should have been a demon's weakness, had no effect on Long Linglu. While he was distracted, Long Linglu swiftly grabbed him by the throat and began choking him.

"Shut up! How dare you attack me from behind! I'll snap your neck!"

"Ghak! D-demon… my sect… w-won't… forgive you…"

"Do you think I'm afraid of your threats? Your sect is nothing but trash to me! So, die—"

"Stop, demon! Let him go!"

Just as Long Linglu was about to break the Great Thunder sect cultivator's neck, a voice suddenly echoed from the cave. Turning her gaze toward it, she saw a large group of Great Thunder sect cultivators led by two men dressed in more elegant robes than the others.

"S-sect elder... p-please, help me..."

"Demon, release him! If you let him go, I'll grant you a peaceful death!"

"Are you threatening me? How dare you! Do you think I'm afraid of your Nascent Soul cultivation level?"

"I won't say it again, demon. Release him, or you'll—"

Crack!

"Damn you! Die!"

Seeing the small demon ignore his words and casually snap the neck of one of his sect members, the sect elder, face contorted with rage, unleashed his full power. His body turned blue, wrapped in lightning, and in a flash, he disappeared, reappearing right in front of the demon, kicking with all his might.

"Guhak!"

Long Linglu, struck in the stomach by the kick of a Nascent Soul cultivator, was sent flying far away, crashing through several trees in the process. Ruan Xiaoyue, seeing Long Linglu sent flying and unsure of her condition, immediately started to think seriously.

'Is that the strength of a Nascent Soul cultivator? His power is truly immense, stronger than any attack from Long Linglu that I've faced before. I must be careful with him, especially since I don't know if he's shown all his strength yet. Plus, there are two of them, and their followers have considerable Golden Core cultivation. I need to stay on guard!'

The sect elder, having kicked Long Linglu far into the distance, dispersed the lightning around his body and turned his gaze toward Ruan Xiaoyue, who was deep in thought, searching for a solution. He then spoke:

"Little girl, I've finally found you. I never expected a genius cultivator like you to befriend a notorious demon. As an elder of a righteous sect, I cannot allow a human traitor who befriends demons to live. If you don't want to die, join our sect and become my disciple, and I will pardon your mistake."

Chapter 32

'Isn't this the arrogant cultivator who threatened all the others during the opening conference of the alternate realm? I didn't notice him before because my attention was focused on the large number of sect members he brought. But from his words, "finally found you," could it be that he's the one who ordered everyone in his sect to search for me?'

"No need to think too long, little girl. Accept me as your master. Seeing how young you are yet already in the late Golden Core stage, it would be a waste for you to refuse my offer."

"…I refuse."

"You're rejecting my offer? Little girl, are you sure? If you refuse, death will be your only path. My sect won't let a genius like you be taken by someone else. If you continue to refuse, I'll kill you myself."

'This arrogant man is disgusting! He won't let me refuse, and now he's even threatening to kill me if I don't become his disciple! If he wasn't backed by so many people from his sect, I'd definitely fight him! Should I just attack him anyway? No, I can't act impulsively. I should focus on saving Long Linglu first. I don't know her condition after that last attack. At the very least, I need to distract them long enough for me to escape to where she fell.'

"…I refuse. I can't accept a weak master. And your sect is just as weak."

Ruan Xiaoyue's words enraged the elder of the Great Thunder Sect. His fury manifested as he unleashed an oppressive aura, attempting to intimidate her.

"Weak, you say? Hahaha! How dare a brat like you insult me and my sect! I cannot accept your words. Since you've rejected the great opportunity I offered, death will be your only fate!"

With a threatening tone, the elder approached her, radiating oppressive energy and murderous intent, trying to scare her.

As the disgusting man got closer, Ruan Xiaoyue adopted a defensive stance, ready for combat. The elder sneered in disdain, continuing to close the distance.

"Hmph! A mere late-stage Golden Core cultivator like you dares to challenge me, a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator? You're seeking death! Watch as your body crumbles when I strike you!"

The elder advanced, his body cloaked in lightning qi to further intimidate her. But Ruan Xiaoyue, unaffected by his threats, held her stance, waiting for the right moment. When the elder was close enough, she unleashed a powerful technique she had learned from her master, aiming it not at the elder, but at the group of cultivators behind him near the cave.

Thuuuuump!

After launching her attack, Ruan Xiaoyue dashed away, leaving the elder momentarily distracted by the blast. She raced toward the area where Long Linglu had been thrown, hoping to find her.

A few seconds later, she spotted Long Linglu lying motionless not far away. Her heart raced with worry as she knelt down and turned Long Linglu over, asking about her condition—only to be shocked by what she saw.

"Long Linglu! Are you alright—damn it!"

"Nyam, nyam…what?"

"You! I was worried when I saw you get flung away by that cultivator's attack! I went through so much trouble just to escape their siege and check on you! And what do I find? You're here casually eating fruit instead of helping me!"

"Hey! I couldn't help you because I couldn't breathe after that kick! Besides, this fruit is from our master; it's meant to heal my wounds!"

"How do you even have that fruit? I'm sure you didn't bring anything with you when we left."

"Of course you didn't see it! I stored the fruit in the storage ring Master gave me! I didn't expect Master's words to come true when she said I would need this ring."

Ruan Xiaoyue's eyes widened in envy, seeing Long Linglu flaunt her gift from their master. She grew even more jealous when she recognized the ring—it had once been hers, given to Master for a mission.

"That ring…was mine. Why did Master give it to you?"

"Ehh? This was yours? Does that mean Master likes me more than you?"

"You…"

"Hahaha! Ruan Xiaoyue, even though you beat me in combat, when it comes to affection, Master clearly favors me! She even gave me your ring! Hahaha!"

"That demon… Master is—"

"Watch out, Ruan Xiaoyue!"

Before she could finish her angry retort, Long Linglu suddenly shouted "watch out" and yanked her aside, narrowly avoiding a lightning strike where she had just stood.

"You little brat! How dare you kill all the main disciples I brought here! You have no shame, attacking innocents during our battle!"

Turning around, Ruan Xiaoyue saw two furious elders from the Great Thunder Sect, one of them clearly the one who had just attacked her. She responded to their insults with a defiant shout.

"You're the shameless one! You only have the guts to fight me, a child with a lower cultivation than you! And you even threatened to kill me if I didn't obey! Disgusting!"

"Ungrateful brat! You should be thankful my sect is interested in recruiting you! How dare you direct your attack at me and the main disciples behind me! If not for the protection talisman I carried, I would've died alongside them! My sect will never let you go!"

"Ruan Xiaoyue! Let me fight the one in the tattered clothes. You take on the one covered in lightning. I don't know what will happen if they team up, so it's better if we each take one."

"Alright, I'll follow your plan."

With a swift movement, Long Linglu charged toward the elder in tattered clothes, while Ruan Xiaoyue ran toward the lightning-clad elder to face him.

As Long Linglu unleashed a barrage of punches, her opponent barely blocked them, though he was still forced back. Taking advantage of this, Long Linglu pursued him, continuing her relentless assault, while Ruan Xiaoyue was left to fight the elder with the lightning aura alone.

Ruan Xiaoyue launched a series of punches and kicks, but the elder easily dodged her attacks. Frustrated, she struck again and again, using techniques taught by her master. Yet, despite the destruction her blows caused to the surroundings, the elder evaded them all with ease, further frustrating her.

"Ghak!"

In her frustration, her strikes became sloppy, leaving an opening. The elder saw his chance and landed a powerful, lightning-infused punch that sent her flying through the trees. Before she could recover, the elder chased after her, striking again and sending her even further.

"Ghak! Ghak! Ghuk! Ghek!"

He pummeled her relentlessly, kicking her high into the air before stomping her back down into the ground. Even then, he didn't stop, kicking and punching her without mercy as she tumbled across the ground, unable to retaliate.

"Haa… haa… Haa… Y-You little brat… What is your body made of?! I've attacked you with all my strength multiple times, yet you're barely even seriously injured!"

"…"

Seeing Ruan Xiaoyue lying on the ground, bloodied and beaten, her left arm broken, the elder grew wary. Despite her injuries, her body was far from normal. Any other Golden Core cultivator would have died facing a Nascent Soul cultivator, but not her.

"I've changed my mind, little girl. Join my sect, and I'll let all this go. With your rapid cultivation speed and that abnormal body of yours, you'll elevate our sect to greatness! No! We won't just conquer Fellow Sun Continent; together, we could rule all the continents!"

"…"

"Stop staying silent, little girl! I know you're not unconscious! Answer me! It's better if you give up now. You're strong, but your lack of experience and simple techniques make you easy to dodge. You're no match for me!"

"…"

With no response, the elder grew confused. He was sure she wasn't unconscious from the breath she was still taking. He threw a lightning technique at her, strong enough to kill any Golden Core cultivator, but still, there was no movement or sound.

Approaching cautiously, he aimed to seal her cultivation so she couldn't resist. But just as he reached her, Ruan Xiaoyue suddenly grabbed his leg.

"…Caught you!"

"D-Damn it! L-Let me go! Let me go or I'll kill you!" the elder yelled in fear, frantically punching and kicking in an attempt to break free from her grasp.

"Earlier, you said it was easy to avoid my attacks because they were too simple? Now try dodging this!"

"NO!"

Thuuuuuump!

"Urgh! My whole body, and my left hand too, they hurt so much! Ugh! I have to help Long Linglu first, I don't know how she's doing."

Dragging her injured body away, with a broken arm and sprained leg, she left behind two human legs, incomplete up to the thighs. Ruan Xiaoyue forced her aching legs to run toward the sound of Long Linglu's fight.

When she arrived, she saw Long Linglu gravely injured, her right arm severed, and her body full of bloody holes as if pierced by large needles. She was trapped in what looked like a transparent barrier charged with electricity—Ruan Xiaoyue had no idea what kind of technique this was—as Long Linglu desperately tried to break free by pounding on it, even though she got shocked every time she touched the barrier.

"You damned human! Let me out of this array! You're cheating! Fight me with honor! Is your Nascent Soul cultivation just for show? You're even using an array to fight someone weaker than you! Coward! All you did was run away and shock me during our fight! Let me out!"

"Give up, demon! That array is unbreakable unless your cultivation is at the peak stage of Nascent Soul. You'll never escape. Just surrender—huh? My chest... there's a small hand piercing through it? Y-you're still alive..."

Thud...

"Ruan Xiaoyue! Help me! Hahaha! As expected of someone who once defeated me! You managed to kill them all! Hurry, save me! Urgh, my right arm is gone!"

"Shut up, Long Linglu, you're too loud. How do I get you out of this technique?"

"Urgh, my hand and body hurt! ...Look at the four corners of the array. If there's anything there, destroy it."

Following Long Linglu's instructions, Ruan Xiaoyue saw strange objects emitting qi at each corner of the array that trapped Long Linglu. Crushing all the objects in her hands, she finally saw the barrier disappear, freeing Long Linglu at last.

"Finally, I'm free! Hic, hic… Ruan Xiaoyue, thank goodness you saved me. I was just pretending to be strong while that human tortured me, so I wouldn't lose my dignity. Hic, hic... my arm hurts so much, and my body too."

"Ugh, my body hurts too, so don't hug me. Let go of me. You're carrying that ring the master gave you, filled with fruits, aren't you? Hurry up and take them out so we can eat and heal our bodies."

"Hic, hic... I didn't take them out earlier because I didn't want that human to steal my treasures. Hic… here are the fruits." Long Linglu replied, handing Ruan Xiaoyue the fruit from her storage ring.