Chapter 270

269. Chapter 269 Paper‑crafted Kitty + After the Decisive Battle……

Ling Yue glanced at the sky; it wasn't late yet. She feared that after telling the truth, the woman would become even more frightened, so she invited: "Why don't we go inside to talk?"

Madam Tan blinked; she could have risen to her position today only by not being an ordinary person, she nodded, but her mind was a thousand twists and turns.

A cat ghost?

Her first reaction was that it was a ghost formed from a kitten, and besides, she happened to have a cat that had died not long ago.

Stupid loved lying on her pillow the most, curling up, which happened to be a small circle; its little paws would make a row of tiny round dents on the blanket, Stupid loved rubbing against her with a soft, murmuring sound, soft and lovely, making people's hearts melt.

Thinking of this, Madam Tan's eyes reddened; after they all reached the cabin room, her voice once choked as she said: "Could it be… could the cat ghost be my little cat Stupid?"

Meow meow meow~ Meow~

Ling Yue's gaze paused slightly, she glanced at her right shoulder; there, a pretty solid-colored little plush cat curled into a ball, affectionately rubbing against her neck like a glutinous rice ball.

"Master~ Master~ it's me, I am Stupid."

Stupid was the little plush cat Madam Tan bought; perhaps it was fate, she carefully fed Stupid, having no children, she poured all her heart and soul into it, loving it as if it were her own child.

Although Stupid was clumsy, it was very well-behaved; the little creature's favorite pastime was curling up in its master's arms to sleep, and when rubbed comfortably, its little belly would puff up and it would start purring.

But later, an accident occurred; Stupid contracted parvovirus, and in her anxiety she sought many doctors, yet in the end Stupid still died.

Madam Tan's expression was gloomy; she had almost fallen into depression, but now upon suddenly mentioning Stupid, her heart raced with excitement, and her eager gaze involuntarily turned to Ling Yue.

Ling Yue nodded at her: "Yes."

Madam Tan instantly became overwrought; it turned out that wasn't a ghost, but her precious Stupid. Yet she hesitated a moment and couldn't help asking Ling Yue: "How did Stupid become a cat ghost? Why would it scare me?"

Hearing her words, Ling Yue glanced at the semi-transparent cat; the kitten Stupid, upon hearing this, immediately shook its head: "Stupid didn't! Stupid didn't scare Mom!"

It stared with its round cat eyes and said: "Stupid is to protect Mom."

Ling Yue heard this and also paused; she began conversing with the cat, asking: "Why do you want to protect Mom?"

She instinctively sensed that perhaps there was something else inside, and couldn't help voicing her question.

The little cat ghost Benben shook its head: "Because I saw, Mom's younger brother is harming her! He smeared medicine powder on Mom's water cup! It stinks! And the car… I saw someone put something in Mom's car!"

Benben the little cat ghost spoke excitedly, almost jumping off Madam Tan's shoulder; it wobbled but steadied itself, licked its paw pads, and said: "Later Mom had a car accident, I, I tried hard to save her, I never meant to scare Mom."

It… it just missed Mom too much.

Actually it didn't explain, but Ling Yue could guess: such a silly little cat ghost Benben, how could it possibly scare anyone? It probably couldn't even do that.

She repeated Benben's words, and upon hearing this, Madam Tan instantly startled: "Benben said someone wants to harm me? Is he still my own younger brother?"

Her first reaction was disbelief, but how could the master deceive her? Benben is the little cat she raised from childhood; why would it lie to her? There's absolutely no motive!

Moreover, her good-for-nothing younger brother recently, under the pretense of investment, approached her, opening with a demand of three hundred million!

Madam Tan was well aware of his abilities—a typical prodigal, more capable of causing ruin than success—naturally she refused to throw away such a large sum, and the angry brother slammed the door and left.

Back then Madam Tan didn't think much of it, but now a chill runs through her heart—they are blood siblings! Their father cheated, keeping mistresses outside; to protect her brother, she willingly married off through an alliance!

How did he become like this!

Madam Tan felt a sudden chill; she had power and influence, and even retained a year-round private detective, so she immediately had someone investigate the truth, believing she would have results in just a few days.

But Benben…

The little cat lay limp on its owner's shoulder, breath faint; Ling Yue couldn't help sighing: "Are you thinking about Benben?"

Madam Tan wasn't surprised that Ling Yue knew her thoughts; having her heart laid bare flushed her face: "That's right, my Benben, how is it now? Should I burn some offerings for it?"

Ling Yue shook her head, looking at the increasingly listless little cat: "Now isn't the time for these." She paused, then looked at Benben: "You should also feel it, right?"

Benben lay down, burying its head in its paws, its fluffy soft long tail also drooping, swaying slowly.

Only Madam Tan listened, bewildered; Ling Yue told her: "The slow-acting poison is fine, but the car accident on the overpass afterward—you weren't actually that lucky. You said you heard a kitten's cry during the accident; that was because Benben was saving you, yet it's merely a small animal that turned into a ghost for a while—how could it have such strength?"

For some reason, upon hearing this, Madam Tan's heart jumped; Ling Yue said: "So to save you, it sacrificed half of itself; if this continues, it will completely lose its soul and spirit."

Upon hearing this, Madam Tan startled, her face turning pale involuntarily; never mind how much she loved Benben—after its death, for a time she couldn't even bear to see a cat, and later she swore never to keep a cat again.

Hearing Ling Yue say again that Benben was sacrificing itself to save her, Madam Tan, without a second thought, dropped to her knees before Ling Yue: "Please, please save Benben—I'll pay any price!"

Although the results weren't out yet, there was no doubt the facts were already clear.

The closest kin betrayed her, eager for wealth wanting her dead; her natal family, to secure their future, prepared to send her to Daoist Changqing; she had long grown cold-hearted, retaining only a trace of affection, all of which she gave to Benben.

She was very resolute about this choice.

Ling Yue slowly scanned her appearance, her mood improving considerably: "Are you sure, even if it costs you one-third of your lifespan?"

Madam Tan nodded without hesitation.

Ling Yue's mood lightened considerably: "Since that's the case, go prepare some cinnabar, talisman paper, paper pigment, and thin bamboo splints for me—the more bamboo splints, the better."

Madam Tan didn't understand; she could grasp the former part—perhaps it was to set up an altar for a ritual—but the latter…

Unable to figure it out, she stopped pondering and immediately ordered her subordinates to buy what she needed; soon the items were placed before Ling Yue.

Ling Yue first used two talismans—one given to Madam Tan to swallow with water, the other affixed to the little cat ghost Benben; Madam Tan instantly rejoiced, for she could see Benben!

"Benben, Mom is here."

She reached out and scooped up the little glutinous rice ball in one embrace; Benben happily licked Mom, uttering "wu-mi wu-mi" cries.

Madam Tan and the cat reunited after a long separation, her eyes filled entirely with the adorable little cat; then she glanced at Ling Yue, a flicker of surprise crossing her gaze: "Is this… Benben?"

The thin bamboo splints, only as wide as a finger, woven skillfully, gradually formed a delicate cat shape; after being pasted with paper and painted, lo and behold, it was a life‑size replica of the cat Benben.

Lifelike and vivid.

Madam Tan was astonished, and then Ling Yue said: "Humans are the essence of all things; by choosing to share your lifespan, even a portion is enough for Benben to remain in the world. Since it has no body, I can only make a paper‑crafted cat; Benben possessing it can run and jump just as it did in life."

Madam Tan was utterly stunned, strong joy bursting in her eyes: "Then this means my Benben… it can be brought back to life?!"

Ling Yue nodded: "That's correct."

Her heart felt as if a huge stone had been lifted, and she couldn't help asking: "Why so many bamboo splints?"

Ling Yue: "The bamboo splints are the kitten's bones; the more bamboo splints, the healthier the kitten."

Ragdoll cats may look pretty, but their bodies are quite fragile; later, when the little cat ghost Benben climbs up and down, if it were to break, what could we do?

Mrs. Tan couldn't help laughing as she listened; the little cat in her arms furtively poked its head out, looking at the identical paper cat, shaking its head and wagging its tail.

Ling Yue held the little cat and waved at Ben Ben: "Ben Ben, come over."

The little cat trotted over, as if knowing what she intended, and directly attached itself; the paper cat showed no intention of transforming.

Ling Yue took out a silver needle, pricked Mrs. Tan's finger, mixed the blood with pigment, and dotted the eyes with vermilion.

In the next second, the paper cat turned into a fluffy plush kitten; the cat blinked its pale blue eyes and mewed softly: "I, I'm alive?"

It happily leapt into its owner's arms, meowing: "Mommy, kiss~"

Mrs. Tan was overjoyed; as she left, she kept Ling Yue's warning in mind: the paper cat's body is the sturdiest, fearless of water and fire, except that it must not touch blood.

Ling Yue's timing was perfect; after seeing Mrs. Tan off, the docked ship was about to depart, and the steamer let out a high-pitched "woo-woo-woo" whistle.

The sea surged with waves; the towering goddess-like ship Goddess broke through the waves and sailed into the open sea.

Ling Yue glanced at the message; the transfer had arrived, a seven-figure sum.

The auction staff were moving goods, preparing the venue; the original crew had left, and Ling Yue sensed that these people all possessed martial arts, were internal experts, some even cultivators.

Cultivators are few in the world, but wealth moves hearts; in the modern society where spiritual energy is depleted, those who have achieved fasting are even fewer.

Ling Yue could have fasted long ago, but she is more fond of worldly delicacies.

After the ship entered the open sea, it was evening; the sunset was splendid and endless.

This auction differed from previous ones; attendees were cultivators from around the world, gathered for the evening auction, most cultivating in the cabins, some wandering outside.

Some even set up stalls on the spot for barter.

At one of the stalls where Ling Yue saw the most people gathered, the vendor was an ordinary-looking man; many eyed his wares enviously, for they were all spiritual items.

Ling Yue also learned from nearby chatter that the man possessed profound cultivation, a mysterious cultivator who had suddenly appeared, abundant in resources; some harbored murderous designs to rob him, but he beheaded them with a single move.

Regarding his identity, some said he was a disciple from a hermit family out for training, others claimed he was merely a lucky lone cultivator; opinions varied, but everyone knew one thing: this person must not be offended.

Ling Yue swept her divine sense around; the man indeed had the highest cultivation, yet her expression shifted slightly as she finally sensed something amiss.

The ship's anchorage lies in a zone of the open sea where spiritual energy concentration is nearly a hundred times higher than the surroundings; thus many cultivators praised the relocation of this year's auction, saying it rivals a blessed grotto compared to the world's depleted spiritual energy.

Hearing the praise, a young cultivator mingling in the crowd also laughed.

At nine p. m., the auction proceeded as scheduled; as a first-time participant cultivator, Ling Yue found it dazzling—pills and artifacts aside, there were even dual-cultivation manuals, techniques for absorbing yang to nourish yin and vice versa, all manner of strange items.

The descriptions in the previously distributed auction catalog proved true; Ling Yue couldn't help tilting her head.

Their eyes met; Ling Yue startled: "What are you looking at?"

Jun Jun shook his head; the smile at his lips clearly wasn't saying that, and he drawled: "If you like it, I'll buy it for you."

Ling Yue glanced at him: "You have money?"

Jun Jun rubbed his nose tip; Ling Yue twisted his waist: "You——"

Before she finished, she was pulled and fell into the man's arms, her body tensing, a muffled voice drilling into her ear: "Quick, look—there's a new item."

Ling Yue: "……"

"You ghost!" she kicked his shin, then focused on the auction.

She also had her eye on something: a pair of eight-cornered eave bells, inscribed with formations inside; due to damage, their efficacy was greatly reduced, so they appeared dull and gloomy.

Their function is to calm the mind, steady the qi, ensure safety, plus a slight blessing; not an offensive artifact, and because the formation is damaged they hardly work, so few inquire; Ling Yue easily pocketed them.

Coincidentally, she knew the formation engraved on them; these heaven-earth nurtured spiritual treasures save her far more effort than if she had to forge and nurture them herself.

Placing the eave bells on the trouble-prone Goddess was just right; Ling Yue's mental abacus clacked away, treating it as payment for Charlier's earlier help rescuing pandas; the price wasn't high, capped at eight figures.

The second item she fancied, in contrast to the eave bells' lukewarm interest, was a black wooden box discovered by a cultivator, entirely lacquered, carved with the four ferocious beasts; someone once tried to force it open, only to be wounded by the formation, and later, unable to heal, died just so.

Using various methods, including modern instruments, no image could be detected inside; thus nobody knows what lies within the elongated wooden coffin.

Yet the organizers could be certain it was a peerless treasure; they hyped it in the promotional booklet, opening bid: fifty million!

The auctioneer dropped the small gavel; his resonant voice sounded—some felt wary, others naturally had their interest piqued, gazing fiercely at the wooden box on stage.

Under the lights, the wooden box of unknown material was jet-black like a lump of iron carbon, reflecting no gleam, thus appearing even more mysterious and heavy.

The ferocious beast patterns above were vivid, lifelike.

As the auction opened, cultivators began bidding; only Ling Yue fixed her gaze on the box, cautiously extending her divine sense—whether the seller exaggerated or told the truth, the black wooden box demanded careful treatment.

Yet contrary to her expectations, there was no rebound or harm; her divine sense slid smoothly into the box, revealing a long sword whose cold light shone, its blade exposed.

As if having traversed a thousand years, the sword bore no ornate patterns; its icy-white blade was steeped in fierce killing intent, yet upon contacting Ling Yue it became as docile as a kitten.

The hilt was simple and generous, its deep hue exquisitely detailed, engraved with the Five Phases and Eight Trigrams formation.

Upon first "seeing" it, Ling Yue's cheeks flushed; a voice seemed to echo in her heart: "Get it! Get it!"

Ling Yue poked Jun Jun: "Don't you think I need a weapon, preferably longer and sharp?"

As she gestured, a flicker of smile crossed the man's eyes: "Usually tossing talismans suffices; what weapon do you need, Yueyue—you've already swept the world unbeaten, haven't you?"

Ling Yue: "……Just shut up!"

She glanced again at the stage; her eyes couldn't help shining, while the mysterious wooden box's bid had already reached two hundred million!

Ling Yue: "Five hundred million!"

As her words fell, a shrill scream suddenly rang out; a cultivator below clutched his eyes: "Ahhh! My eyes! My eyes!"

The sudden accident shocked everyone; instantly, gazes turned toward the stage, vaguely some even landing on Ling Yue.

Such a beautiful woman, actually a cultivator?

Did she just do something?

The injured cultivator's face was bloody, his body trembling; hearing others ask what happened, he panicked: "I… I was just looking at the box, then suddenly my eyes… my eyes… are ruined!"

He was taken away, but his words left everyone silent in an instant—this thing is even more terrifying than they imagined!

For a moment, many withdrew their competitive thoughts; some cast furtive glances at Ling Yue, wondering if they fantasized about robbing her wealth and beauty.

They didn't notice that in the dark, a pair of eyes was fixed on them, cold and emotionless, as if observing a swarm of ants.

Thus, the formerly heated bidding abruptly cooled, especially after learning the man's eyes were blinded beyond repair.

Ling Yue never expected that, through a twist of fate, five hundred million would buy her the desired item.

Soon after the auction ended, many people got what they wanted; Ling Yue, in the room, after paying, immediately returned holding the sword case.

Formations were set up around; she glanced at Jun Jun: 'Guess what's inside?'

Jun Jun glanced at her: 'You definitely know.'

Ling Yue: "You wanna guess? Never mind, I'll just open it quickly."

Jun Jun: "……"

Clearly it was her suggestion, yet she abandoned it halfway.

Strangely enough, the sword chest that no one could open was flicked open by Ling Yue in a few moves, and seeing the long sword gleaming with cold light, Ling Yue couldn't take her eyes off it.

She gripped the hilt, drew it out effortlessly, stroked the blade, and as the edge gleamed, it seemed to breathe; Ling Yue couldn't help saying, "I don't know why, but seeing it makes me feel it must be mine—it's so cool!"

She happily curled the corner of her mouth, not noticing the grim look on the nearby man's face; he clenched his fists, a human.

"I don't know what material this sword is made of—meteorite? Or something else—but it's incredibly sharp."

"It's divine bone." The man's low, hoarse voice sounded as he stared fixedly at Ling Yue: "It's the tenth rib of a divine beast."

Ling Yue startled, a sudden wail came from outside the door; she had no time to think, grabbed her sword and rushed out, the smell of blood assailing her.

Blood flowed like rivers; cultivators' corpses hung everywhere on the deck, fresh blood dripping drip by drip.

Ling Yue: "……"

Look, she said the Goddess's luck was bad—previously possessed by a ghost ship, now she's suffered a massive massacre and looting.

Someone tried to jump into the sea to leave the ship, but at ten meters— "Bang!"—it suddenly exploded, blood mist scattering down, myriad rays of light shooting up, and a gloomy wind howled.

Ling Yue instantly furrowed her brows, recognizing at a glance that it was the Grand Array of the Heavenly Gods' Sacrifice.

The array she happened to see—by its name, it's a killing formation; ordinary people and cultivators alike cannot leave within ten meters of its range, or beyond ten meters they will be sliced to pieces!

The cultivators suffered heavy losses; Ling Yue couldn't possibly stand by, she thrust her sword in a single move, striking the array's eye.

She heard a roar, and a disheveled man leapt up—the man she had only met once before; he looked at her and said, "It's you!"

"You bitch, you actually managed to break my killing formation!"

He raised his hand and shot a gleam from his sleeve: "Since it's come to this, then have a taste of my Wailing Ghosts of a Thousand Souls banner! Take this as an offering to the banner!"

As his words fell, gloomy winds gusted, resentment surged to the heavens, and countless ferocious, vengeful faces struggled and wailed within the banner.

Ling Yue's expression shifted slightly; "a thousand" is not an exaggeration but an exact number—meaning a thousand people have died at his hands, and the resentment soaring to the sky proves they died horribly!

Without hesitation, she unfurled the scroll; the heavenly thunder talismans in her hand rained down like flowers scattered by a celestial maiden. The demonic cultivator was more cunning than she expected, abandoning his treasure and fleeing as a beam of rainbow light—unexpectedly to Ling Yue, he didn't actually escape.

The demonic cultivator gritted his teeth; suddenly, thousand‑foot waves rose on the sea, the ship violently rocked, giving the feeling it might fall apart at any moment.

Ling Yue: "Isn't this a coincidence? This is."

She pressed down lightly, the waves reversed, surging fiercely toward the demonic cultivator; with a bang, the wanton cultivator ended up sprawled before her, spitting blood.

Perhaps knowing he couldn't escape or win, he surrendered outright: "Spare me! Spare me, sir! I know a secret you'll surely be interested in!"

Without waiting for a reply, he blurted it all out like beans spilling from a bamboo tube.

"I was traveling on the high seas earlier, discovered that spiritual energy abounds here; after ten whole years I finally found a formation, suspecting this place is a cave‑heaven blessed land! So I grew the desire to monopolize it, but later found the formation too stubborn, so I thought to fight poison with poison, placing the address of this auction here……"

Ling Yue pressed her lips, looking at him in disbelief: "So you intended to sacrifice an entire ship's worth of lives for this cave‑heaven blessed land."

Although she herself is a cultivator, she lives in the mundane world, lacking the arrogance of other cultivators, regarding herself as merely an ordinary person; hearing the demonic cultivator's methods, Ling Yue was greatly shocked, and her gaze toward him gradually turned cold.

The demonic cultivator trembled with fear, continuously kowtowing on the ground until his head split and bled.

The other half‑dead cultivators, upon hearing the whole story, had their eyes nearly pop out, wishing they could devour his blood and flesh!

In that state, it seemed they didn't even wait for Ling Yue to act—they themselves wanted to take revenge.

In an instant, heaven and earth abruptly changed color.

Ling Yue's brows twitched slightly; she unconsciously glanced at the demonic cultivator, whose attitude shifted dramatically—his wide robes billowing, the man who had just been kneeling begging for mercy now stood up, laughing: "Hahaha! I succeeded! "

His first glance toward Ling Yue, his tone grim: "You bitch, I'll first——"

"Noisy."

Ling Yue kicked him straight into the water; many people gasped in shock: "Sir, doing that will let him escape——"

"Ahhhhh!!!"

Before the words were finished, a wail suddenly rang out; Ling Yue then slowly said: "It will let him die."

The protective formation of the cave‑heaven blessed land he sought, despite the river of blood from countless cultivators' "forced sacrifice," was not without effect; as a formation expert, Ling Yue had long sensed the movements below, she also guessed the demonic cultivator's aim, so she directly kicked him down—he would immediately be shredded by the shattered trapping formation.

But…… is this really a cave‑heaven blessed land?

Ling Yue gave a noncommittal glance downward; the chaotic, pitch‑black sea churned incessantly, turbulent waves raging—one can imagine the scene below is utterly overturned.

Suddenly, a roar shot up to the heavens!

This familiar feeling……

Upon seeing that thing, Ling Yue couldn't help but stare blankly: "The spiritual energy is rich, a cave‑heaven blessed land? Yet it demands cultivators sacrifice themselves to the formation?"

Ling Yue laughed: "This is the exile grounds of Qiongqi!"

She couldn't describe her feelings; the Four Ferocious Beasts, she had actually gathered them all.

Qiongqi, resembling a tiger in appearance, as large as an ox in body, with a pair of wings; because it likes harsh words and admires evil speech, it was banished to a barren land.

The ferocious beast Qiongqi exhaled a puff from its nostrils: "Who? Who dares call my name?"

After saying that, it burst into hysterical laughter: "I'm out! I'm finally out! Who saved me? I want——to eat him!"

Those words made everyone break out in a cold sweat, trembling, shrinking back again and again, wishing they could shrink to ant size and flee.

Qiongqi, however, seemed to have noticed something, suddenly turning its head toward Ling Yue—more precisely, toward Jun Jun beside her.

"Qiongqi."

The young man's tone was gentle and relaxed, as if the so‑called ferocious beast were merely his pet that he could summon and dismiss at will; the cultivators, cowered under Qiongqi's pressure and unable to breathe, hearing this, had their eyes nearly pop out.

Ling Yue gripped the hilt of her long sword, and her glance at him instantly changed.

At the same time, in a villa ten thousand li away.

At the same time, in a villa ten thousand li away.

Thus line 181: "At the same time, in a villa ten thousand li away."

But we need to keep each translation on a single line, with 【181】 prefix.

The feng shui turtle crawled up slowly: "Hey hey, where on earth am I?"

The feng shui turtle crawled up slowly: "Hey hey, where on earth am I?"

Thus: "The feng shui turtle crawled up slowly: 'Hey hey, where on earth am I?'"

The big white egg hidden on top of the cabinet wobbled, and a clear child's voice could be heard: "Hahaha, Grandpa, I'm here!"

The big white egg hidden on top of the cabinet wobbled, and a clear child's voice could be heard: "Hahaha, Grandpa, I'm here!"

It jumped down, the eggshell bounced on the soft carpet, and the feng shui turtle looked like it was about to die of fright: "Be careful!"

Translation: "It jumped down, the eggshell bounced on the soft carpet, and the feng shui turtle looked terrified: 'Be careful!'"

Meanwhile, the Mysterious Cat Queen in the cat nest shook her head, utterly confused.

Translation: "Beside it, the Mysterious Cat Queen in the cat nest shook her head, utterly confused."

Mysterious Cat Queen

On the table in the villa's living room, a boy leaned over his phone, intently watching the video playing inside: "Today we'll talk about cultivating Longsha gemstones; although Longsha gemstones only bloom for one season, their flowers are large and beautiful, making them the most famous variety among roses..."

On the table in the villa's living room, a boy leaned over his phone, intently watching the video playing inside: "Today we'll talk about cultivating Longsha gemstones; although Longsha gemstones only bloom for one season, their flowers are large and beautiful, making them the most famous variety among roses..."

The Mysterious Cat Queen covered her airplane ears with her paws and meowed: "It's so noisy!"

Translation: "The Mysterious Cat Queen covered her airplane ears with her paws and meowed: 'So noisy!'"

Suddenly, they all lifted their heads at once: "The adults' summon..."

Suddenly, they all lifted their heads at once: "The adults' summon..."

In the blink of an eye, whether person or egg, everything had vanished from the spot.

Translation: "In the blink of an eye, whether person or egg, they had all vanished from the spot."

On the Goddess ship in international waters, the Four Great Ferocious Beasts suddenly gathered; among them, Taotie was still eating candied hawthorn, about to speak, but seeing the scene before him, he gasped, his jaw dropping so far that he didn't even notice the candied hawthorn falling to the ground.

Translation: "On the high seas' Goddess vessel, the Four Great Ferocious Beasts suddenly gathered; among them, Taotie was still eating candied hawthorn, about to speak, but seeing the scene before him, he gasped, his mouth wide open, not even noticing the candied hawthorn falling to the ground."

On the Goddess ship in international waters, the Four Great Ferocious Beasts suddenly gathered; among them, Taotie was still eating candied hawthorn, about to speak, but seeing the scene before him, he gasped, his jaw dropping so far that he didn't even notice the candied hawthorn falling to the ground.

"Boss!"

Translation: "Boss!"

Ling Yue held a long sword, the sharp tip swallowing its radiance and pressed against the man's throat; a single inch would be enough to pierce his neck.

Translation: "Ling Yue held a long sword, the tip swallowing its sharpness pressed against the man's throat; an inch more and it would pierce his neck."

We need to use Ling Yue.

This was her first reaction.

Translation: "This was her first reaction."

The man's narrow eyes flickered with a hint of doubt: "When did you realize I'm not the real Junjun?"

Translation: "The man's narrow eyes flickered with a hint of doubt: 'When did you realize I'm not the real Jun Jun?'"

We need Jun Jun.

Ling Yue blinked, took a deep breath, and said: "On the ship, you suddenly attacked."

Translation: "Ling Yue blinked, drew a deep breath: 'On the ship, you suddenly attacked.'"

"Because I struck too hard? Exactly, that idiot learned human society's rules but forgot he's not actually human!"

Translation: "'Because I struck too harshly? Exactly, that idiot learned human society's rules but forgot he was never human at all!'"

Ling Yue shook her head, denying: "No."

Translation: "Ling Yue shook her head, denying: 'No.'"

"Because Junjun is well-behaved, he always asks me, but you just attacked outright."

Translation: "'Because Jun Jun is well-behaved; he always asks me, whereas you just lashed out.'"

Hearing this, the man blinked, his green eyes shimmering with complex emotions; he never imagined that even though they were the same person, they had long since split into two, with different environments shaping different personalities.

Translation: "Hearing this, the man stared, his green eyes rippling with complex emotion; he never imagined that even though they were the same person, they had long since split into two, different environments shaping different personalities."

green eyes

Junjun is gentle and pure, while he is more stubborn and decisive; as for why he would speak up for her, Bai Ze gave a light chuckle, his fingertip suddenly touching her cheek.

Translation: "Jun Jun was gentle and simple, he more obstinate and decisive; as for why he would stand up for her, Bai Ze gave a light chuckle, his fingertip suddenly touching her cheek."

We need Bai Ze.

Perhaps it was when he received that kiss; the idiot's unwilling roar gave way to a feeling called jealousy that gradually crept over his heart.

Translation: "Perhaps it was when he received that kiss; the fool's unwilling roar, a feeling called jealousy, gradually crept over his heart."

Your boyfriend is Bai Ze, not Junjun.

Translation: "Your boyfriend is Bai Ze, not Jun Jun."

He tilted his head, returning to his original form: "Oh, that's how it is. Even if I don't care, my goal is already accomplished."

Translation: "He tilted his head, returning to his original form: 'Oh, so that's how it is. Even if I don't care, my goal is already accomplished this way.'"

Bai Ze spoke gently, his eyes slightly lifting; Ling Yue was astonished to discover that his current appearance bore both Junjun's outline and Bai Ze's features.

Translation: "Bai Ze spoke warmly, eyes slightly lifting; Ling Yue was astonished to discover that his current appearance bore both Jun Jun's outline and Bai Ze's features."

He had Bai Ze's green eyes, Junjun's youthful visage, white short hair, and a pure white robe that fell like light.

Translation: "He had Bai Ze's green eyes, Jun Jun's youthful outline, white short hair, and a pure white splendid robe that fell like light."

The observing cultivators, seeing them suddenly turn against each other, were nearly scared to death by their own speculation: could it be that they'd sent away one great demon only to have another arrive?

Translation: "The observing cultivators, seeing them suddenly turn hostile, nearly died of fright from their own speculation: 'Could it be that we sent away one great demon king only to have another arrive?'"

Heaven, save us!

Translation: "Heavens, save me!"

The cultivators placed all their hopes on Ling Yue, hoping she could win; otherwise, if they fell into the hands of this inhuman demon king...

Translation: "All the cultivators' hopes rested on Ling Yue, hoping she could win; otherwise, if they fell into the hands of this inhuman demon king..."

Everyone instantly felt a chill on their necks.

Translation: "Everyone instantly felt a chill on their necks."

Bai Ze was completely unafraid of the sword at his throat, he gave a slight smile: "Where are the Four Great Ferocious Beasts?"

Translation: "Bai Ze utterly unafraid of the sword at his throat, he gave a faint smile: 'Where are the Four Great Ferocious Beasts?'"

Several "ferocious beasts" hesitantly stood in a line: the big white egg in chaos, two small children, and only the just-released Qiongqi, whose terrifying appearance could intimidate.

Translation: "Several 'ferocious beasts' stood hesitantly in a line: the big white egg in chaos, two small children, and only the just-released Qiongqi, whose terrifying appearance could intimidate."

the big white egg in chaos, two small children, and the just-released Qiongqi

Ling Yue's sword thrust forward an inch, bright red blood trickling down the man's pallid skin.

Translation: "Ling Yue's sword in hand thrust forward an inch, bright red blood trickling down the man's pallid skin."

Bai Ze said without changing his expression: "What are you nervous about? I'm doing a great deed."

Translation: "Bai Ze said without changing expression: 'What are you nervous about? I'm doing a great deed.'"

Ling Yue pressed her lips together, staring at him, and he replied softly: "I also want to thank you; ever since I discovered that you always manage to stumble upon the seals of the ferocious beasts by accident, I've had people follow you. I know the locations of the other three ferocious beasts, but only Qiongqi—its exile site is where the earth's spiritual energy key lies, and it's the only place I don't know."

Translation: "Ling Yue pressed her lips tight, staring at him; he replied in a light voice: 'I also want to thank you, for since I discovered you always manage to stumble upon the seals of the ferocious beasts, I've been sending people to follow you; I know the locations of the other three ferocious beasts, but only Qiongqi—its place of exile is where the earth's spiritual energy key lies, and it's the only place I don't know.'"

Thank you for helping me gather them and open the sealed passage; then, the depleted spiritual energy will surge forth endlessly, and the earth will—spiritual energy will revive!

Translation: "'Thank you for helping me gather them, to open the sealed passage; then, the depleted spiritual energy will surge forth endlessly, and the earth will——spiritual energy revival!'"

You say, this is far better than those ants dreaming of monopolizing a blessed cave; cultivators will no longer have to painstakingly fight over a scrap of spiritual energy.

Translation: "'You say, this is far better than those ants dreaming of monopolizing a blessed cave; cultivators will no longer have to painstakingly fight over a scrap of spiritual energy.'"

His words were incredibly tempting, his gaze sweeping over the cultivators; in a daze, everyone seemed to see that scene—endless spiritual energy, also representing the hope of advancement, immortality, no longer just a legend.

Translation: "His words were most tempting, his gaze sweeping over the cultivators; in a daze, everyone seemed to see that scene: endless spiritual energy, also representing the hope of ascension, immortality would no longer be just a legend!"

Ling Yue coldly stared at him, unwavering: "Then why didn't you say that spiritual energy's revival also means the revival of ghosts and monsters, at which point demons will run rampant, the world will plunge into chaos—are you trying to destroy the earth?"

Translation: "Ling Yue stared at him coldly, unwavering: 'Then why didn't you say that spiritual energy revival also means the revival of ghosts and monsters, at which time demons will run rampant, the world will plunge into chaos—are you trying to destroy the earth?'"

Bai Ze laughed and clapped, celebrating her precise reasoning: "Yueyue is indeed very smart."

Translation: "Bai Ze laughed and clapped, celebrating her precise reasoning: 'Yueyue is indeed very smart.'"

Yueyue

His words were lingering and enticing, as if delicately traced on the tip of the tongue and slowly spoken.

Translation: "His words were entwined and pitiful, as if delicately tracing on the tip of the tongue, slowly spoken."

Ling Yue blinked, then firmly said: "I will not allow spiritual energy to revive."

Translation: "Ling Yue blinked, then firmly said: 'I will not allow the spiritual energy to revive.'"

"Are you going to be my enemy?" Bai Ze narrowed his eyes, a mighty pressure rolling over him; he is a divine beast who has lived for hundreds of thousands of years, and even if the earth's spiritual energy is exhausted, he still has his own means.

Translation: "'Are you going to be my enemy?' Bai Ze narrowed his eyes, a mighty pressure crushing down; he is a divine beast who has lived for hundreds of thousands of years, and even if the earth's spiritual energy is exhausted, he still has his own means."

However, he seemed only to want to drive Ling Yue away, with no killing intent in his eyes.

Translation: "However, he seemed only to want to repel Ling Yue, with no killing intent in his eyes."

His heart suddenly raced; Junjun frantically pounded and shouted: "Don't hurt her! You can't hurt her! Don't hurt him!"

Translation: "His heart suddenly pounded wildly; Jun Jun frantically hammered, shouting nonstop: 'Don't hurt her! Can't hurt her! Don't hurt him!'"

Bai Ze also wasn't initially fused with Junjun; his trip to Changbai Mountain made him understand Junjun's resistance, so he restrained himself, and thus, at Lianhua Mountain, when he released Taowu, he finally found the opportunity to decisively suppress Junjun, disguising him as staying by Ling Yue's side.

Translation: "Bai Ze was not originally fused with Jun Jun either; his journey to Changbai Mountain let him understand Jun Jun's resistance, so he restrained himself, and thus, at Lianhua Mountain, when he released the Taowu, he finally found the chance to forcibly suppress Jun Jun, disguising him as staying by Ling Yue's side."

Comment given.

【298】

Translation: "What happened after that......"

Chinese line given.

Translation: "Bai Ze fell silent; because of Jun Jun's frenzied resistance, his blood surged, his eyes fierce as he said: 'No one can stop me!'"

【302】

Translation: "'If you want to kill me, just stab my heart; what are you doing pointing like that?' he said, laughing, actually with a touch of indulgence."

Chinese line given.

Translation: "Ling Yue looked at him; the gentle, handsome man of her memory no longer existed, his collar slightly open, his gaze wanton, instead resembling a world-destroying enigmatic villain."

【306】

Translation: "The Primordial Age shattered, the three realms overturned; this is the procedure set by the Heavenly Dao, but Bai Ze wishes to return everything to chaos—his goal is not spiritual energy revival, but utter destruction!"

Chinese line given.

Translation: "Under the immense pressure, Chaos silently stood beside Ling Yue, having turned into a childlike Taowu, also stunned; it rather enjoys tilling the soil, only the exiled Qiongqi firmly stood at Bai Ze's side, laughing wildly out of place: 'Boss, I just like you! Let's quickly destroy the world!'"

【310】

Translation: "It has been imprisoned here since the Primordial Age shattered, and now its mind is full of resentment."

Chinese line given.

Translation: "Taotie let out a soft sigh: 'What kind of teammates are these, holding us back!'"

【314】

Translation: "Bai Ze looked at her, slightly tilting his head, his smile gentle: 'If you don't act soon, I might have to make a move.'"

Chinese line given.

Translation: "Whether the Four Great Ferocious Beasts stand with him or not doesn't matter; they have signed a master-servant contract, so as long as he finds them, he can draw on their power."

【318】

Translation: "Bai Ze clenched his palm, eagerly beginning to anticipate that day; he had waited long enough, and if he weren't so impatient, he might perhaps wait for Ling Yue to leave."

Chinese line given.

Translation: "His manner of acting is completely different from before, appearing especially impatient; on one hand, he doesn't want to wait, on the other hand——"

【322】

Translation: "Jun Jun couldn't help but sneer: 'Because you also like my Yueyue! You always said nothing in the world was worth your attachment, until you met Yueyue, you feared that if you hesitated any longer, you would abandon your original vow!'"

Chinese line given.

Translation: "'You coward! Bastard!'"

Jun Jun suddenly became smart, perhaps Ling Yue had taken effect, he said pointedly: "You've fallen in love with her! You idiot!"

"Shut up!" Bai Ze's face was ugly, clearly as if he'd been hit, his hand clenched tightly, and at the same time, the space he controlled began to twist; in an instant, it was covered with cracks like a spider's web.

Ling Yue seemed to sense it, the presence of spiritual energy.

She gripped the long sword, her mind like a revolving lantern, recalling previous memories—why couldn't there be a win-win solution?

Bai Ze will die, what about Jun Jun?

Feeling the sharp blade, Bai Ze instead laughed: "What's good about this world?"

"It's utterly evil! Utterly wicked! It shouldn't exist at all!"

Ling Yue's breath caught; Bai Ze is an auspicious beast, a symbol of good omen and peace—why has he become like this?

Her mind raced wildly, the long sword in her hand seemed to sense her wavering, beginning to emit and retract sword light.

Ling Yue could have killed him then; she could feel it, but she hesitated to strike.

The usually composed man suddenly changed expression, his face darkening: "Yueyue."

"I didn't know he'd go this crazy, sorry."

【367】

Jun Jun's mind flashed with several images unbidden: a man bound beside a bonfire, his flesh cut open, his stark white ribs pulled out…

"Bai Ze, auspicious beast? You should be sacrificed to my dynasty; where is your book? Hand it over, let you die sooner."

……

A man full of pain knelt on the ground, kowtowing nonstop: "Lord Bai Ze, sorry sorry, I didn't mean to, they gave me a lot of money and good things, I know you are a divine beast, immortal and indestructible, they only want a bit of your flesh and blood, you won't resent me, you definitely won't resent me!"

"Why do you think that?" the handsome man in white robes bent down.

"You are a divine beast."

"Divine beasts don't harm people."

……

Jun Jun came to his senses, already gripping the long sword; this sharp sword did not disappoint Ling Yue's description, as its light ebbed and flowed, bright red beads of blood dripped down.

He smiled, like a brilliant sunrise, and drove the sword hard into his flesh: "I won't let Yueyue make the choice; I'll take care of this trouble for her."

No matter what Bai Ze says, he is his other side, also himself; he cannot let Yueyue be sad.

Ling Yue: "What are you doing?"

Jun Jun: "Yueyue, remember, divine beasts are immortal and indestructible."

The moment he closed his eyes, the sword pierced his heart; because his distorted space lost external support, it froze in its current state, and Ling Yue had to hurry to repair it.

When she finished, she saw her lover already dissipated, transformed into countless points of light, like dandelion seeds floating, gathering and flying toward distant China.

"Ding-ling——"

Her sword fell to the ground, her heart overwhelmed with grief, about to burst into tears, when she heard a "yīng yīng yīng" sound, her pant leg tugged, Ling Yue's eyes blurred with tears, and the nearby cultivator shouted in shock: "A-a little tiger?!"

Ling Yue lowered her head, hastily wiped her tears, then looked over: a miniature white tiger the size of a palm cried "yīng yīng yīng" as it opened its mouth, biting her pant leg, anxiously circling around itself.

"Jun Jun!" a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes as she held it to her chest; the white little tiger suddenly stilled, and beneath its fluffy white fur its face was already flushed red.

It was its body reverting to childhood, not its mind.

Jun Jun was actually taking a gamble; he didn't expect to win, but instead it facilitated the fusion of the two split souls—though the rush of time might leave side effects.

But compared to saving a life, this is far better.

Ling Yue caught sight of its reddened ears at a glance, smiled and pinched them: "Jun Jun? You little rascal!"

She almost cried herself to death!

The white little tiger was like a delicate figurine displayed in a shop window, obediently clinging to Ling Yue, letting her hug and hold it.

After being kissed and hugged by her, its ears turned red from the rubbing, and Jun Jun couldn't help thinking: This is too much; Yueyue really loves me so much!

"She loves me too," a steadier male voice said.

It's a side effect Σ(OдO|||)!!

Jun Jun: "Aren't you supposed to destroy the world? Why are you acting like a love‑brain!"

"Who said that? Who has proof? Bai Ze isn't dead, is he?"

Comment given.

After a moment, Ling Yue finally noticed the cultivator off to the side; she glanced over and said: "I want to go home—does anyone have time to help deliver this to Chá kè sī·Méi yì sī?"

Having witnessed her prowess and been saved by her, the cultivator felt grateful but had no time to express it; one immediately bowed respectfully and said: "I am willing to serve you with all my strength!"

Ling Yue acknowledged, sending the eave bell over; she took the four great feral beasts and returned home directly across the sea—as for those who don't obey, just imagine holding the emperor hostage to command the princes? The feral beasts that have signed a master‑servant contract with Bai Ze, that is Jun Jun, dare not disobey.

Holding her boyfriend who resembled a little doll, she panicked: "It's just attending an auction, why did my boyfriend shrink? Is this □□? Won't I end up in an orange? QAQ"

Ling Yue hurried home, after washing up she lay directly on the bed, intending to sleep the night away—but just as she closed her eyes, the bedroom door was pounded on frantically.

"Boom boom boom! Boom boom boom!"

It seemed they wouldn't stop until the door was opened.

Ling Yue sprang up: "Who is it!"

As she opened the door, a big white egg bounced straight toward her embrace; the white little tiger stood on her shoulder, lifted its hoof, and the egg bounced back to the ground with a ping-pong sound.

Dizzy, it looked at the smug little tiger—uh oh, forgot the adult was still there.

Ling Yue, speechless, rubbed her forehead: "Jun Jun!"

After scolding her little boyfriend, she turned to Chaos and asked: "What's wrong?"

Chaos: "Sister's in trouble! Taotie, Taotie stole and ate all over a thousand jin of pet food from the warehouse!"

Ling Yue:!!!,:,,