Chapter 103 - The Harem Rescue Project

"Sister, Liang Jingxuan harbors ill intentions towards you; he's cunning and won't give you the antidote." Xiao Lanle hesitated, supporting Xiao Shen while pulling on Lin Qianshuang, refusing to let her leave. Liang Jingxuan sat in the master's seat, discontentedly watching the two of them. The way his former girlfriend looked at his first love was troubling. Both women were to be his, so he could tolerate their antics, but not their secret glances at each other. Jealousy simmered within Liang Jingxuan as he watched Xiao Lanle. The woman he adored never showed such meticulous concern for him, yet she was so attentive towards his former girlfriend, even spending her time with Xiao Lanle's birthday to prevent Xiao Lanle from being upset. She had explicitly asked him to look after Xiao Lanle's emotions. The more he observed, the more Xiao Lanle became an eyesore, even though he used to be the most attentive towards her type of beauty. Suddenly... the Zi Xiao Sword flew from its sheath, transforming into a bright purple streak that thrust itself between Lin Qianshuang and Xiao Lanle. Lin Qianshuang had anticipated a move from Liang Jingxuan. She originally intended to leave Xiao Shen alive as a fool, but fearing he might harm Xiao Lanle or accidentally reveal past truths, she decided to use Liang Jingxuan to eliminate him. A wisp of demonic energy spiraled from her hand to block the ferocious aura of the Zi Xiao Sword. Lin Qianshuang held Xiao Lanle by the waist, pulling her aside to dodge the attack, while Xiao Shen was flung to the ground by the sword's energy. He glared menacingly at Xiao Lanle, his eyes wild as he broke his silence, croaking, "Give me... the Buddha's Lapis! Give it to me." Unconvinced and desperate, Xiao Shen crawled forward, driven by years of relentless pursuit for the Buddha's Lapis to achieve immortality and unify the cultivation world. All this, after countless despicable acts and leaving behind what he considered an unworthy waste, Xiao Lanle, only for everything to be snatched away by the sudden appearance of this petty man, Liang Jingxuan. Before Xiao Lanle could focus on Xiao Shen, Lin Qianshuang discreetly sent her demonic energy into the Zi Xiao Sword, her amber eyes flickering with a blue light. "Predecessor, I once thought you noble and righteous, yet look now: aren't you reduced to nothing more than a useless sword in the hands of a supposed wicked demonic cultivator? If only you'd surrendered to me back then, things might have been far better now." Insulted, the spirit of the Zi Xiao Sword retorted furiously in its swordly tongue, "How dare a mere demon like you criticize my actions! Even as a demon sword, I'm a thousand times mightier than you, powerful enough to make you kneel." A hint of disdain glimmered in Lin Qianshuang's eyes. "Predecessor, just accept your fate; with me around, you'll never rise again." Infuriated, the Zi Xiao Sword Spirit hacked toward Lin Qianshuang, its blade gleaming brilliantly, forcing everyone to avert their gaze from the light. Feigning shock, Lin Qianshuang pushed Xiao Lanle aside, swatting the approaching Zi Xiao Sword's edge with a wisp of demonic energy. The sword’s trajectory shifted, slicing through Xiao Shen's arm. He screamed, his limb severed and falling to the ground. Further sword flickers, deflected by demonic energy, targeted Xiao Shen's remaining limbs, reducing his hands and feet to a bloody mess scattered across the floor. Dragging his mangled body with his stumps, Xiao Shen was far removed from his usual dignified presence. Poison clouding his mind, he frantically crawled toward Xiao Lanle. "Laner, I gave you life; give me your Golden Core...! Sweet Laner, give me your life!" Xiao Lanle watched in terror as her father crawled like a vengeful specter toward her, forcing her to step back involuntarily, a fear she could not comprehend welling up within her. Her father, the man she revered most in the world, respected and virtuous, was now in such a pitiful state. His core withered, the poison permeating his vital organs. Xiao Shen, hair white and body gaunt, stared at Xiao Lanle with ravenous greed. Poisoned beyond recognition, he just knew that killing her would allow him to survive. Suppressing her fear, Xiao Lanle approached slowly, tears welling up as she whispered, "Father, I'll get the medicine from Liang Jingxuan for you. Don't move; let me stop your bleeding first." The elders on either side shook their heads in unison, unable to watch. Xiao Shen squinted at Xiao Lanle stepping closer, yet what appeared before his dim eyes was a woman eerily familiar, “Lin Suwen, are you here to claim my life...?” He shook his head, clearing his sight to discern Xiao Lanle, before erupting, “The Buddha’s Lapis, it's mine! No one can take it!” Lin Qianshuang evaded the Zi Xiao Sword's shadows, wary of Xiao Shen's forewarning. Moving stealthily, she mingled with the sword's energy and pierced a demonic strand through Xiao Shen's throat. Just as Xiao Lanle was about to check Xiao Shen’s injuries, he convulsed, eyes rolling back, throat gushing blood before his life slipped away. “Father, Father...” Xiao Lanle was lost in a daze, her hand covering her mouth, tears flowing uncontrollably, while her mind blanked. Lin Qianshuang watched Xiao Lanle kneeling, heartbroken before Xiao Shen’s corpse, a lifeless rigidity overtaking her. Despite her scheming, she felt little satisfaction. Enraging the sword spirit and using Liang Jingxuan to kill Xiao Shen, then feigning innocence to assist Xiao Lanle—such manipulation was deplorable and disgraceful. If Xiao Lanle ever found out that the destruction of the Penglai Immortal Sect and the death of her father were inextricably linked to Lin Qianshuang, she would surely hate her. Lin Qianshuang sighed, never denying her affection for Xiao Lanle. Otherwise, she wouldn't have desired so much to become her close friend. As the first character she liked from the original story, her feelings for her were always subtly indulgent. Hate is fine too. Bearing the blame for Mu Weiyin was a predetermined choice. Using this deception-driven guilt to sever her ties with Xiao Lanle, and playing matchmaker for her and Mu Weiyin, she would feel somewhat relieved. Lin Qianshuang ruthlessly cast aside her emotions, glancing at the task progress on the favorability interface. The progress bar under Mu Weiyin's frame was now two-thirds full, having painstakingly increased by ten percent. The Zi Xiao Sword noticed Lin Qianshuang zoning out for a moment and mercilessly thrust itself toward her chest. "You cursed girl, where do you think you’re escaping to?" The sword spirit clanged loudly, cackling menacingly, but it was forced to stop mid-air under its owner's stern warning. Liang Jingxuan pulled the Zi Xiao Sword away from Lin Qianshuang’s chest, smoothing his slightly tousled hair on instinct before saying, "Shuang’er, didn’t mean to scare you." Lin Qianshuang had already distanced herself, feigning a pitifully frightened look. Her almond eyes mockingly glanced at the sword, seemingly ashamed as she said accusingly, "Jingxuan, this sword is incredibly dangerous. It nearly hacked me into pieces. A sword that disobeys its owner needs to be properly disciplined. Otherwise, if it ever turns against you, it would be catastrophic." Holding the Zi Xiao Sword, Liang Jingxuan explained, "Shuang'er, it was an accident. Zi Xiao is loyal to me; it's a good, sentient sword." The Zi Xiao Sword Spirit retorted, “Master, don’t believe this girl’s nonsense. Don’t fall for her tricks!” Feigning sadness, Lin Qianshuang let out a few tears intentionally, exposing the sword-inflicted wound on her arm. Turning away, she choked out, "Jingxuan, what exactly am I to you? That day, in the beast-hunting formation in the village, you left me behind. Then to escape the sect, you threw me into the crocodile pit as if I were trash. If you truly loved me, how could you just abandon me? Now, even your sword bullies me, proving Xiao Shimei was right—your promises mean nothing." She lowered her gaze to her toes, her face cold as frost, though her voice was soft and forlorn, "This is the last time I help you. From now on, there’s nothing between us. Don’t come looking for me; I never want to see you again." As Lin Qianshuang prepared to leave, Liang Jingxuan felt a sudden, unbearable emptiness. Desperately pulling her into his arms, he pleaded, "Shuang’er, you’re my headmaster’s wife. Everyone else can leave, but not you. I only love you. It was all my fault before, can you forgive me?" She slapped Liang Jingxuan across the face, pushing him away. Pointing at a voluptuous and beautiful female demon cultivator on the steps, she sneered coldly, "Only love me? Then who is this enchanting female demon cultivator? You’re sweet with her, thinking I’m easy to deceive? If you truly like me, would you dare kill that woman?" She pointed at Xiao Lanle, her voice icy, "Even though Xiao Shimei was spoiled, she once loved you deeply. What did you do? You killed her father and betrayed her!" Liang Jingxuan looked at the female demon cultivator, feeling reluctant. Whether as a cauldron or an accomplice, such a captivating demon cultivator was exceedingly useful. Lin Qianshuang shook off Liang Jingxuan's hand, biting her lip, silently weeping, "I get it now, overestimating myself all along." Feigning a turn to leave, she took the opportunity to glance at Xiao Lanle, who lay slumped over Xiao Shen's body, staring vacantly into a corner, not even glancing at her. Seeing Lin Qianshuang intending to leave, Liang Jingxuan hastily told several disciples, "What are you standing around for? That’s your headmaster’s wife, stop her!" Intercepted by several disciples, Lin Qianshuang sneered, feigning exhaustion as she weakly pushed against them, shouting fiercely, "Get out of my way!" Witnessing Lin Qianshuang's jealousy, Liang Jingxuan felt a secret thrill. Without a better idea, he made a show of stomping the Zi Xiao Sword into the ground, then grabbed Lin Qianshuang’s shoulders, saying, "Shuang’er, I’ve punished the sword. Can you calm down now?" Looking down at the Zi Xiao Sword lying on the ground, Lin Qianshuang’s eyes flickered with a faint blue light. "Predecessor, can you see how this man truly is? For the sake of a woman, he demeans you like this. Why don’t you find a new master deserving of your loyalty?" The sword spirit, furious, retorted, cursed girl, if it weren’t for you meddling, how would Liang Jingxuan have fallen into this demonic path. You wretched meddler! Eyes narrowing, Lin Qianshuang replied, "Then try to kill me again. Let’s see who your master truly favors." Unable to bear the insult, the Zi Xiao Sword Spirit erupted with energy, attacking Lin Qianshuang beside Liang Jingxuan with all its might. Lin Qianshuang swiftly hid behind Liang Jingxuan. As danger approached, a purple lightning flame emerged from Liang Jingxuan’s hand, his instinct to protect himself and shield the person behind him prevailing. In the end, he chose self-preservation and protected the one standing behind him. The purple lightning fire scorched the Zi Xiao Sword Spirit. The sheath, sensing the sword's agony, forcibly retracted it for repair. A hexagram spun around the sheath, forming a seal that securely trapped the now dull sword within, isolating the raging fire outside until it eventually extinguished. Liang Jingxuan realized something grave had occurred; he'd likely made a foolish mistake. When he attempted to retrieve the Zi Xiao Sword, it fell into a dormant state, no different from an ordinary spiritual sword. Just then, the Immortal Binding Rope flew in from the hall entrance, catching Liang Jingxuan in a secure bind just as he reached for the sword. Attempting to incinerate the ropes with purple lightning fire, he found himself immobilized by a suppressive spiritual pressure, cold sweat cascading down his face. The demonic creatures beside the elders on either side recoiled, too terrified to stir under this immense aura. Outside the hall, the gathered disciples parted, clearing a path. City Lord Mu Weiyin entered with grandeur, clad in luxurious dark purple silk robes. A thin veil concealed her face, leaving only the distinctive six-petaled mark on her forehead visible. A purple wisteria-embroidered belt adorned her slim waist, while silver floral hairpins embellished her coiffure. Jewels dangled from ribbons at her shoulders and collarbone, showcasing her regal elegance and peerless beauty. Liang Jingxuan, entranced as she entered, couldn't help but shift his gaze from Lin Qianshuang to her. Who was this stunning woman, and why hadn't the system mentioned her? Thinking this, Liang Jingxuan watched as the woman ignored him, instead helping Xiao Lanle from the floor, offering her a handkerchief to dry her tears, and whispered a few words into her ear. Xiao Lanle seemed to come back to her senses, casting a deep glance at Lin Qianshuang before nestling closely to Mu Weiyin, whispering something in her ear as well. Hearing this, Mu Weiyin also glanced toward Lin Qianshuang. Bound to the floor, Liang Jingxuan was baffled, witnessing the closeness between Xiao Lanle and this mysterious beauty as if he were seeing a ghost. [Master, the system has determined that this lady is one of your potential targets: City Lord Mu Weiyin.] Liang Jingxuan felt his brain momentarily glitch. Wasn't City Lord Mu Weiyin supposed to be just a kid? When did she become such a stunning young woman, and why was her relationship with Xiao Lanle so extraordinary? The Destiny Child System chimed in again, [Unfortunately, Target Mu Weiyin already has someone she favors, so you can't use your Conqueror's Aura on her.] Shocked, Liang Jingxuan watched Mu Weiyin gently hold Xiao Lanle’s shoulders and kiss her cheek. The two then whispered intimately, ignoring everyone around them. So, they’re... in that kind of relationship? Could it be...? Xiao Shijie's tactics truly were remarkable, managing to connect with the City Lord of Tian Shu City, who had such an unconventional inclination. Liang Jingxuan’s mind spun in turmoil. Why did every target the system suggested turn out to be entangled with others or already enamored by someone else? Meanwhile, Tian Shu City's soldiers surrounded the entire Penglai Immortal Sect, capturing all the scattered demonic creatures into cages. "Jieyu, you've done well." Mu Weiyin approached Lin Qianshuang, a subtle, elegant scent wafting from her. Lin Qianshuang half-knelt, appearing ready to follow orders, not daring to look at Xiao Lanle beside Mu Weiyin. Mu Weiyin spoke coldly, “My Lady owes you much, thank you on her behalf.” "It's my duty; Lady deserves the best care," Lin Qianshuang replied.