81 - Dungeon Growth Log

The thunderstorm dissipated, and the sky was draped in glowing red silk, shimmering like flowing fire. Below, thin red threads still entwined a tombstone. The breeze stirred the bloodstained white robes of a young girl. Her wrist scars gradually vanished, and she leaned forward, gently kissing the tombstone ensnared by blood strands. Such tenderness. And such sorrow. The girl was right in front of her, so close that it seemed she could almost reach out and touch her. Xia Ge wanted to call out, to make the girl turn around. Yet as she raised her hand, she discovered that at some unobserved moment, it had become entwined with fine red threads. Not just her hand—her entire body had been wrapped in those fine, soft red threads. These threads connected with those on the tombstone, and the girl in bloodstained white robes rose, her fingertips also tangled with the red threads. It felt like a tangled web of fate, impossible to sever. Xia Ge's eyes widened as she looked at her own hand, then at the girl. Instinctively, she reached out, "Hey—” Your thread is tangled! "Hey, hey, what are you daydreaming about? Hurry up and think of a name." At the moment her fingertips brushed the girl, the myriad colors before her eyes suddenly dissipated. Xia Ge regained her senses, realizing it was the system urging her. Recalling what she had just seen, Xia Ge looked at the red ribbon and softly asked, “Was that your past?” The red ribbon, of course, couldn’t answer her. But Xia Ge knew. It was. Bloodstained white robes, red silk shrouding the heavens, blood threads entwining the tombstone. In those countless fleeting years, a girl in white robes endured nine layers of thunder tribulation, refusing to ascend to the skies. She stayed in front of a barren tombstone, spinning threads of red from her blood that could not be cut. The girl’s gentle voice seemed to still echo in her ears. These were the images it wanted her to see. And it was showing her these images because it wished for her to say the name it desired. "Xiang Si," Xia Ge murmured, "Since that's the case, you'll be called Xiang Si." —For this object stirs the deepest longing. A golden light surfaced on the red ribbon, and the next moment, the ribbon lifted Xia Ge entirely! Xia Ge: "Return to Danfeng!" However, the sudden rise of the conspicuous red ribbon caught Chu Yi’s attention. Turning her head sharply, she demanded, “Who’s there?!” Xia Ge was startled, "Damn it!" The little paper figure encased in the ribbon couldn’t see, but the suddenly rising, slightly dirty ribbon stood out like a sore thumb. Chu Yi’s gaze turned cold, and with a wave of her sleeve, countless shadows of silver butterflies flew out, swarming towards the red ribbon! “It’s a Yi Mei! Capture it!” “When did the Yi Mei appear? Could it be from just now…” "Quick, chase it!" The silver butterflies surged upward. In response, Xiang Si stretched out and tied Xia Ge into a neat bow, making it look like a red butterfly flying. Xia Ge: "..." Why a bow? You're not actually a butterfly! As the silver butterflies pursued Xia Ge, the commotion caught Chu Yao's attention, who frowned as she approached, "What's going on?" Chu Yi smiled, “I saw a little mouse. Help me catch it, sister.” Chu Yao sneered, "Never thought you could be so kind-hearted." Chu Yi kept her smile unchanged, "Then you misunderstand me, sister." Most of the guards joined in chasing the Yi Mei. Ye Ze also wanted to go but was suddenly called by Chu Yi, "Hey, wait a moment." Ye Ze paused, looking at Chu Yi. She gave a faint smile, "It’s heading towards Danfeng." Ye Ze: "…I know.” Chu Yi: "My butterflies are also flying in that direction." Ye Ze: "Hmm, I'll go first..." Chu Yi: "Let's go together." Ye Ze: "..." Chu Yi: "My butterflies know where that little Yi Mei is." Ye Ze: "..." Chu Yao watched the entire scene, frowning, “What trick are you up to now?” Chu Yi: “…” What Chu Yi was up to, Xia Ge didn't know. She only knew that Chu Yi’s silver butterflies were terrifying! Oh, they weren’t moths—they were butterflies. The pursuit continued, the silver butterflies swarming like a storm. Xiang Si moved swiftly, with Xia Ge in tow, darting through the forest’s dense branches. In contrast, the silver butterflies destroyed everything in their path, leaving a barren trail behind, more devastating than a locust swarm. Sensing the silver butterflies’ danger, Xiang Si moved even faster. Xia Ge incredulously remarked, “Why does such a pretty girl use such a terrifying Yi Mei?! Are these really butterflies? They act like locusts!” Some of the faster silver butterflies caught up, their sharp wings slicing through one of Xiang Si's tails. The golden thread on Xiang Si’s tail sparked, creating a sound akin to clashing metals! This caused Xiang Si to stagger, and the surrounding silver butterflies, sensing blood, began to encircle it fiercely! Xia Ge: “Ahh, how do I get rid of them? Any idea, even a bad one will do! Xiao Kui, help me out!” System: “How the hell should I know! You got yourself into this, you get yourself out!” Xia Ge: “This isn’t a mess! It’s all doing good anonymously! I just encountered some unexpected trouble!” System: “If you want to stay anonymous, you shouldn’t run into trouble!” The silver butterflies raged like a storm, and as Xiang Si shielded her tightly, its durable red threads shimmered with a golden light. Each strike from the silver wings brightened the threads, making them nearly indestructible. Suddenly, the system remembered something crucial and urgently exclaimed, “Host, you have to come up with a way to escape, fast! The paper doll disguise I gave you only deducted five points, and it will last for only the time of two incense sticks! Escape quickly, or you’ll be discovered!” Xia Ge was stunned, “Why didn’t you tell me something so important earlier?!” System: “Because you’re stupid!” Her transformation this time wasn’t due to a paper pill. It was the system giving her a boost while she was dazed. She thought the system just used a special method to amplify the paper pill’s effects on her, assuming the time limit was the same. Yet… The imagination was lovely, but the reality was harsh. Voices reached them from below, “It’s trapped!” “What formidable silver butterflies…” “Hurry!” People were catching up! “Xiang Si, run! Use any means necessary! Get us out of here right now!” Receiving the command, Xiang Si hesitated, and the silver butterflies' attacks grew even fiercer. The previously dirty red ribbon began to glow layer by layer, emitting a dazzling golden light. The dirt and grime had long been removed by the relentless silver butterflies’ attacks, leaving the ribbon pristine. With a golden glow reflecting off it, Xiao Si shimmered like undulating water waves, and Xia Ge could faintly hear a slight buzzing, like an electric current. It was as if time had paused. “Shoot it down!” “I have a bow here!” Chang Nian, who had arrived in pursuit, said, “Give me the bow!” Taking the longbow, Chang Nian focused, the arrow’s sharp tip accumulating potent golden energy, aimed at the center of the besieged silver butterflies, where a faint golden ripple marked the ribbon ball. Chang Nian was confident. Whatever the target, demonic or not, this arrow would turn it into a kebab. Xia Ge’s heart skipped a beat. Even if she couldn’t see outside, she felt alarmed, as if she was being targeted by something dangerous— Very dangerous! “Prepare to meet your doom!” Chang Nian released the bowstring! The arrow, now glowing with golden energy, shot forth with a piercing whistle, hurtling towards its target! “Xiang Si! Run!” Xia Ge barely finished her shout when she heard a crackling sound, like electricity surging through a conductor, brushing past something perilous—a mix of dread and chill! The golden arrow, drawing near to the small ribbon ball, suddenly encountered a blinding flash of golden light. The golden arrow shattered into dust under the silver butterflies' sharp wings, but the ribbon ball had vanished! Chang Nian's eyes widened, “Gone?!” The disciples around him: “…” “Impossible… vanished in an instant!” “…” “No, it didn’t vanish.” The voice was soft, yet clear. As they turned, the disciples saw a girl with embroidered silver butterflies on her sleeves emerge quietly from the woods. The moonlight caught her almond eyes, reflecting an icy gleam. She raised her hand, and the disoriented silver butterflies, now headless like flies, flew back to her like homing pigeons, nesting in her sleeves. A single silver butterfly rested on her fingertip, making her jade-like fingers look as pale as snowy winter. Behind her, a silent youth carrying a sword emerged, saying nothing. Seeing Chu Yi and Ye Ze together, Chang Nian felt a hard lump of unease, “Where did it go?” "The direction... is Danfeng." The silver butterfly on Chu Yi's fingertip trembled slightly. Her almond eyes narrowed, "It won't escape." = = “Bi Xi.” Mist curled and swirled, and the girl, eyes closed, soaked in the warm spring water, her voice slightly raspy, “Bring the Tianzhu Ling here." Bi Xi had just finished washing Tianzhu Ling and was slightly puzzled, “Shouldn’t we hang it outside to dry?” The Tianzhu Ling was completely soaked, happily rolling in the water. “Just bring it over,” Gu Pei Jiu paused, “Hang it on the tree nearby.” Bi Xi didn't say another word and complied, wringing out the Tianzhu Ling and hanging it on an old sycamore tree by the hot spring. The Tianzhu Ling shook itself dry and began to enjoy the night breeze. Amidst the misty ambiance, Gu Pei Jiu remained with her eyes closed for a while. “...It’s been many years.” She murmured softly. The Tianzhu Ling halted its stretching and fell silent, its entire length hanging limp on the tree. A while later. The Tianzhu Ling gently climbed down from the tree, deliberately falling into the girl’s pale white hands. “No need to comfort me.” The warm spring water, half-immersed red silk, and mist enshrouded the girl’s delicate and beautiful face. Her snow-white skin glimmered like jade as it embraced the warm water and mist. The silky red ribbon in her hand felt smooth, her eyelashes slightly trembled, and her deep black eyes remained calm and still. “Don’t you have anything you want to say?” The red ribbon subtly moved, as if sensing something. Just as Gu Pei Jiu was about to speak again, a small ribbon ball flashing with golden electric light suddenly appeared above. Its aura was incredibly familiar, causing Gu Pei Jiu's pupils to contract slightly. She instinctively raised the Tianzhu Ling, intending to ensnare the small ball. The Tianzhu Ling shot out from the water, splashing countless droplets as it charged towards the small ball! However, the next moment, the small ball disintegrated into a thin red ribbon. The Tianzhu Ling abruptly halted, and with a burst of steam, there was a loud splash as the tranquil hot spring erupted several feet into the air. "Ouch, hot! I fell in the hot spring! Damn, time passed too quickly, it’s scorching—" The Tianzhu Ling, reacting as swiftly as lightning, was about to attack but was quickly restrained by Gu Pei Jiu upon hearing the voice. “Ugh…” Xia Ge spluttered, gulping down several mouthfuls of water. Unable to open her eyes due to the water, she instinctively groped around, her arm inadvertently encircling something. “Oh no, I’m going to drown—” Smooth and soft as condensed cream, it was the gentle touch of skin to skin. System: “……” A calm voice spoke, “You won’t drown.” Xia Ge, still confused, “Who are you? Just because you say I won’t drown, I won’t? If I drown and become a water ghost, how the hell am I supposed to look?” When she came to her senses, Xia Ge froze. …Who? Who’s speaking? And where is this place? Rigidly, she turned her head. Through the misty vapor, she saw a girl with black hair and eyes, a face exquisitely pretty, lips naturally red, and a slender white neck with partly exposed shoulders. The entwining red silk on her right shoulder made her skin appear snowy white, and her chest faintly visible within the water’s ripples. But that wasn’t the main point. The crucial fact was, her bare arm was hooked around the other’s neck, almost hanging onto her. After a moment, Xia Ge's brain went blank for two seconds. “Aah—” Xia Ge hastily released her arm, her face flushed red as she frantically crawled and dog-paddled away, the speed impressively swift as she shouted incoherently, “I didn’t see anything, I didn’t do it on purpose, forgive me—” She must have seen wrong, right? She must have! How could her face bear such a striking resemblance to the senior sister’s? How could they look so alike?! It must be fake! Her arm wasn’t really draped there! She saw nothing, did nothing!! Swimming desperately, Xia Ge suddenly found herself unable to move forward. She looked down and realized her chest was firmly wrapped in the red ribbon, which successfully restricted her movements. Xia Ge: “……” System: “……” …Tianzhu Ling. “What’s this?” The girl’s voice was calm, without a trace of accusation, but even without a hint of blame, Xia Ge dared not turn back. Her entire body stiffened, “Wha-wha-what do you mean?” Gu Pei Jiu’s wet black hair draped over her smooth shoulders, her right hand lazily tugging one end of the Tianzhu Ling and restraining Xia Ge at the other end. On her left hand’s fingertips perched a small silver butterfly. The silver butterfly’s wings trembled under her domineering presence, not daring to move. Gu Pei Jiu’s narrowed eyes glimpsed through the fog at the girl tied in the red ribbon, her damp black hair cascading over her shoulders, highlighting the fairness of her skin. Amid the dark hair lay a faint, pink butterfly-shaped birthmark on her shoulder, the delicate lines descending into the water, exquisitely enticing. Seemingly frightened, the girl remained motionless, her rigidity echoing across the stretched Tianzhu Ling. The scene reminded Gu Pei Jiu of that night in the black market: the girl in a vivid red dress, holding her neck, her black eyes soft and dazed. Gu Pei Jiu's heart tightened slightly, her gaze lowering. Xia Ge repeatedly told herself there was nothing to fear—they were both girls. So, what’s the big deal? She had nothing to worry about. …Everyone was more or less the same. The system sighed, “Not the same at all.” For instance, the size of the chest. Xia Ge: “Shut up, all the same.” Turning around, Xia Ge said, “Senior sister, I…” “I…” Through the swirling mist, Gu Pei Jiu’s face appeared somewhat blurred, but her expression wasn’t. Despite the haze, Xia Ge immediately noticed the trembling silver butterfly in Gu Pei Jiu’s hand—the one that had been relentlessly chasing her like a dog. “Crap! Quick, get rid of it!!” Seeing the silver butterfly, Xia Ge’s mind went blank. Instinctively, she lunged at Gu Pei Jiu like a hungry tiger, “Kill it, kill it!!” If she guessed correctly, that silver butterfly surely had a tracking function!! The Tianzhu Ling was simply keeping Xia Ge from swimming too far into the deep water but didn’t restrict her from lunging. Gu Pei Jiu didn’t expect such a direct pounce, and was momentarily caught off guard. In the instant their skin touched, Xia Ge grabbed for the silver butterfly. Gu Pei Jiu instinctively raised her hand high. Xia Ge, failing to reach, stared blankly: “…” “Your hand.” Gu Pei Jiu’s voice was calm. Xia Ge: “…” Only then did Xia Ge realize her left hand was pressing against her senior sister’s beautiful collarbone, any lower and it would be inappropriate. Yet, right now, the silver butterfly took precedence. Everything else could wait! If the people from Jianfeng arrived, the consequences would be dire! Xia Ge's eyes sparkled, pretending her hand slipped as she pressed down! Water splashed everywhere! The sensation was smooth and soft. Gu Pei Jiu’s eyes widened, her mind going blank. Her raised right hand faltered, while Xia Ge, blushing furiously, shouted, “Xiang Si! Take it away!” From the water, a suddenly revived Xiang Si leaped out, splashing water and seizing the silver butterfly right before Gu Pei Jiu’s eyes. “To the back mountain!” Gu Pei Jiu came to her senses, “Come back!” Xiang Si, clutching the silver butterfly, seemed to ignore her, the ribbon flashing golden as it sped towards the back mountain! Seeing the golden light, Gu Pei Jiu’s eyes narrowed, the Tianzhu Ling releasing Xia Ge and preparing to chase, but Gu Pei Jiu held it back. She looked down at the relieved Xia Ge, remained silent for a moment, and then spoke. “Can you let go now?” Xia Ge: “……” Xia Ge stiffly moved her hand away from the soft, pale skin, “Ha, haha…” “Se-senior sister certainly enjoys leisure, this-this really is Danfeng’s hot spring, truly a place of great spiritual energy…” Xia Ge babbled while retreating, “Haha, the scenery is nice, soft and…” Narrator: Chu Yi and Ye Ze’s fingertips not accidentally intertwined. It was intentionally created by Xia Ge. Chu Yi isn’t a good person. Don’t expect anything good from her, really. = =