novelapdf Chapter 104 Xiaoxue's mentality collapsed
Chapter 104 Xiaoxue's mentality collapsed
Chapter 104 Xiaoxue's Mentality Collapses (5200 words, second update)
Inside the inn's room.
The lamp flame burned quietly, its dim light enveloping the two people standing opposite each other, casting their shadows on the wall.
Ling Ye gently placed the wine pot on the table.
She looked up at Jiang Mu, her voice as clear and cold as ever: "Take off your clothes."
"
"—Isn't this a bad idea?"
Jiang Mu looked embarrassed and subconsciously pulled his clothes tighter.
The previous complaint was merely an attempt to use Ling Ye's influence to suppress the other party's arrogance, but unexpectedly, this woman was so protective of her own that she actually took action.
I was touched, but this undressing for a medical examination...
"Take it off, it's not like we haven't seen this before."
Ling Ye remained calm.
The candlelight illuminated her cool and stunningly beautiful face, making her appear like a white epiphyllum blooming under the moon, radiant and glowing.
Helpless, Jiang Mu could only slowly loosen his belt, take off his outer and inner garments, revealing his strong upper body.
The candlelight flickered, casting dappled shadows on his sharply defined chest and abdominal muscles.
Ling Ye's gaze fell on the old scar on his abdomen, its color faded but still clearly visible. Her long eyelashes trembled slightly as she asked, "When were you injured?"
Jiang Mu looked slightly embarrassed: "Just a few days ago—actually, the injury had almost healed. Um—I really didn't mean to lie to you, that guy did try to hit me, but I dodged it and missed."
Ling Ye remained silent.
She despised deception more than anything in her life, just like her former master.
But she wasn't angry that Xiao Jiang had lied to her.
Because the other party must have their reasons.
She stepped forward and walked up to the man, extending her delicate, spring-green fingertips to gently press against the scar on his abdomen.
It feels slightly firm to the touch, with the tightness characteristic of the healing period.
"How did you get hurt?"
The woman's warm breath brushed against Jiang Mu's chest, like a feather gently tickling him, bringing a tingling, itchy sensation.
Jiang Mu awkwardly clenched his abdominal muscles and briefly recounted the events that had occurred at the Han residence, selecting only the most important points.
Upon hearing "Beitang Batian," Ling Ye was utterly shocked and it took him a long time to recover.
What followed was deep regret and remorse.
If I hadn't rushed out of Huzhou City, if I had stayed a few days longer, perhaps Xiao Jiang wouldn't have faced such danger alone and wouldn't have been so seriously injured.
Blame yourself!
"Sister Ling, didn't you leave? Why are you back?"
Jiang Mu's voice interrupted her thoughts.
Ling Ye withdrew his hand, gesturing for him to put on his clothes, then turned and walked to the table, his tone returning to calm: "I'm just pursuing Qiu Yuexin. Wherever she goes, I'll go."
"
Jiang Mu was startled.
Has that little fox spirit returned to Huzhou?
But then I thought about it again, and the girl had specifically asked him to steal files from the archives, so it must have been for this reason, which wasn't surprising.
But Sister Ling's sense of smell is too sharp; she's practically a human radar.
Ling Ye scrutinized him, her gaze turning somewhat strange: "How did you break through to the fourth realm so quickly?"
This speed, as simple as eating and drinking, left even this former genius feeling somewhat frustrated.
Jiang Mu scratched his head, looking completely innocent: "I've been diligently cultivating at home these past few days, and then—I don't know how, I broke through. Actually, the process was quite difficult, really."
Ling Ye:
Too lazy to dwell on that hurtful topic any longer, she picked up the wine jug, tilted her head back, and took a swig before getting down to business: "So, how did you end up clashing with Deputy Chief Tian again?"
It would have been better if she hadn't mentioned it, because Jiang Mu gets angry as soon as she does.
He recounted the whole story indignantly, and then grabbed the wine jug that Ling Ye had just put down. Without hesitation, he took a big gulp from the spout and cursed, "That's just how hot-tempered I am!"
If he ever dares to make things difficult for me in the company, I'll just quit!
There is no place to stay here.
Sister Ling, I'll go with you to be a patrol officer then. The world is vast, where can't we find a place to belong?
Ling Ye watched him drink heartily, then glanced at the spout of the teapot that he had openly touched without any hesitation.
Her pink lips moved slightly, as if she wanted to say something.
In the end, he said nothing.
However, a faint blush of rouge quietly crept onto her cool, jade-like face.
She said softly, "Although Deputy Chief Tian is rigid and not very shrewd, he is still clear-headed when it comes to official matters. Now that things are clear, he shouldn't deliberately hold a grudge against you."
Besides, with Ran Qingshan holding the fort, you don't need to worry too much.
Old-fashioned? Narrow-minded?
Jiang Mu chuckled.
When it comes to being petty, I, Jiang, am second to none.
"Oh, right."
Jiang Mu suddenly remembered something, "I heard from the chief that Deputy Chief Tian is leading the team to Yan City to exorcise the demon. Could that old bastard be trying to trip me up and kill me halfway there?"
Ling Ye shook his head, somewhat amused: "You're overthinking it. If he really had such despicable thoughts, he wouldn't be in the position of deputy head."
In fact, the position of the city magistrate of Huzhou should have been his, but he felt that Ran Qingshan was more capable and took the initiative to give up the position.
To put it bluntly, although Tian Wenjing is an annoying person, his loyalty to the Demon Slayer Division is beyond question.
"That's good."
Jiang Mu was finally relieved.
Ling Ye picked up the wine pot again, his fingertips lingering on the porcelain for a moment, and subconsciously wanted to wipe the mouth of the pot with the corner of his sleeve.
But the movement faltered slightly, and ultimately it didn't happen.
She brought the spout of the pot to her lips, tilted her head back, and took another sip.
For some reason, the spout of the pot seemed particularly scorching tonight. The normally clear and cold liquor felt even more intensely burning as it went down my throat, scalding my heart.
Perhaps it was a slight emotional ripple, or perhaps it was the subtle rise of the effects of alcohol.
The faint blush on the woman's cheeks gradually became more pronounced, like red plum blossoms in the snow.
Bathed in candlelight, she appeared even more stunningly beautiful.
Jiang Mu stared at her, momentarily lost in thought, and exclaimed from the bottom of her heart, "Sister Ling, you are so beautiful."
Upon hearing this, Ling Ye's pretty face immediately turned bright red, like a ripe apple.
She gave the man a reproachful glare.
But her heart, which had felt somewhat empty from the burning of the wine, seemed to be gently soothed by this simple praise, stirring a secret joy that she herself was unaware of.
As soon as Jiang Mu spoke, she realized it was inappropriate. She coughed and quickly and awkwardly changed the subject: "Sister Ling, you—you quite like drinking?"
Ling Ye turned her face away, avoiding his burning gaze, and looked at the flickering candlelight. Her voice was somber: "It's not that I like it. It's just—in my early years, I was out there alone slaying demons and monsters in the desolate mountains and wilderness, the long nights were lonely, and I would occasionally drink a little to pass the time. Over time, it became a habit."
Jiang Mu gazed at the fleeting desolation and loneliness on her cool profile, as if he could glimpse the solitary figure of this ice-cold beauty who had walked alone in the world for many years.
I've gotten used to being alone.
Whether facing perilous demonic situations or living amidst the everyday hustle and bustle of life, there is no one to accompany them, and no one to talk to.
Perhaps only this drink can soothe that loneliness.
A wave of warmth washed over him, and he blurted out a comforting reply: "If I really become an inspector in the future, I'll stay with you. At least we can keep each other company."
"
The moment the words left his mouth, the atmosphere in the room instantly became somewhat awkward.
The ambiguity was suffocating.
Jiang Mu realized he had crossed a line and quickly explained, "Uh, what I meant was—we could team up to slay demons. When we're free, we could eat watermelon together, have a few drinks, and watch the stars and moon together—"
It’s over.
The more you describe, the darker.
This sounds more like a couple's set meal.
Ling Ye had already turned away, leaving only his slender and straight back, making it impossible to see the expression on his face.
Only the tips of her white jade-like ears were rosy at that moment.
It was faintly visible among the dark hair.
She was silent for a moment, then gave him the hint to leave: "It's getting late. You should go home now. We'll talk again tomorrow."
"Okay."
Jiang Mu thought she was angry, so he didn't dare to say anything more. He awkwardly picked up the wine pot, tilted his head back and took a big gulp, and then slunk out of the room.
I listened as the man's footsteps faded into the distance.
Ling Ye slowly raised his hand and covered his burning cheek.
"What nonsense is this kid spouting!"
What about eating watermelon together, watching the stars and the moon together?
How childish!
It's completely meaningless.
While she was cursing him in her heart, the scene he described kept appearing in her mind, uncontrollably.
In the courtyard on a summer night, the fruits are sweet and refreshing, the wine is intoxicating, and the Milky Way is dazzling. The two sit side by side.
It seems that it's not entirely without interest.
As he pondered, Ling Ye suddenly let out a soft sigh.
The glimmer of light in his eyes, born of reverie, gradually dimmed, torn apart by the coldness of reality and reason, and thrown back into some unrealistic corner of his memory.
really.
When you're lonely for too long, you become vulnerable.
This even made her start having these absurd and ridiculous thoughts.
"Ling Ye, Ling Ye, have you forgotten how your master was condemned to eternal damnation because of a man?"
"Although Xiao Jiang is different from that big devil, don't you understand that love can hurt people?"
'
and.
I only see him as a younger brother.
That's it.
Ling Ye repeatedly reminded himself of this.
He found a seemingly reasonable and safe reason for his extraordinary care and protection of Jiang Mu.
To dispel the inexplicable restlessness and turmoil in her heart, she got up and went to the back room to boil some warm water, preparing to take a bath and cleanse herself.
Take off your clothes.
Her skin was as white as snow, and her figure was exquisite.
She glanced at the bronze mirror instinctively.
The mirror reflected a perfect, delicate body that could drive any man in the world mad.
Especially those two —
Ling Ye looked down, her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and sighed softly, "Little Jiang—you must really hate something this big, right?"
'
As if by some strange twist of fate, she suddenly stood on tiptoe and lightly jumped twice in place.
In an instant.
The image in the mirror shook violently.
Trembling and trembling—
"How annoying."
The office in charge of signing documents.
Bright lights.
Tian Wenjing looked down at a thick booklet in his hand, which recorded the recent affairs of the Demon Slayer Division, especially the part about Jiang Mu.
His brows were always furrowed.
Ran Qingshan sat opposite him, slowly sipping his tea, seemingly calm, but actually his head was throbbing.
Before Deputy Chief Tian even arrived at the office, a trusted confidant had already given him a detailed account of the conflict that occurred on the long street that evening.
the strange thing is.
When Zai Qingshan learned that Jiang Mu and Tian Wenjing were at odds, he was not surprised at all.
There's even a sense of destiny, like "it's finally here."
After all, it's no wonder these two stubborn donkeys would kick up a fuss when they're together.
I just didn't expect it to come so quickly and so fiercely.
One is a seasoned veteran with a tough style. The other is a gifted and unconventional upstart.
Neither of them are easy to deal with.
If he were to actually choose a platform, it would definitely be Jiang Mu.
"Is everything recorded in this booklet about Jiang Mu true?" Tian Wenjing closed the booklet and couldn't help but ask, "Is there absolutely no exaggeration?"
That's an exaggeration.
Even storytellers wouldn't dare to write something like this.
Ran Qingshan put down his teacup and said seriously, "It's absolutely true. If Elder Tian doesn't believe me, he can ask anyone in the department."
Tian Wenjing fell silent.
Silence lingered for a long time.
Only now did he finally understand why Ling Ye had disregarded his status to protect that kid.
It's not because of any particular background.
Rather, it's because this kid's abilities are simply too monstrous.
Even with extraordinary talent—
Tian Wenjing sighed, his tone complex, "But with such an arrogant nature, if he doesn't rein himself in, he'll ruin himself sooner or later. In the end, he's just too young and too impetuous."
"Can you call yourself a young person if you're not impetuous?"
Ran Qingshan smiled, took the booklet back, and asked, "Did you receive any new assignments from above during your trip to the capital, Elder Tian?"
Tian Wenjing knew he was trying to change the subject, so he stopped dwelling on Jiang Mu's matter and sighed, "It's nothing but the same old story. Let's strengthen our defenses, prevent the Fog Demons from invading again, and thoroughly investigate the Red Umbrella Sect's mischief."
"The Mist Demon Sect was severely damaged by General Shangguan in the last battle and should be unable to launch another attack in the short term. As for the Red Umbrella Sect..."
Ran Qingshan paused for a moment, "Some time ago, it was Jiang Mu who uncovered the connection with Madam Han. We are now following the clues to dig deeper into her hidden forces."
Tian Wenjing stood up, walked to the window, and adjusted the wick on the candlestick, which had dimmed slightly from burning for so long.
The flickering firelight illuminated his serious profile: "The last Mist Demon invasion was hard to deny as a joint operation between the Red Umbrella Sect and the Mist Demons. Moreover, their plan actually succeeded—severely injuring General Shangguan, even putting him at risk of losing his star position."
"I dare say that once they confirm that General Shangguan's position is in jeopardy, they will launch a second attack."
And this time—it's probably not the same small-scale skirmish as last time.
They will turn Huzhou City into a true hell on earth.
"Doesn't the imperial court have any remedial measures?"
Ran Qingshan asked in a deep voice.
Tian Wenjing shook his head, a hint of helplessness and sorrow in his eyes: "I am unaware of the court's overall plan, but the Commander-in-Chief's intention is—if it really happens, let us hold the line first. As long as not too many people die, that's fine."
"Give it a boost!"
Ran Qingshan clenched his fists instinctively.
Tian Wenjing looked at him and comforted him, "Don't be too pessimistic. The fact that the Yancheng rebellion was quelled so quickly shows that the Red Umbrella Sect has also suffered a heavy blow."
No matter how much trouble they cause, these evil demons and heretics can't turn the world upside down.
Two days later, I will personally lead a team to Yan City to exterminate the demons. Once the threat there is completely eliminated, the pressure on Huzhou City will be greatly reduced.
Ran Qingshan nodded: "I hope so."
"in addition----"
Tian Wenjing lowered his voice, "I also received a rumor in the capital. I heard that His Majesty has secretly dispatched a team of imperial guards who are searching for people everywhere."
"Who should I look for?"
"Guess?" Tian Wenjing pointed to the sky.
Ran Qingshan's eyelids twitched, and a name almost slipped out, but he swallowed it back, his palms sweating.
Tian Wenjing sighed, "Everyone says that wicked empresses bring disaster to the country, but how can the foundation of the nation and the stability of the country be tied to one person? How can we recklessly wage war and disrupt the peace of the world because of one person?"
Ran Qingshan's expression was strange.
This old man really dares to say anything; does he have a death wish?
Fortunately, Tian Wenjing seemed to only remark on it briefly and didn't delve into it further, instead bringing up another matter: "There's something else. There have been many rumors circulating in the martial arts world lately, saying that the Heavenly Blade Sect is secretly keeping an item belonging to Jiang Chaoxi from back then. Many people speculate that it's the legendary Double Fish Jade Pendant."
"A jade pendant shaped like two fish? That can't be right."
Ran Qingshan frowned, not quite believing it. "How could a third-rate sect like the Heavenly Blade Sect possibly hide such a divine object?"
'
Back then, the patriarch of the Heavenly Blade Sect was a die-hard fan of Jiang Chaoxi and specially crafted the Blood Mad Blade to fawn over him, but Jiang Chaoxi completely ignored him.
The two sides do not have much interaction.
Later, Jiang Chaoxi died, and the patriarch of the Heavenly Blade Sect stood up for his idol, angering the imperial court and the righteous path. If it weren't for General Fei Chang's protection, the sect would have been wiped out long ago.
This kind of news suddenly broke out now —
Ran Qingshan was startled: "Elder Tian, this news couldn't be—"
Tian Wenjing didn't say it outright, but only sighed, "General Chang is getting old. I heard that we suffered another defeat at the border. Although the losses weren't great, His Majesty is furious."
After all, the battle strategy for this operation was personally drafted by His Majesty, who then ordered the border troops to execute it.
Ran Qingshan remained silent.
That young and ambitious emperor seemed particularly fond of "micromanagement".
Having lost face, they'll definitely need to find a place to vent their anger.
If we can't touch General Chang, then let's target the Heavenly Blade Sect, which he once protected, as a warning to others.
It seems that the Heavenly Blade Sect—
It seems he'll have to be removed from the martial arts world.
Tian Wenjing turned around, the candlelight casting a deep shadow on his face: "The turmoil of the martial world and the scheming of the imperial court have always been like this. You and I are in public service, and all we can do is guard our own little plot of land and do our best to protect the people in our area."
As for the Heavenly Blade Sect—it has its own destiny.
Deep within the underground palace.
On the cold jade platform, Shangguan Luoxue sat cross-legged.
Countless purple snowflakes swirled and danced around her, leaving behind dazzling and mysterious streaks of light, making her appear like a celestial maiden.
After several days of recuperation, she finally emerged from the shadow of being humiliated by Jiang Mu's previous "discussion on the Dao" and regained her pure heart.
-
Tonight is the crucial moment for her to break through to the seventh level of the "Purple Extreme Technique".
Time passed slowly.
for a long time.
As the snow around her suddenly jolted and scattered in all directions, Shangguan Luoxue slowly opened her eyes.
A dazzling light shone in those light purple eyes.
"We finally succeeded."
Shangguan Luoxue raised her jade-like hand, feeling the surging spiritual energy within her body, her beautiful eyes shining brightly.
"That cowardly fellow—"
"I'd like to see just who you really are!"
She closed her eyes and clasped her hands together in front of her chest, forming a mudra.
"Purple Mansion Divine Realm, open!"
As the hand seal was formed, an invisible wave instantly spread out.
As long as the other party possesses the Purple Mansion Spiritual Qi within their body, they will be forcibly pulled into this divine realm, regardless of their location!
Swish!
Space distortion.
The next moment, Shangguan Luoxue found herself on a small island in the middle of a lake, which looked like a fairyland.
A lone peach tree in full bloom stands on the island.
The peach blossoms are in full bloom, and the fallen petals are scattered everywhere.
The surrounding lake surface is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the starry sky.
Beautiful and dreamlike.
"They're here!"
Shangguan Luoxue sensed something and stared intently at the vortex that was slowly forming in front of her.
My heart started racing for no reason.
The whirlpool dissipated.
A figure gradually became clear.
The moment Shangguan Luoxue saw that face clearly, the anticipation on her face froze.
Then, it shattered into pieces.
Blood pressure spiked instantly.
Why is it that bastard again?!
Xiaoxue, I'm having a mental breakdown.
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