Chapter 350-351-352 On How to Conquer System Fairies and Make Them Your Wives 350-351-352 |
Mount Yu.
Late at night, Chen Yin sat at his desk, reading, the bed behind him a rumpled mess, Xiang’er’s body partially covered by the blankets, her hair spread across the pillow.
A pair of small hands gently placed a cloak around his shoulders, and Master sat down beside him.
“Still studying so late?” she asked, her voice teasing, glancing at the “Introduction to Alchemy” textbook on his desk.
“The Grand Witch doesn’t have much time left,” Chen Yin sighed, putting the book down and rubbing his temples. “Even with the pills, it’s just a temporary solution. As Miss Nan said, without a complete… transplant… it won’t cure her.”
But such a procedure, a complete transformation of the body, was incredibly difficult, even impossible.
He hadn’t found anything like it in the System Shop.
“I don’t know anything about alchemy, so I’m starting from scratch, hoping for some… inspiration.”
“It’s not easy to learn alchemy from scratch,” Master warned.
Master looked at him, her eyes crinkling into a smile, her head resting on her hand, her gaze soft and gentle.
“…Why are you staring at me?”
“You look… handsome when you’re serious,” she chuckled.
Chen Yin blushed and coughed. “We’re practically married. Don’t say such embarrassing things. Help me think of a solution instead of just watching.”
“Why should I?” she said, turning away with a playful pout, “should I be helping you… woo your harem?”
“Are you jealous?” he teased.
“I’m not some little girl who gets jealous easily.”
Seeing her silence, he pulled her into his arms. “Come on, Master, tell me what you’re thinking.”
She snuggled against him, then said casually, “Don’t you think the Grand Witch is being… strange about this whole thing?”
“I noticed,” Chen Yin said, “but I don’t understand why.”
“I thought it was strange too. She has no reason to want to die. And Lian’er cares about her deeply. There’s no reason for her to refuse our help. And that Liantian Pill recipe, mentioned by Nan Xiaoxiang…”
Chen Yin’s brow furrowed as he considered her words.
Seeing that he was on the right track, Master added, “Are you sure the Wu Xuan Ancestor didn’t leave any information about the Liantian Pill behind?”
Chen Yin was silent for a long moment, the candle burning low, then he looked up, his eyes shining with a sudden realization.
“I understand.”
“I’m going to the Wu Xuan Cave.”
“Take Miss Nan with you,” Master said with a smile.
Chen Yin nodded, then hurried out of the room, then stopped and came back, kissing Master fiercely.
“Mmm!” She blushed and glared at him playfully. “What was that for?”
“You get the credit for this one,” he whispered. “You can… enjoy Xiang’er while I’m gone.”
“Not enough. I want to join you and Nan Xiaoxiang!”
“You’ll have to convince her yourself.”
“Can’t you just… persuade her? Are you even a man?”
“If I’m not, then don’t scream in bed later.”
Their playful banter made the candle flame flicker, but Xiang’er, still asleep, didn’t stir, her dreams filled with pleasant memories,
Unaware that she had just become a bargaining chip.
Nan Xiaoxiang emerged from her room, her eyes still heavy with sleep.
“What’s so urgent that you had to drag me out in the middle of the night?”
“How much do you know about the Phantasmal Harmony Ganoderma?” Chen Yin asked, his arm around her waist as he carried her on his sword, their bodies pressed close together.
“It’s a rare and powerful immortal herb.”
“Did you learn about it from the Wu Xuan Cave’s records?”
“There wasn’t much information in the records. Didn’t we learn most of it from the Grand Witch?”
“She might have lied to us. Remember why we went to Yama’s Valley?”
“To find the Phantasmal Harmony Ganoderma—”
“She already knew her cultivation technique was flawed. Anyone at the Grand Clarity Realm would be able to sense it. We didn’t know why she needed the Ganoderma at first, but if we consider her illness, it makes sense.”
Nan Xiaoxiang frowned. “You’re saying… she wanted to use the Ganoderma to refine the Liantian Pill and cure herself? But then why…?”
“The answer is in the Wu Xuan Cave. If we’re right, then she must know how to refine the Liantian Pill. Meaning, she’s hiding the recipe. And since she didn’t refine the pill, there must be a reason. We’ll find out when we find the recipe.”
Nan Xiaoxiang’s eyes lit up as she listened, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place.
“That’s why she was so reluctant to talk about her illness! She had something to hide! I know where they keep their records. Follow me.”
As dawn broke, the outline of the Ten Thousand Mountains emerged from the darkness.
Early morning. Xiang’er woke up and instinctively reached out, her hand encountering a soft, round object. She realized it wasn’t Chen Yin she was cuddling, but Master, who was drooling and giggling in her sleep.
“Heehee… Xiang’er, good morning~”
“…Master, what are you doing?”
“Enjoying your… soft buns…”
Xiang’er pushed her hand away and asked, “Where’s Senior Brother?”
“Probably out looking for more… entertainment. Two of us aren’t enough for him.” Master said casually.
Xiang’er pouted. “Aren’t you going to stop him?”
“Why would I? If he brings back more pretty girls, I’ll be delighted. Heehee…”
Xiang’er sighed, exasperated by her Master’s antics. Just then, the door opened, and Chen Yin entered.
“Senior Brother!” Xiang’er rushed over to him, her eyes filled with concern. “Where were you? You look exhausted.”
Chen Yin just sighed and sat down at the table, his energy depleted.
“So, you failed?” Master asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Not exactly. We found the Grand Witch’s hidden library. And the Liantian Pill recipe.”
Master looked at him expectantly, waiting for the “but.”
“But it’s useless. According to the Wu Xuan Ancestor, this pill is beyond the limits of the Lower Realm. It requires a pseudo-Immortal alchemist to refine it.”
But Grand Clarity Realm alchemists were already rare. Pseudo-Immortal alchemists were unheard of.
The only one Chen Yin knew was the Wu Xuan Ancestor himself.
“Where are we going to find a pseudo-Immortal alchemist?” He sighed, rubbing his temples. This pill was proving to be more trouble than it was worth.
“We’re back to square one,” Master said, her voice filled with a quiet frustration. “Where’s Nan Xiaoxiang?”
“She went back to sleep,” Chen Yin said, his head aching. “I’ll contact Senior Sister and Sister Qiaoqiao, see if their sects have any alchemists capable of refining this pill.”
“I’ll do it,” Master said casually. “If that doesn’t work, I’ll have the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion issue a reward. Maybe there’s a reclusive alchemist somewhere.”
Chen Yin’s eyes lit up, and he was about to hug her when she pushed him away. “Don’t get too excited. You have work to do.”
“What?”
“Cook! I’m hungry!”
In Master’s bathhouse…
Bi Luo was still soaking in the hot spring, her face pale, her eyes closed, her brow furrowed in pain.
Lian’er sat nearby, watching her with a worried expression.
“Grand Witch…” she whispered sadly.
“Don’t worry,” a gentle voice said behind her. Lian’er turned and saw Chen Yin, a tray of food in his hands. “Your Grand Witch isn’t some fragile flower. She’s stronger than you think. She’s still fighting, so don’t give up yet. Here, I brought you some food.” He opened the containers, and the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the room.
Lian’er looked at the food, her eyes lighting up, then she glanced at Bi Luo, her worry returning.
“It’s okay, you can eat. I’m not going to poison you,” Chen Yin chuckled.
Lian’er picked up her chopsticks and started eating, her hunger evident in her swift movements.
Chen Yin watched her, his heart aching slightly. She had been taking care of Bi Luo day and night, her once cheerful face now pale and drawn.
After she finished, he handed her a handkerchief. “Thank you, Big Brother, it was delicious.”
She closed her eyes, letting him wipe her mouth, her demeanor sweet and innocent.
Chen Yin ruffled her hair gently. “You’ve been with the Grand Witch for a long time. Get some rest.”
“But… she told me not to leave her side…” Lian’er fidgeted with her fingers nervously.
“You don’t have to leave. Just sleep in the chair next to the bath. I’ll watch over her.”
Lian’er hesitated.
She was exhausted, but she didn’t want to disobey Bi Luo.
“Promise you’ll take good care of her, Big Brother?”
“I promise.”
“And… don’t do anything… strange to her,” she added shyly.
Chen Yin’s lips twitched. …Do I look like that kind of person? “Aren’t you worried about me doing something… strange… to you?”
Lian’er giggled. “It’s okay. I’m not afraid. You can… do whatever you want… while I’m asleep.”
Despite her innocent face and pure eyes, Chen Yin couldn’t bring himself to take advantage of her. He just smiled and patted her head, coaxing her to sleep.
She was truly exhausted and fell asleep almost instantly.
After she was gone, Chen Yin walked over to the bath. “Still alive?” he asked playfully.
A muffled grunt came from the mist.
“I’ll outlive you.”
“That’s good to know,” Chen Yin said, sitting down beside the bath. “We found the Liantian Pill recipe in the Wu Xuan Cave.”
A splash, and Bi Luo sat up in the bath, her nakedness forgotten, her eyes fixed on him intently. “But… we can’t find anyone who can refine it. Besides the Wu Xuan Ancestor, I don’t know any pseudo-Immortal alchemists.” He sighed. “This is quite the dilemma.”
To his surprise, Bi Luo seemed relieved. She sank back into the water. “I appreciate your efforts, Young Master Chen. But it’s my fate. You don’t have to force it.”
“It’s not over yet. There’s still one more option.”
“What is it?” she asked, her voice suddenly tense.
“…I’ll refine the pill myself.”
“I’ll refine it myself.”
Bi Luo stared at him, then chuckled softly. “You know how to refine pills, Young Master Chen?”
“I can learn,” Chen Yin said casually. “There’s nothing I can’t learn if I put my mind to it.”
“You underestimate the Dao of Alchemy, Young Master Chen. Even if you’re a genius, it will take years, decades even, to master it. You’ll be attending my funeral before you even finish refining the Liantian Pill.” She wasn’t trying to discourage him; she was just being realistic. Alchemy wasn’t something one could learn overnight.
“You should save your energy, Young Master Chen. Just… let me enjoy these last few moments… and then… let me go.”
“No,” Chen Yin said firmly, “I promised Xiaoxiang I would save you. I won’t break my promise.”
Bi Luo looked at him, her eyes filled with a strange mix of emotions. After a long silence, she chuckled softly.
“Sometimes… I envy Nan Xiaoxiang. Perhaps… good deeds are rewarded, and evil deeds are punished. Ever since we chose different paths… I’ve envied her.”
Killers and healers… they’re not the same. I deserve to rot in this poisonous swamp.
“Have you always lived in the Wu Xuan Cave, Grand Witch? Have you ever… left the mountains?”
“What’s it to you?” she glared at him, thinking he was mocking her.
“It’s just… a pity. There are so many wonderful things outside. Perhaps Xiaoxiang can take you and Lian’er on a trip someday.”
Bi Luo realized he was trying to comfort her, and she chuckled dryly. “You think I’m that weak? We mountain folk are used to a simple life. We don’t get bored.”
“Then I’ll take Lian’er on a trip.”
“You won’t! You stay away from her!”
“You can’t stop me,” Chen Yin grinned mischievously, walking over to Lian’er, who was sleeping soundly in a nearby chair. “What are you going to do if I… do something… to her? Heehee…”
“You—!”
Bi Luo jumped out of the bath, about to attack him, then she froze, her face turning crimson as she realized she was naked. She quickly sat back down, covering herself with her hands, her eyes flashing with anger.
“…Did you see?”
“…Didn’t you want me to see?”
“I’ll haunt you even after I die!”
“You’re not dying yet,” Chen Yin said, exasperated. “Why are you so obsessed with death? Do you really want to die that much?”
Bi Luo was silent, her eyes downcast. After a long pause, she said softly, “If I could live… I would. But I’ve done too many bad things. The price of living… is too high. And if I die… it’s just… retribution.”
“I don’t think you’re a bad person,” Chen Yin said gently. “You’re just a young woman, barely twenty years old. There’s so much more to life than this. Just… trust me, okay?”
Bi Luo glanced at him, then quickly looked away, her voice softening slightly. “I think… I understand why Nan Xiaoxiang likes you now.”
“That’s because I’m irresistible,” Chen Yin grinned. “Have you fallen for me too, Grand Witch?”
“Me?” she scoffed, “you might be able to fool that naive little girl, but you can’t fool me. Even if you save me, I’m not going to… repay you with my body. ”
“I’m not doing this for that,” Chen Yin said, standing up and offering her his hand. “Just trust me. That Phantasmal Harmony Ganoderma had four leaves. One was used to save Ye Ling’er. There are still three chances left. I’ll refine the Liantian Pill within three tries.”
Bi Luo looked away, her voice barely a whisper. “…There’s only one left.”
“What?” Chen Yin’s eyes widened in surprise.
“I tried to refine it myself. I wasted two leaves. There’s only one left now.”
…One leaf.
One chance.
And he was starting from scratch.
The odds of success were incredibly slim.
“You’re really making things difficult for me,” he said, a wry smile on his lips.
Bi Luo seemed slightly embarrassed, but she just shrugged. “So what if I fail? It’s my fate. Don’t feel bad about it.”
Chen Yin didn’t bother arguing with her. “Just stay here. I’ll come back when I’m ready for the last leaf.”
He left, and Bi Luo watched him go, then glanced at Lian’er, who was still sleeping soundly, her expression unreadable.
Chen Yin’s last delivery was to Nan Xiaoxiang’s room.
When she opened the door, he saw the dark circles under her eyes, the exhaustion etched on her face.
“I knew it,” he said, placing the food on the table and pinching her nose gently. “Even if you’re worried about the Grand Witch, you still need to rest.”
“I just… couldn’t sleep,” she said, her voice tired, her hair disheveled, her eyes bloodshot. “I reread all the texts about the Liantian Pill. I feel like I’m missing something… there has to be another way…”
Chen Yin pulled her into a comforting embrace. “Don’t worry. I promised I would save her. And I always keep my promises.”
Nan Xiaoxiang nodded silently, snuggling closer, her body seeking comfort and reassurance in his arms.
She was starting to understand the perks of having a boyfriend.