Chapter 87

【Ding!】

【Even if you do not possess any Pure Yang constitution, you can still engage in dual cultivation with an innate Lunar Spirit Body, although the effect on cultivation improvement will be significantly reduced.】

Somehow, Xiao Minghuang felt a wave of relief, a sense of inexplicable gratitude rising in her heart.

The next moment.

She suddenly realized.

Why did she feel relieved?

She asked herself.

“I must not want Lin Wanqiu to engage in dual cultivation with anyone else, no matter the benefits it might bring her!”

Xiao Minghuang furrowed her brows, deep in thought.

Gradually, scenes from the past days began to surface in her mind, from their first meeting to this very moment.

Those moments of interaction were still vivid in her memory, beautiful recollections shared between her, Lin Wanqiu, and Ye Ruoshui. Those warm images lingered in Xiao Minghuang’s mind, refusing to fade.

As the memories flowed, Xiao Minghuang’s furrowed brows relaxed, and a gentle smile appeared on her exquisite face.

“Could it be…”

Xiao Minghuang’s heart trembled.

“Could it be… that I’ve fallen for them?”

Xiao Minghuang murmured to herself, her voice trembling with a mix of surprise, disbelief, and a hint of anticipation and excitement. Her heart raced, “thump, thump, thump,” beating fiercely.

She had always thought of Lin Wanqiu and Ye Ruoshui merely as friends, as family. But at this moment, an unusual emotion surged within her, as if she had suddenly gained enlightenment. Something in her heart seemed to sprout and grow into a towering tree in an instant, enveloping her entire heart.

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and her emotions were in disarray.

It was at this moment that she finally understood why, in recent days, her heart would race and her temperature would rise whenever she saw Lin Wanqiu and Ye Ruoshui. It was because her heart…

Had stirred.

This feeling was strange and wonderful, like a feather gently brushing across the calm, mirror-like lake of her heart, causing ripples to spread.

She had never experienced such a feeling before, and she wasn’t sure if this was what it felt like to fall in love.

In both her past and present lives, she had never fallen for anyone, let alone been in a relationship.

She didn’t even know what it felt like to like someone.

She only felt that she really liked these two girls.

She really wanted to talk to them.

When she didn’t see them, her heart would be filled with longing.

Whenever she saw something, she would think of them.

After reading the two prompts on the system panel, Xiao Minghuang had an epiphany.

She knew that she had truly fallen for these two girls.

It wasn’t the kind of liking between friends.

Nor was it the kind of liking between family members.

It wasn’t even the kind of liking between sisters.

This kind of liking was the most intense—the kind of liking that made her want to cultivate together with them.

Xiao Minghuang’s cheeks flushed red.

“So, I really do like them…”

She murmured softly, her gaze gradually clearing, no longer filled with doubt, confusion, or hesitation. Her eyes became firm and resolute.

She didn’t just like one of these two girls—she liked both of them. She didn’t want to have just one—she wanted both!

She wanted them both by her side, to be with them forever, never to be separated.

Her eyes shone with a dazzling brilliance, filled with unwavering determination.

But after the initial excitement, Xiao Minghuang’s emotions gradually calmed down, and a wave of doubt arose in her heart.

She knew that although this was a world where strength reigned supreme, many ancient moral concepts were still deeply ingrained.

For example, feelings between people of the same gender were often considered incorrect.

She didn’t care about what the world thought.

What Xiao Minghuang cared about was whether Ye Ruoshui and Lin Wanqiu would care about these issues.

Especially Lin Wanqiu, who came from a prestigious family. She must have been raised with traditional and conservative values. What if she wasn’t willing to accept this kind of love that transcended societal norms? What then?

Xiao Minghuang couldn’t help but fall into deep thought.

For now, she couldn’t find the answers to these questions.

“Never mind, let nature take its course. Since I’ve already fallen for both of them, I’ll just work hard to win their hearts.”

Xiao Minghuang whispered softly, her tone carrying a hint of determination.

Then, she shifted her attention back to the system.

Below the first two lines of text, there were still many opportunity prompts, but most of them were white-tier opportunities. Given Xiao Minghuang’s current cultivation level, even if she obtained them, they wouldn’t have much impact on her progress.

They were like chicken ribs—tasteless to eat, but a pity to discard.

Xiao Minghuang had no interest in these opportunities and merely glanced at them before looking away.

After scanning through them, only the two girls by her side could be considered top-tier golden opportunities.

“Fate is truly mysterious…”

Xiao Minghuang sighed, then closed the system panel.

Soon after, she returned to the palace.

“This 《Heavenly Refining Art》, I need to give it to Ruoshui as soon as possible.”

…

Palace, Offering Hall.

At this moment, Ye Ruoshui wasn’t refining pills but was instead sitting cross-legged on a cushion, recovering her spiritual energy.

Sensing Xiao Minghuang’s return, Ye Ruoshui opened her eyes and looked at her, revealing a sweet smile.

Seeing Ye Ruoshui’s smile, Xiao Minghuang’s mood instantly brightened, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.

She had just clarified her feelings, and now, seeing Ye Ruoshui, her mood grew even better.

In less than a quarter of an hour, the same scene, but with a different state of mind, stirred completely different emotions within her.

Previously, she had been filled with anxiety and confusion, but now there was only joy and contentment.

Ye Ruoshui stood up and walked towards Xiao Minghuang with a smile, asking:

“Your Highness, is there something you need?”

Seeing Ye Ruoshui’s adorable little appearance, Xiao Minghuang couldn’t help but feel playful. She gently tapped the little girl’s delicate, fair nose and chuckled:

“Can’t I come to see you without a reason?”

Hearing Xiao Minghuang’s words, two blushes appeared on Ye Ruoshui’s pretty little face, and she pouted softly.

“I didn’t mean it that way…”

After not seeing her for a while, Ye Ruoshui suddenly felt that Her Highness seemed much livelier.

In the past, although Her Highness had always been gentle with her, there was always a subtle sense of aloofness, as if it was impossible to truly enter her heart.

But this simple, light-hearted action made Ye Ruoshui feel something entirely different.

Though she wasn’t as perceptive or sharp-minded as Lin Wanqiu, she could still clearly sense the emotions of others. So, even though the change in Her Highness was subtle, she had caught it.

As a result, Ye Ruoshui’s mood also became more cheerful. The corners of her lips lifted, her brows arched with a smile, her eyes bright and sparkling.

Seeing Ye Ruoshui become even more beautiful and charming, Xiao Minghuang couldn’t help but pause for a moment before she smiled and said:

“Silly girl.”

Xiao Minghuang reached out and ruffled Ye Ruoshui’s little head, her eyes filled with affection.

She then took out 《Heavenly Refining Art》 from her robe and handed it to Ye Ruoshui.

“Ruoshui, this technique is called 《Heavenly Refining Art》. It should be beneficial to your cultivation.”

“Ah?”

Ye Ruoshui was momentarily stunned. She instinctively took the golden booklet and glanced through it, quickly realizing that it was a mid-tier Earth-grade technique. It was an unorthodox method, with little mention of combat techniques, and most of its content focused on alchemy and related knowledge.

For an alchemist, this technique was undoubtedly the best choice. A surge of intense joy rose in Ye Ruoshui’s heart.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for bestowing this technique!”

Ye Ruoshui tightly hugged the golden booklet to her chest, her cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling like stars, and even her pink lips seemed to glow with a vibrant hue.

Seeing Ye Ruoshui’s charming and adorable appearance, Xiao Minghuang felt a slight stir in her heart, her heartbeat quickening a few beats.

She gently clenched her palm, her eyes fixed on Ye Ruoshui’s gaze as she smiled and asked:

“Big sister has given Ruoshui so many gifts. How will Ruoshui repay big sister?”

Ye Ruoshui thought for a moment. In her heart, she had already decided to serve Xiao Minghuang for the rest of her life, so no matter what Her Highness asked, she would agree without hesitation.

She tilted her little face up, looking at Xiao Minghuang’s beautiful face, and asked seriously:

“Your Highness, what would you like Ruoshui to do?”

Seeing Ye Ruoshui’s earnest expression, Xiao Minghuang couldn’t help but cough lightly. She had intended to tease the little girl, but she hadn’t expected her to take it so seriously.

But perhaps this was for the best.

“How about Ruoshui gives big sister a kiss?”

Xiao Minghuang looked at Ye Ruoshui with a mischievous glint in her eyes, pretending to be wicked.

She was deliberately teasing Ye Ruoshui.

Upon hearing Xiao Minghuang’s words, Ye Ruoshui was momentarily stunned, then a blush spread across her delicate cheeks. She shyly lowered her gaze, not daring to meet Xiao Minghuang’s eyes.

But soon, the shyness vanished, replaced by a look of determination.

Ye Ruoshui raised her eyes and spoke earnestly:

“Ruoshui is willing, I only hope Your Highness won’t disdain me!”

With that, Ye Ruoshui stood on tiptoe and leaned in closer.

Seeing Ye Ruoshui was serious, Xiao Minghuang felt a pang of panic in her heart. She had only intended to tease the young girl and wasn’t prepared for this.

However, words once spoken couldn’t be taken back, so she had to brace herself and go through with it.

In an instant, Ye Ruoshui’s fair, rosy face drew closer to Xiao Minghuang, who could now catch the faint, delicate fragrance emanating from Ye Ruoshui.

Xiao Minghuang noticed that Ye Ruoshui’s eyes were tightly shut, her lashes trembling slightly, like a frightened child, her expression filled with nervousness.

A wave of tenderness surged in Xiao Minghuang’s heart. She gently pulled Ye Ruoshui’s shoulders down, then wrapped her right arm firmly around Ye Ruoshui’s slender waist.

The distance between the two suddenly closed, so close that they could feel each other’s breath.

“Ruoshui…”

“Hmm…”

Ye Ruoshui opened her eyes, her gaze shifting, her clear, beautiful eyes fixed on the pair of equally clear eyes before her. Her heart pounded wildly.

Xiao Minghuang’s voice seemed to have a magical effect, making her feel particularly secure and at ease. It was as if she were soaking in a warm spring, feeling warm and utterly comfortable.

In that moment.

Ye Ruoshui felt an impulse rise within her.

She suddenly kissed Xiao Minghuang’s cherry lips.

“Mmm…”

Xiao Minghuang’s eyes widened in disbelief.

She had thought Ye Ruoshui would kiss her cheek or the corner of her mouth.

But she hadn’t expected this.

An indescribable sensation filled Xiao Minghuang’s heart, her pulse racing wildly, a surge of emotion welling up from deep within.

Although she had kissed Ye Ruoshui before, it had always been her taking the initiative. Being on the receiving end like this was a novel experience.

She felt a moist, slippery sensation on her lips, tinged with a hint of sweetness.

Their lips felt as if they were being scorched by flames, burning hot, making Xiao Minghuang’s heart skip a beat.

Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui closed their eyes, feeling the warmth and softness of their lips pressed together, as if their hearts were about to leap out of their chests.

Xiao Minghuang couldn’t help but reach out and tightly encircle Ye Ruoshui’s slender waist, pulling her close. Their soft bodies pressed together, so close that they could almost hear each other’s heartbeat and breath.

Ye Ruoshui’s lips were soft and sweet, like the refreshing water from a mountain spring.

She slowly closed her eyes, emptying her mind, savoring the purest taste in the world.

In that moment.

Xiao Minghuang seemed to remember something.

She vaguely recalled that during a banquet in Beiyang City, she had gotten so drunk that she passed out, and it was Ye Ruoshui and Lin Wanqiu who had taken care of her.

That night, she seemed to have tasted something similar to this mountain spring water.

At this moment, it felt as if a lock in her heart had been opened, and fragments of memories from that night came flooding back.

She remembered.

Ye Ruoshui and Lin Wanqiu had helped her to bed, and then, while she was drunk and unconscious…

They had secretly…

Kissed her lips…

Xiao Minghuang’s emotions were in turmoil. Unbeknownst to her, she had even lost her first kiss.

Although it was the two girls she liked who had taken her first kiss.

However, this also left Xiao Minghuang with a sense of regret.

As she pondered this.

Ye Ruoshui also noticed her absent-mindedness and couldn’t help but stop her actions, her expression dimming as she softly asked:

“Your Highness, do you not like it?”

As she spoke, Ye Ruoshui lowered her head, her eyes glistening with crystal-clear tears that seemed ready to fall at any moment.

Seeing Ye Ruoshui’s heartbroken expression, Xiao Minghuang felt a pang of pain in her heart. She quickly shook her head and said:

“No, no, I love Ruoshui the most!”

Xiao Minghuang felt somewhat helpless inside, unsure of how to explain it to Ye Ruoshui.

If she were to bring up the matter, given the little girl’s shy nature, she would probably really start avoiding her.

So, Xiao Minghuang decided to act as if she didn’t know about it, letting it drift away with the wind.

She reached out and gently patted Ye Ruoshui’s head, saying softly:

“I’m just a bit tired…”

Hearing this, Ye Ruoshui anxiously said:

“Your Highness must rest well. If you need any elixirs, please tell me, and I’ll refine them for you!”

Xiao Minghuang smiled and said:

“Of course, Ruoshui is a master of alchemy, the top alchemist in Great Xia!”

At these words, Ye Ruoshui’s cheeks flushed, and she pouted:

“Your Highness is teasing me again!”

Xiao Minghuang chuckled without saying more, gently patting Ye Ruoshui’s head and softly saying:

“The cultivation technique I gave you, you must practice it diligently. Don’t focus all your energy on alchemy; your cultivation level must not fall behind.”

Ye Ruoshui obediently nodded and said:

“Understood, Your Highness.”

With that, Xiao Minghuang turned and left.

After leaving the palace, Xiao Minghuang entered her carriage and closed her eyes in deep thought.

This trip to the palace had been quite fruitful.

Not only had she triggered the long-awaited Ten Thousand Times Compensation, but she had also unlocked a new function of the system afterward.

Thus, she could now clearly understand her own feelings.

Compared to the compensated cultivation techniques, this was perhaps even more important to her.

Not long after.

Xiao Minghuang returned to the princess’s residence.

There, she saw Lin Wanqiu handling affairs in the main hall.

She was giving orders to several attendants.

“…On this journey, you must ensure Li Yun’er’s safety. No mishaps are allowed, understood?”

Over a dozen guards, all Qi Refining realm martial artists, responded in unison:

“Yes, ma’am!”

Lin Wanqiu nodded:

“Good, you may go. When you return with your report, there will be additional rewards!”

Hearing this, the guards’ faces lit up with joy, and they respectfully withdrew.

Though she hadn’t seen the full context of the matter, just from the commanding presence Lin Wanqiu exuded, it was clear she was the young lady of Beiyang City, possessing a dignity that ordinary people could hardly match.

As soon as the attendants left, Lin Wanqiu looked up and saw Xiao Minghuang standing at the entrance of the hall. Her expression immediately softened, and she quickly walked over to Xiao Minghuang.

“Your Highness, you’ve returned.”

Xiao Minghuang nodded and asked:

“What was that just now?”

Lin Wanqiu explained:

“I personally spoke with Li Yun’er. She said she is willing to return to Beiyang City to persuade her family to abandon their evil ways and turn to good. I believe this is an opportunity to gain the complete Li family’s allegiance without bloodshed, so I agreed.”

Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang nodded. She was not a cruel or bloodthirsty person. If she could gain the Li family’s sincere allegiance without any loss of life, that would naturally be the best outcome.

Seeing her nod, Lin Wanqiu continued:

“If this succeeds, it will be a joyous outcome for all. If it fails, I will bring Li Yun’er’s branch of the family into the Beiyang City Lord’s residence, making them a subsidiary force of the Lord’s residence.”

Xiao Minghuang nodded once more, understanding that one should never rely on a single plan and must always consider the possibility of failure.

Seeing that Xiao Minghuang agreed with her decision, Lin Wanqiu felt pleased and continued:

“The young girls from the Liu and Wang families have been dealt with. We’ve announced that they were sent back to Beiyang City, and the Second Prince’s spies haven’t raised any suspicions.”

After listening to Lin Wanqiu’s brief report, Xiao Minghuang smiled:

“Wanqiu, you’ve worked hard.”

“Since Your Highness has entrusted these matters to me, it is my duty to fulfill them. Your Highness need not be so polite.”

Seeing the earnest and responsible expression on Lin Wanqiu’s charming face, Xiao Minghuang felt both comforted and fortunate to have met such a wonderful girl.

“Wanqiu, you should also take care to rest and not overexert yourself.”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.”

Lin Wanqiu responded with a smile.

After a few more casual words, Xiao Minghuang turned and left.

Once outside the main hall, Xiao Minghuang summoned the system panel. The compass needle pointed to Lin Wanqiu’s location.

“How can the Innate Lunar Spirit Body be awakened?”

After querying the system, Xiao Minghuang received an answer.

According to the prompt, there are two methods to awaken the Innate Lunar Spirit Body.

The first is the balance of Yin and Yang.

Simply put, one must find a pure Yang object to achieve a momentary balance of Yin and Yang, which will awaken the body.

The second is the exhaustion of Yin leading to the birth of Yang.

This method is the opposite of the first. One must find a pure Yin object to cause the dormant Innate Lunar Power to boil, achieving the effect of Yin exhaustion leading to Yang birth, and thus awakening the body.

These two methods, though seemingly extreme, are essentially the same.

Both require finding rare and precious natural treasures.

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

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