Chapter 72

Ling’er’s eyes instantly shone like stars, “I can marry Ah Shuang!”

A pair of small, pink, soft and tender new horns grew on her head. She jumped up with energy, grabbing Qu Panyan’s sleeve excitedly, and said, “Faster, faster, Ah Shuang is waiting for us!”

Ling’er’s strength seemed to have increased. She could effortlessly pick up Kang Congshuang before, and now being pulled abruptly by her, Qu Panyan was caught off guard, stumbled a step, and fell into Ling’er’s familiar and fragrant embrace.

Su Lingyu slightly raised her head and swiftly came to Qu Panyan’s side, steadily embracing her as she advised Ling’er, “Slow down.”

Ling’er was startled and quickly let go of Qu Panyan, apologizing, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…”

Qu Panyan shook her head and said it was fine. Su Lingyu looked at the two bright crimson streaks on Ling’er’s youthful and pretty face, her eyebrows furrowed slightly, but then relaxed again, reminding her, “Your face is dirty.”

Ling’er made a sound of acknowledgement and touched her face, finding that it was stained with blood.

Would she scare Kang Congshuang if she went back like this?

Worried about scaring Kang Congshuang, she quickly gathered her palm’s energy and formed a clear blue water sphere. Carefully and attentively, she washed her hands and face, wanting to become the cleanest little dragon—no, she was no longer a little dragon; she had shed her horns, she had grown up!

Taking this opportunity, Qu Panyan turned to look at Qu Muqiu. Before she could say anything, Qu Muqiu spoke first, “I already know about your deal with the Clan Leader Liu. As for the matters between the Liu Family and the Qu Family, let sister handle it. You don’t need to worry about it anymore.”

Their little girl unexpectedly turned the tables and became the Saintess, resolving the life and death crisis of the Qu Family. It was already the biggest help they could ask for.

She had done well, and she had worked hard enough. Going forward, she didn’t need to bother with the Liu Family’s affair anymore; it should be handled by her sister, Qu Muqiu.

Family matters between prominent families should be resolved by the family heads themselves.

Qu Muqiu looked at her with gentle and tender eyes, “Our little girl had indeed worked hard.”

Qu Panyan couldn’t help but walk towards her and buried herself in her warm embrace. The heavy stone that had been hanging in her heart finally lifted, and she felt a bit relieved and happy, “Now I can share the family responsibilities with my sister.”

When Qu Muqiu succeeded as the family head, she was only fourteen years old, still a young girl who should be living carefree and joyful. At that time, she faced many criticisms behind her back, and everyone thought this little girl couldn’t handle it. They believed that the Tianguan Qu Family, a century-old noble family, would decline under her leadership, and some even waited to see the downfall of the Qu Family.

Qu Muqiu had been mature and sensible since childhood. She cared for her younger siblings, diligently studied family affairs, and rarely experienced the kind of ease that Qu Panyan and Qu Changye have had. After becoming the family head, her growth accelerated rapidly. She became even more mature, revealing a keen talent and calmness that didn’t match her appearance. Single-handedly, she took on the responsibility of the colossal Tianguan Qu Family, protecting it, and making it stronger in the face of numerous challenges.

Rumors and gossip were easily dispelled, and no one thought she was incapable anymore.

However, the hardships she endured were unimaginable for ordinary people. Protecting a century-old noble family and making it grow stronger was not something that could be achieved with a simple wave of the hand.

Qu Changye and Qu Panyan both witnessed her emerge from trials and tribulations, genuinely loving and respecting, while also sympathizing with her. They both wanted to use their own strength to share the burden on her shoulders as much as they could.

Qu Panyan hugged Qu Muqiu affectionately and said softly, “Elder sister, you can worry about one less thing now. That’s great.”

Fortunately, she had done it. She helped Qu Muqiu resolve her biggest worry.

Qu Muqiu smiled and patted her head, “Yan’er, you did great, but don’t ever risk your life like that again, you hear me?”

She would protect them, do everything in her power to protect the entire Qu Family. However, they wouldn’t need to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the Qu Family.

Qu Panyan nodded obediently, “I understand. There won’t be a next time for sure.”

If she made the same mistake again, not only would she be in trouble, but she would also face the combined joint beating of Su Lingyu and the two big mountains at home!

Ling’er finished washing her face and turned around but Qu Panyan was no longer there. Only Su Lingyu remained. After some hesitation, she timidly asked, “Am… am I clean now?”

Su Lingyu looked at her fair little face and then moved her gaze downward. Ling’er cooperatively extended her hands, spreading her ten fingers, and obediently allowed Su Lingyu to inspect.

All clean.

Su Lingyu nodded, “Mhm, you’re clean.”

Her nervousness finally dissipated, and she looked back at Qu Panyan with a pair of bright eyes, filled with anticipation.

Seeing this, Qu Muqiu didn’t ask further questions. She just patted Qu Panyan’s head and said warmly, “Regarding the Kang Family’s matter, do what you can, and don’t push yourself too hard.”

Though she also wanted to help the Kang Family, using blood…there were quite a few people in the Kang Family with the illness.

With her delicate constitution, she would have to use so much blood… Qu Muqiu couldn’t bear it in her heart either.

Qu Panyan let go of her and smiled, “Elder sister, rest assured, I’ll help with whatever I can.”

The Kang Family was an ally Qu Muqiu had long wanted to win over. Whatever Qu Panyan said, she had to bring the Kang Family over to Qu Muqiu!

She was full of ambition and passion.

What’s the big deal… about giving a little blood!

She was already the Saintess. Could she be easily defeated? She believed that even after the blood donation, she’d still be a mighty warrior!

Qu Panyan looked at Qu Muqiu, “Should I… go back to the Xianmeng Sect first?”

She knew that Qu Muqiu would stay behind to deal with the follow-up matters with Liu Yizhi.

Then she looked at Qu Changye, “What about you, Second Brother?”

Qu Changye paused and unconsciously glanced at Su Lingyu. As long as the Sect Master Su was reliable and powerful, with her around, he didn’t need to worry about his sister’s safety. He replied, “I’ll stay here with Elder Sister. After she finishes talking with Master Liu and returns to the Qu Family, I’ll go back to Changqing Sect.”

He was on the verge of breaking through, not far from reaching the God Realm. Once things settled with the Qu Family, he would intensify his cultivation and continue his journey to ascend to the new realm.

Qu Panyan nodded firmly, “Good, Second Brother, be careful around Clan Leader Liu. I’m afraid he might try something with Elder Sister again.”

For instance, reenacting those scenes from an overbearing CEO drama to scare Qu Muqiu. If that happened, she would immediately grab her sword and rush thousands of miles to take Liu Yizhi’s dog head!

Although they had negotiated a deal recently, and their relationship had slightly improved, the Qu Family would never back down—when it came to Qu Muqiu. If Elder Sister didn’t like someone, then they were off-limits! Touching her sister even a little bit was unacceptable!

Upon hearing this, Qu Changye immediately became vigilant, sticking close to Qu Muqiu, and said reliably, “With me here, you can rest assured and go back.”

“Remember to take good care of yourself. When I have time, I’ll come to visit you.”

Qu Panyan smiled, “Alright.”

Then she returned to Su Lingyu’s side and said to Ling’er, “We can leave now.”

Ling’er nodded eagerly and dashed ahead, taking the lead.

Qu Panyan was about to catch up when Su Lingyu gently held her back and covered her with her own Moonlight Plum-patterned, hiding the torn area on the back of her clothes.

Qu Panyan sweetly said, “Thank you, Sister Lingyu.”

Su Lingyu’s gaze was calm as water, and her tone was faint, but her voice was low as she uttered, “I’ll settle the score with you for what happened today.”

Qu Panyan was trembling and didn’t dare to say anything, “…”

Farewell to the world, I’m doomed…

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As the sun set, the evening class was led by the Third Senior Brother, while the Second Senior Sister, Kang Congshuang, rested in her own room.

Kang Congshuang stood alone by the window, motionless, watching the brilliant evening glow dyeing half of the sky red like a raging fire. In the distance, a few bird cries echoed through the deepening twilight, accompanied by the golden brilliance of the setting sun. 

Today, Qu Panyan took Ling’er away in front of everyone, saying that she was going to capture A Yiduo.

Kang Congshuang rose from her cushion and looked at them, with a hint of worry in her expression.

Qu Panyan turned back to look at her and gave her a reassuring smile, softly saying, “Focus on your class and don’t worry. We’ll be back soon.”

But they still hadn’t returned…

Kang Congshuang’s face remained unchanged, but her five fingers subconsciously clenched.

Could something have happened?

She lowered her eyelids, her expression slightly moved, constantly reminding herself: No, nothing will happen, I must believe in them, trust that the Sect Master will protect them.

They will definitely… come back.

“Knock knock—” Two soft knocks on the door broke the silence inside the room.

Kang Congshuang’s eyes instantly changed, quickly regaining her composure, returning to being the calm Senior Sister Kang. She turned and asked, “Who is it?”

“Open the door,” it was Qu Panyan’s voice, “delivering warmth.”

A hint of joy colored Kang Congshuang’s eyebrows. She hurriedly walked to the door, opening it with excitement, and saw Qu Panyan wearing Su Lingyu’s clothes, completely unharmed.

She was even more dazzling and alluring, capturing one’s heart.

Behind her stood Ling’er—with no veil wrapped around her head, revealing a pair of pink little round horns.

She had shed her horns!

Ling’er looked at Kang Congshuang with bright and lively eyes, repeatedly calling out “Ah Shuang, Ah Shuang.”

Kang Congshuang noticed Su Lingyu, their Sect Master, not far away, and also… A Yiduo’s two guardians?

Kang Congshuang’s initially joyful expression suddenly turned serious, “Has A Yiduo returned?”

Qu Panyan smiled, “A Yiduo won’t be coming back.”

“Ba Tu and Wu Yi will be my guardians from now on.”

Kang Congshuang’s eyes slowly widened, “Do you mean…”

Qu Panyan kept her gaze on her, her eyes clear as water. There was no evil intent on her face, yet it inexplicably charmed people. If Kang Congshuang’s will wasn’t strong enough, she would have already fallen for it.

Qu Panyan approached, her fingertips gathering silvery light as she spoke softly, “I wish Second Miss Kang a carefree life, enjoying the sights of the four seasons with her beloved, witnessing the world’s beauty.”

With her words falling, she swiftly cut her own finger and pressed the blood pearl that overflowed from her fingertip against Kang Congshuang’s lips. With a gentle stroke, it seemed as though she adorned her with a touch of bright vermilion.

Qu Panyan watched as the blood pearl immediately merged into Kang Congshuang’s flesh. Her eyes shimmered with brilliance. Then, she stepped back and lightly pushed Ling’er forward, looking satisfied as she said, “Second Miss Kang, you can start considering your lifelong matters now.”

Having fulfilled the divine decree of bringing the destined marriage, Qu Panyan turned and left, paying little attention to the wound on her finger.

Su Lingyu had been staring at her wound all along, and when Qu Panyan approached, she held her hand and examined the wound before looking at Ba Tu and Wu Yi, calmly saying, “Please, the two of you, leave for a moment.”

Ba Tu and Wu Yi glanced at Qu Panyan, who nodded. They then concealed their presence and distanced themselves.

Su Lingyu led her out of Kang Congshuang’s room and took her to a secluded corner where the chaotic flowers hung low, and the green shades formed a canopy, easily concealing their figures.

It made her panic.

Oh no, I’m done for!

Qu Panyan obediently stood against the wall, feeling like she was being punished. She cautiously observed Su Lingyu’s expression and saw her silently gazing at the wound on her finger, making her inexplicably nervous.

Suddenly, Su Lingyu spoke, “Does it hurt?”

Qu Panyan: “?”

Qu Panyan immediately realized what she meant and quickly nodded frantically, “Yes yes! It hurts so much! It’s excruciating!”

Change the subject first to save herself!

Su Lingyu remained silent for a moment, then raised her eyes to look at her, with a mix of distress and reproach in her eyes, “Why weren’t you more careful?”

Qu Panyan, who wasn’t feeling any pain at all, immediately put on a pitiful look, “I was in a hurry to save Miss Kang…”

Su Lingyu gently pinched her injured finger and slowly wiped away the blood.

It seemed that ever since they got together, she couldn’t stand seeing her getting hurt…not even a small wound was tolerable.

Qu Panyan carefully observed Su Lingyu’s expression and noticed that she seemed to be feeling distressed. She immediately breathed a sigh of relief and continued to act coquettishly, “Sister Lingyu, kiss Yan’er, it won’t hurt anymore if you kiss me.”

Su Lingyu sighed, lowered her head, and gently placed her finger into her mouth lovingly.

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: iToon

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