The Wei Residence.
The study room.
An old man dressed in plain clothes sat behind the desk, holding a scroll of yellowed ancient texts, his expression serene.
The old man's hair and beard were white; although his face looked aged, he exuded an imposing aura without needing to be angry.
This was precisely the master of the Wei Residence, currently the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Duke Wei, Wei Wenda.
"Master."
A soft call came from outside the door.
Duke Wei did not lift his head, turning a page of the book scroll, and said flatly, "Come in."
The door was pushed open slightly, and the Old Steward, bringing in a chill, bowed and entered.
He first turned around and carefully closed the door, then quickly walked up to the desk and whispered, "Master, the Young Miss's side has caused some commotion."
"Commotion?"
"Yes... a guest has arrived."
Duke Wei frowned slightly and put down the book scroll in his hand.
"Late at night, where did a guest come from?"
This Yongxing Ward is right beneath the Imperial City; at this hour, who besides the night patrol Martial Guards would come knocking?
The steward swallowed, carefully choosing his words: "It's... it's a young woman, wearing the official uniform of the Demon Suppression Division, but judging by her appearance... she is quite battered, covered in blood. I don't know which pile of dead bodies she crawled out of. She claims... she claims to be an old acquaintance of the Young Miss from the Region."
"Since she is Qing'er's friend and a member of the Demon Suppression Division, then treat her well."
"She is just a junior; there's no need to specially report this to me. Just have the servants stay alert and ensure no breach of etiquette."
The steward nodded, preparing to withdraw.
But when he reached the door, as if remembering something, he turned back and added a sentence.
"Oh, Master."
"That woman claims... her surname is Jiang."
Crash—
The sound of turning pages abruptly stopped.
"You said her... surname is what?"
"Her surname... is Jiang!"
"Full name."
"Jiang... Jiang Yuechu."
A sharp crack.
The rare ancient text, whose history was unknown, had a corner ripped off by Duke Wei.
Inside the study, silence reigned.
Only the sound of the rain outside the window became increasingly urgent.
The steward dared not breathe heavily, cold sweat trickling down his forehead and dripping onto the floor.
He had served the Master for decades and had never seen him lose his composure like this.
That name... was it taboo?
After a long time.
Duke Wei took a deep breath and slowly relaxed his fingers.
He closed his eyes, rubbing his brow, seemingly trying to calm the turmoil within.
"Regarding the news of her visit to the residence, tell the servants to keep their mouths shut tightly."
"If anyone dares to gossip outside and lets slip even half a word..."
"Beat them to death with sticks immediately!"
The steward trembled all over.
"Yes! This Old Servant understands!"
...The desk was filled with exquisite food.
Crystal Dragon Phoenix Cakes, Creamy Milk Curds, and a steaming bowl of Shredded Chicken and Jade Rice Porridge.
Jiang Yuechu had changed into a clean, plain white sleeping robe, her hair half-dry and loosely draped behind her head.
She sat at the table, picked up the bowl of porridge, and without using a spoon, tilted her head back and gulped it down.
Even the exquisite pastries were consumed in two or three bites each, eaten without any regard for etiquette.
Having rushed around all day, she was already starving.
Moreover, ever since she stepped into Core Formation, her appetite had become even harder to satisfy.
Wei Qing rested her chin on one hand, leaning across the table, watching her with a smiling face.
"Eat slowly, no one is going to snatch it from you."
"Mmm..."
Jiang Yuechu, her mouth full of pastries, responded indistinctly.
In just a moment.
The plates on the table were empty.
Jiang Yuechu put down the porridge bowl, let out a long breath, and felt the fatigue finally dissipate somewhat.
"Are you full?"
"Seven parts."
Jiang Yuechu wiped her mouth. "That's enough. If I eat more, I'll get indigestion."
Wei Qing got up and called a Maid to clear the leftovers.
Afterward.
She walked up to the carved bed draped with a gauze curtain and patted the soft silk quilt.
"It's getting late, let's sleep."
Jiang Yuechu nodded, her gaze sweeping around the room.
"Where do I sleep?"
Although this boudoir was spacious, besides this bed, there was only a Chaise Longue.
Wei Qing looked at her strangely and pointed to the bed beneath her.
"Naturally, you'll sleep here."
"..."
Jiang Yuechu's body stiffened.
"This... isn't appropriate, is it?"
Wei Qing was somewhat confused.
"What's inappropriate about it?"
The corner of Jiang Yuechu's mouth twitched slightly.
Although she was a woman in this life, her heart... still felt awkward about it.
"My Killing Intent might clash with you."
Jiang Yuechu tried to argue, "How about having someone tidy up a guest room next door?"
"No!"
Wei Qing refused without thinking.
She jumped off the bed, ran a few steps to Jiang Yuechu, and grabbed her arm.
"Why bother the servants in the middle of the night?"
"Besides, I've been waiting for you to come. I have a belly full of things I want to tell you."
"Hurry, hurry..."
As she spoke.
Regardless of whether Jiang Yuechu was willing or not, she forcefully dragged her toward the bed.
Jiang Yuechu sighed.
Fine.
Two grown girls sleeping in one bed was a sign of deep friendship between girlfriends.
If she kept making excuses, it would only look like she had ulterior motives.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do... She repeated the phrase twice in her mind, relaxed her body, and allowed Wei Qing to push her onto the bed.
The lamp and candles were extinguished.
The room plunged into darkness.
Under the silk quilt.
A faint feminine fragrance lingered at her nose.
It was Wei Qing's scent, mixed with incense, soft, sticky, and sweet.
Jiang Yuechu lay flat on the bed, her hands placed neatly on her abdomen, her body stretched straight.
Like a body prepared for burial.
Beside her.
A rustling sound.
Immediately following that.
A warm arm reached over and hugged her own arm.
Then, a fuzzy head nestled up against her shoulder and rubbed against it.
"Yuechu..."
"Mhm."
Jiang Yuechu stared straight ahead, focusing on the dim ceiling overhead.
"Your body is so stiff."
"From practicing martial arts."
"Oh..."
Wei Qing snuggled further into her embrace, finding a comfortable position.
"What did you come to Chang'an for this time?"
"The Martial Temple."
"The Martial Temple? Are you after a Spiritual Seal for the Dianmo Realm?"
"Yes."
Jiang Yuechu answered directly.
For a Martial Artist, after Core Formation comes Ink Dot Realm.
Even with the highest talent, without a Spiritual Seal, one would ultimately be stuck outside the threshold.
"Then... what about later?"
Wei Qing's voice was soft. "If you really obtain the Spiritual Seal and become a great master of the Ink Dot Realm, or even reach Seed Lotus, Mountain Gazing later on..."
"Besides continuing to stay in the Demon Suppression Division, is there anything else you want to do?"
What did she want to do?
Jiang Yuechu was momentarily stunned.
She really hadn't thought much about this question.
In her previous life, she hustled for a living, burdened by mortgage and car loans, spinning like a top.
In this life... it seemed there wasn't anything specific she wanted to do besides killing demons.
"I don't know."
After a long pause.
Jiang Yuechu slowly uttered three words.
"Perhaps, I want to live a little longer, and a little more freely."
"No need to worry about others' opinions, no need to live in fear."
"Go wherever I want, and whoever provokes me... I'll kill them."
These words were truly frightening.
Wei Qing wasn't afraid, merely murmuring, "That sounds wonderful."
"If only I had your capability..."
Jiang Yuechu turned her head.
Using the faint light filtering in from outside the window, she looked at the tranquil profile of the girl beside her.
"Everyone has their own advantages. Your life of luxury, worry-free existence—countless people envy that."
"Does that include you?"
"...Perhaps."
Once, perhaps she truly had thought so.
If she didn't have to worry about food and clothing and could be a carefree Young Miss, it wouldn't be bad.
But the more she encountered different Demons and the more she felt the terror of Great Demons, the more she gradually understood.
Only the strength to control one's own destiny is fundamental.
She retracted her gaze and looked back at the Void Realm.
"Sleep."
"I have to go to the General Bureau tomorrow."
"Mhm..."
Wei Qing's voice gradually faded.
Her breathing became long and even.
Jiang Yuechu, however, remained sleepless for a long time.
Listening to the rain outside the window, her mind kept replaying today's battle in Jingyang.
Her journey had been smooth sailing, but only today, facing the Gui Jin Demon King, did she realize the magnitude of the gap between them.
It was just one move from the opponent.
If she hadn't traded her Dao Cultivation for temporary strength, she wouldn't have been able to resist, even using all her power.
Is this the world outside the Region... Jiang Yuechu slowly closed her eyes.
In this warm, soft embrace of the quilt, her hand subconsciously formed a loose grip.
As if she was still holding a saber handle... The next day.
Dawn had just broken.
The Morning Drum had not yet sounded.
Jiang Yuechu had already opened her eyes.
She gently and carefully moved Wei Qing's arm and leg that were draped over her.
She got up and changed into a fresh set of clothes from her bundle.
When she pushed the door open and stepped out.
The rain outside had already stopped.
Jiang Yuechu stood under the eaves, took a deep breath of the crisp air, and stretched her limbs.
"Miss Jiang?"
A slightly surprised voice came over.
Jiang Yuechu turned her head.
She saw an old man who looked like a steward directing several servants to clean the courtyard.
Seeing Jiang Yuechu come out, the Old Steward quickly stepped forward.
"Miss Jiang, you are up so early?"
"It's a habit."
Jiang Yuechu nodded slightly. "I still need to report to the General Bureau, so I won't disturb Wei Qing's rest."
"Breakfast is already prepared, Miss, perhaps you should..."
"No need."
Jiang Yuechu waved her hand and strode out toward the courtyard entrance.
"If Wei Qing wakes up, please tell her for me."
"I have some miscellaneous matters to attend to at the General Bureau these next few days. I'll come see her once I'm done."
"Yes, this Old Servant has noted it."
Watching the resolute figure depart.
The smile on the Old Steward's face gradually faded...
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To reiterate, this is not yuri! (Sadge) Purely the affection of close girlfriends!!!
Am i the only one who feels like there has been a drought of flower garden novels? Like the only fandom still producing them natively is Hoyo. Maybe it's because they'll get beamed from orbit or something but man