Sharing a bed.
By the time Cheng Huan finished selling all the beast cores, there was still an hour until midnight.
Cheng Huan waited quietly to observe the state of everyone’s beast cores after midnight, curious to see if they would all disappear once the hour struck.
The moment people received their beast cores, they immediately sat in meditation to purify and absorb them. Under the night sky, the multicolored spiritual lights shimmered like an aurora. Cheng Huan watched with mild fascination.
She glanced around; almost no one else’s spiritual light was the same as hers.
Cheng Huan opened her palm and released her spiritual power. It was transparent, but a transparent with form, still capable of conveying a sense of vastness and surging energy.
Ever since entering this Retirement World, Cheng Huan hadn’t been very clear on her own identity.
The information she knew was too limited. She only knew the island she was on was called Penglai, and she was its sole inhabitant.
From the Little Hedgehog, Cheng Huan had learned the overall situation of this Retirement Experience World, confirming she was the Penglai Island Master of Penglai Immortal Island in the South Sea.
The Little Hedgehog hadn’t told her much, and most of it was superficial. For example, she was the Penglai Island Master; the spirit hairpin on her head was the symbol of the Penglai Island Master; the plain robe on her body was the ultimate defensive artifact; and her strength was currently the most formidable existence in this world.
As for the rest, Cheng Huan wasn’t too clear, nor did she particularly want to know.
Because her main purpose here was to experience a Retirement World, only to be told she couldn’t exit midway.
This led to Cheng Huan, after holing up on Penglai Immortal Island for a long time, reluctantly leaving the island to search for the Children of Destiny, to help them achieve their goals and thus bring this Retirement World to a swift end.
After leaving the island, Cheng Huan also heard some rumors about Penglai Immortal Island. Most were largely similar to the information the Little Hedgehog had given her, so Cheng Huan paid them no mind.
It was only after leaving the island that Cheng Huan discovered the purpose of the second Persona Card.
After all, while she was on the island every day, she had no need for spirit stones or treasures; all her basic needs were met on the island.
But now that she was out in the world, the Profound Nether Continent used spirit stones as currency. Cheng Huan had brought some spirit stones and treasures before leaving the island.
Yet when she wanted to buy things, she found the spirit stones and treasures had vanished without a trace. After countless experiments, Cheng Huan finally understood the Persona Card’s function.
Thus, Cheng Huan was forced to live a seemingly prosperous but actually frugal life on the Profound Nether Continent, waiting for the Child of Destiny to appear while also sightseeing.
Through the Little Hedgehog’s investigation, Cheng Huan knew this world’s Children of Destiny were Lu Qing’an and Gu Chuan of the Primordial Pavilion. Both were exceptionally intelligent, with superb talent, and were disciples groomed with focus by their sect.
Cheng Huan possessed the main world storyline for the Children of Destiny. The main storyline wasn’t exhaustively detailed; it didn’t contain the Children of Destiny’s ultimate ending, only recording all the major events and life-threatening moments along their life trajectories.
It was through the main storyline and her own observations of the two’s daily lives that Cheng Huan had ultimately decided to cultivate the female lead, Lu Qing’an.
Cheng Huan heard footsteps behind her. Before she could turn around, the person spoke: “Cheng Huan.”
Cheng Huan turned to face Lu Qing’an. “Finished absorbing?”
She had helped Lu Qing’an clear the impurities from the Saint-Rank beast core, making it easier for her to absorb.
Lu Qing’an shook her head. “I didn’t absorb that beast core.”
Cheng Huan’s brow furrowed slightly. “Why? Is it hard to absorb? I can help you.”
For Lu Qing’an, currently only at the Nascent Soul Realm, absorbing a Saint-Rank beast core was indeed somewhat difficult. Cheng Huan could understand her not daring to absorb it alone.
“It’s not just this Datura Serpent’s beast core I didn’t absorb; I also didn’t absorb the Star Rift Python beast core you gave me last time.”
Lu Qing’an touched the Storage Ring on her finger, took it off, and handed it to Cheng Huan. “All the spirit treasures and spirit stones you’ve given me are in this Storage Ring. I haven’t touched them.”
Cheng Huan’s brow furrowed deeply, utterly puzzled. “What do you mean by this?”
Lu Qing’an lifted her gaze. “I feel that given our relationship, it’s not appropriate for me to accept such precious spirit treasures from you.”
Relationship?
Lu Qing’an’s words made Cheng Huan realize that the relationship between the two of them was indeed hard to define.
Call it master and disciple, but up to now, Lu Qing’an was unwilling to formally become her disciple.
Call it friends, but the two had never performed a proper friendship ceremony.
Cheng Huan didn’t take the Storage Ring. It was almost midnight; if she held it, it would surely disappear.
“Then what kind of relationship do you think we need to have for you to accept these?” Cheng Huan didn’t care much about the label; she just wanted to see how the female lead wished to handle it.
Cheng Huan’s counter-question stumped Lu Qing’an. She actually didn’t know what kind of relationship she and Cheng Huan should have for her to openly accept everything Cheng Huan gave her.
Lu Qing’an remained silent, looking down at the jade ring, seeming troubled by this so-called “relationship.”
Seeing the female lead silent, Cheng Huan reached out and closed Lu Qing’an’s fingers around the ring. “Between you and me, whatever relationship you want, it can be.”
She held it only for a moment before letting her hand fall to her side, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing together twice.
Lu Qing’an looked up, the bewilderment in her eyes deepening.
“Hold onto these things for now. If you can’t accept them, you can consider it as safeguarding them for me. Is that okay?”
Lu Qing’an thought for a moment, then nodded.
Cheng Huan smiled faintly.
A beauty under the moonlight, a gentle smile, warm and moving, like reflecting the bright moon itself.
Lu Qing’an’s heart felt like it had been fiercely struck—not painfully, but causing a ticklish, softening sensation at its apex.
As soon as midnight arrived, Cheng Huan immediately went to verify the status of the remaining beast cores held by the others. She asked around so much that the others thought the Penglai Island Master wanted the beast cores back, terrifying them into trembling. But it turned out the Penglai Island Master just asked, “Is the beast core still there? Let me see it.” Trembling, the crowd brought out their beast cores for Cheng Huan’s inspection. They watched as the Penglai Island Master examined the cores with a strange expression, muttered a few words to the heavens they couldn’t understand, and then left in anger.
Cheng Huan finished her inspection. Everyone else’s beast cores had survived past midnight perfectly intact—except for hers.
The one remaining beast core she had kept on her person, deliberately left behind for experimentation, had vanished.
That meant the second Persona Card only affected her alone. No one else was influenced by its effects.
What a crock!
After absorbing the beast cores, everyone returned to their tents to rest, leaving some people to patrol the camp perimeter on night watch, guarding against any further unforeseen changes.
Cheng Huan had arrived alone, bringing nothing with her. Seeing they all had tents to sleep in, she cast envious glances their way. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a handsome, well-built male rogue cultivator walking towards her.
This action made everyone present subtly direct their gazes towards them.
Lu Qing’an recognized that rogue cultivator. His name was Qu Qianhe.
His realm was above hers, having already reached the Mid Soul Manifestation Stage. But what drew more attention wasn’t his cultivation base, but his appearance.
The Profound Nether Continent had many ranking lists: for realms, for wealth, for magical treasures and spirit artifacts… and also lists for the appearance and bearing of men and women.
The top three most handsome men on the Profound Nether Continent were: the Buddhist Cultivator Shan Zhuo of Wujian Temple, Gu Chuan of the Primordial Pavilion, and the very man now proactively approaching Cheng Huan—Qu Qianhe.
Though currently somewhat disheveled, Qu Qianhe’s overall aura was refined and gentle. His features were as handsome as a painting, a faint smile always hanging at the corner of his lips, giving a first impression of a gentleman as warm and polished as jade.
He handed his Storage Bag to Cheng Huan. His voice was clear and mellow, laced with obvious concern. “Penglai Island Master, though your strength is supreme, the night is deep and the dew heavy. A woman’s constitution is delicate and needs proper care. I have a spare tent; if the Island Master doesn’t mind, you may use it for tonight.”
Cheng Huan’s eyes lit up. A gift delivered to her doorstep—she’d be a fool to refuse.
She took the Storage Bag, nodding in acknowledgment. “Thank you.”
A flash of surprise and excitement crossed Qu Qianhe’s eyes. He hadn’t held much hope for this gesture. After all, the Penglai Island Master’s temperament was eccentric; her unpredictable behavior while selling spirit stones earlier was baffling.
Now, seeing the Penglai Island Master’s gaze often lingering on the camp’s tents, he deduced she must have no worldly possessions and hadn’t brought a tent. Seizing the opportunity, he’d taken a tent to test the waters—and the Penglai Island Master actually accepted his gesture of goodwill.
Seeing the Penglai Island Master accept Qu Qianhe’s tent, the crowd’s emotions were mixed, their eyes constantly meeting and flickering with meaning.
Lu Qing’an bit her lower lip. She knew Cheng Huan had no tent to sleep in. She had originally planned to tidy her own tent and invite Cheng Huan over, but in her moment of hesitation, someone else had beaten her to it.
Lu Qing’an looked at the tent she had just finished arranging. Her heart felt like it was stuffed with a ball of cotton—stifled and unable to breathe.
Seeing Lu Qing’an’s poor complexion, Gu Chuan worried she might be unwell. “Qing’an, are you feeling unwell somewhere? You don’t look good.”
Lu Qing’an shook her head. “It’s nothing.”
Seeing Lu Qing’an unwilling to elaborate, Gu Chuan didn’t press further but changed the subject.
“I never expected the one who saved us at Ghost Flood Dragon Abyss would be the Penglai Island Master.” Gu Chuan sighed. “And today she saved us again. These repeated life-saving graces… I feel it’s no coincidence.”
Lu Qing’an’s gaze flickered a few times. “What are you trying to say?”
Gu Chuan spoke plainly. “Does the Penglai Island Master want to take you as her disciple, to make you her successor, the next Penglai Island Master?”
Lu Qing’an frowned slightly, remaining silent.
Gu Chuan took her silence as confirmation of his suspicion.
“Being favored by the Penglai Island Master is a good thing, but with your ability, you could completely rely on your own cultivation to achieve immortality. There’s no need to rely on the Penglai Island Master’s support.”
Lu Qing’an detected a note of alarm and tension in Gu Chuan’s tone.
She asked, “What’s your intention in telling me this?”
Gu Chuan’s expression showed internal struggle. He looked at Lu Qing’an with a resolute expression. “Everyone knows Penglai Immortal Island is a sacred land for cultivation. If one cultivates the Penglai Spirit Law, reaching immortality is just a step away.”
Lu Qing’an had heard this rumor discussed no fewer than a hundred times.
“But do you know what the Penglai Spirit Law actually is?”
Lu Qing’an shook her head. “I don’t.”
“And do you know this generation’s Penglai Island Master’s… preferences?”
“What exactly are you trying to say?” Lu Qing’an truly couldn’t stand Gu Chuan’s beating around the bush.
Gu Chuan took a deep breath. “I’ve heard rogue cultivators discussing it. The Penglai Spirit Law is a Dual Cultivation Technique, a type of dual cultivation unrestricted by realm or gender. Therefore, this generation’s Penglai Island Master is someone who swings both ways.”
Lu Qing’an’s eyes widened in disbelief. She snapped, “What nonsense are you spouting?”
“I’m not speaking nonsense. Ask ten people about this rumor, and at least nine will know. Even more so, some claim to have seen the Penglai Island Master visit brothels and male brothels in Ninggu Town.”
Gu Chuan could see the Penglai Island Master treated Lu Qing’an differently. His greatest concern right now wasn’t that the Penglai Island Master valued Lu Qing’an’s talent, but that she valued Lu Qing’an’s appearance and wanted to toy with her.
Riiip—
The thin blanket in Lu Qing’an’s hands was torn apart.
The tent Qu Qianhe had given her was quite good; she didn’t even need to set it up manually. Just reciting a mnemonic verse caused it to automatically erect itself, fully automatic.
Cheng Huan lay comfortably inside the tent, just about to close her eyes and sleep.
Suddenly, she sensed someone had entered her tent. Opening her eyes, she saw a woman in red—the same one she’d had a brief argument with earlier. Bare-shouldered and with suggestive eyes, the woman was crawling towards her.
Seeing Cheng Huan’s wide eyes, the woman called out in feigned shyness and helplessness: “Penglai Island Master, this humble woman was disrespectful to the Island Master earlier. Tonight, I’ve come especially to beg forgiveness. Please, Island Master, do not hold it against me.”
Cheng Huan: “…”
The camp was silent; the night watch guards scanned the surroundings intently.
Everyone rested their eyes, conserving energy for the dangers yet to come the next day.
Only Lu Qing’an stared fixedly at that solitary tent, her eyes in the night like deep pools, unfathomably dark.
She saw with her own eyes a woman in red, barely clothed, crawl into Cheng Huan’s tent.
Lu Qing’an clenched her fists. Her chest heaved violently, as if forcefully suppressing something.
When she saw that tent begin to shake, Lu Qing’an’s eyes narrowed. The thread called “reason” in her mind snapped instantly.
She stood, lifting her foot to walk towards Cheng Huan’s tent. But just as she took a step—
BANG!
A muffled thud sounded.
An unidentified object flew out from the top of the tent. It was hard to make out in the pitch-black night, until the object crashed to the ground with a loud boom, the noise waking everyone in the camp.
Lu Qing’an stared blankly at the red-clad woman before her, blood spurting from her mouth, unconscious. For a moment, she didn’t know how to react.
The crowd came out to see what happened. Upon witnessing the woman in red’s miserable state, they all muttered that she deserved it.
Seeing the large hole torn in her tent, rendering it unusable, Cheng Huan’s mood hit rock bottom.
She walked out of the tent, dusting off her clothes with disgust. Spotting Lu Qing’an, her eyes brightened. Initially, Cheng Huan had planned to share with Lu Qing’an, but after Qu Qianhe gave her the tent, she’d stayed alone. Now, with this wretched incident, Cheng Huan could only revert to her original plan.
She walked up to Lu Qing’an and glanced at her large tent, which looked like it could accommodate two or three people.
“Um… my tent’s ruined. Can I… sleep with you tonight?” Cheng Huan asked.
Girls sharing a bed was perfectly normal. Cheng Huan spoke very properly, but everyone listening looked at the two with strange expressions.
Lu Qing’an’s face instantly flushed bright red. Stammering, she replied, “O… Okay.”
Cheng Huan smiled and patted her shoulder. “You’re the best.”
Lu Qing’an pointed at the red-clad woman, baffled. “What happened here?”
Cheng Huan said wearily, “I don’t know either. She suddenly barged into my tent, insisted on begging my forgiveness, and even tried to tear my clothes off. That was too much—I sent her flying with one palm strike.”
She crawled into Lu Qing’an’s tent, completely exasperated. “I was sleeping perfectly well, and she had to come bother me. Not beating her to death counts as me being merciful.”
Lu Qing’an: “…”
A few mocking laughs came from the crowd. Seeing Cheng Huan voluntarily enter Lu Qing’an’s tent, the people exchanged meaningful glances, then dispersed.
Seeing Lu Qing’an still standing outside, Cheng Huan assumed she thought her spot was taken.
So she shifted to the side, patted the space next to her, and crooked her finger. “Come, let’s sleep.”
Lu Qing’an: “…!!”
Cheng Huan says seriously: Sleep!
Lu Qing’an shyly responds: Just… sleep?
