Chapter 5: We Can’t Do This

“Ah, what’s happening?!” Huo Zhi was stunned. Turning her head, she saw the one clinging to her was none other than Linlang, who had been unconscious moments before.

At this moment, Linlang was far more breathtaking than the fleeting glance Huo Zhi had caught in the cage. Her face was like a blooming lotus, a radiant begonia. Her breath brushed against Huo Zhi’s ear, carrying a hint of sweetness and a unique fragrance that made Huo Zhi’s ears redden to their tips.

“Ding, Linlang’s Happiness Value: -8790. It’s dropped a lot more. Host, Linlang has awakened. The Love Poison Talisman was activated earlier, triggering her mating season. Did you forget? She’s in extreme discomfort now and needs your help… or the Happiness Value will keep dropping! Host, go for it!” 006 said.

“…” Huo Zhi was utterly shocked by what 006 said, her mouth falling open. She was completely floored.

After all her effort to directly or indirectly drive away Su’er, Mo Zhenfeng, and Qin Ceyi, she never imagined she’d be the one facing Linlang like this. The scene was simply too overwhelming.

This was her daughter! She would absolutely never do something so beastly!

Enduring a tingling numbness, Huo Zhi grabbed the wrist wrapped around her waist, freeing herself from the constricting arm first. Then she pressed down on Linlang’s shoulders and pushed her away.

Although Linlang had absorbed some spiritual energy, she was far from recovered and very weak. She was easily pushed aside by Huo Zhi.

“Be good, we can’t do this. Calm down!” Huo Zhi said, trying to make Linlang control herself rationally.

“Mmm…” The corners of Linlang’s eyes and brows were tinged with red blush. Her crimson pupils stared intently at Huo Zhi, her curled lashes dotted with moisture. An alluring sound escaped her nose, her mouth slightly open, panting. Her breath was scorching hot, as if she were a flower blooming to its fullest, ready for the plucking, exuding a sweet, intoxicating fragrance.

Just a single “Mmm” drawn out from her nose, long, soft, and syrupy, was so pleasant to the ear that it made Huo Zhi blush.

Linlang was still injured. Huo Zhi had only bandaged her wounds and hadn’t dressed her. Now, sitting up like this, her upper body looked as if she wore only a very short bandeau, most of it exposed. Below, there was no cover at all. Her long legs were curled to the side. In such a provocative state, combined with her expression and voice, Huo Zhi’s heart raced with alarm, and she quickly averted her eyes.

Linlang didn’t appear lucid at all and clearly couldn’t control herself.

This was very troublesome.

Huo Zhi considered absorbing Linlang’s spiritual energy again to turn her back into a Cinnabar Bird, but the searing pain she felt during the last absorption was too awful. Moreover, draining Linlang’s spiritual energy would make her wounds hurt more without its nourishment.

Thinking quickly, Huo Zhi pushed Linlang aside and went to find her Storage Bag to get some clothes for her. Being unclothed made every movement too, well, indecent. Better to dress her first, then figure out how to calm her down.

Linlang, pushed away and now half-sprawled on the ground, looked towards Huo Zhi, making seductive panting sounds. But deep within her eyes was a hidden sharpness.

Earlier, Linlang had used those few threads of Nether Soul Thread to forcibly tear several gashes into the Love Poison Talisman Seal attached to her Origin Soul, damaging it. Due to the immense consumption, she had passed out.

In her dazed and groggy state, Linlang kept hearing a voice by her ear: ‘Mom,’ ‘Daughter,’ and words like that.

It was a very gentle voice, soft, even carrying a sweet flavor. It soothed her when she was in pain, called out to her when she was sinking into darkness.

The cool embrace, the gentle soothing, made her yearn and lose herself in it.

She had lived mindlessly under the Love Poison Talisman for many years. After death, she cultivated day and night in that sunlight-forsaken place, the Ghost Domain. The only remaining warmth in Linlang’s heart was her days with the Cinnabar Bird Clan deep in the mountains, with her parents, her sisters, a family together.

Through centuries of icy darkness, Linlang hadn’t dreamed of such a feeling for a very long time.

Now, her time-worn Origin Soul had merged with a younger, less-tested one. Had she been influenced? How else could she have such a wild, unrealistic dream?

After absorbing enough spiritual energy by the Spirit Spring, Linlang woke from her stupor.

Her body felt much better than when she’d first arrived. Her shackles were gone, her wounds were bandaged, the pain dulled. An unfamiliar fresh, pleasant scent filled her nose. Her body felt cool and dry. Every breath was rich with spiritual energy, which her body continuously absorbed, nourishing her, slowly helping her recover.

Her body had indeed been cared for and treated well.

This made Linlang feel like she was still in a dream.

The pain told her it wasn’t.

Who saved her?

This was different from the previous life.

In her last life, upon waking, she was still covered in wounds. No one had treated them.

Linlang extended her spiritual sense outward and discovered Huo Zhi beside her.

She never imagined it would be Huo Zhi!

Had Huo Zhi bandaged her wounds?

Had Huo Zhi covered her with the cloth?

Was that voice holding her and talking to her in the dream… Huo Zhi?

How could it be?!

In the previous life, they were love rivals.

In that last life, Linlang had gouged out the Inherited Spirit Talisman for Mo Zhenfeng, damaging her Origin Source. Her cultivation became weak, her body frail, and she couldn’t maintain human form for long. Mo Zhenfeng only saw her as a demon beast spirit pet. But Huo Zhi’s original self, Fairy Yuheng, with her Fox Demon bloodline, appeared like an otherworldly fairy but was inwardly bewitching. She was the one Mo Zhenfeng liked best, constantly envied and resented by Linlang.

Huo Zhi’s original self had never been friendly to Linlang, never giving her a direct glance. She only intervened to teach Linlang a lesson when she approached Mo Zhenfeng.

They became enemies because of a man and couldn’t stand the sight of each other.

Now, Linlang felt no hint of affection for Mo Zhenfeng anymore. Naturally, there was no jealousy towards Huo Zhi’s original self. Only the animosity and wariness hadn’t diminished.

Reborn, Linlang’s heart was filled with hatred. She came for revenge. She would not let off anyone who had slighted her in the previous life!

From what she knew, Huo Zhi’s original self possessed the Heavenly Fox Physique and Fox Demon bloodline. Could that Fox Demon she glimpsed before fainting have been Huo Zhi?

In her last life, Linlang had never seen Huo Zhi’s Fox Demon form, so the aura wasn’t familiar. She wasn’t entirely sure.

But Huo Zhi being here so coincidentally right now made her suspicious.

Mo Zhenfeng had been present then, and now Huo Zhi was here. The two likely colluded together.

In the last life, when she fell into chaos, she didn’t know what happened in between. When she woke, Mo Zhenfeng had taken her to the Menial Disciple area.

This life, things had changed, and she ended up here with Huo Zhi.

Who had absorbed the Love Poison Mother Talisman? Having destroyed the Love Poison Talisman Seal within her own Origin Soul, Linlang could no longer sense the talisman’s pull. It was hard to judge.

It was likely either Huo Zhi or Mo Zhenfeng.

Was Huo Zhi acting this way now, pretending to be her savior, to win her trust?!

Did Huo Zhi still not know the effect of the Mother Talisman?

Whatever the case, Linlang was certain of one thing: her Primordial Yin was intact, her mating season was upon her, and she didn’t know if the damaged Love Poison Talisman still had its original function. If the person bearing the Mother Talisman took her Primordial Yin, she might, like in her last life, lose her sense of self and be compelled to follow that person’s every command.

Whether it was Huo Zhi or Mo Zhenfeng, from the last life to this one, they had always stood in opposition to her. They couldn’t possibly have good intentions.

Though it takes long to tell, these thoughts raced through Linlang’s mind in an instant.

After a bout of rational analysis, Linlang opened her eyes, gazing towards Huo Zhi with a cold, sinister look.

Compared to the thermal imaging-like perception of her spiritual sense, seeing with her eyes was incredibly clear, with color, light and shadow…

A field of white, creamy skin filled Linlang’s vision. The thin white outer robe clung to Huo Zhi’s form, loosely tied only at the waist. The deep V-neckline revealed cleavage and even a faint hint of pink. And on that creamy chest was a very distinct heart-shaped bite mark, a red trace imprinted on snow-white skin, radiating a slightly debauched atmosphere.

Linlang’s breath hitched. Her expression changed. Her body, which had only been slightly uncomfortable before, suddenly ignited.

She never expected her first sight of this woman would be her in such an improper state!

Linlang felt her temperature might have risen several degrees more. Deep within, she felt an inexplicable pull towards Huo Zhi’s body, a desire to tear away the clothing covering her, push her down, and leave marks on her…

The Talisman Seal on her Origin Soul flickered slightly, shimmering with red light. The last shred of Linlang’s reason understood: the Love Poison Talisman was taking effect.

The Love Poison Mother Talisman had indeed been absorbed by Huo Zhi!

Such a huge deviation from the previous life!

A beautiful face is but skin, a skeleton underneath. Huo Zhi was a woman, just like her. Moreover, she utterly detested and loathed Huo Zhi. How could she feel a stir at just one glance?

It must be the effect of the damaged Talisman Seal!

Linlang gritted her teeth inwardly, yet the restlessness within her grew. Her crimson pupils seemed like dancing flames.

She held out for only a few breaths before crawling towards Huo Zhi – partly driven by attraction, partly given a reason to strike first by her rational mind.

That bite mark clearly came from someone intimate with Huo Zhi. Huo Zhi couldn’t have bitten herself.

This meant there was a third person besides the two of them. It was most likely Mo Zhenfeng.

This further convinced Linlang that Huo Zhi and Mo Zhenfeng had been conspiring together long before.

Saving her, treating her wounds – it was all for a purpose!

As Linlang drew closer to Huo Zhi, she used a special method to gather the remaining Yin Baleful Qi within her Origin Soul, forming a few hair-thin Nether Soul Threads at her fingertips. Her plan was to use Huo Zhi’s moment of infatuation to pierce these threads into specific acupoints on Huo Zhi’s body. It wouldn’t kill Huo Zhi immediately but would cause immense discomfort, forcing her to use her power to suppress it. This was also the beginning of a Ghost Path Secret Art Linlang had mastered.

If everything went smoothly, Huo Zhi would fall under Linlang’s control. Her body would be refined into a Corpse Puppet, and her Origin Soul would become a Ghost Slave!

Indeed, just as Linlang clung to her, Huo Zhi lost her composure.

Linlang had never seen the true appearance of Huo Zhi’s Heavenly Fox Physique, because the original Huo Zhi had never shown it to outsiders.

In the last life, she was always cold as ice to others, never smiling, maintaining a lofty, unapproachable demeanor towards everyone.

This was the first time Linlang laid eyes on the Heavenly Fox Physique’s true form.

Pure white tail, a Furred Demon Beast, possessed a softness and delicacy unlike Avian beasts.

Unconsciously, Linlang tightened the arm around Huo Zhi’s waist. At the same time, her rational Origin Soul controlled the Nether Soul Threads, trying to accurately pierce Huo Zhi’s acupoints.

What Linlang didn’t expect was Huo Zhi grabbing her wrist and pushing her away.

The action of driving the Nether Soul Threads into Huo Zhi’s acupoints was interrupted.

Linlang watched as Huo Zhi, wearing that thin robe, turned around. The fluffy tail swayed back and forth, lifting the hem of the outer robe and revealing two long, beautiful legs moving sinuously.

Linlang felt like a starving fish watching bait dangle before its eyes, yet that last shred of reason made her suffering far worse than ordinary fish.

“What exactly does she want? Is she saving her for Mo Zhenfeng? Does she really not know the effect of the Love Poison Talisman?” Linlang wondered, coldly observing Huo Zhi.

Who exactly was the prey and who was the hunter remained to be seen.

Huo Zhi had found the Storage Bag and was walking back towards Linlang.

“Linlang, can you hear me? I am Fairy Yuheng from Lotus Mist Peak. I harbor no ill will towards you, and I definitely won’t take advantage of your predicament. In your current state, you need to calm down. Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you.” Huo Zhi used her gentlest voice to speak to Linlang.

Hearing Huo Zhi call her name, the tone gentle and words full of goodwill, Linlang remembered: this was the voice from her dreams when she was lost in that groggy, senseless state.

That voice that reminded her of her family.

Yearning, entrancing, she just wanted to hear more of it…

Linlang was momentarily stunned but then saw the unmistakable bite mark on Huo Zhi’s chest. She snapped back to clarity.

This was all likely an effect of the Mother-Child Talisman! She absolutely could not be controlled again!

This woman really knew how to put on an act. So cold and distant in the last life, how could she ever be a gentle person?

Why this fake display of kindness?

“Ding, Linlang’s Happiness Value: -8820.” 006 reported Linlang’s Happiness Value. It had dropped again.

“…” Naturally, Huo Zhi didn’t know Linlang’s inner thoughts. Hearing the value drop further just made her heart ache more. Linlang was probably in extreme pain – her wounds hurt, her body was weak, and she was tortured by her mating season. It was just too pitiful. But she couldn’t possibly help Linlang in that way. She had to let her endure through it on her own.

“Host, it can’t keep dropping like this! If it reaches -9999, we’ll both be erased!” 006 said tremulously.

“…” Huo Zhi didn’t know what to do either.

No matter what, she should put some clothes on her first.

Huo Zhi approached Linlang and reached out to support her shoulders.

Linlang’s eyes were wet, her gaze coiling like silk.

‘About to drop the false pretenses?’ Linlang thought darkly, Nether Soul Threads dancing at her fingertips.

But unexpectedly, a cool inner garment made of Heavenly Silkworm Silk was draped over her shoulders. Huo Zhi was putting clothes on her.

“You’re injured, so I won’t put heavy, thick clothes on you for now. Rest assured, I’ll find a way to heal your wounds. It wouldn’t be good if scars remain. What you need to do now is calm down. Just endure through this period and you’ll be fine.” Huo Zhi spoke in a low, soft voice, tying the garment’s sash.

Huo Zhi’s manner was increasingly gentle and kind, even carrying a trace of what Linlang perceived as… ‘motherly affection’? Her entire being radiated a soft sweetness and sincerity.

The scent of her body, the slightly cool touch of her skin – it all made Linlang want to get closer.

Fairy Yuheng’s usual cold, detached, and transcendent-seeming demeanor was certainly no indication of pure kindness.

The more Huo Zhi acted this way, the more Linlang felt something was wrong.

This was definitely not the Huo Zhi she knew.

She had to be putting on an act!

That bite mark was direct proof.

Dressed so improperly, conduct so loose… that transcendent, otherworldly air was just an act for others to see.

So thought her rational mind, yet her body still couldn’t help but crave closeness to Huo Zhi.

“I’m… uncomfortable…” Linlang thought to herself, but spoke aloud as another test, reaching to embrace Huo Zhi.

Right now, only Huo Zhi was in the cave abode. If another person came, Linlang would be even harder-pressed.

She had to resolve Huo Zhi quickly. Failure might also turn those two against each other because of her.

Huo Zhi had managed to get one layer of clothing onto Linlang, which was a slight visual improvement. However, Linlang’s voice was now soft, seductive, and pitiful. Just a few words made one’s heart tremble. Her crimson pupils seemed to hold a pool of water. The corners of her eyes were red, her eyelashes damp, exuding a fragile vulnerability that evoked an overwhelming urge to cherish and protect.

“No, no, we can’t do this or that. Mommy loves you, so we really can’t!” Huo Zhi’s eyes dazed for a moment before she rapidly shook her head. Mentally berating herself for her lack of self-control, she quickly stood up – how dare she be so captivated by her daughter?! She immediately started to rise.

“Mmm…” Linlang let out a low moan. She pulled apart the inner garment’s sash that Huo Zhi had just tied. At the same time, her other hand grabbed Huo Zhi’s wrist.

An intense, searing heat from the wrist jolted Huo Zhi. She turned to look at Linlang, only to see the girl’s sash falling loose. Linlang looked up at her, her body trembling, her eyes filled with pain and grievance.

“Wuwuwu, so pitiful… Maybe I should just…” Huo Zhi’s eyes reddened, her face flushed too, and her wrist trembled.

A hint of what seemed like scorn flashed in Linlang’s eyes. The Nether Soul Threads at her fingertips flickered. With a sharp tug on Huo Zhi, she pressed forward and climbed on top of her.