Years passed in the simulated world, but in the outside world, it was merely a dozen minutes.
Ji Lin remained in the birdcage atop Mount Taixu, tenderly wiping the filth from Red Kite's body, her heart aching.
Red Kite's physique was smooth, fair, and flawless, but now it was covered in red ligature marks.
The mountain wind blew, causing the red silks that bound Red Kite to sway like ghostly shadows.
The jade xiao lying on the sandalwood table emitted an eerie light.
Ji Lin had no other wish now but for Ye Feng to be a little gentler and not break Red Kite completely.
Although it was just a shell, and although it could be restored with a "one-key repair," Ji Lin's heart could not find peace watching Ye Feng humiliate the one she loved so.
"Red Kite…"
Ji Lin dressed Red Kite.
Come to think of it, she had never been this close to Red Kite before.
Of course, Ji Lin would not thank Ye Feng for this.
Still, her face flushed and her heart pounded.
So Red Kite's skin is this smooth…
Her limbs are firm, but not without a soft suppleness…
And her chest is unexpectedly soft…
Was the only difference between this version and the real Red Kite her chest?
The real Red Kite was right here in St. Freya High School.
Ji Lin could verify it at any time.
The moment this thought emerged, it was like a spark on dry grass, instantly flaring into an uncontrollable wildfire.
"Ji Lin, oh, Ji Lin, what are you thinking!?"
The beautiful virgin wife shook her head vigorously.
Although Red Kite was her husband, the two had always interacted as friends, never once crossing the line.
Forget about the skin-to-skin intimacy of today; they had never even held hands… Ah, no, they had, that one day. The day Red Kite had saved her, she had grasped the hand offered to her.
—But it wasn't like this.
For some reason, as she thought about it, the sorrow in Ji Lin's heart eased somewhat.
Still, the weak and powerless husband who couldn't protect his wife, the powerful third party, the anxious and uneasy wife… what would come next?
---o---
Kiana was becoming more and more uninhibited.
She didn't dare to seek out the real Raiden Mei, because Mei could "wake up" at any moment.
But the Herrscher of the Thunder was very fun to play with.
Touching her horns, holding her hand, feeding her… she was just one step away from some real tiētiē.
"You're messing with a Herrscher too?"
Kiana jolted, so startled she nearly leaped into the air.
"…Y-Ye Feng? I wasn't doing anything."
Kiana stood up straight, her eyes darting away.
Ye Feng smiled. He decided not to show her the recording of "Kiana's Disgraceful Display" just yet.
He'd find a chance to watch it with Mei.
And Kiana, of course, would have to be present.
Preferably behind a one-way mirror, where Kiana could see in, but Mei couldn't see out.
"What about the Herrscher of the Void?"
"Mm."
Ye Feng couldn't help but be impressed with Kiana. "Not only has your body become more sensitive, but your thoughts have become so sharp as well. Not bad, not bad. I just had an in-depth exchange with the Herrscher of the Void. She's not as interested in destroying humanity as she used to be."
"?"
Kiana ignored the first half of his statement and looked at Ye Feng with suspicion.
Not interested in destroying humanity?
Did she become interested in champagne and cream puffs instead?
No, that wasn't right. Kiana and she were two minds in one body; she could feel the Herrscher of the Void's hatred for humanity.
It wasn't something that could be drowned out by mere pleasure.
The Herrscher of the Void wasn't that kind of person!
"Kiana, the Herrscher of the Void wants to go out and see the world too."
"Eh?"
The little white-haired fuzzball froze. How… could that be possible?
"Relax, I've taken precautions. This is for you."
Kiana dazedly took the yellowed piece of paper Ye Feng handed her. It was inscribed with strange array patterns and symbols.
"What is this?"
"It's a contract similar to the 'I Voluntarily Accept Educational Guidance' one you signed."
Huh?
How is that similar at all!?
Ye Feng said, "Hold on to it. This can effectively restrain the Herrscher of the Void."
Kiana took the offered contract scroll.
"I'm sure it works here, but will it work outside?"
"Not sure. It should."
Based on Ji Lin's feedback, even outside, she was still compelled to call him Master. Otherwise, even in her sword form, she would be forced into a full-naked dogeza.
"'Should'?"
Kiana's eyes widened. "How can you be so vague about something like this? What if…"
"What if what? In that one-in-a-million chance, you're telling me that the super-duper-ultra-mega-freaking-strong Kiana can't subdue a mere Herrscher of the Void?"
"Ehehe~"
Kiana blinked, then broke into a silly grin. She fidgeted, scratching the back of her head, and said embarrassedly, "Well, you have a point. But what if? When the safety of humanity is at stake, we can't be careless."
"?"
Ye Feng shot her a contemptuous look. "Seriously? You actually bought that? Kiana, you're so narcissistic."
Kiana immediately flared up.
"In what way am I inferior to the Herrscher of the Void? If she wants to fight me for control of this body, she'll have to wait a hundred years! This lady can even…"
Her words stopped abruptly.
Ye Feng grinned wickedly. "Even what?"
Kiana seemed to have thought of something and stomped her foot in a mixture of shame and anger. "Anyway, if the Herrscher of the Void dares to show up, I'll send her packing with a crushing defeat."
"Mm, I think so too."
Ye Feng continued, "So, Kiana has nothing to be afraid of now, right?"
"What?"
"About letting the Herrscher of the Void out."
"Umm…"
Kiana shrank back again, clutching the contract scroll Ye Feng had given her.
"Is this thing… reliable?"
"It should be. If she has any killing intent, it will forcefully induce pleasure. You have to carry this contract scroll with you at all times. Even when you're being lovey-dovey with someone."
"Huh?"
"Don't be fooled by its paper appearance. It's been thoroughly waterproofed. It won't get soaked by rainwater, sweat, or [BEEP] water."
"Idiot, idiot, that's not the problem! This piece of paper… can I even take it outside?"
Other than the "body paint," Kiana hadn't found a single item that could be brought out of this world.
"Not sure. Why don't you try it?"
Try it and die?
Kiana was starting to panic.
No matter how confident she acted, Kiana had seen Queen's Descent.
It would be a lie to say she wasn't afraid.
"Wormy, don't worry. If she dares to cause trouble outside, I'll help you take care of her when you come back."
Ye Feng's voice suddenly became very gentle. Kiana stared at him, stunned.
The backdrop was a range of dark green mountains. The morning sun was slowly rising, and the first rays of light slanted down, outlining Ye Feng's body in gold.
To Kiana, he seemed to be glowing.
Kiana suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of security.
It was as if, as long as Ye Feng was around, there was nothing to be afraid of.
"Mm…"
Kiana nodded softly.