When Luo Dongqing woke up and saw his cultivation had already fallen to second-tier Spirit General, his face darkened. It wasn't his imagination—his cultivation had truly dropped from fourth-tier Spirit General to second-tier Spirit General.
What was happening?
He remembered the system's existence and asked somewhat anxiously, [System, do you know what's happening with my cultivation?] Moreover, after sleeping with Luo Yuxin earlier, he'd felt extremely sleepy and had directly fallen asleep without thinking much of it.
He vaguely believed this matter should be related to Luo Yuxin. Could it be that Luo Yuxin cultivated some kind of yang-absorbing technique and absorbed his cultivation?
[Why did my cultivation drop two minor realms? Is there something wrong with Luo Yuxin?]
The system fell silent for a moment. Actually, inside it was trembling. Oh my goodness, so this was why the Evil God Lord was so merciful, saying she wouldn't bother with Luo Dongqing anymore. Turns out she'd already set a trap for Luo Dongqing long ago, giving him such a technique to torment people. Just this one technique was enough for Luo Dongqing to suffer.
[Host, there's nothing wrong with Luo Yuxin.]
Luo Dongqing was somewhat frantic. [Then how did my cultivation suddenly drop two realms? And it only dropped after sleeping with Luo Yuxin twice. Luo Yuxin definitely has a problem.]
[Host, Luo Yuxin really doesn't have a problem.] The system's voice rang out, pretending to be somewhat evil. [How about this, host—you go find Xu Xiangjun and try again. It's still early, you can still reach Xu Xiangjun in time. If Luo Yuxin has a problem, when you're with Xu Xiangjun, there definitely won't be any issues. If Luo Yuxin doesn't have a problem, we can rule out one possibility and look for other reasons.]
Luo Dongqing's face darkened. [Fine, I'll go find Xu Xiangjun and try.] It wasn't that he didn't want to find other women, but among women he could fancy, there truly weren't many at present. If they weren't top quality, they weren't worthy of him, Luo Dongqing. Now that his cultivation speed was getting faster, naturally the women around him should also be increasingly top quality. He really couldn't be bothered with ordinary goods. If it weren't for Dan Shu being inconvenient, he would have directly tried with Dan Shu.
"Little Brother Dongqing, where are you going?"
When Luo Dongqing finished dressing and pushed open the door to leave the room, he encountered Luo Yuxin walking in. She was smiling seductively, her alluring appearance truly scaring him until his legs went weak. Before confirming Luo Yuxin had no problems, he didn't want to do anything more with this woman. He didn't want to alarm Luo Yuxin either, so he answered stiffly, "I have some business. I'll be back in a few days."
"Where are you going? I'll accompany you." Luo Yuxin said with interest. "Recently we've spent very little time together. The family tournament is coming soon—I'm very worried about you."
Before the grand competition, if she could improve her strength a bit more, that would be truly wonderful. Luo Yuxin's smile deepened. Previously she'd thought Luo Dongqing was a decent-looking man who could talk and make her happy. Now she thought Luo Dongqing was the ultimate among men—good in bed, and sleeping with him could improve cultivation. She wanted to follow him everywhere. Who knew, if his interest came up, he might help improve her cultivation. Really quite nice.
She also discovered that cultivation improved this way didn't cause an unstable foundation. Simply couldn't be better. She looked at Luo Dongqing with increasingly bright eyes. The latter felt his hair stand on end under her gaze and quickly refused her company, saying he'd return soon. Right now being with Luo Yuxin made him feel uncomfortable all over.
Luo Yuxin watched Luo Dongqing's hurriedly departing back, regret floating in her eyes. She walked into the room and looked at the beauty in the mirror, talking to herself. "Is my appearance not attractive enough to Luo Dongqing? Or has he taken a fancy to some other little vixen? He's so impatient—the little vixen must be very pretty." She laughed again. "Such a good Little Brother Dongqing—I can't bear to give him up."
Luo Dongqing hurriedly found Xu Xiangjun and pulled her into intimacy once.
Afterward, Xu Xiangjun looked at the sleeping Luo Dongqing in confusion. She patted Luo Dongqing's face, her lips curving into a smile. "Big Brother Luo must have missed me so much, was so anxious traveling here, and couldn't wait to be with me, that's why he's tired enough to fall asleep." She sighed. "I was more interested in your status and strength, but you treat me so sincerely—I'm truly very happy. As long as you keep treating me this well, I'll treat you well too. It's not in vain that I'm betting everything on you, Big Brother Luo."
System: ...
These were all terrifying young ladies. He even felt somewhat sympathetic toward Luo Dongqing.
Before long, Xu Xiangjun felt something was off. When she checked her cultivation, she was stunned. Her cultivation, which had stagnated for quite some time, had... had actually advanced one tier?
She blinked, carefully thinking about how her cultivation improved. As she recalled, she suddenly remembered that when she was with Luo Dongqing, she'd felt something drilling into her body. She'd been too excited at the time and hadn't paid attention. Could it be... because of Big Brother Luo that her cultivation improved?
Xu Xiangjun's heart stirred with eagerness. Could it be that Big Brother Luo rushed here so anxiously to be with her because he wanted to use this special method to help improve her strength, so her ranking among the young generation of major families would be higher?
"Big Brother Luo, you're so good."
Xu Xiangjun felt she couldn't disappoint Luo Dongqing's good intentions. Even if he'd fallen into deep sleep, she could still do many things. The sleeping Luo Dongqing had no idea that the delighted Xu Xiangjun pulled him into another round.
After it ended, Xu Xiangjun was refreshed. Seeing her cultivation had improved another tier, satisfied and excited, she lowered her head to kiss Luo Dongqing. "Big Brother Luo, I'll never leave you in this lifetime. You're so good to me." Then she got out of bed to prepare food for Luo Dongqing. Big Brother Luo was too tired—she needed to prepare some body-nourishing food for him to eat.
"Seventh-tier Spirit Master???"
After Luo Dongqing woke up and checked his cultivation, his face contorted. "How can it be seventh-tier Spirit Master??" He'd dropped from second-tier Spirit General to seventh-tier Spirit Master?
This time, he didn't think it was Luo Yuxin's problem, but he could confirm his cultivation disappeared after sleeping with women.
When Xu Xiangjun came in carrying food, he grabbed her and asked, "What's your cultivation level now?" Xu Xiangjun's cultivation had stagnated for a long time. Last time Xu Xiangjun hadn't consumed the sea demon's heart, so even after something happened between them, her strength hadn't improved.
Xu Xiangjun thought Luo Dongqing was asking about her strength improvement. Very happily she nestled in Luo Dongqing's arms. "Big Brother Luo, you're so good. Traveling such a distance just to help me improve my strength. Because of you I've advanced two tiers—my ranking will definitely be much higher than last time." Xu Xiangjun said much more, but Luo Dongqing could no longer listen.
Now he could be certain the problem was with himself. After perfunctorily dealing with Xu Xiangjun, he left the Xu family and found a secluded place to start examining his body. He also asked the system, which said it also didn't know what was happening.
[Host, since it's like this, recently just don't be intimate with those women. Actually, just winning over their hearts is also good. Look at Dan Shu—isn't she devoted to you? Even though you have more women, she hasn't left you.]
[For now, this is all I can do,] Luo Dongqing's expression was extremely ugly. [But without finding the cause, my heart remains uneasy.]
[Forget it. The grand competition is coming soon. I'll first focus on raising my cultivation back up.] What had been a sure victory now felt uncertain.
Three days later, Luo Dongqing looked somewhat surprised at his cultivation—it had already recovered to fourth-tier Spirit General. What was happening? His own talent wasn't good. His previous rapid advancement was due to eating the sea demon's heart and the cultivation technique.
Just then, he suddenly felt a fire inside wanting to be released. If not released, it felt like he would explode immediately. Luo Dongqing thought of the consequences of being intimate with women. His face changed. Perhaps he truly knew what the reason was.
"There's a problem with the technique!!"
Luo Dongqing was unwilling to submit. He kept hiding in a cave, letting his body burn uncomfortably. At first he could still endure it, but later his whole body turned red and he directly burned into unconsciousness. Before losing consciousness, his nose caught a faint fragrance and a familiar voice. "Little Brother Dongqing, didn't I say when you miss me, come find Sister? Isn't holding it in uncomfortable?"
Thinking his cultivation would drop again, Luo Dongqing's heart turned cold.
The system sighed. Such misfortune. Who told you to like playing with women? Now you can only be played by women. This young lady Luo Yuxin was not someone easy to fool. Smart and ruthless—Luo Dongqing couldn't outplay her at all.
After several months, Ji Yunman had broken through to second-tier Spirit General. This was one minor realm higher than her initial expectation.
The Ji family head was very gratified. He said, "Among the young generation of major families, geniuses are countless. Yunman, just do your best." Thinking of those people in the family, the Ji family head couldn't help but sigh. His daughter having good talent was a good thing, but unfortunately the burden on her shoulders was too heavy. He'd watched helplessly as his proud, cheerful daughter gradually became silent and withdrawn, with only cultivation in her eyes.
"I understand, Father."
The Ji family members also learned Ji Yunman had emerged from seclusion and came to observe. Learning she'd broken through to second-tier Spirit General, they all showed joy. Even those elders were all smiles, looking at Ji Yunman with increased affection. Then they thought of something, their smiles fading. They'd heard Luo Dongqing was already at fourth-tier Spirit General strength. Ji Yunman still fell considerably short compared to him.
"That Luo family boy is already fourth-tier Spirit General."
Hearing this, Ji Yunman's head shot up, her eyes somewhat incredulous. So fast? Her eyes flashed with dimness. What realm Luo Dongqing cultivated to originally had little to do with her, but during the major families' tournament, she'd definitely have to fight Luo Dongqing. This way, the relationship became significant. If she lost, the Ji family would lose face before all the families and be mocked by all. She could not care, but the Ji family members had to care—even her father cared very much.
"Actually, I think that Luo family boy is really quite good. Now that his talent has been unearthed and he cultivates so quickly, the Luo family has already surpassed our Ji family. Family Head, they broke off the engagement back then because they were young and impulsive. Young people—who knows, maybe they like each other again? Why make the relationship so stiff? Yunman has good talent and good looks. That boy probably can't forget her even now. Better to let the young people have more contact."
The Ji family head's expression changed. "There's no room for discussion on this matter. Originally our Ji family and the Luo family didn't need to make things so tense. The two families were properly negotiating when that boy personally jumped out saying the engagement cancellation had to come from him. Those words humiliating Yunman—I still remember them vividly. Because of his words, has Yunman had any reputation these years? No matter how good his talent, there's no possibility with Yunman."
The Ji family head's firm attitude made people stop saying more. An elder said, "Fine, fine. Then at the major families' grand competition, we'll see if Yunman can defeat him. If she can beat the Luo family boy, that's also good." However, the Luo family's recent development really made them envious. If the two families had some connection, there would definitely be benefits. But these two, father and daughter, acted so high and mighty. For the family's development, what was wrong with sacrificing a little? Before it was an arranged marriage—now an arranged marriage wouldn't lose them anything.
"However, Family Head, our Ji family has already fallen far behind the Luo family. If Yunman can't beat the Luo family boy this time, things will become increasingly difficult." The elder said, "How about this—if Yunman wins against Luo Dongqing this time, we won't say anything more. If she loses, we take Yunman to the Luo family to apologize."
"That's imposs—" The Ji family head's "impossible" hadn't finished when the elder continued, "Family Head, the Ji family's situation is already very difficult. Yunman is indeed the direct disciple of a Seven Star Sword Sect elder, but the Luo family no longer fears Seven Star Sword Sect. Relying on the opportunities gained these past two years, they've already attached themselves to an even greater sect. Our Ji family's resources are becoming fewer and fewer. The Luo family holds a deep grudge over that broken engagement. These two years they've targeted us overtly and covertly—the Ji family can no longer withstand it."
The Ji family head fell silent. This was indeed true. The Luo family's power was now great—the Ji family simply couldn't compare.
"Fine, I agree." Ji Yunman said. "I agree to your conditions. If I lose, I'll go to the Luo family to apologize. If I win, you'll never bring this up again."
"Yunman..."
"Father, no need to say more. I can win against Luo Dongqing."
She could bow her head, but absolutely wouldn't apologize to the Luo family. She wasn't wrong. When the engagement was broken that year, she hadn't done anything improper, just followed normal procedures. She hadn't intended to make a huge fuss either—it was Luo Dongqing who suddenly appeared and disrupted the relationship between the two families.
Just because of this, the Ji family had been targeted by the Luo family these two years. She was indeed a Seven Star Sword Sect elder's disciple, but in struggles between families, with the Luo family's connections now reaching far and wide, even if her master backed her up, Seven Star Sword Sect wouldn't allow it. This great sect wouldn't offend the Luo family over a small Ji Yunman like her. Moreover, Seven Star Sword Sect had designs on that spirit vein mine of the Luo family's and wouldn't do anything to offend them.
Why should she humiliate herself seeking help from the sect for something impossible?
Half a month remained until the inter-family grand competition. All major families rushed toward the destination.
Naturally, such a lively event couldn't be without A-Xin and Yin Lan.
Yin Lan jogged along behind A-Xin, sighing repeatedly. A-Xin turned back to ask, "What's wrong now?"
"Nothing, Master." She was just thinking about how Dan Shu was doing. She wouldn't really have been devoured by Luo Dongqing until not even bones remained, would she?
The location for this tournament was right in the city where the Luo family resided. Because of the Luo family's development these past two years, their status had leaped to become the greatest family.
"We'll arrive soon." A-Xin said. "Lan'er will be able to see Dan Shu very soon. Don't sigh here. If you want to do something, just do it."
Yin Lan was somewhat awkward. "Master, please don't expose me. Also, I just think Dan Shu really isn't worth it. I don't mean anything else."
"I didn't say you meant anything else either."
Yin Lan was speechless. Master was too unreasonable.
Before long, the two entered the city. Yin Lan impatiently went to find Dan Shu's whereabouts. A-Xin went to an expensive restaurant, found a window seat, and ordered a table full of delicacies. She sat there alone, slowly enjoying the food. She came here of course for Ji Yunman. Just as she was thinking of her, with a casual glance, she saw Ji Yunman passing below.
"Miss Ji."
Hearing someone call her, Ji Yunman quickly looked up and saw A-Xin smiling at her. After a moment of shock, she said, "Miss... Miss Yin?"
"Come up."
Ji Yunman involuntarily walked up to the restaurant and came before A-Xin. "Miss Yin, why are you here?"
"Watching the excitement." A-Xin smiled faintly, pointing at the food on the table. "Eat together."
Ji Yunman looked at the table full of delicacies, then saw A-Xin eating with relish. Knowing her temperament, she sat down, momentarily not knowing how to begin. Half a year had passed. This powerful Miss Yin still seemed so carefree, inspiring envy. When could she, like Miss Yin, act so freely?
"Why so gloomy? Encountered some troubling matter?" A-Xin asked.
Ji Yunman shook her head lightly. "It's nothing major, just worrying about the competition." If she couldn't win against Luo Dongqing, she'd have to go apologize to the Luo family. Actually, she did have one method to win against Luo Dongqing, but the price of this method was very high. Luo Dongqing's cultivation had increased too quickly—she simply couldn't catch up anymore. If given more time, she wouldn't want to use this method.
"If it's making you unhappy, how is it not a major matter?"
Ji Yunman laughed despite herself. "Being unhappy isn't a major matter."
"To me, being unhappy is a major matter." A-Xin continued, her calm eyes showing some seriousness. "Do you need my help?"
"No, no need."
Ji Yunman quickly shook her head. How could she let someone help her repeatedly? Moreover, the other couldn't help with this matter—it was a struggle between families. It was indeed because of her that the Luo family targeted the Ji family, causing the Ji family difficult days, shrinking resources, and huge losses. Many families, seeing the Luo family had benefits, wouldn't stand with the Ji family.
"If you have any difficulties, you can find me. I can help you."
Ji Yunman showed a faint smile. "Thank you." This Miss Yin had only met her by chance, yet was willing to help her. Clearly she was truly a good person.
"Do you have confidence in the grand competition?"
Ji Yunman shook her head, then nodded, only saying, "I can win." She lowered her eyes to look below. Just that the price was somewhat high.
A-Xin's eyes narrowed slightly. Finally she said, "Think it through carefully."
"No matter what, I must win." Ji Yunman said. Consider it the price for her actions two years ago, repaying it to the Ji family.
A-Xin heard her determination and didn't try to persuade her. Ji Yunman had always carried guilt—starting from the day the Luo family began targeting the Ji family. Some things, if she didn't do them, would never bring peace.
A-Xin's lips curved. Since she liked it, let her go ahead. She'd be watching. This soul wouldn't have any problems.
Ji Yunman suddenly felt a special gaze from the woman before her, full of warmth inside. She froze momentarily. Looking more carefully, she confirmed she hadn't seen wrong. Her heart suddenly jumped. She quickly shifted her gaze elsewhere, not daring to look.
That gaze... the way she looked at her was truly too gentle, like a warm gentle breeze, leaving her at a loss. It was different from how her parents or master looked at her. Inside was only pure indulgence, not that loving gaze of elders. She pressed her lips tightly, clenched her fists. Why would Miss Yin show her such a gaze? She somewhat nervously gripped her teacup, took a sip of water, and said, "Miss Yin, I still have matters to attend to. I'll take my leave first."
After speaking, she stood up to leave.
A-Xin took out a jade pendant and called out, "Wait a moment." She walked before Ji Yunman and handed her the jade pendant, her voice gentle and soft, carrying a trace of indulgence. Hearing it made Ji Yunman's heart jump again. "If you encounter something unsolvable, crush it."
Ji Yunman gripped the jade pendant that was clearly ice-cold in her palm, yet it felt scalding hot.
She wasn't a fool. Miss Yin treated her so well—clearly they hadn't known each other long, including today only meeting twice. Back then she'd given her so many good things, helped teach those who spoke carelessly a lesson, and now was giving her a life-saving jade pendant from a peerless expert. It wasn't that she was overthinking—if it wasn't taking a fancy to her talent, it must be having other thoughts about her. She belonged to a sect. Her earlier feeling probably wasn't an illusion. Miss Yin probably had other intentions toward her.
She'd heard of matters between women, though she'd never seen it. Right now she just felt her heart beating somewhat fast. She, Ji Yunman, aside from being somewhat talented, had a pile of troubles. What made Miss Yin regard her differently?
Recalling their previous interactions, she increasingly felt Miss Yin was truly too concerned about her. Clearly so cold to many people, yet especially caring toward her. If there weren't such thoughts, why would she act this way?
"Thank you, I... I really must go."
After bidding farewell, she instinctively looked at A-Xin's eyes. What she saw was still that faintly smiling gaze with some indulgence. Frightened, she quickly turned around and rapidly ran downstairs, not daring at all to look back at that woman she admired and envied.
A-Xin felt somewhat strange. Why were Ji Yunman's eyes so panicked, and why was she avoiding her?
She turned back to look at that table of warm dishes, planning to continue eating.
A-Xin didn't go observe the competitions between disciples of major families. No interest, no inclination—better to eat heartily at this restaurant. Yin Lan returned huffing every evening and impatiently went out every morning. A-Xin didn't manage this disciple who already detested Luo Dongqing, only thinking about how to help Ji Yunman next.
Until she felt the jade pendant shatter. Finding the location, she instantly appeared before Ji Yunman.
Ji Yunman before her was covered in blood, extremely disheveled. Seeing her arrive, she actually showed a happy smile. "Miss Yin, you really came." She said weakly, her hand supporting herself on her sword. Not far from her lay an unconscious Luo Dongqing.
Around them were members of various major families watching, all looking at this scene in shock. The Ji family head stood not far away, his expression full of pain, wanting to say something yet not knowing what to say.
"Miss Yin, please wait a moment."
A-Xin nodded lightly, standing to the side without moving. She wanted to see what the other would do.
"Yunman, why must you do this..." The Ji family head finally got to speak. "What if you'd lost? If you didn't want to go to the Luo family, Father would take you and leave the Ji family."
He regretted it—regretted he shouldn't have believed Ji Yunman's words, thinking she truly had a way to win against Luo Dongqing.
"Father, don't blame yourself. The Ji family's encounters these past two years—everything started because of me. Then let it end because of me."
Ji Yunman's face showed a relaxed smile. "I originally thought that by cultivating hard, one day I could protect our Ji family. But the elders can't wait, or rather the Ji family can't wait. If this continues, the Ji family will decline."
"Yunman, why must you? Wouldn't going to the Luo family to apologize solve everything?" The elders all felt somewhat regretful.
Ji Yunman shook her head. "No, I won't apologize to the Luo family. My mistake was only implicating the Ji family, causing the Luo family to target the Ji family. But toward Luo Dongqing, I did nothing wrong."
"Luo Dongqing said I despised him for being a waste. Now I, Ji Yunman, am already a waste. The Luo family should stop targeting my Ji family, right?"
She smiled at the Ji family elders. "Elders, you couldn't wait for my growth. I could only use this method to exchange for the Ji family's peace. As a waste, Ji Yunman also doesn't deserve to remain in the Ji family. I only hope you can properly guard your Ji family."
Not apologizing to the Luo family was already her last shred of dignity. The Ji family raised and bore her—she couldn't watch the Ji family be targeted to death by the Luo family. She could only return everything she'd gained from the Ji family.
She smiled at those around her who were incomparably shocked. Once, Luo Dongqing had made everyone know she despised him for being a waste and abandoned him.
Then today, before everyone, she would become a waste, only asking the Luo family to spare the Ji family. If the Luo family dared target the Ji family again in the future, they'd be in the wrong.
Public opinion was fearsome—she deeply understood.
The Ji family didn't need her, this genius. She also didn't want to be a genius anymore.
She yearned for Miss Yin's carefree way of doing things, but she couldn't do it. Everyone couldn't wait for her to grow, even though she'd already worked so hard.
If she, Ji Yunman, was just an ordinary person or a waste, lost among the masses, no one would pay attention to her anymore.
From now on, no one would remember Ji Yunman.