After Transmigrating, I and the Female Lead Both Found It 'Really Fragrant' (GL) - Chapter 32
Shen Qiqi came back to her senses and quickly waved her hand, “No, no one.”
Liu Shuang didn’t believe her and looked at her.
“Really, no one.” Shen Qiqi sighed and told the truth, “I just… I just had a fight with my father, it’s nothing serious.”
Liu Shuang was startled and reached out to touch the corner of her eye, gently wiping away a tear with her fingertips, and said softly, “It’s okay.”
Logically speaking, this was a matter of the Shen family, and she was an outsider. She shouldn’t ask too much, nor did she have the right to overstep. Since Shen Qiqi didn’t want to say anything, she could only suppress the doubts in her heart.
Shen Qiqi lowered her head and saw the clear concern in her eyes, pure and undisguised, her heart suddenly ached.
The words she had said in the Changqing Palace suddenly came back to her ears.
The original owner, out of jealousy, had once caused Liu Shuang great harm. But even if Shen Jue favored her more, it wasn’t an excuse for her to bully the female lead.
In this life, she had reciprocated her kindness, and gradually melted the icy surface of Liu Shuang, revealing the soft inside.
How good Senior Sister was, coaxing her, taking care of her, indulging her temper, attentive in every way, without a single flaw… It was as if she had given all her care and tenderness to her, only to end up injured and abandoned by everyone.
How could she bear to write her in such pain? How could she bear to watch her go through everything again?
She suddenly said, “Senior Sister, I’m sorry.”
Liu Shuang’s heart tightened, and she hurriedly asked, “What’s wrong?”
“I was mean to you before, and I hurt you badly,” Shen Qiqi spoke softly, trembling, “From now on, you can punish me, scold me, do whatever you want.”
Liu Shuang held her cheeks, her hands trembling slightly, “What are you talking about suddenly?!”
“I’m a bad person, I always take advantage of you, and I deceive and play with you,” Shen Qiqi’s eyes turned red again, this time she was really sad, “I know it’s too late to say these things, but I really know I was wrong, very wrong! I wish I could take out my heart and show it to you, to see if it’s really sincere…”
She knew she had to say these words to Liu Shuang sooner or later, otherwise there would always be a knot in her heart, which would eventually turn into a chasm. By then, it would be too late.
Liu Shuang was silent, and Shen Qiqi waited quietly. The birds on the branches outside the window seemed to understand the situation and no longer made a sound. The scorching sunlight of late spring spilled all over her body, making her back feel hot.
In the dead silence, she heard Liu Shuang say in a hoarse voice, “I do hate you.”
Shen Qiqi looked at her through tearful eyes, and with all her might, she confessed, “I’m sorry, I truly regret it.”
…And I truly like you.
Liu Shuang stood up, reached out and touched her trembling eyelashes, they were so hot, and the endless tears wetted her cold fingertips, and extinguished the boiling flame in her heart.
Her heart was full, and she sighed.
Her hatred and love were both caused by Shen Qiqi.
This person had hurt her, but had also saved her. She was like an endless, shadow-like night, but also like a star falling into an abyss, attracting people to yearn for her.
It was true that she hated her with a thousand cuts, but it was also true that she fell for her.
After a long time, Liu Shuang slowly wiped away those tears and said, “Then I’ll punish you.”
“Okay, you do it.”
Shen Qiqi closed her eyes and tilted her head, eagerly awaiting her punishment, as if expecting the end of the world.
A moment later, she felt a slight pain on her forehead, as if someone had flicked her with a finger.
Startled, she opened her eyes and saw Liu Shuang smiling faintly. “Forget everything that happened yesterday. Let’s just pretend it never happened.”
She had stubbornly chosen to believe Shen Qiqi once more.
“That’s it?” Shen Qiqi was incredulous, wanting more.
Liu Shuang folded her arms and chuckled. “What else did you want me to do?”
Shen Qiqi was confused. “Shouldn’t you skin me alive, ruin my cultivation, spit on me, and then hang me on the city wall to dry?”
Liu Shuang was speechless. “…Then you’d be dead long ago.” Besides, she had already done those things in her past life, and there was no need to repeat them.
Suddenly, her eyes narrowed, filled with suspicion. How did Shen Qiqi know about these punishments?
Shen Qiqi sighed, a weight lifting off her chest. She wrapped her arms around Liu Shuang’s waist and buried her head in her neck, whispering, “Senior Sister, you’re such a saint! You’re so kind-hearted, you’re going to get bullied by bad people!”
Liu Shuang replied, a bit exasperated, “….” Isn’t it better if I don’t punish you? Why do you have to seek punishment?
Hesitating for a moment, she leaned close to Shen Qiqi’s ear and whispered softly, “Because I can’t bear to part with you.”
Feeling the warm breath against her ear, Shen Qiqi’s eyes widened. “What… what did you say? Say it again!” She wanted to see Liu Shuang’s expression but was held down by the other.
Liu Shuang held her down, her ears slightly reddened, and she said helplessly, “I can’t bear to part with you.”
“I want to hear it again!” Shen Qiqi was overjoyed, her invisible tail almost wagging like a propeller. She rubbed her chin against Liu Shuang’s shoulder, acting coquettishly, “Good Senior Sister, say it again, okay?”
But Liu Shuang didn’t say anything else. Instead, she turned her head and pushed her out of the room.
Shen Qiqi stood at the door for a long time, feeling as if she had heard heavenly music. Beaming with joy, she ran to the medicinal garden, channeling her excitement into work, waving her hoe and giggling to herself, “Senior Sister’s face is so thin, so cute!”
Master Chang Yao, who was resting on a rocking chair, watched her sweating profusely and wondered, “Have you eaten too much? You’re usually so lazy, why are you so energetic now?”
Shen Qiqi shook her head, full of spring breeze, ‘This is the power of love! I can see through everyone’s foolishness!’
Liu Shuang, feeling ashamed and embarrassed, was packing her belongings in her room. She packed a few new clothes she had bought, a few bottles of medicine she had prepared for her junior sister, some tangerines that her junior sister liked to eat, and the comic books she enjoyed reading. Her large magical bag was mostly filled with things Shen Qiqi liked, with very few of her own belongings.
As the day of the Nightmare Realm trial approached.
On the night before their departure, Shen Qiqi absorbed a great deal of spiritual energy, causing her cultivation level to skyrocket to the 5th level of Foundation Establishment.
The Nightmare Realm was a treacherous and perilous place, far more dangerous than any previous expedition. She had to protect her gentle and beloved senior sister and ensure nothing happened to her.
Excited and prepared, Shen Qiqi eagerly awaited their departure. The old man from her dreams appeared again, warning her to stay away from Liu Shuang or face certain death.
Shen Qiqi sneered, “I’m the author! If you have the guts to kill me, I’ll just abandon this world!”
The old man was furious, “Rebellious! You don’t want to go back, do you? Without the Heavenly Dao, you have no place in this cultivation world!”
Shen Qiqi, transformed into a sarcastic warrior, arrogantly replied, “This insignificant cultivation world, with its lack of discernment, isn’t worth staying in!”
“You!”
Unable to win an argument against her, the old man, in a fit of rage, dragged her into the spiritual sea and pointed at a line of red characters in the sky, tremblingly saying, “Look! The Heavenly Dao will kill the Demon Lord! Everything is destined, you can’t resist it!”
As the waves crashed, Shen Qiqi stood on a reef, digging her ears, and suddenly realized, “So that character means ‘Demon’!”
The old man patted her shoulder, trying to recruit her again, “Take advantage of the fact that Liu Shuang can’t bear to hurt you now, find a chance to kill her, and the entire world will be under your control, you can have whatever you want.”
Shen Qiqi looked at him and smiled slightly, “I wrote the book, I created the Heavenly Dao, and naturally, the female lead is mine. I want it all!”
The old man clutched his chest in shock. He wanted nothing more than to kick her back to the modern world.
As the sky gradually brightened with Qingyuan’s shouts, Shen Qiqi woke up feeling satisfied.
According to the message from the white pigeon, all the disciples who had signed up were gathering in the square. Led by the peak masters of each peak, they would be flying on cranes and birds to the entrance of the Nightmare Realm.
Shen Qiqi woke up early, slowly finished her breakfast in the kitchen, and immediately rushed to the square. As soon as she arrived, a wave of heat hit her. The square was already crowded and bustling.
The participants were divided into inner and outer sects, standing in neat formations.
The Nightmare Realm trial was open to everyone, regardless of their status. Not only the inner sect disciples but also almost all the outer sect disciples were there, eager to participate.
Everyone dreamed of striking it rich overnight, hoping to accidentally obtain some rare equipment or elixir in the dungeon and instantly ascend to immortality.
Shen Qiqi wandered through the crowd, looking for the formation of Qingfeng Peak.
Liu Shuang was standing at the end of the line, still wearing a white school uniform, looking cold and aloof, a refreshing contrast to the scorching heat.
Shen Qiqi spotted her immediately and went over to stand behind her.
Liu Shuang turned around and smiled lightly, “So early? You’re not sleeping in?”
Shen Qiqi also smiled embarrassedly, “I went to bed early yesterday, so I woke up early today.”
After waiting for ten minutes, the large group had basically arrived, and just as they were about to set off, her cheap old man Shen Jue walked onto the stone platform to say a few words.
He looked cold and stern, with a powerful aura. As soon as he opened his mouth, a thick spiritual pressure surged out, instantly silencing the noisy square.
Shen Jue, with one hand behind his back, spoke in a cold, clear voice that echoed throughout the crowd. “In one incense stick’s time, you will be transported to Qishan Mountain and enter the trial ground of the Nightmare Realm. This trial will last for five days. During these five days, participants will be cut off from all outside contact, and your life and death will be your own responsibility. Unless it is an emergency, participants cannot arbitrarily leave the Nightmare Realm. Once you leave, it means you have voluntarily given up your participation.”
Everyone looked serious, listening carefully, afraid of missing anything. Shen Qiqi couldn’t help but feel anxious and swallowed.
“Furthermore, participants are strictly prohibited from fighting each other privately or using improper means to seize the results of others. Anyone found violating these rules will be immediately disqualified from the competition.” Shen Jue scanned the crowd. “If any of you who signed up want to withdraw from the competition, you can do so now.”
As soon as he finished speaking, only a few people scattered out, while the rest of the crowd remained motionless.
After announcing all the rules, Shen Jue ordered all participants to board the crane and bird and head to the starting point of the Nightmare Realm trial.
A vast flock of birds soared through the sky, blocking out the sun and creating a magnificent sight.
Sitting on a crane, Shen Qiqi looked down, unable to sit still. Her heart was pounding like a drum, just like a student waiting for an exam to begin.
She looked at the very calm Liu Shuang beside her and said, gesturing with her hands, “Senior Sister, how can you be so calm? I heard that the monsters in the Nightmare Realm are very fierce, one can fight ten people, and it can swallow a person in one bite!”
Liu Shuang blinked, feigning innocence, and smiled with pursed lips. “I believe that Junior Sister will protect me.”
Shen Qiqi suddenly realized that she was the pillar of the family, the one who had to support the sky if it fell. How could she lose her courage?
She held Liu Shuang’s hand in hers and said affectionately, “Senior Sister, don’t be afraid. As long as I have a bite to eat, I’ll definitely share it with you. If you follow me, I’ll never let you go hungry!”
A light and airy taunt came from behind. “Hmph, that sounds nice.”
The two turned to see Fu Luo and her group of sycophants sitting on a white crane behind them, their expressions complex.
“Fifth Senior Sister, are you envious?” Shen Qiqi glanced at her.
Fu Luo’s expression changed. She said loudly, “Why would I envy you? Why would I envy you?”
Shen Qiqi rested her chin on her hand. “I wonder who was so jealous of the good relationship between me and my Senior Sister that they framed my Senior Sister in the last competition, only to be eliminated in the second round.”
Fu Luo’s expression twisted. “You’re not much better!”
Shen Qiqi rolled her eyes. “At least I lasted one more round than you!”
Seeing that Fu Luo was speechless and red-faced, her sycophants quickly advised, “Senior Sister Fu Luo, let’s not argue with them!”
“That’s right, we’ll see who wins in the Nightmare Realm! It’s not certain who will win or lose.”
“Haha, you know what, she’s bringing a useless burden with her. Isn’t she going to be eliminated immediately?”
Shen Qiqi was furious and was about to retort, but Liu Shuang shook her head and said softly, “There’s no point in arguing with them.”
Shen Qiqi bit her lip and whispered, “But… but they said you were useless.”
Liu Shuang looked at her. “Do you think I am?”
“Of course not!” Shen Qiqi quickly denied it, her words tumbling out. “You’re a treasure!” Having said that, she blushed and lowered her head.
Liu Shuang was slightly startled and chuckled softly. “You’re a treasure too.”
Fu Luo interjected, “…Wait a minute, do you think I don’t exist?”
Liu Shuang put her arm around Shen Qiqi’s shoulder and said softly, “Let’s go, darling.”
Shen Qiqi almost couldn’t control her expression. On the surface, she nodded calmly, but in her heart, she was screaming. ‘Ahhhhh!!! Ah, I’m dead!!! Why did you tease me like that!!!’
Sensing her master’s intention, the crane beneath them soared into the sky, leaving Fu Luo and her group far behind.
Fu Luo: “…I can’t believe this.”
In the distance, the first rays of dawn illuminated a majestic mountain range, shrouded in clouds. The pitch-black mountains were bathed in sunlight, creating a layer of crimson, with peaks and ridges rising one after another.
“That must be Qishan Mountain, right? It’s so magnificent!” someone exclaimed.
“Yes, it is. I’ve been here before!”
“I wonder if the location of the Nightmare Realm changes every time? This time it’s in Qishan Mountain, and last time it was in the Snow Valley, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah, the location of the Nightmare Realm is random. It switches between Snow Valley, Qishan Mountain, Huangyuan, and Yegang. No one can find a pattern.”
“Shhh, Yegang… I heard that place is very close to the Demon Realm…”
“Shh, don’t mention the Demon Realm! Sect Master Shen hates demon cultivators the most, you know that!”
Liu Shuang’s eyelashes fluttered as she gazed at the magnificent Qishan Mountain in the distance. Every blade of grass and every tree there held deep memories for her.
That was where everything began.
Thank you all so much! I finally managed to write quite a bit today! (Chest out).