Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 45

45: By Any Means Necessary

The woman with skin like ice and bones like jade gazed at her, her eyes shy yet alluring, a captivating charm swirling within her gaze.

With just one glance, Jiang Ci felt her heart race uncontrollably.

…She’s improved, she’s really improved. The black lotus is almost turning into a fox spirit now!

Jiang Ci hurriedly averted her eyes. “Since you’re familiar with Miss Pei Shiyuan, it would be better to have her accompany you.”

Jin Yu was utterly stunned. She hadn’t expected her highness to be so proactive this time, and even to lower herself to such an extent!

What was even more unbelievable was that Jiang Ci had actually refused?!

Her highness was the number one beauty of Yu Kingdom! The number of Qianjuns who admired her could form a line stretching to the neighboring country!

And yet, Jiang Ci remained unmoved even when such a beauty took the initiative?!

This person is really…

Quite impressive.

Jin Yu’s admiration for Jiang Ci grew. Someone who could even refuse her highness was clearly not someone driven by lust.

A young, beautiful, kind-hearted Qianjun who could resist temptation and was skilled in medicine—such people were far too rare!

The only downside was her lowly status, but what did that matter? Her highness lacked nothing except someone who truly cared for her!

Jin Yu’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Jiang Ci, rubbing her hands together.

Jiang Ci couldn’t help but shrink back a little. What’s going on?

It felt like Jin Yu was about to stuff her into a sack and carry her away.

Xi Lingxue wasn’t bothered by the rejection and still wore a gentle expression. “A Ci, have you forgotten? Shiyuan is a Kunjun. It wouldn’t be appropriate.”

Jiang Ci: ???

Cut the nonsense. The two of us are even less suitable!

Do you really think you’re a Qianjun?!

“Besides,” Xi Lingxue glanced ahead and added, “Shiyuan, she—”

Jiang Ci: Huh?

Before she could turn to look, she heard a sharp cry from behind. “Giddy up!”

Pei Shiyuan had already spurred her horse forward, leaving only a rapidly shrinking figure in their view.

Jiang Ci: “…”

What the hell? Running away so fast!

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Jiang Ci composed herself and replied as calmly as possible, “Miss—”

“No need to be so formal. Call me Xiaoxue.”

Jin Yu raised an eyebrow. It seemed her highness really liked Jiang Ci. They’d only known each other for a day, and she was already letting her call her by her nickname.

Jiang Ci didn’t want to get too close, so she said, “You’re older than me. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to address you so casually.”

“It’s fine,” Xi Lingxue smiled softly. “If you’re really uncomfortable, you can call me ‘sister’ instead.”

Jiang Ci: Damn it…

In the blink of an eye, she’s become a sister!

“…Then I’ll just call you Xiaoxue.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Ci sighed, comforting herself that it was just a form of address. It wouldn’t change anything. Let her have her way.

Jiang Ci said, “As for horseback riding, let’s forget it. You’re not in good health. You should rest more.”

“It’s fine.” Xi Lingxue replied. “The doctor said I should get out more and engage in some light activity.”

Jiang Ci: “…”

That did make sense.

She had taken Xi Lingxue’s pulse last night. The woman’s main issue wasn’t her physical health but her emotional struggles—she was overburdened with worries.

But still…

Riding a horse together would mean sitting close, which was too intimate. Jiang Ci didn’t want to get any closer to her.

Jin Yu noticed her slight frown and troubled expression, and couldn’t help but interject, “Miss Jiang, could I have a word with you in private?”

Jiang Ci glanced at the two golden hammers hanging at Jin Yu’s waist.

…Could she refuse?

Would this little king kong just smash her with a hammer?

Not knowing what Jin Yu wanted to say, Jiang Ci dismounted and followed her a short distance away.

Jin Yu stopped and looked up at the Qianjun, who was slightly taller than her, her expression serious. “Miss Jiang, are you married?”

Jiang Ci blinked. “No.”

She had called her over so mysteriously just to ask this?

Jin Yu nodded. “In that case, could I ask you for a favor?”

“What is it?”

Jin Yu spoke earnestly and sincerely, “Could you spend more time with my lady? I can tell she really likes you.”

Jiang Ci was momentarily stunned. She almost laughed. Why should she?

Did she not have the freedom to live her own life? Just because her lady liked her, did that mean she was obligated to accompany her?

“I know this is a bit of an imposition, but there’s a reason!” Jin Yu’s tone grew urgent. “For years, my lady has been unable to let go of someone who has already passed away. She’s been stuck in the past, uninterested in anything.”

“Miss Jiang, you’re the first person in ten years who has been able to capture her attention. I just want her to be a little happier.”

Jiang Ci shook her head. “I’m afraid that’s not appropriate. I have no interest in your lady. You’ll have to find someone else.”

“Wait!” Jin Yu said anxiously. “Miss Jiang, just a few days, okay? Don’t worry, we won’t be staying in Songxiang Town for long. We’ll leave in a few days.”

Jiang Ci fell silent. She was now certain that Jin Yu hadn’t recognized her.

With Jin Yu’s temperament, she wouldn’t be able to act so naturally. If she had discovered her identity, Jin Yu would have likely just grabbed her and taken her away, not pleaded like this.

She could understand Jin Yu’s intentions—it was all for Xi Lingxue’s sake.

Introducing her to new people to distract her was a good idea, but the problem was…

She couldn’t be the one to do it!

Jiang Ci was both amused and exasperated. How small was the world that they kept crossing paths like this?

Couldn’t they find someone else to bother?

Jin Yu subtly slipped some silver notes into her hand. “Miss Jiang, it won’t be a bother for nothing.”

Jiang Ci: “No, no, it’s not about the money…”

“Then what are you worried about? Do you have some unspeakable concern?”

“I…”

I have too many unspeakable concerns!

Jiang Ci was momentarily at a loss, unable to come up with a good excuse.

She glanced back at the carriage. The woman stood alone, her figure frail, her skin as pale and translucent as jade, delicate and fragile, as if she might shatter at the slightest touch.

Jiang Ci lowered her gaze and, after a long moment, sighed. “Alright, I’ll agree.”

“Really?!” Jin Yu beamed. “Miss Jiang, you’re such a good person!”

Heh.

Jiang Ci thought, fine, I’ll accompany her for a few days. It’s just a transaction anyway. With this much silver, I’ll be set for years. No harm in earning it.

Having reached an agreement, the two walked back.

Jiang Ci took the reins and looked at the woman who had been watching her intently. “Come on, do you want to sit in front or behind?”

Xi Lingxue smiled faintly, her eyes shimmering with a beauty that was almost otherworldly. “In front, if that’s okay.”

“Sure.”

Jiang Ci helped her onto the horse and then mounted behind her, holding the reins. This way, the woman was completely encircled in her arms.

Feeling the softness against her back, Xi Lingxue’s eyelashes fluttered. She was overjoyed but also felt a growing itch, her body uncontrollably heating up. A thin layer of sweat formed on her porcelain collarbone, exuding a natural allure.

Jiang Ci caught the scent of plum blossoms again. Perhaps because they were so close, the fragrance seemed stronger than before.

She swallowed hard, her gaze inadvertently falling on the woman’s fair, delicate neck, elegant and noble, swaying gently before her eyes, emitting a faint, intoxicating aroma that made her want to lean in and kiss it, to bite…

Clenching the reins tightly, Jiang Ci quickly looked away, searching for a casual topic. “Aren’t you curious about what your servant and I talked about?”

“Hmm?” Xi Lingxue was also lost in thought, but Jiang Ci’s question brought her back to reality. “What did you talk about?”

Jiang Ci didn’t want her to misunderstand, so she didn’t hide anything. “She gave me a lot of silver notes and asked me to accompany you for a while. I agreed.”

“I see…”

Xi Lingxue lowered her eyes, a hint of disappointment flashing through them. So it was just a transaction.

She had thought Jiang Ci had softened toward her.

“Well, I’ve accepted the task, so I’ll see it through.” Jiang Ci said, looking straight ahead as she guided the horse forward. “You should try to move on and meet new people. You’ll eventually find someone you like.”

The woman was momentarily stunned, her gaze unfocused. “You… want me to like someone else?”

“Of course.” Jiang Ci said lightly. “You should embrace a new life. There’s no point clinging to the past.”

The wind blew against her face, making her eyes sting. Xi Lingxue’s eyes reddened as she lowered her head, suppressing the bitterness in her heart.

The person who had once doted on her the most, who couldn’t bear to see her suffer even the slightest grievance, had left so decisively, never returning to see her in all these years.

Jiang Ci… how could she let go so easily? How could she just move on?!

Embrace a new life?

She had tried, but this person was like a demon, growing wildly in her heart.

She couldn’t let go, especially now that they had met again.

Xi Lingxue suddenly grabbed the reins, her long, jade-like legs gripping the horse’s sides. The horse, sensing the command to speed up, immediately broke into a gallop.

Jiang Ci was startled and quickly tightened her arms around Xi Lingxue to protect her. “Slow down!”

Xi Lingxue pursed her lips, saying nothing. She had discovered that the faster they went, the tighter Jiang Ci would hold her.

Call it obsession, call it despicable—she didn’t care. She just wanted to possess Jiang Ci again, even if it meant resorting to any means necessary.

Pei Shiyuan was leisurely riding ahead when a black shadow suddenly shot past her, kicking up a cloud of dust.

She waved her hand to clear the air. “What are those two doing…”

Jin Yu, driving the carriage, caught up, her face beaming. “Miss Pei! Her highness has finally opened her heart. She’s found love again!”

Pei Shiyuan: “Huh?!”

She clearly looked like she was losing her mind!

Jiang Ci had no idea what had gotten into Xi Lingxue. She wanted to stop, but the horse wasn’t listening to her commands. All she could do was hold Xi Lingxue tightly with one arm and grip the reins with the other, keeping the woman securely in her embrace.

As the horse galloped, Jiang Ci’s hand slipped under Xi Lingxue’s arm. With each bump, she could feel the softness of the woman’s body pressing against her arm, the roundness and fullness palpable even through the fabric.

With such a warm, fragrant beauty in her arms, Jiang Ci didn’t dare let go. Her palm grew hotter, a wave of heat spreading through her. The sensation was driving her mad.

Xi Lingxue wasn’t faring much better. Being held so tightly, her breathing grew ragged, and she let out a few soft gasps. Her legs weakened, and she lost her strength.

The horse finally slowed down, and Jiang Ci quickly took control. The woman, as radiant as the moon, was breathing lightly, leaning softly against her, her cheeks flushed, exuding a delicate charm.

Jiang Ci pulled on the reins to stop the horse and withdrew her arm from around the woman, her voice strained. “That was too dangerous. You’re still sick. Don’t ride so fast.”

Xi Lingxue bit her lip and let out a soft whimper. “Mmm.”

The atmosphere grew somewhat ambiguous. Jiang Ci didn’t dare stay any longer and quickly dismounted, fleeing the scene.

This woman was her kryptonite! She always managed to break through her defenses!

Jiang Ci was annoyed. This black lotus, didn’t she know the difference between Qianjun and Kunjun? How could she trust Pei Shiyuan’s friend so easily?

Spending the night with a Qianjun she’d just met, then riding together the next day… Had Xi Lingxue never considered that she might be a bad person? That she might lose control?!

It was because she had been too kind to her, Jiang Ci thought angrily. If there was a next time, she’d have to teach this woman a lesson, show her how dangerous the world could be!

Before long, Pei Shiyuan and Jin Yu caught up. Jiang Ci didn’t dare ride with Xi Lingxue again and immediately helped her down, stuffing her back into the carriage.

…

The group soon arrived at Songxiang Town. Jiang Ci bid them farewell and returned the horse to Pei Shiyuan.

She first went to the herbal shop, only to find the door locked. She asked the neighbors, but no one had seen Mo Sanqi. From last night until now, the shop had been closed.

Jiang Ci then went to the small courtyard outside town where they lived. She searched high and low but still couldn’t find any trace of Mo Sanqi.

The two lounge chairs were still in the yard, and there were two empty wine jugs on the ground—remnants of their drinking last night. Inside, the bedding was neatly folded, with no signs of having been slept in.

Clearly, Mo Sanqi hadn’t returned all night.

So, where had her master gone?

Jiang Ci was starting to panic. Could something have happened? She had no leads and decided to ask Pei Shiyuan for help.

She went to the inn. Huang Fu wasn’t there, busy with shop matters. Xi Lingxue was also in her room, bathing and changing. Only Pei Shiyuan was free.

Jiang Ci thought it would be best not to disturb that woman. She’d keep her voice down while talking.

But as soon as Pei Shiyuan saw her, she exclaimed, “A Ci? What are you doing here?”

Her voice was loud and unrestrained, carrying through the inn.

“…” Jiang Ci was speechless. “Could you keep it down? This is an inn. You’ll disturb others.”

“We’ve booked the entire inn. There’s no one else here.” Pei Shiyuan smiled meaningfully. “Are you worried about disturbing someone?”

“It’s nothing.” Jiang Ci feigned calmness. “I need to talk to you.”

Inside the room, the beauty was still soaking in her flower bath, deep in thought. When she heard the voices outside, she paused, then immediately stood up. With a wave of her hand, she grabbed a towel from the screen and wrapped it around herself.

Jiang Ci briefly explained the situation with Mo Sanqi. Pei Shiyuan listened, looking puzzled. “She didn’t come back? Where could she have gone?”

Pei Shiyuan had a deep impression of that Qianjun. Her movements were strange, and her words were even stranger. It seemed she had some connection with her mother.

“I don’t know, that’s why I came to ask you.” Jiang Ci was uneasy. If Mo Sanqi had gone missing because of her, she would feel terrible.

Pei Shiyuan was the last person to see her, but even she had no useful leads.

Just then, Xi Lingxue emerged from her room, “surprised” to see Jiang Ci.

“A Ci? What are you doing here?”

The woman’s hair was still damp, her skin flushed, radiating a seductive charm.

Jiang Ci glanced at her and quickly looked away. “Oh, my master’s gone missing. I came to ask Pei Shiyuan about it.”

Jiang Ci’s master, Mo Sanqi, was someone Xi Lingxue had heard about from Pei Shiyuan. She knew of this person and spoke gently, “Don’t worry. I’ll arrange for people to search for her.”

“Miss Jiang, don’t worry.” Jin Yu chimed in. “My lady has connections. With just a word from her, your master will be found quickly.”

Jiang Ci thought, heh, your lady has more than just some connections. In Yu Kingdom, she’s practically omnipotent, able to mobilize officials with a single command.

Jiang Ci didn’t want to trouble Xi Lingxue, but she had to admit that with her help, the chances of finding Mo Sanqi would be much higher, and it would be faster.

She forced a smile. “Then thank you…”

“No need to be so polite.” Jin Yu said. “We should be thanking you.”

Xi Lingxue naturally took Jiang Ci’s hand and led her toward her room. “A Ci, describe your master’s appearance. I’ll draw a portrait. It’ll make the search easier.”

The faint scent of plum blossoms mixed with the woman’s natural fragrance wafted toward Jiang Ci, making her head spin. “Oh, okay…”

Only after following the woman into the room did she suddenly snap out of it. “Uh, Xiaoxue, your pheromones have changed… You’re actually a Kunjun, aren’t you?”

Jiang Ci quietly withdrew her hand. She had deliberately pointed it out to remind Xi Lingxue that there was a difference between Qianjun and Kunjun—they needed to keep their distance!

Xi Lingxue was momentarily stunned. She had been in such a hurry earlier that she had forgotten to apply the scent.

But it didn’t matter.

“Yes, I am.” the woman smiled faintly, exuding charm. “Since A Ci has noticed, I won’t hide it anymore. I am indeed a Kunjun. As you know, Kunjuns need to be cautious when traveling.”

Jiang Ci: Heh, you’re quite aware of that!

She frowned slightly. “In that case, we shouldn’t have shared a room last night. If word gets out, it could harm your reputation.”

“Of course it won’t get out.”

“But didn’t you consider that I might have ulterior motives?”

“A Ci is Shiyuan’s friend. I naturally trust you.”

Jiang Ci gritted her teeth, about to retort, when a slender, pale finger pressed against her lips.

“Shh.” Xi Lingxue gazed at her, her eyes tender and doting. “I’ve told you my secret, A Ci. You must keep it for me. To the outside world, I’m still a Qianjun.”

The woman’s voice was soft, seductive, and enchanting.

Jiang Ci’s eyes flickered, but only for a moment before she regained her composure and stepped back, avoiding Xi Lingxue’s hand.

She couldn’t let this woman affect her anymore. Hadn’t she learned her lesson from the past? Hadn’t the consequences been painful enough?

The black lotus’s words were never to be trusted.

Believing her would only lead to falling into an abyss, beyond redemption.

“I won’t say anything. But,” Jiang Ci emphasized coldly, “since you’re a Kunjun, you should keep your distance from me. There can’t be a next time for such actions. Maybe you think it’s nothing, but I’m very uncomfortable with it.”

Jiang Ci drew a clear line. They were merely acquaintances. Nothing more.

She spoke seriously, her gaze clear, completely unaffected by the earlier attempt at seduction.

Xi Lingxue’s hand remained suspended in the air. She slowly retracted it, lowering her eyelashes to hide the disappointment in her eyes. “Alright.”

…

With a portrait of Mo Sanqi, finding her would be much easier.

Jiang Ci knew that with Xi Lingxue’s methods, mobilizing Huang Runfa or local officials would be a trivial matter. All she had to do was wait for news.

After calming down, she pondered the situation. Mo Sanqi was the leader of the Xiaoyao Sect, with formidable skills. She had no known enemies, so the likelihood of her being in mortal danger was low.

Jiang Ci now leaned toward the idea that Mo Sanqi might have simply taken off on another whim, as she often did.

After all, this was someone who acted entirely on impulse, doing whatever pleased her. Wasn’t that how she had become her disciple in the first place?

While waiting for news, Jiang Ci continued her usual routine: going to the herbal shop in the morning, returning to the small courtyard at night, and spending her free time studying medical texts and notes.

With Mo Sanqi absent, Jiang Ci was the only one managing the herbal shop. These past few days had been much busier than usual, with Kunjuns visiting daily.

“Little Doctor Jiang, my back hurts so much. Could you take a look?”

“Sure, come in.” Jiang Ci set down her brush and led the person into the inner room.

The young woman lay down on the small bed, her slender waist barely a handful, her figure curvaceous.

Jiang Ci pressed down with her hand. “Does it hurt here?”

“Ah~” The young woman let out a soft moan, her face immediately flushing. “Yes, right there. Little Doctor Jiang, you’re amazing. You found the spot so quickly. It feels so good~ Could you press a little harder?”

“Sure.”

As soon as Xi Lingxue entered the herbal shop, she heard the sounds coming from behind the screen—soft moans, suggestive and tantalizing. Her expression darkened, a hint of hostility flashing in her cold eyes.

She followed the sound and, sure enough, found Jiang Ci with a “seductress.”

Two women alone in a room.

Xi Lingxue stepped closer, her hands unconsciously clenching, her eyes faintly red.

She had spoken of the difference between Qianjuns and Kunjuns, of keeping their distance, yet here she was, being so intimate with someone else.

Jiang Ci was bent over, her long, slender fingers pressing against the young woman’s soft waist, eliciting shivers.

“Here, a little lower, ah~ mmm~ so good…”

Jiang Ci thought the woman’s moans were a bit odd, but she didn’t comment. She was like an emotionless machine, expressionless as she worked, kneading the acupoints.

Suddenly, she felt a burning gaze on her.

Jiang Ci turned her head and saw Xi Lingxue standing there like a ghost, silent, her presence cold and oppressive.

But her expression seemed no different from usual—calm and detached.

“Looking for me?” Jiang Ci asked casually. “Wait outside for a moment. I’m a bit busy.”

Busy?

Busy with this…

Xi Lingxue bit her lip, suppressing the sourness in her heart, but her face broke into a stunning smile. “Alright, A Ci. Don’t keep me waiting too long.”

Jiang Ci didn’t respond. The massage had a set duration. She wouldn’t speed up just because of Xi Lingxue.

After Jiang Ci left, the young woman on the bed spoke softly, “Who was that woman just now? Her voice was so captivating.”

It was both commanding and soothing, sending shivers down her spine.

“A Qianjun.” Jiang Ci said indifferently. “A friend of a friend.”

Not my friend.

She was making it clear that she and Xi Lingxue were not close.

“Really?” The young woman was perceptive and giggled. “I think she might be a little jealous.”

“Don’t let me wait too long” — didn’t that sound a bit suggestive?

“You’re overthinking it.” Jiang Ci said. “We’ve only known each other for a few days. We’re not close.”

The screen wasn’t soundproof. Xi Lingxue sat in the outer room, her thoughts entirely on Jiang Ci. She could hear everything being said inside.

Not close…

Xi Lingxue smiled bitterly. They had even shared a bed.

In a daze, she remembered the past, when Jiang Ci was still Gao Yi. For her, Jiang Ci had offended the Yao family, punishing Yao Qin in public.

“Is it wrong for me to protect my wife?”

Wife…

Now, they weren’t even friends. In Jiang Ci’s heart, she might not even compare to that young Kunjun.

The sounds of soft moans and laughter came from the inner room. Xi Lingxue covered her ears, suppressing the urge to burst in.

After what felt like an eternity, Jiang Ci finally emerged.

Xi Lingxue was still there, leaning back in her chair, her long legs crossed, massaging her temples as if in great pain, her brows tightly knit.

Hearing the movement, Xi Lingxue slowly opened her eyes, which were now bloodshot.

The young woman clung to Jiang Ci’s arm, reluctant to let go. “Little Doctor Jiang, your technique is amazing. I’ll come see you again tomorrow.”

Jiang Ci glanced at the figure in the corner, maintaining her smile. “Sure, let’s set a time.”

“Okay, I’ll come at the same time.”

“Alright.”

Only after seeing the young woman out did Jiang Ci turn to Xi Lingxue. “You were looking for me? Any news about my master?”

There was news, but Xi Lingxue said softly, “Can’t I come see you without news?”

Of course not.

Jiang Ci cursed inwardly, but remembering the silver notes from Jin Yu, she relented.

What could she do? She was broke! She could only afford noodles every day, and even eating out required careful consideration!

“Ahem.” Jiang Ci cleared her throat. “Then, are you feeling unwell? You look pale.”

Xi Lingxue bit her lip lightly and responded with a soft “Mmm,” her slightly lowered eyes glistening with moisture. “I heard that A Ci is skilled in manual moxibustion, so I was thinking…”

Jiang Ci’s ears perked up instantly.

Manual moxibustion?

Doesn’t that mean taking off clothes?!