Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 66

66: Threat

With Jiang Ci’s martial arts skills, if she were unwilling, “Qin Shuang” wouldn’t have been able to get close to her. Yet now, she was actually pinned to the bed by a seemingly frail scholar.

Thus, Jiang Ci had feelings for “Qin Shuang”—her sexual orientation was toward Qianjuns. Lou Jingou wrote as much in his notes.

No wonder! No wonder she had turned down so many Kunjuns in Yu Kingdom, even rejecting the Eldest Princess!

Wait a minute, didn’t that mean Helian Ping was… wearing a lush green hat?!

As Jiang Ci lay there, the mask beneath her dug uncomfortably into her lower back. She didn’t dare move, afraid Xi Lingxue would notice.

The woman took advantage of the moment to seize her wrists, pressing her entire body against Jiang Ci.

Loose strands of hair brushed lightly against Jiang Ci’s cheeks, the faint scent of her shampoo filling the air. Jiang Ci could clearly feel the woman’s warm, moist breath and the indescribable softness of her chest pressing against her.

Jiang Ci’s throat felt dry. She swallowed hard and said, “Could you… get up first? Let’s talk properly—”

“No.”

Xi Lingxue thought of the black-clad woman who had intercepted the prisoner transport—the leader of the Xiaoyao Sect. Her figure bore such a striking resemblance to Jiang Ci’s that Xi Lingxue couldn’t wait any longer. She needed to confirm right then and there whether that person was Jiang Ci.

Even though many things still didn’t add up—for instance, Jiang Ci was supposedly just a disciple of the Xiaoyao Sect, so how could she suddenly become its leader?

Moreover, that leader had single-handedly infiltrated the Liao residence and killed Qi Zhan in under half the time it took an incense stick to burn. While Jiang Ci’s skills were impressive, they couldn’t compare to that.

Yet Xi Lingxue couldn’t shake her unease. Because on the night Liao Yi died, Jiang Ci had been at Helian Ping’s residence, claiming to be “too drunk” and retiring to her room, looking terribly pale. And the only one who could confirm Jiang Ci had stayed in the room the entire time was Helian Ping.

Xi Lingxue could tell they were hiding something from her. The more Jiang Ci refused to speak, the more her suspicions grew. She was terrified Jiang Ci really was the leader of the Xiaoyao Sect.

Soft lips pressed against her forehead, lingering briefly before moving downward—her nose, the corner of her mouth, behind her ear—restless, just like their owner.

Jiang Ci felt another wave of heat rise within her. Ever since her day-and-night battle with Xi Lingxue—which had ended in her defeat—she had been steeping wolfberries daily, not to mention the potent medicines Mo Sanqi had given her to replenish her energy.

The upside was that her stamina had indeed improved; she could stay up all night without feeling tired.

The downside was that she now found herself utterly unable to resist Xi Lingxue’s teasing. Even the faintest whiff of plum blossom scent was enough to set her entire body aflame.

Gritting her teeth, Jiang Ci abruptly rolled over, taking the woman with her and pinning her beneath her.

“Stop messing around…”

There were still so many people watching!

Xi Lingxue’s breathing was uneven, her voice trembling slightly. “I’ve given you two days to think it over. Have you made up your mind? I want to know now.”

The woman’s cascading hair fanned out beneath her, her rosy eyes fixed on Jiang Ci, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She looked delicate and alluring, yet with a hint of fierceness.

This sight made Jiang Ci want to bully her, to ravage her…

A shiver ran through Jiang Ci’s heart, her palms growing even hotter.

She should’ve just stayed on the bottom…

Now, in this position, she was in control, and the temptation was overwhelming. If she wanted, she could do whatever she pleased with Xi Lingxue.

The torment only grew worse. Her teeth ached, saliva pooling uncontrollably in her mouth. Her grip tightened slightly, drawing a soft moan from Xi Lingxue.

The woman’s face flushed crimson, the scent of plum blossoms instantly filling the air.

On the roof, Wei Yueyan’s eyes widened. She immediately began regulating her breathing.

So “Qin Shuang” was a Kunjun—and a high-ranking one at that!

Inside the cabinet, Lou Jingou trembled as he scribbled down the last of his notes, hastily swallowing a pill.

The unlucky ones were the two beneath the bed. They were closest and bore the brunt of the assault.

Surrounded by such intoxicating pheromones, listening to the Kunjun’s soft, sweet voice, and then turning to see only each other’s rough faces in such close quarters—it was pure torture!

Jiang Ci’s eyes burned red as she struggled to suppress the urges raging inside her, dragging her rationality back from the edge of the cliff.

She quickly put distance between herself and Xi Lingxue, darting to the door in a flash. Gasping for breath, she said, “Not now… another day. I’ll explain everything then.”

With her escape route cut off, Xi Lingxue could only slowly sit up, smoothing her clothes, her watery eyes filled with a mix of resentment and longing.

She bit her lip. “…Another day? I need a specific date.”

Jiang Ci: “Two days. Is that okay?”

She’d been too preoccupied with figuring out how to rescue Gui Jinyang to give this any thought. She needed time to sort things out.

Keeping secrets was easy—just a spur-of-the-moment decision. But when it came time to come clean, she realized just how difficult it was.

Putting herself in Xi Lingxue’s shoes, if the woman were engaged in such dangerous, life-threatening work…

She might lose her mind.

Xi Lingxue stared at her silently for a long moment before finally relenting. “Fine. Two days. I’ll come find you then.”

With that, she stood and walked toward the door.

Afraid she might try to “seduce” her again, Jiang Ci instinctively sidestepped, keeping her distance.

But Xi Lingxue merely pushed the door open. Before leaving, she turned back and fixed Jiang Ci with a gaze that sent a chill down her spine.

“If you dare delay again,” she said softly, “I’ll never let you mark me.”

Jiang Ci froze.

“And I’ll seduce you relentlessly, tease you until you’re desperate—able to look but never touch.”

Jiang Ci’s mouth fell open. After a stunned pause, she protested vehemently, “Y-you’re too cruel!”

“Then you’d better keep your word and confess properly.”

With that, Xi Lingxue stepped out of the room.

Coincidentally, Jin Yu was hurrying toward her, her eyes alight with urgency and excitement. Xi Lingxue guessed the spies she’d sent out must have news about Prince Duan.

Having said her piece, she didn’t linger, quickly departing.

Jiang Ci leaned against the doorframe, watching the woman’s slender, graceful figure disappear into the distance, and let out a heavy sigh.

This was too much…

When she turned back, the four members of the covert team had reappeared.

Yi Huoshe stretched her arms, her face flushed. “That Kunjun is something else. Her pheromones are overpowering—I could barely hold on. Boss, you can’t let this one slip away. She’s one in a million! Once she’s gone, she’s gone!”

Ji Shuibao smacked her upside the head. “Are you stupid? That’s not the point! Boss, what exactly are you hiding from her? Look how desperate she’s become.”

Never let you mark me!

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

Jiang Ci sighed bitterly. “She doesn’t know I’m the leader of the Xiaoyao Sect… Everyone, how do you all handle this kind of thing with your families? You’ve been eavesdropping all this time—might as well make yourselves useful.”

The four exchanged awkward glances.

She’d used the word “family”… So “Qin Shuang” held a very important place in the boss’s heart!

Wei Yueyan spoke first. “Just tell her.”

Jiang Ci blinked. Just… tell her? This woman was fearless!

“And… how did your family react?”

“My mother nearly broke my legs.”

“…”

Yi Huoshe: “You can’t just say it! Keep it hidden—the less they know, the better!”

Jiang Ci raised an eyebrow. “And your family never suspected?”

Yi Huoshe: “They’re all dead. I’m the only one left.”

Jiang Ci: “…”

As tragic as that was, she couldn’t help but think, Then why the hell are you giving advice?!

Lou Jingou, who’d been silent until now, finally spoke up. “Boss, in my opinion, since she came to you today, she must already suspect something. You should tell her everything—why you kept it from her, what your reasons were… I believe ‘Qin Shuang’ is a reasonable person.”

Finally, some sensible advice. Jiang Ci mulled it over and found it made sense.

“Alright, then… By the way, didn’t you say you had news about Prince Duan?”

They’d been discussing this earlier when Xi Lingxue’s sudden arrival interrupted them.

“Yes,” Lou Jingou said. “Prince Duan has been found. The bandits holding her are currently hiding in a desolate mountain south of Shangjing. Oddly enough, I thought they’d be lingering near the border, but they’ve got the guts to stay so close to the capital.”

No wonder no one had found them before—everyone had been looking in the wrong places.

Jiang Ci frowned. “Do you really think the Empress Dowager had no idea?”

This wasn’t just some random person—it was Prince Duan of Yu Kingdom. How could the Empress Dowager not be concerned?

Yet she’d genuinely overlooked it. Jiang Ci had a sneaking suspicion there was more to this.

Regardless, rescuing the prince was the top priority now.

Jiang Ci asked, “Who’s their leader? How many are there?”

Lou Jingou: “The leader is a Kunjun named Sai Na. Her skills are decent—about on par with Wei Yueyan. Rough estimate, they have nearly a thousand people now.”

Jiang Ci’s heart skipped a beat. The bandits had grown to such numbers?

They couldn’t afford to wait any longer.

“If we go to rescue her, can we make it back in two days?”

“It’ll be tight. If we move fast, maybe.”

“Then let’s not delay. Gather the team now.”

Jiang Ci quickly made arrangements, having someone disguise themselves as her to stay at the residence under the pretense of recovering from injuries, refusing all visitors.

That afternoon, Jiang Ci led the covert team’s elite out of the city.

No sooner had she left than the Empress Dowager ordered General Wu Yi to suppress the rebel army, dispatching him immediately.

…

Desolate Mountain, South

Under a starry night sky, the camp was brightly lit.

Liang Kingdom’s climate was mild year-round, so even in winter, it wasn’t particularly cold. Xi Lanhua had long since traded her emerald-green robes for a simple blue gown, looking almost plain.

She sprawled in a chair, singing mournfully, “Holding a steamed bun in my hand, not a drop of oil in the dish…”

The woman studying the map at the desk frowned and glanced up. “Must you sing? There’s meat in every meal—what ‘no oil’?”

Xi Lanhua paused. “Ah, I’m just expressing my melancholy.”

She was a prince, for heaven’s sake! Raised in luxury, surrounded by beauties—since being kidnapped by these bandits, she’d endured hardship and deprivation like never before!

Now stuck on this godforsaken mountain, would Xi Lingxue even find her? When would she ever get home?!

“Listen, Boss Sai,” she said, “since you’ve already struck a deal with that general, you should just let me go. Otherwise, if this sparks a war between our kingdoms, you’ll go down in history as a villain!”

One of the bandits snapped, “Boss, don’t listen to her. Keeping her gives us leverage! That A Ta might not be trustworthy either!”

Sai Na pondered for a moment before dismissing her subordinates, leaving only Xi Lanhua behind.

Xi Lanhua, sensing an opportunity, promptly began massaging her shoulders.

Honestly, upon closer inspection, this Kunjun was quite the beauty—slender waist, long legs, skin like porcelain, with a hint of rugged charm. Pity she’d turned to banditry.

“Does Boss Sai have something to tell me?”

Sai Na closed her eyes, leaning back comfortably in her chair, her neckline elegant.

“Left side. Harder.”

Xi Lanhua obliged.

“Stay put for now. No more escape attempts,” Sai Na said. “If A Ta keeps her word, I’ll consider letting you go in a few days.”

Xi Lanhua’s hands stilled, her face lighting up. “Really?”

Sai Na opened her eyes, irritated by her eagerness to leave.

“I keep my promises.” She waved Xi Lanhua off and stood. “I’m tired. You may go.”

Xi Lanhua hesitated, inexplicably feeling a pang of loss.

Leaving the tent, she hadn’t gone far when a little girl came running up. “Hua Hua! Grandma roasted chicken wings—I saved one for you! It’s super tasty!”

Xi Lanhua smiled, ruffling her hair. “How sweet! Let me try it.”

The wing was cold and mediocre at best, nothing compared to the delicacies she’d enjoyed as a prince, but she took a bite anyway. “Heavenly! Delicious!”

The girl beamed. “Can I hear a story tonight?”

“Of course! Which one do you want?”

“The one about Lord Jiang!”

Xi Lanhua led her back to the tent, sitting by the bed as she began the tale. “This Lord Jiang… well, she’s a complicated one…”

Before long, the girl was asleep.

Tucking her in, Xi Lanhua slipped out quietly.

The night was deep, with patrols circling the camp. The girl’s grandmother was likely busy preparing supper and hadn’t returned yet. Xi Lanhua sighed, gazing at the sky, a strange melancholy settling over her.

Truth be told, Sai Na wasn’t a bad person. Though called bandits, the camp housed many elderly, weak, and sick—people driven together by desperation.

Facing Liang Kingdom’s General Wu Yi, what chance did they stand? Even with secret support from some general sent by the queen, it seemed hopeless…

Her thoughts in turmoil, Xi Lanhua lingered a moment longer before heading to her own tent.

As she walked, she muttered, “Lord Jiang… Hah, why does everyone ask about her? Isn’t this prince more charming than some lowly deputy?”

No sooner had the words left her mouth than a shadowy figure materialized beside her, clamping a hand over her mouth.

“Shh—” Jiang Ci’s voice was low and altered. “Prince Duan, I’m here to rescue you.”

Xi Lanhua’s eyes widened in shock. When the hand withdrew, she turned to see a black-clad woman wearing a sinister mask.

Her hair was tied high, a long sword at her waist. Even standing still, she exuded an intimidating aura.

Xi Lanhua was sure she didn’t know her, yet something about her felt oddly familiar.

She shrank back. “Who are you?”

Jiang Ci: “…”

“No time. Just come with me.”

“Wait!” Xi Lanhua hesitated, then asked, “We’re… just leaving like this?”

Jiang Ci was baffled.

Wasn’t that the point? Should they announce their departure to the entire camp?

She reached for Xi Lanhua, but the prince dodged. “Hold on! I know you’re in a hurry, but I need a few more days!”

Jiang Ci: “I don’t have that kind of time!”

It had taken a full day just to get here—she couldn’t afford delays!

Just then, Wei Yueyan appeared. “Boss, company.”

A cold breeze swept through as a woman’s voice rang out.

“Visiting in the dead of night without so much as a greeting—how rude.”

Xi Lanhua turned, her face lighting up with recognition. “Boss Sai!”

She looked ready to sprint over and hug her.

The woman ignored her, hefting a large blade onto her shoulder as she glared at Jiang Ci. “Just the two of you? You’re underestimating me.”

Her followers immediately surrounded them.

Jiang Ci stood in the center, silently cursing.

…Damn this broccoli-headed prince!

She’d come to rescue her, and now she refused to leave? What a waste of time!

Jiang Ci had brought plenty of covert operatives, but to infiltrate the camp, she’d left most waiting outside, ready to strike.

Her expression darkened. As the infamous leader of the Xiaoyao Sect, she needed to project authority. With a cold, arrogant laugh, she said, “Dealing with you lot, I alone am enough.”

Her voice was deep, ageless, betraying no fear despite being surrounded. If anything, she sounded almost dismissive, as if looking down on the world.

Wei Yueyan shot her a glance, thinking the boss was even more over-the-top than Long Yin had been back in the day.

Sai Na’s expression tightened as she studied Jiang Ci’s attire—black combat gear, demon mask. Suddenly, realization dawned.

“…Are you the leader of the Xiaoyao Sect?”

The one who’d assassinated Liao Yi and intercepted the prisoner convoy single-handedly—her name was known throughout Liang Kingdom.

Jiang Ci chuckled, every bit the villainous overlord. “As you see.”

Sai Na’s lips pressed into a thin line, a cold sweat breaking out on her back. The sect leader was every bit as mysterious, formidable, and inscrutable as the rumors claimed.

Jiang Ci gathered her energy, ready to overpower Sai Na with sheer force. Once the leader fell, the rest would crumble.

Her hand drifted toward her sword—

Just then, a scout rushed in. “Boss! Someone’s here to see you!”

Sai Na raised an eyebrow. “Who?”

What was with all the activity tonight?

“She says she’s Qin Shuang, an envoy from Yu Kingdom!”

Jiang Ci’s heart lurched, her bravado faltering.

…Xi Lingxue?

What was she doing here?!

Sai Na narrowed her eyes. With her battle against Wu Yi imminent, an envoy from Yu Kingdom was worth hearing out.

“Bring her here.” She turned back to Jiang Ci, her tone noticeably more polite. “Since you’re also here for Prince Duan, why not join us for a discussion with the Yu Kingdom envoy?”

Jiang Ci: “…”

Her heart pounded wildly.

Wei Yueyan stayed silent, sensing the boss’s sudden unease. Her posture had gone rigid.

After a long pause, Jiang Ci adjusted her mask, ensuring not a single flaw in her disguise.

Then, with the air of a lofty, enigmatic sect leader, she clasped her hands behind her back and replied, “Very well.”