The Guide Always Wants to Run (GL) - Chapter 26

Aiwei’er remained silent during the journey, but as they arrived at Capital Star, she suddenly triggered the alarm. Her voice was sweet, yet filled with schadenfreude. “Yan Yan, we are surrounded. But if you need to break through, I can heroically sacrifice myself so you and your star-crossed lover can roam the galaxy.”

Yan Ningjin glanced at Qin Xiao and pressed the door open. “I will have to revoke your Star Network access from now on.”

“Boo hoo, Yan Yan, that’s a violation of mech rights,” Aiwei’er whined.

Qin Xiao couldn’t help pressing her hand to her forehead. She reached up and grabbed the small round ball that had been rolling on her head. The little creature struggled in protest, but Qin Xiao gritted her teeth and threatened, “Settle down. Otherwise, I’ll boil you like a dumpling and eat you.”

The little ball squeaked in protest!

Tuan Tuan began circling anxiously around her ankles, whining and pawing at her to stop.

Qin Xiao looked entirely frustrated. When Tuan Tuan pawed at Yan Ningjin, he only reached her thigh. With her, he reached her waist. The favoritism was obvious!

Yan Ningjin glanced back at her, turned around, and reached out to smooth Qin Xiao’s hair, which the little round ball had turned into a bird’s nest. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll leave Aiwei’er with you. I’ll come pick you up soon.”

Aiwei’er was so pleased she nearly floated. “Oh my, Yan Yan’s adorable guide, please treat me gently. I am your most loyal steward, oh my—”

Qin Xiao winced at Aiwei’er’s off-key singing. “I am not afraid. They should be the ones worried. And I want every single one of those energy crystals prepared for me. Not a single one missing.”

Yan Ningjin nodded slightly and stepped out first.

Outside, many uniformed personnel had surrounded them. Their uniforms differed from Yan Ningjin’s and were separated by color-coded divisions. Qin Xiao quietly noted the distinctions. She recognized the two people at the front as the one who had once tried to cut off her beast-form paws and the one who had appeared at a banquet.

“General, we will accompany you.”

“No need.”

“Please take good care of Xiao Xiao. Do not let anyone bully her.”

“Understood, General.”

As soon as Yan Ningjin followed the royal guards away, Bai Xuan became animated. She had only seen a vague silhouette during the previous projections. Now, seeing the guide in person, her eyes lit up with curiosity. “Wow, so this is our sister-in-law.”

She stepped closer and immediately caught a whiff of the strong, exclusive scent of a sentinel’s pheromones on Qin Xiao. The pheromones were aggressive and domineering, rejecting her entirely. This effect of the marking served as a warning for other sentinels to stay away from their bonded guide. Bai Xuan quickly pulled Feng Ming back.

Qin Xiao looked at her with a half-smile. “What’s your name?”

Bai Xuan nudged Feng Ming with her elbow and whispered, “See? They say when you fall in love, you start paying attention to everything around your beloved. I can’t believe our boss managed to win her heart so fast. Why can’t I meet a sweet and squishy guide like this?”

Feng Ming’s lips twitched. “Sister-in-law, let me formally introduce her. This is Bai Xuan, our Xiao Corps’ not-so-reliable strategist. We usually call her Strategist Bai. But sometimes her brain short-circuits. You can also call her Crazy Bai, if you prefer. No offense.”

Qin Xiao murmured, “Bai Xuan. I’ll remember that.” Her gaze moved between them before she suddenly asked, “How is my friend Yu Jing?”

Bai Xuan’s smug expression instantly collapsed. Feng Ming burst into a giggle. “Don’t worry, sister-in-law. Your friend is perfectly safe.”

Qin Xiao eyed the two with suspicion, but hearing Yu Jing was safe eased her mind. After all, she had brought that fish out with her, and it was her responsibility to return it unharmed. “Alright then. Please escort me to the Guide Academy.”

The playfulness on Bai Xuan and Feng Ming’s faces vanished. They exchanged a glance. “Of course, sister-in-law. We will escort you to the Guide Academy immediately.”

Qin Xiao thought it would be just the three of them. But when they rounded the corner and met Madam Qin, she found herself followed by more than twenty soldiers. All of them were Yan Ningjin’s subordinates. The entourage was so grand it drew attention from passersby. She even saw a crack appear on Madam Qin’s usually composed face, and she heard her gritting her teeth. “General Bai, what is the meaning of this?”

Bai Xuan shed her previous playful demeanor and replied solemnly, “Madam Qin, didn’t you say that guides are the most precious and protected assets of the Empire? We are simply enforcing that policy because she is the General’s chosen guide. Her value is beyond imagination, and she must be heavily protected.”

Madam Qin was speechless.

Qin Xiao suddenly found herself liking Yan Ningjin’s subordinates. They were truly endearing.

“You must be the little guide,” Madam Qin said, her face transforming into a kindly expression. She reached out and gently took Qin Xiao’s wrist. “Come, darling, don’t be afraid. I’ll tell you what an honor it is to awaken as a guide.”

Qin Xiao had the urge to throw the little round ball in her pocket right at Madam Qin’s face like a pie, but she restrained herself. The little ball seemed to sense her thoughts and bumped her finger hard in protest.

Madam Qin turned to Bai Xuan and warned, “This matter has the Emperor’s consent. General Bai, please remain here. I would like to speak with her alone.”

Bai Xuan truly could not intervene. Without explicit orders, she had no authority to enter the Guide Academy. She smiled and raised her hand. “Madam Qin, the General said she would personally come to retrieve her guide. I hope when the time comes, you will not stand in our way.”

Though she was clearly stealing the guide, Bai Xuan made it sound perfectly proper. Madam Qin was infuriated but chose not to argue. She had more important matters to attend to. “Come, let me show you some other girls like you. You look so young, only thirteen or fourteen, right?”

Qin Xiao remained silent but laughed inwardly. She was nearly twenty. That would scare her.

Seeing Qin Xiao with her head lowered and acting shy, Madam Qin didn’t think much of it. Being young only meant she awakened in time; it didn’t indicate anything else. Only infants or toddlers born with innate guide potential could eventually become high-level guides. Madam Qin softened her expression. “That day, your awakening drew many sentinels to you. This shows your great potential. Our Guide Academy needs a guide like you. If you’re willing, I can process your enrollment right away.”

Qin Xiao could only think, What nonsense. She still vividly remembered that chaotic day. The sentinels had been crazed, their eyes bloodshot, all acting like beasts. This kind of “attention” was a nightmare she did not want to relive.

Seeing no reaction, Madam Qin continued to coax her. “I saw General Yan take you away. Did she do anything inappropriate or force you into anything?”

At last, Qin Xiao understood her game. This woman had it out for Yan Ningjin.

Madam Qin pushed further. “The Guide Academy is authorized to protect all guides. If the General wronged you in any way, you can report it to me.”

She was trying to lure Qin Xiao into accusing Yan Ningjin and force her into the Guide Academy. This old witch just wouldn’t give up.

Qin Xiao made up her mind. She would find a way to escape this woman’s grasp. She would not become one of those pitiful bunnies. With that resolve, Qin Xiao’s expression turned pale. She began to tremble violently, like she had just experienced something terrible. She hugged herself, shivered, and shook her head. Her face was full of terror, her voice trembling, “No. Nothing happened.”

Madam Qin’s eyes gleamed with false kindness as she gently held Qin Xiao’s arms. “Don’t be afraid. The Guide Academy will protect your rights. Anyone who harms a guide will be punished, even if she is a general.”

Qin Xiao looked up at her cautiously. Her voice was barely a whisper. “Will you really help me?”

Madam Qin nodded. To reassure her, she even tugged her along. “I’ll take you to see His Majesty. You can speak with him directly.”

Qin Xiao recoiled immediately, curling up in a corner. She hugged herself tightly and shook her head like a rattle drum. “No, I won’t go. I’m scared.”

Madam Qin frowned, pacing restlessly. She tried again with a gentler tone, this time with a touch of threat. “If you refuse, you will have to marry the General. You two already share a temporary mark, which lasts only about ten days.”

Qin Xiao looked like she had been struck by lightning. Her eyes widened in panic. That short? That means I’ll have to deal with this all over again soon.

Madam Qin believed she had found the weak spot. She softened her voice again. “But if you tell His Majesty everything the General did, I can ask him to help you find a better match. Given your qualities, you can certainly find someone more suitable.”

Qin Xiao seemed convinced. Her heart full of uncertainty, she entered the palace.

“Madam Qin, you said you had an urgent matter. And this person is—”

“Your Majesty, allow me to introduce this young guide. She is the one who caused the sentinels at the banquet to fall into a frenzy and was later taken away by General Yan. She has something important to report about the General.”

Yan Ningjin’s eyes narrowed. She glanced at Madam Qin, then at her little guide. “About me?”

As soon as she heard Yan Ningjin’s voice, the little guide trembled. Madam Qin grew more serious. “Your Majesty, for fairness, I suggest the General step out so she cannot influence the guide through empathic coercion.”

The Emperor frowned slightly. “Madam Qin, this matter involves the General. Asking her to leave seems unfair. Besides, I trust her. Yuzhu, what do you think?”

Princess Yuzhu stood beside him. Before Madam Qin arrived, the three had been having a pleasant conversation. She nodded gently. “The General would never coerce her marked guide. Madam Qin, you may speak freely.”

Qin Xiao had not expected to see Ah Qin in the palace. Her heart already leaned toward Yan Ningjin. She only hoped Ah Qin wouldn’t hold it against her later.

Madam Qin then laid out several charges against Yan Ningjin, including luring away a guide and discouraging her from joining the academy, among others. In the end, she pushed Qin Xiao forward. “Your Majesty, please hear what this guide has to say. What the General did is truly unforgivable.”

Qin Xiao peeked up, stole a glance at the Emperor, then at Princess Yuzhu. She stammered for a long time. “Your Majesty, I… I… I—”

The Emperor softened his tone. “Do not be afraid. Tell me everything you want to say. I will see that justice is done.”

Qin Xiao immediately distanced herself from Madam Qin and looked pitiful enough to cry. “Your Majesty, the General has always been kind to me. When I was sick, she stayed by my side and never forced me to do anything. She respected my choices. She would rather die from an episode than mark me against my will. If it weren’t for her, I would be dead. But… but Madam Qin—”

Madam Qin shouted in disbelief, “You! You weren’t saying that before!”

Qin Xiao shrank back and instinctively leaned toward Yan Ningjin. She immediately felt the warmth of being held and heard a cool voice.

“Do not be afraid. I’m here.”

If one listened closely, that cold voice carried a hint of tenderness.

Qin Xiao turned her head and saw Yan Ningjin’s jaw tight and her slightly distant eyes fixed on Madam Qin. She gripped her uniform tightly. “Yan Yan, I don’t want to go to the Guide Academy. She is terrifying.”

Madam Qin’s hand trembled as she pointed. “Your Majesty, she must be under coercion. That is the only reason she is distorting the truth.”

Yan Ningjin pulled Qin Xiao into her embrace and said calmly, “Madam Qin, there’s no need to be so hasty. Let Xiao Xiao finish. Then His Majesty can decide.”

The Emperor nodded gravely. “Go on.”

Qin Xiao began recounting everything. How Madam Qin tried to manipulate her at the Guide Academy, how she insisted Qin Xiao accuse Yan Ningjin of using force when marking her, how she threatened to imprison her at the academy and lie that she had chosen to stay.

“She said if I didn’t cooperate, she would keep me locked up and never let me see Yan Yan again… so I lied to her. I’m sorry, Yan Yan.”

By the end, Qin Xiao was holding Yan Ningjin tightly and secretly letting out a relieved sigh. Acting was exhausting.

The Emperor’s expression darkened. “Madam Qin, do you have anything to say?”

Madam Qin realized she had been completely outplayed by this little girl. She opened her mouth to argue but had no defense. Guides had always been seen as innocent and harmless. She never imagined this one would set a trap.

Years of running the Guide Academy had made her arrogant. She thought no one could escape her control especially those pitiful little guides. In the end, she had fallen to a mere girl.

She nearly coughed up bl00d. “Your Majesty, I did not—”

Yan Ningjin held Qin Xiao in her arms. Her warm lips brushed gently over Qin Xiao’s forehead, while her palm stroked Qin Xiao’s back in a comforting rhythm. “Your Majesty, I respectfully request your immediate permission for me and Xiao Xiao to begin our trial marriage. Xiao Xiao is mentally exhausted and has just been threatened by Madam Qin. I wish to take her away from here.”

Her Highness Yuzhu spoke with understanding. “She truly doesn’t look well. General, you should take good care of your guide once you’re home.”

The Emperor cast a glance at his daughter, then shot a glare of disappointment at Madam Qin. “Granted.”

Just like that, Yan Ningjin carried Qin Xiao out of the royal court. As soon as they stepped outside, Qin Xiao jumped down from her arms. There was no trace of the trembling and fragile girl from before. Now, she was radiant with energy, a smile spreading across her face, complete with twin dimples.

Yan Ningjin had never seen such a lively guide. If not for the temporary mark between them allowing shared emotions, she might have flown into a rage at how distressed her little guide had seemed earlier. She took Qin Xiao’s hand. “Let’s talk after we get home.”

Qin Xiao had just scored a major win and her spirit seemed fully restored. She admitted, “I don’t like the Guide Academy or Madam Qin. Doesn’t Madam Qin have some powerful background? Her words just now were obviously trying to set a trap for you. Lucky for us, I was clever enough to avoid it.”

She and Yan Ningjin were now like two grasshoppers on the same rope. If this rope snapped, she wouldn’t be spared either.

The only thing she regretted was being so close to Ah Qin yet not having the chance to say a single word. Worse still, Ah Qin had reminded Yan Ningjin to take good care of her. That was deeply frustrating.

Yan Ningjin furrowed her brows slightly, though the expression quickly vanished. “Yes, you were smart, Xiao Xiao. You helped me out of a dangerous situation.”

Qin Xiao responded without hesitation. “Glad to help. But since you’re being so polite, how about giving me some extra energy crystals as thanks?”

Yan Ningjin said nothing.

Seeing her expression grow strange, Qin Xiao instantly felt she might have been too blunt. She asked carefully, “Are energy crystals very expensive?”

Under Qin Xiao’s focused gaze, Yan Ningjin gave a nearly imperceptible nod.

Qin Xiao, being a penniless drifter (in other words, dirt poor), felt a dark cloud looming over her head upon hearing that. On the way back, her mind was consumed by thoughts of how expensive energy crystals must be. Besides those, she also needed to stock up on guide suppressants early in case of another emergency. But those probably cost a fortune on the black market.

So, what she needed now was an enormous number of credit points…

Seeing her guide’s ever-deepening frown, Yan Ningjin grew uneasy. Had she been too blunt and scared her little guide? These past few days, she had sensed through their emotional link that Qin Xiao didn’t feel much attachment to her. Nor did she seem to like her all that much.

All the textbooks had said that once a sentinel and guide formed a bond, they would grow fond of and dependent on each other. But her guide didn’t seem to have any emotional ties to her at all.

Maybe the bite she had given during the marking was too gentle?

Next time, she would bite harder. Maybe even twice. She had to fill her guide’s entire body with her pheromones.

Qin Xiao had no idea what the person beside her was plotting. If she did, she would probably have bolted away in a puff of smoke, never mind the so-called trial marriage.

In the heart of the Capital Star, Yan Ningjin owned a two-story villa. Aiwei’er landed smoothly on the open balcony. As soon as Yan Ningjin and Qin Xiao stepped out, the mech reverted into a floating robot and followed them into the house. It switched to its usual stiff and overly formal tone. “My dearest Yan Yan, welcome home. Ah, this lovely lady who came home with you must be our new master. Welcome, welcome.”

Qin Xiao almost got fooled. “Is she always this entertaining?”

Yan Ningjin shrugged helplessly. “Ignore her. Come, I’ll show you your energy crystals.”

Aiwei’er immediately began making a noisy fuss. Yan Ningjin shut the door with a bang, plunging the room into blissful silence.

Qin Xiao’s eyes widened at the sight of the room filled with energy crystals. The bright crystals lit up the entire space. She stood there in shock, mouth agape. She had thought Yan Ningjin would be stingy and only give her a few, but the generosity on display was astonishing.

Alright then. Yan Ningjin was now officially her rich best friend.

Qin Xiao slapped Yan Ningjin’s shoulder in a very brotherly way and confirmed, “All of this is for me?”

Unbeknownst to her, a round creature poked its head out from her pocket. Upon spotting the room full of energy crystals, it immediately climbed out and dropped heavily to the ground with a thud, before gradually turning transparent.

Tuan Tuan tilted his head at where the round creature had vanished, then padded over and gently tapped the spot with a paw. When nothing happened, he scratched the floor a little, then sniffed the air and followed the scent.

Yan Ningjin had assumed that the little creature had left for good and had even locked the room. She never expected to open the door again and be met with her guide’s bright eyes. Before she knew what she was doing, she leaned down.

Qin Xiao blinked in confusion and leaned back. When she saw that face getting closer and closer, she quickly raised her hand to block it. “Yan Yan, what are you doing?”

Seeing her guide’s eyes were still clear, Yan Ningjin felt a flicker of disappointment. She straightened up. “Yes, all of this is yours.”

Qin Xiao gave a cheer and dove toward the energy crystals as if she were a fish returning to water or a bird soaring into the sky. The irregular-shaped crystals were clutched in each of her hands. Her face almost pressed against them.

When she felt a warm current flow into her core, the dim little orb inside her dantian slowly started spinning again like an old ox turning the soil. She felt alive once more.

She really did need spiritual power to survive.

But where did that multicolored crystal she had swallowed go?!!!

Yan Ningjin watched her guide grab a crystal in each hand, only for them to instantly crumble into powder. Just like on that desolate planet before. With a mere touch, the crystals vanished. But now, her guide’s expression had turned strange.

“Xiao Xiao, what’s wrong?”

Qin Xiao clearly remembered that when she left Lion Star, the multicolored crystal was still in her body. It had only been a few days. How could it suddenly disappear? That was beyond strange. She wracked her brain for answers, then her eyes happened to catch sight of Tuan Tuan chasing a small rolling orb.

Her hand darted to her pocket. “Hunqiu, stop right there!”

Startled by the shout, the blue orb froze for a moment, then began rolling madly. Tuan Tuan followed close behind. The room wasn’t large, and with the two of them causing chaos, the towering piles of energy crystals began swaying dangerously, especially those stacked at the top.

“Xiao Xiao, watch out!”

“That Hunqiu! Don’t worry about me. I’m going to turn it into a glutinous rice dumpling!”

Boom—

The uppermost energy crystals collapsed with a thunderous crash. Without thinking, Yan Ningjin shielded Qin Xiao with her own body. But at the critical moment, Qin Xiao flipped them over and took the hit herself, her back bearing the full weight of the crystals. “Ugh.”

Yan Ningjin wanted to scatter the crystals with a punch, but their surfaces were far too hard. Even with all her strength, it was no use. “Xiao Xiao, are you alright?”

Qin Xiao was too busy absorbing the surrounding energy with her meager spiritual power to pay her any attention. When the constant worrying in her ear grew unbearable, she finally muttered, “Stop talking. I’m fine.”

With that simple reply, she went back to absorbing energy.

Hearing the strength in her voice, Yan Ningjin finally relaxed. She had never been in such a ridiculous situation before. Crushed beneath piles of crystals, with a petite body pressed right against hers. Even through the layers of clothing, she could feel her guide’s body heat and the scalding breath on her chest. For a fleeting moment, being pinned like this didn’t seem so bad.

In that cramped space, their bodies were flush against each other. Yan Ningjin looked down to see her guide’s little crown of hair. Perhaps it was the limited space, but her heart was pounding wildly. From the gentle rhythm of Qin Xiao’s breathing, she caught a sweet scent wafting through the air. It felt like a switch had been flipped. The fragrance wrapped around her completely.

“Hey, hey, your nose is bleeding.”

“Damn.”

Yan Ningjin felt a warm rush in her abdomen that surged straight to her head. A strange emotion coiled within her. She wanted nothing more than to devour her guide right now. Her eyes widened as she fought to contain herself. “Xiao Xiao, when can we get out of here?”

Qin Xiao was jolted awake by the thunderous heartbeat in her ear. She shifted, and the energy crystals weighing them down instantly turned to ash. With more space now, she rolled off Yan Ningjin, and the two of them lay side by side.

Yan Ningjin secretly let out a sigh of relief. But at the same time, she felt a tiny pang of disappointment. When would her little guide finally open her heart?

Qin Xiao had no idea about any of these thoughts. All she wanted now was to absorb every last crystal in the room. She needed to at least be able to protect herself, not be forced into humiliating flight like before when Lady Luo hunted her.

She used both hands and feet. Once she had absorbed most of the energy, she leaped to her feet with such ease that even Yan Ningjin took notice. Qin Xiao offered her a hand. “Get up. Has your nose stopped bleeding?”

Yan Ningjin didn’t dare touch her hand. She feared her beastly instincts would get the better of her. She touched her nose. “I’m fine. I’ll go out for a bit.”

Qin Xiao had already cleared away the crystals near the door, so it opened without trouble.

Yan Ningjin fled downstairs, grabbed a suppressant from the storage box, and injected it along her veins.

Hearing the commotion, Aiwei’er flew out. She saw her master administering the suppressant and, being no help at all, began to chatter loudly. “Oh my, Yan Yan, you’re in heat! With your little guide right upstairs, why not go smooch smooch? Then smooch smooch some more. Who knows, maybe I’ll get two adorable little angels to play with.”

Yan Ningjin wouldn’t mind a life like that. But for now—

Aiwei’er began rifling through things with a buzzing noise. “Yan Yan, clearly you’ve been single too long. I’ve got one hundred smooch smooch videos prepared for you. Once you learn them, you can go smooch—Ow hey! Domestic abuse, domestic abuse!”

Upstairs, Qin Xiao could still hear Aiwei’er wailing like a ghost. She had already absorbed most of the collapsed crystals. Only two walls’ worth remained. The floor was covered in powder, remnants of the spent energy crystals. Completely useless now.

Inside her dantian, that tiny orb glowed ever brighter. It looked like a miniature night pearl. With each bit of spiritual power absorbed, she felt lighter and sharper. Her senses were far more attuned than before.

“Hunqiu, get out here.”

“Wuuu—”

Tuan Tuan was the first to emerge, squeezing through a small hole. He gave a good shake, sending dust flying. He had hidden there during the collapse, the perfect spot. Now he acted all cute in front of Qin Xiao, wagging his tail and making soft noises. Normally, Qin Xiao might have scratched his fur. Tuan Tuan’s coat really was soothing to touch. But when she tried to walk forward, he blocked her path with his body. She didn’t notice at first. After trying two or three times, she realized he was distracting her.

Qin Xiao let out a breathy laugh. She cupped his big head and rubbed his soft fur vigorously, then held his face and looked him straight in the eyes. “Tuan Tuan, do you know I’m your boss? Listen to me and you’ll get to play with Hunqiu. If not, well, I can let Hunqiu play with someone else instead. Hm? Now do you know who to listen to?”

Tuan Tuan gave a small whine, nudged her hand, then affectionately rubbed against her. Finally, he turned around and dove into the hole, pushing out a purple orb.

Squeak—

Qin Xiao squatted by the hole with arms crossed. By all logic, energy crystals were incredibly hard. Even a laser sword could barely slice through one. But here was a new tunnel with smooth inner walls, curved and reaching almost to the opposite wall. Ignoring the debris on the ground, it looked just like a naturally formed cave.

The orb was about to be pushed out by Tuan Tuan. It squeaked in protest, bouncing around like a ping pong ball. It seemed absolutely furious, its sharp cries echoing with frustration.

Qin Xiao touched the dust on the floor. It matched the residue left after she absorbed energy crystals.

She smiled darkly at the bouncing orb. “Come out on your own, or I’ll squeeze you until you pop.”