The Guide Always Wants to Run (GL) - Chapter 57

After returning, Qin Xiao was thoroughly worn out by Yan Ningjin, who kept tossing her about. That vividly red mark, strikingly like a cinnabar mole on her earlobe, surfaced once again, standing out conspicuously.

Each time they formed a temporary mark, Qin Xiao felt as if she had just walked across a mountain of blades. The sensation was overwhelming. Even after it ended, her heart continued to race uncontrollably. She clutched her wildly pounding chest and let out a secret sigh of relief.

Without warning, Yan Ningjin wrapped her arms around her from behind and whispered hoarsely, “Xiao Xiao, ever since that incident, your consciousness cloud has been fluctuating constantly. It shows no signs of improvement. Why don’t we use the old method to nourish it properly? What do you think?”

Of course, she thought it was a good idea.

The benefit of dual cultivation was simple. The stronger partner always had the advantage, and the experience was irresistibly intoxicating.

The unfortunate part was that Yan Ningjin’s spiritual power was immense, and her consciousness cloud equally vast. During their last strategy session against an enemy, they had used dual cultivation as a method to borrow strength, merely borrowing power. They had made a clear agreement. Even if one entered the other’s consciousness cloud, they would never pry into private matters.

During that moment in the forest, Qin Xiao had only grazed the surface of Yan Ningjin’s powerful spiritual presence. Drifting through it felt like being in a boundless ocean, steady, strong, and deeply reassuring. Just like the feeling Yan Ningjin always gave her.

However, she already owed Yan Ningjin a mountain of debts. Emotional debts remained unpaid, and the debt of saving her life had not yet been repaid either. It was all piling up like tangled threads, wrapped tighter and tighter, impossible to sort through.

Qin Xiao hugged herself tightly, curling into a ball, trying hard to rid her mind of the desire to take advantage.

Yet Yan Ningjin had no intention of letting the little Guide get her way. Her warm lips brushed gently across Qin Xiao’s sensitive spots, such as her earlobe and the back of her neck. Her lips skimmed so delicately that it created an illusion of tender intimacy. Yet Qin Xiao was certain Yan Ningjin was doing it on purpose.

The sensation made her tremble all over. Especially since they had just established a temporary mark, her body kept moving on its own toward Yan Ningjin’s embrace, as if seeking comfort.

“We are helping each other. This way, we both recover faster.”

“Mmm.”

She had to admit that made infuriatingly perfect sense. But, but—

Yan Ningjin inhaled the sweet scent wafting from the little Guide’s body. A glint of crimson flickered in her pitch-black pupils, as if red silk threads were swirling through the night. It was breathtaking. She opened her mouth, her pearly white teeth gently grazing the pale skin before her. She nearly gave in to the urge to bite down. “Xiao Xiao.”

That intimate whisper sent a tremor straight to Qin Xiao’s heart. She felt Yan Ningjin’s warm breath spread across her skin, and her thoughts scattered. Her willpower crumbled under the pressure. In the end, she could not resist Yan Ningjin’s suggestion.

“Fine, fine, let’s do it. Help each other.”

She already owed her so much. What was one more debt? At worst, well… at worst, she would deal with it later.

Yan Ningjin chuckled quietly. When Qin Xiao saw her smile, she felt an odd burst of happiness too.

They faced each other, foreheads touching. Qin Xiao’s mental tendrils slipped skillfully into Yan Ningjin’s consciousness cloud. The two minds entwined instinctively. It was said that the second time was easier than the first. This time, Qin Xiao did not even need to guide her tendrils. They coiled around on instinct, and her body moved unconsciously toward Yan Ningjin, clinging tightly, as if they had become conjoined twins.

Qin Xiao let out a soft sigh. It was unclear whether it was from pleasure or simply awe at how effective dual cultivation was.

…

The night passed in tangled bliss. They clung to each other, reluctant to part. Qin Xiao nearly drained Yan Ningjin dry. She had not enjoyed dual cultivation so thoroughly in ages. It felt incredible. A low, soft moan slipped from her lips as she reluctantly withdrew her mental tendrils.

Yan Ningjin’s eyes flew open. She swiftly silenced that provocative sound with a kiss. Qin Xiao froze in surprise. Her body responded on instinct and returned the kiss with fervor.

“Wait—” Qin Xiao came to her senses and tried to stop her, but Yan Ningjin was far too strong. She pushed Qin Xiao down and pinned her in place. It was another round, no holds barred.

At dawn, the two of them had thoroughly exhausted themselves on the bed. Once it ended, Qin Xiao lay there, gasping, her voice weak.

“Yan Yan, didn’t we already mark each other last night? There’s no need to… to swap saliva again, right?”

She could not even say the last part out loud. Her face flushed crimson. She reached up and touched her tingling lips. They felt slightly swollen. Yan Ningjin must have bitten her.

Yan Ningjin tried to keep a straight face, but the corners of her mouth betrayed her. She looked like a smug cat that had stolen cream. “Yes. Just reinforcing it.”

Qin Xiao had to admit, a single night of dual cultivation was more effective than several days of rest. She had not slept, yet she felt utterly refreshed and energized. That constant sleepiness she often experienced had vanished. She felt reborn.

She rolled over and nestled into Yan Ningjin’s arms, her eyes sparkling with joy. “Yan Yan, I feel so much better.”

Yan Ningjin looked down. Qin Xiao’s freshly kissed lips were still glistening. Sweet and tempting. One taste was not enough. She craved another, then another…

This little Guide was hers. No one else could have her.

Yan Ningjin stared without blinking. Her mind kept replaying the sensations of their dual cultivation. Her soul still trembled with the memory. She gently stroked Qin Xiao’s hair and smiled softly.

“Then shall we continue tonight?”

Yan Ningjin was already beautiful. When she smiled like that, her eyes curved like crescent moons. Her deep gaze brimmed with tender affection. Under such a gaze, Qin Xiao swallowed hard. Her heart started to race again.

“Stop smiling.” Qin Xiao buried her face in Yan Ningjin’s chest and muttered, “You’re too pretty when you smile. It’s unfair.”

“…Hm?”

Qin Xiao let out a huff and sprang up. “Let’s go. I’ll help you with your big problem.”

As soon as she mentioned the military, Yan Ningjin’s expression grew serious. “Can you handle it alone?”

Qin Xiao searched for an outfit that suited her and shook her head without hesitation. “Of course not. I need a Guide with strong spiritual power to plant suggestions into the Sentinels, and I also need Yu Jing.”

Yan Ningjin thought she had misheard. “Yu Jing can help?”

Qin Xiao instinctively reached into her coat pocket, but the round little thing was not there. She searched around and finally found the chubby creature under the bed. It was playing with Tuan Tuan. Who knew when they had crawled down there?

“Hunqiu, let’s go.”

The round little creature obediently rolled out.

Yan Ningjin watched in astonishment as the red ball rolled to her feet. “Why is it red now?”

Just then, Tuan Tuan also emerged from under the bed, crouched low. As soon as he stood up, he gave his usual full-body shake. Golden fur scattered everywhere like blossoms in the wind.

Qin Xiao: …

Yan Ningjin: …

Hunqiu guiltily hid behind Qin Xiao’s heel. “Squeak squeak.”

Yan Ningjin stared at the golden fur covering the floor. Her tightly composed face cracked slightly. She looked utterly stunned. “Tuan Tuan, you… you shed your fur!”

Quantum beasts almost never shed. That kind of thing only happened with Xing Tian.

Qin Xiao noticed that Tuan Tuan, normally so robust, had gone stiff. His amber eyes crossed as he stared at the fallen fur. His once-dense coat now looked a bit… sparse.

“Awooo—”

A thunderous howl shook Yan Ningjin’s home.

The two of them went to the military together. On the way, Tuan Tuan was completely dejected, no longer his lively self. He used to walk with poise, chest held high, exuding dignity and might. Now he trudged along with his tail hanging low, his former pride replaced by a defeated, lifeless shuffle.

“So, you think Tuan Tuan’s shedding is because of Hunqiu?”

“Probably.”

Qin Xiao idly played with Hunqiu in her pocket. Seeing Tuan Tuan like that, she could not help but cover her face. “Hunqiu can control fire. The temperature dropped a lot after that, but last night it kept playing with Tuan Tuan…”

Hunqiu poked its head out of her pocket and squeaked at Tuan Tuan. “Squeak.”

Tuan Tuan let out a few sorrowful whimpers.

Qin Xiao reached out and gently patted his big head. “You probably will not go bald. Don’t worry.”

Tuan Tuan whimpered even more miserably.

Yan Ningjin used her mind to check on him. Aside from the shedding, there were no other issues, so she relaxed slightly.

As they approached the military building, they spotted Bai Xuan and Yu Jing from afar. Even before they reached them, the sound of sharp-tongued bickering carried over.

“Don’t make me laugh. Unless every Guide suddenly loses their eyesight, no one would ever want someone like you.”

“Hey, kid. I’m only being nice because you’re a friend of Madam Qin. Don’t push your luck. Say one more thing, and I won’t hold back.”

“Oh? Struck a nerve, have I? Looks like I hit the mark.”

…

It was the first time Qin Xiao had seen Yu Jing so combative. Normally, Xiao Yu only grumbled quietly around her in front of her. But now, faced with someone else, she was a firecracker. And that someone just happened to be Bai Xuan, the same person who had once intimidated her when she was still in the beast form.

Qin Xiao could not help but click her tongue in amusement. She stood by, ready to enjoy the show. “Xiao Yu, nice work.”

Yu Jing: …

Bai Xuan: …

Yan Ningjin pressed her lips together and shot a sidelong glance at the cheeky little Guide. “Bai Xuan, I asked you to invite Miss Yu Jing to the military for a visit. Is this how you treat your guests?”

Bai Xuan nervously rubbed her nose. She hadn’t expected this entire scene to be witnessed by the General and her wife, yet she was quick to adapt. “General, I was wrong.” She then turned to Yu Jing with a humble apology. “Miss Yu Jing, I am sorry. I was out of line just now.”

Yu Jing’s eyes widened. She had not expected Bai Xuan to suddenly change her attitude and even offer an apology. She stood frozen in disbelief.

Seeing Yu Jing’s stunned expression, Bai Xuan thought her apology might have seemed insincere. “Miss Yu Jing, tell me what would make you feel better. I will do whatever it takes to make it up to you.”

Qin Xiao tugged on Yu Jing’s sleeve from the side. “Xiao Yu, say something.”

Yu Jing looked at Qin Xiao in confusion, opened her mouth, then closed it again. She had no idea what to say. Instead, she clutched Qin Xiao’s arm. “It’s fine. I don’t want anything. Qin Xiao, let’s go.”

Qin Xiao gave Bai Xuan a mildly regretful look. She had long wanted a chance to get back at Bai Xuan. “Alright. Let’s go.”

The group headed straight to their destination. Qin Xiao had already put the previous incident out of her mind, though Yu Jing remained visibly troubled and distracted, lost in thought.

“Everyone must be separated. I don’t want any outsiders around. Xiao Yu can be my assistant,” Qin Xiao told Yan Ningjin. Hunqiu’s odd condition was best kept quiet to avoid unnecessary trouble.

“Me?” Yu Jing could hardly believe it. “But I don’t know how to do anything.”

“You’ll be fine,” Qin Xiao replied with a radiant smile. “Just knowing a little is enough.”

“Alright. I will have things prepared immediately.” Yan Ningjin, ever decisive, turned and left to give the orders.

Soon, a powerful Guide from the Academy arrived. The Guide’s Quantum beast was a ragdoll cat with fluffy fur and a pair of clear, sky-blue eyes. As soon as it arrived, it meowed repeatedly.

“Good day, Madam. I’m Xia Han.”

“Hello.”

Qin Xiao looked down to find the cat had already nestled itself by her feet, pawing at her pant leg and staring up at her with those brilliant blue eyes.

“Looks like Buka really likes you.”

“…Huh?”

Qin Xiao suspiciously clutched the pocket of her coat tighter. She suspected the cat was actually trying to climb up and find her Hunqiu. Still, the cat was certainly clever. “Everyone’s here. Let’s begin.”

Qin Xiao didn’t know how many people Hunqiu could heal, so she had to go one at a time. Yan Ningjin would decide the order.

The three of them entered the sealed treatment room. Qin Xiao hadn’t started yet when Yan Ningjin came in as well.

“I’ll stay here to keep watch. I won’t interfere.”

Xia Han, a top student from the Guide Academy, was particularly skilled at delivering mental suggestions. Although she found it strange that this task wasn’t being handled by Qin Xiao, she respected their earlier agreement and asked no questions. She stepped forward and directed her suggestion at the struggling Sentinel.

She pulled a necklace from around her neck. At its center hung a small bead. She swayed the chain gently in front of the Sentinel. The bead swung along with it.

“Focus on the bead. Imagine you are lying on a soft bed with warm sunlight on your face. It feels comfortable and peaceful…”

Qin Xiao crossed her arms and leaned slightly against Yan Ningjin.

“Later, I hope you can take this Guide with you.”

Yan Ningjin reached over and smoothed Qin Xiao’s messy hair. “Alright.”

“You’re not even asking why.”

“You’ll tell me when you’re ready.”

Qin Xiao nodded. She wasn’t even sure if Hunqiu could remove that red patch clouding the Sentinel’s consciousness. She rubbed the personal smart device in her palm. “Once Guan Dong is fully healed, I’ll tell you.”

While they talked, Xia Han had already finished planting the suggestion. “General, Madam, is there anything else I can do?”

Qin Xiao glanced at Yan Ningjin. “Thank you. Let Yan Yan take you to rest for a bit. There are many more who’ll need you soon.”

Xia Han hesitated for a second, then quietly left. Her ragdoll cat, however, kept circling Qin Xiao, meowing nonstop and clawing at her pant leg. Tuan Tuan let out a low growl, scaring the cat into leaping up onto Xia Han’s shoulder before finally leaving. Soon, only Qin Xiao and Yu Jing remained in the room.

Yu Jing looked confused. “That suggestion technique she used looked like some kind of hypnosis spell from ancient Earth records.”

Qin Xiao turned in surprise. “Xiao Yu, you know quite a lot, don’t you?”

Yu Jing swallowed nervously and waved her hands. “No, no, I just read a lot of books in my spare time.”

Qin Xiao seemed to understand and didn’t press further. Instead, she leaned closer to the Sentinel and saw the dazed look in his eyes; his expression was still filled with bliss, as if he truly believed he was basking in sunlight.

She waved a hand in front of his face. The man didn’t react.

“Hunqiu, it’s your turn.”

She placed a small round orb on the Sentinel’s forehead. Hunqiu immediately began to roll back and forth across his face.

Qin Xiao watched closely. “Hunqiu might start a fire again. Xiao Yu, be ready with some water so Yan Yan doesn’t think we’re causing an actual fire emergency.”

Yu Jing grumbled silently to herself and sighed. “Looks like I can’t see Hunqiu again.”

The surprise from yesterday had come and gone too quickly.

Qin Xiao gave Yu Jing a strange look. Only now did she realize that Yu Jing’s ability to occasionally see Hunqiu was probably due to Hunqiu not being a typical Quantum beast. It had transformed from a physical five-colored crystal into a Quantum beast.

So that must be why.

Hunqiu had originally been a tangible ‘creature.’

Qin Xiao quickly pushed aside the thought and focused on watching Hunqiu. Soon, she noticed a blush rising on the Sentinel’s face. It looked faintly red. She reached out to touch it.

It felt warm.

Yu Jing frowned. “Yesterday Hunqiu was covered in flames. Could it be that it’s using fire to burn away the manic impulses?”

Qin Xiao froze. “What did you just say?”

Yu Jing blinked, then took a small step back in fear. She was always a little scared of Qin Xiao. “I read in Auntie Kun’s books about a divine fire that can burn everything, especially filthy spirits and demons. One touch and they vanish. I… I was just making wild guesses. Please don’t take it seriously.”

Qin Xiao leaned on her hand and stared thoughtfully at the rolling Hunqiu.

In the cultivation world, there were indeed fire types that had developed sentience and could consume anything, though she wondered what any of that had to do with Hunqiu.

She slapped her own forehead. She was probably overthinking things.

“Aaah, the sunlight is going to roast me!”

“Help!”

“…”

Qin Xiao couldn’t help but cover her face with one hand. What sunlight? The guy’s brain had clearly filled in the blanks on its own. She figured she should just stick with her mommy act. Maybe that would keep them calmer.

Yu Jing turned her back and her shoulders began shaking. She finally understood why Guan Dong had called Qin Xiao ‘Mama’ the moment he saw her yesterday. It was too funny.

To make sure the sunbathing Sentinel didn’t suddenly break free and touch his own face, Qin Xiao stayed beside him, tolerating his constant screaming for help. It was the worst kind of noise.

As time passed, the Sentinel’s face turned fully red, flushed like it was filled with bl00d.

Hunqiu rolled off the man’s face and squeaked at Qin Xiao.

She reached out to touch it. “Ow!”

It was scorching hot. “Yu Jing, quick, cool Hunqiu down.”

They fumbled into action. Yu Jing released a splash of water just in time. The fire that Hunqiu had ignited was extinguished after a few quick sprays.

“You can see Hunqiu now, can’t you?”

“Yes, I can!” Yu Jing said excitedly.

Qin Xiao was relieved. Her gaze shifted back to the Sentinel. She stretched out her mind’s tendrils toward his consciousness.

“I am the Guide healer here to cleanse your manic impulses. I need to diagnose your condition. Relax and open your consciousness to let me in.”

Qin Xiao repeated this three times.

The Sentinel remained dazed and unresponsive. Perhaps it was because he had been subjected to two overlapping suggestions. She had to slow her approach and insert her tendrils one at a time.

A consciousness had three layers, much like the human body, which consisted of surface, flesh, and bone. Most manic impulses floated in the outermost layer, the shallowest one. That was where Qin Xiao directed her touch.

All she saw was a vast, white emptiness. It had been completely cleared.

She pulled back quickly and saw the Sentinel’s eyes wide open. He no longer screamed or struggled.

She touched his cheek. It was still hot but not as bad as when he had been howling.

“Qin Xiao, are you sure Hunqiu wasn’t just playing around?”

“Why do you say that?”

Yu Jing took a deep breath. “Exactly thirty minutes. Not one minute more or less. It feels like it was messing with me.”

The fiery little orb rolled over, evaporating every drop of water in its path. “Squeak squeak.”

Qin Xiao poked it with her finger. The heat had faded, and the orb looked a little tougher.

“Hunqiu, can you treat a second person? If you can, squeak twice.”

Hunqiu rolled into her palm and spun with joy. “Squeak squeak.”

Qin Xiao stroked it between her fingers. “This time, I am definitely going to extort… I mean, request a batch of energy crystals for you. I’ll credit you for meritorious service.”

Yu Jing whispered from the side, “Do I get credit too? I helped, didn’t I?”

Qin Xiao stared at her in thought for a moment. “Yes. I will ask Yan Yan to send Bai Xuan to keep you company.”

Yu Jing: …