The Villainess Always Wants to Cuddle With Me [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 37

Since Jian Qiongjun’s death, Ling Jun had rarely smiled.

In the Cuiyue Sect’s main hall, white silk banners hung high, and countless white paper lanterns adorned the eaves and corridors. Jian Qiongjun had always favored jade-green and crimson red attire, and the hall’s inner walls were now covered in vermilion paper.

A crimson octagonal glass lantern hung from the hall’s ceiling, its base tied with a red cord from which a sprig of red plum blossoms dangled.

At the hall’s center stood a somber coffin made of dark, ancient wood. Such coffins could preserve their contents for millennia, impervious to water, fire, earth, and decay.

Beside the coffin stood a young woman, her head wrapped in a plain cloth. Dressed in simple white robes, her slender, jade-like fingers rested on the coffin, repeatedly caressing the words “Cherished Remembrance.” Her eyes were weary, her tear-reddened lids now heavy with a prolonged silence.

A disciple in plain white robes slowly entered the hall. She lazily clasped her hands in a salute toward Ling Jun and whispered, “Sect Leader, the two Rudder Envoys request your presence in the council chamber.” A closer look revealed a hint of defiance in the disciple’s eyes.

Ling Jun turned to glance at the disciple, nodded faintly in acknowledgment, and reluctantly withdrew her fingers from the coffin to head toward the council chamber.

It was only natural for Ling Jun to succeed as Sect Leader. The problem lay in her sole possession of exceptional medical skills and self-defense Lightness Skill. Beyond these, she lacked any martial arts prowess.

This was common knowledge throughout the Cuiyue Sect. Their Sect Leader was unarmed, possessing only a loyal hound—obedient, ruthless, and now wielding supreme authority as Jian Qigui, who had risen above the two Rudder Envoys.

Ling Jun single-handedly managed the funeral arrangements, while Jian Qigui handled the sect’s other affairs.

Jian Qiongjun’s death had thoroughly stirred the Cuiyue Sect’s cauldron.

When Ling Jun ascended to the Sect Leader’s position, no one opposed her. Jian Qigui smoothly secured the Left Protector’s post. However, this disrupted the power struggle between the Left and Right Helmsmen.

Though the Cuiyue Sect maintained a facade of harmony, undercurrents of unrest were already brewing.

In the council hall, Left Helmsman Jiang Jinru brushed a stray strand of hair from her ear and smiled. “Sect Leader, have you considered the Cuiyue Sect’s future direction? Will we maintain our current course, or…” Though she wore plain robes and a headscarf, her inherent grace remained undiminished.

Before Ling Jun could speak, Right Helmsman Fan Xing declared arrogantly, “Naturally, we must expand the Cuiyue Sect’s operations and bring it to greater glory!”

Jiang Jinru’s lips curled into a contemptuous smile. “Oh? Is Lord Fan running short on silver? Or perhaps he lacks enough beauties?” She paused, her enchanting eyes sweeping over him with mocking amusement. “If you have a plan, do share.”

Fan Xing snorted. “My informants in gambling dens across the land have heard whispers of the Heaven and Earth Bloodline Continuation.”

“Heaven and Earth Bloodline Continuation?” Ling Jun frowned from her seat.

“I’ve heard rumors of a secret technique in the martial world called the Heaven and Earth Bloodline Continuation,” Jian Qigui said, her gaze lifting to meet Fan Xing’s, her eyes as cold and sharp as drawn swords. “It’s said to grant longevity and eternal youth.”

The name alone sounded ominous. Ling Jun’s eyes darkened, her lips pressed into a thin line.

“Indeed. The technique is rumored to be hidden within the Shen Clan of Jide Prefecture,” Fan Xing confirmed with a nod.

The Right Flank Envoy’s words clearly carried a hidden meaning. Ling Jun sat regally on the dais, her imposing presence radiating the aura of a superior. She glared fiercely and snapped, “What use is this to the Cuiyue Sect’s advancement? Whatever schemes you’re plotting, you’d best abandon them. Jide Prefecture lies near Kyoto, and the Shen Clan has close ties to the Martial Alliance. How dare you—” Her tone shifted, becoming chillingly soft, “—attempt to undermine our relationship with the Martial Alliance?”

Fan Xing narrowed his eyes, his fleshy cheeks bunching into a forced smile. “Of course not! I was merely raising the possibility. But to address the real matter, it concerns the Martial World Bounty Order.” For some reason, he sensed an unexpected air of authority emanating from this young girl. Now was not the time for confrontation; he had to be wary not only of Jian Qigui’s peerless martial arts beside Ling Jun but also of Jiang Jinru’s presence.

“What’s the source of this claim?” Jian Qigui’s gaze was as cold as a frigid pond, her entire being radiating an icy chill.

“As you all know, the bounty orders we accept typically involve personal grudges and romantic entanglements within the martial world. But yesterday, we received a different kind of commission…” Fan Xing said, producing a bounty notice from his robes.

Jiang Jinru scoffed dismissively. “Did your enemies finally put up a reward for your head?”

Rumor had it that the Left and Right Helmsmen of the Cuiyue Sect were always harmonious, a fact Ling Jun had long been aware of. But judging by the current situation… the air was thick with tension after just three sentences. She wondered if this facade was for someone’s benefit.

“Our Left Helmsman is truly joking,” Fan Xing said with a forced smile as he unfolded the bounty order, holding it up for all to see. “This order instructs us to assassinate Wang Chengyang, the Associate Commander of Ji Prefecture.”

The bounty order contained only five words: “Wang Chengyang, Ji Prefecture.” In the lower right corner were five full moons. According to Cuiyue Sect rules, a full moon represented a gold transaction, while a crescent moon signified a silver one. One full moon was worth ten taels of gold, so five moons meant fifty taels.

“Such extravagance… they’re truly willing to spend. This doesn’t seem like the work of someone from the martial world…” Jiang Jinru straightened up, her earlier languid demeanor gone as she stared at the order. “We don’t meddle in courtly feuds.”

Ling Jun cared little for the Cuiyue Sect’s business of buying and selling information, nor for the Martial World Bounty Orders arising from personal vendettas. But when the matter involved court officials, the nature of the situation changed entirely.

“The Cuiyue Sect never accepts assassination bounties related to the imperial court,” Ling Jun stated firmly, her expression displeased.

If this bounty were like any other, it wouldn’t matter. But fifty taels of gold was no small sum—this single job could equal the value of countless ordinary bounties.

Fan Xing licked his lower lip, pressing his case: “But this bounty order… fifty taels of gold! He’s offering far too much.”

Ling Jun, who had once sat on the imperial throne for several years, understood the court’s machinations all too well. Even if the magistrate of Ji Prefecture was a minor official, he wouldn’t offer such a lavish sum without powerful backing. She knew that officials were never solitary figures, but rather representatives of influential factions.

“That is quite a sum…” Even Jiang Jinru seemed tempted.

“Do you know what it means to have money to earn but no life to spend it?” Ling Jun rose abruptly, flashing to Fan Xing’s side in an instant, a dagger materializing in her hand as if from nowhere. “I’ve said it before: the Cuiyue Sect never accepts assassination bounties related to the court, whether the target is a martial artist or a court official.”

So fast… Fan Xing’s heart jolted. Though Ling Jun lacked martial arts training, her Ice Lotus Steps were not to be underestimated. He lowered his gaze, concealing the murderous intent in his eyes. “Yes, Sect Leader.”

Ling Jun nodded and glided out of the room. As she rounded the corner, she collided with Chengzhu. Clutching her reddened forehead, she forced a smile, struggling to maintain her composure.

A flash of profound black flickered behind her, followed by a soft chuckle. “Sect Leader, how could you be so careless?”

Sect Leader…

Since Jian Qiongjun’s death, Jian Qigui had never called Ling Jun by her name. Now, she addressed her as “Sect Leader,” a stark reminder of their growing estrangement.

“The sky is dark, and I’m somewhat night-blind,” Ling Jun replied without hesitation.

Her vision had been deteriorating, reverting to its former state. She couldn’t let anyone discover this, not even Jian Qigui.

It was late at night, the air crisp with frost and dew. Looking up, Ling Jun noticed the clouds were thicker than usual, obscuring much of the moonlight.

Jian Qigui nodded. “Master’s seventh-day memorial has passed. What about the coffin?”

“It will be kept for half a year, with daily offerings,” Ling Jun replied, her gaze fixed on Jian Qigui’s eyes, unable to discern the emotions hidden within.

After a moment’s pause, Ling Jun continued, “I’m going to White Plum Mountain tomorrow.”

So soon? Still, it was for the best. It would save Jian Qigui the trouble of acting herself. She gave a slight nod. “Go find Gu Wen without worry. I’ll watch over the Cuiyue Sect for you.”

“Then I’ll leave it to you,” Ling Jun said, a childhood memory flashing through her mind. She smiled and pinched Jian Qigui’s sleeve. “How about I make you some Jiaodong Flower Buns when I return?”

Jiaodong Flower Buns… Jian Qigui’s eyes darkened. In the past, they used to make these flower buns together during festivals, steaming them in bamboo baskets. They weren’t overly sweet, but full of warmth and sentiment.

“That’s too much trouble. The ones from Retaste Pavilion are delicious enough.”

Seeing her reluctance, Ling Jun didn’t press further. “Alright.”

As the moon climbed high into the night sky, the dark clouds gradually dispersed, revealing scattered silver light that spilled down. A black shadow darting between the trees paused before the window. With a nimble flip, it landed on its toes and glided silently to the bedside of the sleeping figure. A fingertip flicked lightly, and a heavy token slipped into the shadow’s palm.

The token bore the unmistakable inscription: “Sect Leader.”

As dawn approached, Ling Jun prepared to leave the mountain gate, a figure trailing silently behind her.

She sighed softly. “Senior Sister, please don’t follow me.”

Yunyin approached with a slight lift in her step, glancing sideways as she spoke, “You’ve granted Jian Qigui such immense authority without a shred of caution… Her origins are shrouded in mystery. She shares neither the bond of bl00d nor the debt of nurture. Even if your mother brought her here, how could you possibly know her past?”

“Senior Sister, you exaggerate,” Ling Jun replied, her expression momentarily faltering. The knuckles of her hand, hanging at her side, tightened slightly. “She’s been by my side since childhood. Isn’t that enough to call her family? I’ve always considered her my younger sister.”

“Family?” Yunyin’s expression hardened, her eyes brimming with hurt. “Ling Jun, I should address you as Sect Leader now! Have you forgotten? When your mother passed, did you see Jian Qigui shed a single tear for her Master? You treat her like family, but does she reciprocate? Has she ever considered you family?”

Ling Jun pressed her lips together, unable to find words to refute Yunyin’s accusations. After all, as the villain of this world, Jian Qigui’s emotional detachment seemed almost inevitable. Yet the warmth Ling Jun had offered her for so many years had failed to thaw her heart. A heavy weight settled in her chest, and she parted her lips slightly, gasping for air.

She felt like she couldn’t breathe…

Seeing Yunyin’s reaction, Ling Jun fiercely pounded her own chest and demanded, “You consider her family, then… what about me?”

At these words, Ling Jun looked up in astonishment. She hadn’t noticed when two tears had begun to trickle down Yunyin’s cheeks.

“You are too,” Ling Jun replied instinctively, reaching out to wipe away Yunyin’s tears. “You know I’ve never favored one over the other.”

Yunyin seized Ling Jun’s fingertips and took a deep breath. “You’re always like this, treating everyone equally well. When will you ever understand my heart, my true feelings?”

Ling Jun froze, afraid to even breathe. Her lips parted in confusion, unsure of what to say. Something felt terribly wrong—what was this strange turn of events?

Then, a soft, warm sensation pressed against her lips. Ling Jun’s almond eyes widened, her ears ringing like thunder.

Senior Sister had… kissed her!