A cat demon with amnesia. A cat demon capable of crossing into another world. Her true identity was certainly far from simple.
“She’s a kind soul,” Jiang Ling said softly. “I can tell that her heart is as pure and gentle as her appearance.”
Ling Qi chuckled, “But you don’t actually know what she was like before she lost her memory.”
Right now, she looked just like an innocent little girl. But once her memory returned, who knew what kind of person she truly was?
“Just to be safe, I’ll keep her by my side from now on,” Ling Qi added.
If she really turned out to be a serious threat, then only he might be able to handle her. But if she was simply a kind and innocent little cat demon, then that would be ideal.
Jiang Yao immediately frowned, “So… you’re even taking her to the Demon Sect?”
Wasn’t she a burden? Didn’t she lack any real cultivation just like herself?
“Of course!” Ling Qi smiled, then stood up and looked toward Jiang Ling. “It’s decided. I’ll head to the Demon Sect first. Until I return with the medical tome, don’t act recklessly.”
Jiang Ling met his gaze and gave a subtle nod. To ensure Ling Qi’s survival, the plan to eliminate the Demon Sect could wait. Now, everything depended on whether Ling Qi could handle that demoness.
“If possible, once you retrieve the medical tome, kill her. Consider it ridding the world of a great threat,” Jiang Ling added.
Ling Qi smiled and shook his head. “Hehe, in truth… you two shouldn’t be enemies. After all, the true threat to the human race is the Forbidden Demon Region.”
He never wanted Ye Youluo to become enemies with Jiang Ling and Chu Xinyue. They should stand united to face the coming disaster three years from now—for all of humanity.
“She might not see it that way!” Jiang Ling said coldly.
Ye Youluo wasn’t like Chu Xinyue. She wouldn’t walk the path of justice. She wasn’t like herself either, someone who thought about the fate of the people.
Chu Xinyue was a true heroine, someone worth befriending. But Ye Youluo was a true demoness—cold, heartless, and bloodthirsty. In her eyes, she alone reigned supreme. Everything else was beneath her. The survival of the world and the suffering of the people? That had nothing to do with her. She simply didn’t care.
“I’ll meet her first before drawing any conclusions,” Ling Qi said, waving his hand. “Until then, do what you like—just don’t make a move.”
You three really need to get along. If he ended up having to subdue all of them and they kept fighting and arguing, wouldn’t that be a huge pain?
“You’re going now?” Jiang Ling and Jiang Yao both looked at him. “Don’t you need to prepare?”
“I’ll go with the flow!” Ling Qi smiled. He didn’t know what kind of person Ye Youluo really was. Any preparation would be meaningless. As long as he met her, he’d naturally know how to deal with her.
“See you later!” Ling Qi waved, turned around, and walked away. But after a few steps, he turned back to grab the wine jug from the table.
“Be careful…” Jiang Yao stood at the doorway, concern written all over her face.
Ling Qi just casually waved a hand.
Jiang Ling glanced at her sister’s worried expression and quietly shook her head. Her sister clearly had feelings for this man. But that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. In this entire world, if anyone was worthy of her sister, it was indeed Ling Qi.
The only regret was… Ling Qi didn’t belong to anyone.
If her sister truly liked him, she had to be prepared to share him with others. A man like Ling Qi was definitely not the devoted type…
…
Xiao Chan had slept in today.
Usually, she slept early in the palace, following Jiang Ling’s schedule. But now that she was with Ling Qi, she could sleep however she wanted.
While she was still deep asleep, she hadn’t noticed that Ling Qi had already returned.
Seeing the little catgirl curled up on his bed, Ling Qi couldn’t help but smile. Her soft, pink cheeks, those long lashes… the pair of cat ears on her head, and the tail swaying behind her…
Early in the morning, to have such a cute little thing lying in bed—who could resist?
Ling Qi immediately reached out and gently pinched her furry little ears.
Her ears twitched, and she slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Ling Qi’s smiling face.
She quickly shot up and crouched on the bed, “Y-You… what are you doing?”
When did this guy come back? Had he been staring at her for a long time?
Thinking about being watched while she slept, she felt a strange sense of embarrassment…
“Speaking of which, I never punished you for lying to me, did I?” Ling Qi smiled mischievously, his gaze trailing over her delicate body, admiring her alluring abs.
“Huh?” Xiao Chan’s face turned pale in panic. He still wanted to punish her?
“Th-Then what do you want to do?” she asked timidly.
Ling Qi sat down on the bed and calmly said, “You do it yourself.”
“Eh? But…” Xiao Chan puffed her cheeks slightly, pouting. “Don’t you already have the Princess? What do you need me for?”
Ling Qi smiled, reached out, and gently stroked her head. “I’ve never had a dish like you before. Come, open your mouth. From now on… you’re my exclusive little pet.”
“Mm…” Xiao Chan half-resisted, half-cooperated, slowly leaning down…
To prevent her from becoming a serious threat after recovering her memory, the best method Ling Qi could think of was… taking full control of her first.
Even if she turned out to be some ultimate boss, at least she’d already been in his hands.
Mm, she really was a little white tiger—so fragrant.
…
A long while later, Ling Qi walked out of the room with Xiao Chan.
Her face was flushed with embarrassment, and she remained silent. But on her face was a faint expression of satisfaction.
There was now an unspoken closeness between them. It was as if she had accepted that Ling Qi was now her master.
“I’m taking you somewhere,” Ling Qi said as they stepped outside.
“Okay,” Xiao Chan nodded, then transformed into a little black cat.
Ling Qi picked her up and placed her on his shoulder, then dashed into the distance.
“Where are we going?” Xiao Chan asked curiously. Where was he taking her?
Ling Qi smiled and calmly said, “Demon Sect.”
“Huh?” Xiao Chan exclaimed, “Isn’t Her Majesty preparing to lead a crusade against the Demon Sect? Why don’t we go with them?”
“We’ll go first,” Ling Qi said with a smile. “If everything goes as planned… they won’t need to make a move.”
Xiao Chan didn’t understand what Ling Qi was thinking, so she just quietly followed.
Just as Ling Qi left with Xiao Chan, Chu Xinyue stepped out of her room.
The moment she exited, she saw Ling Qi flying off in the distance.
What’s going on?
Did he not stay in the palace last night?
Where was he going now?
Chu Xinyue didn’t dwell on it. She knew she could never fully understand Ling Qi’s thoughts.
Soon after, she gathered the various martial world experts from Ziyun Pavilion and headed to the palace to discuss the crusade against the Demon Sect with the Empress.
But after their discussion, the result was just two words—be prepared.
The Empress Jiang Ling’s strategy was clear: prepare, but do not act for now.
No one could understand her reasoning, not even Chu Xinyue, though she did agree with her.
Chu Xinyue knew very well—it was likely that Ling Qi had gone to find Ye Youluo first.
So for now, all they could do was wait for news.
After the meeting ended, Jiang Ling asked Chu Xinyue to stay behind for a private conversation.
In the royal garden, beneath a pavilion, the two stood side by side.
A noble and unparalleled Empress. A heroine as beautiful as a fairy.
Standing together, they outshone all the spring scenery around them.
“Last night, that jade pendant… did he directly try to snatch it from you?” Jiang Ling asked first.
Now that they both knew what the other had been thinking, there were no more secrets between them.
“He said he had no choice, but I don’t know what his reason was,” Chu Xinyue said, shaking her head.
“He wanted to take Xiao Chan from me—the little catgirl you all saw,” Jiang Ling said slowly.
“Oh?”
Chu Xinyue’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. So that was Ling Qi’s reason? Was that supposed to be a valid excuse? He’d rather upset her just to take a catgirl away from the Empress’s side?
Was it really just lust at first sight? He just wanted that catgirl? That reason sounded way too unconvincing.
“With Her Majesty’s temperament… she shouldn’t have agreed so easily,” Chu Xinyue said, turning her gaze to Jiang Ling.
Surely the Empress wouldn’t have given away her personal maid just for a jade pendant, right? That catgirl must’ve been heartbroken.
“He insisted on taking Xiao Chan. There seems to be some secret between the two of them—neither is willing to tell me what it is,” Jiang Ling smiled.
If they hadn’t known each other already, she never would have given away the maid she liked so much.
“A secret?” Chu Xinyue grew curious. What kind of secret could it be? Could that catgirl be one of the many women Ling Qi had slept with and abandoned?
He had admitted to sleeping around and leaving women behind without a second thought.
“I don’t really know either,” Jiang Ling shook her head. “Anyway… from now on, whatever he asks of me, I’ll try my best to give. Handing over Xiao Chan to him puts me at ease.”
“Oh? Her Majesty values him that much?” Chu Xinyue was surprised. “Is it because he reached the Supreme Limit Realm?”
“Not just because of that… but because he is the future of this world,” Jiang Ling said as she took a deep breath.
Then she began telling Chu Xinyue everything about the coming calamity.
Chu Xinyue was stunned after hearing it all. So that guy accidentally prevented a catastrophe?
Maybe he wasn’t just a frivolous playboy after all.
“The Eternal Calamity concerns the lives of all under Heaven,” Jiang Ling said with a solemn expression. “So… Heroine Chu, I hope we can join hands.”
“For the sake of this world, let go of all past grudges.”
“Will you stand with me?”
As she spoke, she extended her hand toward Chu Xinyue. That was her resolve—both for the empire and for the entire world.
Chu Xinyue, from her personality and values, was someone who could truly become both a friend and an ally.
Hearing Jiang Ling’s heartfelt words, Chu Xinyue suddenly smiled, “That sounded a little strange.”
Two women joining hands?
What was this, ‘holding hands till old age’?
As soon as she said it, Jiang Ling realized her wording might have been off. But Chu Xinyue still reached out and took her hand, saying, “You are far more suited to be the Empress than I am. I accept. Let the empire and the martial world walk forward together.”
Jiang Ling smiled.
The two had officially reached an agreement. From now on, they were allies, united to protect the empire and the martial world.
It was only after a long moment that they finally let go of each other’s hands.
Then Jiang Ling gently asked, “When did you first meet Ling Qi? How well do you know him? What kind of person is he?”
“I met him for the first time yesterday at the banquet,” Chu Xinyue replied with a laugh. “I didn’t know him at all before that.”
Jiang Ling’s brows furrowed slightly. Ling Qi claimed to be friends with Chu Xinyue? What kind of friendship was that?
“But this guy’s thoughts… are not quite the same as others,” Chu Xinyue added with a laugh. “It’s like he doesn’t see this world as real, nor does he view people as real either.”
“Oh?” Jiang Ling was intrigued. “What do you mean?”
“He says… this world is fake. Everyone is just a NPC, and only he has self-awareness,” Chu Xinyue answered.
Hearing that, Jiang Ling couldn’t help but smile and shake her head. Ridiculous. They knew whether they had self-awareness or not.
“There’s one more thing—he said he had a final wish before dying,” Chu Xinyue said.
“What wish?” Jiang Ling asked.
Chu Xinyue took a deep breath and replied, “He said he’s had many women, but there are still three he hasn’t conquered. Before he dies, he wants to have them all.”
“Which three?” Jiang Ling seemed to guess but still wanted to hear it.
“You, me, and Ye Youluo,” Chu Xinyue stated plainly.
Even though she had already expected it, Jiang Ling’s expression darkened slightly. That bastard was ambitious.
If he only wanted one woman, it might be acceptable. But he wanted all three—the three most outstanding women in the world.
To think she had become one of his targets, and not even the only one. That was infuriating.
Especially since he had already taken her younger sister—and now he was eyeing her too?
“I have no intention of becoming part of his harem,” Chu Xinyue said with a smile.
“Does he think… I’m the kind of woman he can control at will?” Jiang Ling said coldly.
The two exchanged a glance, then laughed together.
Since he was so confident, they would just have to humble him—show him that women in this world were not to be taken lightly!
…
By dusk, the Great Yan imperial capital was vibrant and lively.
The young Princess Jiang Yao strolled down the bustling street with a few of her maids. Whenever she was bored, she liked to wander around and admire the capital’s prosperity.
The current peace and prosperity of the Great Yan Empire were all thanks to her imperial sister.
She thought back to the past—when Chu Xinyue’s father led the empire, things were in shambles. People suffered everywhere.
Fortunately, the Jiang family replaced the Chu family, and the empire finally found peace.
“Heroine Chu is truly admirable. If it were someone else, could they really let go of such hatred so easily?” Jiang Yao murmured.
If it had been anyone else, they wouldn’t have cared how good the Empress was—they would’ve reclaimed their throne no matter what.
But Chu Xinyue let it all go. For the sake of the people, she gave up her own desires. Truly worthy of being called the greatest heroine of this era.
As Jiang Yao and her maids wandered, they suddenly saw a crowd gathered around a section of the bluestone road.
Jiang Yao loved lively scenes—especially while shopping—so she immediately led her maids over to see what the fuss was about.
But this time, it wasn’t a festival or a new invention drawing the crowd.
This time, the center of attention was a little girl.
She looked about five years old, with chubby pink cheeks and big, bright eyes—delicate and pretty. Even at such a young age, it was clear she’d grow into a stunning beauty.
Many young men would probably fight over her once she grew up.
She stood there with her hands on her hips, a few scrolls spread out behind her on the ground—she was selling paintings.
“Five taels of silver per painting? Little girl, where are your parents? Do you even know what five taels of silver means?”
Everyone was shocked.
The paintings were quite lovely, but five taels was steep—especially for artwork without a signature or known origin.
Most thought her parents weren’t around and that the little girl had shouted the price randomly. Maybe she meant five copper coins but confused it with five taels?
“Of course I know!” the little girl said seriously, hands on hips. “Five taels is 5,000 coins. Two five-tael pieces make ten. Ten five-tael pieces make fifty!”
“Wow, you really know?” Everyone was stunned. Who would’ve thought such a small child could do that kind of math?
“Are you buying or not? If not, stop crowding around!” the little girl shouted again.
“Hehe, I’ll buy!” A man stepped forward. “Tell you what, little girl, I’ll give you a math problem. If you solve it, I’ll buy one of your paintings. How about it?”
“Really?” The girl’s big eyes sparkled.
“Really!” the man smiled. “I have seventy-three taels of silver. If I buy three of your paintings, how much would I have left?”
The little girl counted on her fingers and quickly replied, “Fifty-eight taels!”
“Amazing! She really can calculate. Whose child is this?”
The man kept his promise. He bought three paintings for fifteen taels. The little girl happily took the silver and let him pick three landscape paintings.
“Expensive, yes—but well worth it. These are beautiful,” the man said. Too bad they had no signature—whoever drew them was a real master.
“I’ll test her too. If she gets it right, I’ll buy a painting too!” someone else stepped up.
Everyone treated it like a fun street activity. It was a sign of how peaceful and prosperous the empire had become.
In the old regime, no child would dare sell things on the street alone—they’d risk being robbed or worse.
“I only know numbers up to one hundred! Don’t go over that!” the little girl warned. Her mother had only taught her that far.
“Alright, don’t worry. But mine’s a bit tricky, so listen carefully…”
Another problem, another correct answer. Another painting sold.
Even Jiang Yao was drawn in by the commotion. This bright-eyed little girl was clever and adorable. No wonder so many people lined up to buy her paintings.
Jiang Yao walked forward, “Little sister, I’ll give you a problem too. If you get it right, I’ll buy all your paintings. How about that?”
Everyone turned in surprise, “P-Princess?!”
The Princess was here?
Of course. Everyone knew she loved shopping and joining in lively events. She really wasn’t so different from ordinary people.
“All of them?” the little girl asked—not excited, but serious.
She turned and pulled out a rolled-up painting from her basket. “All except this one. You can buy the rest.”
“Oh? Why not this one?” Jiang Yao was curious.
“Because… this one is a painting of my father,” the little girl said softly, suddenly looking sad.
“Your father?” Jiang Yao asked. “Where is he? And your family?”
“My family…” The girl lowered her head. “I don’t have a family. No adults at home.”
Jiang Yao’s expression darkened slightly.
How could something like this still happen in the Great Yan Empire?
What kind of heartless parents would abandon such a smart daughter?
“Can I see your father’s portrait?” Jiang Yao asked.
“Of course!” the girl handed it over. “I’m looking for him. Bad people took my mother, and I don’t know where my father is…”
Jiang Yao felt a pang in her heart. This poor child must’ve endured so much.
She took the scroll and slowly unrolled it.
No matter what, as a citizen of the Great Yan Empire, she had a duty to help.
If the girl was searching for her father, Jiang Yao could use her status to help.
But the moment she saw the portrait, Jiang Yao froze.
That face—it was Ling Qi!
The facial features, the contours, even the vivid eyes—it was unmistakable.
Her pupils dilated slightly. Was this some kind of joke?
It was Ling Qi.
Which meant… this little girl… was Ling Qi’s daughter?
Ling Qi actually had a child?
Jiang Yao immediately rolled up the painting and looked at the girl again.
Now that she looked closely, those eyes really did resemble Ling Qi’s.
But… how could he have a child?
Why hadn’t he told her?
What exactly had he done in the past? Abandoned his wife and daughter?
He didn’t seem like that kind of scumbag…
Then she remembered something Ling Qi once said—that he wasn’t such a bastard.
Maybe… he really had been one before.
Jiang Yao asked quickly, “This man… he’s really your father?”
“Yes! My mother drew this. She told me he’s my father!” the girl nodded firmly.
“Do you know your father’s name?” Jiang Yao asked again.
“I… I don’t. Not even my mother knew it,” the girl pouted.
If they had known his name, it would’ve been easier to find him. But they didn’t.
So she traveled alone, carrying a few paintings and wandering around.
She had no other choice today, so she began selling her mother’s paintings for money.
Jiang Yao took a deep breath and said, “Come with me. I know where your father is.”
The little girl looked shocked. “Really?”
Oddly, her face showed surprise—but not joy.
“It’s true,” Jiang Yao nodded.
“Then hurry, sister! Take me to him!” the little girl said excitedly.
She turned and began rolling up each of her paintings and putting them back into her basket.
As she packed, she muttered, “Once I find him, I’m going to… kill him!”