Chapter 6: What?! There’s a Monthly Pass Too?!
At Qingyun Sect, Chixiao Peak, Mu Baishuang abruptly opened her eyes while cultivating, sensing something unusual.
“Strange, my senior sister’s aura has stabilized?” She retrieved a tattered straw doll and two copper coins from her spatial ring, calculating for a long time without coming to any conclusion.
By her plan, Li Qingran, burdened with internal and external injuries, a destroyed spiritual root, and fire poison, couldn’t possibly survive half a month. The demonic beasts roaming Wanqing Mountain should have taken care of her. Any encounter with a beast of modest strength should have spelled her doom. Once Li Qingran was dead, Mu Baishuang could claim the Taiyin Dao Body for herself.
“So, where did it all go wrong?”
Mu Baishuang frowned, her calculations only revealing that Li Qingran was still in the dilapidated hut, unmoving. That was the only consolation.
“Baishuang, are you in there?” A shrill voice called from outside her cave.
Her brows furrowed deeper in disdain—it was Zhang Hanxiao, the incessant chatterbox.
This annoying man showed up at her cave a dozen times a day! If not for maintaining her “sweet junior sister” persona and the valuable item he carried, she would have thrown him out long ago.
A lazy dandy dreaming of becoming her Dao companion? What a joke!
Still, Zhang Hanxiao had his uses.
Mu Baishuang’s eyes gleamed as she thought of a plan, quickly putting on her signature sweet smile.
“Hanxiao Brother~”
Her syrupy tone nearly sent Zhang Hanxiao into a trance.
“What brings you here, Hanxiao Brother?” She stepped forward, tilting her head slightly, her plain white robes as pristine as snow, hands clasped demurely before her. Her dark hair swayed in the breeze, and her eyes glimmered with innocent charm, as pure as a budding white lotus.
“Ah, haha! No big deal.” Zhang Hanxiao’s eyes fixated on her face as he nervously swallowed and awkwardly handed her something. “Your Frostmoon Sword broke during your duel with Li Qingran half a month ago, right? I took on some missions outside the sect and bought you a better sword. It’s called Autumn Radiance—better than Frostmoon.”
He was lying. This sword was actually a birthday gift from Li Qingran.
While he had taken on numerous sect missions recently, he’d also caused a lot of trouble. The money he earned barely covered his debts.
In the past, Li Qingran would clean up his messes. Now, he had to fend for himself. But to win favor with Mu Baishuang, he needed a present, and this sword seemed like a good choice.
Mu Baishuang glanced at the Autumn Radiance Sword in his hands.
A mid-grade magical weapon, indeed superior to her Frostmoon Sword, which was merely a top-grade mortal weapon. For a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it was considered luxurious.
Of course, Senior Brother Lu Changtian had already gifted her a top-grade magical weapon—the Wind Tapestry Sword. But who would complain about having too many weapons? Besides, magical weapons could serve as deadly trump cards if detonated in emergencies.
“Hanxiao Brother, isn’t this your personal sword?” Mu Baishuang pouted, feigning concern. “If you give it to me, what will you use?”
“Bah, with my strength, any sword will do!” Zhang Hanxiao waved her concern away. “But you, Baishuang, need a reliable weapon for protection. It’s settled—no need to refuse!”
Internally, Mu Baishuang rolled her eyes.
What do you mean I need protection? Do I look weak?
“Well, thank you, Hanxiao Brother~” Outwardly, she bowed gracefully, her face lighting up with joy as she accepted the sword. Drawing it slightly, the blade gleamed coldly in the light. Hugging the sword to her chest, she beamed. “I love it! You’re so thoughtful, Hanxiao Brother!”
Watching her embrace the sword, Zhang Hanxiao wished he could replace it with himself.
Seizing the moment, he added eagerly, “Junior Sister, do you have time tonight? There’s a great spot at the back of the mountain with dense Spiritual Qi. I’ll take you there!”
“Oh, that won’t be necessary.” Mu Baishuang smiled politely. “Senior Brother Lu already set up a Spirit Gathering Formation for me.”
“Uh…” Zhang Hanxiao was dumbfounded.
“Oh, right, Hanxiao Brother,” Mu Baishuang stepped closer, gently wrapping her arms around his, her finger tracing his palm. “There’s an outer disciple named Song Jiaojiao—I’m good friends with her. Could you bring her here for me? You know I can’t go to the outer sect…”
With her soft embrace and intoxicating scent, Zhang Hanxiao’s brain turned to mush. Somehow, he found himself standing outside her cave, under a willow tree.
“Totally worth it.” He savored the lingering warmth on his arm, grinning as he left.
Outer disciples weren’t allowed in the inner sect, and inner disciples couldn’t bring them in. It was against sect rules. But who cared about rules? The junior sister’s word was law!
Back in her cave, Mu Baishuang leaned against the door, her hand instinctively brushing the burning snake-shaped mark on her lower back. Her face darkened, her eyes flashing with malice.
“Li Qingran, let’s see if you can survive this time…”
At midnight, Chen Huai'an was jolted awake by his alarm.
Usually, his extreme physical weakness meant he was dead to the world by 8 or 9 p.m., no matter what. But today, he set his phone to vibrate and fell asleep with his face on it, determined to wake up.
He wasn’t disappointed. The Advanced Spirit Gathering Formation had finished its work, leaving the ten Spirit Crystals shattered and the formation flags dim. At the center of the formation, Li Qingran was glowing with vitality.
Chen Huai'an gently tapped her forehead.
【Status: Resting】
【Cultivation Progress: 327/499 (Level 2)】
“Well, look at that! Qi Refinement Level 2 already, and almost Level 3! Worth every penny!”
He grinned, feeling like a dad who had bought study materials only to see his child’s grades skyrocket.
Before he could bask in the moment, two pop-ups smacked him in the face:
【Congratulations! Your virtual girlfriend “Li Qingran” has broken through to Qi Refinement Level 2!】
【 First-time monthly pass at an astounding discount! Purchase now for a free “Transmission and Recovery” session! Only ¥1888 for benefits worth ¥18.88 million—including daily spirit stone and pill supplies corresponding to her realm (exclusive to virtual girlfriend use).】
【The Virtual Girlfriend Shop is now open! Purchase items tailored for Qi Refinement cultivators or try your luck in the “Fortune Carp Pool – Beginner” lottery (¥100 per draw, 10-draws at 10% off, with a 0.001% chance of winning the grand prize, guaranteed rewards after 1,000 draws).】
Chen Huai'an’s smile froze.
He stared at his phone in silence, his hand trembling slightly.
He wanted to call the police!