After Transmigrating into a Book, I Was Entangled by a Crazy and Beautiful Villain - Chapter 34

Lin Qianqian?

Hearing this answer, Song Linlin looked at Chi Qianning with a strange expression. The name sounded quite fake. She tried hard to control her facial muscles so as not to reveal any subtle expressions in front of others.

The surname ‘Lin’ was intriguing. Song Linlin immediately thought of her own name, but she was afraid she was overthinking it. Moreover, with others present, she didn’t feel comfortable asking more questions.

Chi Qianning offered no further explanation after that sentence. Song Linlin stood in front of her, smiling to smooth things over. “This… Lin Qianqian is quite shy and doesn’t talk much usually. Please excuse her, Senior Sister.”

“No worries.”

Ye Tingran didn’t seem to mind Chi Qianning’s attitude. She glanced at Song Linlin, then at Chi Qianning, and, as if thinking of something amusing, chuckled and said, “But Junior Sister Song’s name is truly similar to this Junior Sister Lin’s. This must be a special kind of fate.”

Song Linlin gave an awkward laugh, unsure how to respond.

Of course the two names were similar. Song Linlin felt that Chi Qianning had clearly chosen it deliberately.

“It is quite a coincidence…” Song Linlin replied perfunctorily.

“Right, Junior Sister Song, do the two of you have any plans next?”

Zhiyu still maintained her refreshing smile, looking both dignified and gentle. She asked, “We and a few other junior sisters plan to go to a Spirit Gathering Formation to cultivate. After all, the first Inner Disciple Competition is in one month. This year’s competition is earlier than usual, so we don’t have much time left and naturally need to intensify our cultivation.”

“What?” Song Linlin was utterly confused.

The Inner Disciple Competition was a long-standing tradition in the sect, usually held once or twice a year. However, according to previous years’ practice, disciples who had just entered the sect would only participate shortly before the next batch of inner disciples were promoted. Song Linlin’s batch had only been in the sect for a little over six months, so it shouldn’t be held this early.

Seeing Song Linlin’s puzzled look, Zhiyu likely guessed what was going on. She said, “Junior Sister Song probably hasn’t had a chance to look at the newly posted announcement this morning. The predicted time for the Mirror Moon Secret Realm to appear has been moved up this year, and the number of spots available to enter the Secret Realm is limited. Everyone is working hard to secure a spot.”

Song Linlin barely made it to the morning class on time every day; she had no time to keep up with news, so she was naturally behind. However, the Mirror Moon Secret Realm did ring a bell.

Secret Realms were small spaces independent of the real world. Their presence and entrance were usually untraceable and only appeared when they overlapped with reality at specific times.

They contained many rare treasures and valuable herbs that were hard to find in the outside world—a veritable treasure trove. However, treasures often came with danger. One had to guard against dangerous demon beasts living within the Secret Realm and be prepared for various sudden occurrences.

Song Linlin remembered this particular Mirror Moon Secret Realm quite clearly; it opened once every fifty years. In the context of the novel’s plot, such events were typically opportunities for the female protagonist, Ye Tingran, to acquire treasures. This time, the Secret Realm would yield some precious and rare items, but the danger level was also significantly increased.

The sect had a limited number of spots for disciples to enter such places, and this time, it would likely be decided by the ranking in the competition.

No wonder Zhiyu proactively sought her out to cultivate; to outsiders, the chance to seek treasure in a Secret Realm was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Song Linlin had no interest in such things and, in fact, wanted to avoid them. In a major event like this, she might accidentally become cannon fodder. It was definitely safer to stay within the sect.

So, she immediately rejected Zhiyu’s suggestion. “Senior Sister Zhiyu, I have other plans later. Lin Qianqian and I won’t join you. You all should go ahead.”

“In that case, alright.” Zhiyu didn’t try to force Song Linlin. Others were waiting for them outside. “Then, Senior Sister Ye and I will leave first.”

Watching Ye Tingran and Zhiyu walk away, and ensuring they had gone a distance, Song Linlin finally sighed in relief and turned to look at Chi Qianning behind her.

She narrowed her eyes at Chi Qianning, whose hand was still holding hers. Song Linlin felt exasperated and quietly said, “Lin Qianqian… Humph, how come I didn’t know your name was Lin Qianqian?”

Chi Qianning looked at Song Linlin, then turned her head, not answering her, but a mischievous smile clearly flashed in her red eyes.

This made Song Linlin unable to resist giving her a pinch on the waist. Her fingers found no excess fat around the waist. She didn’t really use force, and the resulting feeling was more ticklish than painful.

“Hiss…”

Chi Qianning turned to look at Song Linlin, but Song Linlin had already withdrawn her hand, blinking with an expression that suggested she hadn’t done anything. She re-clasped Chi Qianning’s hand and smiled, “Alright, Lin Qianqian, let’s go back.”

Most people had already left. If the two of them kept holding hands and standing in the corridor, it would look strange. Song Linlin pulled her along toward the exit, regardless of whether she had answered.

Stepping out of the morning class area, the sect was very lively in the early morning. This area was a gathering place for various buildings, and there were many people coming and going. As soon as the two appeared outside, people along the way occasionally cast curious glances their way.

Those gazes were either curious or astonished. Song Linlin quickly weaved through the crowd with Chi Qianning. She looked at the people nearby and couldn’t help turning back, teasingly saying, “Lin Qianqian, do you think we should find something to cover your face next time we go out?”

Chi Qianning ignored the peering glances from outside, looked at the turning Song Linlin, and squeezed her hand. “Don’t mess around.”

“Oh.”

Passing a more crowded area, Song Linlin paused and temporarily let go of Chi Qianning. She said, “Wait here, I’ll go see what exactly is written on that announcement, and I’ll be right back.”

Since the announcement was newly posted this morning, most people passing by were curious enough to take a look. Song Linlin hadn’t paid attention to this area when she arrived, focused on rushing to class so as not to be late.

Since there were many people, Song Linlin decided to go herself rather than taking Chi Qianning into the crowd. Chi Qianning nodded and let go of her.

Even from this distance, Chi Qianning could clearly see what was written on it. Song Linlin went over, scrutinized the newly posted notice, read it thoroughly, and then retreated, disinterested.

She hooked onto Chi Qianning’s arm and continued toward their residence. “Let’s go. That announcement has nothing to do with me.”

Chi Qianning looked at her and said blandly, “Twenty spots. The top twenty in the rankings will be selected. You have a good chance of being chosen.”

“Huh?!”

Song Linlin was surprised that she could know what was written on the announcement from so far away, but Chi Qianning had brought her so many surprises that she was gradually getting used to it.

What Song Linlin found odd now was Chi Qianning’s confidence in her. She had just gone to read it and found out that this time, not only her current batch but also the disciples from the previous batch who were still in the Golden Core stage and under twenty years old would participate.

The pressure instantly multiplied. Song Linlin didn’t believe she could beat them, and besides, she didn’t want to go to that Mirror Moon Secret Realm at all. Staying safely within the sect was the most secure option.

Song Linlin shook her head faster than a rattle drum, shrinking her neck, and firmly rejected the idea. “No, no, no, I don’t want to go to that Secret Realm!”

“And… and most importantly, I might not be able to defeat the others anyway.”

As for the Secret Realm, whoever wanted to go should go; Song Linlin just wanted to lie low in the sect.

Chi Qianning looked at her unmotivated demeanor, shook her head, and said helplessly, “You haven’t even tried. How can you be sure you will definitely lose?”

“Don’t say anything more. Let’s just go back first.” Song Linlin really didn’t want to continue discussing this topic with her.

When they returned to their accommodation, Song Linlin immediately plopped down on the bed again. Boneless, she lay sprawled on the bed and took out the book she hadn’t had time to read from under the pillow.

Several books had been taken by Chi Qianning previously, and Song Linlin hadn’t had a chance to read them. Now she had some spare time.

Chi Qianning sat beside her, watching her slack off as soon as they returned. She couldn’t help but tug at Song Linlin’s clothing. “Song Linlin, you should go cultivate.”

In the few days since they returned to the sect, Chi Qianning hadn’t seen Song Linlin actively cultivate; she was mostly slacking off. She felt it was necessary to supervise Song Linlin’s cultivation now.

“Huh?”

Song Linlin turned around, looked at her strangely, hugged her book tightly, and stated firmly, “No.”

“There’s still a month. If you start cultivating diligently now, you can still catch up with others.” Chi Qianning assumed she was giving up because she felt she couldn’t compare to others.

“No way, I really don’t want to go to that Mirror Moon Secret Realm!”

Song Linlin instinctively moved away a bit. Chi Qianning used to be the one who idled away the days with her, so why the sudden change?

Chi Qianning also looked at Song Linlin strangely. She didn’t quite understand what the other person was thinking. Given the opportunity, everyone else in the sect would be very happy to go, yet Song Linlin only wanted to hide.

“Why not go?” Chi Qianning asked.

Song Linlin twined her fingers together and looked at her with lingering fear. “Why go? It’s too dangerous there.”

Chi Qianning remembered that place was meant for cultivators at or below the Golden Core stage. Logically speaking, how dangerous could it be?

“How can that be? So many people go every time, and quite a few come out.”

Hearing this, Song Linlin put down her book, sat up, and faced Chi Qianning. She said, “But there are always those who don’t come out…”

“With my current strength, I’d rather not. What if I go in and can’t get out? Isn’t that just rushing to my death?”

Chi Qianning fell silent. Hearing it like this, Song Linlin seemed to have a point, but upon closer reflection, why did it feel wrong again?

In a Secret Realm, dangers would surely arise, whether from the various demon beasts living inside or the humans who kill each other for treasures.

But such situations aren’t exclusive to the Secret Realm; they are common in the outside world too, aren’t they?

She was almost misled by Song Linlin’s words. Now, staring at Song Linlin, she said bluntly, “These are all just excuses because you don’t want to go, aren’t they?”

Song Linlin was indeed extremely reluctant to go. Seeing that she couldn’t convince Chi Qianning with logic, she could only resort to acting shamelessly. She looked at Chi Qianning pitiably, “No, I truly dare not go without you accompanying me.”

“That Secret Realm only allows cultivators at or below the Golden Core stage to enter. How dangerous would it be if I went alone? I might run into some dangerous situation, and then you wouldn’t see me again.”

Chi Qianning was silent for two seconds, her tone softening slightly. “I will wait for you outside.”

“That’s still not good. I just don’t dare to go.” Song Linlin remained firm in her resolve never to enter the Secret Realm.

Chi Qianning could only sigh lightly. She couldn’t persuade Song Linlin. She finally understood that Song Linlin just wanted to drift through her days in the sect.

“Do you still remember the sword technique I taught you before?”

“Uh…”

Song Linlin was about to ask what sword technique, but she vaguely recalled that she had defeated Xing Jiu of Falling Maple Temple using the sword technique Chi Qianning taught her. But she hadn’t seriously memorized it at the time, and after that incident, she had almost forgotten about it. Now, the memory was very hazy.

“I’m sorry, I can’t quite remember…” Song Linlin said softly.

Since Chi Qianning taught it, it certainly wasn’t some common technique; it felt very impressive. But the fact that she couldn’t recall any of it made Song Linlin feel embarrassed.

Chi Qianning had expected this. She shook her head, no longer counting on Song Linlin to cultivate diligently. If she was a bit weaker, then so be it.

“Since you don’t want to cultivate, let’s do something else,” Chi Qianning said lightly, her eyes fixed on Song Linlin.

Seeing that the other person was no longer fixated on making her go to the Mirror Moon Secret Realm, Song Linlin relaxed quite a bit. As long as it wasn’t about pushing her to cultivate hard, anything else was acceptable.

Song Linlin asked curiously, “What is it?”

“Hold out your hand.”

Song Linlin obediently held out her hand, palm up, and tilted her head. “And then?”

Cold fingers touched the back of her hand, and the fingers clasped the side of her palm. The chilly sensation drew away some of the warmth from her palm. Then, under Song Linlin’s confused gaze, Chi Qianning bent down slightly and lifted the clasped hand.

Her head lowered a little, and soft lips gently pressed against the muscles of the palm facing her. Song Linlin could feel the lines and contours of the other person’s palm.

Song Linlin was so startled she couldn’t speak. A kiss landed in the center of her palm. Then, the other person raised her eyes, her red pupils staring up at her, intensely possessive and carrying a hint of intoxicated emotion.

A kiss landed on the outer side of the palm. Chi Qianning tilted her head, and the next kiss landed further toward the inner palm. This kiss was noticeably more forceful than the previous one, and throughout the process, those red eyes never left Song Linlin.

“Hiss—”

Song Linlin couldn’t help but gasp. She couldn’t quite describe how she felt right now, and her heart rate involuntarily sped up.

Then, her palm was held by the other person and pressed against Chi Qianning’s somewhat cold face. She looked at the person in front of her. “What are you thinking?”

Those eyes were so possessive at the moment that just looking into them, Song Linlin felt she was about to be seduced. She immediately pulled her hand back, hastily slipped on her shoes—not caring if they might fall off halfway—and practically ran away.

“I, I, I… I’m going to the Spirit Gathering Formation to cultivate diligently!”

Having said that, she rushed out of the room in a panic, regardless of what the other person thought.

In short, Song Linlin shamefully ran away.