Hold Tight to the Female Lead's Thigh [Transmigration GL] - Episode 31

Guan Fusha was in her study handling the letters sent back by her spies. Just as she picked up her brush, she noticed the inkstone was dry. “A’Tian, come grind the ink,” she called.

 

“…”

 

A’Tian stood by the window, idly wiping a vase with a cloth, her gaze clearly elsewhere—her mind was miles away.

 

After waiting a moment without seeing her approach, Guan Fusha called again, “A’Tian.”

 

A’Tian looked utterly distracted, mechanically wiping the vase while lost in her thoughts, completely unaware of Guan Fusha’s words.

 

Several days had passed since Yan Hong stormed off in a rage that day, and A’Tian hadn’t caught a glimpse of her since. It seemed Yan Hong was deliberately avoiding her—not only skipping the sect’s meetings but also refraining from visiting Hibiscus Courtyard to discuss matters with the Guardian. Even when A’Tian had proactively gone to the Punishment Hall to look for her, she couldn’t find her…

 

“A’Tian!” Guan Fusha frowned slightly, raising her voice impatiently. “What are you daydreaming about?”

 

“…Huh?” Only then did A’Tian hear Guan Fusha’s call. She hastily set down the cloth, approached the desk, and asked respectfully, “What does the Guardian need from this servant?”

 

Guan Fusha gave her a faint glance, then directed her gaze toward the empty inkstone.

 

Following her line of sight, A’Tian realized the inkstone was out of ink and awkwardly apologized, “I’m sorry, Guardian. This servant will grind the ink for you right away.”

 

Flustered, she hurried over to the bookshelf holding the Four Treasures of the Study and began rummaging through them. Not only did she fail to locate the inkstick, but she accidentally bumped the shelf, causing the celadon vase displayed on the upper level as a decoration to wobble precariously and fall.

 

A’Tian froze for a second before quickly covering her head with her hands, squeezing her eyes shut in fear.

 

But after waiting for what felt like an eternity, the expected pain never came. When she opened her eyes, she saw that Guan Fusha had caught the celadon vase. A’Tian paused, then stammered, “Thank you, Guardian, for saving me.”

 

Guan Fusha didn’t respond. She stepped around A’Tian to return the vase to its place, then glanced at her and said calmly, “You’ve been absent-minded these past few days. Is something troubling you?”

 

Surprised that her distraction was so obvious, A’Tian lowered her eyes. “…No, the Guardian is overthinking it.”

 

Unconvinced, Guan Fusha slowly paced back to her seat and sat down, remarking as if casually, “Speaking of which, I haven’t seen Yan Hong for days. Do you know where she went?”

 

A’Tian stiffened, her fingers unconsciously twisting the cloth. She hung her head and returned to her spot, resuming her half-hearted wiping of the vase as she mumbled, “This servant does not know the whereabouts of Hall Master Yan Hong.”

 

“Is that so?” Guan Fusha raised a skeptical eyebrow. “A few days ago, I saw you and Yan Hong chatting in the garden. I thought you two were quite close. I assumed you might know where she went.”

 

A’Tian’s hand stilled. She stammered, “That day, this servant and the Hall Master… it was just a coincidence, a chance encounter.”

 

Guan Fusha smiled faintly but didn’t press further. She picked up her brush, intending to dip it in ink, only to find the inkstone still empty. Watching A’Tian’s disheartened, distracted figure, she couldn’t help but shake her head and sigh softly.

 

Forget it. Better to rely on oneself than others. She might as well do it herself.

 

On another front.

 

Peach Blossom was diligently practicing the Flying Dragon Sword Technique in the training ground today. Guan Fusha hadn’t come to see her for several days. From initial anticipation and disappointment to heartache, she had now channeled her frustration into motivation. It had to be said that although only a few days had passed, Peach Blossom’s martial arts had improved significantly. Of course, she also had to thank Xiao Yuan for her daily, cold-faced, sharp-tongued guidance.

 

Even so, she and Xiao Yuan still didn’t get along well. Compared to Xiao Yuan, Xiao Zhu was far more likable.

 

Thinking of how attentively Xiao Zhu had treated her in the past, Peach Blossom couldn’t help but let out a sigh.

 

Xiao Yuan paid no attention and casually placed a three-tiered lunchbox in front of Peach Blossom, saying coldly, “Guardian, it’s time to eat.”

 

Peach Blossom glanced at her before slowly opening the lunchbox. Although it contained all her favorite dishes.

 

“Can’t we go back to Peach Garden and enjoy our meal leisurely instead of squatting here and wolfing it down like this?” Peach Blossom asked with a displeased expression.

 

Xiao Yuan wore a look that clearly said, “Eat it or don’t, it’s up to you,” and replied coldly, “The Guardian must master the twelfth form of the Flying Dragon Sword Technique by today. I doubt there’s time to return to Peach Garden for a leisurely meal.”

 

Peach Blossom: “…”

 

Damn this girl. If you show her the slightest kindness, she acts like a master!

 

If Peach Blossom weren’t worried about losing to her, she would’ve flipped the lunchbox and thrown the food right in her face.

 

Fuming inwardly, Peach Blossom sat cross-legged on the ground, took out the food, and began eating with a sullen expression, shoveling it into her mouth.

 

But upon careful thought, she had already memorized the first eleven forms of the Flying Dragon Sword Technique. Even if she fought Xiao Yuan now, she might not lose. Besides, this would be a perfect opportunity to test her current skill level.

 

The more Peach Blossom thought about it, the more it made sense. If she could defeat Xiao Yuan, she might even find an excuse to see Guan Fusha!

 

Having made up her mind, she quickly finished her lunch, sprang lightly to her feet, and picked up the longsword beside her. With a flourish, she pointed the tip of the sword at Xiao Yuan and declared confidently, “I’ve been practicing for so long—I want to see how far I’ve come. How about sparring with me?”

 

Xiao Yuan gave her a cold glance, continued eating without a word, and didn’t even look up.

 

Peach Blossom: “…”

 

What did that mean? Was she refusing to fight?

 

Only after slowly finishing her last bite did Xiao Yuan rise unhurriedly from the ground. She walked over to the weapon rack, examined the options, and picked up a leather whip. She tested its flexibility with a firm tug, swung it a few times in the air, and then frowned slightly, as if unsatisfied. “This will do.”

 

Peach Blossom stared at her, utterly confused about what she was doing.

 

Xiao Yuan turned around and, seeing Peach Blossom still standing there dumbfounded, said, “Didn’t the Guardian say you wanted to spar with me? Why aren’t you making a move?”

 

Only then did Peach Blossom realize that Xiao Yuan had been selecting a weapon. She composed herself, focused her energy, and executed the first form of the Flying Dragon Sword Technique just as she had practiced. With a clever flick of her wrist, she made the sword blade feint, aiming to distract her opponent before thrusting straight at a vital point—

 

Xiao Yuan had already seen through Peach Blossom’s move. She sidestepped the sword, twisted her wrist, and draped the whip over the blade. Gripping both ends of the whip, she pressed down with force.

 

Unexpectedly, Xiao Yuan resorted to such a move. Taohua, caught off guard, fumbled in a panic and nearly had her sword knocked from her hand. She tightened her grip with brute force, barely dodging the whip that sliced through the air, and steadied herself to prepare for another counterattack.

 

Noticing Taohua adjusting her breath to strike again, Xiao Yuan seized the initiative, lashing her long whip at Taohua’s sword-holding right hand. The sharp sting made Taohua instinctively loosen her grip, and the sword clattered loudly as it hit the ground.

 

Xiao Yuan deftly retracted her whip, her expression cold and tinged with arrogance. “You’ve lost.”

 

“…Oh.” Taohua pretended nothing was wrong as she bent to pick up her sword, the back of her hand burning with pain. Yet, no matter how much her hand hurt, it couldn’t compare to the ache in her heart.

 

She hadn’t realized the gap in skill between her and Xiao Yuan was so vast. How foolish she had been to think she stood a chance at defeating her.

 

Feeling disheartened, Taohua bit her lip, her eyes suddenly growing warm with unshed tears.

 

After all, Guan Fusha had already ignored her. Why was she still running to the training grounds every day like an idiot, practicing so diligently? No matter how hard she tried, Guan Fusha wouldn’t even notice. Perhaps, in her heart, Taohua was nothing more than a toy to pass the time—fondled and embraced when it pleased her, then cast aside and forgotten when it didn’t.

 

At this thought, a surge of anger rose within Taohua.

 

She flung her sword to the ground with force, the metal scraping against the floor with a harsh screech. “I’m done practicing!” she declared defiantly.

 

With that, she strode out of the training grounds, not heading toward the Peach Garden but marching resolutely in the direction of Hibiscus Courtyard.

 

Though the paths within the Night God Sect were complex, Taohua had lived there for nearly a month and had memorized the routes to the places she frequented.

 

However, she had taken only two steps before Xiao Yuan swiftly caught up and blocked her path. “Where does the Guardian wish to go?”

 

“Step aside. I don’t need you to guide me!” Unwilling to listen to any excuses, Taohua attempted to bypass her and continue on her way.

 

“That won’t do.” Xiao Yuan persistently blocked her path again. “The sect’s layout is intricate. Please tell me where you wish to go, Guardian, and this servant will lead the way.”

 

“…You!” Taohua flushed with anger but felt powerless. After their earlier exchange, she knew she was no match for Xiao Yuan—even a direct confrontation would end in her defeat. Yet, she refused to concede and obediently return to training.

 

As the standoff between them intensified, a lazy voice suddenly sounded from behind Xiao Yuan. “How bold of a mere servant to speak to the Guardian in such a manner.”

 

Both women froze, turning toward the voice to find someone entirely unexpected.

 

Xiao Yuan quickly composed herself and bowed respectfully. “This servant pays respects to the Hall Master.”

 

“Left Guardian, it’s been a while.” Yan Hong ignored Xiao Yuan, smiling as she walked directly over to Taohua to greet her.

 

“…Yes.” Taohua watched Yan Hong approach, feeling somewhat dazed. Unsure, she asked, “Hall Master Yan Hong, have you come to…?”

 

Yan Hong drew closer, linking arms with Taohua, and replied with a light laugh, “I came specifically to see you, Guardian.”

 

If an uninformed person were to witness this scene, they would surely think they were lifelong friends with a deep bond.

 

Peach Blossom looked at Yan Hong’s arm linked with hers, feeling utterly bewildered. She and Yan Hong had met at most two or three times—their relationship wasn’t this close, was it? A hint of caution rose in her heart, and she tried to subtly free her arm, but Yan Hong held on tightly. Failing to break free, she gave up and forced a smile, asking, “May I ask why the Hall Master has come specifically to find me?”

 

“The sun outside is so strong, it’s almost going to tan the Guardian. Why don’t we go inside to talk in detail?” Yan Hong pointed at the blazing sun in the sky and smiled.

 

Peach Blossom felt that Yan Hong’s words seemed intended to avoid Xiao Yuan, and since she didn’t want to face Xiao Yuan any longer either, she agreed, “The Guardian makes a good point. Let’s go inside to talk.”

 

Though they said they would talk inside, Yan Hong led Peach Blossom back to the Punishment Hall. Xiao Yuan couldn’t stop Yan Hong and could only watch helplessly as she took Peach Blossom away, then immediately returned to Hibiscus Garden to report the matter to Guan Fusha.

 

Although she had been to the Duanqing Cliff, this was Peach Blossom’s first time inside the Punishment Hall, and she couldn’t help but look around curiously.

 

Yan Hong merely smiled at this and said nothing, directly leading her into the inner hall.

 

“This servant pays respects to the Guardian and the Hall Master.”

 

The maid waiting nearby immediately bowed upon seeing the two enter. Yan Hong gave her a look, and she promptly left to prepare tea for them.

 

“Guardian, please take a seat.”

 

“Alright.”

 

Peach Blossom sat next to Yan Hong, thinking that the Punishment Hall didn’t seem much different from other places. She guessed the dungeons and such were hidden behind some secret doors. Once she confirmed there wasn’t much to see, she remembered the purpose of her visit. “By the way, the Hall Master said there was something to discuss in detail. May I ask what it is?”

 

“Actually, it’s about the Right Guardian…” At this point, she deliberately paused and observed Peach Blossom’s expression.

 

Unexpectedly, it was about Guan Fusha. Peach Blossom’s expression stiffened, and she asked impatiently, “About the Right Guardian? What is it?”

 

“Don’t be in such a hurry, Guardian.” Yan Hong smiled and patted the back of her hand reassuringly. Just then, the maid returned with the tea. Yan Hong picked up a cup and handed it to Peach Blossom. “Here, have some tea first.”

 

Peach Blossom didn’t overthink it. Since the tea was warm, she took it and drank it all in one go. After swallowing, she savored the taste and felt it was somewhat strange. “Hall Master, the taste of this tea… seems a bit odd, doesn’t it?”

 

“Really?” Yan Hong picked up her own teacup and sniffed lightly. “Not at all. Perhaps it’s because this tea is from the Northern Kingdom, and the Guardian isn’t used to it.”

 

Peach Blossom didn’t know the difference between Southern Kingdom tea and Northern Kingdom tea, so she didn’t doubt Yan Hong’s words. “Anyway, what was it you wanted to discuss earlier?”

 

Yan Hong waved her hand, signaling the maid to leave. She picked up her teacup and took a slow sip, then said unhurriedly, “What I wanted to discuss with the Guardian is… whether you would like to become the next leader of the Night God Sect.”

 

…The next leader of the Night God Sect?

 

Peach Blossom was so shocked she couldn’t believe it. After a long moment, she slowly came to her senses. “You… what do you mean…?”

 

Yan Hong set down the teacup, her smile unusually sweet. “If one of the two guardians were to disappear, the position of sect leader would undoubtedly fall to her.”

 

Taohua never expected Yan Hong to propose such an idea to her. But something felt wrong. In the original storyline, Yan Hong’s character wasn’t like this at all. She and Guan Fusha had known each other since childhood, shared a deep bond, and Yan Hong had even given up her position as a guardian for her sake. How could she possibly…

 

Could it be that Yan Hong was testing her?

 

Yan Hong curled her lips into a smile and lazily leaned back in her chair. “If the guardian has such an intention, I am more than willing to lend a hand.”

 

One had to admit, an experienced veteran was truly an experienced veteran. Just by observing Yan Hong’s expression, Taohua couldn’t tell whether she was sincerely making the suggestion or merely testing her loyalty to Guan Fusha.

 

“I…”

 

“There’s no need for the guardian to rush to a decision,” Yan Hong interrupted before Taohua could finish speaking, her smile carrying a deeper meaning. “After tonight, you can give me your answer.”

 

Taohua stared at Yan Hong with uncertainty and suspicion. Just then, the door to the room was suddenly pushed open with force. She followed the sound and was stunned to see a face she had missed for so long.

 

Guan Fusha’s gaze shifted between the two of them before finally settling on Taohua, scrutinizing her from head to toe. “Junior sister, are you alright?”

 

Taohua was dazed, unable to distinguish whether this was a dream or reality. The person she had missed for so long had finally appeared before her.

 

Seeing that Taohua hadn’t responded, Guan Fusha couldn’t help but step forward to examine her more closely. “Why aren’t you answering? Are you hurt somewhere? Or in pain somewhere?”

 

Soon, Guan Fusha noticed the wound on Taohua’s hand. “How did this happen? Does it hurt?”

 

Taohua shook her head, lowered her face, and felt her eyes grow hot, unable to hold back her tears.

 

Noticing Taohua’s distress, Guan Fusha’s heart ached as well. She couldn’t help but pull her into an embrace. Perhaps she had been wrong from the start. She shouldn’t have given them time to cool off. It had only been mutual torment, causing both of them pain.

 

Feeling the warmth of that embrace once again, Taohua finally buried her face in Guan Fusha’s neck and burst into tears. “Wah… I thought you didn’t want me anymore. It’s been so long, and you didn’t even come to see me. You’re such a bad person…”

 

“Yes, it’s all my fault,” Guan Fusha soothed, gently patting her back. “It’s all my mistake. Don’t cry…”

 

“Wah… You’re such a bad person! I really thought you didn’t want me anymore.”

 

“How could I not want you?” Guan Fusha cupped Taohua’s face, making her look into her eyes to confirm the sincerity in them. “Have you forgotten what I said to you that day? I want to be with you for a lifetime. How could I not want you?”

 

Tears welled in Taohua’s eyes as she gazed at Guan Fusha, her voice soft and tearful as she called out, “Senior sister…”

 

Such a charming, coquettish voice sent a warmth through Guan Fusha’s body, and she couldn’t help but respond, “Junior sister…”

 

Guan Fusha lifted her face, drawing closer and closer. Just as their noses were about to touch, someone very unromantically cleared their throat twice, shattering the intimate atmosphere. “Ladies, this is the Punishment Hall.”

 

If you want to flaunt your affection, go back to your own home to do it!