Master is Also Running Away from Marriage Today (Transmigration) - Chapter 60

That evening, Yan Qi pushed her luck to the extreme. Using the childish excuse that “the duration of the gift’s stay determines how many days she would take Mu Ling out,” she coaxed Mu Ling into planting dozens of kisses on her face. In the end, Mu Ling couldn’t resist and, seeing the faint smile at the corner of Yan Qi’s lips, retaliated by biting her there.

This act stirred up a hornet’s nest. The next day, Mu Ling’s neck was covered in suggestive marks. To make matters worse, her spiritual power was currently insufficient, and she hadn’t yet mastered healing techniques. Whether Yan Qi was deliberately ignoring it or genuinely hadn’t noticed, Mu Ling had no choice but to blush and wear a high-collared outfit the following day.

Yet, this only made things more obvious.

From Qian Jing’s unmistakable glare of “I’m going to kill you” and Shuang’er’s knowing smile, Mu Ling could easily guess what they were thinking.

Mu Ling found it hard to defend herself.

After all, it was true. Yan Qi had spent most of her days recently entangled with her.

Reflecting on it, Mu Ling belatedly realized the cunning of that “dog woman”: before she could even fully grasp her own feelings, she had already grown increasingly intimate with Yan Qi in a daze.

No matter how hard she tried to escape, she couldn’t avoid falling into the dog woman’s schemes.

Unlike the shameless dog woman, Mu Ling couldn’t bear the knowing looks from everyone after being sarcastically mocked by Qian Jing with remarks like “You’re just a replacement.” Too embarrassed to linger under their gazes, she retreated to her room and decided that since the timing seemed right, she might as well begin her closed-door cultivation to advance her level.

Over this period, Mu Ling had come to understand that the so-called “personal maid” of the Demon King was merely someone to accompany her in eating, drinking, and playing, enduring her childish affection and flattery. There was no real work involved.

Had she still been the Lin Qingge of the past, Mu Ling would have naturally let the dog woman take care of her, as her sole focus back then had been “raising a disciple for old age.”

But now, the dog woman was her lover though she had forgotten the memories of being Qingge. The cultivation world was fraught with dangers, especially around Yan Qi, who attracted trouble like a tall tree catches the wind. Mu Ling didn’t want to become a clinging vine dependent on the dog woman. She also harbored a faint hope of steering her back onto the right path. Thus, she had been pushing herself hard in cultivation recently.

Seeing Mu Ling’s diligence, the dog woman showered her with rare treasures. Combined with Mu Ling’s prior experience in cultivation, she recently felt she was on the verge of reaching the Foundation Establishment stage. A process that would require about half a month of secluded cultivation. Coincidentally, Yan Qi was preparing to attack Bodhi Crossing during this time, which meant she would be too busy to dally with Mu Ling. Seizing the opportunity, Mu Ling retrieved a protective artifact Yan Qi had given her; a beautifully crafted, giant seashell-shaped device surrounded by defensive arrays that required minimal spiritual power to operate. Inside, it even emitted a fragrant breeze, making it one of Mu Ling’s favorite artifacts.

Mu Ling had to admit: even though the dog woman had lost her memories, the gifts she chose still delighted her as much as ever.

Soon, Mu Ling immersed herself in cultivation. The process of Foundation Establishment was an incredibly profound experience. Once achieved, it meant obtaining a Dao body. Undergoing physical and spiritual refinement, slowing aging, and preserving one’s youthful appearance.

At the same time, Foundation Establishment was a test of the cultivator’s state of mind.

When Mu Ling first attempted to build her foundation, she was terrified of death. During the process, she saw the horrifying scene of the Demon King stabbing her with a sword. However, this time, the visions she encountered during her foundation-building had changed.

The experiences of these years flashed through her mind like a series of images: her parents who had passed away in a car accident, her grandfather lying cold in the funeral parlor, and the despairing, withered eyes of Lin Qingge when she herself was pierced by a flying sword.

Finally, all the images vanished, replaced by the memory of Yan Qi from last night. Holding her coldly, speaking in a somewhat harsh tone, yet pursing her lips and turning her head away, silently allowing Mu Ling to braid her hair as well.

This was the person she cared about most in this world.

Even if Yan Qi had now become the Demon King, committing countless atrocities, even if she was now condemned by all, even if Mu Ling’s current cultivation was less than a ten-thousandth of Yan Qi’s, Mu Ling still wanted to protect her, just as she had back in the days on Qingbo Peak.

Mu Ling heard a distinct “crack” in her consciousness. The sound of the barrier to her cultivation shattering into dust.

With her Dao heart now clear, the spiritual energy within Mu Ling’s body began to flow unimpeded through her meridians.

Having overcome the most critical hurdle, the rest of the cultivation process became much simpler.

Those in seclusion lose track of time. Mu Ling guided her spiritual energy through her meridians, allowing them to gradually widen under its washing. When her meridians had expanded to roughly the same thickness as those in her previous body, she felt she had reached her limit. Satisfied, she prepared to slowly digest the energy and awaken. When suddenly, another surge of spiritual energy rushed into her body.

This energy was domineering and forceful, yet its aura was unmistakably familiar. The moment it entered her body, it enveloped Mu Ling’s own spiritual energy without hesitation.

Foundation-building involved the cleansing of marrow and tendons, and during such moments, a cultivator’s spiritual awareness was extremely sensitive. Mu Ling couldn’t quite describe the sensation. The moment that energy entered her, it felt as if something had lightly scratched at her heart, sending an involuntary shiver through her body.

Fully absorbed in her cultivation, Mu Ling was unaware that her physical body had trembled, her face flushed crimson as she collapsed into a cold embrace. Meanwhile, the other person’s gaze was profound, flecked with dark glimmers, her breath slightly uneven. Her usually aloof cheeks were tinged with a faint blush, her robes slightly disheveled, like an aloof deity who had fallen from grace.

Yan Qi pressed her lips tightly together, suppressing her ragged breaths. She had only intended to help the girl expand her meridians, never expecting that the moment their spiritual energies merged, it would bring such intoxicating, near-maddening pleasure.

Well-read as she was, Yan Qi belatedly recalled that the Harmony Sect had a certain technique: when Dao companions who shared a deep connection cultivated together and their energies merged, the effects could be doubled with half the effort.

Yet few in the world dared to attempt such a thing, as recklessly channeling spiritual energy into another’s body could easily lead to one’s own destruction.

Yan Qi, however, had no such concerns. Her own spiritual power was vast. Had the divine rift not closed, she would have long since transcended mortality. Compared to hers, Mu Ling’s energy was like a drop in the ocean. So, acting on instinct, Yan Qi had channeled her energy into Mu Ling’s body to assist her.

This time, Yan Qi truly hadn’t meant anything by it. Yet now, the reality was that she had once again committed an act of ‘indecency’.

Well, since that was the case…

Yan Qi pondered for a long while, her gaze deepening as she glanced at Mu Ling. Biting her lip, she continued to let her spiritual energy surge through Mu Ling’s meridians. The two streams of energy intertwined and chased each other, coiling tightly together like vines.

Then let’s take this “scoundrel” behavior to the extreme!

Mu Ling was unaware of Yan Qi’s condition. At this moment, all her focus was on the circulation of spiritual energy, and the sensation was utterly exhilarating!

The invading energy in her meridians was gentle yet relentless, gradually expanding them several times over. The energy rushed through swiftly, the wild and unrestrained force sending tingling waves down her scalp, making it almost impossible to suppress the urge to scream. Then, it slowed down, meandering leisurely through Mu Ling’s meridians, meticulously repairing every damaged spot strand by strand. The tingling sensation was like a feather teasing her heart, each touch sending shivers through her.

Mu Ling had no idea how much time had passed. By the time her meridians had been widened to a strength and resilience far surpassing even those of her previous body, Yan Qi finally seemed satisfied and withdrew her energy. Mu Ling let out a mental sigh of relief. While others might feel refreshed after completing their Foundation Establishment, Mu Ling felt as though she had just fought a great battle. Her spirit exhausted, trembling as she curled into a ball. Before she could even process the changes in her energy, she sank into a deep slumber.

When Mu Ling awoke, she found her head resting on the “dog woman’s” lap, her entire body aching as if run over by a cartwheel.

Mu Ling clenched her jaw as she watched the dog woman’s contented, half-lidded gaze. Though nothing physical had happened between them, it somehow felt as though everything had. Mu Ling had never imagined the fusion of spiritual energy could feel so shameful. Yet she couldn’t even blame Yan Qi, because she had no idea whether Yan Qi had experienced the same sensations. Moreover, Yan Qi had genuinely helped expand her meridians.

The dog woman studied Mu Ling for a moment, her eyes darkening slightly before she began idly playing with Mu Ling’s hair again. “Your Foundation Establishment is complete, but you still need to diligently temper your body.”

Mu Ling’s cheeks flushed crimson as she glared at Yan Qi, clutching her hair and scrambling up. “I don’t need tempering.”

This was clearly a blatant jab at her poor physical endurance! Taking advantage and then acting smug.

The dog woman curved her lips and effortlessly pulled Mu Ling back into her arms, resting her head on Mu Ling’s shoulder. Her voice was low and slightly hoarse. “Stop fussing!”

Mu Ling froze.

The last time she’d heard Yan Qi speak like this was during that absurd night when she’d been drugged.

It seemed the dog woman wasn’t entirely unaffected either.

Mu Ling’s face burned even hotter.

Desperate to divert Yan Qi’s attention, she glanced around and realized they were inside a pitch-black carriage. The carriage was a pocket dimension. Small on the outside but spacious as a large room within, fully furnished with all manner of amenities. Mu Ling’s sharp eyes caught sight of the bed beneath her, which looked oddly familiar: it was the lotus-shaped bed from her own room at Qingbo Peak!

Now, the petals of the lotus bed had risen, shielding them from outside view. Mu Ling’s gaze landed on a corner where she had once idly carved the words “Beloved Disciple Qingge.” There was no mistaking it, this was her bed.

“Where did this bed come from?”

Mu Ling’s heart gave a sudden thud, completely dispelling any lingering romantic thoughts: She hadn’t been able to uncover any news about the Qingyi Sect during this time. With that damned woman having lost all her memories, could it be… that she had annihilated the Qingyi Sect?

Yan Qi’s gaze darkened slightly, but her expression remained indifferent: “I took a liking to it, so I brought it along.”

Mu Ling shot Yan Qi a glare, her fists clenched tightly in secret anxiety, though her face wore an expression of righteous indignation: “Taking without asking is theft!”

“When I arrived, this bed no longer had an owner,” Yan Qi narrowed her eyes and glanced up at Mu Ling, her tone still languid: “The entire Qingyi Sect had already fled in panic.”

Hearing that the Qingyi Sect hadn’t been wiped out, Mu Ling felt a wave of relief.

Yan Qi watched as Mu Ling visibly relaxed, her own gaze darkening further, lips pressed tightly together.

Later, after some idle chatter with Yan Qi, Mu Ling realized she had already been at the secluded mountain gates of the Bodhi Crossing for several days. By now, Yan Qi had already begun assaulting the sect’s protective barrier.

“Rumor has it this barrier was left behind by Song Tianxing,” Yan Qi said. Song Tianxing was the creator of both the Heavenly Spirit Sword Art and the Heavenly Cripple Technique, both of which Yan Qi had fully inherited, making her something of a half-disciple of his. Yet, her tone held little reverence when speaking of him: “Though he did have some skill, it’s nothing extraordinary. It won’t be long before I completely dismantle this barrier.”

Mu Ling was utterly stunned!

“D-Don’t we need to take some time to prepare.?”

Whether from the stories she’d read in this world or the modern media she’d consumed, launching an attack on an enemy usually required at least ten days or half a month of planning. She had never seen anyone move as swiftly as Yan Qi. One day declaring an assault on the Bodhi Crossing, and just two days later, setting off to bombard their gates without any preparation.

“I alone am enough!” Yan Qi fixed Mu Ling with a deep look: “There is nothing in this world beyond my capabilities.”

“Look at you, so full of yourself!” Mu Ling curled her lips. Though she found Yan Qi’s bragging somewhat endearing, she didn’t take the words seriously. After all, ancient barriers weren’t so easily broken.

Yet, not long after, Mu Ling witnessed Yan Qi’s power firsthand: Floating mid-air, her gaze icy, white hair billowing, an endless surge of spiritual energy poured from her body, enveloping the seemingly impregnable mountain barrier. The barrier groaned under the pressure, cracks spreading like a tortoiseshell, clearly on the verge of collapse.

Yan Qi seemed to glance at her, catching her dumbfounded expression.

Mu Ling quickly lowered her head, pretending not to notice Yan Qi’s gaze: She had only just learned that Yan Qi had sensed her impending breakthrough and deliberately abandoned the battlefield to return and help her expand her meridians.

The other demonic cultivators were left utterly bewildered, assuming the Demon King had some urgent matter to attend to, standing there in nervous anticipation for half the day.

Mu Ling had no intention of letting anyone realize she was the “urgent matter” that had drawn the Demon King away from the battle.

Because her head was bowed, she didn’t see the sudden deepening of Yan Qi’s eyes.

Foundation Establishment was the first major hurdle in a cultivator’s journey. Sensing the little girl was about to reach this critical juncture, Yan Qi naturally stayed by Mu Ling’s side. Unlike some who roared and screamed like madmen during their breakthrough, the girl’s Foundation Establishment was heartbreakingly quiet: curled into a ball, she wept softly, her cheeks wet with tears, repeatedly murmuring “Grandpa” and “Grandma”.

Yan Qi hadn’t expected the girl to eventually call out ‘Lin Qingge’s’ name.

One’s reactions during Foundation Establishment couldn’t be faked. For the girl to utter Lin Qingge’s name, it must have left a deep impression on her. Yet Mu Ling’s bone age was extremely young. Logically, she shouldn’t have had any connection to the period when Yan Qi had been Lin Qingge.

Yan Qi also found it strange. After decades of maintaining a detached and ascetic lifestyle, why had she been unable to resist the urge to get close to the girl from the moment they met? She had even broken her own rules repeatedly for her.

Yan Qi knew with certainty she wasn’t under any charm or bewitchment.

But the girl clearly had secrets. Sometimes, the way she looked at Yan Qi seemed as though she was seeing someone else through her.

Narrowing her eyes, Yan Qi increased the flow of spiritual power in her hands. The mountain-protecting formation began to tremble faintly before with a resounding crash. The impregnable barrier shattered into dust right before Mu Ling’s eyes!

…

This version of Yan Qi was truly dashing and beautiful. Mu Ling touched her flushed cheeks, feeling as though a little deer was kicking wildly in her chest, its frantic ‘clip-clop’ echoing as it tried to leap out.

Only belatedly did Mu Ling realize the carriage she was sitting in had suddenly lifted into the air.

Yan Qi stood atop the carriage, her toes barely touching the surface as she balanced effortlessly with her sword strapped to her back, her expression icy and solemn. The carriage shot forward like an arrow released from its bow, speeding straight toward Bodhi Crossing.

They needed to resolve the matters at Bodhi Crossing quickly! Only then could Yan Qi free her hands to investigate the girl’s secret.