41-45

Chapter 41

The young girl couldn't help but suspect if it was just her imagination when her senior sister was being affectionate again.

Without much thought, the warmth on Song Wei Zhi's lips quickly spread, making Song Zhi Xia's heart race. She gently closed her eyes, feeling Song Wei Zhi's lips, allowing herself to be embraced and kissed.

Wherever Song Wei Zhi's lips had touched, all she could sense was softness. Her little Xia Xia's lips were just too soft, softer even than any pastry she had ever tasted before. After kissing a few more times, Song Wei Zhi released Song Zhi Xia, who blushed and went soft in Song Wei Zhi's arms, having long forgotten her tears.

Leaning on Song Wei Zhi's shoulder, Song Zhi Xia gazed blankly into her eyes, wanting to ask why she had kissed her, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.

Song Wei Zhi pursed her lips, gazing at the faint pink of the young girl's lips. Somehow, she felt like she hadn't kissed enough just now. Quickly dismissing her recent thoughts, she shook her head. After all, she and Xia Xia were nieces. It was a little strange to be embracing and kissing each other so much.

While Song Zhi Xia was still in a daze, Song Wei Zhi removed the pale yellow gas from the wooden box and whispered by her ear, "Be a good girl, Xia Xia. Senior sister is going to merge the soul fragment into your spirit."

"But..." the young girl anxiously tugged at Song Wei Zhi's sleeve.

"No 'buts.' When Xia Xia has something good in the future, you can give it to me," Song Wei Zhi gently teased.

Seeing the girl no longer resisting, Song Wei Zhi used her spiritual power to push the pale yellow gas into Song Zhi Xia's body. Shortly, the yellow mist merged with Song Zhi Xia's spirit.

Song Zhi Xia felt an even more surging spiritual power within her body, and her mental strength seemed to have increased significantly.

"Xia Xia, release the little chicken and have a look," Song Wei Zhi charmed, embracing the girl's waist.

Song Zhi Xia released the little chicken, and to her surprise, the previously frail creature seemed to have grown larger. Its once gray, ethereal feathers had turned a light yellow, and although it was still small, it appeared much sturdier than before.

The little chicken, now excited after being let out, gazed at Song Zhi Xia and Song Wei Zhi, puzzled by their movements.

Feeling embarrassed under the little chicken's gaze, Song Zhi Xia shyly asked, "Senior sister, could you let me down? The little chicken is watching."

Song Wei Zhi's lips curled into a slight smile. "The little chicken doesn't understand anything, and besides, is senior sister's embrace uncomfortable?"

Understanding that her senior sister was teasing her again, Song Zhi Xia playfully shook Song Wei Zhi's sleeve, pouting, "Senior sister, don't tease me."

Seeing the faint blush on Song Zhi Xia's cheeks, Song Wei Zhi said, "Alright, be careful then, Xia Xia." With that, she helped the girl to stand.

Song Zhi Xia bit her lip, feeling self-conscious about being kissed by her senior sister just now. Not daring to look at Song Wei Zhi, she turned away and began to play with the little chicken. The creature had grown sturdier, its eyes sharper and more intelligent.

As Song Wei Zhi waited for Song Zhi Xia to play with the little chicken, she wiped the thin sweat from her forehead. Her spiritual power had been greatly depleted from practicing, and although she had been recuperating for a day, only a third had been replenished. Additionally, merging the soul fragment with Song Zhi Xia had cost her even more spirit power. At this moment, Song Wei Zhi felt a bit weak but didn't want Song Zhi Xia to see her in this state, lest the young girl blame herself.

"Xia Xia, the soul fragment has just been merged into you. You can condense your spiritual power again later, and I'll head back now," Song Wei Zhi softly stated as she stood up.

While Song Zhi Xia was still lost in her thoughts, she exhaled in relief when her senior sister left. She hugged the little chicken and mumbled, "Little chicken, does senior sister really like me? If she does, why did she refuse me as her partner? But if she doesn't like me, why is she so kind to me and taking risks to find my soul fragment, even kissing me twice?"

As she spoke, Song Zhi Xia rubbed the spot on her lips where Song Wei Zhi had kissed her. The little chicken didn't understand her, yet it snuggled in her arms as she continued to speak. Looking around the room, the small creature's eyes widened, but it could only chirp, leaving Song Zhi Xia unaware of what it was trying to express.

Song Wei Zhi had practiced for five days straight, and fortunately, it had been uneventful. Song Zhi Xia had come to see her several times but hadn't disturbed her since she was practicing.

After completing her final rotation of spiritual power in her body, Song Wei Zhi opened her eyes. All the spiritual power in her body had been restored. Only then did she slightly relax.

Before she could do anything else, she heard the mechanical voice of the system in her mind: "Congratulations, host, on finding the second piece of the soul fragment. You have been rewarded with 1000 points. The host's current total points are 1550. Please continue to work hard, host."

"System, can we deviate from the original book's plot now?" Song Wei Zhi remembered that in the original book, she, the male lead Zhao Xuan Kun, and the female lead Song Zhi Xia went to the royal city of Ji Mo in the South Ming Continent, which housed several prominent sects. In the original story, Song Zhi Xia was framed and ultimately pushed into the demonic path at the Cold Mountain Sword Sect. She didn't want her little girl to experience the same hardships as in the original book.

"Sorry, host. According to the system's assessment, the host must follow the original plot to go to the royal city of Ji Mo in search of the remaining female lead's soul fragment," the system's voice resonated in Song Wei Zhi's mind.

Song Wei Zhi furrowed her brow. The original book only briefly touched upon the situation in Ji Mo City and focused on the original host's mistreatment of the female lead, leaving her unaware of the specifics of Ji Mo City. She couldn't shake off the unease upon thinking of facing the formidable competition and experts in the royal city. Even with the system by her side, Song Wei Zhi had few guarantees.

If she had to go, Song Wei Zhi hoped that both she and Song Zhi Xia could further elevate their cultivation. "System, are there any pills that can rapidly elevate our cultivation to the highest level?"

"Host, after a search, the system has found the pills you mentioned. They require 150 points. Does the host want to proceed with the exchange?"

Song Wei Zhi confirmed the exchange, and the system announced: "Congratulations, the exchange of pills has been successful, and the host now has 1400 points remaining."

Song Wei Zhi found herself holding two pills, of which she swallowed one. Encircling herself with spiritual power, she soon achieved the peak of the Yuanying stage.

Eager to find Song Zhi Xia, who had significantly recovered over the past few days, Song Wei Zhi said, "Xia Xia, have you finished your practice? How are your injuries?" When she saw Song Zhi Xia's healthy appearance, her worried heart eased.

"I've been fine for a while. But I missed you a lot during my practice," Song Wei Zhi said, gently squeezing the young girl's hand.

Song Zhi Xia's eyes sparkled. "You're teasing me again."

"Alright, no more teasing. I came to talk to you about leaving. I plan to set out tomorrow, and we'll go to Ji Mo City together," Song Wei Zhi said.

Having stayed in this place for a while, Song Zhi Xia showed reluctance to leave. "Senior sister, why so sudden?"

"We won't learn any top-tier techniques here. We need to go to a better place. Are you unwilling to leave, Xia Xia?" Song Wei Zhi asked, genuinely hesitant as she herself felt attached to the small courtyard.

"I am a little. It feels more like home here. But anywhere you go, I'll go," Song Zhi Xia replied, her eyes shining and her expression joyful. Song Wei Zhi couldn't help but smile too.

"Likewise, anywhere with Xia Xia is my home."

Song Zhi Xia's heart fluttered at Song Wei Zhi's words, and she stopped herself from blurting out the thoughts in her mind. What if her senior sister only saw her as a family member? Even if she were just family, she couldn't be too greedy. As long as she could stay by her senior sister's side, nothing else mattered.

"However, Ji Mo City will be home to many formidable individuals. Xia Xia, take this pill," Song Wei Zhi's words interrupted Song Zhi Xia's momentary daze as she was handed a small pill.

"Senior sister, you should have it instead," Song Zhi Xia said. The gifts she had received in just a few months from Song Wei Zhi surpassed everything she had received in her previous eighteen years. Moreover, they were all from Song Wei Zhi, who didn't ask for anything in return and even coaxed her to accept the gifts. Song Zhi Xia was filled with mixed emotions.

"I've already taken mine. This one is for you. Oh, let me show you something interesting," Song Wei Zhi said as she used her spiritual power to bring out a small golden figure from her dantian. The palm-sized golden figure sat in Song Wei Zhi's hand, smiling in a naive and lovable manner.

"This is my little golden man. It will appear in your dantian after reaching the Yuanying stage, for you to play with, Xia Xia," Song Wei Zhi said as she handed her own little golden figure to Song Zhi Xia.

Song Zhi Xia hadn't expected Song Wei Zhi to give her the little golden figure to play with. The dantian was a cultivator's core, and if it were to be destroyed, they would no longer be able to practice. How could her senior sister give her such an important thing to play with?

Song Zhi Xia felt the warmth of the small figure in her hand, feeling her heart warm up as well.

Author's Note:

Song Wei Zhi: Xia Xia, feel free to play with it. What's mine is yours.

Song Zhi Xia: What should I do? I'd rather play with senior sister than this little golden man ~

Chapter 42

"Sister, I don't want to play anymore. Who would play with something so important?" Song Zhi Xia urgently wanted Song Wei Zhi to put the figurine back into her dantian.

Song Wei Zhi smiled and said, "Xia Xia is not anyone else. My little golden figurine Xia Xia can play with it however she wants." She even shook the little golden figurine in her hand. However, seeing her little sister's anxious look, Song Wei Zhi put the figurine back into her dantian.

After Song Zhi Xia took the elixir, Song Wei Zhi felt a little more at ease. "Xia Xia, don't worry. Wherever we go, I'll be there. Let's tidy up today, and we'll set off tomorrow."

After instructing Song Zhi Xia, Song Wei Zhi went to inform Wei Zhao. Wei Zhao followed Song Wei Zhi wherever she went.

The next morning, the three of them arrived in the town. When traveling in the cultivation world, there are generally two ways to travel: one is using teleportation arrays, and the other is renting flying beasts. These bird-like beasts are huge and can generally carry six to eight people. The Inner Sect recruitment at the Cold Mountain Sword Sect was still a few days away, so Song Wei Zhi planned on taking a large bird to the city of Jimo, so her little sister could enjoy the scenery along the way.

However, this made it difficult for Wei Zhao. Song Wei Zhi enjoyed the journey with her little sister while Wei Zhao could do nothing but sit and meditate, telling herself not to attract attention and to lower her presence as much as possible.

After enduring for three days, the large bird finally arrived at a designated location in the city of Jimo. After paying with spirit stones, the bird would return to the city of Linhai. As the three of them walked towards the city, they encountered various stalls along the way. The liveliness here was many times greater than that of the city of Linhai. The three of them had happy expressions on their faces. Song Wei Zhi found an inn and planned to stay there for the time being. As soon as they entered the inn, they attracted the attention of many people. Each of the three women had a different kind of beauty. If Song Wei Zhi embodied a fresh and elegant beauty, then Song Zhi Xia was captivating, and Wei Zhao was the epitome of a cold beauty.

However, all three had a high level of cultivation, so no one dared to provoke them. But there were still some who couldn't resist the urge to come and strike up a conversation.

As Song Wei Zhi inquired at the counter, "We need three rooms. Innkeeper, do you have any rooms available?"

"Three ladies, it's a bit inconvenient. These past few days, the Cold Mountain Sword Sect has been recruiting new inner disciples. Many people have come to the city of Jimo. We only have two rooms left. Even if you go elsewhere, the situation will likely be the same. Many places are already full, and when you come back, there might not even be these two rooms available." The innkeeper explained with a smile. He wasn't exaggerating as the Cold Mountain Sword Sect only recruited new inner disciples every three years, and the city of Jimo had become lively a month ago.

While Song Wei Zhi was contemplating, a young man in green approached their table. He was about twenty years old and greeted them, "Are you worrying about not having enough rooms? Since we've coincidentally met, I'd like to make friends with you and offer one of our rooms."

Song Wei Zhi looked at the young man and said calmly, "No need. Innkeeper, two rooms will suffice." With that, she took out spirit stones to pay for the rooms, leaving the young man alone.

The young man felt embarrassed standing there. Clearly, he didn't expect to be rejected. At that moment, a young woman who had been with the young man came over and glared at Song Wei Zhi, saying, "You don't know how to show respect. Do you know who my cousin is to speak to him like this?"

Song Wei Zhi glanced at the woman, sneered, and then turned to Song Zhi Xia and Wei Zhao beside her, "We only have two rooms. You can have one, Wei Zhao, and Xia Xia and I will take the other."

She then asked Song Zhi Xia gently, "Is that alright, Xia Xia?"

A rosy color started to appear on Song Zhi Xia's cheeks, and she nodded, "Okay."

The three of them completely ignored the young man and the woman next to him. The young man's face fell. Apart from him and his cousin, there were a few people of similar age at their table, likely their friends. It seemed he felt that he had lost face.

He cleared his throat and said, "I'm Liu Zhi Yun. This is my cousin, Meng Xing. My father is the current General Liu Zheng Xing. Can I have the pleasure of getting to know you?"

In Song Wei Zhi's mind, she nearly felt sick. What kind of shameless self-introduction was this? Just introduce yourself, and that's it. No need to boast about who your father is.

Song Wei Zhi gave him a disdainful look and said, "I'm not interested. Please move aside. My friend and I want to rest."

Liu Zhi Yun's smiling face turned stiff. He thought that they came from a remote place and hadn't heard of his father's name. He tried to explain, "You may not know my father's prestige since you've just arrived in Jimo. Why don't I invite you to sit together and I can tell you about the city?"

His long-winded words made even Wei Zhao, who hadn't spoken, furrow her eyebrows. "Can't you understand? My master doesn't want to know you. If you stay here, don't blame me for being rude." Wei Zhao even released a bit of pressure. Although her cultivation was one level lower than Song Wei Zhi's, she had already achieved the Gold Core perfection, making her quite outstanding in this restaurant.

Liu Zhi Yun and his companions felt the high level of their cultivation, but they didn't expect one of them to have already achieved the Gold Core perfection. They were caught off guard and at a loss for words.

Meng Xing had been spoiled since childhood and regarded Liu Zhi Yun as the best man in the world. Seeing him being scolded, she immediately stepped forward and said, "Rustics, do you still want to stay in Jimo? How dare you speak to my cousin like this! I'm going to teach you a lesson today."

With that, she drew her sword and lunged at Wei Zhao. Wei Zhao didn't even show her whip. She just slapped her, and Meng Xing ended up against the wall, coughing up blood.

"How dare you do this? What's wrong with you, Meng Xing?" Liu Zhi Yun rushed to help her.

"Liu Gong... If your cousin has someone so devoted to him, you shouldn't harass other female cultivators. After all, someone like you isn't someone everyone wants. Your cousin has picked you, which is not easy; don't let her down." Song Wei Zhi said coldly to one side, and then she took Song Zhi Xia and Wei Zhao upstairs to rest.

Song Wei Zhi couldn't stand such hypocritical people like Liu Zhi Yun. She didn't want to cause trouble, but trouble found its way to her. But she was not afraid of trouble.

Meng Xing wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and cried out, "Cousin, how could they say that about us? Cousin, you must teach them a lesson!"

Liu Zhi Yun had been embarrassed by the confrontation not to mention that there were friends watching. He did not expect to encounter such a difficult situation. Frowning, he helped Meng Xing up and said sternly, "Stop it! Feel ashamed? Go home and reflect. It's really bringing bad luck."

"Cousin, they're the ones at fault!"

Meng Xing wanted to argue, but Liu Zhi Yun firmly scolded her, "Think about it at home."

Tears streaming down her face, Meng Xing ran out of the inn. Both she and Liu Zhi Yun lived in the General's Mansion. They had booked rooms here just to have fun with these friends.

Embarrassed, Liu Zhi Yun returned to his table, picked up his wine made from spirit springs, and drank it all in one go, cursing, "Bad luck."

His friends quickly comforted him:

"Liu, don't take it to heart. They are just country bumpkins and don't know any better. You don't need to bother about them."

"That's right. How many female cultivators in Jimo would like to be your partner? Don't let it get to you."

"Come on, let's continue drinking."

Song Wei Zhi led Song Zhi Xia back to their room. The commotion caused by Liu Zhi Yun and Meng Xing had made Song Zhi Xia forget about sharing a room with Song Wei Zhi. Now, Song Wei Zhi took her hand and led her into the room, making her feel strangely shy, and her heart raced inexplicably. She had no idea that Song Zhi Xia was feeling conflicted. She just went to the bed and saw that while it wasn't large, it was enough for two people. Cultivators didn't need to sleep as they could cultivate day and night, but Song Wei Zhi was used to sleeping at night when not cultivating.

Turning around, she noticed that her little sister was still standing by the door, and waved her hand, "Xia Xia, what are you thinking? Come over and rest on the bed for a while."

Hearing the words "rest on the bed," Song Zhi Xia felt nervous for no apparent reason. Her eyes darted around, and she sat at the table, saying, "I'm not tired. Sister, you should rest."

She took a glass of spirit spring water from the table and drank it to cover her embarrassment.

Song Wei Zhi smiled at her little sister's futile attempt to hide her feelings. Her little sister's shy manner was so cute. Thinking about how Liu Zhi Yun had looked at her little sister, Song Wei Zhi felt uncomfortable. Her little sister couldn't be stared at by others. If someone had to look at her, it should be herself.

Song Zhi Xia glanced at Song Wei Zhi lying on the bed, her heart beating suddenly faster. Wanting to get some fresh air, she said, "Sister, you rest. I'll go out and take a walk with Wei Zhao."

Still thinking about the commotion caused by Liu Zhi Yun and Meng Xing, Song Zhi Xia didn't even think about sharing a room with Song Wei Zhi. However, being led into the room by Song Wei Zhi now inexplicably made her feel shy and her heart raced.

Looking at her little sister closing the door, Song Wei Zhi pursed her lips and muttered softly, "Going out for a stroll with Wei Zhao? Aren't you afraid I'll get jealous?" Then, Song Wei Zhi felt a little off. Why would she, as an aunt, feel jealous? She decided to lie down comfortably and wait for her little sister to return.

Wei Zhao was surprised to see Song Zhi Xia at her door. She wasn't very familiar with Song Wei Zhi's partner. Why had she come to find her?

Song Zhi Xia also felt a bit awkward. "Can you accompany me for a walk? Sister wants to rest for a while."

So it was the master who needed to rest. She should go out and protect her master's partner.

The two of them awkwardly started to stroll along the street. Fortunately, there was an array of interesting things to see on the street, and gradually, the awkwardness dissipated. Wei Zhao had enjoyed reading comics when she was in the city of Linhai. These were similar to novels that she liked to flip through when she was bored.

Wei Zhao saw a large comic stall ahead and became interested, starting to select some comics. Song Zhi Xia, feeling bored, followed along and looked at a few, but she wasn't very interested in them.

Seeing a few albums with two women on the covers hidden in a corner of the stall, Song Zhi Xia mischievously took one to have a look.

Author's note: Guess what good thing Xia Xia found~

Chapter 43

The owner of the stall immediately praised her when Song Zhi Xia picked up the sketchbook. "You have such a keen eye! This is the latest batch I've received. The artist's skills are extremely solid. It's only five pieces of medium-grade spirit stones."

As Song Zhi Xia reached for a book on the stall, the owner stopped her, flashing an indescribable smile. "It seems this is your first time buying this kind of sketchbook. It's best to read it alone in the quiet of the night, not suitable for reading on the street."

Perplexed, Song Zhi Xia exchanged five pieces of medium-grade spirit stones and left with Wei Zhao.

Back in their room, Song Zhi Xia found her senior sister lying on the bed with her eyes closed. She heaved a sigh of relief but couldn't help but wonder how she would manage to sleep with her senior sister at night.

To avoid overthinking, she took out the sketchbook she had just bought and looked at the two women on the cover. Was this sketchbook more delicate?

As Song Zhi Xia flipped through the sketchbook, her pupils dilated as she hastily closed it. What had she just seen? Two women in the sketchbook were half-dressed, kissing intimately. One of the women's hand was placed in an ambiguous area. Song Zhi Xia's heart raced as she surreptitiously glanced at Song Weizhi, who showed no sign of waking up. Song Zhi Xia breathed a sigh of relief and her eyes kept darting back to that sketchbook as if it held something that captivated her. She pursed her lips and picked up the sketchbook again.

She glanced at Song Weizhi again and, after confirming that her senior sister was still asleep, she carefully turned the pages of the sketchbook. However, as she progressed, her face turned increasingly red. The further she read, the more stimulating the content became. Being an innocent young girl who hadn't even confessed her feelings, she couldn't bear it and ended up having a nosebleed.

Hearing her junior sister's movement, Song Weizhi opened her eyes and saw her tending to something in a basin. As she approached, she discovered that it was her junior sister with a nosebleed and asked, "Xia Xia, what happened? Why did you suddenly have a nosebleed?"

Seeing Song Weizhi approach, Song Zhi Xia felt even worse. She had spent her money on this sketchbook and now her senior sister was confronting her about it. "It's nothing, Senior Sister. It'll be fine once I wipe it off."

Although Song Weizhi initially didn't pay much attention, she noticed her junior sister's nervousness about the sketchbook and found it a bit suspicious. It was also the first time she had seen this sketchbook, probably bought by Xia Xia and Wei Zhao when they were out. Considering her junior sister's guilty expression, Song Weizhi planned to discreetly ask Wei Zhao about it.

On the surface, Song Weizhi just smiled and said, "What's so mysterious about it? Xia Xia, do you have a secret with your senior sister?"

"It's nothing, Senior Sister. Don't make random assumptions. It's really nothing." The young lady's peach blossom eyes wandered in confusion and she dared not look into Song Weizhi's eyes.

Song Weizhi decided not to ask anything further and advised her junior sister to rest in the room, leaving to attend to some matters.

When Song Weizhi left, Song Zhi Xia finally felt relieved. If her senior sister found out she had looked at such books, how could she face people in the future?

Looking for Wei Zhao, Song Weizhi asked her to take her to the place where she and Song Zhi Xia had been earlier. Although Wei Zhao was puzzled why her master and her Daoist companion were not going together, she obediently took Song Weizhi to the place they had visited in the morning.

Passing by a stall selling sketchbooks, Song Weizhi suspiciously glanced at the sketchbooks featuring two women on the covers, took a few of them, paid with spirit stones, and walked back with Wei Zhao.

On their way back, Song Weizhi felt increasingly uneasy. How did this resemble the scenes from those unmentionable DVDs sold at the stalls on the streets, before she transmigrated? When they arrived at the room, she found a secluded spot and started flipping through the sketchbooks. The beginning of the sketchbook was quite decent, depicting two beautiful women sharing an intimate embrace. But as she went further, the content became increasingly inappropriate, with less and less clothing. Was her junior sister reading this behind her back?

However, it was quite normal. After all, her junior sister was of age, and it was nothing significant to look at such content. She just hoped her junior sister wouldn't get too agitated. Song Weizhi suspected that her junior sister had a nosebleed after seeing these illustrations but decided to act as if she didn't know. Everyone had a curious side after all.

On her way back, Song Weizhi bought various spirit fruits and snacks known to enhance spiritual power, a favorite of cultivators.

Upon returning to the room, she saw her junior sister sitting on a stool lost in thought, and after hearing the door open, she turned to look.

Song Weizhi approached and touched her junior sister's hair, placing the spirit fruits she had bought on the table. "Bought some delicious treats for you, want to try them?"

Song Zhi Xia looked up at Song Weizhi and blushed slightly. "Thank you, Senior Sister," she said, starting to eat the spirit fruits.

Song Weizhi watched her junior sister happily munching away, resembling a cute little bunny. Seeing a strand of hair covering her eyes, Song Weizhi gently pushed it aside and tucked it behind her ear, causing a blush to spread across her junior sister's cheeks.

Seeing her junior sister's flushing ears, Song Weizhi couldn't help but playfully pinch them, eliciting a coquettish protest from her. "Senior Sister, why are you pinching my ears again?"

Song Weizhi raised an eyebrow and teased, "Xia Xia, you can pinch mine back, you know. I'm not that stingy." She knew her junior sister's personality well enough to know that she wouldn't take the bait, so she moved her chair closer as if to encourage her to play along.

Song Zhi Xia's cheeks were still rosy, and remembering the images in the sketchbook, she felt her heart racing inexplicably faster. She hesitantly reached out and touched Song Weizhi's ears, finding them soft. Feeling a bit shy and afraid that her senior sister might get upset, she cautiously watched Song Weizhi's reaction. Seeing the smile on her senior sister's face, she relaxed.

After gently touching them a few times, Song Zhi Xia stopped, realizing that the actions shown in the sketchbook were probably reserved for Daoist companions. They had touched each other's ears and exchanged a kiss, did that mean their relationship was getting closer to that of Daoist companions?

Song Weizhi was surprised that her shy junior sister actually reached out and touched her ears. Smiling, she stroked her head. It seemed that her Xia Xia was getting bolder now.

However, when bedtime came, the junior sister became shy again. Song Weizhi was only in her undergarment, ready to lie down, while her junior sister stood fully dressed by the bed.

Amused, Song Weizhi looked at her. "Aren't you planning to sleep? Do you intend to stand all night?"

Song Zhi Xia stood by the bed feeling a bit awkward and somewhat pitiful. "Senior sister~"

"Alright, I was just teasing you. I'm not a wolf that would eat you, am I?" Song Weizhi laughed and took her junior sister's hand.

Song Zhi Xia pursed her lips, thinking how she could be eaten if they were to do what she saw in the sketchbook. She quickly dismissed these confused thoughts, as her senior sister was an upright person and wouldn't do such a thing.

Seeing her junior sister still hesitating by the bedside, Song Weizhi stood up and walked over, teasing, "Are you planning to have me help undress you? I'm here."

Song Zhi Xia's face turned even rosier. "No need, Senior Sister. I can do it myself," she said, neatly arranging her clothes.

"Will you wear your clothes inside or outside?"

"Inside." Song Zhi Xia quickly got into bed, pulling up the blanket to cover her face, leaving only a pair of peach blossom eyes peeking out, stealing glances at Song Weizhi.

Song Weizhi lifted the other side of the blanket and lay down. Seeing only her junior sister's eyes, she chuckled at how cute she was.

Using her spiritual power, Song Weizhi extinguished the lamplight on the nearby table, and the room fell into darkness.

Song Zhi Xia froze, not daring to move. Her mind fluctuated between the content of the sketchbook and her senior sister, and her heart pounded.

After calming down, she seized the opportunity of the darkness to ask, "Senior Sister, have you ever shared a bed with someone before?"

Song Weizhi thought for a moment. She hadn't, even in her previous life. Although she was a niece, she didn't particularly like sharing a bed with others. Thus, her junior sister was the first.

"No, Xia Xia is the first one," replied Song Weizhi.

Upon hearing this, Song Zhi Xia inexplicably felt elated, and the curve of her lips grew wider. It seemed that her senior sister really cared about her.

Nervously, Song Zhi Xia continued, "Senior Sister, can you hold me while we sleep? I seem to have trouble sleeping in a different place." It wasn't that Song Zhi Xia couldn't sleep, but rather, she wanted to test her senior sister's boundaries.

Author's Note: Song Zhi Xia: Nervous to know about senior sister's boundaries~; Song Weizhi: You should've asked earlier. I have no boundaries when it comes to you.

Chapter 44

In the darkness, Song Weizhi raised an eyebrow. The girl had been so shy just a moment ago, and now she was asking to be held by her? However, Song Weizhi didn't dwell on it. If the girl wanted to be held, then so be it. It was just a simple embrace, after all.

With that in mind, Song Weizhi reached out and pulled the girl into her arms. She was not heavy at all and felt quite comfortable to hold.

Song Zhixia's heart raced. Had her senior sister really agreed to sleep while holding her? She raised her neck slightly and made a swallowing motion. Her mind was in turmoil. On one hand, she felt an irresistible urge, but on the other, she knew she shouldn't take advantage of her senior sister's kindness. Should she continue to push these boundaries?

Song Zhixia constantly admonished herself not to ask for more. But her mind involuntarily recalled their two kisses. If she asked her senior sister for another kiss now, would she agree? Or would she find it odd and reject her?

Her mind was entangled in thoughts. Eventually, Song Zhixia made a decision. Kissing was something that only lovers did, but her senior sister had only kissed her to comfort her. It didn't count. However, if she could get her senior sister to kiss her and her senior sister agreed, it would mean that her feelings for her were not the same, but her senior sister just hadn't realized it yet.

Taking a deep breath, Song Zhixia tentatively snuggled in Song Weizhi's embrace and carefully spoke up, "Senior sister, could you kiss me? Just like you did in the secret realm, can you?"

Her voice was weak, and Song Weizhi felt a twinge of heartache. Why would her little sister suddenly want her to kiss her? She had been so shy just moments ago, leaving Song Weizhi puzzled.

Recalling the book she had seen not long ago, Song Weizhi wondered if her little sister had been corrupted.

During Song Weizhi's hesitation, Song Zhixia's heart also hung in the balance. Was her senior sister unwilling? Had she been foolish to think otherwise? Maybe her senior sister's previous kisses were just to placate her. Feeling aggrieved, she softly murmured, "Senior sister, won't you kiss me?"

Once she had voiced her thoughts, she felt drained and waited for Song Weizhi's response. If her senior sister didn't react, it would mean she had no such intentions.

Song Weizhi pulled her little sister into a warm embrace. Soft and delicate, the girl even coquettishly requested a kiss, melting Song Weizhi's heart. She had completely forgotten that she was her niece.

However, Song Weizhi still asked, "Does Xiaxia understand what a kiss means?"

Song Zhixia, buried in Song Weizhi's neck, blushed profusely. Of course, she knew. Not only did she know, but she had also spent the entire day looking at a book. Her feelings for her senior sister had changed!

Of course, she couldn't explicitly tell Song Weizhi, so after a moment's contemplation, she blushingly replied, "I do. Senior sister, don't you want to?"

She rubbed her nose against Song Weizhi's slender neck. "Don't treat me like a child. I know all about it," she said softly. Gathering her courage, she tilted her head and pressed her soft lips against Song Weizhi's cheek.

Song Weizhi was surprised by her little sister's initiative, but she felt content. Since she arrived in this world, her heart had been devoted to her little sister. Initially, it was for the mission, but it had evolved into a desire to protect the person in her arms. She hadn't even considered finding a partner in this world. But if she were to find one, Xiaxia was indeed the best candidate. She was thoughtful, kind-hearted, well-behaved, and beautiful. Intriguingly, Song Weizhi had long forgotten about the fact that she was her niece.

Gently lifting her little sister's head, as though afraid to startle her, Song Weizhi lightly kissed her forehead with her lips. Her affectionate gesture made Song Zhixia tremble with joy.

Feeling her little sister's tears, Song Weizhi hurriedly reassured her, "What's wrong, Xiaxia? Don't want to be my partner?"

Song Zhixia choked back her sobs as she explained, "Of course not. I'm just so happy... I thought you didn't like me."

Comforting the girl, Song Weizhi wiped away her tears gently. "I like you the most, Xiaxia. Don't cry, okay?"

After calming down, Song Zhixia felt elated thinking that her beloved senior sister reciprocated her feelings. Her past grievances were all worth it. Tightening her arms around Song Weizhi's neck, she nestled closer and coquettishly said, "Senior sister, you haven't kissed me yet."

Song Weizhi felt the warmth of her little sister's breath on her neck, and a flush of red spread across her. Moving closer to her, Song Weizhi kissed her on the corner of her lips. "Fine, now you can't escape." She sealed her words with a kiss on Song Zhixia's lips.

Their lips met in a soft caress. While their previous kisses were gentle, this time Song Weizhi understood the intentions behind her little sister's advances. She gently traced her lips against Song Zhixia's, their tongues engaging in a tender dance.

Overwhelmed, Song Zhixia had never expected a kiss to escalate to this level. Assuming it would be similar to her senior sister's previous affectionate gestures, she was caught off guard. Their lips and tongues intermingled, leaving her breathless and willingly following her senior sister's lead.

Eventually, Song Zhixia couldn't bear it any longer and subtly pushed Song Weizhi away. As she struggled to catch her breath, she heard her little sister playfully scold, "Can't catch your breath?"

Song Weizhi's hand traveled upward until it reached the warm, flushed ear of her little sister. Lowering her head, she placed a tender kiss on her forehead, then smiled, "Don't forget to breathe. You can use your nose to exhale."

Embarrassed, Song Zhixia hid in Song Weizhi's embrace like a speechless quail, grateful that the darkness shielded her from view.

Amused by her little sister's reaction, Song Weizhi teased, "Alright, no more teasing. You'll get used to it after a few more kisses."

Pouting, Song Zhixia complained, "Senior sister, you're bullying me again."

"How can kissing you be considered bullying? If that's the case, I'll make you cry from being 'bullied'." Song Weizhi kissed the tip of her little sister's head. Seeing the girl's shyness, she relented. "Alright, I won't tease my little partner anymore. Let's get some rest. We have to visit the Cold Mountain Sword Sect tomorrow."

Hearing this, Song Zhixia nodded lightly.

Song Weizhi adjusted the position of her little sister in her arms for comfort, then closed her eyes to rest. However, her little sister, lying obediently in her embrace, was too excited to fall asleep. In the darkness, Song Zhixia gazed at the person holding her, feeling intoxicated by her affection.

Her senior sister liked her. It was something she had never dared to imagine before, but now it had become a reality. Song Zhixia felt she might have trouble sleeping from excessive joy in the days to come.

Early the next morning, Song Weizhi woke up to find her obedient little sister sleeping in her arms. Unconsciously, she smiled at the sight of her.

Seeing the soft and peaceful expression on her little sister's face, Song Weizhi couldn't resist planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. This caused Song Zhixia, who had woken from the kiss, to bury herself in Song Weizhi's embrace, her cheeks and ears becoming visible in their deepening blush. Meanwhile, Song Weizhi playfully raised an eyebrow, "Is Xiaxia feeling shy now? Why weren't you shy last night when you were trying to kiss me?"

Seeing her face buried in her senior sister's shoulder, Song Zhixia could only cover her flushed cheeks with both hands and lament, "If senior sister bullies me again, I won't talk to her."

Song Weizhi smiled and embraced the girl, saying, "How could I possibly bully my dear partner? I cherish you so much. What do you say, Xiaxia?"

Upon hearing the word "partner," Song Zhixia blushed even more and refused to get out of bed, clinging to Song Weizhi. Song Weizhi had to spend a long time coaxing her before she finally relented.

Author's Note: Senior sister: What does it mean to be a niece? Can you eat it?

Chapter 45

Fortunately, the daily routine of a cultivator was simple, as a single magic could cleanse everything.

When Song Weizhi escorted the little girl downstairs, Wei Zhao had been waiting for a while. She glanced at Song Weizhi and Song Zhixia, feeling that something was off between her master and her junior sister, but she couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.

The three of them soon arrived at the square outside the Cold Mountain Sword Sect. It was already crowded with people. Although they were late, their striking appearances drew attention as soon as they arrived.

"Hey, look at those three female cultivators coming over. They look amazing. It would be great if we could enter the inner sect together with them. Just seeing them every day is refreshing."

"Yeah, I wonder if we can go over and get to know them."

"Ugh, serving looks. In the cultivation world, strength matters. What's the use of just being good-looking? It's not like we're here to sell our looks," a few nearby female disciples expressed discontent.

"Yes, looking at their appearances, I bet they won't even pass the first trial."

Song Weizhi and her companions paid little attention to the discussions around them. She scanned the square and soon spotted the male lead, Zhao Xuankun. It seemed that the dynamics of the story had brought them all together.

Zhao Xuankun seemed to have noticed Song Weizhi and her companions and rushed over to greet them. Since emerging from the secret realm, he had realized that his cultivation might be esteemed in a small place like Linyin City, but in larger places, it might not be enough. Therefore, he resolutely came to the capital, wishing to join the best sword cultivation sect in the Southern Ming Continent.

Zhao Xuankun was already the cold and aloof type of male cultivator. However, after standing with Song Weizhi and her companions, he attracted even more attention. After chatting for a while, several disciples emerged from the Cold Mountain Sword Sect.

At the forefront was a fair-faced man, the epitome of elegance and serenity. He was the head disciple of the Cold Mountain Sword Sect, Qi Yingzhe. Despite his young age, he had already reached the cultivation of Yuan Ying perfection, making him a genius in the cultivation world. Not only was he talented, but he also had a righteous and resolute character, serving as an example for the entire Cold Mountain Sword Sect.

As he appeared on the square, it quieted down. "I appreciate everyone coming to my Cold Mountain Sword Sect today. The sect recruits new disciples once every three years, and now it's time for recruitment. To enter the sect, one must pass three trials: cultivation level, spiritual roots, and finally, to enter the secret realm, one must hunt and rank among the top thirty in the number of slain demons to become an inner sect disciple of the Cold Mountain Sword Sect."

Qi Yingzhe's voice wasn't loud, but due to the infusion of spiritual power, everyone on the square could hear him clearly.

There was a lot of discussion on the square:

"Hey, that's Senior Brother Qi. I used to hear about him often. He's truly a cultivation genius, and his character is as good as rumored."

"Yes, many female cultivators want to join the Cold Mountain Sword Sect just for him."

"I wish I could become someone like Senior Brother Qi."

"You better sleep earlier."

After Qui Yingzhe's calm speech, "Today, we begin the first two trials. Only those who pass both cultivation and spiritual root tests can participate in the trial within the secret realm. I will be here to ensure the fairness of all the examinations. Let's begin."

Since arriving in Jimo City, Song Weizhi and her companions had already submitted their names for registration. As Qi Yingzhe's disciples began calling names, those called out had to go to the spirit stone to verify their cultivation. Those who passed would be indicated on the stone. Many had gone to test, but few had passed successfully.

The Cold Mountain Sword Sect not only required a cultivation level of at least Kāiguāng, but also spiritual roots of no more than two, the purer the better. As a result, many people here could only watch, while others directly sought patronage from the powerful in the capital.

After a while, over a dozen people had tested, but none had passed.

Just as Song Weizhi and her companions were watching, they spotted Liu Zhiyun, who had conversed with them at the inn, standing in front of the spirit stone. Soon, his spiritual roots and cultivation level were displayed on the stone.

"Hey, look, someone finally passed. A cultivation level at the Kāiguāng perfect stage, that's amazing."

"Liu Zhiyun doesn't even know? His father, Liu Zhengxing, is a prominent general in the court. He comes from a prestigious family."

"Really, high cultivation level and a prominent family. Why can't I have such a background?"

People on the square were now discussing. Weizhi was irritated by this.

After Liu Zhiyun passed the test, he received a wooden plaque, which served as proof of identity and allowed entry into the secret realm.

Next, it was his cousin, Meng Xing's turn. Drawn by her appearance and bolstered by being Liu Zhiyun's cousin, she had already attracted attention before Weizhi and her companions arrived. She held her head high as she approached the platform, seemingly uninterested in anyone but had a momentary restraint after seeing Qi Yingzhe. However, he did not acknowledge her.

She haughtily approached the spirit stone and, as a Kāiguāng cultivator, became the first female disciple to obtain a wooden plaque.

Weizhi paid little heed, as she had no intention of joining the Cold Mountain Sword Sect except to find her family's Xia Xia's spiritual shard. Otherwise, she would not have bothered coming.

It was now Weizhi's turn, causing Zhixia to feel reluctant to let go of her hand. Ever since they arrived, many people had been staring at Weizhi. This made Zhixia feel uncomfortable; after all, Weizhi belonged to her. Why were these people staring at her?

Weizhi was amused by the little girl's reluctance. Was Weizhi going away forever? Zhixia was being so clingy.

Weizhi affectionately pinched her hand and whispered softly in her ear, causing Zhixia to blush. She glared at Weizhi, who then released her.

Weizhi ascended the platform, and her spiritual roots (ice attribute) were instantly detected by the stone. However, her cultivation level was only revealed to be at the Jīndān perfection stage, surprising Zhixia. Had Weizhi not let her play with her small Yuán yīng? How could she only be at the Jīndān stage?

Weizhi had anticipated this. She had taken a Concealment Pill, which meant no one could ascertain her true cultivation level unless she revealed it. Qi Yingzhe gave her a faint look and handed her a wooden plaque.

After descending from the platform, Weizhi pinched Zhixia's hand and arched her eyebrows. "I don't want others to stare at you either."

Zhixia blushed and pouted at Weizhi before stepping onto the platform and successfully obtaining her wooden plaque.

Next was Wei Zhao's turn. He had no intention of becoming an inner sect disciple, but if he didn't, he wouldn't be able to follow his master. His decision surprised everyone on the square. They hadn't expected all three beautiful female cultivators to pass the first two rounds of testing.

Once again, Weizhi and her group caught Liu Zhiyun and his cousin's attention. He had not expected to encounter them here. He wanted to go over and greet them, but then recalled the humiliation at the inn and decided against it. After all the tests were over, only about a hundred people had passed, while others left with nothing to show.

The Cold Mountain Sword Sect scheduled the trial within the secret realm for the next morning. Qi Yingzhe explained the details of the secret realm before allowing the successful cultivators to leave.

Weizhi, not wanting to distract her master and her junior sister, made up an excuse and slipped away. Meanwhile, Weizhi leisurely walked back, with Zhixia letting her lead. The little girl obediently followed, inching closer to Weizhi. She hoped the girl would remain carefree and clingy like this forever.

Passing by a stall selling candied haws on their way back, the little girl glanced at it curiously. Weizhi immediately took her to buy some. The little girl, feeling embarrassed, tried to refuse, saying, "This is for kids, and cultivators don't need to eat." Weizhi only smiled and said, "I want to eat, isn't that enough?"

Though the little girl's words were directed at Weizhi, her eyes were fixated on the candied haws. "If you want to eat, go ahead and buy," she said.

It wasn't that Zhixia liked candied haws; she had never tasted them before. Whenever her younger brother received a string of candied haws during festivals, she could only watch from the sidelines, knowing of its existence but never knowing its taste. Although she had come to terms with her past, she still couldn't resist the urge to taste it for herself.

She sneakily glanced at Song Weizhi and noticed that her master had only bought one string of candied haws. The little girl felt a bit aggrieved. Deep down, she also wanted to eat some, but she kept quiet about it.

After Song Weizhi paid, she picked a large, round string of candied haws and held it in her hand. The little girl's eyes were fixated on the treats. Amused by this sight, Song Weizhi decided not to tease the little girl any further. "Would you like some, Xia Xia? After buying them, I suddenly don't feel like eating anymore."

"But, this is something only children like to eat." The little girl lightly nibbled on her lower lip, pretending to remain composed despite wanting to eat the treat.

"Well, I hope Xia Xia can be happy like a child every day. Will you help me finish eating them?" Song Weizhi gently coaxed her while holding out the candied haws.

The little girl reluctantly reached out to accept the treat and then took small, careful bites, making her cheeks puff up, resembling a little bunny munching on a carrot.

Unknowingly, the two of them had returned to their room at the inn, and the little girl had finished the candied haws.

Song Weizhi then approached and encircled the little girl's waist, raising her eyebrows with a smile. "Xia Xia finished all the candied haws. What should we do? Now, I want some too."

Author's Note: Song Zhixia: What should we do? I finished them all. Sob~