#mlqc MC

[mobageheroine]

Youran - 悠然

【Mr Love: Queen's Choice】

[kazuko-stuff]

Does anyone want to hear my fluff bunnies of Mlqc x LaDs crossover

[46inpm]

MLQC Housemates Party

Hello I’m back after… awhile but been wanting to do housemates headcannons

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY🙏 as they may not lol

Victor - Red, Lucien - Purple, Kiro - Orange, Gavin - Blue, Shaw - Green, MC (You) - Pink

I'm changing MC to where she has a good alcohol tolerance and is a bit of a party girl herself

Okay now onto the actual headcanon

They do parties from casual get togethers to formal events to drinking like they’re in college

Rating: Mature

Casual Get Togethers

Just a few friends and co-workers for holidays, casual birthdays, and regular cookouts

Victor is normally the cook for this with the help of Gavin

Gavin is such a grill type of man

They’ll cook as friends are coming over with a movie playing

In the summer they have pool parties

Lucien would be in charge of taking photos of Kiro in his swim trunks to post online for later, gotta feed the fans

When they have a get together in the house there will be a few drinking games

Truth or Drink goes crazy because I know for sure none of the housemates except for MC will answer really personal questions

"Body count?" "Craziest drunken experience?" "Have you ever had a wet dream about MC?"

After that truth or drink wasn't allowed to be played anymore in the future

If it's just the housemates sitting around doing games then they'll be slightly more open

At the end when friends leaves, MC falls asleep on the couch with one cuddling her and the others continuing their conversation

“I’m telling you there’s a raccoon going through our trash.”

“We either call animal control or get rid of it ourselves.”

“Hey, you guys leave Chunky King Bob alone!”

“Great he’s named it��”

Formal Events

They have a whole mansion that's big enough to do an actual formal event

Victor and Kiro are normally the host as it’s kinda required for their reputation

Honestly, both wouldn't do them if they didn't feel obligated for work

Victor, Lucien, Kiro, and MC are the planning committee

Sorry Gavin doesn't have the imagination for this and Shaw is lazy

They'll hold meetings in Victor's office or in the dining room

Most of the time it's a black-tie event but a few times it's themed

The entire house goes on a cleaning rampage the days before

Victor punishes anyone who slacks off by making them wash the dirty garbage cans outside

Really Shaw’s punishment most of the time

Also I know Victor is going to be some animal in heat seeing you all dolled out

Just seeing the jewelry set he bought you decorating your neck and ears is doing something to this poor man

As you're getting ready before the guests start showing, he comes in your room to "check on things" but will just watch you get dress

Slow makeout session happens and when someone knocks, he'll leave pretending like he really was checking on things

"MC have you see my blue tie? Huh, Victor what're you doing?"

"Checking to make sure MC did her tasks."

You're just standing there flushed

Be prepared to be starstruck by the number of celebrities you'll see for Kiro's big birthday event

Lucien and Gavin will sneak you out of there to get alone time separately

"It's stuffy in here."

"Let's go get some fresh air."

You'll be out with them for a while having personal conversations that both of you lose track of time

Their eyes staring so lovingly into yours, never breaking eye contact, hands holding yours or rubbing your sides

THE TRIANGLE METHOD (EYES, LIPS, EYES) PLS LET ME OUT OF MY CAGE

More slow makeout sessions and boy do they want to keep going for the rest of the party

Like the Bachelorette when they have the one one-on-one convos

If Kiro or Victor find out they'll be the most grumpy toward you, imagine a pet that's giving you the silent treatment for not feeding them a third time

"While I had to have meaningless conversations with everyone, I wanted to be with you. Seems you didn't care."

Give the pouty idol your undivided attention for the next couple of hours and he'll immediately forgive you but good luck on Victor

To the housemates, it's a genuine mystery on where Shaw goes in the middle of the event

They'll see him but a second later he's gone missing for the next couple of hours

“Where’s Shaw?”

“I thought he was with you…”

“I thought he was with Gavin.”

“You need me? Did everyone leave already?”

“What the-”

“It’s been three hours.”

Clubbing/Partying

Normally all of you won't go partying together, even if someone invites the housemates out, only a few will go

Gavin, Kiro, and Shaw are always out with you having a blast

I don't ever see Victor or Lucien coming out for these

High levels of socializing and drinking just aren't them and they'll barely talk to each other while everyone's gone

Gavin is the DD (designated driver) and sober dad

Think of the meme with the dad having his children on the backpack leashes going in the opposite direction, that's him but with 3 adults

Kiro will be dancing with you, or drunk rants to someone while Shaw is doing beer pong

Shaw loves being by your side and his hand wrapped around rested on your hip

As much as Gavin and Shaw don't get along, Gavin always checks on Shaw and steps in the way if some drunks try to pick a fight

Back to the house, you're drunk along with Kiro, jumping practically off the walls

Victor and Lucien trying to get yall to drink water

You'll sing praises to everyone about Gavin taking care of everyone

When you're lying in bed, Shaw will sneak in to sleep with you

"Feeling lonely?"

"No, knowing you, you'll wake up hungover. Going to need someone to hold back your hair when you're yaking."

He'll never say the real reason to just cuddle

The only times all housemates go out to party and drink is the rare clubbing occasions

Normally high end clubs

Everyone dressed in their clubbing/partying outfits

The boys will wear nice button ups or plain t-shirts with pants that will go along while you wear a backless top and miniskirt

In the club they’ll reserve a table…for the Li family? so they can immediately sit down and start drinking

We all know Lucien says he’s a good drinker but he’s really not as he doesn’t space out his shots

You’re not helping as it’s shot o’clock every 30 minutes with you

“For going out! For finishing the week! For housemates bonding!”

“Okay, I think that’s enough. Also, Lucien you don’t have to keep taking the shots.”

“Haha, I’m fine.”

Takes a lot of pleading from all of you to have Gavin and Victor drink up (sober dads on break)

From there on things ramp up!!!

Everyone loosens up a lot and have the funniest conversations

Talking about inside jokes to personal stories

Later on the dance floor you’ll be grinding on one of them then the next and making out

The types of drunks: Lucien - possessive drunk, Kiro - happy drunk, Shaw - funny drunk, Victor - horny drunk, Gavin - crying drunk

Lucien’s Ares side come out a lot more that he just wants to be in your embrace and no one touches you

Takes a while for you to calm him down and let the others be near you

“Why did you let him kiss you?”

“Lucien, you also did too. It wouldn’t be fair to the others. Let’s all have fun.”

Kiro is the type to legit constantly compliment anyone and give some motivation speech as if they’re about to jump off a cliff

“Youu’re soo handsome and kind b-but I feel you don’t even know it.”

Shaw’s jokes are so perfectly timed with his expressions that everyone’s sides hurt from laughing, funny how he’s so calm when he says it

“I’m one drink closer to getting a tramp stamp.”

Victor isn’t a big fan on PDA but now he wants you to give him a lap dance mid club and says the dirtiest stuff

Even Lucien and Victor are at war while drunk

“You love the feeling of rubbing yourself against me.”

Poor Gavin has so much regret that he starts pouring out normally to Kiro about wishing he did things differently

“When I left I should have had-had more courage to tell her what I felt but I did not-I didn’t.”

“I get what you’re feeling! Trust me ev-everything has been working out. Like you’re here with Miss Chips getting wasted!!”

Ride share dropping all of you back home still drunk but trying to sober up, everyone is seriously tripping over themselves, laughing controllably

Trying to drink water and devour leftovers

After awhile everyone decides except Victor to sleep in his room because he has the biggest and comfiest bed

As everyone is falling asleep curled up to MC or snuggled in the comforter they knock out

[mrlovetranslations]

Mr Love / 1 - 1

*В данном контексте под "я" главная героиня истории.* Анна: Алло? Почему ты просто повесила трубку, когда я звонила сегодня утром? Я тогда не закончила говорить.

Я стояла у ворот LFG и, полная отчаяния, ответила на звонок.

Анна: Ты... ты в LFG, да?

Я: Да... Но безрезультатно. Я подписала соглашение о выводе инвестиций.

Казалось, будто я могу видеть Анну на том конце провода, окаменевшую.

Анна: Ты встречалась с Виктором, генеральным директором LFG?

Я: Нет... Я даже не смогла пройти мимо его помощника.

Я: Всё, чего нам не хватает, - это последний эпизод "Искателей чудес"...

Анна: Ох... Ну, тем не менее, они, пожалуй, избавили тебя от душевных стенаний. Я слышала, что генеральный директор - настоящий тиран.

Анна: Если бы ты встретилась с ним сегодня, сомневаюсь, что нам бы выдался шанс доснять финальный эпизод.

Услышав эти слова, я почему-то вспомнила образ босса-гангстера из "Крестного отца".

Я: ...Думаешь?

Анна: Да! Ты ещё новичок. Тебе нужно многому научиться. Этот Виктор - легенда в сфере финансов.

Анна: Финансовая группа Loveland была основана 9 лет назад, и сегодня она - лидер в своей отрасли. Это действительно невероятно...

Я: ...Как им это удалось...

Анна: Никто не знает... Какой-то неизвестный магнат, наверное, дергает за ниточки за кулисами.

Я: Неважно, кто дергает за ниточки, они прекращают финансирование.

Анна: На самом деле нам не на что жаловаться - у шоу не так много зрителей...

Анна: Когда твой папа был еще жив, оно и правда было популярно. Может быть, культура изменилась...

Я: Анна, ты практически управляла всем в течение 2 лет после смерти отца... Мы тебе многим обязаны...

Анна: Просто выполняла свою работу, и не сказала бы, что хорошо с ней справлялась... Просто пытаюсь держать всё на плаву, пока ты не закончишь обучение и не сможешь взять всё на себя.

Я до сих пор помню обещание, данное мною папе в детстве: мы сделаем лучшее шоу в мире...

Я: Анна, хоть это и звучит нереально, но я не хочу сдаваться.

Я просто не могу отказаться от мечты, которую папа построил для меня.

В этот момент мое внимание привлек крик.

Прохожая девушка А: Ааааа! Смотрите, это он! Мой кумир на все времена, мой единственный и неповторимый - КИРО!

Прохожая девушка Б: Где, где? Дай мне посмотреть. Хватит одного взгляда, чтобы влюбиться, да?...

Проследив за взглядами девушек, я увидела рекламу на гигантском экране Торговой башни.

На нём показывали Идола Киро на концерте. Он излучал сияющую ауру, привлекая каждую проходящую мимо девушку.

Прохожая девушка Б: Боже мой... Какой он красивый... Он сияет!--Ааааааа! Он смотрит на меня! Нет, я сейчас заплачу!

Прохожая девушка А: Аааа! Он смотрит на меня, а не на тебя! Ты не его фанатка. Брось притворяться!

Прохожая девушка Б: У меня кружится голова! Киро, должно быть, наделён сверхспособностями, которые заставляют всех влюбляться в него!

Прохожая девушка А: Так теперь ты признаёшь это? Разве не ты говорила, что всё это чепуха?

Прохожая девушка Б: Теперь я верю! Если сверхспособности действительно существуют, то у Киро они точно есть!

Прохожая девушка А: Хорошо, хорошо, только глаза вытри. Давай! Очередь за альбомом становится длиннее с каждой минутой.

Я: !!

Мне в голову пришла идея. Идеальный план.

Я: Анна, у меня есть план! Ты говорила, что есть много способов сделать шоу популярным.

Я: Как насчет ... для последнего шоу выложиться на полную и пригласить суперзвезду?

Я посмотрела на сияющую звезду на экране.

Я: Давай пригласим Киро!

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Li Zeyan’s New SSR Cards

Now, prove that you can control me.

You want to make me submit?

—

[cyanpromise]

MC outfit swap ^u^

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC’s Lucien - Entangling Date - English Translation

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

This post contains a detailed spoiler for a date that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

[Warning]: The content of this date is currently the most explicit compared to other SSR dates and may not be suitable for individuals under the age of 17 (CN server). It is recommended that those who do not meet this age requirement refrain from proceeding beyond this point.

// ⚠️ cw v*re-ish theme, (not heavy) blood, dubious consent, (magic) bondage, strangulation you'll never guess who. Please proceed with caution if you are sensitive to these topics

[Translation Notes]

In here, both MC and Lucien are Snake Demons (蛇妖). Demons (妖 yāo) – (which is sometimes left untranslated as “Yao” or alternatively translated as Monsters) are born when an animal, plant, or even an inanimate object absorbs spiritual energy over a long period and then gains spiritual awareness. They're not necessarily evil and are different from 魔 (Mó)/Evil Spirits. Still, their identity as such beings in this AU is important to remember because it means that both MC and Lucien are indifferent to human standards of morality.

Also in this date, there's a concept of cultivation or "修炼" (xiūliàn), which is a central concept in many Chinese fantasy genres, particularly in xianxia (仙侠) literature. It involves the practice of refining one's body, mind, and spirit to achieve higher levels of power, enlightenment, or immortality. As for other terms… I'll add T/N if there are more specific terms ahah-

And, let me explain a bit about the v*re theme... So, in some Chinese fantasy literature and cultivation stories, consuming others can be a method of cultivation. This practice might involve eating parts of these beings to gain their powers or absorb their essence, which is believed to advance their cultivation level. Although I’m also kind of convinced with what Chuverall said that ‘hunger’ here is a metaphor for another kind of desire or Lucien just genuinely confuses lust with hunger😂

[Pre-evolve call - Wandering Ballpoint pen]

[Subbed Video]

I highly recommend watching the subbed video! I SWEAR I never heard him moan and pant so much on one date or heck, even in ASMR.

In case YouTube decides the date is too explicit, I also upload it on Twitter.

Also, to avoid the video getting deleted by youtube, I age-restricted it u.u

✂— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

[Transcript Ver]

—[Part 1]—

I'm starving.

I swallow a pile of random 'food' expressionlessly, yet the intense emptiness and hunger are not satisfied in the slightest.

Immense power courses through my body, but it seems as if it is confined within an earthen jar, desperately trying to find an outlet, yet unable to find a way out.

I am well aware that, after four hundred years, I have once again encountered the opportunity to break through the Primordial Spirit stage.

Back then, I devoured the crocodile demon that had occupied the deep pool for hundreds of years, and only after digesting its entire Primordial Spirit did I successfully achieve the breakthrough.

[T/N: Primordial spirit or 元神 (yuán shén) is typically regarded as a higher, more refined level of consciousness or spiritual essence within a being. If cultivated enough, a primordial spirit can gain some consciousness and you can project yourself outward (important for the later part ;)]

[T/N: A breakthrough in cultivation refers to a significant leap in spiritual or martial progress, often leading to enhanced abilities or a higher level of power. It can happen several times.]

I feel the surge of power within me, and now I only crave for more.

Half a country's worth of humans is probably not enough. I still need to find a way to concentrate on cultivation, or perhaps consume another powerful being.

The harsh, blazing sunlight pierces through the cave entrance, casting a bright circle inside the cave.

I squint my eyes, lazily stretching my snake tail towards the patch of light.

The cautious tip of my snake tail ventures only an inch into the light but is instantly pierced by the scorching heat, causing it to shudder and quickly recoil back into the shadows.

MC: …So hot.

MC: I'll think about it later.

The chilly and damp stone cave dispels the scorching heat of the sun. I close my eyes and adjust my position for greater comfort, half my body submerged in the pool water.

There's no need to rush. After all, this scorching summer heat that could kill a demon is a mysterious demon-slaying technique in itself.

??: …

Suddenly, I sense something entering my cave.

It's just that the little creature's demonic power is too weak to stir even a sliver of my interest.

Perhaps because of my indifference, "it" seems to be growing bolder, venturing closer and even approaching my pool.

Slightly displeased, I open my eyes, only to meet with a pair of unfamiliar eyes—deep and brimming with smiles.

??: So hot. May I borrow a corner of your abode, My Lord?

The man's clothes hang loosely on his frame, barely concealing his broad, sculpted chest in a manner that seems almost deliberate as he leans casually against a nearby rock.

[T/N: The use of 欲盖弥彰 😂 This idiom literally means "trying to cover up but only making it more obvious." This implies that his attempt to ‘dress modestly’ is actually drawing more attention to his physique and carrying a subtle hint of deliberate seduction LOL]

Who is he?

Countless lesser monsters inhabit this mountain, and I never pay attention to those I can crush with half a finger.

But perhaps it's because I'm so bored, or perhaps because he carries the scent of my own kind, that I can't help but stare at him for a long while.

Lucien: My Lord, my name is Lucien.

Perhaps sensing the reason for my silence, he smiles gracefully and bows his head respectfully.

Lucien: I have been living in this mountain for many years, always relying on your protection, My Lord.

Lucien: I have expressed my gratitude to you many times before, My Lord, but it seems...

He pauses, his deep and bright eyes settling on me.

Lucien: ...those sentiments have not reached you.

Hearing him say this, I try to recall the countless memories I've accumulated over the years on this mountain, but I can't possibly remember the face of every insignificant lesser demon.

Seeing that I still show no reaction, the lesser demon's face seems to stiffen for a brief moment.

But a seductive curve quickly forms on his lips as he steps into the pool.

His body bends gracefully in the pool as water laps over his waist and abdomen, leaving him glistening wet.

He extends his arms into the pool, seemingly sensing and finding my tail as if guided by instinct.

His cold fingertips gently caress my scales, then encircle my tail and draw it towards his chest.

Water droplets run down his hair, trace the contours of his jaw and cascade onto his chest, mingling with the water dripping from the tip of my tail. Together, they seep through his semi-transparent garment, disappearing into the curve of his waist.

The uncomfortable warmth faintly spread over me, yet his audacious behavior piqued my curiosity. I wonder what intriguing actions this lesser demon can do.

But my somewhat arrogant and silent scrutiny doesn't seem to instill any fear in him.

He nuzzles my snake tail with his face, his lips gently pressing against my scales. After a moment of delicate caressing, he—

Suddenly bites down hard.

MC: …!

A tingling numbness quickly spreads from the tip of my tail. The venom is manageable, and it will take me less than a moment to neutralize it.

Yet, in that fleeting moment, a particularly hazy, green-colored figure forms in my mind.

MC: Are you that little green snake who bit my tail decades ago and then fainted?

—[Part 2]—

=Flashback start=

One autumn many years ago, the sunlight was still pleasant, and I was coiled idly in the mountain, feeling bored to death.

The autumn light stretches endlessly, the entire forest suffused with a lingering pleasant fragrance that makes me coil my body even more lazily.

My demonic aura permeates the entire mountain, utterly unrestrained. The lesser demons cower in corners, none foolish enough to dare disturb my tranquility.

Suddenly, a burst of very weak stings prickled the tip of my tail.

Puzzled, I lifted my tail, only to find a small green snake clinging to it.

It must have tried to feed on my energy but was overwhelmed by the backlash of my demonic power. The little snake has already fainted, but its tiny fangs are still tightly embedded in me.

It's natural for creatures to have a predatory instinct, but such a bold and greedy little thing might eventually develop even greater desires.

I observed it for a few more moments with interest before casually tossing it away.

=Flashback ends=

That blurry green shape in the daylight unexpectedly coalesces into the face of the person standing before me.

Turns out it really transformed into a demonic form.

My tail instantly coils around his entire body, tightening around his neck, and pulls him towards me.

MC: What did you say your name was?

Lucien: [his sexy gasps and breathless voice?#(#+-$(asdfghjkl] My Lord, my name is Lucien.

The venomous fangs in his mouth remain unretracted as if deliberately left exposed to provoke.

I grip his upper jaw, my fingertips sliding into his parted lips, caressing the delicate tips of his fangs.

As I gradually apply pressure, a pale yellow liquid slowly trickles down my fingertips.

A fascination stirs within my heart, and I drive the venom to flow uncontrollably until it overflows my palm.

The labored breath escaping his lips doesn't bring even a hint of fear to the face before me. Those eyes, like mysterious deep pools, draw me in completely.

MC: I remember you.

I lick the venom on my fingertips and then lightly lean toward his lips.

MC: Perhaps devouring you wouldn't be such a bad idea.

Lucien: [x2!] It would be my honor to become a part of you, My Lord.

Venom from his fangs spills to the corner of his lips, adding an inexplicable allure to his serene expression.

Lucien: [X3!!] However... to you, my lord, my demonic power is very weak. Even after appearing before you many times, I never caught your attention.

Lucien: [X4!!!] I'm afraid I can't help you achieve your breakthrough, my lord.

[T/N: Throughout this date, he used a "您" (nín) to address MC instead of the usual “你” (nǐ), which is the formal and polite way to say "you" in Chinese. It is used to show respect, deference, and admiration to the person being addressed.]

His face even bears a hint of hidden bitterness, as if silently reproaching me.

MC: How did you know I wanted to breakthrough?

Lucien: Because in my eyes... all I see is your figure.

Lucien: In the corners you never noticed, I've always been watching you.

Through those deep and unfathomable eyes, I see a reflection of a slender white figure, and her face is filled with disdain and inexplicable emotion.

Lucien: You've protected this place for many years, providing us with a safe haven. So, I also wish to contribute my humble efforts to your cause.

Lucien: I have found a group of remarkable humans who might be able to help you break through your cultivation, My Lord.

Half a country wouldn't even suffice.

I form this sentence in my mind but don't say it out loud.

Facing my silence, he gently smiles, as if he had expected it.

Lucien: What do you think, My Lord... about the 361 demon-slaying cultivators of the Qingping Sect, including the Sect Leader—what should be done with them?

His hushed whispers are carried on a breathy exhale and reach my lips. Sinking into the depths of his dark eyes, I curl my lips into a smile.

MC: Is there more to this than meets the eye?

Lucien: In the past two years, many demon hunters from this sect have repeatedly disturbed the peace in the mountain, and many lesser demons have fallen at their hands.

Lucien: My Lord, you have cast spells in this mountain, clearly not wishing to be disturbed. I merely volunteered to ease your worries.

MC: But those bugs always manage to get in, do you know why?

Lucien: A sophisticated formation like yours, My Lord, is naturally beyond the comprehension of a lowly demon like myself.

Lucien: The Qingping Sect is also a great sect with a hundred years of history; [chuckles] Perhaps there are some mysterious and powerful humans there.

Lucien smiles modestly and looks at me obediently.

I close my eyes, pondering his words over and over.

The Qingping Sect people have been coming to the mountain to hunt demons in summer and winter for the past few years. They must have observed my movements.

When I'm dormant, I'm usually too lazy to bother with such trivial matters. But if it's delivered to my doorstep, there's certainly no reason to refuse.

But with Lucien's cultivation level, it should be very difficult for him to handle such a large sect.

I think for a moment, then fling him away.

MC: So, in a place where the talented and powerful people hide, how are you going to offer them to me?

Lucien: I'm just using a few little tricks. You can inspect it now, My Lord.

His words barely leave his lips when the scene before me abruptly blurs. In a flash, I conceal my demonic form.

✂— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

An unfamiliar Taoist temple comes into view. We are already standing in the shadows of a corner.

I glance around, slightly raise my fingertips, and strangle Lucien's neck.

MC: Lucien, I don't like being controlled by anything else.

[T/N: MC actually called him 小许 (Xiao Xu) here which can be translated into ‘Little Lu' but that sounds odd in EN-]

Lucien: [gasping for breath and hoarsely says-] Perhaps… I was just too eager, hoping I could be of some help to you.

Lucien: [still with his hoarse voice-] I really long to see you happy.

His eyes curve into a gentle arc, showing a certain beauty that is both pleasing to the eye and delightful to the heart.

I let out a cold snort, dismissing him, and step out of the shadows, releasing my hold on his neck.

The scorching sun beats down mercilessly, making me irritable. Just as I'm about to turn around and warn that little creature to make it quick, I sense an unusually strange and mysterious Qi in the air.

In the shadows, Lucien stands still, his deep, dark eyes hiding a gleam.

Interesting.

A spark of interest ignites within me, and I swagger down the road.

Several demon hunters who look quite delicious pass by me. They appear numb, like puppets, and show no sign of panic in my presence.

??: Ah, it's Mr. Lucien!

Suddenly, a young Daoist Priest seems to regain his senses and runs towards me.

Lucien, who is already standing beside me, responds gently.

Lucien: Greetings, Daoist Priest.

Lucien's eyes shimmer with an emerald green light. As his voice trails off, several nearby demon hunters eagerly gather around, engaging him in conversation.

MC: "Do they know you?"

I glance at Lucien and use a spell to transmit the words directly into his mind.

But he merely smiles faintly, and under the gaze of those empty eyes, he leans down and whispers in my ear.

Lucien: [whispers] Some things are easier to erode from within.

Lucien: After all... I'm just a little green snake.

✂— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

—[Part 3]—

Abundant power surges within me. After absorbing and dissolving the last remnants of the primordial spirit, I open my eyes, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

While there's still a long way to go before my primordial spirit breaks through, I won't force it.

The blazing sun overhead reminds me of the day I parted ways with Lucien, leaving me to wonder how many days and nights have slipped by since.

The vastness of time has long since lost its meaning for me.

=Flashback start=

MC: Some of these are for you.

Lucien: …?

Upon hearing my words, he seemed to freeze for a moment, his eyes darkening slightly.

Lucien: If I wanted to keep it all for myself, I wouldn't have invited you, My Lord. All of this is my offering…

MC: You're so long-winded.

MC: Rewards are given for merit; take it if it's given to you. Those are my rules.

I was too lazy to listen to his long-winded speech, so I stood on the steps and looked down at him.

MC: Lucien, I have only one question for you right now.

MC: Aren't you hungry?

Lucien: ….

He stood in my shadow, deeply gazing up at me.

After a long pause, he curled his lips into a bewitching smile, his gaze locked intently on me. He extended his tongue, lightly licking his lips.

Lucien: [the long licking noises!??+$+*+$+] Very hungry, my lord.

=Flashback end=

I stand up and stretch, ready to take a stroll in the mountain and see how Lucien's cultivation is progressing.

He's very clever. In just a few decades, he's not only cultivated into a demon form but also amassed considerable power and even dealt with the entire Qingping Sect.

Perhaps in a few more decades, he could be the final piece I need for my breakthrough.

Just as I am about to leave the cave, I sense an extremely familiar pheromone nearby.

Its owner is cleverly masking their scent within my demonic aura, but it seems they're struggling to maintain the disguise, and faint traces are still leaking through.

I raise my head to gaze at the colossal Buddha statue before me, and then with a swift movement, I stand atop the entwining vines that encircle it. A quick glance reveals a familiar figure—

sexy bgm playing

Lucien: ...!

His dark green outer robe has slipped down to his arms, revealing a large expanse of his back. The slanting rays of the sun illuminate the faint snake scales on his skin.

Gold dust spills from the cracks in the Buddha statue, scattering around him. One of his hands, unable to contain the surging power, has fully transformed into its demonic form.

His broad and supple snake tail is fully exposed, writhing restlessly against the stone statue, creating a subtle rustling sound as it rubs against the surface.

Fine beads of sweat emerge on his forehead, gradually dampening his hair, which clings stickily to his flushed skin and trails downwards.

Lucien seems surprised by my arrival, turning around with a guarded look, his fingers reaching for his shoulder as if wanting to cover up more.

Lucien: [panting as if he's in a freaking heat] My Lord, how could you...?

MC: Lucien, you're really good at finding places, aren't you?

I examine the area around the Buddha's Hand. Lush bushes cover most of the cave entrance, providing him with ample shelter along with my demonic aura.

A small white snake then slithered into the opening of his clothing, making its way up to his face.

[T/N: Remember what I mentioned about how powerful cultivators can project themselves outward—so this white snake is indeed MC but she has projected her soul outward]

Lucien: [x2] I'm fortunate to have your protection.

He pants lightly, his eyes never leaving even for a moment, fixed firmly on my figure.

Lucien: I understand that you needed to focus on your cultivation and didn't want to be disturbed.

Lucien: [while slightly panting] But I haven't experienced many breakthroughs before. I need to focus all my energy on refining my spirit. Last time, I almost got eaten by other lesser demons…

Lucien: [with more panting and huskier voice] Being by your side, My Lord, I feel more at ease and can also help guard against potential dangers for you.

His husky voice sends tingling sensations through me, making me inexplicably feel a bit hungry.

Lucien: [man literally panting with each sentence?!$+($+$asdjfjdkd] I just didn't expect you to be so powerful, absorbing so many spirits in such a short time…

He furrows his brow in what seems like frustration, which looks a bit cute.

MC: Those are still far from enough, but your breakthrough speed is also faster than I thought.

Lucien: [still with the sus panting as if in heat] It's all… thanks to you, My Lord.

He forces a weak smile, seemingly still struggling to suppress the surging power within him.

I know that feeling, the unbearable heat from the inside out, the frantic surge of Qi sweeping through the body again and again, as the soul drifts between fullness and emptiness.

I've always been on my own, so it's quite interesting to witness someone else going through this for the first time.

Lucien's fingertips continue to tighten, revealing an attractive white color.

He seems to be waiting there, waiting for me to disappear. But I don't.

I wiggle my fingers, and the little white snake glides along his burning skin. Every inch closer elicits a heavier, instinctive gasp from the depths of his throat.

The increasingly prominent snake scales seem to be burning, and his long tail coils around the Buddha's hand over and over while continuously trembling.

MC: Is it hard to bear?

He knows she's laughing.

Through his hazy gaze, he sees the girl perched on a nearby branch, like a wisp of delicate white gauze, overlooking him completely.

He can feel the cold little snake mischievously exploring all over his body as if her fingertips were stroking him.

This makes him feel even more messed up.

The power surges within him, more violently than he anticipated, and it's taking longer than expected.

He overestimated her greed, and at the same time, underestimated his own.

A tremendous sense of emptiness drowns him in an instant, magnified infinitely under her wicked gaze.

At that moment, it's as if he forgets everything.

He instinctively follows that surge of intense force, returning to a darker place, where he finds some form of primitiveness and liberation.

A surge of heat courses through him from his chest to his lower body, carrying him from the heights of the clouds to the mist below.

He is obviously filled with a momentary sense of satisfaction, yet a greater emptiness is born. Amidst the lingering white mist, her eyes always remain clear.

Bright, vile, and charming.

As if shining into his greedy soul, allowing him to see the reflection of his face so clearly.

Lucien: [breathing heavily after some kind of ‘release’...but obviously haven't ‘satisfied’ yet-] ….

Suddenly, I see Lucien smile.

He leans against the Buddha's palm, his entire body sprawled out and clothes in a mess. It's as if he's completely submerged in water.

The tense snake's tail trembles as it lifts, gently and intimately coiling around my wrist.

People say snake demons are masters of seduction, but perhaps they are not even one ten-thousandth as good as the person before me.

Lucien: [panting, whispers hoarsely] Teach me... My Lord.

MC: Aren't you afraid that I'll really eat you?

I laugh and tease him. The moment my toes touch the Buddha's hand, a scorching hot snake's tail wraps tightly around my waist, coiling down to one of my ankles.

With a gentle tug, he pulls me into an even hotter embrace.

Lucien: [moans and pants as he whispers hoarsely] Then just eat me.

Lucien: [x2] From the very beginning, I didn't mind becoming one with you, My Lord.

His breath is hot, and so is his gaze. This kind of temperature, which usually makes me uncomfortable, fills me with some kind of pleasure now.

I gently caress his chest, feeling the surge of Qi within him, and can't help but smile even wider.

MC: If you want to be eaten by me... you're still too weak.

Infusing my power into my palm, I gather his power into one place.

At this moment, I realize that I might have left Lucien with too much force. It's no wonder he hasn't fully absorbed such a massive force. It's also fortunate that he has exceptional abilities.

If he were an ordinary demon, his meridians would have ruptured long ago.

[T/N: Meridians (经脉) are the channels through which Qi/vital energy flows in the body, if it ruptures it can lead to death]

MC: Luckily, you've been able to hold on until now.

MC: But... you still need to work harder.

I push my palm forward, dismantling that power and sending it into his primordial spirit.

I feel myself being hugged tightly, his whole body trembling uncontrollably. His snake fangs bite hard into my shoulder and release his venom with a force that feels like a torrent.

The venom he secreted is like sweet honey, devoid of any threat.

When he raises his head again, I see that his deep eyes have become even brighter, as if they have swallowed a thousand surging tides.

MC: How do you feel?

Lucien: [x3] My lord... your body is so cold and feels so good.

His tail coils tighter around me, and his scorching breath falls on my neck.

He seems to have coiled his entire body around me, enveloping me in his center.

Lucien: [x4] You... are very beautiful.

His wet tongue slides again and again across my throat and neck. I feel like his whole body is exuding a delicious scent.

I'm so hungry.

I can't resist the urge to bite his lips. His strong essence is absorbed into my body through our intertwined lips and tongues.

Lucien doesn't resist at all and just hugs me tightly as if devoutly offering his entire being to me.

In an instant, I push him away, meeting his gaze, which seems to hold an air of expectation.

Lucien: [gasping weakly] Are you not going to eat me anymore?

He looks a bit tired, but his lips still rest against mine, like the instinctive nuzzling of an animal.

I don't respond to him, only glancing at him for a moment before covering his captivating eyes with my hand.

MC: Go to sleep.

Just a little longer. If I wait a bit more, he'll be even more delicious, and it'll help me break through even further.

✂— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

[T/N: Fun fact: In real life, snakes intertwine their tails and bite each other when they mate. Why do I mention this? Well you'll see :)]

✂— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

—[Part 4]—

Over a month later, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the evening breeze brings a chill. I stretch and head down the mountain, holding up my skirt as I walk.

I quite enjoy human festivals. Every year, during these times, the lively and interesting rituals make this frail race seem a bit more endearing.

Bathed in the soft glow, a familiar figure dressed in green appears in my sight.

Lucien: My Lord, it seems quite lively down there. Is that the human "temple fair" they speak of?

MC: You've been in human form for decades, and you know quite a few demon hunters from the Qingping Sect. Haven't you ever been to a temple fair?

Lucien: I'm just a lowly demon, so I wouldn't dare.

Lucien: But if I go with you, I'm sure I'll be able to experience some of the fun.

MC: [smiles softly] Are you a fool?

With a grand sweep of my hand, I lead him into the warm and dazzling sea of lights.

I turn to face him, a smile playing on my lips as I tilt my chin up in a challenge.

MC: Since you're already a demon, you can afford to be even more bolder sometimes.

His pupils dilate sharply. The gently swaying lanterns cast a soft, flickering light as Lucien gazes deeply into my eyes. Then, in a surprising turn, he reaches out and takes my hand in his.

Lucien: I will certainly heed your teachings, My Lord.

We make our way through the bustling crowd. Though Lucien seems a little curious about everything around him, he still walks steadily by my side.

Suddenly, he stops in his tracks.

I turn back to see him carefully wiping a jade bracelet on one of the stalls.

The bracelet is a vibrant green throughout, its color rich and translucent, with a subtle, warm glow. At a glance, it's clearly a piece of exquisite jade.

I don't know why, but that captivating shade of green reminds me of his original appearance.

He quickly pays for it, and amidst the vibrant spectacle of festive lights, gently places the bracelet on my wrist.

MC: What are you doing?

Lucien: I saw that other humans seem to do this. Do you like it?

In that fleeting moment, he seems to be imbued with the essence of the human world. His eyes curve into gentle crescents as he smiles tenderly.

In the vast and endless expanse of time, I can no longer remember if the last person who smiled at me like this was also so soul-stirring.

Perhaps, there has never been such a person before.

MC: Though I can't say whether I like it or not...

MC: But you seem to have become even more delicious.

Lucien seems to smile even more happily. For some reason, I think I see the same emotion of mine reflected in his eyes.

But that's probably just my imagination. Despite his greed, he's ultimately just a weak lesser demon.

As we stroll along, the distant voice of a storyteller drifts towards us.

Storyteller: “Continuing from where we left off, the battle between the thousand-year-old white snake demon of Baihua Mountain and the crocodile demon has been at a standstill for a full hundred days…”

Groups of young boys and girls walk together, their faces flushed with shy smiles. An elderly woman calls out, advertising her steaming hot meat buns. Red firecrackers explode, welcoming a bride from some unknown family.

The festive atmosphere surrounds us. Perhaps influenced by the surroundings, I hear Lucien's curious voice.

Lucien: My Lord, are you also interested in human love?

MC: That's the most impermanent thing in this world.

I take a bite of the candied hawthorn he's holding and gaze at the ordinary faces around us.

MC: It might be interesting, but as demons, we live for far too long. So long that...

MC: Such fragile things can't nourish our parched and greedy souls.

MC: But if you're interested, you could always find a human and experience it a little.

I smile and playfully bop his nose.

MC: [teasingly] But be careful, don't let any bad woman trick you, Lucien.

Lucien: You worry too much. I have no interest in those.

Lucien: Because I've already encountered and tasted something far more delectable.

His dark inky eyes hold my reflection captive, as if drawing me into their hidden depths.

Lucien: Lord MC has taught me everything I wanted to know…

Lucien: As one of the same kind.

Later, Lucien takes the initiative to show me around several places. After we've explored the town extensively, fireworks illuminate the deep night sky.

Lucien: Do you know where we can enjoy the most beautiful fireworks?

MC: You've asked the right demon.

With a flick of my finger, I whisk him away to an ancient pagoda that's been sealed for many years.

The airtight walls keep the interior pitch black. The air is filled with the scent of sandalwood, and the faint sound of fireworks echoes like distant bells.

Lucien: It seems... we can't see any fireworks here.

MC: Just wait.

I turn my palm, and in the blink of an eye, the surrounding stone walls suddenly become transparent, as if they were never there.

I pull Lucien to sit at the center of the circular platform. Suddenly, a profusion of vibrant fireworks bursts forth all around us, their carefree beauty so close as if within reach.

The vibrant colors of the fireworks paint Lucien's figure, layer upon layer. For the first time, someone is here with me to enjoy the fireworks, and my heart can't help but fill with a touch of joy.

MC: Humans are so rigid. They think a tranquil place can't also be lively. What a waste of a good spot.

MC: Might as well let these Buddhas enjoy the show too.

Lucien: [softly] Indeed… incredibly beautiful.

As he speaks, it's hard to tell if his eyes are fixed on me or the fireworks behind me.

But beautiful scenery is always fleeting. Soon, the fireworks display comes to an end.

And as I try to stand up, I suddenly realize that I can't move.

Just as I'm about to summon my power, a piercing pain shoots through my entire body. It feels as though some invisible ropes in the air are binding me in place.

While I'm still puzzled, I hear Lucien's surprised voice—

Lucien: ...I didn't expect it to succeed on the first try.

I lift my head, and our gazes collide. His eyes are full of smiles.

His index and middle fingers pressed together, their tips shimmering with a faint light as he swiftly forms an intricate seal in the air.

The instant I see the strikingly familiar gesture, my eyes widen in shock.

MC: ...Why do you know a sealing spell used only by demon hunters?!

Lucien: Humans are rigid, thinking a tranquil place can't be lively. And you demons are just as rigid. Who says...

Lucien: ...a demon can't learn the arts of eliminating demons?

His lips form a triumphant and seductive curve as his cold fingertips caress my cheek.

Lucien: Don't worry, I know my own capabilities.

Lucien: The formation I've set up across the entire town, combined with the second layer of formation at the heart of it, will only restrain you for a short while.

Lucien: [whispers] However, this short time will be enough.

His voice softly weaves into my ears as he holds me tightly in his embrace.

MC: Those places you took me to earlier... were they all part of setting up this formation?

Lucien: That was merely just a test.

Lucien: [chuckles] It was you who said, I could be a bit bolder.

His delicate breath steadily brushes against my neck, making me feel lightheaded that maintaining my human form takes almost all of my strength.

MC: This… this is a Qingping Sect ancient text... You couldn't possibly have had the chance to…

A shockingly unbelievable thought suddenly pops into my mind. I clutch his lapel tightly, my whole body trembling.

MC: So it was you... You found the weakness in the mountain formation and led the Qingping Sect to hunt the demons.

Lucien: Yes, it was me.

All pretense vanishes from his eyes, revealing utterly raw and unbridled greed and desire.

Lucien: Those humans are so easily deceived. As long as I help them kill a few demons, they think I'm a talent worth cultivating.

Lucien: So I had the chance to plant the poison. In just over a decade, they would be completely under my control.

Lucien: And My Lord, you are my best reward.

Lucien: I finally found the opportunity to gain your trust. And with your help, I also obtained the ancient text.

[T/N: I think, her ‘help’ refers to her ‘eating’ the most Sect member which was his offering. Now that the whole sect was gone, he was able to gain access to the Sect's sacred ancient text, which allowed him to learn how to create this formation to trap her-]

His words are incredibly gentle, yet devoid of any warmth. He meticulously plans every step, taking small risks for greater gains. In the end, he uses the entire town as a formation, waiting for me to walk into the trap myself.

MC: Have you been wanting to eat me all along?

Lucien: [whispers hoarsely] I've never lied to you.

He smiles as he presses his cold lips against my brow and eyes, tenderly caressing my lips.

Lucien: [his whispers become increasingly obsessive-] I told you, from the moment you appeared in my life, in my eyes... all I see is your figure.

Lucien: [x2!] A snake wanting to eat another snake… that's normal, isn't it…?

Lucien: [x3!!] I've always, always... wanted to eat you.

*sexy bgm playing-*

Along with his voice, a slippery tail coils around the tip of my own.

As if fearing I might escape, it coils around me tightly from the start. Our scales rustle as they rub against each other, and I feel inexplicable suffocation.

Lucien lowers his gaze to look at me, his eyes filled with undisguised desire. He bares his fangs, teasingly grazing my skin before swiftly sinking them in with a sharp bite.

After a slight sting, a cold liquid is injected into the bite mark. My skin grows hotter and hotter, making the coldness even more alarming.

He probably knows that this bit of venom can't harm me, so he indulges in "tasting" me to his heart's content.

His sharp fangs expertly latch onto the easy-to-bite spots, biting down hard as if he really intends to devour me.

He leans toward me, pressing closer and closer. Our tails are already entwined inseparably; the tips of our hair and the sashes of our clothes are in complete disarray.

I can't summon any power to resist the venom's encroachment. I can only feel the burning heat spreading through my limbs and bones, my whole body trembling uncontrollably.

Lucien: [moaning and panting] I know I can't completely devour you yet, but it doesn't matter…

Lucien: [x2!] I will leave my mark inside your body, on every inch of your skin.

Lucien: [x3!!] Let our breaths entwine... until yours carries the essence of mine.

He bites my lip, his mouth devouring every bit of my moan and wet sounds. His tongue, laced with venom, forcefully swirls over mine, compelling me to swallow every drop.

Lucien: [hisses and groans] Until... the day I eat you.

My head is swimming, all I can feel is his snake tail coiling tighter around me, a tingling heat flowing through my body as something is being poured inside me again and again.

The feeling is too arousing, making me instinctively tighten my body, but also wrapping him even tighter.

The air is heavy with erotic scents, and the sound of our entwined scales rubbing against each other creates an ambiguous symphony of slick and moist noises, intensifying my hunger step by step.

MC: [laughs] The one who should be eaten... is you, isn't it?

MC: Given time, I will cleanse your weak poison completely.

MC: Great, you already look delicious.

Unfamiliar yet pleasurable waves surge rapidly within me, hitting me again and again, causing me to instinctively bite him back.

The cloyingly sweet blood, mixed with venom and clear bodily fluids, fills our mouths, necks, and entire bodies.

Lucien: [groans and breathlessly says] …Then let's see how this plays out.

Scalding sweat trickles down his jaw, blending into my clothes that are already soaked with sweat.

Lucien pushes deeper into me as if even the deepest part of my soul is being imbued with his essence.

Lucien: [moans and gasps] No matter the outcome… we will… become one.

———————Fin——-—————

[Lux's afterwords]

Not much analysis here, this date is pretty much just ‘fast food’ LOL. So, while his obsession towards MC definitely gets amped up in this AU, I do like how it still retains his core like his greediness, curiosity, and obsessiveness/stubbornness though 👀 and the details of them mirroring each other's desire are always so!!!

Although the ending is fairly predictable given his character, this date introduces a fresh element with its unique dynamic where the power balance shifts in favor of MC 😂 It conveys a similar dynamic of the ‘God x mortal’ trope, where the mortals yearn for the love of their God. And despite all the things he did, I really can't help but think that he really is just a hardworking yet stubborn/obsessive little snake HAHA.

His final line! I think… it's the biggest proof that he never really lied to her. His final line on this date reveals that his ultimate goal is to become one with her, whether through her eating him or vice versa, the method or outcome doesn't matter to him. Since he is much weaker than her, it's easier for him to be consumed (which is why he keeps asking her to eat him). However, in case she doesn’t want to eat him, he also has this backup plan. Whether he is to be consumed or to consume her, both scenarios require decades of deceiving humans to first gain her attention. While his methods may not be entirely honest, it is undeniable that he has worked very hard for her and it's a bit endearing🤧 or maybe it's time for me to admit that atp i'll forgive any shits he pulled *kicked*

[lazarusrisingx]

Dreams.

The light of zaynes life was his dreams.

The sky above him was a hollow grey color. Clouds hung heavy in the atmosphere, begging to release a swell of rain. The wind rippled through the trees, breathing an unsettling chill into the surrounding area. Rubble surrounded him, an old grocery store he had frequently seen while asleep. The remnants of an old and yellowed sale sign lay on the ground at his feet, contrasted with the normally soot blackened and rock strewn ground around it.

He could remember what it looked like, or shouldve looked like.

Bright white lights making it seem like a beacon to late night dwellers. Snacks lining the shelves stacked neatly, chilly beverages with sales displayed on the glass doors covering them. In that place, the only chilly air was when you opened a cooler to pull out a refreshing drink.

Zayne peered behind him, the sound of wanderers wildly roaming the streets was constant. Today was no different, but strangely they were much quieter. As if they were waiting. Saving their breath for a symphony they would sing later.

It had him on edge, a hand resting on the pistol on his hip, an extra cartridge of bullets hidden in one of his coat pockets.

But for now, he had some exploring to do.

Zayne stepped over rubble, flashes of his dream coming to him like some sort of sick deja vu. He held her hand as the two of them walked across a neat concrete path. A beautiful smile beaming up at him. Zayne couldnt hear her voice. Not last night for some reason.

He followed a similar path, his hand itching with how lonely it had felt.

The glass doors had been long shattered, and inside this tiny convenience store no lights illuminated it. The white shelves were tossed and knocked over. Old rotting food made a sickly sweet stench fill the air nearly making Zayne gag. He imagined it smelled far better in his dream. Like lavender cleaning soap and cooking hot dogs on the rollergrill.

He walked to the back. he had taken her to get sweets. Chocolates to be exact. Zayne couldnt figure out if the two were actually dating yet. She was always around that doctor though. Always popping in at his office. Always bringing him sweets.

Zaynes heart skipped over a beat as his fist clenched.

What had he done differently than that man? What had he done to lose her? To have to be the one to…

There was a quiet scuffling inside of the store, the tiny squeak of mice made Zayne jump slightly. A metal can rattled off to the side as the animal pitter pattered away from the tall man.

He had made his way to the exact shelf the two had stood at.

It was toppled over. He let out a disappointed sigh as he stared at the scattered bits of candy, some of it busted open and smeared along the floor. Some of it still intact. She must have really enjoyed this stuff. Her eyes had lit up like fireworks when the doctor had given to her.

He slowly crouched on the ground, a deafening screech made him cringe as he pushed the metal shelving to the side, searching for the specific candy bar.

Zaynes hands grasped the dark foil wrappers, bringing them close to his face to try and makeout the faded words on the packaging, turning them around to check for holes. He had eaten enough expired food since the event to not really care about expiration dates.

Anything to feel close to her.

Finally, to his happiness, he had found it.

A dark chocolate wafer bar with strawberry cream. There was a heart on the package, no wonder she had seemed so excited to have this. It mustve been… romantic.

A pain throbbed in his chest as he looked away for a moment. His eyes slowly closed as he thought back to his memories to her.

Of course it wasnt long before they were ruined. Before he was remember what he had to do to her.

Frost began to spread over the ground as his hands began to shake. The bar inside his hands became hard and icey.

He let out a sharp breath, cursing himself.

Zayne slowly stood up as he made his way out of the store as the walls began to turn frosty.

The doctor never had this type of reaction. The doctor always seemed in control.

If he was to ever get to her, would she even bother to give him a chance?

A dark cloud swam over Zaynes eyes. What he wouldnt give to be that doctor. What he wouldnt give to feel her skin on himself. Not in the dream.

He stopped walking once he passed the bright yellow sign.

Something was off about the atmosphere now.

Instead of the faint cries of wanderers, it was silent.

Dead silent. He would be able to hear a pin drop.

Zaynes hand wrapped tightly around the frozen bar, tucking it into his breast pocket, close to his heart. It was like doing this would keep her with him. Keep her close.

He turned in a full circle, glancing up at the sky above him. There was definitely a wanderer nearby. And a large one if it was silencing the others.

The clouds moved at a faster pace above him. The rain would hit soon, and it would be a torrential downpour.

Time was of the essence then.

Zayne sighed quietly. It wasnt easy to do, but when the wanderer was powerful enough you could feel tension in the air. As if the molecules were excited by its very presents. With her, Zayne wouldnt have to assume which direction it was in. She would help him.

His eyes opened, it was either to the north or south. The feelings were faint, sort of like a tug to the gut. But a guessing game wasnt something he had time for. Usually, if it didnt look as if the sky was about to let loose the wrath of heaven, he would have time to track it, to make a mistake.

Not today. Today he would bring it to him. Getting rained on wasnt awful. But he was quite a long ways away from his safe house. And trudging through the mud and muck would mean he would need to find a way to take a shower. Which was not easy to do now.

Zayne pulled out his gun, looking down and picking up that neon yellow sign from before. The tin was flexible and wobbled slightly. Rust traversed the back of it like moss. He set it against the wall of the store and took a few steps away. In the dead silence anything would be able to hear noise from miles away.

The wind had begun to pick up around him, whipping his hair in all directions. He smoothed it back and calmly trained his gun at the now propped up sign. He emptied one, two, three bullets into it.

The sound of tin shredding and the gunshot rang in his ears unpleasantly. He cringed at the screech it made, and stayed silent. Listening, waiting.

Silence.

Dead silence.

Frustration built in the back of his throat.

Another gunshot rang out as the wind picked up once more. Shrapnel from the sign fell like ruined snowflakes to the concrete. His bullets making a tinkling sound like bells as the cases ejected themselves.

Silence again.

But the tension in the air began to build.

That feeling like static that had built up on a balloon.

The hair on the back of his neck and arms began to stand on end. Zaynes body tensed as he whipped his head in either direction, trying to listen for the heavy footsteps he knew was coming.

But nothing came.

“Come on!” he finally yelled.

He aimed at the sign again, the wanderer was close but it was moving silently. He prayed it wasnt another invisible one. Those were always god awful to try and beat. It exhausted his evol trying to freeze a portion of it to be able to catch a glimpse of where it would run.

He began to squeeze the trigger, ready to fire off another shot.

Zaynes feet left the ground as a massive clap of thunder shook the ground.

He was thrown atleast 10 feet over the concrete, grunting as his arms and hands had gravel and rubble driven into them.

A earth shattering screech came, as the clouds parted above a purple glowing ball soaring down to the earth.

He scrambled across the ground, a string of curses leaving him as Zayne threw himself out of the way of the impact site. The creature landed on the ground, the air around him becoming excited. On his back, he caught a glimpse of it for a moment, large bat like wings with rips and shreds through them spread wide. Dark purple scales covered what looked like a mutilated bears body, its snout elongated and filled with jutting sharp teeth. Claws and spines covered its arms and legs, some with blood and with flesh still clinging to them.

It was triple the size of Zayne. With a bright purple protocore throbbing in the middle of its chest.

Eyes like amethyst focused on the man in front of it, and a screech like a knife dragging on glass left its mouth.

Zayne scrambled to the side as it began to charge him, but his movements were slow, as if he was moving through molasses. The very air itself seemed to still wherever it was.

Frost coated the ground around zayne as he dragged his hands over ground, the monster landed on the icy patch, its claws giving it a little more traction as it slid across, away from him. As it got farther away, Zayne was able to move quicker. He scrambled to his feet, trying to create distance between him and the beast.

He nearly tripped over his feet from the odd change in speed as he backed away, his gun raised as he unloaded a few bullets in its direction.

The beast spun around to him, lunging forward.

His bullets froze in mid air, or rather, began moving at a snails pace as they shot forward.

Zayne looked in horror, beginning to back up as the monster staggered towards him. Its hulking frame was barely supported by its mutated body parts, making it move slower than he would expect. Another awful screech came out, and a glow began to form at its mouth.

Zayne lunged out of the way as a beam of bright purple energy came shooting towards him. Trails of ice shot up from the ground, creating a wall of spikes around the beast.

He continued to try and make distance, looking around the environment, this may be a fight he loses. The only chance he had was to force the beast to impale itself on something. His bullets would be useless against it.

Wherever the beam landed objects were sucked towards it, not being destroyed, but more of disappearing into the ball of black energy that formed by the ground.

He looked back at the beast, which was charging up again.

Zayne stomped on the ground, ice shooting forward and curving around the beast, it wouldnt do much but buy him time, obstructing him from view.

He had to retreat.

Frost climbed its way up his one of his hands and shoulders, the pain burning into him and making him gasp, it wasnt the first time and it wouldnt be the last.

He made a wide curve around the beast, stumbling slightly from the ice that was now creeping over his leg, making him move sluggishly.

Zayne glanced back, just to see the beast launching itself into the air. Futily, he pointed his gun up at it, firing the rest of his bullets towards it. Some of them wildly missing, others stopping completely just inches from its protocore. Now that it was up in the air he could feel pressure from above him, trying to stop his movements.

He lowered himself, trying to reduce the effect of the evol as he raced to get into cover.

Another clap of thunder sounded, as rain began to pour from the sky, the droplets halting within ten feet of the beast. It was helpful to know exactly how wide of an aura this beast had around it, but still it didnt help.

The rain froze and tinkled to the ground when it came closer to Zayne, and an idea formed in his mind.

He stopped retreating, aiming a hand up at the beast. He didnt need to hit it, just get his evol close enough to freeze the rain around it.

A flurry of ice formed in his palm and blasted outwards, he grunted as frost and ice crawled faster along his legs and hands. The flurry he sent raced to the beast, freezing droplets around it turning them into thin spikes of ice. A smile formed on his face. If the beast dropped down again it would send those spikes right into itself. They would be like little shards of glass. Not effective, but they would hurt like hell. Dpending on how much damage the wanderer received to its protocore, it should cause power fluctuations.

His one hand was joined by his other as he stumbled backwards, another blast of freezing ice shot out towards it, he aimed right under it, trying to ensure any form of landing would cause it to impale itself.

The beast screeched at him. Preparing another beam not far away. Zayne dove for cover as it less loose, sweeping the ground a few feet in front of him. He felt the pull of whatever energy mass it created for itself; it wasnt strong, but it made it even harder to move, sliding him slowly towards it.

As if exhausted, the beasts wings made a half flap, before it began to fall out of the air.

Another boom of thunder shook the ground under Zayne, he was scrambling to bring himself out of the gravity of the energy ball, only knowing his little plan had worked when he heard an awful pained screeching from the beast in front of him.

The ground shook again as it landed, half of its body landing on the old ice wall he had created before, the spikes shoving themselves deep into its belly, the other frozen drops of rain suddenly began to race down onto it, dropping down and impaling themselves into its hide.

Thick, oily purple blood leaked from its wounds as it howled in pain. One particularly large spike had landed on the side of its protocore, tearing the tender skin surrounding it, letting a torrent of blood slosh to the ground around it. The aura around it was still flickering and fluctuating, droplets of rain splashed and froze around it now.

Zayne lifted his pistol and fired off a few rounds, the bullets stuttering and flying forward as if never being frozen. He put down the gun and sent another blast of ice into the air above it, fat droplets of rain turning into thicker peices of spiky ice.

The creature struggled and gnashed its pointed teeth as more ice began to impale itself at different intervals into it, the more landed inside of it, the more the field around it began to fluctuate and allow more openings for attacks.

Zayne staggered further away from it. His legs now stiff and covered in frost. He sucked in a pained breath as he stopped trying to kill the beast. The pair writhed on the ground together, Zayne trying to calm his nearly out of control evol, and the beast trying to unimpale itself from those thick ice spikes.

Rain turned to ice around him, shattering as it landed on the ground, pricking his numbed limbs painfully.

“Im sorry… but you-you cant live.” Zayne muttered to the beast.

He dragged himself up to his knees, this wasnt his worst fight by far, but it would be in his top three, and definitely reminded him why he needed to bring protofield dampeners with him no matter the monster he would eventually hunt. This could all be solved easily with one. But he was stupid enough to forget it.

He held onto the wrist of his nearly stiff and frozen arm, letting out a cry of pain as he forced the limb to point towards the beast. It was because of her that he had this much resolve. Watching her pass, from his own hands, created a deep hatred for wanderers. For anything that reminded him of the event that had turned his life upside down.

Zayne could see her face, filled with pain and eyes full of tears as she had begun to turn into a wanderer. He remembered her words. Her voice echoed in his head as she had slowly turned. Those last words had never left him. And every time he heard a wanderer, or saw one, he thought of her. Thought of the fact that, if that event had never happened, if these things had never come to earth he would never have had to do this. It filled his heart with a sickening rage.

He sneered at the beast.

“You, your a blight on this world.” he said.

A glow began to form in the beasts mouth once more, pointed directly at him.

Zayne let out a cruel harsh laugh, frost gathering around his arm, whoever could charge faster would win this battle. A battle against time.

He shut his eyes, thinking back to his dreams. The picture of her face floated over his eyelids. Her beautiful smile, plushies held in her hands, a bit of chocolate smeared on her cheek after messily eating a dessert.

What he wouldnt give to see her. What he wouldnt give to be near her. What he wouldnt give to hold her tightly. Given the chance, he would never let her go. He would never let her leave his sight.

Power shot out of his hands, this blast stronger than the others, as if the very thought of her strengthened him.

The beast screeched, half of the spikes reached it, but it was only half the spikes that Zayne needed in order to peirce its protocore.

The wanderer writhed and shreaked and bled. Dark purple fluid pouring from its chest, splashing and flooding the concrete around it. The protocore in its chest began to glow brightly as it was cracked open, purple light illuminating the rain soaked ground around them.

Zayne fell forward, screaming in pain as his limbs began to contract and freeze. Tears sprung into his eyes as the man writhed on the ground in front of the beast. It wasnt long before his own screams of pain were joined with the beast in front of him as it slowly bled.

However, unlike the usual wanderer, the beast did not slowly fade out and leave its protocore. Instead, it only began to glow bright and brighter, until bright lilac was all that illuminated Zaynes vision.

He panted and attempted to stand, but it was impossible. He was stuck in place.

Would it explode? It wasnt often that a protocore would continue to build power after it was cracked. Zayne hadnt even thought about this little fact, or that he was merely a few feet in front of it now.

He shut his eyes as the light began to glow brighter, an odd tug at his limbs, and heat building around the monster let him know that this was definitely the end.

If that was so, he would die thinking about something he loved.

Her smile, her cheery face, took over his eyelids.

“Dr. zayne, dont you think you should calm down on eating so many sweets?” She teased.

“Mmmm, as a doctor myself, i know that it is not a pressing matter.” he responded.

She shook her head, leaning forwards and touching his jaw. The way her hands cupped his cheeks made Zayne burn with jealousy. It should be him. It wouldve been him.

The lilac glow brought him even closer, and heat wrapped around his body, suffocating him. He choked on the impossibly warm air, just barely able to bring up the image of her face as he choked out a few more words.

“I love you… i love you my darling girl… let him care for you as much as i do…”

And the world went dark around him.

if youve made it this far i just wan tto say THANK YOU!!! this is my

first official chapter of a yandere story. its gonna be a bit of a slow burn maybe???? im really drunk and i got progressively more drunk when writing this but yeah!! hope this lived up to your expectations and youll read the coming chapters

[confused-mc]

𖠌 Victor: Headcannon/Ficlet

Rainy Day

Tw: brief allusion to death

Masterlist

He wouldn't acknowledge it, the rain, in the way you'd expect most stern faced CEOs - with silent disgust and a slewful of curses.

He walked into the dark, brooding weather as if it was uninteresting, but bearable TV add.

Still, seeing him walking in the rain was an act she barely caught him doing.

If anything, he had a slight avoidance of rain.

He would be the kind to look up the weather forecast and make sure to take the car in the morning.

Sometimes, certain dummies could be caught in the rain, whimpering under her breath at the sudden downpour, clutching her bag to her chest to protect the files she was taking home.

Sometimes, certain CEOs would draw beside her by the road, and bark at her to get in.

He was always dumbfounded by her stupidity to not to bring umbrellas, not to mention when bringing back important documents home.

"I let Kiki take mine." she puffed out her cheeks when he commented bitingly at her bedraggled state.

"Well that's stupid of you." he rolled his eyes, "What if I wasn't driving by? Would you go back in tomorrow with incomplete forms and waste more time redoing them?"

Her pout looked positively bristling, and it stoked a warm ember in his heart. His disapproving poker face, however, didn't move.

"Dummy." he muttered. He shook his head.

She looked at him through scrunched brows, "Well, I now have a printer at home. I'd just have to ask Lucien on how to set it up."

He felt a stab of irritation, but decided it wasn't because of the image of the good Professor in her room, touching her things, tracing the camel he'd gotten her, that sent a dark, thundering anger to his chest.

"So now you're willing to disturb your neighbour at all hours of the day, are you? How could you expect him to be there, considering yourself have said about his inconsistent schedule?"

She crossed her arms, "Well I don't see you offering."

"You didn't ask." he said, staring straight ahead, "I've set up plenty of printers."

He even sounded slightly indignant.

She lit up despite his tone, "You have?"

He gave her a side glance, as if to say 'Of course I have, idiot.'

She leant towards him, a smile on her lips despite the iciness in his eyes, "Well, I could never imagine you doing something like that. It seems too..."

"Too what?" his short, sharp answer is spitting.

She barely managed to get her grin hidden, "I don't know. I just thought it was something Lucien was more likely to know, that's all!"

The idea of Victor leaning over a printer which was grumbling back at unhappily with its refusal seemed like the fastest way to a printer's demise. She can just imagine Victor growling and yanking out the cable, barking at Goldman to get rid of it or get the print technicians up.

His lips twisted into a scowl.

By the time they arrive at her apartment, he's suddenly getting out with her. She looks at him, gaping because the downpour was still ongoing. Strands of his hair was now soaked, the suit jacket beading with rain.

"Victor -!"

She doesn't have time force him back into the car - his long strides matching her pratically running steps to the building.

By the time they make it to the front doors of where he walked her to he looks more begraddled than a drenched mainecoon cat. Somehow, seeing his slick, messy hair, and white starched shirt unravelled and pressing translucently to his skin did a number on her - and it's only the cold in the way her nipples suddenly felt too tight against the cotton fabric of her dress.

And suddenly, she feels with great embarrassment - Victor had gotten wet on her account.

"Please, come up and dry off. It's my fault you got wet -!" she flustered, and Victor accepts curtly with a nod.

In the lift, the silence is almost normal, and yet, despite it all there felt a bit of tension in the air.

It's only when she could see her slight reflection in the metal did she see the evidence of her nipples actually pressing against her dress. Suddenly her arms wrapped around her chest, feigning cold.

Victor frowned at the sight, and realised uselessly that pressing his wet suit jacket against her would likely do more harm than good.

There was a significantly slight annoyance in his mind at the fact. Being unable to help her was always something that caused an irritation within him in a way he couldn't quite describe.

Finally, the torturous lift ride was over.

She welcomed him into her apartment, wincing and swiftly kicking aside a few small things that had made their way onto the floor ( magazines, wrappers and a hairband she had long forgotten to pick up) and casually hanging up more than one coat that had fallen off the coat hooks.

She retrieved the towel for him, a nice red one that ironically went with his diamond-stitched, ruby tie. By the time she had quickly disposed of her wet clothes and slipped into some fuzzy, warm clothes (that part of her hoped he didn't mind seeing her in - note: Victor didn't mind at all) Victor had already sussed out where her printer lay unopened on a sideboard.

"You got this and haven't even opened it? What if you got it out and it didn't work? How would you get your money back if it had gone past the return period?" his voice was a whiplash to how softly appealing his appearance was.

She felt shame rise in her cheeks, and yet also a spark of anger, "Well not all of us have time okay? I hadn't needed it that often." (at his look she corrected herself) "okay, needed it at all. And well - I haven't had time to ask anyone else." she pulled at a strand of damp hair, "My dad-" she choked out "Always handled that stuff." she shook her head, staring at the floor desolately, "I keep meaning to do it. But somehow, I keep stopping when I go to open it."

Her jaw clenches, and she hates herself for her weakness.

"Then we'll just have to do it now." Victor voice had softened, as if there was a deeper, more succinct understanding in his eyes than she had ever gave him credit for.

She smiled, hoping the water in her eyes was simply a left over from the rain.

"That... That would be nice."

And Victor doesn't mention that he had knowingly walked her to the doors.

Because the odd, beating feeling in his chest when they set up the printer together, had sent a dizziness that rivalled the feeling of holding her in his arms.

Not to mention... She looked completely adorable buffoonish in those white, fuzzy bunny slippers.

Someone had to look after t his dummy.

And no one would mention the scathing look he sends Lucien's door as he eventually leaves, hackles rising as he passes.

Suddenly he wants to get her a dozen more stupid golden camels, just to fill up all her empty shelves, leaving no where else for the Professor to leave his dirty fingers.

𖠌

Well, we always love a cute rainy day, don't we? ;)

[sylvia-forest]

[CN] Shaw's Dual Cultivation Pact Date - Part 1

⚡Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a Date which hasn’t been released in EN yet!⚡

[Released Date: 4 August 2024]

[Section 1]

Mayor: To be honest, we really shouldn’t bother you with such trivial matters… Mayor: If the fairy hadn't set up a large formation here to protect our town over the years, I'm afraid this area would have been trampled by demons…

The old man in front of me complimented me endlessly, but at the critical moment, he hesitated to speak and kept looking at my face.

Looking at his submissive look, I felt a little funny, so I lazily changed my sitting position and spoke directly.

MC: There's no need for small talk. The old gentleman wants to talk about Shaw, right?

Hearing the name "Shaw", the villagers shivered instinctively and gritted their teeth before nodding.

Mayor: That's right! That's him! That disciple of yours is acting too arrogantly!

The mayor immediately started talking and complained endlessly.

Basically, it all boils down to Shaw being rude when traveling the world, being selective when fighting demons, and not knowing how to hold back. It's all just boring stuff.

I blocked a yawn with my sleeve, but the mayor didn't notice my impatience. He took a sip of strong tea and patted his knee.

Mayor: …..This time, he went even further and actually tied butcher Qian to a tree, using him as bait to attract ghosts! MC: Oh. Mayor: Butcher Qian was so frightened that he was still lying in bed! MC: ….oh. Mayor: Their whole family depends on him for food. Life is really difficult these days, so… ?.?: So what?

A voice sounded above my head. I looked up and met a pair of playful eyes.

It's Shaw. He sat back on the beam, dangling his long legs, and smiled at me leisurely, then turned his eyes to the mayor.

The young man's tone clearly carried a smile, but his words were as sharp as a blade.

Shaw: I’m asking you, so what? Mayor: No, nothing!!

The mayor stood up in a hurry and almost knocked over the unfinished tea cup.

Mayor: ——Fairy MC, Taoist Master Shaw, I suddenly remembered that I have something to do at home, so I’ll take my leave first!

Before I had a chance to speak, Shaw had already leapt down from the beam and landed right in front of me, just as the mayor scrambled away in a hurry.

He first gave a cold sneer, then swept the teacup the man had used out the door with a flick of his sleeve, treating it like trash.

Shaw: What was he here for? MC: What do you say? MC: Of course, he's here to complain about you, my 'recalcitrant disciple,' being too disobedient and in need of correction.

Shaw: Hey, who is your disciple? Do you still want to train me?

I fiddled with the tassels on my whisk and curled my lips.

MC: Since you're not my disciple, why do you have the right to look at the cultivation manuals and texts I've collected?

Shaw: No reason. Anyway, I want to read it, and you can’t stop me, right? Shaw: Besides, I haven’t looked at your cultivation manuals for nothing. Shaw: Since I came here, haven't you been able to practice your cultivation with peace of mind, without having to be invited down the mountain by these people every once in a while?

Back then, Shaw appeared at my courtyard gate without any warning.

He claimed to be a wandering martial Taoist, here to find someone, and while he was at it, to do some ghost and demon exorcism work to make a bit of extra money.

Seeing that he had good aptitude, I casually gave him some pointers.

In return, while he was traveling down the mountain, he used my name and handled many mundane affairs on my behalf.

This subtle understanding has continued until now. But now…

MC: Other things might be forgivable, but why were you so harsh with the butcher Qian? Shaw: Didn't you tell me about Qian Butcher before? This fat man encountered a demon with his brother when he was young. He pushed his brother into the demon's mouth and ran away. Shaw: Afterwards, feeling guilty, he came to you for help with rituals and prayers, didn't he?

While he was talking leisurely, he poured a cup of tea and pushed it in front of me.

I took a sip of the tea and briefly recalled that I might have mentioned this during one of our casual chats over tea and meals.

MC: What does this have to do with you bleeding him to attract ghosts?

Shaw: It doesn't matter, I just want to say... I am much kinder than him. Shaw: He used a human life to feed the demons, while I only use a vial of blood and a bit of courage... With all the clamor, aren’t I still kind-hearted?

When Shaw leaned toward me, the faint scent of tea flowers escaped from his collar, and I held my breath.

MC: You might think it's just the way it is, but let me remind you of something… MC: Next time, do it more discreetly, lest the old man come up the mountain again and bore me to death.

Shaw burst out laughing.

He originally had sharp features and a somewhat arrogant appearance. When he smiled, his demeanor became even more unruly and bold. He didn't seem like a righteous person dedicated to expelling demons and upholding justice, but rather like a little devil causing trouble in the world.

When he stopped laughing, I asked him some more about his experiences at the foot of the mountain, and all I got were answers that were completely different from the mayor's.

Shaw: ...I scolded him because he deserved it. I told him not to go out during the time of demons, but he insisted on strolling around. All I can say is that if he died, he brought it on himself. Shaw: ...Is a poor person's life worth less? Anyway, I’ll go help where I want to help. If he's in a hurry, he can ask another Taoist priest. Shaw [sighs]: …That demon was quite powerful. I was caught off guard, which is why it managed to set half the village on fire. If I had known earlier, I would have learned from her. MC [surprised]: Her?

When I heard this word, my heart felt like it was gently pulled by a thread, but my face was still smiling.

MC: Are you referring to Fairy Xuanhe when you say "her"?

Shaw: Yes, who else could it be?

I looked at Shaw, and he confidently spread his hands.

Shaw: If she were to handle it, she would probably crush the monster to ashes, and avoid the troubles that would follow. MC: Not necessarily. MC: Fairy Xuanhe has an eccentric personality and cruel methods, which will only cause more trouble. MC: Maybe if she wasn’t in a good mood while exorcizing demons, she might set the village on fire herself. Shaw: …..

Shaw narrowed his eyes and twitched the corner of his mouth.

Shaw: MC, I originally thought you were different from the rest of the world. Shaw: It turns out you think of her the same way. MC: It’s not that I think of her that way, it’s that everyone in the world thinks so. Shaw: Everyone in the world? Shaw [scoffs]: I don’t care what everyone in the world does, I just ask you, do you also think that Fairy Xuanhe is a fallen witch?

I averted my gaze, avoiding the sight of Shaw's hand slowly curling into a fist, and spoke each word deliberately.

MC: Does what I think matter? MC: Shaw, she is dead. Don't look for her anymore. It will only make you have delusional thoughts… Shaw: I do not believe.

Shaw interrupted me coldly.

Shaw: Unless I see her body with my own eyes, I won't believe it.

He had reached this point, and I knew that it would be useless to say more, so I could only close my mouth.

A long silence brewed between me and him. When the teacup on the table was no longer warm, Shaw finally stood up.

He picked up a few books on my table and waved at me.

Shaw: It's time for me to leave. Please lend me these few volumes of exercises and return them to you later. Shaw: By the way, remember to treat me with a different kind of tea next time, this one is too unpleasant to drink. MC: Whoever wants to entertain you, please return the book to me!

I shouted angrily at Shaw's back, only to receive a wanton chuckle from him.

—

[Section 2]

Ever since the earth's spiritual veins were tainted by demonic energy a century ago, monsters have been rampant everywhere. Not only have people been living in constant unease, but even the flowers and plants have lost their vibrancy, always appearing withered and desolate.

Sighing, I broke off a few withered branches and finally discovered a cluster of blooming flowers.

MC: ...Although they bloomed a bit later than last year, it's good that we met again.

I reached out my hand with joy and touched the petals.

It gently swayed its branches, as if responding to my mood. A drop of night dew fell from its petal tip, moistening my fingertips.

I brushed away the water stain, and my thoughts drifted away, following the spreading fingerprints.

Shaw [in a low voice]: What are you doing?

A slender hand suddenly appeared before my eyes, emanating a familiar, stronger fragrance of blooming tea from the sleeve.

Only then did I come back to my senses and turn around to glare at Shaw.

MC: Why do you scare me every time you come here?

Shaw: Are you scared? I see that your expression is very calm every time. MC: Hmph, it's just my refined demeanor. Shaw: Yes, yes, who doesn’t know that Fairy MC is unparalleled and her joy and anger are never visible in her expressions.

Shaw casually quarreled with me, raised his eyebrows, and looked around.

Shaw: How do I feel... your yard is much prettier than the last time I came here? MC: You always come in autumn and winter, so how can you see any flowers and plants? It's almost summer now, and of course the flowers are blooming more. Shaw: Indeed, you must have put a lot of thought into raising these delicate little things so well, right? MC: Fortunately, it doesn’t matter if you spend more time thinking on the things you like. Shaw: As long as you like it, will you spend more time and effort?

Shaw's rhetorical question came out of nowhere. I was a little surprised and turned to look at him. But I saw his eyes falling directly on my face as if he was confirming something.

Being stared at by him made me feel a little nervous, and I bit my lip.

MC: What's wrong...don't you know how? Shaw: Of course, I do too.

Shaw finally looked away and raised the corners of his mouth.

Shaw: I will not put just "a little" thought into something I like, but will use all my strength and risk everything to win it.

Indeed, you're still too young. Only someone youthful would casually use words like 'exhaust' and 'everything,' which carry such a resolute meaning. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

MC: You'd better keep some for yourself. You've finally achieved results in your cultivation. Wouldn't it be a big loss if you gambled it all away? Shaw: Lose or win, I have the final say.

After he finished speaking, he paused and added another sentence.

Shaw: MC...has my practice really paid off? MC: Certainly. Even if you don’t know how many boundaries you have broken, you can still feel the yang energy in your body being filled, right? Shaw: That's true... Lately, when I've been walking at night, no wandering spirits or ghosts dare to come near me.

Shaw muttered, handing me a few scrolls from his arms.

Shaw: I'm really curious, where exactly did you get these techniques from? Shaw: I've been stuck at a bottleneck in my cultivation for a long time. I've sought help from both reputable sects and unorthodox paths, but nothing has worked—I've been stuck at the same level. Shaw: Ever since I started using your techniques, cultivation has become remarkably easy. MC: These are all techniques I created myself. Besides, isn't it a good thing that they're simple to practice?

I took the scrolls and calmly met his gaze.

MC: Just think that this fairy is an unparalleled genius and happened to be so compassionate that she helped you.

Shaw: Hahaha, this is the first time I have seen someone say that she is a genius!

He laughed so loudly that I couldn't help but pout.

MC: Is that not okay? Shaw: Of course, this genius fairy is so cute.

His straightforward words made my face heat up slightly, and I quickly changed the topic.

MC: Okay, tell me what you have experienced during this time.

In order to ensure the stability of the formation and peace in all directions, I have been living in the mountains for a long time. I rely on Shaw to tell me everything I know about the outside world.

Who did you meet, what demon did you kill, what food and wine did you eat…

From Shaw's gentle words, I could hear, see, and feel the long-lost warmth of the everyday world.

But this time as I listened, I suddenly noticed something was wrong.

MC: ..... Even if this monster makes you unhappy, you can just get rid of it. Is it necessary to beat it half to death and throw it in front of its deadly enemy?

Shaw [scoffs]: Oh, it offended me, why should I let it die happily? Shaw: Of course, I have to let it be tortured to death by its mortal enemy so that I can feel relieved. MC: ……Nonsense.

Is he imitating Fairy Xuanhe's method again? Looking at Shaw's face, I swallowed these words and sighed lightly.

MC: When I first met you, you were still a very well-behaved child.

Shaw [clicks his tongue]: Tsk, who are you calling a kid? Do you really think you're that much older? Shaw: Besides, when I saw you, I looked pretty much the same as I do now. Where exactly do you think I still seem like a kid?

Shaw took a step forward. With his tall stature and sharp demeanor, his presence was imposing and gave off the pressure of an adult man, making it difficult to resist.

I couldn't help but take a step back. Seeing me retreat, Shaw seemed to find it amusing and continued to advance, matching my steps.

The more I retreated, the further he advanced, until I had nowhere left to back up. My back pressed against the flower stand, and I found myself surrounded by the intense fragrance of blooming flowers.

I couldn't help but stare at him, but he just smiled at me.

MC: Is it fun?

Shaw [whispers seductively]: Fun. Shaw: Seeing the clumsy fairy retreating like this, not even bothering to use a spell to push me away, is really amusing... Eh!

I immediately did as he wished, swinging my whisk and sending a gust of energy that forcefully pushed him backward.

Shaw stumbled a few steps before steadying himself with the flower pot, but the corner of his mouth was still turned up in a smile.

Shaw: You pushed me too far. MC: You should just stand there. Shaw: I prefer not.

As he spoke, Shaw plucked a blue lotus from the flower pot and approached me again.

He raised his hand and placed the blue lotus hairpin into my hair.

MC: …..?

I looked at him, puzzled, and met his gaze with his crescent-shaped eyebrows and eyes.

Shaw [in a sweet voice]: This is just a token of gratitude for lending me your techniques. MC: Shaw, you borrowed my books and now you’re giving me one of my own flowers as a return gift? You're the one being foolish!

Shaw [whispers seductively x1]: Maybe. Shaw [x2]: But the fairy looks quite beautiful like this.

His whisper was low and seductive, but also with a subtle hint of caution.

In those bright eyes, there was only my reflection: the snowy white robe and the delicate blue lotus.

The fragrance of the blooming flowers grew more intense, like a fine wine nearing its perfect brew.

My heart raced as if something long-awaited was about to appear before me.

MC: Shaw….

Shaw [x3]: I remember she looked like this when I first saw her.

Everything was shattered, and my face instantly turned cold.

I swung the whisk again, and this time, Shaw was sent outside the courtyard, a hundred meters away, before he even had a chance to make a sound.

MC [coldly]: I won't accept it.

—

📿 Part 2

[cheesy-09]

[CN] Kiro's Upcoming Bagpipe Date Preview

🌸 Note: This post contains detailed spoilers for content that hasn't been released on the EN server yet! 🌸

I want to play the signal of love and liveliness with you.

My heart will always dance to your footsteps.

Translator: @cheesy-09

🌟 Kiro's Bagpipe Date Blurb:

—"I want to play the signal of love and liveliness with you."

You visit the art festival that he has been dreaming about since his student days, and you run into his former "rival", only to learn that he has given up music.

While the melody in the heart has been covered in dust, it has never really left. Amid the melodious sound of bagpipes, dreams and passion are reborn.

—"My heart will always dance to your footsteps."

🌟 Date Preview:

Due to a photograph of a band competition, Kiro and I arrive at the Scottish Art festival. However, an unexpected rain allows us to meet his friends from the competition, leading to a special street performance.

Under the influence of the rain, several mottled gray "streams" appear on his handsome cheeks, and his golden hair becomes stained with dark traces.

Like a bear that has just rolled around in the mud, his whole face has turned gray.

Before I could tell him about it, he looks at me with wide eyes, his voice full of barely suppressed laughter.

"Pfft, when did you turn into a clown, Miss Chips?"

He says as he reaches out to me, his calloused fingertips gently stroking my cheek. The tenderness of his touch brings a slight warmth to my face.

"You're calling me out? You've got clown makeup too..."

I tilt my face in the direction of his force, only to find Kiro unusually quiet, his fingers still tracing circles on my cheek.

"Is my face really that dirty?"

His eyes sparkle with a mischievous glint, sporting the same expression he has when he does something naughty with Apple Box.

"Ahem, I only noticed when I got closer that it seems the cloak was fading and my hands were stained black. So I..."

He opens the camera of his phone, and I take in the fine gray marks on my face that have now turned into a big round shape with two ears, resembling a little bear's head.

"Ding ding, Kiro's custom face paint is now halfway done!"

Looking at the "little bear" on my face, I can't help but pinch his fingertips in a mix of anger and amusement.

"What about my other half (另一半)?"

He leans down, bringing his cheek a little closer to mine, and the refreshing scent of citrus wafts into my nose.

"Your other half (另一半) is of course waiting for Miss Chips to draw a little rabbit for me, so we can be a pair!"

——･ﾟ✧——･ﾟ✧——

Trivia: The term "另一半" (en: other half) that MC uses to refer to Kiro is a term that is often used to refer to one's spouse / significant other. Quite an apt term for them, considering they see each other as the other half of their souls.

[mobageheroine]

Happy Women's Day

Shoutout to these beautiful and strong heroines! [2/2]

[kazuko-stuff]

In my mlqc x LaDs crossover headcanon I kinda made the MC the daughter of Mlqc mc and Lucien 😗

[solifloris]

Gavin's love of space + Xavier's association with space

🤔 Miss Roxie, is there something you need to share with us? 🎤

XIU 😭😭😭😭😭 THIS WHEN I JUST SAW SOMEONE ON TWITTER SAY IF YOU FLIP XAVIER'S IMAGE HE BASICALLY LOOKS LIKE GAVIN 😭😭😭😭😭 WJFJSNGBJSJGJSJFBWNBGHEJGHSJFA omg i know gavin also has one card that looks like one of xavier's 4* ones ... i put them side by side once 😭 but i don't remember which ones they were 😭😭😭😭

[looker-bureau]

BEN DISKIN EPHEMERE JUMPSCARE ??!!

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Li Zeyan’s Upcoming Top-up SR

“What do you want right now?”

“I will embrace my summer ahead of time.”

—