Chapter 42: What Can Be Done for Her
Luxianbei stared at the reply from the online old pervert, dazed for a while before regaining focus, and then quickly typed out a message and hit send.
Wang Buliu: “Are you going to d*e? How can you be dying? Clarify your words.”
Online Old Pervert 00: “Do you know how many years Jumeng has existed?”
Five thousand three hundred seventeen years, Stinky Sister told me… Luxianbei muttered to herself in her heart.
Online Old Pervert 00: “Jumeng has existed for over five thousand years. When our boss investigated this result, it was a miracle that she hasn’t fallen into corruption after such a long time!”
Online Old Pervert 00: “Our boss deduces that this may be related to her steadfastly keeping her original intention and protecting her territory, which ensures that the beliefs of the people in Peach Source and urban legends haven’t distorted over the years.”
Seeing this, Luxianbei nodded thoughtfully.
Urban legends born and strengthened by belief indeed have this hidden risk. For example, the Great Serpent God fell to an ominous end precisely because of the distortion of his followers’ faith.
Online Old Pervert 00: “However, just like food past its expiration date, even if it can be consumed for a short while, it will definitely cause big problems over time. But this has nothing to do with you and me. If a great urban legend like Jumeng falls into corruption, it will also be a headache for the Siye Society, won’t it?”
“…”
Luxianbei stared at the mobile phone screen, remaining silent for a long time, until the phone’s screen dimmed, she still maintained that position, motionless.
Five thousand years.
This number Jumeng had mentioned, as well as being guaranteed by The Book of Siye, represents the lifespan limit of urban legends.
Under the erosion of time, even the most powerful urban legend will eventually fade away after five thousand years.
Although Jumeng had miraculously surpassed this limit, after enduring over three hundred years of hardships, she might already be as fragile as a candle flickering in the wind.
The recent turmoil in Tangcheng, aside from Miss Rabbit and her group causing trouble, was likely also because Jumeng was heading towards decline, with her control over the surrounding area of eight hundred miles diminishing, allowing those demons and monsters she had once suppressed to take the opportunity to cause chaos, Luxianbei thought.
As the King of Urban Legends in Huacheng, Luxianbei understood well that if one day her control over the ley lines and energy of Huacheng weakened, some urban legends would definitely violate the rules she had set and commit dreadful acts.
After all, without external interference and rules to limit them, not all urban legends can restrain their bloodthirsty desires.
With that in mind, Stinky Sister’s hesitance and lack of enthusiasm in collecting relics probably stemmed from her awareness of her own situation, leading to a sort of “I’m going to let it all go” mindset.
Having somewhat unraveled Jumeng’s thoughts, Luxianbei put down her phone, grabbed a pillow beside her, slowly placed it over her face, and let out a long sigh.
If it were anything else, she would definitely do everything she could to help Jumeng, but when it came to the imminent end of an urban legend, she simply had no idea how to assist.
In the silence, as if suddenly remembering something, Luxianbei pushed the pillow aside and, furrowing her brow, muttered to the ceiling, “No, I still have things I can do for her…”
————
Deep in the night, at Peach Source.
Since Crow Slave brought over a thousand Fire Crows, dozens of spiritual ability users, and urban legends to attack Peach Source, these scattered cottages across the mountains of Peach Source had become temporary hideouts for those guys.
The crescent moon hung high in the sky, navigating through thick clouds, casting dim moonlight over a courtyard with three entrances and exits.
Shuo E paced back and forth in the empty, snow-laden courtyard, occasionally glancing at the flat-roofed house to the west.
In a corner of the small courtyard, Solang Pema, with one eye tightly bandaged, watched Shuo E pace around, feeling annoyed, and couldn’t help but let out a low growl, “Tsk, I’m talking about you! Stop turning around, you’re making me dizzy.”
“She’s your lover, huh? Turning like you’re waiting outside the delivery room for your wife to give birth.”
Shuo E cast a blank glance at Solang Pema, said nothing, and quickly returned his attention to the tightly shut flat-roofed house.
Solang Pema chuckled mockingly and continued on his own, “Speaking of which, you guys from the Solar Eclipse Society are here for Qunyang and Jumeng’s powers, right?”
“Now that the time is drawing near, how about we negotiate? When the time comes, we collaborate to take out the others, and the powers of Qunyang belong to you, while the core of those urban legends and their spirit energy items belong to me. How about that?”
Seeing that Shuo E still wasn’t speaking, Solang Pema half-threatened, half-persuaded him, “You’re an understanding person and we’ve gone through life-and-d*ath crises together, we’re practically acquaintances, right?”
“Let me tell you this! I’ve heard some guys have started to team up in secret. If we don’t act now, forget about eating meat; we might not even get a sip of soup.”
As Crow Slave deployed secret spells on the Fushang Sacred Tree, wanting to draw on the immense spirit energy released during the Tangcheng barrier attack to revive Qunyang’s powers, the news of it somehow leaked, seemingly overnight, almost every spirit ability user and urban legend aiding the attack on Peach Source knew.
When they first got the news, many spirit ability users and urban legends held a skeptical attitude; after all, the source of the news was dubious, and it carried a whiff of conspiracy, so no one dared to act rashly.
Backstabbing was common between spirit ability users and urban legends.
Why wouldn’t they stab each other in the back? Just because they were allies?
Moreover, these spirit ability users and urban legends harbored ulterior motives towards each other and couldn’t really be considered allies.
However, in recent days, after several spirit ability users and urban legends skilled in spirit detection or specialized in spellcraft teamed up to investigate, they discovered that while the source of the news was unknown, its credibility was extremely high.
In no time, everyone tacitly pretended not to know anything and continued cooperating with Crow Slave’s actions, but secretly began to prepare.
Be it Qunyang or Jumeng, once hit by the Tangcheng barrier, their powers would surely be weakened. As high-level mythological species urban legends, the core of their urban legends containing their powers was unique in the world, and no one wanted to miss this excellent opportunity.
Thus, this group of people and urban legends resembled a pack of lurking wolves, waiting for the moment when the opportunity arose to launch an attack.
As a lone spirit ability user, Solang Pema, although not weak compared to most spirit ability users and urban legends, was a lone wolf, and trying to snatch “food” from a pack of hungry wolves was clearly not an easy task.
“Haha…”
Just as Shuo E hesitated over Solang Pema’s proposal, a sneer came from the flat-roofed house to the west. Miss Rabbit had already broken free from the illusion left by Luxianbei and returned to normal.
“Do you think you can collaborate with us just because of you? Save it! You should worry a bit more about that witch that wanted to k*ll you earlier; from what I know, she’s quite scary.”
“You know her background?” Solang Pema asked seriously.
“Of course!” Miss Rabbit nodded slightly.
She was a terrifying witch species who possessed strange fire and charm abilities, and even intercepted the Pestilence Taijie during the Hundred Demons Walk; it wouldn’t be surprising what kind of terrible things she could do.
However…
Miss Rabbit rolled her eyes at Solang Pema, “But why should I tell you?”
If I could, I would rather get to know her life myself, Miss Rabbit thought.
Seeing that Miss Rabbit had shaken off her reminiscing, Shuo E hurried forward and asked, “Are you all right? I was really worried earlier…”
“I’m fine.” Miss Rabbit replied softly, a hint of shyness appearing in her eyes as she spoke.
“That’s good. If my important experiment subject that I was responsible for monitoring had any issues, the Elders’ Council would punish me.” Shuo E said casually.
Miss Rabbit, “…”
Solang Pema, who was about to leave, paused slightly, and the corners of his mouth twitched, “…”
Seriously, little brother, I can’t even stand it anymore. Do you know how to talk or not?
————
In the early morning, on Peach Blossom Road, Antique Street.
Early in the morning, Jumeng climbed up to the roof of Chunfeng Residence with breakfast prepared by Liu Banxian, a fried dumpling in her mouth, drooping her head as she looked down at the street that was both “young” yet timeless, which was gradually becoming bustling.
The sun had just risen, casting its light on the snowy blue tiles and the withered branches of the persimmon tree, shining with a faint golden glow, resembling a dream.
But Jumeng wasn’t looking at the scenery; she was focusing on the people, the comings and goings, the various shapes and colors.
The morning market had just dispersed, and the stall owners, carrying bags and bags of modern handicraft defects, hurried towards the breakfast shop at the corner of the street, each one looking overjoyed; it was easy to tell that they had swindled a lot of bargain-hunting folks that morning.
The corner noodle shop had opened just as it had for over a decade, with the owner weaving through a sea of steamy white, serving bowl after bowl of affordable and delicious porridge. Jumeng recalled that when she first ate noodles there over a decade ago, the owner was still his uncle.
In the distance, a heated argument erupted at the street corner. A middle-aged woman in a black down jacket was desperately grabbing a rickshaw driver. The woman’s down jacket had a big tear, and yellow goose down was spilling out, fluttering away in the wind.
Just by looking, Jumeng guessed what had happened; it was most likely that the rickshaw driver had accidentally torn her clothes and could only lower his head in guilt and endure the insults and pulls.
After a while, once the middle-aged woman had vented her anger, she stopped and demanded the rickshaw driver pay a thousand yuan. The usually silent rickshaw driver was shocked and finally spoke, incredulously stating, “How can this clothing be that expensive? Are you trying to scam me?”
As soon as this was said, the middle-aged woman was enraged again and rushed forward to tear at the rickshaw driver. Seeing this, onlookers rushed to intervene, trying to separate them and convincing both sides; ultimately, the rickshaw driver reluctantly paid five hundred.
The cash was counted out from his pocket, and by the end, only a pile of small change was left, barely managing to scrape together the last hundred, perhaps his fare for several days, to the point that when the middle-aged woman walked away triumphantly, he began to wipe his tears on the rickshaw, looking quite forlorn…
Further away, young people rushing to work appeared flustered, a newly-minted mother wore a smile of joy, and a group of elementary school students flitted past like sparrows, chattering noisily… and there were so many more.
“How interesting!”
Jumeng exclaimed softly in satisfaction, taking the last fried dumpling from her mouth and stretching lazily.
Once, amidst that chaos and ignorance, she had strived to hear the prayers of the people and see the world clearly.
After countless years, she opened her eyes, and everything she saw lived up to her expectations.
This world is filled with mottled traces, yet so lovable and beautiful.
It’s worth pouring in a couple of big bucks for, and maybe buy ten more!
Finally, Jumeng convinced herself, “Tonk tonk tonk,” she drank the bowl of soy milk beside her, then pulled out her phone, logged into the game, and skillfully entered the recharge section, selected the option priced at 648, just as she was about to confirm, her phone suddenly vibrated.
“Buzz buzz—buzz buzz—!”
A new message interrupted her ritual of pouring money into this beautiful world.
“Who is it? Ugh! Of all times…” Jumeng grumbled, then clicked on the message.
Luxianbei: “Are we continuing to collect relics today? I’ll come find you later.”
“Collect what relics? They’ve all been intercepted by that Mao Sanyou guy; what a waste of time!” Jumeng pouted to herself.
“Buzz buzz—buzz buzz—!”
Luxianbei: “If you don’t feel like going, I’ll reluctantly take you to the aquarium, but you have to work hard to collect relics tomorrow!”
“Tsk! Ugh…” Jumeng looked at her phone, rolling her eyes, “You dog, show more respect in your tone when you talk to me! Do you think I’m three years old that you can coax me?”
Jumeng: “Hmpf, you invited me, not me slacking off! If you dare backtrack, I’ll make you pregnant!”
On the other end.
In a taxi heading towards Antique Street, Luxianbei frowned slightly when she saw the message from Jumeng.
In the past, she would undoubtedly have been the first to retort to Jumeng, “Besides getting someone pregnant, can’t you think of something new?”
But…
Now, if she said something like that, it might touch on her sensitive spots, right?
Luxianbei thought, picking up her phone to reply: “Alright, then shall we meet at the entrance of Antique Street in ten minutes?”
Jumeng: “Tsk, idiot! Do you really not understand? Which girl can be ready to go out in ten minutes for a date? At least an hour is needed!”
Can’t go out in ten minutes?
Luxianbei: “I just took a shower, brushed my teeth, and even had a wellness breakfast, and I was out in twenty minutes!”
Jumeng: “That’s because you’re just strange, right? That can’t be considered a normal girl.”
Strange? Luxianbei looked at her reflection on the taxi window, tilted her head, and expressionlessly asked the taxi driver, “Driver, is there something strange about me?”
“This…” The taxi driver glanced at Luxianbei through the rearview mirror, and his heart fluttered slightly as he blurted out, “Strangely… good-looking.”
Luxianbei, “…”
First, it was the doctor, then the driver, who would it be next?
It seemed she needed to hurriedly bring masks and sunglasses onto her agenda.
Everyone has become increasingly strange; I can’t live like this!
————
When Luxianbei met Jumeng at the street corner, she was momentarily stunned.
Jumeng wasn’t wearing the sports outfit Luxianbei had bought for her, which looked like elderly fitness attire; instead, she had changed into casual wear, a dark dress paired with a down jacket, her dyed black hair styled tall, and her lips adorned with gloss that shimmered a light gold in the sunlight, looking as if she had a jelly-like sheen.
Although simply dressed, it gave off an impression as if she had undergone a complete makeover.
“Are you out of your mind? Going out like this is just asking to be targeted!” Luxianbei exclaimed, “You do realize many people are looking for you, and they’ll want to k*ll you if they find you?”
Upon hearing this, Jumeng looked at Luxianbei indignantly, “You going out with me like this isn’t drawing attention?”
Walking alongside someone who couldn’t fully restrain her charm ability and could unintentionally reveal her stunning beauty to the world, was there anything more eye-catching than that?
If there were, it could only be running n*ked.
Jumeng thought, pouting, “Didn’t you say you could change back? Why did you come like this?”
“I was already injured, and last night I was attacked by an urban legend; I’m worried that if I revert back, I might collapse and d*e on the spot.” Luxianbei replied flatly.
“Uh…” Jumeng averted her gaze from Luxianbei’s intense stare and rolled her eyes, “So you’re willing to sacrifice your integrity?”
“Life is only one, but integrity can be created in many forms; losing one can be picked up again later, no big deal!” Luxianbei responded earnestly.
Facing her shamelessness, Jumeng pondered for a few seconds, tilted her head, “Shall we head out then?”
Saying that, she stepped forward and grabbed Luxianbei’s wrist.
Luxianbei looked down at that delicate hand hold her wrist and suddenly remembered something, stopping in her tracks, slightly bending over, turning her head to Jumeng and saying, “Come on, I’m feeling generous today and will make an exception to carry you once.”
Seeing Luxianbei, who had been extremely reluctant to let her ride on her shoulders, suddenly changing her attitude so nicely, Jumeng narrowed her eyes suspiciously and took a step back, “Something’s off. You said you’d take me to the aquarium, but is there a trap here?”
“Honestly, are you holding a grudge over last night, planning to deceive me out, and then hand me over to that bunch of underworld forces?”
Upon hearing this, Luxianbei shrugged as if urging Jumeng to climb onto her back, impatiently saying, “I already said it’s an exception… Are you getting on or not? There’s no waiting around!”
“Fine, fine!”
Jumeng responded and lightly jumped, skillfully climbing up onto Luxianbei’s shoulder and sitting steadily there, then beamed with joy, “This is great, successful mount tamed, I’m very happy, and I’ll grant you a title this time!”
“What title?”
“Hmm… Big Milker?”
“Can’t you think of something a bit more serious?”
“Then how about… b*tch b*tch Monster? After all, witches are all pretty bitchy.”
Luxianbei, “……”
…
The two continued to bicker as they walked towards the Antique Street, and at that moment, on the other side of the street, Mao Sanyou, disguised as a stall owner, watched the two departing figures with a serious expression.
