Limitless Ascension: Strength Amid Adversity – Chapter 148

Mysterious Peak.

In the courtyard, Ye Junlin was sitting cross-legged on a mat, leisurely brewing and sipping tea by himself.

At that moment, a playful system notification sounded.

【Ding! Dear handsome host, would you like to claim today’s sign-in reward?】

Ye Junlin took a sip from his teacup, savoring the fragrant tea that filled his mouth. He found it utterly delightful and squinted his eyes in pleasure.

“Claim.”

【Ding! Congratulations, host! You have obtained a magical finger technique: Big Belly Finger!】

Big Belly Finger: Whoever is pointed at will develop a big belly, the abdomen swelling as if they were pregnant, causing no actual harm but targeted at messing with their mindset. The duration of the effect will depend on the difference in realm between the two parties.

Ye Junlin: ???

Oh really, is this how we’re playing things?

Just imagine, if two opponents were in a fierce battle and suddenly one used this degrading finger technique, the other would end up with a belly as big as a ten-month pregnancy. Their mindset would surely shatter on the spot!

For that, Ye Junlin could only think: this is just too, too evil!

This is absolutely not behavior fit for a gentleman!

Must resist at all costs!

Five seconds later.

Ye Junlin’s previously serious expression gradually shifted to one of curiosity. His finger began to flicker with an eerie glow, exuding an indescribable aura.

“Does it really turn anyone into a big belly?”

“Really want to try it on someone.”

Suddenly, a crisp and youthful voice rang out, “Master, the snacks you wanted are ready, just for you~”

There stood Bai Xiaoxi, looking like a petite loli in a pink dress, skin as jade and, notably, no longer wearing the silly mouse head but appearing more human.

With silver hair cut to her ears, her cute face beamed with joy, her gem-like large eyes clear and bright, exuding youthful spirit, while her ears retained their original shape, making her look particularly adorable.

At this moment, Bai Xiaoxi trotted over eagerly.

Her little hands were carrying two plates, each filled with various exquisite snacks fresh out of the oven, making them utterly tempting to taste.

“Eh, what’s with your appearance?” Facing Bai Xiaoxi’s new look, Ye Junlin was a bit surprised and instinctively reached out a finger.

And just like that, the effect of the Big Belly Finger suddenly went haywire.

“Eh!”

“Ow, it hurts so much~”

The two plates were unsteady and clattered to the ground. Bai Xiaoxi winced in pain as her previously flat stomach began to visibly swell up, resembling a ten-month pregnant woman’s belly.

Looking at her enlarged belly, Bai Xiaoxi panicked and didn’t know where to put her small hands. Her extremely youthful face, combined with her petite stature of just about one point five meters, could easily evoke overwhelming protective instincts in others.

“Uh oh…”

Ye Junlin was dumbfounded, his gaze fixated on his outstretched finger, his inner shock more tumultuous than a raging river.

Wow, this is just too ridiculous!

Looking at the cute little loli in front of him with a big belly, Ye Junlin thought if this had happened in his previous life, it would surely be a serious crime!

At least starting with a life sentence!

“Master, what happened to me?” Bai Xiaoxi asked nervously.

Suddenly, noticing the snacks lying on the ground, covered in dust, her cherubic face showed sorrow. “Aww, they’re all dirty, what a waste.”

Bai Xiaoxi loved making food and placed great importance on it.

Feeling guilty, Ye Junlin waved his sleeve, and all the fallen plates and snacks returned to their original positions, even the dusty snacks were restored to their fresh state.

For a Cultivator, this was quite easy to achieve. However, many Cultivators tend to be proud, thinking that food that fell to the ground doesn’t need to be cleaned up and eaten again—it just comes off as low-class.

But Ye Junlin didn’t care, because these were made by his beloved disciple.

Bai Xiaoxi was stunned and cautiously said, “Master, should I make you another batch then?”

Ye Junlin smiled, “No worries, you don’t have to be so meticulous. If you want to eat as well, feel free to come over.”

“Alright!”

Bai Xiaoxi nodded. She certainly wouldn’t turn her nose up at things she made, mainly because she felt it had to be clean when cooking for her master.

And so, this little white-haired loli waddled over with her big belly, still a bit unused to the situation, her obliviousness seeming to veer far from remembering how she ended up like this.

Ye Junlin couldn’t bear to look; it was just becoming more and more guilty…

Fortunately, according to the effects of the Big Belly Finger, the duration would depend on the realm difference. With Bai Xiaoxi in the mid-stage of crossing tribulation, it should only last a few days.

“Xiaoxi, you’re in this state because of me. I apologize! During this time, don’t do anything. Just stay home and take it easy… er, wait!”

Ye Junlin realized he misspoke and awkwardly corrected himself, “In any case, it will be fine in a few days. Just don’t go running around.”

He worried that if Bai Xiaoxi, with her big belly, went out and was seen by the sect’s disciples and elders, it would lead to an enormous misunderstanding!

Jumping into magma wouldn’t clean that one up!

Bai Xiaoxi seemed to understand only partially, her innocent expression shining. “Master, don’t worry! I’ll just take it easy up here on the mountain. I don’t need you to take responsibility.”

Pfft!

Hearing this, Ye Junlin almost spat out his old blood.

No! That’s not how this works!

“Ah,”

Ye Junlin sighed, “I didn’t expect you would successfully transform all of a sudden. Having gotten used to your previous look, this is a bit hard to adjust to.”

Bai Xiaoxi looked disheartened, muttering softly, “But it took a lot of effort for me to become like this. Even though there’s still a slight flaw, I’m satisfied. Doesn’t Master like seeing me like this?”

After all, she wouldn’t know how to return to her previous form…

“Ha ha, how could I not? I just said it casually; you look very cute like this. I like it very much.” Ye Junlin ruffled her white hair, and she squinted her eyes in enjoyment, relishing her master’s touch.

“Master, Zhao Ling’er has arrived with someone to see you.” Just then, a tall figure in a fiery red outfit dashed in and clasped her hands in greeting.

Long hair cascading down her back, her beauty was breathtaking. Her whole demeanor was ethereal, like an immortal from a painting.

Upon seeing the scene in front of her, those delicate Danfeng Eyes widened in shock, her face filled with disbelief.

In Hong Qianye’s eyes, Bai Xiaoxi was sitting next to Ye Junlin, her belly as big as a pregnant woman’s, her cherubic face brimming with happiness as she enjoyed Ye Junlin’s gentle head patting.

No matter how you looked at it, the relationship was rock solid!

It was undeniably confirmed!

Looking at the expression on this rebellious disciple of hers, she must have realized the misunderstanding and quickly clarified, “Don’t get the wrong idea! This is just an accident!”

Yet upon reflection, those words felt a bit off.

“Humph! Of course, it was an accident! It was you, Ye Junlin, who caused this accident!”

Hong Qianye’s emotions were nearly out of control, angrily stating, “What have you done to that silly rodent? You know what you did! You don’t even spare your own disciple—how can you be so beastly?”

“Shameless, despicable, low-class, scumbag, jerk!”

For some reason, she was just furious, tossing aside any restraint and launching a verbal onslaught.

Ye Junlin’s expression turned peculiar.

Even if it were true, why get so worked up about it?

Come on, you’re a ruthless master of the Demonic Path, isn’t it a bit too much to act all righteous?

Bai Xiaoxi hurriedly added, “Master, don’t blame him! It’s really just a misunderstanding. Master said I should take it easy for a while, and it’s fine.”

To her surprise, Hong Qianye interpreted this in a completely different light.

Oh, so soon to give birth, huh?!

“At this crucial time, Bai Shimei, you’re still defending him? This guy has sunk his claws into his own disciple, it’s simply heinous!”

Ye Junlin could not take it anymore. He knew he had to do something; otherwise, the situation would just keep getting worse.

His expression turned serious as he reprimanded, “I act with integrity and have done nothing wrong! It’s definitely not like you think! If you keep meddling, don’t blame me for being rude!”

Upon hearing this,

Hong Qianye felt a deep sense of grievance brewing inside her. After hearing such a threatening remark, anger turned into a humorless smile, “So you want to kill me to silence me? Come on, I’ve had enough!”

“This is all your doing!”

Ye Junlin snorted coldly and pointed his finger, it glimmering with mysterious light as if containing the aura of the Dao.

Big Belly Finger!

Hong Qianye was just about to risk it all in a fight to the death, only to suddenly feel a sharp pain in her stomach.

“What’s happening?”

Cold sweat broke out on her forehead. Panicking, she looked down, and was left utterly stunned, watching her once flat belly rapidly swell, mimicking the appearance of a pregnant woman.

Hong Qianye’s stunning face was filled with shock as if struck by lightning, her head buzzing.

W-wait! I’m pregnant?!

Wait, but I’m a man!

At this moment,

A rich, magnetic voice spoke up, “Master, Zhao Shimei has arrived with some others seeking an audience. If you don’t mind, can I bring them in?”

Seeing no response for a while, Zhao Ling’er sought help from Li Wujie, who considered them all part of the same sect and, without much thought, nodded in agreement.

As Li Wujie was bringing Zhao Ling’er and Princess Mingyue to see Ye Junlin, the scene before them left the trio dumbfounded.

What in the world is going on here?!