"So much blood... Nana's face is covered in it."
Hu Liena sobbed softly, her voice barely audible and a bit hoarse.
"It's okay, senior brother is here."
Qian Renjue gently comforted his little junior sister in his arms.
Killing wasn't something he did often either, and it made him uncomfortable.
Ling Yuan Douluo stood quietly beside them, her gaze deep as if recalling something, perhaps she saw her own past as she looked at Hu Liena.
"All right, stop crying now."
Qian Renjue cupped Hu Liena's delicate face, holding it gently, and rubbed it.
His movements were slow as he wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes.
He softly teased her, "If you keep crying, your face will get all messy."
"Mm."
Hu Liena nodded lightly, clutching Qian Renjue's clothes tightly, unwilling to let go.
She sniffled weakly, her pale face showing a faint blush as she looked up at Qian Renjue.
At twelve years old, with a cultivation level of 45, Hu Liena had already grown taller than 1.7 meters, just half a head shorter than Qian Renjue.
She was already growing into a young woman.
"Heh."
Qian Renjue chuckled softly, took Hu Liena's small hand, and turned around.
He placed her delicate hand on his shoulder and crouched down slightly, looking back with a smile.
"Come on, senior brother will carry you back."
"..."
Hu Liena stood there dazed, staring at Qian Renjue's broad back, her eyes shimmering.
"Hurry up."
Qian Renjue took two steps back.
"Mm~"
Hu Liena showed a slight sweet smile, bent down, and gently leaned her body forward.
Her arms wrapped around Qian Renjue's shoulders, crossing over him.
Qian Renjue smiled again.
He supported Hu Liena's soft legs and slowly stood up.
The softness behind him didn't make him think too much anymore.
Regular contact had increased Qian Renjue's resistance to such sensations.
"Sister Ling, let's go."
Qian Renjue turned his head and called out to Ling Yuan.
He walked steadily and began heading toward his residence.
"Yes."
Ling Yuan Douluo followed behind him at a calm pace.
It was a pity that she was getting older.
Otherwise, she would've liked to experience what it felt like to be carried on His Highness's back.
The Pope's Hall and Bibi Dong's courtyard were halfway up the mountain.
Qian Renjue didn't need to climb any stairs.
The smooth path caused no jolts, and the occasional breeze carried a floral scent.
"By the way."
Qian Renjue suddenly remembered the other two people who went on the mission with Hu Liena.
He couldn't help but ask, "How are Xie Yue and Yan? Are they hurt?"
"No, they've already returned to their quarters."
Hu Liena, leaning on Qian Renjue's shoulder, gently shook her head.
She gazed at the profile of his face, so close now, her red lips trembling slightly.
"Mm, as long as they aren't hurt."
Qian Renjue felt relieved.
"Senior brother, are you going to Heaven Dou City again?"
Hu Liena quietly leaned closer, her lips almost brushing his face, an electric current seeming to arc between them.
"Mm, sister said there's a gift for me to pick up personally."
Qian Renjue nodded, his purple eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation as he added softly, "I'll also check on Lingling and Yanyan while I'm there."
As they talked, Qian Renjue stepped through the courtyard gate.
The courtyard was somewhat quiet, though the vibrant flowers brought a sense of freshness and life.
"I see…"
Hu Liena murmured softly, her arms instinctively tightening.
Sometimes she envied Ye Lingling, though it was only for her status.
After all, she was the one who spent the most time with her senior brother.
"Yes, this time, stay at home and rest well. When senior brother returns, I hope you won't cry anymore."
Qian Renjue, familiar with the place, carried her into her own room, which was mainly decorated in pink, with a faint sweet fragrance.
It was tidy and fresh, retaining a feminine traits.
"I won't cry."
Hu Liena's face turned red.
She rarely cried. Qian Renjue was always gentle, and Bibi Dong treated her well too.
Apart from those punishments.
Even Miss Xue was kind to her.
"We're here. Now take a good wash and rest well."
Qian Renjue brought Hu Liena to the bedside and was about to put her down.
"Senior brother, wait."
Hu Liena, sitting on the bed, reached out and grabbed Qian Renjue's wrist.
Her face flushed, she lowered her head and whispered,
"Nana wants to rest now. Can senior brother stay with me? Otherwise, Nana won't be able to sleep."
"Of course."
Qian Renjue couldn't help but smile.
The dark circles under Hu Liena's eyes were real, and her tired expression was undeniable.
He sat down beside her with a gentle expression.
"Don't worry, senior brother will stay until you fall asleep."
"Thank you, senior brother~"
Hu Liena let out a soft murmur, leaned forward, and her lips gently touched Qian Renjue's cheek.
It was quick and fleeting.
Qian Renjue froze for a moment.
He suddenly felt a little weight on his legs.
Hu Liena had already lain down on the bed, her head resting on his lap.
She closed her eyes shyly, kicked off her shoes, and stretched out her legs.
Qian Renjue touched his now slightly damp spot.
He shook his head and smiled.
He pulled the blanket over Hu Liena's chest and gently stroked her hair.
"Sleep well."
"Mm."
Hu Liena's face was bright red as she nestled into Qian Renjue's waist, her breathing becoming shallow.
She hadn't slept a wink the night before.
Resting her head on Qian Renjue's lap, she fell into a deep sleep within moments.
Her breathing was steady.
But her pink lips moved slightly, opening and closing, like a baby sucking milk.
"You still haven't kicked this habit, huh?"
Qian Renjue couldn't help but laugh.
Is that pacifier really that good? You're still sucking on it every day.
Ling Yuan Douluo stood by, bowing and asking, "Your Highness, when should we depart for Heaven Dou?"
"Hm?"
Qian Renjue looked up.
"Tomorrow. I'll visit the Worship Hall first to check on the elders."
"Yes."
Ling Yuan Douluo responded with utmost respect.
"Ah Yin."
Qian Renjue called softly.
From his chest, a heartbeat that resonated with his own separated and turned into a blood thread, slithering out from his clothes.
In an instant, it transformed into a human form, clinging to Qian Renjue's back like a gecko.
A natural fragrance filled the air, and a soft warmth spread across his back.
Slender arms wrapped around Qian Renjue's neck, and Ah Yin's beautiful face rested on his shoulder.
She bared her fangs, exhaling hot breath mixed with sweet fragrance.
"Master~ Mmph!"
Qian Renjue rolled his eyes, quickly raising a hand to cover Ah Yin's full lips.
"Can you stop always clinging to me?"
"Mmph~"
Ah Yin whimpered, playfully sticking out her tongue.
Qian Renjue frowned.
He quickly withdrew his now wet hand.
"Save the blood-sucking for when I get back. Take good care of Nana."
"Yes, I understand."
Ah Yin, seeing Qian Renjue's furrowed brow, quickly backed off, fearing she'd be punished.
She remembered the last time, when she'd tried to sneak some blood while he was bathing but ended up grabbing 'something' she shouldn't have.
He had been angry for a long time.
Even now, he seemed a little upset.
Qian Renjue looked at his wet palm, helpless.
His expression turned somewhat awkward.
"Your Highness."
Ling Yuan quickly stepped forward, wiping his hand clean.
"Thank you, Lingyuan."
Qian Renjue expressed his gratitude, turning to Ah Yin with a stern look.
"Hurry and move Nana."
"Yes."
Ah Yin's face flushed as she quickly nodded.
Several Blue Silver Emperor vines extended and wove together like a cradle, gently lifting Hu Liena.
Taking the opportunity, Qian Renjue stood up.
"Sister Ling, you should go rest as well. We'll need you to drive tomorrow."
"Your Highness. It's my duty."
Ling Yuan Douluo shook her head.
After instructing Ah Yin to watch over Hu Liena, Qian Renjue left the courtyard.
He headed toward the peak of the mountain, where the Worship Hall was located.
-
(This is the ranking based on how good the novel is)
Patreon.com/rashta
Be a member so you can read:
1. 170 adv ch of Talent System In Naruto
2. 500 adv ch of Qian Renxue's Younger Brother
3. 270 adv ch of Uchiha Madara's Cousin
4. 163 adv ch of WDQK: Divorcing Ling Qingzhu (Complete)