Chapter 69: Midnight Conversation

Upon hearing Jiang Xiaofei’s words, Lan Lianshuang’s expression grew grave. “What should we do then? If she regains her full strength, catching her will be nearly impossible.”

Jiang Xiaofei nodded slightly, his voice somber. “That’s exactly what worries me. We must eliminate her before she fully recovers, or the consequences will be endless.” As he spoke, his face grew cold, his eyes flickering with hatred.

Seeing this, Lan Lianshuang nodded in understanding. “Rest assured, the Mage Association will do everything in its power to help you eradicate the Ghost Empress, this scourge.”

She frowned slightly, asking, “By the way, what was the Ghost Empress’s cultivation level before?”

Jiang Xiaofei pondered for a moment, his face heavy. “She should have been at the Heavenly Transformation Realm.”

“What?” Lan Lianshuang was visibly shocked. She knew that realm all too well—it was equivalent to an Infinite Mage, and only the Grandmaster of the entire Mage Association had attained such a level. That meant the Ghost Empress was unimaginably powerful; if she regained her peak strength, it would be nothing short of a catastrophe.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, she spoke in earnest. “I’ll report this truthfully to the Mage Association’s leadership, so they can decide and send a Supreme Mage as soon as possible to destroy the Ghost Empress.”

“That would be best.” Jiang Xiaofei nodded, not objecting. Although Jun Yao had specifically advised him to be cautious in dealing with the Ghost Empress before leaving, it was clear he alone was no match for her, let alone capable of seizing the next volume of the Underworld Ghost Dao. He had no choice but to rely on others.

Seeing Jiang Xiaofei lost in thought, gazing at the night sky, Lan Lianshuang smiled. “Don’t worry, Professor Jiang. I believe things aren’t as dire as they seem. Why not get some rest?”

Jiang Xiaofei shook his head. “I can’t sleep. You go ahead. I’d like some time alone.”

“Alright, then I’ll keep you company.” Lan Lianshuang sat down, gazing up at the stars. “Professor Jiang, look at how beautiful the night sky is. When I was a child, my father used to tell me stories. He said there were deities living in the vast sky—beings who could do anything, and even beautiful fairies.”

As she spoke, Lan Lianshuang propped her chin in her hand, her face full of longing.

Jiang Xiaofei smiled at the sight. “That’s just your father telling tales. There are no gods in this world.”

Lan Lianshuang shook her head. “But I think it’s true. When I was little, a deity visited my house and told me that I’d suffer a serious illness at eighteen, and face a calamity after turning twenty-eight.”

Jiang Xiaofei laughed. “And did you get sick?”

“I did. And some strange, unexplainable things happened,” she replied.

Jiang Xiaofei was startled.

Lan Lianshuang nodded. “When I turned eighteen, I had a dream—so vivid and real. I dreamt of a battle between gods, the heavens and earth collapsing, billions of lives perishing in carnage. The bloodshed woke me, and after that, I was bedridden for a long time. When I recovered, it felt as though something strange lingered in my mind, but I couldn’t remember what it was.”

Jiang Xiaofei smiled. “You’re overthinking it. As they say, what occupies your thoughts by day, you dream of by night.”

Lan Lianshuang shook her head. “I don’t think so. It felt real, as if it truly happened.”

“Well, then?” Jiang Xiaofei nodded slightly, believing her a little. He himself had suspected he wasn’t from this world. Otherwise, why had his parents abandoned him after his birth and vanished without a trace? Sometimes he even wondered if his parents weren’t of this world either. He’d investigated, but Jun Yao’s abilities were limited—she couldn’t reach the realm of the gods, let alone uncover the truth.

Still, he believed that one day he would learn who he truly was, and where his parents had gone.

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Xiaofei shook off the memories. He looked at Lan Lianshuang and smiled. “I’m sure one day you’ll unravel the mysteries in your heart and learn the truth.”

“I think so too. That’s why I must work hard in my cultivation and become a peerless powerhouse.” Lan Lianshuang nodded. “By the way, Professor Jiang, who taught you all your skills?”

Jiang Xiaofei recalled his days with Jun Yao and smiled. “I learned them from my wife.”

“Your wife?” Lan Lianshuang’s eyes widened in surprise, an inexplicable sense of loss rising within her.

Jiang Xiaofei nodded.

“Who is she? She must be remarkable,” Lan Lianshuang pressed.

Jiang Xiaofei’s gaze softened as he looked up at the sky. “Her name is Jun Yao. She’s the most beautiful woman in the world, and the one I love most.”

“Where is she now? Why isn’t she with you?” Lan Lianshuang asked.

“She’s in a faraway place, entangled in matters that keep us apart,” Jiang Xiaofei replied, still looking at the stars.

“You must miss her very much. Why not go find her?” Lan Lianshuang asked.

“I will, once I’ve dealt with all my affairs,” said Jiang Xiaofei.

“Is it about the Ghost Empress?” she asked.

Jiang Xiaofei said nothing.

Seeing this, Lan Lianshuang said, “Don’t worry, Professor Jiang. I’ll help you get rid of the Ghost Empress, so you can reunite with Jun Yao as soon as possible.”

Jiang Xiaofei remained silent.

Lan Lianshuang hesitated, then moved a little closer, faltering. “Professor Jiang, I... I...”

Feeling the gentle presence beside him, Jiang Xiaofei frowned slightly. “If you have something to say, just say it.”

“Professor Jiang, I like you.” As she spoke, Lan Lianshuang blushed furiously, her heart pounding.

Jiang Xiaofei frowned, then smiled. “But I already have someone I love.”

“I know, but I can’t suppress my feelings. I just like you,” Lan Lianshuang said, tiptoeing up and planting a quick kiss on his cheek while he was distracted. Then, like a shy girl next door, she ran off.

Jiang Xiaofei was left speechless. He touched the spot where she kissed him—sure enough, it was moist and, truth be told, quite fragrant.

He felt helpless. Honestly, he didn’t have feelings for Lan Lianshuang and didn’t want to hurt her.

Afterward, he entered the tent. Tang Zhirou was fiddling with the boat when Jiang Xiaofei walked in. She immediately asked, “Where have you been? Why are you back so late? Don’t tell me you and Lan Lianshuang went into the woods to fool around?”

“Well? Did you?”

Faced with her accusatory tone, Jiang Xiaofei was at a loss and quickly explained, “How could that be, Director Tang? You’re overthinking it. There’s nothing between us.”

“Really?” Tang Zhirou eyed him skeptically.

“Really. Truer than gold. If I lied to anyone, it wouldn’t be to you, Director Tang,” Jiang Xiaofei insisted.

“I think you’re just making excuses,” Tang Zhirou huffed. “Enough, no more explanations. Come sleep with me. I never feel safe sleeping alone.”

Jiang Xiaofei was exasperated. “Director Tang, why don’t you just find a man to marry? I’m sure every single man in Sanjiang City would chase after you.”

“Men?” Tang Zhirou snorted. “They’re all just after my body. Only you are decent, Professor Jiang. Now get over here and sleep with me.”

“Alright,” Jiang Xiaofei acquiesced, forcing a nod. He lay down, and immediately felt a silk-stockinged leg drape over him, followed by a pair of warm, delicate hands wrapping around his waist.