The two girls nestled against each other like that. In the silent camp, the bonfire gradually died out, and all sounds fell still. Only the soft wind remained, whispering a lonely melody of peace.
Yet in a tent not far from them, a pair of ears stood high, having heard every word of their conversation.
Within the dim forest, two girls, one older and one younger, leaned against a boulder together.
Xiao Minghuang held Ye Ruoshui's soft, delicate body. Seeing the sweet sleeping expression on the little girl's face, she could not help revealing a warm smile.
But cultivation could not be neglected.
"System, has my compensation arrived?"
[ Ding! ]
[ Detecting... ]
[ Congratulations, Host, fivefold... ]
After accepting the spiritual medicine returned by the system, Xiao Minghuang was somewhat disappointed. Her previous compensations had all carried high multipliers, with even the lowest being a hundredfold. This time, however, it was only fivefold—truly too little.
Xiao Minghuang seriously suspected that this was all part of the system's scheme. It gave her high-multiplier compensation in the early stages, only to slash the multiplier once the transition period ended.
It seemed rather like some of the card-drawing games she had played in her previous life.
Xiao Minghuang steadied herself, banished those strange thoughts from her mind, and began taking stock of her remaining resources.
But at that very moment.
The system's voice sounded in her mind once more.
[ Ding ]
[ Ding! It has been detected that the Host meets the conditions for the number of gifts given. Opening a second contract holder slot! ]
[ Triggered mission: Bind a second contract holder. Must be of the same gender as the Host. ]
[ Mission reward: The first gift to the second contract holder is guaranteed to trigger ten-thousandfold compensation, and the final reward will be doubled once more! ]
Ten-thousandfold compensation?
Doubled again?
Xiao Minghuang did not understand. Since it was already guaranteed to be ten-thousandfold compensation, would doubling it not make it twenty-thousandfold? Why did the system needlessly add the line, "the final reward will be doubled"?
"System, explain in detail what it means for the final reward to be doubled."
[ Ding! Final reward doubled means that when the Host receives compensation settlement, the compensated item obtained will be doubled again. This probability is calculated independently and is not affected by the compensation multiplier. ]
After the system's explanation, Xiao Minghuang roughly understood.
The gift compensation multiplier and the final reward multiplier were calculated independently of one another and did not interfere with each other. The rewards she received would stack.
In other words, no matter how many times the critical multiplier triggered, she could only receive one compensation before. But now, she could receive two compensations.
After understanding the system's function, Xiao Minghuang fell into a dilemma again.
The system had made it very clear. She had to bind a second contract holder to obtain the mission reward, but in her current situation, where was she supposed to find a second contract holder?
Once a contract holder was bound, the contract could not be dissolved unless the contract holder died. Therefore, she had to ensure that the contract holder was someone trustworthy.
Moreover, that person had to be reliable, could not harbor crooked intentions, and could not part ways with her in the future. Otherwise, she would no longer be able to obtain compensation through giving gifts.
Xiao Minghuang had originally planned to find an honest, obedient girl among the common folk, raise her by her side from childhood, and cultivate their bond. But she was currently far away in Beiyang City and had no time to do such things.
After a day's journey and a fierce battle with evil cultivators that night, Xiao Minghuang was already exhausted. Before she knew it, she fell asleep to the sound of the wind.
The next morning.
Xiao Minghuang woke early. The moment she opened her eyes, she saw that Ye Ruoshui, the little girl, had somehow undone her collar. Her tiny face was pressed tightly against Xiao Minghuang's full, ample chest, and she wore a sweet smile.
"Mmm... so soft... big white buns... tasty..."
Ye Ruoshui mumbled in her sleep, utterly unruly. Turning her face, she sprawled over that full peak and bit down in one mouthful.
"Ah!"
The next instant.
Ye Ruoshui landed solidly on the ground. She opened her eyes in confusion and looked around blankly, seemingly having no idea what had happened.
Xiao Minghuang tightened her collar, her pretty face faintly flushed. Assuming a composed posture, she said blandly:
"It's dawn. We should get moving."
Ye Ruoshui climbed up from the ground, still unable to make sense of things, but she obediently went to pack their luggage.
When Ye Ruoshui opened the tent, she saw Lin Wanqiu fully dressed and about to come out.
Despite resting all night, Lin Wanqiu had developed heavy dark circles beneath her eyes. She seemed weighed down by worries, listless and utterly dispirited.
Ye Ruoshui furrowed her brows but did not think much of it. She guessed that this woman might simply have trouble sleeping in unfamiliar beds.
"Miss Lin, did you not rest well last night?"
"I was fine..."
Lin Wanqiu forced a smile, but there was no joy on her face. Her mind was a tangled mess, and she had no mood to exchange pleasantries with Ye Ruoshui. She simply set off on her own.
Watching her retreating figure, Ye Ruoshui did not dwell on it and began packing their belongings.
Before long, all the miscellaneous items had been neatly packed away in storage bags.
Xiao Minghuang's group of three headed toward Beiyang City.
At first, Xiao Minghuang had planned to spend more time exploring the forest in an attempt to find traces of a fortunate opportunity.
But after searching for three days without finding anything, she could only give up and head for Beiyang City instead.
Beiyang City
Beiyang City lay amid mountains, surrounded by rivers on three sides and backed by sheer cliffs, making it easy to defend and hard to attack.
After a long journey, Xiao Minghuang and the other two finally arrived outside the city.
Over the past three days, apart from searching for fortunate opportunities and teasing little Ye Ruoshui, Xiao Minghuang had spent her time chatting with Lin Wanqiu.
During that time, she learned quite a bit about the situation in Beiyang City.
Aside from the Beiyang City Lord, whose cultivation had reached the peak of the Spring Gushing Realm, Beiyang City also had four great lineages. Their heads ranged from the Fifth Level of the Spring Gushing Realm to the Eighth Level of the Spring Gushing Realm.
Besides that, Lin Wanqiu had also revealed something rather noteworthy.
"I was born with blocked meridians and cannot break through the Qi Refining Realm. My father spent who knew how many spirit stones and medicinal pills, yet he only managed to raise me to the Body Tempering Realm Seventh Level..."
When Lin Wanqiu spoke of these matters, her expression dimmed, and she seemed utterly lost.
Learning this also changed Xiao Minghuang's opinion of Lin Wanqiu.
"Perhaps contracting Lin Wanqiu would not be bad. If I can help her clear her meridians and allow her to continue cultivating, she will certainly be immensely grateful to me."
As for how to clear her meridians, that could not be simpler. She only needed to find some basic medicinal pills and keep giving them to Lin Wanqiu. After that, all she had to do was wait for the compensation.
Even if basic medicinal pills with the corresponding effects were difficult to find, Xiao Minghuang had Ye Ruoshui, a little alchemy prodigy, by her side. Pills were not a problem at all.
At that thought, Xiao Minghuang's gaze could not help settling on Lin Wanqiu. The corners of her lips curled slightly, and a trace of amusement appeared in her eyes.
Sensing Xiao Minghuang looking at her, Lin Wanqiu revealed a gentle smile on her fair, lovely face. Her eyes seemed to carry a hint of reluctant attachment.
But she quickly looked away.
Xiao Minghuang and Lin Wanqiu walked in front, exchanging smiles, their eyes speaking volumes as they secretly cast glances at each other.
Ye Ruoshui, walking behind them, saw this scene. She remained silent, her feelings impossible to decipher.
"Her Highness, could she be..."
Xiao Minghuang knew nothing of Ye Ruoshui's sensitive thoughts.
Seeing that Lin Wanqiu's expression was unusual, Xiao Minghuang's delicate brows furrowed. She realized that this matter was not simple.
She had known Lin Wanqiu for only three days, even if they had once had a marriage arrangement.
When they first met, Lin Wanqiu had not even known her name. Was it not too illusory to claim that she had been deeply devoted to her since childhood?
Yet since their meeting, Lin Wanqiu had repeatedly shown her favor. How was that to be explained?
After thinking it over and over, Xiao Minghuang muttered softly:
"Could it be that she fell in love with me at first sight?"
But upon further thought, she found it absurd.
"Love at first sight? How could such a thing exist in this world? It is nothing more than something idle scholars made up to console themselves."
After pondering for a long time without reaching an answer, Xiao Minghuang stopped dwelling on it.
Xiao Minghuang's group of three arrived before the city gates. The guards of the City Lord's Mansion had long been waiting there, specifically for the Ninth Princess's arrival.
The moment she entered the city, Xiao Minghuang received a grand welcome from Beiyang City.
"Lin Zhengquan, Beiyang City Lord, together with all officials and soldiers of the city, welcomes the Ninth Princess!"
Lin Zhengquan led the many officials and soldiers in kneeling before her in unison, incomparably respectful.
Behind them stood many commoners, who had likewise performed a great bow.
Xiao Minghuang was somewhat puzzled by this scene. Though she was a princess, Great Xia was ultimately a dynasty led by martial artists and did not care much for empty formalities. Even when meeting the emperor, one did not need to kneel in worship.
What lay before her exceeded her expectations.
After helping the Beiyang City Lord to his feet, Xiao Minghuang said loudly, "I cannot bear such a grand courtesy. Everyone, please rise quickly!"
The officials and commoners rose. When they looked at Xiao Minghuang, their eyes held admiration and gratitude.
Xiao Minghuang looked at Lin Zhengquan curiously.
Lin Zhengquan smiled and explained:
"Has Ninth Highness forgotten? Three days ago, you slew the evil cultivators causing trouble nearby and rescued the abducted commoners. You did a tremendous good deed for the people of Beiyang City!"
"After hearing of it, everyone voluntarily wished to thank Ninth Highness. Thus, this humble official arranged today's welcoming ceremony. I hope Ninth Highness will not take offense."
After hearing the whole story, Xiao Minghuang could not help smiling. Looking toward the dense crowd, she said clearly:
"I accept everyone's gratitude, but as a princess of Great Xia, it is my duty to defend the land and protect its people. Slaying evil cultivators who bring calamity to one region is simply my obligation. There is no need for you all to be overly grateful. Return home now."
Everyone present was moved upon hearing this.
One soldier sighed:
"I once served in the capital. Because I opened the gates and let someone through a moment late, the Second Prince's groom beat me, leaving me with hidden injuries that ensured my cultivation could never advance again. Only after seeing the Ninth Princess today did I learn that the imperial family actually has someone so merciful, forgiving, respectful, and frugal."
A weather-beaten man wore a grateful expression as he said:
"My daughter disappeared a few days ago. After I reported it to the authorities, the lord merely told me to wait. Everyone knew that if we truly waited, my daughter would never be found again... If not for Ninth Princess, my daughter truly would not have been brought back!"
Thus, beneath the gaze of countless people, a peerlessly beautiful young woman of noble, ethereal grace walked all the way into the City Lord's Mansion.
Beiyang City Lord's Mansion, main hall.
Xiao Minghuang sat in the seat of honor, while Ye Ruoshui stood beside her. As for Lin Wanqiu, she had vanished after entering the City Lord's Mansion, perhaps having returned to her room to rest.
Lin Zhengquan and the upper ranks of Beiyang City sat on either side.
After a round of formal greetings, the people of the City Lord's Mansion withdrew, leaving only Lin Zhengquan in the hall.
Lin Zhengquan rose to his feet and glanced at Ye Ruoshui standing nearby, as though he had something difficult to say.
Xiao Minghuang looked at him and said blandly:
"Ruoshui is my younger sister. We are as close as lips and teeth. If you have something to say, speak plainly."
Hearing the words "as close as lips and teeth," Ye Ruoshui's little face reddened, and sweetness welled up in her heart.
Seeing Ye Ruoshui's outstanding beauty, so unlike that of a mere maidservant, Lin Zhengquan could not help sighing inwardly for his own daughter.
After a moment, he gathered his thoughts and said respectfully:
Before you continue