A True Kiss

Forgotten Self Mystic Realm, Nine-Curve Corridor.

Gu Yinjiao fled in terror, his voice hoarse with anger. “Chi Yuchao, you crazy lunatic! You damned demon! Why are you chasing me instead of heading to the library for your reward? What did I ever do to you?!”

The slender, red-haired girl dragged her sharp blade along the ground, sparks flying in her wake. Her face was as cold as ice as she snarled, “Gu Yinjiao, you bald-headed fool! You dared to badmouth my brother and kick him while he was down. I’ll never forgive you!”

“Your brother? Who?!” Gu Yinjiao yelled, his frustration boiling over. “I know you’re not the brightest, but don’t lose your mind now! Blocking me from the library and refusing to take the next trial—are you trying to ruin both our futures?!”

Under normal circumstances, Gu Yinjiao might have been able to fight Chi Yuchao evenly. But in his current injured state, he was no match for the battle-crazed maniac.

Chi Yuchao narrowed her eyes, her smile chillingly sweet. “Your fellow disciple Qin Gou is my brother. Anyone who offends him deserves to die!”

“That’s nonsense! Qin Gou has nothing to do with Blood Ridge! Or are you saying he’s been your spy in our sect all along?!” Gu Yinjiao roared, his veins bulging in fury.

Chi Yuchao sneered, her face full of disdain. “You wouldn’t understand even if I explained.”

With a smug grin, she pulled out a small bottle and waved it in front of Gu Yinjiao. “Do you know what this is? The Taiyi Du’e Pill! My brother gave it to me—he didn’t even keep it for himself. Are you jealous? Do you want to smell it? Too bad! You’re not worthy!”

Quickly stashing the bottle, she pointed her blade at Gu Yinjiao. “If I don’t chop you up today, I’m not a true warrior!”

—

Such skirmishes were common in the Mystic Realm, where Forgotten Self’s fourth trial was in full swing. Meanwhile, deep within the realm’s forbidden zone, dawn broke on the second day.

“And now, the third set of radio calisthenics for middle school students: Reach for your dreams! Begin! One, two, three, four…”

Gu Feiyan awkwardly mimicked Qin Gou’s movements, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment.

“Little Qin, what are we doing? This ‘calisthenics’ thing doesn’t seem very practical for combat,” she said, her tone doubtful.

Qin Gou smiled knowingly. “You don’t get it. This is a simple exercise common among ordinary people. Over time, it strengthens the body and improves cardiovascular health. Since we’re stuck here with no powers, we can’t afford to slack off.”

Gu Feiyan nodded hesitantly. “I’ve never heard of ‘radio calisthenics’ before. You sure know a lot, Little Qin.”

Qin Gou grinned. Watching Gu Feiyan, with her stunning figure, perform the mundane movements added an unexpected aesthetic appeal. It was a rare delight in their otherwise monotonous confinement.

—

The day before, Qin Gou and Gu Feiyan had explored the forest’s edge, only to encounter an invisible barrier. Despite their best efforts—and even using the Stone Spirit—they couldn’t break through.

To keep Gu Feiyan from succumbing to despair, Qin Gou had been racking his brain for ways to distract her with new and amusing activities.

—

“System,” Qin Gou muttered internally, “I’ve always wondered about that ‘Unwavering Resolve’ mission involving Little Yan. What exactly is your criteria for success? Do I have to let her pounce on me? That’s impossible. I’m a man of dignity! I’d fight with all my strength not to resist!”

—

“Ding. The mission will be completed if the Seed Demon Holy Sect’s Third Miss, Gu Feiyan, gives the host a heartfelt kiss. It must be genuine and full of emotion. Forced kisses will not count.”

—

“Ugh, who do you think I am?!” Qin Gou retorted mentally. “If I stooped that low, how would I be any different from those sleazy playboys who frequent brothels?”

—

Suddenly, Qin Gou clutched his chest and cried out in pain, his face pale as he bent over, cold sweat dripping from his forehead.

The unexpected scene left Gu Feiyan flustered.

“Little Qin, what’s wrong?!” she asked, rushing to his side to support him.

“Little Yan…” Qin Gou gasped, his voice trembling. “I’ve been cursed. If you don’t kiss me on the lips right now, I’ll die. Please… save me.”

“Oh,” Gu Feiyan said flatly, letting go of him. Qin Gou nearly fell over as she stomped her foot in anger. “Then go ahead and die!”

“Little Yan…!”

“Where’s my whip?”

“Ahem! Lovely weather today, perfect for fishing. Little Yan, you stay here and rest. I’ll bring back some grilled fish,” Qin Gou said, standing up straight as if nothing had happened.

Gu Feiyan burst into laughter, clutching her stomach as she doubled over.

—

Unbeknownst to them, Forgotten Self’s remnant soul was watching from afar, his expression troubled.

“Why won’t they kiss?” he muttered. “Are they not truly in love? But then why do they keep risking their lives for each other?”

A deep sadness filled his aged, cloudy eyes.

“Lan’er… I, Huang Peng, was born to forget myself and forsake love. My path of cultivation was smooth and unyielding, and I once ruled with a wave of my hand. Yet even in death, I never understood the depth of human emotions. In the end, I failed you…”