Chapter 139: Fight, Fight, Pull Hair, Pull Hair

Early morning, amidst the songs of birds and the fragrance of flowers, a gentle breeze carrying the slight chill of late summer slipped quietly through the doors and windows, softly brushing against the man’s closed eyelids. There was a faint scent of orchids mingled with the delicate aroma of pear blossoms. Slowly, the man lying in bed opened his eyes…

“Where am I?”

Jiang Lin tried to sit up, but a violent jolt shook his whole body, causing him to shudder like one who had just frog-jumped two laps around a 400-meter track and then descended stairs the next day.

Jiang Lin glanced downward.

“?”

Suppressing the pain, he lifted his left hand…

“???”

At that moment, Jiang Lin realized he was wrapped up like a mummy, much like Chen Huo had been when he had shattered all his bones from that fall.

“Xiao Lin… this won’t do… Xiao Lin…”

“Jiang Lin… we’re not that kind of relationship… we…”

While Jiang Lin was still bewildered, a familiar and pleasant voice drifted from the edge of the bed, seeming like a sleep murmur, but it was too soft to make out clearly since his ears were still wrapped in bandages.

He strained his neck with difficulty and saw Sister Lin and Miss Xiao sleeping by the bedside.

Looking around the room, Jiang Lin confirmed this was his chamber in the back courtyard of the Qian residence.

But the problem was—the Qian residence had been blasted to ruins!

Jiang Lin felt a throbbing headache. Could he be dreaming?

[Ding… Congratulations, host, for killing the Eight-Tailed Black Fox. The Donglin City incident is complete. The task rewards have been deposited into your storage pouch—please check. Current notoriety value: 80,000.

Your kidneys will automatically upgrade to Adamantine Kidneys once your injuries heal.]

Listening to the system’s annoyingly cheeky voice, Jiang Lin was certain he was not dreaming.

Focusing his mind, he accessed his storage pouch and was stunned to discover just how wealthy he had become! For the first time, he even found the system endearing.

Inside his pouch were 100 bottles of body-tempering elixir, 35 bottles of Immortal Sword Maintenance Liquid, blueprints for an AWM sniper rifle, and a collection of odds and ends.

Without hesitation, Jiang Lin exchanged the system’s ten resurrection tokens for notoriety points, totaling 300,000.

He felt like he had become rich overnight!

Although the system’s shop sold notoriety for 40,000 each but only bought it back for 30,000—a shrewd merchant tactic—Jiang Lin was still satisfied.

If it weren’t for the fact that only the system’s ten resurrection tokens could be converted to notoriety, he would’ve loved to exchange a million points first!

Lost in counting his money and supplies with his eyes closed, Jiang Lin suddenly felt his bed shift—Sister Lin and Miss Xiao must have awakened…

Then he sensed someone trying to untie his bandages!

But almost immediately, the small hand about to loosen his bindings was grasped firmly.

Jiang Lin’s consciousness had returned from the system, but his instincts told him absolutely not to move!

If he stirred now, it wouldn’t be as simple as just lying quietly in bed.

“Sister Lin, I’ll just change Jiang Lin’s dressings. You’re tired; please go rest first.”

As Jiang Lin lay feigning unconsciousness, Xiao Xueli’s voice came softly.

Though tinged with fatigue, her tone was lighter than before, no longer weighed down by heavy worries—like a great burden had finally been lifted.

There was even a hint of warmth replacing her usual coldness.

“How could I be tired, Miss Xiao? I’m Xiao Lin’s senior sister; if dressings need changing, it’s my duty. When he was injured at Longmen Sect, I was always the one treating him. I know his body best.”

Sister Lin’s voice reached Jiang Lin’s ears.

He sensed she was suppressing something, not entirely pleased, almost possessive—as if guarding some precious treasure.

What was going on? Had Miss Xiao stolen Sister Lin’s osmanthus cake?

He recalled how once at Longmen Sect, a junior sister accidentally ate the osmanthus cake he had gifted Sister Lin. Sister Lin’s face darkened so much she nearly refrained from handing over her sword…

And wasn’t Sister Lin’s wording a bit ambiguous?

Back then, he and his comrades had teased the mountain guardian beast, only to be tossed aside one by one.

Unable to care for themselves, dozens of them were assigned to other senior sisters and juniors for care. Jiang Lin was lucky to be under Sister Lin’s watch.

She had just treated his back for a few days…

How did she manage to see through him so clearly?

Sister Lin was truly… quite exasperating~

Listening to Sister Lin’s words, Jiang Lin noticed Xiao Xueli’s breathing deepen twice, and he imagined her chest rising and falling vigorously in his mind…

“Is that so? But Sister Lin, your own wrist is injured. How can you tend to Jiang Lin’s wounds? Jiang Gongzi, please help me avenge, I want to repay you. Though changing dressings is trivial, it is my small token of gratitude.”

Hearing Xiao Xueli’s words, Sister Lin smiled and replied:

“My wrist has mostly healed in the past two days. I appreciate Miss Xiao’s kindness on my junior brother’s behalf, but please don’t trouble yourself.”

Xiao Xueli shook her head: “I, Xiao Xueli, always repay kindness. Unless Jiang Gongzi personally tells me otherwise, Sister Lin, please don’t make it difficult!”

“Miss Xiao is only a year younger than me; you don’t need to call me sister.”

“Just a little over a year younger, yes. Of course, that’s only in age; in other respects, I’m confident I’m superior.”

“Miss Xiao!”

“Sister Lin!”

The two young women’s voices made Jiang Lin break out in a cold sweat, especially since he was caught right in the middle. This was all the more reason not to open his eyes.

He truly couldn’t understand why Sister Lin and Miss Xiao were fighting over tending to him.

Why not just do it together?

Besides, he didn’t mind at all.

To be honest, Jiang Lin’s heart was actually a little thrilled.

He even caught himself silently cheering, “Fight, fight! Pull hair, pull hair!”

Of course, such improper thoughts flashed only briefly—he was still a respectable man.

“Tat-tat-tat.”

Just as the tension between Sister Lin and Miss Xiao thickened, a knock sounded at the door.

The two girls ceased their standoff and opened it.

“Little You,”

Seeing the twin-tailed young girl Youyou outside the door, their moods instantly lifted.

After all, Jiang Lin’s injuries had stabilized mostly thanks to this young Youyou’s use of the Sea Bright Pearl for healing.

Besides, women who weren’t rivals were friends.

Moreover, this little girl could never be a rival—how could Xiao Lin fancy someone who looked like a twelve-year-old?

Facing the two beautiful women, Youyou lowered her head shyly, her small feet tiptoeing inward, softly rubbing against each other.

[These two big sisters are so beautiful. When I grow up, will I be as pretty as them?]

“I… came to heal that guy’s wounds…”

Bravely raising her head, Youyou spoke softly with a slight stutter.

Lin Qingwan smiled gently: “Thank you, little sister Youyou.”

“It’s… nothing…”

Youyou entered the room, stood by the bed, and pulled out a bright bamboo-like orb from her bosom, about the size of a pigeon’s egg.

The Sea Bright Pearl floated slowly over Jiang Lin, like a divine healing light.

Yet as Youyou began her treatment, her brow furrowed slightly, glancing left and right at Jiang Lin.

“Hm? Miss Youyou, is something wrong? Could it be that Xiao Lin…”

Seeing Youyou’s frown, Lin Qingwan’s heart tightened, her beautiful eyes trembling slightly.

“Miss Youyou, please be honest. How is Jiang Lin? I can handle it.”

Xiao Xueli bit her lip nervously, clutching her skirt tightly.

“He…”

Youyou withdrew the connection to the Sea Bright Pearl.

The next moment, the floating pearl dropped squarely between Jiang Lin’s legs.

“Ugh!!!”

Jiang Lin’s body jolted.

He seemed to faintly hear the sound of an egg cracking…

“Hmph!”

Youyou turned her head, “Actually, this guy has been awake for quite some time!”

“Sister… Miss Xiao… Youyou, good morning.”

Jiang Lin awkwardly opened his eyes…

“Xiao Lin…”

“Jiang Gongzi…”

Before Jiang Lin could respond, Sister Lin and Miss Xiao scooped him up, tightly embracing the mummy-like Jiang Lin.

“Xiao Lin, thank goodness you’re okay… If anything had happened to you, I wouldn’t want to live…”

“Jiang Gongzi, I’m sorry. It was all my fault—I couldn’t help you. I’m so sorry…”

“Sister, you still have to live… But please loosen your grip… ah… my bones…”

“Miss Lin, I appreciate your concern, but don’t hold so tight… ah… my waist hurts…”

The women clung to Jiang Lin, crying tears of joy, while he felt every ache intensify, nearly sending him to the afterlife.

Nearby, Youyou glanced at the “beast” being hugged by two women, snorted, and turned away with a fake pout:

“Hmph! Just a flirtatious scoundrel! A great rogue!”

…

Jiang Lin lost track of what happened afterward. Sister Lin and Miss Xiao hugged him tighter as if afraid Death would take him away again.

He felt pain all over his body, growing worse, until he finally passed out.

When he awoke again, his vision blurry, the first thing he saw was Sister Lin and Miss Xiao.

Seeing him awake, their eyes shone with sparkling joy.

Jiang Lin’s heart skipped a beat, fearing another wave of pain.

Strangely, Sister Lin and Miss Xiao made no move to embrace him; instead, their gazes shifted slightly away, their eyelids lowered, cheeks flushed.

In truth, when Jiang Lin woke again, they desperately wanted to hold him.

But recalling how he fainted from their previous tight embrace, they restrained themselves.

Especially remembering Youyou’s earlier words: “This guy’s been awake for at least a whole incense stick’s time.”

An incense stick ago, they had been competing with that fox spirit over tending to Xiao Lin’s wounds.

Meaning Jiang Lin overheard everything they said…

Thinking of this, Sister Lin and Xiao Xueli blushed deeply, lowering their heads in embarrassment.

Seeing them shy and biting their lips, Jiang Lin was somewhat confused.

They had just happily celebrated his awakening—why were they now silent?

“Oh~~~ my brother! You’re finally awake! Is it truly the Black Flame Dragon inside me healing you? Brother, our blood is earth-shattering!”

Just as Jiang Lin was about to ask what had happened during his unconsciousness, a familiar voice echoed outside the door.

“Alright, Tai’er, keep your voice down. What if Jiang is handling something? How could we interrupt his studies?”

“Yeah, maybe we should wait a bit?”

“Hmm, better to wait, especially since the two sisters-in-law are so beautiful.”

“Bang!”

While Tai’er Zhenjun and Kong Baba chatted outside, the door suddenly opened.

“Miss Lin, Miss Xiao…”

Startled, Kong Baba and Tai’er bowed hastily.

“He’s awake, you may come in.”

Hearing this, Xiao Xueli, flushed like a steaming maiden, glanced at Jiang Lin before quickly stepping away.

Unfortunately, Jiang Lin was staring at the ceiling and missed the shy expression on Sister Lin’s face.

“Jiang Gongzi has just awakened. Please let him rest well.”

With that, Xiao Xueli, cheeks aflame, hurried out, almost stumbling in her haste.

Watching them leave, Tai’er and Kong Baba exchanged glances, eyes twinkling mischievously.

“What are you thinking? It’s just your own joke. Sister Lin and Miss Xiao have thin skins.”

“Jiang brother, no need to explain.”

Looking at the mummy-wrapped Jiang Lin, they wore expressions that said, “We know everything.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about! I can’t even move!”

“We know, but you can’t move, bro…”

“…”

Jiang Lin didn’t want to argue anymore.

Seeing Jiang Lin’s expression brighten (even though most of his face was covered in white cloth), the two men entered the room and, to be safe, examined his condition.

After releasing Jiang Lin’s hand, Kong Baba said, “Alright, Jiang brother, your injuries have stabilized. With the ointment Tai’er brought, you’ll be able to get out of bed in a few days.”

“How many days have I been unconscious?”

Lying in bed, Jiang Lin asked.

“About four days.”

“That night four days ago…”

“That night, Jiang brother defeated Xiao Ye, and I held off the heavenly tribulation. See? My butt still has a scorch mark.”

As he spoke, Kong Baba turned to pull down his pants.

“Wait, no need!”

Jiang Lin quickly stopped him.

“Huh? Really not looking?”

“I’m not looking at your butt!”

If he could move, Jiang Lin would have given him a kick.

“Mr. Kong…”

“Hm? Jiang brother, do you want to talk?”

Jiang Lin rolled his eyes: “I want to talk to you.”

Kong Baba pulled up his pants and smiled at the mummy-like Jiang Lin:

“Of course.”

…

[Two chapters combined to repay everyone’s support for chapter 500.]

[Today’s update: 7,000 words… completely exhausted.]

Qidian