At this moment, Lu Ning was completely numb.
Her mind briefly crashed from the rapid succession of events.
Just a moment ago, she had been fantasizing about the wonderful life she’d have after escaping to freedom.
But in the next instant, her rebellious disciple was tied up like a zongzi, and she herself couldn’t run away at all.
Lu Ning stared blankly at Ji Linglong, who was walking toward her at a measured pace.
The Eldest Princess of the Great Wilderness Dynasty, at this moment, had eyes full of joy—the golden phoenix gaze bright and delighted.
She ignored Gu Qinghuan, who was bound tightly by the Binding Immortal Rope and struggling desperately, and walked straight up to Lu Ning.
“A-Ning.”
Ji Linglong stretched out her arms and pulled Lu Ning into a tight embrace.
That warm, familiar phoenix aura once again wrapped around Lu Ning.
“I’ve found you…”
Lu Ning was completely bewildered by the sudden hug.
“Master!”
Tied up with the Binding Immortal Rope off to the side, Gu Qinghuan’s cool, clear eyes instantly turned red upon witnessing this scene.
An uncontrollable rage exploded from the depths of her heart.
That was her master!
The precious treasure she cradled in her palms, afraid even to let melt away.
Now, right in front of her eyes, another woman was holding her tightly in her arms!
“Let her go!”
Gu Qinghuan’s voice was as cold as the depths of the Netherworld.
She desperately surged the power of the Lunar Yin within her, trying to break free from the Binding Immortal Rope.
The rope sensed her resistance; its golden runes flared brightly, suppressing her power completely, tightening even more.
The golden rope dug into her skin, outlining her graceful figure, yet bringing her intense pain.
But she seemed completely numb to the pain, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on Ji Linglong.
Ji Linglong slowly lifted her head, releasing Lu Ning from her embrace but still shielding her behind.
She looked with interest at Gu Qinghuan, tied in such a humiliating posture, a victor’s cold smile curling at her lips.
“Saintess of the Heavenly Demon Sect, Gu Qinghuan?”
“This princess really underestimated you. You actually dared to break into the imperial palace and even destroyed my Phoenix Palace.”
“But you’ve come at just the right time.”
A playful light flickered in Ji Linglong’s eyes.
“A-Ning, it seems your disciple has a rather unusual attachment to you.”
Lu Ning hung her head, silent.
Right now, she just wanted the ground to swallow her up.
What kind of situation was this?
Some kind of Asura Field?
Wait, isn’t the Asura Field usually for romantic rivalries—how can it still happen with only women?!
“You wanted to see A-Ning begging you in humiliation, didn’t you?”
Ji Linglong saw through Gu Qinghuan’s heart and suddenly smiled.
“Since you’re A-Ning’s disciple, this princess will be merciful today and grant your tiny wish.”
With that, Ji Linglong turned and looked at Lu Ning beside her, her golden phoenix eyes full of teasing.
“A-Ning.”
Her voice sounded especially gentle.
“You wouldn’t want your pure and flawless disciple to perish tonight in such an unremarkable inn, would you?”
Lu Ning was a little stunned when she heard this.
What is this woman trying to do?
Was she going to use Gu Qinghuan’s life to threaten her?
“Seems like you don’t really care about this disciple’s life or death, A-Ning.”
Seeing Lu Ning unresponsive, Ji Linglong’s smile grew even wider.
She slowly raised her right hand, and a wisp of golden Divine Fire of the Nine Heavens quietly ignited at her fingertip.
“In that case, this princess will just have to do it myself.”
That wisp of golden flame was small, but the terrifying pressure it exuded instantly raised the temperature in the whole room.
Gu Qinghuan’s expression turned exceedingly grave.
She could feel that the flame contained enough power to utterly destroy her spirit and soul.
Right now, bound by the Binding Immortal Rope, she couldn’t resist at all.
“Don’t!”
Snapping out of it, Lu Ning blurted out without thinking.
After all, her disciple had ended up like this trying to save her; she couldn’t just stand by and watch her perish.
What’s more, she and Gu Qinghuan had a symbiotic contract between them.
Lu Ning quickly grabbed Ji Linglong’s arm, her face filled with a pleading look.
“Linglong-jie, please don’t…”
Lu Ning’s voice carried a sob, her big, watery eyes brimming with helplessness.
“Qinghuan…she just acted foolishly for a moment, she didn’t mean to offend you.”
“Please…please, Your Highness, show mercy and let her go this once.”
Lu Ning knew she had to compromise now.
She couldn’t watch Gu Qinghuan die right in front of her.
Seeing Lu Ning lowering herself and begging on someone else’s behalf, Ji Linglong’s jealousy only burned hotter.
But at the same time, a twisted sense of satisfaction welled up inside her.
“Let her go?”
Ji Linglong withdrew the flame from her fingertip and, still holding Lu Ning, slowly sat down on the bedside.
She drew Lu Ning into her embrace, speaking in a magnanimous, almost patronizing tone.
“I can.”
“But, A-Ning, you know I never make a losing deal.”
“If you want me to spare her, you’ll have to show some sincerity, won’t you?”
Ji Linglong’s fingertips lightly traced across Lu Ning’s lips, her eyes glittering with a peculiar light.
“I want you to show me enough sincerity right here, in front of your precious disciple, to please me.”
At these words, Gu Qinghuan instantly burst into furious rage.
“Master! Don’t mind me!”
Gu Qinghuan struggled madly, but the Binding Immortal Rope held her fast, leaving her unable to move.
Watching her helpless, furious state, Ji Linglong’s smile grew even brighter.
She wanted to break down that lofty faith in Gu Qinghuan’s heart bit by bit, right in front of her eyes.
She wanted her to watch as the master she revered like a deity humbled herself and begged before her.
“A-Ning, have you decided?”
“Where is your sincerity?”
“Show me your sincerity—you don’t want anything to happen to your precious disciple, do you?”
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