Chapter 32: We’re Going Home

“Sis, look. Xinghui and I really are girlfriends…”

Whether Namira believed it or not, at least Linglinglan’s request was something Namira would never refuse — even if there was a chance Ling’er had been brainwashed by that woman. Besides, letting pure and innocent Ling’er see such dirty blood would surely wound her little heart. Ling’er must be protected from all danger, every single danger.

Better to leave this place first. Once we get home, I’ll carefully check Ling’er’s condition. And later, taking the time to single-handedly snipe that pervert from an extreme distance wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

“Ling’er, we’re going home.”

Namira lowered her gun and gently embraced Linglinglan like a mother bird shielding her chick beneath her wings. Her gaze toward Xinghui was cold, merciless, and hostile — like a stare fixed on an enemy.

“Eh, but Sister, I…” Linglinglan hesitated at the mention of going home. Her eyes carried a wistful look as she gazed at the clueless face of Xinghui. She felt an unprecedented sense of relief — mixed with a faint trace of reluctance.

Why is it so hard to say goodbye to the perverted sword immortal… How could this be… Could it be that the perverted sword immortal planted a seed in my heart long ago? Damn it… To part like this leaves my heart empty. Even with Sister Namira here, that foolish fake sword immortal… I’ll think of her someday.

“Be good, Ling’er. We have our own home to return to.”

Namira seemed to notice the longing in Linglinglan’s eyes. She gently held Linglinglan’s small hand, and a portal to the Void Spirit Realm opened before them.

“Y-Yes, Sister Namira.”

“Farewell forever… Xinghui-san.” Namira said coldly.

“Wait, Xingling! Wait for me!” Xinghui lunged toward the portal as if mad, but only collided with a cloud of dust. All she could grab was cold concrete and an overwhelming emptiness that filled her in that instant.

“No!!!” She had really been taken away by the witch called Namira…

The foreign god’s aura gradually faded from the air. Even the familiar scent of lily of the valley dispersed, leaving only Xinghui’s heart-wrenching scream.

In short, Xinghui felt utterly miserable. She didn’t even know whether tears or rain were running down her face anymore. Her sensations numbed. She knelt in vain, her hand clutching the corner of her clothes, almost tearing the fabric.

The future will see the Emerald Witch lose control and destroy the world… Her tsundere girlfriend will still scold her sweetly, calling her an idiot… What… exactly are my feelings toward her? An enemy I must face someday… Or a future wife I’m willing to sacrifice for…

Like hot soup poured down a straitened throat — a bitter dilemma beyond words.

That fateful day, carrying the curse from a past life, choosing the path of the sword immortal… That day, running together in the sunset for the sake of a concert ticket, leaning on her legs as she fed me medicine… The joy when she scolded me shamelessly to my face, only to smile afterward and deliberately throw out an olive branch… Walking side by side beneath neon lights, eating charred food, talking about our embarrassing pasts…

I really loved her! Loved her rebellious and defiant spirit! Even being scolded by a perverted fake sword immortal was fine! Oh, Great Goddess… let me do anything, please… let me see Linglinglan again!

“Anything… you really mean that?” The Goddess’s voice sounded softly in her ear.

Xinghui’s eyes flew open in shock; she found herself lying in the Goddess’s embrace. The normally lofty Goddess now wore an apron, feeding her hot soup with a spoon. Her appearance remained shrouded in golden light, her face completely obscured.

“Goddess, when did you—”

“Oh dear, since you’re the chosen hero, it’s only natural I care for you. By the way, I heard you say ‘anything’ loud and clear earlier.”

“As your Goddess, I don’t care about anything else. But since you said it, I’ll help you this once.”

“Really?!” Xinghui grasped the Goddess’s hand like a drowning person grabbing a life-saving straw.

“Of course. If you want to sneak into the Void Spirit Realm, I have plenty of methods. But… don’t forget your promise.”

————

Void Spirit Realm

A void space beyond all universes. Countless space-times twisted and fractured, their condensed matter forming a gray archipelago floating above infinite emptiness. As the home of foreign gods, their vassals had long constructed a grand future-style metropolis here.

The city in the Void Spirit Realm was mainly divided into Upper City and Lower City. Compared to the dazzling neon-lit New District, the Old District looked dilapidated — almost like a filthy slum. Various foreign gods, their vassals, and slaves raised by foreign gods made up the main population.

Under the management of Spirit Realm Lord Yuin, the primary currency was the corporate-minted Discoin Standard. Thanks to a new economic policy, the economy developed rapidly, attracting ambitious investors from across the universe.

The Nyara family mansion sat atop a small hill in the central region. This three-story, five-basement villa was where Linglinglan had spent her childhood. Even after all these years, it hadn’t changed a bit. The lily of the valley planted at the entrance — Linglinglan always stopped to deeply inhale its pure fragrance.

The steps leading to the crimson gate were where she and Sister Namira used to lean on each other, gazing at stars drifting in the sky. The soft red carpet stretching to the throne room was where they chased and tumbled, never once feeling pain from falling.

It was still Sister Namira who held my small hand, walking past these familiar childhood sights… but Sister Namira’s expression seemed less cheerful than before. Was it because of that perverted sword immortal?

Anyway, we’re about to see Mama soon… so nervous… Hopefully Mama’s mood will be stable this time. This collar around my neck… even Sister Namira couldn’t remove it without breaking it. Only Mama has the power to remove it. Hmph, damn Xinghui… just mentioning her makes me miss her more!

Just as Linglinglan readied a vicious curse, a pair of delicate hands slipped from behind and scooped her into a soft, warm embrace.

“Waaah!” Linglinglan’s hair nearly stood on end.

“My dear, guess who I am! Hint — she has eyes more beautiful than the most precious emeralds. Her beauty and talent rival the brightest flowers. Who could this gorgeous girl possibly be?”

“Mama!” Linglinglan didn’t need to guess. Only Mama would use such narcissistic tactics.

“That’s right~ It’s your favorite Mama!”