Chapter 53: A Reckoning, a Rescue, and a Ribbon’s Revelation

“Thankfully, I made it in time.”

Yu Menghua, arriving ahead of the others, descended to land beside Bai Li, who was effortlessly holding Qing Na. Qing Na’s monstrous form had been utterly shattered, leaving only her humanoid upper body.

“Are you going to stop me?”

Bai Li tilted her head, posing the question. Though the gesture itself might have seemed innocently endearing, when paired with her vacant, crimson eyes and impassive face, it subtly radiated an unsettling pressure.

While she might show leniency if there were still room for correction, or if their utility significantly outweighed their potential threat, Bai Li harbored no such mercy for an adversary like Qing Na. Should anyone dare to obstruct her, she would not hesitate to eliminate them alongside her target.

“Hold on, hold on, you’re being a little too extreme.”

Sensing Bai Li’s almost imperceptible killing intent, Yu Menghua, left with no alternative, quickly moved to placate her, simultaneously explaining the underlying reasons.

“She still serves a purpose. Intelligence regarding the Abnormal Cult is exceedingly scarce, and as their Thirteenth Apostle, she undoubtedly holds a wealth of crucial information. Therefore, capturing her alive is paramount.”

“…The Abnormal Cult?”

The name elicited a flicker of confusion in Bai Li.

“Ah, this organization operates under a semi-confidential status, so it’s quite normal that you’re unaware of them.”

Without delay, Yu Menghua proceeded to elucidate the pertinent details of the Abnormal Cult and Qing Na’s true identity.

“So, this organization, the ‘Abnormal Cult,’ is an enemy of humanity, and indeed, of the entire world? And this ‘thing’ here is one of their key figures?”

“Precisely.”

Despite a strong urge to comment on Bai Li’s casual use of “this thing,” Yu Menghua held her tongue, recalling Bai Li’s general indifference to everyone save one particular individual. After all, it was rare to find a high-level ability user who could be considered entirely sane.

“Still, there are other reasons at play, aren’t there?”

Bai Li suddenly stated, her gaze fixed on Yu Menghua.

“…You’ve seen right through me. In truth, this also happens to be a commission from someone.”

Just as the words left her lips, the rest of the group caught up, their faces registering collective shock at the sight of Qing Na. The formidable foe who had once held the power to utterly overwhelm them was now suspended effortlessly in one hand, resembling nothing so much as a roasted goose awaiting carving. From among them, one individual stepped forward.

“Student Bai Li… no, Miss Bai Li, I extend my gratitude for your timely intervention. Tiangong City has been spared devastation, and the transgressor of my sect has, at last, been brought to justice.”

Qing Lan clasped her hands together in a gesture of respect towards Bai Li, a seemingly unique salutation from her sect. It was not difficult to deduce from this that Qing Lan was indeed the client Yu Menghua had mentioned. Furthermore, with only a single character differentiating the names Qing Lan and Qing Na, one could easily infer a profound and intricate connection between the two.

“Given her continued utility, I won’t proceed unilaterally. Though, just moments ago, I was already prepared to inquire about any last words.”

Upon hearing Bai Li’s statement, those gathered couldn’t help but inwardly wonder, ‘With your hand clamped around their neck, how precisely would they manage to deliver any final message?’

“Here, she’s yours.”

With a nonchalant flick of her wrist, Bai Li flung Qing Na towards Qing Lan, as if discarding a piece of refuse.

A closer inspection revealed Qing Na utterly devoid of life, her eyes glazed over as if already dead, a sight that might typically evoke pity… but no such emotion stirred in anyone present. All were keenly aware of the atrocities this individual had committed, and her current plight was universally regarded as nothing less than she deserved.

“Therefore, once you’ve extracted the necessary information, how do you intend to dispose of her?”

“Regarding that, our primary course of action will be to refrain from killing her. For the sheer magnitude of her transgressions, a swift death would, frankly, be far too merciful.”

“That settles it, then.”

Bai Li gave a slight nod, signifying her approval of the proposed method.

“So, is it finally concluded?”

“Yes, the remaining tasks can be entrusted to the logistics team to clear the battlefield—”

“Since it’s concluded, I’m free to stop holding back, aren’t I?”

A sudden, eager voice abruptly cut off Yu Menghua’s explanation. In an instant, a figure launched themselves at Bai Li, the sheer force of their impact sending both of them tumbling backward several rotations.

“Xi Xi, just a moment—”

“There’s no waiting now! Xiao Bai has become so incredibly cool and adorable without my knowledge; I absolutely must make up for this lost time, at least twofold!”

Lin Xi clung to Bai Li, or rather, pressed her down beneath her, rubbing and snuggling with a fervent delight, as if she had finally secured her most coveted body pillow. As for the onlookers, they all discreetly averted their gazes, some even quietly slipping away to afford the pair their privacy. After all, it was a well-understood convention for the hero, following a hard-won victory, to be joyfully embraced by their beloved, leading to scenes best left undescribed.

“Does… does this outfit look good…?”

“How could it possibly not? If anyone dares to disagree, I’ll be the first to reward them with a bullet!”

“Th-that’s not really necessary…”

Lin Xi’s fervent compliments brought a blush to Bai Li’s typically impassive face, a rare display of shyness.

Witnessing Bai Li in such a state, a peculiar switch within Lin Xi’s heart clicked open once more.

“Xiao Bai.”

“What is it?”

“Is this outfit you’re wearing intentionally a matching one with mine?”

“Hmm? I don’t believe mine would count as matching…”

Bai Li’s transformed ensemble leaned heavily into a Gothic Lolita aesthetic, predominantly black, with the only significant white being her hair, perhaps complemented by her naturally pale complexion. Lin Xi, however, embodied the quintessential magical girl, her appearance best encapsulated by a single word: ‘fairytale.’ Her palette boasted dreamy and adorable primary hues of pink, white, and blue, while an abundance of ribbons, ruffles, and floral adornments further accentuated the traditional magical girl archetype. If one were to insist on calling them a pair, it would be a stark contrast of good and evil.

“How could it not count? You’re clearly wearing that pink hair accessory, after all.”

With that, Lin Xi gently tapped the pink hairband adorning Bai Li’s head. It was an accessory that seemed somewhat out of place with her overall attire and even her aloof demeanor, lending a subtle touch of rebellious charm to her cool aura—or perhaps it was simply a pink ribbon tied artfully into her hair. A meticulous comparison would reveal the ribbon’s hue to be nearly identical to Lin Xi’s own hair color. In a reciprocal fashion, Lin Xi, post-transformation, also sported white floral ribbons—the very shade of Bai Li’s hair—used to tie back sections of her hair on either side.

“They say that in some cultures, exchanging accessories in each other’s signature colors serves as a token of affection, which means, Bai Li, could it be that you…?”

“Uh… I wouldn’t know.”

This was the honest truth; without Lin Xi’s prompting, Bai Li genuinely hadn’t registered this particular detail. Perhaps it was a classic case of ‘the one involved is blind, while the onlooker sees clearly.’ Naturally, to Lin Xi, it simply underscored Bai Li’s general disinterest in her own presentation. Nevertheless, this oversight presented Lin Xi with a golden opportunity.

“If that’s the case, then does it mean Xiao Bai performed this act subconsciously? Without even realizing it herself?”

Lin Xi’s statement was a thinly veiled challenge, essentially laying the question, “Do you love me that much?” squarely at Bai Li’s feet, leaving her with virtually no safe retreat. Yet, whether it was Bai Li’s intellect suddenly sharpening, or her almost-crashed mind somehow managing to execute a maneuver typically beyond her, she replied:

“…If that’s how it is, then isn’t Xi Xi exactly the same…?”

“…Eh?”