Chapter 1780: Mutual Rescue

Chu Chuyan and Pei Mianman were both dumbfounded. They had expected the elder to impart some miraculous cultivation technique to solve their problems, but it turned out to be a kiss? The elder had expended her last bit of spiritual energy to pass on the technique, so they naturally couldn't blame her. On the contrary, they felt nothing but gratitude. However, they wondered how this elder could have invented such an... indecent skill.

"Now... what do we do?" Chu Chuyan asked, looking at Pei Mianman with an extremely awkward expression. Bao Gu's transmission had granted them a brief period of lucidity, but now a profound drowsiness was sweeping over them again, their eyelids constantly fighting to stay open. Yet, this situation was simply too bizarre!

A faint blush also crossed Pei Mianman's face, but her nature was more passionate and daring. "What else can we do? Kiss, of course. We're not strangers." As she spoke, she directly wrapped her arm around Chu Chuyan's slender waist, pulling her into an embrace. She silently marveled at how incredibly thin Chuyan's waist was. Without further hesitation, she tilted her head and, under Chu Chuyan's astonished gaze, kissed her. Chu Chuyan knew this was the only way. Though mortified, she did not try to dodge.

Their lips met softly. Both women's eyes widened, their breathing quickened, and a shared thought simultaneously crossed their minds: *Her lips are so soft; no wonder Ah Zu likes them...*

Then, they just stared at each other. An intensely awkward atmosphere filled the cave, making both of them so embarrassed they felt like their toes were curling up and digging through the floor. "Why isn't it working?" Both women saw the confusion in each other's eyes.

However, they were both exceptionally intelligent. The Divine Maiden's Kiss technique clearly stated that its effect came from a proper kiss, not just a simple pressing of lips. A determined glint flashed in Chu Chuyan's eyes. She already regretted letting shyness allow the other woman to take the initiative. *Was I going to let myself be led through the entire process again? I was here first,* she thought.

Driven by an unknown competitive spirit, she actively extended her tongue and circulated her inner energy as described in the Divine Maiden's Kiss scriptures. Feeling her movement, Pei Mianman's eyes widened instantly. *Who would have thought that behind Chuyan's usual cool and indifferent demeanor lay such a hidden passion?* But how could she concede defeat? She immediately met Chu Chuyan's advance. *Being first isn't everything. I've lived with Ah Zu the longest, after all.*

Feeling Pei Mianman's counterattack, Chu Chuyan's previously pale cheeks flushed crimson. Her nature was aloof, and when with Zu An, she had always been the one to passively respond. She was completely unversed in such matters and quickly found herself overwhelmed by the other's aggressive advance. Amidst her embarrassment, a hint of bitterness involuntarily arose within her. *How could she be so skilled?* Clearly, Ah Zu and she had kissed countless times. At this thought, her shyness receded, replaced by a profound irritation that stemmed from her very soul.

In the path of cultivation, truly top-tier talents possess not only individual aptitude but, more importantly, a strong character. Only with a heart that never admits defeat and refuses to be outdone can one stand out in the cultivation path. Pei Mianman and Chu Chuyan both proved they possessed the heart of a powerhouse. Unwilling to concede defeat and be surpassed, Chu Chuyan quickly composed herself and began to seriously counterattack.

On Mount Zi, the two women had not actually fought, but this time, a competitive desire to outdo each other arose. Only, this time, they weren't using swords...

Originally, Chu Chuyan would have been no match for the fiery and proactive Pei Mianman in this regard. However, both had received the Divine Maiden's Kiss inheritance, and in its presence, Pei Mianman's inherent techniques became almost negligible. Initially, Chu Chuyan's reserved nature led to her steady retreat, but once she seriously engaged in the "battle," Pei Mianman's cheeks gradually turned rosy, and she was no longer as composed as before. It truly lived up to its reputation as the most exquisite kissing technique in the world...

The two women were evenly matched, their eyes hazy with a misty glaze, their bodies growing increasingly soft. Simultaneously, the decaying aura that had clung to them gradually dissipated...

After an unknown amount of time, they found themselves involuntarily lying on the ground. It was unclear whose hand, or perhaps both at once, that led them to touch the cold air, but both women jolted simultaneously, gradually regaining their senses. Then, as if shocked by electricity, they pushed each other away and, with their backs turned, began to adjust their clothing.

"Should... should it be fine now?" Chu Chuyan's expression was unnatural. She realized that the overwhelming drowsiness she had felt earlier was gone. "It should be," Pei Mianman replied, equally mortified. She knew she would probably never forget the scenes that had just unfolded. *Fortunately, it was with Chuyan this time. If it had been any other woman, I wouldn't know what to do.* Chu Chuyan had the same feeling, and for a moment, the entire cave was once again filled with an awkward silence.

After straightening their clothes, Pei Mianman, to break the awkwardness, feigned a flirty gesture, hooking her finger under Chu Chuyan's chin. "Little lady, your kissing skills are quite good." Chu Chuyan gracefully flicked her delicate finger, preventing Pei Mianman's hand from succeeding. "You're not bad yourself." Recalling the strange situation, they quickly fell into an awkward silence again. Then, one of them, it was unclear who, whispered, "Let's keep what happened today a secret, shall we?" "Yes, I was thinking the same thing." Such an embarrassing matter was best kept to themselves.

***

Having cultivated the 'Grand Supreme Forgetfulness Scroll,' Chu Chuyan gradually composed herself. "By the way," she said, "what exactly happened to my master, as you mentioned before?" Pei Mianman raised an eyebrow. Earlier, she had believed they were certainly going to die, so she had wanted Chuyan to understand the truth before perishing. But now that both were saved, things were different. *A master stealing her disciple's man? That's quite an interesting thought. This could be a huge card to play in the future. How could I reveal such a trump card so casually? Just moments ago, we shared a deep bond of sisterhood, but now that the situation has changed, Chuyan is once again a rival.*

"Oh, I was just remarking on how much Grand Master Yan seems to admire Ah Zu," Pei Mianman said, giving her a meaningful glance. Chu Chuyan smiled sweetly. "Master cares about me deeply. She was initially worried I'd be deceived by a man, so she went to check on him for me. Later, they had some experiences in Yunzhong Commandery, fighting side-by-side, so naturally, she came to understand Ah Zu more." "Ah Zu is inherently a very, very good person. After getting to know him over time, it would be problematic if Master *didn't* admire him." "Oh, Ah Zu is a very, very good person, you're making me sick with all that sweetness!" Pei Mianman mimicked her tone with exaggerated flair, thinking, *'Checking on him,' indeed. Let's hope she didn't 'check' him all the way into bed.* This made Chu Chuyan blush deeply, and she playfully chased Pei Mianman, swatting her with her small fists.

***

After a while of playful banter, Pei Mianman asked curiously, "I didn't get a chance to ask earlier, but from what you said, does that mean Ah Zu also came to this world?" Chu Chuyan hummed in affirmation and briefly explained the bounty on Zu An's head and the initial conflict between herself and the Grey Wolf Mercenary Group. "I don't know why Ah Zu would appear in this secret realm," she said, "but I assume it's because we hadn't come out for so long, and he came to rescue us." "Tsk, tsk, tsk, what a self-sacrificing act, risking your life to save your husband. If I hadn't come, you would have perished here, and Ah Zu would surely be moved to tears," Pei Mianman teased. Chu Chuyan shot her an exasperated look. "Isn't my husband your husband too? Would you not have saved him...?" Mid-sentence, she suddenly froze. The topic was sensitive, and the two women, with unspoken understanding, changed the subject.

"That Ah Zu is really a troublemaker. How long has he been in this secret realm, and he's already managed to get such a fearsome bounty on his head?" Pei Mianman felt a little dejected; she also understood how terrifying that bounty was. "With his personality, it would be strange if he *didn't* stir up trouble," Chu Chuyan said with a hint of a smile on her face, thinking of all the dangerous adventures they had shared, as if they were just yesterday. "There's no point in thinking so much about it now. Let's meet up with him as soon as possible and remind him to be careful," Pei Mianman said, standing up.

Chu Chuyan nodded. The two women then approached Bao Gu's statue and respectfully bowed deeply to her. "Thank you, Senior, for saving our lives. We will definitely fulfill the task you entrusted to us." Both women felt a pang of sadness. If it hadn't been for saving them, Senior Bao Gu could have left the cave and met her husband one last time.

***

Meanwhile, Zu An and his companions were descending the mountain towards the great tomb, where Jing Teng's true form was located. Suddenly, they felt the ground tremble violently. A terrifying aura rose from the direction of the great tomb, and immediately after, a golden giant materialized in the sky. Jing Teng's face paled. "I never imagined such a powerful being could still exist in this world today." Zu An and Qiu Honglei exchanged glances, both seeing the solemnity in the other's eyes, for that aura was all too familiar to them: it was Zhao Hao's oppressive presence. It seemed their journey to the great tomb would have to be postponed; confronting him directly now would be unwise.

Learning that the golden giant was their enemy, Jing Teng was also surprised. "You've managed to provoke such a formidable enemy, and more importantly, you're still alive!" Zu An retorted irritably, "Your enemies aren't bad either. That Ghost King and the Adventurers' Guild President are both top-tier powerhouses in this world." Although Zang Ao had initially appeared like an ordinary person with no cultivation, the aura he momentarily unleashed when Jing Teng called him her man was like that of a primeval beast staring at him. While not quite on par with Zhao Hao, he wasn't far off. However, his aura seemed somewhat unstable, as if it weren't entirely his own power.

Changing the subject to earlier events, Jing Teng secretly tugged on Qiu Honglei's sleeve. "What's the relationship between that white-robed woman and him? It feels like they have something going on." Qiu Honglei's beautiful eyes immediately widened.