Chapter 24 "Epilepsy" Yin Hangu exploded.

Mingguang shouldn't be sleeping so soundly.

In the heavens, Mingguang never dreams.

Even the highest-ranking immortals are protected by pure energy, so they are not susceptible to the most basic form of evil energy like nightmares invading their five senses.

But the cellar was damp and cold. Mingguang was now just a mortal, and his physical condition was still recovering from a serious injury. He had also gone hungry. He curled up as he slept, sinking into a hazy dream.

In his dream, a thick fog enveloped the sky, and he transformed into a short-armed, short-legged child.

Filled with panic and fear, and desperate to get somewhere, I ran frantically through the endless fog.

He didn't know how many times he fell, but he kept telling himself to hurry up, he had to be faster!

It will be too late if we wait any longer!

His short legs and arms greatly hindered his progress. He seemed to have no recollection of having any spiritual energy within him, or perhaps he simply didn't know how to use it.

He ran until he was drenched in sweat and panting heavily.

But it was still too late, too late...

But what is too late?

In his "dream," he frequently looked up. Through the hazy mist, he saw the shadows of trees stretching across the sky like an umbrella, covering a vast expanse that seemed both close at hand and like the sun on the horizon, unreachable no matter what.

The lightning, stretching across the sky, pierced the mist like a white rainbow, then converged into a thin arc of electricity in mid-air, piercing the shadow of the umbrella like a silver needle entering the sea.

"No--"

Mingguang felt utterly hopeless.

He opened his eyes in a state of boundless despair, and sat up with a start.

His open mouth resembled that of a fish that had been tossed onto the beach long ago; his dry throat rendered him speechless.

The moment he saw what was happening before his eyes—another kind of "despair" materialized in his suddenly narrowed golden eyes and rushed towards him.

The five senses of mortals are not only unable to warn of what is about to happen, but sometimes they cannot even avoid what has already happened.

Mingguang only had time to roll to the side, trying to avoid this "tiger pouncing on its prey".

But halfway through the roll, his shoulders were pressed down, and then his arms were pressed tightly against a patch of warm, soft flesh that made one's senses go haywire.

Since birth, Mingguang had never been so close to anyone, so intimately attached to them without any reservations.

The ancient immortals are born with knowledge. After Mingguang was born, he neither cried nor made a fuss. Although he could not speak or move, he was mentally sound and fully inherited his responsibilities and the ancient immortals' memories of ruling all realms.

Born with a celestial body, he did not need to remain in the infant form for long. He quickly grew to the size of a five or six-year-old, able to walk, sit, and lie down on his own, and eat and cultivate under the care of the fairy maidens.

Both General Kunyi and Immortal Emperor Qingming regarded having offspring as their mission. Once the mission was completed, Immortal Emperor Qingming continued to suppress the sundial, while General Kunyi went directly to the Star Realm.

It was several years later when she returned to the Immortal Emperor's Palace.

She was not a gentle mother; she was dissatisfied with Mingguang as much as Dongjun, and only ever punished him, rarely offering hugs or soft words.

So in this dark and damp dungeon, Mingguang had no choice but to accept the first embrace of his life.

No, to be precise, it was the first embrace across two lifetimes.

Eighteen years in the mortal realm, he still knew of him because of the contestants.

His biological father was a junior general in the army, and his mother was a poor woman from the border region.

On the day he was born, the army was defeated, and the woman died in childbirth. He was regarded as an ominous star who would bring misfortune to his mother and father, and was abandoned to be cared for by slaves.

The slaves were foreigners. They didn't torture Mingguang to death because he was afraid of being beaten to death. How could they treat him well?

He survived several brushes with death, changed his name and identity to take over the identity of the lost imperial grandson, gathered his subordinates, found the celestial attendants, and fought fiercely with several princes in the capital.

Who will he be close to? Who will he embrace?

Who would be close to him?

There are countless people who want to kill him.

At this moment, the body temperature and skin of people rub against each other over a large area, causing something that is invisible, yet seems like lightning erupting from the blood.

Mingguang lay there stiffly, feeling as if he had fallen from the clouds, or as if he were being struck by five thunderbolts that tore his bones apart and turned his flesh into powder.

That indescribable and inescapable "itch," like a demonic energy that corrodes the bones and souls and melts the five senses, swirls into a terrifying vortex, enveloping the bright light within it.

His hands were like corpses that had been dead for a long time, his mouth was half open and suspended in the air, and his breath was cut off and drowned by the "itch".

For a moment, he even felt a sense of impending death that he had never experienced before.

Bitao, who pounced on him, was unaware that her swift pounce had instantly shattered and reshaped the three souls, seven spirits, five senses, and six desires of a "celestial being" several times over.

She had just hugged Mingguang tightly when a group of armored soldiers outside rushed into the cellar.

The torches lit all the oil lamps on the wall, and for the first time, Bitao experienced the warmth of the lights in this cellar.

"Everyone out! Stand at the door!"

The celestial maiden and the celestial emperor were quickly pulled out of the earthen cave.

Soon after, people rushed into the earthen cave where Bitao and Mingguang were.

At this moment, Bitao tore off Mingguang's belt and bit it in her mouth.

"What...what are you doing?!"

The soldiers who came to recruit people didn't recognize Mingguang, nor did they recognize Bitao.

But he knew what the celestial maidens and celestial lords in this cellar did, so how could a celestial maiden and celestial lord be together!

So when the soldiers pulled Bitao off Mingguang's body, the scene was extremely erotic and chaotic.

Some soldiers, seeing this from afar, couldn't maintain their solemn and vigilant expressions; their faces twitched.

"Hey hey hey... pull gently..."

Like a lion interrupted from eating, Bitao waved her hand impatiently and casually gathered the clothes that had slipped off her shoulder.

Things got even more chaotic.

With her hair disheveled and her beautiful peach blossom eyes squinted, she slowly got up, turned her head and looked at him impatiently, completely unaware of what had happened.

The person was still riding on Mingguang's waist.

He muttered lazily, "What's wrong? Is there a fire or an earthquake?"

"Why are you barging in like that? Is the sky falling? You've ruined my good time!"

As he spoke, he even started to show off his power: "You're still so arrogant! Do you know who I am?!"

"I think you've forgotten who you are!"

An angry roar came from the man, and someone walked over the armored soldiers towards them.

Bitao paused in her triumphant gesture.

He squinted and looked outside, his expression suddenly showing panic.

He quickly rolled off Mingguang's waist.

"Seventh Steward?" Bitao, disheveled, headed towards the door, still holding her loose trousers that had fallen down because she had lost her belt!

As for Mingguang's belt, it was wrapped around her neck, making it look like she was playing some kind of obscene game.

But before she even reached the door, a long robe suddenly fell from behind her, wrapping around Bitao's neck and completely covering her alluring figure.

Strong arms pressed down on the hem of his clothes, heavy as mountains on his shoulders.

Bitao raised an eyebrow in genuine surprise, turned around, and in the flickering firelight, exchanged a glance with Mingguang, who had somehow gotten up and was following behind her.

In that brief moment of eye contact, intelligent people need no further words.

Although Mingguang almost went crazy when Bitao hugged him, he regained his senses the moment the group rushed in. Connecting the cause and effect, he quickly realized that Bitao was not overwhelmed by lust and had lost her bestial instincts, but rather needed his protection.

Amidst the shimmering lights that filled the cave, Bitao gave him an exceptionally beautiful smile.

I am truly filled with gratitude.

Then she turned around, wrapped her arm around his neck, and, in a rather improper manner, put her arm around him to the door.

"Is the Seventh Steward here to arrest me?"

"Oh, don't worry, my virginity is naturally reserved for grown men. But the night is long, so I'll play a harmless game with this handsome young celestial being..."

Bitao was half-hanging on Mingguang's body. As she spoke, she tiptoed closer to Mingguang's neck and, under the cover of light and shadow, took a couple of light sniffs, as if she was still immersed in the "affair" that was only scratching the surface, and was not yet satisfied.

However, the descriptions given by the two individuals seem to have nothing to do with the phrase "harmless".

Mingguang was as stiff as a stone, most of his body hidden in the shadows, his face lowered, his expression unreadable, as if he were being forced.

His arms were firmly pressed down on the hem of the robe that covered Bitao's body; otherwise, he seemed to be out of his body.

Only Bitao, whose skin was still largely in contact with his due to his standing posture, knew that he was trembling.

It was shaking violently.

The shaking that occurs before an epileptic seizure.

Bitao once witnessed someone having an epileptic seizure in the county town.

His condition and complexion at that time did not appear as serious as Mingguang's is now.

Could he have epilepsy?

It'll be quite a spectacle if they draw more water from the ground later.

Fortunately, the firelight inside the room was flickering and swirling due to the poor ventilation, and he was standing in the shadows, so he wasn't easily visible.

In just a short while, his skin alternated between burning hot and freezing cold, and he was sweating profusely, almost "drowning" the peach blossoms.

Even when caught red-handed, Bitao remained calm and collected, not only refusing to let go of Mingguang but also occasionally touching him inappropriately.

It seems they still want to continue.

"Seventh Steward, you don't even need to interfere with their private fun, do you?"

Seventh Steward did indeed suspect Bitao at first, but looking at her like this... it was as if she were looking at his countless good-for-nothing and lustful subordinates who were up to no good.

His doubts were somewhat dispelled, but seeing her like this only fueled his anger.

When asked to deliver meals, she actually tried to curry favor with herself, even choosing the most respectable Heavenly Lord in the entire cellar.

I don't know how she threatened people, but this tough guy, who was originally fierce and wanted to die with his opponent, became someone she could manipulate.

Although it seemed like he was being forced, he actually let her do as she pleased.

The seventh steward said sternly, "Get out here! There's a rat in the yard, and we're looking for it."

After being yelled at by the Seventh Steward, Bitao stopped acting like a dead pig that wasn't afraid of boiling water.

"Mouse" is slang.

It means that outsiders have entered the courtyard.

With a serious expression, Bitao released Mingguang, turned halfway around, and quickly and efficiently gathered her clothes together.

"Making a fuss," she exclaimed. "How could that be! This courtyard is heavily guarded; even a fly would have a hard time getting in!"

"It's all because of those steamed buns of yours that the guards got sick!" The seventh steward tricked her, half-jokingly.

Bitao fastened her clothes, grabbed a jade hairpin, and neatly tied her hair up, unaware that in her haste, she had tied Mingguang's belt instead.

Before leaving the earthen cave, I patted Mingguang's damp shoulder as a form of comfort.

He ran up to the seventh steward and said, "Nonsense, everyone in this cellar, including me, ate those steamed buns tonight!"

Bitao chuckled, then, remembering what she had just been doing that got her caught, she shrugged with an air of nonchalance: "It's pure mutton. I heard the kitchen lady chopped up the lamb's penis and testicles together and put them in the filling, saying it has an aphrodisiac effect. How could it possibly make me sick!"

The seventh steward glared at her fiercely.

Bitao followed them out, and when she passed the earthen cave of Bingjing and his group, her scalp tingled with dread.

They clung tightly to the railing, watching her intently. Bitao's mind raced, trying to figure out how she would respond if they betrayed her and exposed her lie about having an affair with Mingguang in the cellar.

Then she really can't keep these people.

They stared intently at Bitao with incomprehensible looks, especially the Ice Mirror Beauty, whose face was as white as a hanged ghost and whose eyes were as red as if she had been stabbed twice.

But until Bitao, disheveled and with her hair in disarray, followed the Seventh Steward out, neither of them uttered a word.

Bitao felt relieved and put her heart back in her stomach.

They diligently followed the guards all night, searching everywhere, but couldn't find a single "mouse" hair.

He yawned early in the morning and reported to the Seventh Steward before he was finally able to rest.

However, before they even left the house, the seventh steward was also called Bitao.

"You and that Heavenly Emperor..."

The seventh steward was not young; he had seen much of the world and witnessed far too many examples.

A man's infatuation can be explained. A woman's infatuation, however, cannot!

The word "infatuation" can turn a person into a fool or a madman.

Women are especially prone to this!

Bitao knew what he was going to ask, and immediately said, "If Seventh Steward doesn't believe me, he can find two old women to examine me and guarantee that I am a virgin."

"Don't worry, Seventh Steward, I'm perfectly sober and know what I should and shouldn't do."

"It was just for fun. He did ejaculate a few times, but you can't tell if a man is a virgin..."

The seventh steward closed his small eyes, unable to bear the sudden sight.

He knew this woman was ruthless and would dare to do anything if given a little power. He also knew she was different from others and would kill without blinking an eye, but he never expected her to be so unrestrained and wild in matters of love.

The Seventh Steward is a rare figure in the cult who does not sexually assault or humiliate women, because the person he admires is a gentleman who is as calm and serene as water.

Although imitating that man did not prevent him from committing other evils, his mind became closed and conservative as a result.

But how could a woman be raised to look like this?

They have absolutely no sense of shame.

"Get out!" The seventh steward decided to ignore it.

Bitao said, "Seventh Steward, have a good sleep," and was about to leave the room.

But then I remembered the group of children I saw in another courtyard last night when I was with the people doing the raid.

Bitao paused, then turned back, and under the impatient gaze of the Seventh Steward, asked with a grin, "Last night I followed the guards everywhere looking for rats, but we didn't find any rats. However, we did see quite a few little cubs in the East Courtyard."

"Are these little brats all being trained to become believers?"

Bitao naturally thought so, since children taught from a young age have excellent obedience.

Like a wild beast bound by chains in a cage, once its thinking becomes entrenched, it is very difficult to change when it comes into contact with "correctness" again.

No matter how sharp the claws and teeth of a wild beast raised in a cage, it cannot escape the invisible chain that clings to its bones.

Yesterday, she saw that the little kids were all around six or seven years old, eight or nine years old, and the oldest was no more than twelve years old.

They all looked like refugees or orphans, each one naive and immature, silent and not lively at all.

Last night, a huge group of people, fully armed and ready, stormed in and swept through the area. They didn't even make a sound or cry.

If they are trained by a cult now, what will happen in the future...?

Bitao was thinking that they would definitely grow into a group of stubborn and incorrigible cultists in the future.

But then the seventh steward said casually, "Pshaw, train believers? How many years would that take? How much food and clothing would that cost?"

"Those are the same as the Heavenly Maidens and Heavenly Lords, given to the gentlemen to 'make money'."

Bitao's smile froze slightly; she didn't understand for a moment.

Or perhaps she doubted that she had understood.

So she shamelessly asked again, "But wouldn't the men have to raise them too if they took them back?"

"Hahahaha..." This time, the Seventh Steward was genuinely amused by Bitao.

He had always found Bitao's cleverness unsettling, and when he finally saw her make a fool of herself, he leaned against the bed and mocked, "You're from the mountains, aren't you? You're too narrow-minded."

"Some old men just like unopened flower buds. Who said you have to grow them up? What's the point of growing them up? To eat for free..."

Bitao was truly stunned this time.

The forced smile was almost bursting out of shape.

For some reason, the Seventh Steward felt somewhat uncomfortable with her shocked expression.

He even thought about how foolish he had been back then... After all, no one is born a vicious criminal.

He suppressed his mockery, straightened his face, and said coldly, "Go on, mind your own business with your Heavenly Maiden and Heavenly Lord. This is not your concern."

Bitao suddenly smiled again.

She smiled radiantly.

"Indeed, those who come from the mountains have limited horizons. But now, following Manager Qi, they've broadened their horizons, haven't they?"

"Ha! I knew it! Who wants to raise a bunch of orphans? What a hassle! Hahaha. Who knows what kind of weirdos they'll turn into when they grow up? How will they make any money?"

"So it's the kind of 'fresh' stuff that men like."

"Boys and girls who bring wealth, wonderful!"

Bitao smiled, nodded, and withdrew.

The seventh steward did not open his eyes again.

Bitao left the inner room and walked to the outer room, her smile remaining unchanged.

Only when they were alone and entered the room assigned to her did Bitao remove her "smiling" mask.

Her peach blossom eyes were so sharp and cold, like a mountain of knives rising from the ground.

She sat upright on the edge of the bed, her lips tightly pressed together, chest out and head held high, as if a steel spear had been thrust into her back.

That look, that posture, it looked exactly like Mingguang was about to lose his temper.

After a long pause, Bitao nodded again.

Um.

She now thinks that the ice mirror is probably a deity who can speak spells.

She cursed that the seventh steward would be punished, and Bitao wanted to laugh at that moment.

Now she wants to laugh too.

Then Bitao actually laughed again, but her laughter sounded extremely low, eerie, and somewhat creepy.

Bitao laughed for a while and didn't even take a nap. During the day, she acted as usual.

Everything was normal within the Tsinghua cult.

Only the Milky Way in the heavens was destroyed.

It started exploding last night.

The uproar continued until this morning, and the discussion showed no signs of abating.

However, this time there was no quarrel between the two races, because what was presented on the Silver River Net was irrefutable.

Bitao's actions were aimed at infiltrating the cult to save people.

Although no one can guess what she will do next, so far, everything she has done is enough to make people marvel at her resourcefulness.

Naturally, there were also some voices opposing her.

But those were people who had a grudge against Bitao, couldn't stand her arrogant and unrestrained behavior, and were even absolute supporters of Mingguang Tianxian. They were still jumping around and criticizing Bitao for her extreme behavior.

Those who say she's taking an unconventional approach will inevitably suffer the consequences of that unconventional approach!

Joining a cult is like walking back and forth along a riverbank; how can you avoid getting your shoes wet?

Moreover, although Bitao's actions seemed fierce, her faith in the people was simply not enough.

You can count them on both hands.

Ultimately, their next competition is a contest to select immortals.

The competition is about gaining the people's faith, and faith is the spirit of the immortals, which is the true power of the immortals.

Even if you are the center of attention, experience many ups and downs, and even go down in history, what difference does it make?

Mortals are born in the morning and die at dusk; the brilliance of a lifetime is but a fleeting moment. The true skill lies in being able to return to one's original form and ascend to immortality even under the Five Elements Thunder Tribulation on the day of one's death.

Gods without followers cannot return to the heavens.

The greatest advantage of the ancient immortal race, whether in heaven or in the mortal realm, is their unity.

Many of them have gathered together, just like the meritorious immortals of Youtian, watching over and helping each other, and their faith is gradually growing.

If one is born into a mortal family and has a poor background, in order to gain faith, one must obtain people's respect, support, and even followers.

The immortals in the lower realms are like duckweed in a chaotic world, their lives and deaths hanging in the balance.

The duckweed was swept away by the torrent, with no chance to even get out.

For example, those who died before they were born were simply unlucky.

Luck is also a part of ability.

However, chaotic times also produce heroes. The desire to gain faith power while having a foothold and ensuring a decent life in the lower realm, becoming a "superior person," became the "resource" that these competing immortals fought over.

Those with strong military skills would join the army to stop war with war and bring peace to the people. At the same time, their solid military achievements would serve as a ladder to climb higher.

Those who are not good at leading troops in battle must rack their brains, create a new identity if they don't have one, and squeeze into a position that will be supported by the masses.

But aside from the high-ranking officials and nobles who are sought after in the imperial city, the immortals also have other options.

A doctor who heals the sick and saves lives, a philanthropist who provides porridge and disaster relief, a landlord who employs tenants, a teacher who educates and educates students, a lawyer who seeks justice for the wronged, a chivalrous knight who robs the rich to help the poor...

Many people have quietly gotten back on track and found their direction.

The most attention-grabbing peach blossom, ironically, ranks last in terms of its religious significance.

Even Mingguang, who had always lived in the cellar, had a complex background due to his birth on the border. He had built up his power from a young age and was eventually summoned back to the capital, where he had thousands of followers. Moreover, as the situation in the capital changed, his followers grew every day along with his increased faith power.

If things go smoothly in the future and I become that person of inestimable nobility, my faith power will be more than 100,000.

However, at this moment, there are not many people on the Silver River that are concerned about faith power or ranking.

After all, a day in heaven is ten years on earth, and the first round of the Immortal Selection Competition has only just begun!

Although it was so spectacular right from the start, there was still a long time before the first match ended, and the number of immortals falling from grace began to decrease.

There are currently 5,994 immortals on the Silver River Net, and their positions are constantly changing due to the increase or decrease of faith.

Who can predict what countless changes will occur in the future?

What they've been discussing relentlessly ever since is the whole story of how Bitao threw herself into Mingguang's arms last night.

And whether there was any illicit affair between the two.

The following are some of the hot topics of discussion.

—Has the fairy Bitao ever gotten what she wanted after all these years?

—Having lost her celestial powers, can Mingguang Tianxian still resist the burning passion of love?

—Is the Ice Mirror Immortal's wishful thinking just wishful thinking?

Will the long-standing and powerful alliance between the Ancient Immortal Clan and the Thunder Department be broken as a result?

—Who is the master of Bitao Fairy, who is she so clever and insightful?

What does it feel like to hug Mingguang Tianxian?

—Mingguang Tianxian has an absolutely stunning figure!

"Aaaaaaahhhhhh—I've seen this scene on repeat so many times! Mingguang didn't push her away immediately because he was willing!"

"I also think he would be willing. With Mingguang Tianxian's personality, how could he let someone else touch him if he wasn't willing?"

"Having lived this long, this is what I should have seen! Mingguang Tianxian has such a great figure!"

"Celestial Immortal Mingguang poses topless to enhance her radiance in a dynamic photo shoot. 10,000 Earth-type Celestial Spirits are available for exchange!"

"We Taotao people have been pursuing the Mingguang era for a hundred years, and even the most hardened hearts should waver! Hahaha!"

"I'm truly speechless. Our celestial being was genuinely terrified, okay?"

"What scared you? Mingguang Tianxian knew immediately that Bitao needed his protection, which is why he didn't push her away. To interpret that as liking her is going too far!"

“I have tracked down all of Bitao’s competition photos since she descended to the mortal realm. I declare that if she returns to the celestial realm in the future, no matter what her celestial rank is, I will definitely recommend myself as her successor!”

"What's going on? Another traitor has appeared in the Ancient Immortal Clan, and he's from the Ministry of War! I've caught him! He's a Ministry of War immortal who just returned from the lower realm!"

"Guards! The Ancient Immortal Clan wants to pledge allegiance to Fairy Bitao! La la la la!"

"Where is Immortal Yun Chuan? Your servant has betrayed you!"

"Hahaha, Immortal Yun Chuan is currently on the battlefield. Immortal Yun Chuan is truly amazing!!! As expected of a descendant of the True Martial Spirit Response Saint True Lord! He takes the enemy's head amidst ten thousand troops! Wherever he goes, it's like a whirlwind passing by! His faith power is currently ranked first, with 26,461 people!"

"More than 20,000 people have already participated in the competition since it started! And he's just a junior officer in the army!"

"Speaking of which, didn't True Immortal Binglun also join the army? Every time we track him down, it's during a battle, but his faith power is increasing very slowly..."

"Has anyone noticed that the Moon Goddess who's always with the Celestial Immortal Mingguang and the others is using his looks to live off women? He's been vying for their favor with two other mortals all day long..."

"Honestly, the ancient immortal clan would never marry a wild immortal spirit. Don't any of you have your own palaces? Don't you have anything to do? Go home, go home!"

...

The intense competition was so intense that even high-ranking immortals like Zhu Ming, who were extremely busy due to the lack of attendants, couldn't help but spend all day checking on it using the Silver River Net.

Zhu Ming was not surprised by Bi Tao's many actions. He had taken Bi Tao to the mortal realm before, and Bi Tao had always been good at exploiting loopholes in the heavenly rules since she had memories.

Now that he no longer has the memory and restraint of being an immortal, he naturally acts even more recklessly.

Fortunately, the immortal Cangling recognized her, although he had not yet realized that Bitao's soul was damaged and she had lost all her memories.

However, Cang Ling is gentle and steady, which complements Bi Tao perfectly. He can keep an eye on Bi Tao to prevent her from going astray.

However, Zhu Ming, observing Ming Guang's behavior through the Silver River Net, also found it somewhat strange.

Zhu Ming had been in the Heavenly Realm for over a thousand years, and had watched Ming Guang grow up. Ming Guang was cold-hearted and followed the rules.

Although it is a role model for the younger generation of ancient immortals, it is no exaggeration to say that it is a small coffin board derived from ancient times.

If he were not the son of the Celestial Emperor and a born celestial being, Zhu Ming would suspect that he lacked all seven emotions.

Moreover, Zhu Ming always felt that Bi Tao's earnestness and thoughtfulness were not only to help Ming Guang resolve the crisis between You Tian and the Ancient Immortal Clan, but also to risk her own life to temporarily resolve the conflict between the two sides with a trivial matter.

Even Mingguang, who couldn't see his own mother, had to make plans for her.

If Bitao had chosen a different goal, even one higher than the Celestial Immortal of Bright Light, she would surely have already achieved it.

A person who would never lower his head to look at Bitao for a hundred years would never fall in love with her under such forced imprisonment, as the fairy maidens and immortal lords speculated.

If he were truly so easily moved by love, Bitao wouldn't have needed to sign up for the competition and go through this perilous ordeal.

But Mingguang's performance was indeed...

"Are you sick?" Bitao asked Mingguang sincerely.

After yesterday's perilous situation passed, Bitao was very grateful to Mingguang for covering for her.

I brought new clothes, excellent medicine for my wounds, and delicious snacks today.

Bitao almost wore herself out trying to persuade the kitchen lady to bring this snack back when she went out to buy more food.

Of course, Bitao also used this pretext of "pleasing her lover" and took advantage of the kitchen aunt's laxity to send another message outside.

She couldn't wait any longer.

Her original plan was to play the long game and catch a big fish.

But since last night, Bitao has lost interest in fishing.

She's going to drain the entire pond!

However, when he came to thank Mingguang with some good things, he kicked a hot potato.

"go out."

Mingguang didn't even look at her. He put his tattered clothes back on. Last night, Bitao had taken his belt. Instead of tying Bitao's belt back, he tore off a piece of his clothes to use as a belt.

He was sitting cross-legged on the bed, like a Buddha statue meditating and chanting scriptures.

Despite the ravages of wind and frost, it stands firm and upright.

From the moment Bitao entered the door, he regarded her as a raging flood, a ferocious beast, a venomous snake, or a demon, and could only repeat those two words with his eyes closed.

Bitao is a reasonable person who has always been clear about her likes and dislikes.

Mingguang was a great help last night, and Bitao was truly grateful to him.

Now I genuinely care about him.

Even her voice softened, becoming gentle and tender: "Honestly, I've seen symptoms like yours before. Epilepsy seizures are really not to be underestimated. Your limbs stiffen, you're covered in cold sweat, and you might even spit out saliva..."

Have you had this attack before?

"I've heard that some people are born with this disease and don't even know they have it until it manifests..."

"Get out." Mingguang only said these two words.

Little did they know, Mingguang had been on the verge of collapse since last night.

This time it wasn't because he knew someone was watching everything from the Silver River Net, nor was it because he was angry at Bitao's rudeness and was waiting for an opportunity to lay a hand on him.

Rather... his soul, shattered by an embrace and skin-to-skin contact, had not yet been pieced back together.

No one could understand that, upon seeing the peach blossom, his senses awakened before his thoughts.

He felt an itch all over his body because of her.

That was the curse that he couldn't escape, even when he bit his tongue until it festered and his fingers quietly dug into his injured leg.

He was absolutely certain that he had no romantic feelings for Bitao.

He even felt that she was no longer driven by lust because she hadn't come to bother him last night, but was in danger and wanted him to cover for her.

At least I feel relieved that I'm working towards returning to heaven and ascending to immortality.

It was even gratifying.

Mingguang could never understand her absurd love and wished she would suddenly have an epiphany and then wholeheartedly ascend to the heavens to protect all living beings.

But last night's skin-to-skin contact felt like a curse, unleashing the "demonic" energy from Mingguang's heart.

The moment he saw her, he subconsciously recalled that intoxicatingly intimate feeling.

The itch he couldn't shake off became a poison coursing through his blood, bewitching, seducing, and coercing him.

It made him eager to try again.

He wanted Bitao to hug him again.

He wanted to be intimate with her.

This is what truly caused Mingguang to collapse.

He never knew what "desire" was, and regarded selfish desires as an abyss of fire.

He was born arrogant and had the utmost contempt for those who lacked self-control.

Immortals possess three souls and seven spirits connected to the Five Elements, which in turn control the Five Senses.

For Mingguang, suppressing his desires and aspirations was as easy as stepping into a thunderbolt array and letting himself be reduced to life and death, his flesh and blood turning to mud.

It's as simple as summoning the power of the five elements in the air to move mountains and overturn seas.

Even when he was reborn into the mortal realm and faced life and death several times, he never showed any fear. Even if he lost the competition, he might not have been in unbearable pain.

But he had never experienced such immense panic as the feeling, sensation, thought, action, and consciousness were all beyond his control.

He was unexpectedly overcome by an irresistible urge to touch.

Moreover, it was before any romantic feelings had developed, that one had the desire to touch and embrace another person.

How despicable!

How shameless!

Mingguang was so self-loathing and despairing that he wished he could end his own life with a single blow.

How dare you still open your eyes to look at the peach blossoms?

Just as Bitao was about to say something more, Big Eyes and Little Eyes suddenly came over.

He leaned over the doorway and said to Bitao, "Several large truckloads of goods suddenly arrived in the yard! They smell bitter, like medicinal herbs."

"Some soldiers said that the 'poisonous people' had arrived ahead of schedule."

Bitao suddenly stood up, no longer caring whether Mingguang's epilepsy was congenital or caused by her fright yesterday.

She subconsciously bent down and patted Mingguang's face a few times to comfort him.

As a result, because I was too impatient, I didn't control my strength well and it almost felt like I was slapping him.

"Clap clap clap..."

"Honey, I have to go take care of something. I'll get you a doctor to give you a thorough check-up later!"