Chapter 92 Fengdu City (The Finale)
Real life is like an overly beautiful dream, yet it is also very real and within reach.
Lin Chujiu's mother recovered faster than medically possible.
The body, which was originally diagnosed with less than a year to live, has been rejuvenated at a speed visible to the naked eye.
"Jiu'er, stop what you're doing and come talk to your mother." Her mother's voice was still gentle, but it had a stronger tone as she pulled Lin Chujiu back from looking up information and reading dungeon guides.
Lin Chujiu put down her tablet and leaned on her mother's shoulder.
The warm sunlight streamed in through the window, bathing the mother and daughter in its glow. From downstairs came the sounds of children playing and the distant noises of the marketplace.
This kind of ordinary, peaceful warmth was her most luxurious fantasy during the cold nights of countless terrifying scenarios.
"Mom, are you really all better?" She couldn't help but ask again, her fingers unconsciously stroking the gradually plumping skin on her mother's wrist.
"It's all done, really all done."
Her mother patted her hand with a smile, then changed the subject with a hint of teasing: "How are your friends doing?"
friend.
Lin Chujiu thought of the four men with very different styles, who all protected her to varying degrees, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.
Just then, her phone vibrated. It was a message from the Thriller System, from the [Lord of the Western Regions].
Concise and to the point, as always:
"The funds are in place. We can begin."
Lin Chujiu's eyes sharpened, and she sat up straight.
Her mother noticed the change in her and asked softly, "Where are you going again?"
“No, this time it’s here.” Lin Chujiu gripped her phone tightly, a sharp glint in her eyes. “Mom, it’s time to sweep away some of the filth in reality.”
Thanks to her A-level clear of the Qingshan Middle School instance and the popularity accumulated from previous events, Lin Chujiu has not only amassed amazing reputation and resources in the horror world, but her live streaming in the real world is also gradually developing.
She is no longer the nobody who can be manipulated and smeared at will, but a top-tier horror streamer with millions of fans, whose every move is closely watched.
The counterattack officially began in the first month after Mom's condition stabilized.
There were almost no warnings or pre-heating.
Within a single day, the core business districts, transportation hubs, online platforms, and even the advertising slots of popular variety shows in major cities across the country were dominated by several well-produced yet irrefutable short films.
The short film has only one theme—exposing the conspiracy of Lin Chujiu's former company and its anchor Xu Sisi, and the various forms of persecution against the former artist Lin Chujiu.
The facts include: Bao Guo's former company forced Lin Chujiu to drink with others, then suspended her after she refused; then she made Xu Sisi get plastic surgery to look like her; and even after Lin Chujiu entered the horror live broadcast room, she bought online trolls to create fake trending topics.
The amount of information is explosive, the chain of evidence is solid, and the channels of dissemination are extremely wide!
The original company and the deceased Xu Sisi were instantly branded with shame.
Public opinion was in uproar. Netizens who had previously joined in criticizing Lin Chujiu felt ashamed, and the general public was shocked by the darkness of the entertainment industry. Even official media outlets stepped in to criticize this vicious competition and disregard for life.
Immediately, the internet was filled with condemnation of the former company and Xu Sisi.
The company's stock hit its daily limit down that day, and its executives were also summoned by relevant departments to investigate whether they were involved in more serious illegal or irregular operations.
Once a dominant industry giant, it was utterly powerless against the combined capital power of Mingdu and Linchujiu, which could be described as a "dimensional reduction attack," and the irrefutable truth. It collapsed at an alarming speed.
Lin Chujiu did not appear to issue any victory declaration. She simply updated her social media with a short message at the height of the controversy:
"The innocent will remain innocent, and the guilty will remain guilty. Thank you to all the fans who are pursuing the truth."
The live stream continues, and our original intention remains unchanged.
I've always been here.
The accompanying picture shows her and her mother's silhouettes against the setting sun, a scene of warmth and tranquility.
This battle was won cleanly and decisively, which was very gratifying.
The threats in the real world have also been temporarily eliminated.
It was in this relaxed atmosphere that Lin Chujiu received Jiang Chaoyu's invitation:
"Jiu Jiu, the spider lilies in the underworld are in full bloom these days. Would you be interested in taking a few days to relax in the horror world? Enjoy the flowers and play chess."
His invitations were always like this, exuding a classical elegance and a just-right distance.
Lin Chujiu thought about it and readily agreed.
The horror world isn't just about gory dungeons; it also includes special areas that are protected by powerful beings, have unique scenery, and are even considered "habitable."
She really needed a change of environment to relax her long-strained nerves.
The place Jiang Chaoyu arranged was a secluded spot on the edge of the underworld.
This place seems to have been forgotten outside of time; there is no eerie ghostly atmosphere, only vast fields of spider lilies stretching to the horizon.
In the center of the flower sea, a bamboo and wood pavilion stands elegantly. A gentle breeze stirs the flowers, creating waves of color and a subtle fragrance, creating a unique tranquility.
In the waterside pavilion, Jiang Chaoyu had already prepared tea and a chessboard.
Today he changed into a moon-white long robe, which made him less solemn and more relaxed than a ghost official.
He had delicate features and was intently fiddling with a set of white jade chess pieces.
"Jiu Jiu, you're here."
He looked up, a gentle smile spreading across his eyes. "Try this orchid tea, made with white lotus seeds. It has a calming effect."
Lin Chujiu sat down opposite him and picked up her teacup.
The aroma of tea was enticing. She took a small sip, and a warm current flowed down her throat, enveloping her entire body in warmth. Even the fatigue from planning a counterattack in the real world seemed to dissipate considerably.
"Good tea."
She admired it sincerely, her gaze fixed on the chessboard.
Jiang Chaoyu met his gaze, picked up a black piece as if to place it, raised an eyebrow at her, as if to invite her.
Lin Chujiu raised an eyebrow and picked up a white piece with great interest to follow suit.
Lin Chujiu's chess skills were average, but it was clear that Jiang Chaoyu was intentionally letting him win.
They weren't in a hurry to win; they seemed to be enjoying this rare tranquility.
How deep is the courtyard?
However, this tranquility did not last long.
First, there was an unstable fluctuation in the space outside the waterside pavilion. A silver-white figure crashed into the sea of flowers like a cannonball, crushing a patch of spider lilies and splashing red petals everywhere.
Bai Yingfeng, with her silver hair studded with flower petals and her golden eyes gleaming, strode in and shouted:
"You, Jiang Chaoyu! You invited Jiu Jiu to enjoy the flowers and play chess but didn't invite me! That's so unfair!"
Without any hesitation, he dragged over a stool, squeezed next to Lin Chujiu, and casually picked up the teacup she had just drunk from, taking a swig.
"This tea is so weak! Jiu Jiu, I'll get you some of our Yushan Palace's strong liquor later, that'll really kick it off!"
Jiang Chaoyu paused, glancing helplessly at Bai Yingfeng, but said nothing.
Immediately afterward, the light inside the pavilion seemed to dim for a moment. Mingdu's figure appeared silently in the empty space on the other side.
He was still dressed in a meticulously tailored black suit, completely out of place in this ancient-style waterside pavilion.
He picked up the teapot and poured himself a cup, his gaze sweeping over the chessboard and then over Bai Yingfeng, who was standing next to Lin Chujiu.
"Your Majesty Hades has come uninvited; what a fine mood you are in," Jiang Chaoyu said quietly as he played chess.
"I was just passing by when I saw this lively place, so I came in to take a look."
Mingdu took a sip of tea, frowned slightly, and was clearly not very satisfied with the tea. "It seems that Miss Lin is quite popular."
The atmosphere instantly became subtle and tense. Three men: one gentle and refined, silently holding a chess piece; one passionate and fiery, eyeing the scene with predatory intent; and one profound and unfathomable, observing coldly from the sidelines.
Oh, and there's one more, lurking not far away like a poison, but because of its past mistakes, it only dares to hide in the shadows and repent.
An invisible aura collided and intertwined in the waterside pavilion, but all their targets were Lin Chujiu, who was somewhat awkwardly surrounded in the middle.
Bai Yingfeng glared at Mingdu: "Hey! Black Dragon, what are you doing now? Jiu Jiu came here to rest, not to deal with you scheming guys!"
Mingdu didn't even lift his eyelids: "Little white tiger, you're too noisy, disturbing the peace of this place."
"Who are you calling a little white tiger?!"
"Whoever answers, that's who we'll talk about."
Jiang Chaoyu frowned and put down the chess piece: "Noisy."
Lin Chujiu felt like she was sitting on pins and needles.
She finally understood: this wasn't a game of chess or flower appreciation; it was a battlefield of carnage!
She couldn't afford to offend anyone, and she had absolutely no desire to get involved in this inexplicable conflict.
"Um... the tea's a bit hot, I'm going out for some fresh air, you guys... can chat anytime!"
She chuckled dryly, stood up almost as if fleeing, and before the three could react, strode out of the waterside pavilion and plunged into the boundless sea of spider lilies.
Lin Chujiu walked briskly along the flower-lined path until the eaves of the waterside pavilion were completely submerged in a sea of flowers, and only then did she breathe a long sigh of relief as the noise subsided.
Being with those guys is more stressful than going into a dungeon!
She wandered aimlessly, admiring the rare and beautiful scenery.
Suddenly, from deep within the flower bushes ahead, faint voices could be heard.
Who would be in a place like this? Didn't Jiang Chaoyu say this place was secluded?
Curious, she parted the lush flower branches and quietly approached.
Then, Lin Chujiu saw a scene that instantly petrified her, making her wish she could gouge her own eyes out—
Beside a hot spring pool nestled amidst a sea of flowers, a couple embraced tightly and shared a passionate kiss.
The man's back was tall and straight, dressed in a simple, dark-colored robe, with silver hair flowing like a waterfall.
The woman was dressed in a familiar green cheongsam, her figure graceful and elegant.
That woman's profile... was clearly her mother, who had just recovered and should be recuperating at home in the real world!
And that man… Lin Chujiu’s pupils dilated in shock!
Although only a profile and back view can be seen, the outline, the temperament, especially that profile that bears some resemblance to Mingdu, yet is more majestic and ancient...
The hot spring pool was filled with steam and floating flower petals, creating a scene so beautiful it was like a dream. However, Lin Chujiu was so embarrassed that she dug her toes into the ground and turned around, wanting to slip away quietly.
"Crack".
She was unlucky enough to accidentally break a dead branch.
The two people by the pool separated instantly and turned to look at each other at the same time.
"Jiu'er?!" The mother's face flushed instantly, and she hurriedly tidied her slightly disheveled hair and clothes.
The man turned completely around. Now, Lin Chujiu could see him even more clearly.
He was an extremely handsome, even perfect, mature man. His features were deep and dignified, and his brows were shrouded in the imposing aura of someone who had long held a high position and the composure of someone who had experienced the vicissitudes of life.
At this moment, however, he was clearly a little embarrassed.
Lin Chujiu's gaze shifted back and forth between her mother and the man, finally settling on the man's face. The more she looked, the more she felt... that she and he looked alike!
"Mom, who is this?"
Her voice was hoarse, and her mind was a jumbled mess.
The mother opened her mouth, her face flushed.
She took the arm of the man beside her and said softly but firmly, "Jiu'er, this is... your father."
dad? !
Didn't her father die in a car accident a long time ago?
Lin Chujiu was completely stunned. The amount of information was too much for her to process; she needed time to process it.
The man, her father, had regained his composure.
He stepped forward and carefully examined Lin Chujiu. His gaze was complex, filled with excitement, guilt, and relief, which ultimately transformed into deep affection.
He spoke slowly, his voice deep and gentle, carrying a strange soothing power: "Jiu'er, I am your father, Dongyue."
Dongyue? That name sounds familiar...
Just then, another voice rang out with obvious surprise: "Teacher? When did you emerge from seclusion?"
Mingdu had also arrived at some point, and upon hearing the words "Dongyue," his usually expressionless face revealed a rare look of surprise.
He looked at the Eastern Peak Emperor, then at Lin Chujiu and her mother, clearly confused by the relationship.
The Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak looked at Mingdu, nodded slightly, his attitude gentle yet naturally carrying the authority of a teacher:
"Xiao Du, you're here too. Perfect, let me introduce you,"
He took Lin Chujiu's mother's hand and pointed to the stunned Lin Chujiu, "This is my wife Lin Yunshu, and this is my daughter, Chujiu."
Then, he turned to Lin Chujiu, his tone becoming even gentler: "Chujiu, this is Mingdu, who is in charge of Fengdu. He is considered my... half student."
Teacher? Student?
Lin Chujiu mechanically rolled her eyes and looked at Mingdu.
Mingdu's expression at this moment was truly remarkable; a rare crack appeared on his face, and his eyes were filled with disbelief and absurdity as he looked at Lin Chujiu.
The goddess is actually my teacher's biological daughter?
Their eyes met, and an awkward silence filled the air.
Finally, the Great Emperor of Dongyue broke the silence. He sighed softly and pulled Lin Chujiu to sit down on a stone bench by the hot spring. Lin Chujiu's mother, Lin Yunshu, also sat gently beside them.
"Jiu'er, now that things have come to this, I should tell you."
The voice of the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak carried a distant memory, "I am no ordinary person, but the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak. Hundreds of years ago, the world of terror was in turmoil, and in order to stabilize it, I had no choice but to transform myself into the core of the terror power and fall into slumber."
Your mother, however, went to the human world to escape the internal strife in the terrifying world.
He gripped Lin Yunshu's hand tightly, his eyes filled with guilt, "Your mother raised you alone, and you two suffered so much. It is my fault as your father."
Yun Shu shook her head, her eyes filled with tears yet smiling: "I'm not suffering. As long as Jiu'er grows up safely, as long as I can see you again, everything is worth it."
"So...you really are a god? The Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak?" Lin Chujiu still felt a little dizzy.
"Perhaps that's how it seems to ordinary people."
The Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak smiled, a smile that softened his majesty and was full of fatherly love. "But in front of Jiu'er, I am just a derelict father, a husband and father who wants to make amends to his wife and daughter as much as possible."
He waved his hand with an undeniable air of authority: "Jiu'er, you've suffered these past years. Now that I've returned, I absolutely cannot let you and Yunshu suffer the slightest grievance again."
This terrifying world has always been my responsibility, and now I'm handing it over to you to manage and experience, which can be considered as establishing a foundation.
"Tell me what you like, what you want! As your father, I may not have much else, but our family's wealth... is quite substantial."
Mingdu, listening nearby, twitched slightly at the corner of his mouth. The teacher's family background... it was more than just "rich" (meaning substantial).
That is the foundation that governs a region of the underworld and awes all mountains!
So you're just casually handing it over to your newly adopted daughter to manage?
Lin Chujiu was also taken aback by her father's boldness and quickly waved her hand:
"Dad, no need, no need, I..."
She has no idea how to manage a world!
"Hey, no need to refuse." Emperor Dongyue laughed. "You can familiarize yourself with it first. As for the specific matters, Xiaoming, Chaoyu, Peiyu, and the little white tiger will assist you."
He had clearly noticed the other two guys who were eavesdropping from behind the flowers long ago.
"You just need to grasp the general direction. This can also be considered part of your dowry as your father?"
As he spoke, he glanced meaningfully at the direction of the underworld crossing and the flowerbeds.
Lin Chujiu's face flushed red. "Dad! You've only just reunited with your daughter, and you're already thinking so far ahead?!"
Lin Yunshu playfully patted the Eastern Peak Emperor's arm, but his eyes were full of smiles.
The embarrassment on Mingdu's face had faded, replaced by his usual serious expression. He glanced at Lin Chujiu with a more complex look in his eyes and bowed slightly.
“Since it is the teacher’s order, Mingdu will do his best to assist…Junior Sister.”
The last two words were difficult to say.
"Junior sister?!" Bai Yingfeng, who had just emerged from behind the flower bushes, widened his golden eyes upon hearing this, pointing at Mingdu and then at Lin Chujiu, stammering.
"Jiu Jiu is Black Dragon... and Ming Du's junior sister? Then wouldn't that mean..."
He was a little confused.
Jiang Chaoyu also stepped out slowly and bowed respectfully to the Eastern Peak Emperor and Yun Shu: "Lord, Madam."
Then he looked at Lin Chujiu, his eyes smiling, and said gently, "Chujiu, no, now I should call you 'Little Princess'. Congratulations on your family reunion."
"Little Princess..." Lin Chujiu was quite shocked by this title. She was just an ordinary streamer, how did she suddenly become a second-generation god and have to manage a world?
However, looking at her father's expectant and loving gaze, her mother's gentle and encouraging eyes, and the three men beside her with different expressions, who were all clearly going to "assist" her.
She knew that she probably couldn't shake off her identity as the "Administrator of the Horror World" and the "Little Princess of Dongyue".
Fine. Since we can't avoid it, let's face it head-on.
Another day, springtime was in full bloom. Warm sunlight streamed through the carved corridor, casting dappled shadows on the polished wooden floor. In the open space beneath the corridor, a large sandalwood chessboard was set up.
Lin Chujiu, playing white, placed a piece somewhat absentmindedly. Jiang Chaoyu, opposite her, remained composed, dressed in an elegant long robe.
The scene was quite lively for those watching the game.
Bai Yingfeng moved a chair and sat down imposingly to Lin Chujiu's right, munching on fruit while pointing at the chessboard:
"Jiu Jiu, come this way! Eat that corner! Ice Cube is too sneaky, don't fall for it!"
Ice Cube was his nickname for Jiang Chaoyu.
On the other side, Mingdu leaned against a couch, playing with a string of glowing crystals in his hand, his gaze occasionally sweeping over the chessboard, without making a sound.
Further along the corridor pillars, the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak was personally brewing tea for his wife, occasionally glancing towards his daughter with eyes full of tenderness and smiles.
Lin Chujiu, tired from drinking, leaned on the railing and gazed into the distance. In the distance, the sea of red spider lilies remained vibrant.
This place, once the battlefield where she struggled to survive, has now become a corner of her home where she can rest in peace and even begin to plan and change things.
With a changed identity and heavier responsibilities, it seems there are also more "troubles" around me.
But it didn't feel bad.
Footsteps sounded behind her; Jiang Chaoyu had also come over and stood beside her, gazing at the same scenery.
“Sometimes, I still feel that time flies by,” Jiang Chaoyu said softly. “When we first met, you were still struggling to survive.”
Lin Chujiu laughed: "Yes, back then, who would have thought I'd have such an amazing father, and all of you..."
She paused, unable to find the right words.
"A problem you can't shake off?" Jiang Chaoyu rarely joked.
"Hmph, good to know!" Bai Yingfeng had also joined in at some point, his arm resting on the railing, his golden eyes gleaming in the sunlight. "But Jiu Jiu, you're our leader now! You'll have to look after me when we go on dungeons!"
Mingdu didn't come over, but his gaze fell on Lin Chujiu's profile, which was gilded by the sunlight, and the prayer beads in his hand had stopped turning at some point.
The Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak came over with two cups of tea, handing one to his daughter and drinking the other himself.
"Wine, take your time."
He said gently, “Managing a world is no easy task. Your father and mother are watching over you, so you can go ahead and do what you want to do.”
What she wanted to do.
Lin Chujiu gazed into the distance. The world of horror still held many injustices, many distorted rules, and many souls like Jiang Yan who had died unjustly.
She was powerless before, but now she seems to have a little power to change things, to make amends, and to establish a new order.
"I want to make this place less evil done without cause and more good that can be chosen," she said softly, yet with unwavering determination.
The Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak nodded with satisfaction: "Very good. This is my daughter."
The game is over, but the future is promising.
Lin Chujiu picked up her teacup and took a sip.
Springtime is in full bloom.
And her life, and this vast and strange world of horror, has only just begun.
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