Transmigrated as The Cannon Fodder Bride of The Villainess

Five days later, the Wuhui Sect had mostly returned to normalcy. The injured disciples gradually regained consciousness, and the ritual ceremonies were hastily concluded. When the elders inquired about the whereabouts of the Soul Lamp, Luo Jinxiao brushed off their questions, claiming it had been lost in the chaos.

Losing an artifact during such chaos was understandable, so apart from expressing regret, no one pressed the matter further.

With the sect temporarily safe, Luo Jinxiao and Qu Weiyin prepared for their departure. As they were leaving, numerous disciples came to bid them farewell. Elder He, with tears in his eyes, clasped Qu Weiyin’s hands for a long moment, imploring her to return safely.

“Senior Sister Luo, please be careful on your journey!” Ke Tao waved a handkerchief at her.

Luo Jinxiao responded with a resigned wave before following Qu Weiyin down the mountain. Once they were out of sight, she turned to Qu Weiyin with a smile, “Don’t you think the Wuhui Sect seems more united after this incident?”

“Looks like sincerity really does get rewarded.” Qu Weiyin replied. She deliberately moved closer to Luo Jinxiao’s shadow, having become somewhat averse to light since becoming a demon.

Luo Jinxiao reached out to shield her: “So, is that place in the demon realm?”

“Yes, deep in the Tian Mountains, there’s a clear pool. It’s said to contain water imbued with the essence of heaven and earth. I hope it will be of use.”

“Well, in that case, we can enjoy some sightseeing along the way!” Luo Jinxiao’s mind was already drifting to the possibilities.

Qu Weiyin was about to speak when another voice interjected: “The sun is hot today. Are you planning to walk all the way down the mountain?”

“We could fly on our swords.” Luo Jinxiao replied instinctively, but immediately realized something was wrong. She turned to see Yan Ying, dressed in vibrant red and blue with several gold hairpins adorning her head, looking as if she were going to a spring festival.

“What are you doing here?” she asked in astonishment.

“I certainly don’t want to go with you. If it weren’t for your sister insisting on following, I would be sleeping soundly in my room right now.” Yan Ying grumbled, rolling her eyes and swaggering past them to take the lead.

Nearby, Luo Ning walked by with her eyes downcast, clearly feeling guilty and avoiding conversation.

“Wait, you two…” Luo Jinxiao started to speak, but Qu Weiyin stopped her with a gentle tug and a shake of her head.

“It’s fine. The journey shouldn’t be too dangerous. Let them come along,” Qu Weiyin said softly.

Given Qu Weiyin’s acceptance, Luo Jinxiao decided not to push the issue further. She pursed her lips in resignation, realizing why she hadn’t seen them earlier—they had been following in secret.

The group traveled southwest on their swords, following the course of a river. As summer approached, the increased rainfall had made the river swift and turbulent. White waves occasionally crashed against the bends, while lush willows lined the banks, their leaves swaying in the misty air that was part smoke, part rain.

As they reached the lower reaches, the riverbed widened, and houses began to appear along the shore. The landscape was a picturesque blend of white walls and dark tiles, typical of the Jiangnan region, with expansive skies and closely-knit buildings. Noticing the bustling activity and numerous figures on the streets, Luo Jinxiao suggested they descend to take a closer look.

It was a small town, but densely populated. Fields surrounded the town, and the town itself seemed prosperous. There were no signs of poverty or hardship, and elegantly dressed women frequently passed by.

“Where is this place?” Yan Ying asked, looking around curiously.

“This is Hupan Town. It’s relatively peaceful due to its proximity to Qingyan Palace,” Qu Weiyin explained quietly. As she spoke, she leaned closer to Luo Jinxiao, trying to avoid the gazes of passersby.

Seeing her constantly shrinking back, Luo Jinxiao felt a pang of sympathy. Just then, they passed a clothing shop. An idea struck her, and she went inside and asked the owner for a piece of red cloth.

“What are you doing?” Qu Weiyin asked, puzzled. Luo Jinxiao pulled her into the shop, took the red cloth, and with a flash of her sword, cut off a strip.

“Close your eyes.” Luo Jinxiao said, looking at Qu Weiyin with hopeful anticipation.

Qu Weiyin raised an eyebrow, shaking her head helplessly, but obediently closed her eyes. In an instant, Luo Jinxiao’s face was next to her ear, her nimble fingers tying the cloth behind her head.

The warmth of the sun-heated air enveloped them, and Qu Weiyin tilted her head slightly, her heart skipping a beat.

However, Luo Jinxiao quickly straightened up, examined Qu Weiyin from different angles, and said with a radiant smile, “It suits you quite well.”

Qu Weiyin couldn’t help but smile back, not wanting to dampen her enthusiasm. She hummed in agreement.

Nearby, Yan Ying had been browsing the shop with a somewhat disdainful expression. As she approached Luo Jinxiao, she scrutinized Qu Weiyin and remarked disapprovingly, “You’ve only covered her eyes. Her forehead is still red.”

“Shut up.” Luo Jinxiao said with a playful smile. She looked around and grabbed a scholar’s headpiece, pressing it down to cover the mark on Qu Weiyin’s forehead.

“You ladies must be from out of town,” the owner of the clothing shop said with a smile. She had a kind face, so Luo Jinxiao struck up a conversation with her, nodding with a smile. “Then you’ve come at the perfect time. Hupan Town holds a temple fair every year on this day. It’s very lively, and even the immortals from Qingyan Palace and people from other places come to see it.” The owner said, her eyes glancing at Qu Weiyin. Luo Jinxiao instinctively shielded her, but fortunately, mortals couldn’t distinguish between immortals and demons, and simply assumed they were ordinary cultivators.

“If this lady wants to wear a headpiece, why not buy a new outfit as well? It would match better.” The owner suggested, holding up a set of red robes with a smile.

Luo Jinxiao found the suggestion quite reasonable.

An hour later, the group emerged from the shop. Qu Weiyin was now dressed in men’s attire. Although her eyes were covered, her other senses allowed her to walk steadily and gracefully.

As evening approached, lanterns were lit along the streets, and various stalls were neatly arranged. The streets were bustling with people, and fireworks lit up the sky, creating a festive atmosphere and opulent atmosphere.

Qu Weiyin knew that Luo Jinxiao rarely ventured out. Although she didn’t particularly enjoy such crowds, she wanted Luo Jinxiao to have some fun, so she followed quietly behind her.

Despite being surrounded by people, she moved gracefully and nimbly, untouched by the chaos.

A young flower vendor, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers, squeezed through the crowd and approached them, calling out, “Sister, is this gentleman your husband?”

Luo Jinxiao was taken aback, realizing that “husband” referred to Qu Weiyin. She stifled a laugh and nodded: “Yes, he is.”

Qu Weiyin felt a blush creep up her neck at her response.

The young boy then held the flowers in front of Qu Weiyin and chirped, “Young master, why not buy a flower for your lady to wear? Gifting a flower is a gesture of eternal love and companionship.”

Qu Weiyin coughed awkwardly, retrieved some silver from her sleeve, and handed it to the boy. She then took a red peony from his bouquet.

The young boy skipped away to the next couple. Luo Jinxiao lowered her head and whispered playfully, “Husband, won’t you pin this flower in your wife’s hair?”

Qu Weiyin suddenly stumbled, grabbing Luo Jinxiao’s arm to steady herself. She said sternly, “Don’t you dare tell anyone about this.”

“I understand, I understand.” Luo Jinxiao nodded repeatedly, then tilted her head expectantly.

Qu Weiyin then fumbled to place the flower in her hair, a warmth spreading through her heart.

Yan Ying and Luo Ning had disappeared again. Luo Jinxiao was secretly pleased. She cherished this time alone with Qu Weiyin, finding it both joyful and blissful.

At some point, Qu Weiyin’s hand had found its way into Luo Jinxiao’s palm. Their hands clasped tightly together as they walked through the bustling fair, their hearts gradually lifting, seemingly forgetting the purpose of their journey.

If this happiness could last forever, I would be willing to stay here for thousands upon thousands of years, Luo Jinxiao thought.

The crowd began to gather at a street corner where an enormous tree stood, so large that it would take three people to encircle its trunk. Its canopy spread out like a massive umbrella, blocking out the sky. Several red ribbons had been thrown over its branches, and beneath the tree, in the dim lamplight, many people stood with closed eyes, offering prayers.

Luo Jinxiao led Qu Weiyin into the crowd, looking up at the tree. Suddenly, an idea struck her.

“Wait for me here,” she whispered into Qu Weiyin’s ear, and then, with a light tap of her foot, she leaped onto the tree branches.

She was as light as a swallow, her white robes bathed in the warm glow of the lanterns, dancing like a butterfly as she ascended to the top of the tree.

Fortunately, she had kept a few extra red ribbons, Luo Jinxiao thought. She took them out and tied them to the highest branches, finally satisfied with her work.

Below, unable to see where Luo Jinxiao had gone, Qu Weiyin suddenly felt anxious. She stood motionless, gripping the edge of her clothes tightly. The sounds around her seemed to amplify instantly. In this bustling yet peaceful place, she unexpectedly felt afraid.

Thankfully, Luo Jinxiao returned quickly, landing gracefully beside her. Qu Weiyin sighed in relief and reached out to grasp her hand.

“Why are you trembling?” Luo Jinxiao noticed something was wrong. She looked down at Qu Weiyin’s face, her lips tightly pressed together, betraying her tension.

She was worried, Luo Jinxiao realized. She moved closer to Qu Weiyin. The vulnerability of a strong person made them even more endearing.

In the past, with no one by her side, Qu Weiyin feared nothing. Now, with Luo Jinxiao by her side, her timidity was magnified tenfold.

Qu Weiyin reached out, finding Luo Jinxiao’s arm, and leaned closer, her heart finally calming down.

“I hung two ribbons up there. We can make wishes together,” Luo Jinxiao said cheerfully.

“I don’t believe in such things,” Qu Weiyin frowned.

“Just try it. Maybe it will come true,” Luo Jinxiao tugged at her sleeve.

“Alright, alright,” Qu Weiyin conceded, a slight smile gracing her cheeks. She turned her face towards the top of the tree, her voice soft, “I wish for Luo Jinxiao to have a safe and peaceful life.”

Luo Jinxiao gazed at her intently, suddenly feeling that even with half her face covered, Qu Weiyin was still as beautiful as a celestial being from a painting, especially her red lips, which could rival the most beautiful flowers of summer.

Delicate and full.

She slowly leaned closer to Qu Weiyin, saying, “Then I wish for both Qu Weiyin and Luo Jinxiao to have a safe and peaceful life together.”

Taking advantage of Qu Weiyin’s distraction, she gently kissed her lips.

In the darkness, Qu Weiyin felt the touch and her heart leapt. Startled, she instinctively reached out and grasped Luo Jinxiao’s shoulders.

It was a sensation she had never experienced before. Surrounded by darkness, the only thing she could feel was the woman in front of her, intensifying the experience.

The woman’s scent was sweet, as were her lips, like dew, like an orchard.

Qu Weiyin’s heart raced, momentarily forgetting to react, allowing Luo Jinxiao to take advantage of her.

Luo Jinxiao was even more nervous. The woman in her arms was soft and slender. Qu Weiyin’s cool arms wrapped around her neck, forcing her to lower her head and lean down.

As she looked up, the lanterns around them began to glow brightly, illuminating the area beneath the tree. Qu Weiyin removed the cloth covering her eyes, her gaze misty and unreadable – whether from joy or anger, it was hard to tell.

She raised her hand, and Luo Jinxiao, thinking she was angry, instinctively flinched. But instead, Qu Weiyin merely wiped the thin layer of sweat from her forehead, then placed her hands on Luo Jinxiao’s shoulders, drawing her close like a piece of precious jade.

“Can I make another wish?” she asked, her voice slightly seductive, like a whisper.

“I wish to be with you, and for our lives to be long and unwavering.”