After Betraying the Whole World, You’re Telling Me They Were All Real? - Chapter 14:

Chapter 14: Who’s Your Precious Princess? Hmph!

Could there really be a second Supreme Limit Realm cultivator in this world besides Ling Qi?

Ye Youluo stared at the Snow Sect members and gave a faint smile. Just a little reasoning would make it clear—impossible.

“If your Snow Sect’s ancestor is truly that capable, then why didn’t he show himself when Ling Qi was destroying your sect just now?” she asked calmly.

Indeed, if the ancestor had reached the Supreme Limit Realm, there was no reason for him to stay hidden. Even if Ling Qi was at the same realm, he was clearly injured. If their ancestor was as strong, Ling Qi wouldn’t have been a match. Yet he didn’t appear… that said it all.

“This…” The members of the Snow Sect lowered their heads in silence.

They were furious too. Since he was their ancestor, why didn’t he appear when so many of their people had died? Was he afraid of Ling Qi?

But he was still the ancestor. They couldn’t disobey him.

One of them said, “Although our ancestor hasn’t yet reached the Supreme Limit Realm, he is the closest existence to it.”

They continued, “He has been in seclusion for countless years, only one step away. Though he hasn’t succeeded yet, he is undoubtedly the strongest under the Supreme Limit Realm. His strength far surpasses that of Ye Youluo, Jiang Ling, and the rest.”

“If Sect Master Ye is willing to form an alliance with our ancestor, the world could be ours!”

Ye Youluo shook her head.

Rule the world?

What a joke.

Ling Qi was a friend of Jiang Ling and Chu Xinyue. Aside from Ye Youluo attacking the Great Yan Empire personally, Ling Qi might let that slide. But if anyone dared harm them, he would not show mercy.

“I have no interest in your Snow Sect. Go back.”

She waved her hand.

Ling Qi didn’t like the Snow Sect. Why would she form an alliance with them? That wouldn’t make sense. Besides, she had already come for nothing. Why should she return?

Just how important did that so-called ancestor think he was, to ask her to come again?

The members of the Demon Sect nodded, and the great ship began to sail.

“This…” The Snow Sect members could only watch helplessly as the massive ship started moving.

Ye Youluo turned around and boarded the ship, sailing away over the sea.

In the end, the Snow Sect members had no choice but to shake their heads and return to report her decision to the ancestor.

…

In the Imperial Palace of the Great Yan Empire, Ling Qi brought Xu Qingxue and a few others to the imperial garden.

“Greetings, Your Majesty.” Xu Qingxue greeted softly when she saw Jiang Ling.

She knew the Empress of the Great Yan Empire.

“I’ve seen you before,” Jiang Ling said as her golden eyes landed on Xu Qingxue. “Many years ago, I visited the Snow Sect.”

That was long ago, even before Ling Qi had met Xu Qingxue.

Her purpose back then had been to bring the Snow Sect under the Great Yan Empire’s rule. But the Snow Sect had refused, and considering how remote and barren the region was, she decided not to press it.

She still remembered how Xu Qingxue had been a naive and innocent girl back then. Now, she had become a weathered mother. Truly, everything had changed.

“Yes.” Xu Qingxue nodded and said, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for taking care of Qiyue during this time.”

Jiang Ling smiled, “Since she is my disciple, naturally I would take care of her.”

She glanced at Xu Qingxue and then said, “You look very weak. Qiyue, take your mother to the Imperial Medical Hall to see Physician Bai.”

“I’ve already asked him to prepare medicines for you.”

She had ordered blood-nourishing and cultivation-enhancing medicines in advance.

“Oh! Thank you, Master!” Qiyue nodded quickly.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Xu Qingxue bowed slightly.

“Go get the medicine. I have some matters to discuss with them first.” Ling Qi rubbed Qiyue’s little head.

As he spoke, he looked at Jiang Ling and at Jiang Yao, who sat by the stone table nearby with her lips pouting.

“Mmhm!” Qiyue nodded and grabbed Xu Qingxue’s hand. “Mother, I’ll take you. I know where the Imperial Medical Hall is.”

Xu Qingxue responded softly, then looked at Ling Qi and Jiang Yao before turning and leaving with her daughter.

Once the mother and daughter were gone, only Ling Qi, Xiao Chan, and the Jiang sisters remained.

“Congratulations on your family reunion,” Jiang Ling said with a gentle smile as she sat beside Jiang Yao.

The meaning was clear—now that Ling Qi had reunited with his wife and daughter, what about Jiang Yao? She was all alone.

“Hmph!” Jiang Yao let out a displeased snort, her face full of frustration.

She wasn’t upset about Ling Qi reuniting with his family—she genuinely wanted that for them. But what bothered her was not knowing where she stood with Ling Qi now.

Ling Qi smiled and walked over, sitting beside her.

Jiang Yao immediately stood and moved to sit across from him with arms crossed. “Hmph!”

Ling Qi didn’t argue. He poured a cup of tea for himself.

Jiang Ling watched the scene and could only shake her head helplessly.

She also poured herself a cup of tea and said calmly, “I heard from Heroine Chu… In your eyes, this world isn’t real?”

“In your eyes, none of us are real people. We’re… what did she call it? NPCs?”

She lifted her jade-like hand, sipped the tea, and continued, “So by that logic, even Xu Qingxue and your daughter… are just puppets?”

Ling Qi picked up his cup and smiled. “Looks like you two get along quite well, for her to tell you even that.”

“She told me everything she could,” Jiang Ling replied, her golden eyes staring directly at him.

Her meaning was clear. She even knew about Ling Qi’s desire to win over the three of them.

Ling Qi chuckled and shook his head. “I was just joking with her. How could everyone be NPCs?”

Xiao Chan shook her head to the side. Before she appeared, he really had treated everyone like puppets.

“Before you met your daughter, that’s exactly what you believed,” Jiang Ling said, never looking away.

So, what Chu Xinyue said was true. The old Ling Qi was a heartless playboy, a scoundrel through and through. He probably never even considered the idea that puppets could get pregnant.

“So, tell me… what do you plan to do now?” Jiang Ling asked with interest. “You must’ve left plenty of messes behind. Before this, I’m sure Jiang Yao was just another NPC in your eyes, wasn’t she?”

Ling Qi smiled and looked at Jiang Yao.

Noticing his gaze, Jiang Yao shot him a glare and turned her head away with a snort.

“Let’s say you guessed everything right.” Ling Qi shook his head and chuckled. “Then you tell me… What should I do? How can I make my precious princess stop being angry with me? How do I fix the mistakes I’ve made?”

“Who’s your precious princess? Hmph!” Jiang Yao crossed her arms and scoffed.

“This is your mess. Why are you pushing it on me?” Jiang Ling shook her head.

To be honest, she didn’t know what Ling Qi could do. Things had come this far—could he really abandon his wife and daughter? Could he really choose only one of them?

So, what now?

Have them all?

But would they agree? Could they accept it?

Her own sister was involved, and Jiang Ling couldn’t honestly say she was okay with it. But her sister had already given herself to Ling Qi. If she were to cut ties with him now, what would happen?

Could she really forget him? Give up on him?

No woman could ever forget the man she gave herself to for the first time—not ever.

“I actually have a pretty good idea. Help me see if it’s viable.” Ling Qi suddenly smiled.

“Oh? Let’s hear it,” Jiang Ling nodded.

“Why don’t you give me your throne? I’ll become the Emperor!” Ling Qi said with a straight face. “As Emperor, having three thousand women in the harem is perfectly reasonable.”

Jiang Ling raised her brows. So that’s your grand plan?

“You really dare think big. What kind of solution is that?”

“Otherwise, I don’t have any other way.” Ling Qi shook his head. “I won’t abandon anyone. Even those I left behind—I’ll find them again. If they truly can’t accept that I have other women and children, then there’s only one way—cut all ties.”

“But I’ll do everything I can. The choice… I’ll leave it to them.”

Of course, he was saying this for Jiang Yao to hear.

Sure enough, she bit her lip, wanting to say something, but not knowing how to begin.

Ling Qi had made himself clear. He wouldn’t give up on anyone. He truly cared for every woman in his life, including her.

Whether she could accept that he had other women was up to her.

Jiang Ling gently sipped her tea. In this matter… she had no say.

Whatever her sister chose, it was up to her.

As a Princess of the Great Yan Empire, she shouldn’t have to become one woman among many in a man’s harem.

But this was Ling Qi.

What else could be done?

Either completely sever ties with him, or accept the fact that he would have other women too.

Even as the Empress, Jiang Ling felt powerless. She couldn’t control Ling Qi. She couldn’t control her sister either.

It was their business—they would have to decide for themselves.

“Then… does Xu Qingxue know about me and you?” Jiang Yao finally asked after a long silence.

“Not yet,” Ling Qi replied.

Jiang Yao frowned. “Then… will she accept it?”

“You accepted it, didn’t you?” Ling Qi asked with a smile.

“I… I didn’t! Hmph!” she snorted again and turned her head away.

“As long as you accept it, she will too,” Ling Qi said.

“Why does it have to be me who accepts it first? Why can’t she accept it first, and then I decide?” Jiang Yao glared at him.

Jiang Ling shook her head helplessly.

Her little sister was far too innocent. A few words from Ling Qi, and she already stepped down the ladder he gave her…

But so be it.

If they could get along, that wouldn’t be a bad thing.

Since ancient times, royalty and nobility had always had multiple wives and concubines.

And Ling Qi… was the most powerful man in the world.

“Alright then, I’ll ask her.”

Ling Qi smiled. “If she doesn’t accept, then there’s nothing I can do. But I asked you first.”

“I…” Jiang Yao suddenly panicked.

She had the feeling that maybe… she missed her chance to be first.

If the choice was left to Xu Qingxue, what if she didn’t accept Jiang Yao?

“Then tell her that I… I’m pregnant too!” Jiang Yao shouted in a rush.

From resisting to now begging to be accepted—her change was swift and complete.

Ling Qi smiled and looked at her. “Maybe it really is possible.”

He and Jiang Yao had only been intimate for a few days, so of course it was impossible to know whether she was pregnant yet. But it was entirely possible.

After all, in this fantasy world, there were no contraceptives unless someone took medicine—and none of the women who had been with Ling Qi had done that.

“Then just tell her this. If she… if she doesn’t accept me, then forget it!” Jiang Yao pouted as she spoke.

She was the one who came later, after all. The other woman already had such a grown child… If there was really no other choice, then she’d back off.

Ling Qi smiled, stood up, and suddenly placed a hand on Jiang Ling’s shoulder. “This matter… you have to help me.”

His sudden gesture made Jiang Ling frown slightly. She looked down at his hand on her shoulder. This was the first time anyone had dared to touch her so directly. But she didn’t argue with him. Instead, she asked calmly, “How exactly should I help you?”

“Help me persuade them,” Ling Qi said with a grin, then took out a glowing pearl. “In return, this is for you.”

“What is this?” Jiang Ling eyed the bead that flickered with faint lightning, sensing the terrifying thunder power within it.

“A Thunder Origin Pearl. If you refine and absorb it, your strength will increase significantly,” Ling Qi explained with a smile.

Jiang Ling accepted the pearl and let out a soft breath. “I can only say… I’ll do my best.”

“You’re the Empress. Isn’t ‘doing your best’ a bit too casual?” Ling Qi chuckled. With her backing his harem from behind the scenes, it would surely remain stable.

Jiang Ling smiled and then asked, “Earlier I saw Heroine Chu’s sword in Qiyue’s hands. What does that mean?”

“It means exactly what you think,” Ling Qi smiled, lightly patted her fragrant shoulder, and then turned to leave.

Xiao Chan followed behind.

Jiang Ling smiled and shook her head. Chu Xinyue really was quite similar to her in many ways. But that wasn’t a bad thing. With two masters like them, Qiyue would surely flourish in the future.

She slowly stood up, then turned her gaze to her sister. “Meeting him… you’re lucky, but also unfortunate.”

Lucky because she encountered the one and only Ling Qi in the world. Unfortunate because Ling Qi had hurt many women in the past.

Jiang Yao pouted, unsure of what to say.

“Things have already come this far. Think positively. It’s not that big of a deal,” Jiang Ling said with a gentle smile.

If they could accept one another and live in harmony, it wouldn’t be a bad thing. In this world, it was normal for men to have multiple wives.

“I’ve already tried my best to think positively…” Jiang Yao let out a helpless sigh.

Since Ling Qi truly cared for her and had promised to take responsibility, what else could she do? She had to accept everything. After all, she couldn’t bring herself to let go of him.

Jiang Ling nodded lightly. That was good.

A man like Ling Qi—even if her sister became one of many in his harem—it wouldn’t be considered a disgrace to the royal family.

“Report!”

Suddenly, a soldier rushed in.

He dropped to one knee and presented a letter with both hands. “Your Majesty, an urgent message from the border at the Great Wall!”

Jiang Ling’s beautiful face immediately turned serious.

The Great Wall?

Could it be that the Forbidden Demon Region had already begun to act?

She hurriedly accepted the letter, opened it, and as she read, her expression grew increasingly grim…

…

After Xu Qingxue picked up the medicine that Physician Bai had prepared from the Imperial Kitchen, Ling Qi brought her and Qiyue back to Ziyun Pavilion.

The palace had too many rules. Xu Qingxue probably wouldn’t feel comfortable there. Staying at Ziyun Pavilion would be better.

As long as they were within the capital, their safety was guaranteed.

“Xiao Chan, take Qiyue to decoct the medicine.”

As soon as they returned, Ling Qi gave the order.

He planned to have a proper conversation with Xu Qingxue about everything—especially about Jiang Yao.

He could never abandon Xu Qingxue and her daughter. No matter what, he had to win her over.

“Are you two going to whisper secrets again?” Qiyue frowned.

Why did her parents always have so many secrets? Couldn’t they let her hear too?

“Children shouldn’t listen to these things,” Xiao Chan said as she pulled Qiyue away.

There were too many messes Ling Qi had made in the past—he’d have to clean them up himself.

After they left, Ling Qi brought Xu Qingxue inside and closed the door.

“What is your relationship with that Princess?”

Before Ling Qi could even speak, Xu Qingxue asked the question.

She had already noticed Jiang Yao’s jealous looks back at the palace.

Clearly, Jiang Yao and Ling Qi had an unusual relationship. Had Ling Qi become the Princess Consort?

Ling Qi smiled. “If I told you everything, would you be angry?”

Xu Qingxue turned her head and stood by the window. “Do you think I shouldn’t be?”

For all these years, she and their daughter had endured so much suffering. And Ling Qi? He’d been living it up, possibly even marrying into royalty?

What a life of luxury!

Ling Qi walked up behind her and gently embraced her.

“It’s not what you think. I only met her a few days ago.”

“You haven’t married her?” Xu Qingxue asked.

“Of course not. I’ve never married anyone,” Ling Qi replied with a smile.

“Then how far have you two gone?” she asked again.

“Uh…” Ling Qi gave an awkward laugh. “Let’s just say… however far you imagine, that’s how far we’ve gone.”

He held her tighter.

Sure enough, Xu Qingxue immediately started to struggle in his arms.

However, she couldn’t break free.

However far she imagined? Of course, that meant… they had already slept together!

“Let me explain!”

Ling Qi held her tight and said gently, “Qingxue, I used to be a terrible man.”

“You still are,” Xu Qingxue huffed.

“You’re right. I am!” Ling Qi nodded. “But I had my reasons.”

“Oh? Scumbags need reasons now?” Xu Qingxue replied coldly.

“Of course. If not for certain reasons, I wouldn’t have been a scumbag.”

Ling Qi chuckled and began to explain, “Back then… I was misled. I thought this world wasn’t real.”

“To me, everything and everyone in it were fake. That’s why I did things without care…”

He told Xu Qingxue everything—though in a way that made his meaning easier to accept.

Xu Qingxue listened quietly. In the end, she understood what he meant.

She turned to face him. “So back then… you thought I was fake too?”

“At the time… I did.” Ling Qi gave a wry smile.

“You bastard…” Her eyes turned red with tears.

Back then, she had believed in him unconditionally, run away with him, given him everything.

And he had treated her like she wasn’t even real?

That was truly trading genuine love for heartless betrayal!

“What about what you told me before… about the Forbidden Demon Region?”

“That part wasn’t a lie. I really did go save the world. I really did save it once,” Ling Qi replied with a grin.

Even if the details differed slightly, the gist was the same.

“So… you’ve killed many people? Even ones you shouldn’t have?” Xu Qingxue looked up at him, her large eyes full of doubt.

Ling Qi nodded slightly.

“You’ve wronged a lot of women too, haven’t you? Anyone connected to you—none of them escaped unscathed?” she asked again.

Ling Qi nodded once more. That was true.

“You’re the ultimate heartless man…” Xu Qingxue raised her hand and punched him hard.

He really had betrayed the entire world.

But at the same time… he had saved the world too.

Was he a scumbag? Absolutely.

But he was also a hero.

Two completely opposite titles applied to the same man.

“Now that you’ve told me everything… what do you plan to do?”

Xu Qingxue looked him in the eye.

He had been with so many women—even the Princess.

What now? What did he intend to do?

“Since I’ve told you everything, I’ll leave it up to you,” Ling Qi smiled. “Whatever you say, I’ll do. In my heart, you come first.”

“Do you really think that sweet-talking works on me? That I’m still that naive girl from years ago?” Xu Qingxue glared at him.

Ling Qi smiled softly, then lowered his head and gently kissed her smooth forehead.

No… she wasn’t that girl anymore.

She had become a strong, weathered mother.

“In any case… I’ll listen to you now,” Ling Qi said with a gentle smile. “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it—even if it means abandoning all the others.”

Xu Qingxue hesitated.

She knew too well how painful it was to be abandoned, to live in loneliness.

She didn’t want the other women Ling Qi had hurt to suffer as she had.

Besides… it was possible she wasn’t the only one pregnant with Ling Qi’s child.

After a long moment, Xu Qingxue took a deep breath. “You can’t… live your whole life as a scumbag. The mistakes you made—of course you have to fix them yourself!”