After Betraying the Whole World, You’re Telling Me They Were All Real? - Chapter 16:

Chapter 16: Ling Qi Had Relations with So Many Women?

“Your Majesty may not know, but before this… he believed this world was a fake one,” Xu Qingxue said.

“So he never truly cared about anyone,” she continued. “That’s why, in the past, he made many mistakes. He’s let down too many women.”

“This… is a list he gave me. But aside from these, there are likely more—women whose names he doesn’t even remember.”

As she spoke, Xu Qingxue took out a scroll and handed it to Jiang Ling.

“I do know a bit about him,” Jiang Ling said as her eyes met Xu Qingxue’s. “But there’s never been anything between him and me.”

She accepted the scroll and slowly unrolled it. When her gaze fell on the densely packed names, her brows furrowed deeply.

This man… was truly a scoundrel in the past. He actually had relations with so many women? This went far beyond being merely flirtatious.

Among the names were many Jiang Ling recognized. One of them was the daughter of the Great Yan Empire’s border general. Now that Ling Qi was heading to the frontier, he was bound to meet her again…

“My name was only added by him on purpose. There’s never been anything between me and him,” Jiang Ling said when she reached the last three names. “Heroine Chu and Ye Youluo haven’t had anything with him either—at least not yet.”

“Then… why would he add the names?” Xu Qingxue asked in confusion.

“He probably did it to tease you. Or rather… to tease me.” Jiang Ling snorted softly. “You don’t know how arrogant this man is. As for me, Heroine Chu, and Ye Youluo… he doesn’t plan to spare any of us.”

“Ah?” Xu Qingxue was stunned. What was that supposed to mean?

“He was already on the brink of death, so he planned to…” Jiang Ling sighed, then told Xu Qingxue everything about Ling Qi.

She told her how Ling Qi nearly died in the Forbidden Demon Region and how he had planned to take all three of them before he died.

Xu Qingxue’s brows knitted tightly. “He… he was dying?”

She didn’t even care that Ling Qi had set his sights on Jiang Ling and the others. What truly concerned her was his life.

How could this be? 

She and Qiyue had just reunited with him, and now he was already at death’s door? If he died, what would happen to her and Qiyue?

“He didn’t tell you because he didn’t want you or Qiyue to worry,” Jiang Ling said with a sigh. “But you don’t have to be too worried either. There is still a way to save him.”

“The method to save him lies in Ye Youluo’s hands. Or rather… Ye Youluo herself can save him.”

“That’s also why Heroine Chu and I haven’t made a move against the Demon Sect yet.”

Xu Qingxue finally understood—Ling Qi’s life was now in Ye Youluo’s hands.

In that case, they had to let him interact with Ye Youluo more. If he could truly win her over, it might be a good thing.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know he still harbored such thoughts. I hope Your Majesty doesn’t take offense,” Xu Qingxue said softly.

Jiang Ling sneered, shaking her head. “Even if I did, what could I do? Is there anyone in the world who can really do anything to him?”

As far as Ling Qi was concerned, all she could do was let him be. Who could truly control him?

“This man’s ambition is enormous…” Xu Qingxue murmured.

But then again… maybe it wasn’t a bad thing.

Although she wished she could have Ling Qi all to herself, he already had so many women. What were a few more at this point?

Besides, just thinking that her man was so capable—that he could even attract someone like the Empress—made her feel a little proud.

“Luckily, he has no ambitions for the world—only for women,” Jiang Ling said with a smile. “Otherwise, this Empire of mine… would have long become his.”

“And it’s also because of you and your daughter that he finally realized this world isn’t fake.”

“If not for that, he would’ve never taken the catastrophe brought by the Forbidden Demon Region seriously.”

Had it not been for Xu Qingxue and Xu Qiyue, Ling Qi might still think everything was just part of a game, and everyone around him was just a NPC.

If he still believed this world didn’t matter, there was no way he’d ever concern himself with the coming disaster.

“He gave you that list. What do you plan to do with it?” Jiang Ling asked.

Xu Qingxue exhaled lightly and said helplessly, “Of course… I’ll do my best to make amends.”

“These women he let down—some may have lived harder lives than I did.”

“It’s even possible that, aside from me, there are others who got pregnant and gave birth to his child.”

“I can’t just let him abandon everyone else and only acknowledge me.”

“If he’s my man, then his responsibilities… are mine too.”

“Since I’ve accepted him, then I should bear the consequences with him.”

Now, like Ling Qi, she would find a way to make it up to those women. Or rather… she would seek them out first to give them some reassurance.

To let them prepare themselves mentally to accept the absurd reality of Ling Qi’s past.

“I can help with that,” Jiang Ling said with a faint smile.

She took out a golden token and handed it to Xu Qingxue. “Many of the women on this list are in the Great Yan Empire.”

“With this token, you’ll have unimpeded access across the Empire.”

“Wherever you go, the local officials and soldiers will cooperate with you.”

Xu Qingxue’s kindness was rare. If it had been someone with a worse temper, they’d never accept a man like Ling Qi.

Who could accept a man with so many women in his past?

Since she was kind enough to help Ling Qi make amends, Jiang Ling was willing to help her too—for Ling Qi’s sake.

If all of Ling Qi’s side troubles could be resolved, he could finally focus on dealing with the catastrophe from the demon race.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Xu Qingxue said, accepting the token without hesitation.

“If you need, I can also assign an elite squad to follow your command,” Jiang Ling added.

“Mm,” Xu Qingxue nodded again.

If she was going out, it wouldn’t be convenient or safe to go alone.

Jiang Ling let out a long sigh. “To have a virtuous wife like you is truly his blessing.”

Xu Qingxue smiled bitterly.

At this point, all she could do was try to steer things in a better direction. She really didn’t have another choice.

“Then… about Your Majesty’s name on that list…” Xu Qingxue asked.

“Cross it out. The fact that I’m not interfering with him and Yaoyao is already my mercy. If he dares come after me, he’s dreaming,” Jiang Ling said with a laugh. “If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t have spared him!”

Xu Qingxue couldn’t help but laugh too.

Indeed. If it were anyone else, they would’ve died a hundred times over already.

Who else but Ling Qi would dare to offend the Empress of the strongest Empire in the world?

…

On a tree-lined avenue, a horse-drawn carriage rushed forward under the push of an invisible force.

Inside the carriage sat Ling Qi and Chu Xinyue, facing each other.

Their eyes locked. Ling Qi never looked away, staring straight at Chu Xinyue.

Chu Xinyue, arms folded, stared back at him without a hint of emotion.

Her gaze seemed to say—others might shy away under his stare, but not her.

“You’ve stared enough. What are you looking at?” Chu Xinyue finally broke the silence after a long pause.

They couldn’t keep staring at each other like that forever.

“You look good,” Ling Qi replied with a smile.

“Better than your wife?” Chu Xinyue smiled faintly.

She was clearly reminding him—he was already a husband and father. He shouldn’t be thinking about her.

Her question left Ling Qi a bit speechless.

Complimenting one woman in front of another was never wise. But denying his own wife wasn’t right either.

“You have to understand—some fruits just can’t be compared,” Ling Qi finally said with a smile. “Peaches and apples are both sweet, but in different ways.”

“You’re really good at talking nonsense,” Chu Xinyue rolled her eyes and finally looked away.

This man—if you didn’t back down, he could stare you down forever.

“You know,” Ling Qi suddenly said, “among you three top beauties, you’re actually the most likable.”

Chu Xinyue understood he was comparing her to Jiang Ling and Ye Youluo.

“Because I’m not as aloof as they are?” she shot him a glare. “Because I don’t have their untouchable queenly air? In simple terms… you think I’m easier to win over, right?”

“No no no… that’s not what I meant,” Ling Qi said with a smile. “Whether a woman is easy to pursue has nothing to do with her presence.”

“I just meant you’re more approachable. A bit cuter than the other two.”

That part was true.

Jiang Ling and Ye Youluo were both born to rule, towering above all.

Chu Xinyue, on the other hand, was more grounded—and occasionally mischievous.

Ye Youluo and Jiang Ling made people admire and yearn for them.

But Chu Xinyue… truly made people like her. Children and adults alike.

“Cute, huh?” Chu Xinyue tilted her head. “How cute?”

Ling Qi grinned again.

See? She even knew how to tease.

“Almost as cute as Xiao Chan…”

He moved closer and sat beside her, then changed the subject, “Have you ever been to the Forbidden Demon Region?”

“I’ve hovered around the edges, but never gone deep,” Chu Xinyue replied.

The Forbidden Demon Region was a forbidden zone for humans. Who dared venture deep inside?

It was like the ocean—most people could play on the beach. But not everyone had what it took to dive into the deep sea.

“Back then, Your Majesty sent 100,000 soldiers into that place, and they vanished without a trace. Except for you… who would dare enter the heart of that demon-filled place?” Chu Xinyue said.

100,000 soldiers—what kind of concept was that?

They weren’t just a number in a novel. 100,000 soldiers stomping their feet could make the earth tremble.

Lined up in formation, they would be a dense, black sea of steel.

Even with Chu Xinyue’s strength, if she entered the midst of 100,000 armored warriors, she might not make it out.

Even if she poured all her strength into one attack, she might only pierce through a few thousand.

For the deepest part of the Forbidden Demon Region to swallow 100,000 soldiers without a trace… one couldn’t even imagine what was inside.

“Want to go see it?” Ling Qi smiled. “If it’s just you with me, I can guarantee we’ll return safely.”

Killing all the demons was impossible. But moving back and forth among countless demon soldiers was manageable.

After all, Chu Xinyue was at the peak of the Heaven-Revering Realm. She would never be a burden.

“I wouldn’t dare go alone. I can’t guarantee I’d make it out of the horde of monsters alive,” Chu Xinyue looked at him. “But if you’re confident you can take me in and out, I’ll go with you.”

“Great. I’ll take you in and show you what the deepest part of the Forbidden Demon Region looks like,” Ling Qi smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ve seen all the major demons in there and fought them all. The strongest is about on par with you.”

Chu Xinyue took a deep breath and gave a light nod.

With Ling Qi by her side, there was no harm in going. She had wanted to explore that place for a long time anyway—she just lacked the strength before.

“Let’s also check on that demon sword they’re forging. If we can destroy it before it’s complete… that would be best,” Ling Qi added with a smile.

If that sword was the demon race’s only major trump card, then destroying it would make them much less of a threat.

“What about your injuries?” Chu Xinyue looked at Ling Qi. Would his wounds suddenly flare up again in the Forbidden Demon Region? Wouldn’t that place leave him with trauma? Wasn’t he scared at all?

“It’s fine. Ye Youluo gave me some medicine. It helps reduce the damage when I circulate my Qi,” Ling Qi smiled.

“Oh? She’s that generous?” Chu Xinyue raised an eyebrow. “Come to think of it, I’ve never met that so-called demoness face-to-face. Tell me, what kind of person is she?”

“Her?” Ling Qi smiled again. “She’s domineering, hot-tempered… but not nearly as evil as the world makes her out to be.”

The Demon Sect was indeed overbearing—sometimes even more so than the imperial court. And they always resolved conflict with bloodshed at the slightest provocation.

That was why the world feared them and avoided them at all costs. But in truth… the Demon Sect wasn’t as unforgivable as people imagined.

Ye Youluo certainly wasn’t the bloodthirsty murderer everyone said she was. At the end of the day… it was simply: if others didn’t provoke her, she wouldn’t provoke them.

“Looks like you really like her,” Chu Xinyue smiled.

“About as much as I like you,” Ling Qi replied teasingly.

Chu Xinyue shot him a glare. Like hell you do!

You already have a wife and daughter. Can’t you restrain that flirtatious heart of yours?

The carriage continued speeding along, and Ling Qi kept chatting with Chu Xinyue about everything related to Ye Youluo…

Meanwhile, over on Ye Youluo’s side—she had just returned to the Demon Island, and by the very next day, the people from the Snow Sect came knocking.

…

Across the vast sea, a magnificent island stood tall in the distance. All around the island, massive fortifications had been installed at the port.

The enormous crossbows used previously against the demon dragon were now part of the island’s defenses.

Since the incident where Ling Qi forcefully landed on the island, the island’s security had grown far more rigorous. Patrols guarded the area around the clock in shifts across all twelve hours of the day. Every watchtower was manned at all times.

“What’s that?” someone on one of the watchtowers suddenly spotted a small black dot on the distant sea.

As it got closer, it became clear that it was a large ship.

“Unknown large vessel approaching! Prepare for defense, prepare for defense!” the soldier shouted.

Immediately, the entire port jumped into action. The giant crossbows were drawn, massive arrows loaded and ready.

“Who is it? Could it be a warship from the Great Yan Empire?”

“Are they planning to attack Demon Island?”

“Doesn’t seem likely. If it were the Great Yan Empire, why only one ship?”

“Who cares where they’re from? Whoever approaches Demon Island… dies!”

The lead guard shouted, “Once the ship is within range, fire at will!”

“Yes!”

The troops roared in unison.

While everyone waited tensely, the ship drew closer… and closer… until it reached the waters directly before the port.

“Loose!”

The commander bellowed.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Massive arrows fired in rapid succession like a storm of thunderbolts, just as they had during the battle against the demon dragon.

At the bow of the ship stood a white-haired man—none other than the Snow Sect’s old ancestor!

This ship, of course, belonged to the Snow Sect.

“I didn’t expect such a vast island to exist in the middle of this sea. Truly a fortress—easy to defend and hard to attack,” the Snow Sect old ancestor said calmly as he gazed at the enormous Demon Island.

Surrounded on all sides by ocean, anyone who wished to attack the Demon Island had only one path: by sea. But the investment required to construct large-scale ships and siege weapons would be astronomical. The cost of conquering this place would far outweigh the value of the land gained. Truly, this place was a treasure.

If one were to establish an imperial capital here, it would be a natural stronghold.

And the Demon Sect… was essentially a self-governed empire. They certainly had an eye for real estate.

“Old Ancestor, you may not know, but exactly because this place is so well-fortified, even the Great Yan Empire had to think twice before launching a full crusade against—”

BOOM!

A subordinate of the Snow Sect had just begun to speak when a massive arrow, thick as a man’s arm, blasted through the air and pierced straight through his chest, pinning him against the ship’s hull.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

A barrage of arrows followed, turning the entire ship into a sieve within moments.

The old ancestor’s expression turned cold. He raised his hands calmly.

Buzz!

Black mist surged from him, forming a barrier that shielded the ship.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

All the massive arrows shattered against the barrier.

With half-step Supreme Limit Realm cultivation, the old ancestor could easily block such attacks.

“Raise the flag!” he ordered.

Immediately, the Snow Sect’s banners were hoisted high.

On the island, the port guards’ expressions changed.

“He blocked the heavy crossbow volley? There’s a powerful expert aboard!”

“Look! That’s… the Snow Sect’s banner!”

“The Snow Sect? But the Sect Master just returned from the Snow Sect—why are they here so soon?”

“Could it be… the Snow Sect’s old ancestor?”

“Report to the Sect Master immediately!”

A messenger rushed to inform Ye Youluo.

When Ye Youluo heard the Snow Sect had come straight to the Demon Island, she flew from the inner island in a flash. Her crimson dress fluttered as her graceful figure landed atop the highest watchtower.

Behind her, the Thirty-Six Heavenly Stars and Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends of the Demon Sect emerged one after another, weapons in hand.

How bold! To dare appear directly at the Demon Island?

Until now, only Ling Qi had ever landed without prior permission.

Under Ye Youluo and her subordinates’ cold gaze, the Snow Sect’s ship approached slowly and came to a halt—less than 200 meters from the shore.

“Hehe, is this how your noble island welcomes its guests?” the old ancestor asked with a faint smile, black mist fading around him.

His eyes locked on Ye Youluo.

Her tall and curvaceous figure, the crimson dress, bare jade-like feet, and stunning face—all made her breathtakingly beautiful.

A natural-born goddess.

This beauty must belong to him.

“Guests?” Ye Youluo stood tall, her voice frosty. “On my Demon Island, there is no such word. Those who approach without permission—kill without mercy.”

She raised her longsword, about to give the kill order.

“Sect Master, wait!” the old ancestor called out from the ship. “I’ve come today to discuss joining forces with you to conquer the Great Yan Empire.”

“I sent men previously to invite you, but you refused. Now I’ve come personally, as a sign of great respect.”

“If you act without hearing me out, isn’t that unreasonable? For the sake of mutual interest, shouldn’t we at least have a proper talk?”

Though slightly stronger than Ye Youluo, it was clear he had taken a liking to her. He wanted to win her completely.

So for now… he was still being respectful.

Ye Youluo paused.

“I heard from your men that you’ve been in seclusion for countless years trying to break into the Supreme Limit Realm, but ultimately failed,” she said indifferently. “So I’m curious—what gives someone like you, who hasn’t even succeeded, the courage to talk about conquering the Great Yan Empire?”

Even the entire Demon Sect combined was no match for the Great Yan Empire.

How could the Snow Sect possibly stand a chance?

The Snow Sect’s old ancestor was only at the peak of the Heaven-Revering Realm. That was enough to raise the sect’s status significantly—but what else did they have? The rest of the sect were useless nobodies.

“Hehe, what the Sect Master doesn’t know is—had it not been for Ling Qi’s interference, I would’ve reached Supreme Limit Realm during the final Saintess ritual,” the old ancestor said calmly. “His appearance forced me to wake up early and break my seclusion.”

“Right now, I may not have reached the Supreme Limit Realm yet. But if I can find a woman at the peak of the Heaven-Revering Realm to dual cultivate with, I will definitely break through.”

“At that point, taking the Great Yan Empire would be easy.”

“Hehe, and if the Sect Master is willing… you would be my ideal partner for dual cultivation.”

“I promise you, if you accept, once the empire is ours, I will make you the new Empress. I… will serve you faithfully.”

Of course, it was all lies. He’d promise anything now.

But once he broke through to the Supreme Limit Realm, everything would be under his control.

The entire Demon Sect was filled with furious expressions.

So this white-haired bastard came here to seek dual cultivation with their Sect Master?

Absurd!

After everything with Ling Qi, everyone in the Demon Sect believed that only Ling Qi was worthy of their Sect Master.

Though the old ancestor was powerful, he didn’t deserve her.

Ye Youluo’s face showed nothing but cold disdain.

How could she not see through his hollow promises?

Besides, there was no way she would ever dual cultivate with him.

Once, she was a cold, untouchable queen—indifferent to all men. Ling Qi had stirred something inside her, just barely.

But that was the only ripple.

Until now, no man besides Ling Qi meant anything to her. The rest were disgusting.

“You may not know, but the Empress of the Great Yan Empire is a friend of Ling Qi,” Ye Youluo said coldly. “If you dare target the Great Yan Empire, don’t forget—when Ling Qi slaughtered the Snow Sect, you didn’t even dare show your face.”

At those words, a vein popped on the old ancestor’s forehead.

He came here because he desired Ye Youluo, and now she was praising another man while humiliating him.

How could he tolerate such disgrace?

“Hmph, what’s so special about Ling Qi?” he sneered. “If I break through to the Supreme Limit Realm, taking him down will be effortless!”

Everyone in the Demon Sect sneered inwardly.

You? Compare yourself to Ling Qi?

Ling Qi had already been in the Supreme Limit Realm for who knows how long. Even if you break through, how could you possibly match him?

Ye Youluo also sneered.

She knew better than anyone that Ling Qi was injured. Yet even in that state, he remained unmatched.

If he were in peak condition, his power would be unimaginable.

The old ancestor wasn’t qualified to be compared to him. Even if he reached the Supreme Limit Realm, he would still be far behind Ling Qi.

“Leave,” Ye Youluo said coldly. “I have no interest in joining hands with the Snow Sect… nor do I intend to make you my enemy.”

There was no way she’d ever dual cultivate with him.

Nor would she oppose Ling Qi.

Even though Ling Qi had a wife and child now… the moment her heart had stirred, how could she simply let it fade?

The old ancestor laughed coldly.

He raised his hand slowly and clenched it into a fist.

“Sect Master, I hope you understand—I came to you out of goodwill, respect, and admiration.”

“But that does not mean… I must continue to respect or admire you.”

He had treated her politely because he liked her.

Otherwise… he could just take her by force.

“Oh?” Ye Youluo chuckled icily, her eyes filled with contempt. “You think you can make a move? I’d like to see how strong you really are, you old monster who’s been lying in bed for centuries!”