After Betraying the Whole World, You’re Telling Me They Were All Real? - Chapter 2:

Chapter 2: So… All the Ones I Wronged Were Real?

As expected, Ling Qi’s initial suspicion was right. This catgirl wasn’t a tabby at all—she was a black cat. She was his cat. She was his system.

So now, the real question emerged. Why had she run away back then? And now that they met again, why was she hiding?

Xiao Chan was filled with despair and fear. She knew Ling Qi was going to get to the bottom of everything, and she would have no choice but to tell him the whole truth.

Ling Qi raised his hand, and all the sword Qi instantly withdrew. As the pressure disappeared, Xiao Chan collapsed onto the ground, her entire body trembling and weak.

She could feel it clearly—Ling Qi had truly wanted to kill her just now.

Ling Qi had indeed planned to kill her. If he killed the wrong target, it was just an NPC. So he acted decisively. Fortunately, this girl wasn’t just afraid—she was exactly the one he was looking for.

She was his system.

A system that feared death?

Or rather… could a system actually die?

Ling Qi walked forward, crouched down, and gently rubbed her little head, a smile on his face.

“My little system… I finally found you. Do you know how much I’ve missed you?”

Though his smile seemed gentle, in Xiao Chan’s eyes, it was terrifying—like a twisted killing intent lurked beneath it.

Ling Qi asked, “Weren’t you supposed to be a little tabby cat?”

“I…” Xiao Chan couldn’t answer. Now that she’d been exposed, anything she said would be meaningless.

Ling Qi said, “Come on, tell me. Why did you run away back then? Why didn’t you acknowledge me when you saw your master?”

“You… you’re not my master!” Xiao Chan blinked her big eyes.

She never had a master. She wasn’t a system at all.

Ling Qi frowned, “Oh? Then who is your master? Jiang Ling?”

“She’s not either. I don’t have a master,” Xiao Chan pouted, hugged her knees, and whispered, “I… I’m not a system at all.”

Ling Qi’s face changed instantly.

What did that mean?

Not a system?

Then what was she?

“I… I can tell you the whole truth, but you have to promise me one thing,” Xiao Chan looked up timidly.

Ling Qi asked, “What is it?”

“You… you can’t kill me!” Xiao Chan said with a pitiful face.

Ling Qi chuckled while rubbing her head, “What are you thinking? You’re so cute. How could I kill you?”

His tone was gentle, but to Xiao Chan, it was still terrifying.

Ling Qi said, “Go on, tell me everything. And also, tell me how to clear this game world and leave it.”

Xiao Chan pursed her lips. He still thought this was a game world…

That’s why he did whatever he pleased. He wanted to explore every corner of the map. And because of that, he ended up seriously injured and dying…

“This world… there’s no such thing as clearing it.”

She continued, “Because… this isn’t a game world. This is the real world.”

As soon as she said it, Ling Qi’s hand on her head tensed. “What… did you just say!?”

“Don’t kill me! You promised you wouldn’t!” Xiao Chan trembled and nearly cried.

She could feel that in the next second, Ling Qi might crush her head.

Ling Qi said, “Explain it clearly!”

“It means… exactly what it sounds like,” Xiao Chan said in fear. “You’re not trapped in a game world. You actually transmigrated.”

“And I… I’m not a system either.”

“I originally belonged to this world. I don’t know how I ended up in your world.”

“Then I found a way back, and when I activated the teleportation, you happened to be nearby… so I accidentally brought you along.”

“I didn’t mean to!”

“I wanted you to live peacefully in this world, so I told you I was your system.”

“I was scared you’d come looking for trouble, so I ran away.”

“I didn’t expect to run into you again today. And I didn’t expect… that you still thought this was a game world.”

This was the entire truth.

Although she had considered keeping Ling Qi in the dark forever… she couldn’t anymore.

Especially since Ling Qi was on the verge of death. If he kept treating this as a game world and didn’t care about his own life, he would die even faster.

If he really died, then it would be her fault.

So now, she had to tell him everything.

What Ling Qi did with the truth—she would leave it up to him.

At least she could say she had no regrets once she told it all.

Ling Qi didn’t say a word. He just kept his hand on Xiao Chan’s head and stared at her.

This was… the real world?

Everything… wasn’t just part of a game setting? It was all real?

He asked slowly, “So… no one is an NPC? Everyone is real?”

“You’re real, Jiang Ling is real, Chu Xinyue and the others are all real?”

Xiao Chan nodded, “Yes, everything is real.”

“Everyone I slept with… everyone I killed… everyone I wronged… everyone I bullied… they were all real?” Ling Qi frowned deeply. “Everything I’ve done in this world was real?”

“It’s all real…” Xiao Chan pouted.

Ling Qi took a deep breath.

What a joke… this was all actually real?

He had once considered the possibility that this world was real. After all, everything felt too vivid.

But because of the transmigration and the system, he chose to believe the system’s words.

In the end, he believed the wrong thing?

Everything—every person, every event, the entire world—was real.

All the women he had been with were not NPCs.

Everyone he had killed or offended… none of them were NPCs.

Even Chu Xinyue, whom he had just driven to tears, wasn’t.

And one more thing…

“So if I die… I’ll really, truly die?”

Ling Qi gritted his teeth.

Because he thought this was a game world, he never cared about his own life.

He even thought once he died, he could just log out.

But the reality?

Dead meant dead.

His life wasn’t a game character’s life—it was a real life!

“That’s… that’s right,” Xiao Chan nodded obediently, then quickly added, “I’m sorry… I really meant well at the time. I didn’t want you to suffer too much.”

After all, completely transmigrating into a strange world with nothing—especially a fantasy world—without any cultivation, life would’ve been incredibly hard.

She gave him something to believe in, so he could live with peace of mind. Even if he died, he wouldn’t be afraid.

It truly was out of kindness.

Xiao Chan muttered, “Actually… if I hadn’t said those things back then, maybe you wouldn’t be as strong as you are now.”

Ling Qi treated this world like a game world, so he dared to do anything. That recklessness helped shape who he was now.

Now, he stood at the very peak of power—he had reached the Supreme Limit Realm. He was one of a kind in the entire world.

It was her lie that created the current him.

Though… he was also dying now because of that same lie.

Ling Qi continued rubbing her head. “You really know how to justify yourself.”

Xiao Chan’s face was full of panic as she felt the increasing pressure from his palm.

Please no, don’t crush my head…

If you must kill me, at least let me die whole.

Xiao Chan quickly said, “T-The Empress also said… if you can find the imperial physician’s master, that old divine doctor, you might still be saved.”

She added, “As long as you survive, wouldn’t that be a blessing in disguise?”

Ling Qi looked at her and asked, “And what if I can’t find him? Do you think I have much time left?”

Xiao Chan asked cautiously, “H-How much time do you have?”

Ling Qi gave a bitter smile, “Maybe a year or two. Maybe just a few months.”

Xiao Chan’s face immediately filled with guilt. “I’m sorry… I’m really, really sorry…”

Ling Qi smiled faintly, then gently patted Xiao Chan’s head before standing up and walking to the table. He sat down, took a deep breath, and poured himself a cup of tea.

How many years had it been since he came to this world?

How many people had he killed during this time? How many people had he offended—people he shouldn’t have? And how many women had he wronged?

And in the end… all of it was real?

He had assumed they were all NPCs, unimportant. He had believed this was just a game world, so no matter how excessive his actions were, it didn’t matter.

But the truth?

He really had become a complete scumbag. A heartless bastard who did whatever he pleased, abandoned countless women, and now… was on the verge of death.

“You… you’re really not going to kill me?” Xiao Chan still sat on the ground, watching the worried expression on Ling Qi’s face.

“What’s the point of killing you?” Ling Qi looked back at her.

Yes, it was her fault that he ended up like this. But it was also because of her that he had gained such incredible strength.

If he hadn’t acted recklessly, charging into forbidden places and seizing anything he wanted, he wouldn’t have encountered so many fortuitous opportunities, nor reached the Supreme Limit Realm.

Now that the truth was out, what good would killing her do?

Nothing.

What mattered now… was staying alive.

Hearing his words, Xiao Chan let out a long sigh of relief. As long as he wasn’t going to kill her, that was all that mattered.

She stood up and obediently walked to Ling Qi’s side, pouring him a fresh cup of tea. “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely help you find that old divine doctor.”

As long as Ling Qi was cured, everyone would be happy. With his strength, even the Empress had to support him. If the whole world was looking for one person, how could they not find him?

Ling Qi gave a bitter smile. He could only hope.

“How long have you been with Jiang Ling?” Ling Qi asked, lifting his cup.

“Only a few months,” Xiao Chan quickly replied. “Her Majesty found me and took me in.”

“And how did you end up in… our world?” Ling Qi asked.

“I… I don’t know,” Xiao Chan shook her head. “I lost my memory, but I had this strong feeling inside—like I had to return to this world. So I found a way back.”

“Do you have a way to return again?” Ling Qi continued.

But Xiao Chan shook her head again. “No, I’ve never heard of anyone who even knows another world exists.”

Ling Qi sighed. Now that he knew he couldn’t go back, he suddenly felt… homeless.

“But… if I recover my memories, I might figure out how I got there in the first place. Maybe I can find a way to send you back.” Xiao Chan offered.

Ling Qi shook his head.

He came from that world, yes, but returning didn’t matter. There was nothing back there for him. What mattered was staying alive.

Now, he needed to find that old divine doctor.

And… he had to make things right with all the women he’d wronged. They were all real, living people.

Some of them, he had truly treated unfairly…

Including Chu Xinyue, who he had just bullied. She was still furious with him, completely ignoring him. He had to coax her…

Ling Qi downed another cup of tea, took a deep breath, and muttered to himself.

Fine. Since I’m here, I’ll just keep going.

I’ve lived freely these past few years. No regrets.

Besides, with his strength at the Supreme Limit Realm, he was undefeated under the heavens.

In this world, he could still do whatever he wanted.

He could still live freely.

“From now on, stay with me. I’ll help you recover your memories,” Ling Qi said.

“Mhm!” Xiao Chan nodded eagerly.

As long as Ling Qi didn’t kill her, she was more than happy to follow him. He was at the Supreme Limit Realm—no one could protect her better.

“You should go to sleep now,” Ling Qi said, standing up.

“Where… where are you going?” Xiao Chan asked.

“To coax Chu Xinyue. I took something from her just now, she must be really upset.” Ling Qi smiled and shook his head.

“Alright then!” Xiao Chan nodded obediently.

Ling Qi turned and left the room, leaving Xiao Chan behind.

She took a deep breath and silently swore in her heart, “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you survive. We’ll survive together!”

…

In another room, Chu Xinyue sat alone at the table, her expression cold and blank.

Just then, the door opened. Ling Qi stepped inside.

He didn’t knock. But Chu Xinyue said nothing, as if she had expected him to come—and expected him not to knock.

Of course, not knocking was just an excuse to start a conversation.

But she didn’t want to speak to him. She didn’t want to acknowledge him.

Because what Ling Qi did… was truly awful.

Ling Qi closed the door behind him and walked up to her. She didn’t even glance at him, sitting as if he didn’t exist.

Seeing her so angry, Ling Qi chuckled.

He leaned in until his face was right in front of her eyes. “Still mad?”

Chu Xinyue turned her head away, clearly not wanting to see him.

But Ling Qi leaned to the other side, catching her gaze again. “Come on, don’t be mad anymore, alright?”

“You think I’m a child?” Chu Xinyue spun her chair around, turning her back to him.

That tone—was he seriously trying to coax her like a child?

Did he think she was that easy?

Ling Qi smiled at her reaction. Who would’ve thought that the graceful, heroic Fairy Chu would have such a cute side?

He sat down, reached for the teapot, but then changed his mind. He took out his wine flask instead and poured himself a drink.

Then, silently, he sat there and drank in front of Chu Xinyue.

Now that he knew everything was real, he truly needed something to drown his sorrows.

Chu Xinyue noticed the silence. No words, no actions.

Her eyes shifted slightly to look at him.

Why did he look so troubled?

She was supposed to be the one upset. The one fuming. The one giving the cold shoulder.

He came to her room—wasn’t he supposed to coax her?

Why did he stop?

Now he was just drinking by himself. What was that supposed to mean?

Ling Qi poured a second cup and downed it.

Chu Xinyue couldn’t stay still any longer. Just what was he doing?

Why didn’t he drink in his own room?

Then Ling Qi poured a third cup.

Chu Xinyue furrowed her brows, grabbed the cup, and downed it herself, slamming it back on the table with a snort.

Seeing that, Ling Qi smiled, “Now you really do look like a little kid.”

Chu Xinyue turned away again, not wanting to engage.

“I meant what I said earlier. I’ll do anything for you. Just say the word.”

Ling Qi added, “It was just a jade pendant. Keeping it wouldn’t help you anyway, right?”

“You’ll really do anything for me?” Chu Xinyue turned to stare at him.

Ling Qi nodded. He meant it—especially now that he knew she wasn’t an NPC but a real person.

“Then go kill the Empress for me!” Chu Xinyue said coldly.

Ling Qi froze.

Was that really necessary?

“You really want her dead?” Ling Qi asked.

“Can’t do it?” Chu Xinyue sneered.

“Fine! I’ll go right now!” Ling Qi stood up and turned around.

Seeing this, Chu Xinyue quickly frowned and shouted, “No… forget it! I don’t want her dead.”

Ling Qi smiled.

He knew she didn’t mean it.

She had already given up the throne. How could she want Jiang Ling’s life?

Killing Jiang Ling would only bring bloodshed, ruin, and war. Innocent people would suffer.

“Then make another request. Anything.” Ling Qi smiled as he turned around again.

“I… haven’t decided yet. I’ll tell you later.” Chu Xinyue replied helplessly.

Ling Qi smiled and sat back down. “Not angry anymore?”

Chu Xinyue glared at him. As if she’d let it go that easily?

A promise from someone at the Supreme Limit Realm was worth more than a jade pendant… but that pendant held deep meaning for her. It wasn’t something any promise could replace.

“I’m sorry. I had no other choice.” Ling Qi said softly. “Now that I have my answer, if you still want the pendant, I’ll go get it back.”

“The door to the confinement chamber is open. The items inside have already been taken. What good is it now?” Chu Xinyue said angrily.

“Don’t worry. She’ll never reach the Supreme Limit Realm,” Ling Qi said with a smile. “And even if she does, if she ever tries to hurt you—I’ll stop her.”

“Go help her instead. Why bother helping me? She’s the Empress. A goddess!” Chu Xinyue snorted again.

You took my treasure for her. That means she’s more important to you than I am.

What’s the point of saying all this now?

Hearing her slightly jealous tone, Ling Qi smiled and shook his head. “I told you—I had no choice. But now, that reason’s gone.”

“So you’ll stand by my side forever now?” Chu Xinyue asked, her beautiful eyes staring at him.

Ling Qi let out an awkward laugh. That’s not exactly what he meant…

“Hmph. Talk is cheap.” Chu Xinyue scoffed. She knew what he was thinking.

He planned to win over all three women. There was no way she was his top priority.

“I’ll help whoever’s right. Is that fair enough?” Ling Qi said.

He wasn’t choosing sides. Everything depended on the situation.

“In any conflict… at least one side must be wrong.” Ling Qi continued. “And I believe that you’ll never be the one in the wrong.”

She had such a generous heart—even giving up the throne. How could someone like her have any bad intentions?

In other words, Ling Qi was saying… most of the time, he would stand by her side.

Hearing that, Chu Xinyue finally let out a soft snort and didn’t argue.

She pushed her cup toward him, signaling him to pour.

If he wanted someone to drink with—she’d keep him company.

Ling Qi smiled and filled both their cups.

“You’ve got something on your mind?” Chu Xinyue asked.

“Kind of,” Ling Qi smiled, set down the flask, and pulled open his shirt.

Chu Xinyue looked closely—and her eyes widened in shock. “What… what is that?”

It was a wound.

A terrifying, deadly wound. And clearly very old.

How was he even still alive?

“I went into the Forbidden Demon Region alone. I didn’t think it would be a problem,” Ling Qi said with a wry smile. “But those demons summoned a sword… and that happened.”

“At the time, I thought it was fine. But just now, I learned… I won’t live much longer.”

He hadn’t been afraid back then. Even surrounded by thousands of demons, he could slaughter them freely.

But when he cornered them, they summoned a sword—one that pierced into his body.

He had thought it was no big deal. If he died, he’d just log out.

But now he knew… death here was real.

“That sword… had power equal to the Supreme Limit Realm?” Chu Xinyue frowned.

Back then, Ling Qi was at his peak—fully restored. And yet, he’d been gravely wounded?

Just how powerful was that sword?

And how could those demons in the Forbidden Demon Region possess such a weapon?

What were they planning?

“That sword was indeed special. I don’t know where they got it from.” Ling Qi let out a bitter laugh. “I used to think my life wasn’t worth much. But now… heh.”

Now, he finally realized—if he died, he’d truly be gone.

So of course, he wanted to live.

“Is there any way to heal it?” Chu Xinyue asked.

So what he said before… about having gone into the Forbidden Demon Region… was true?

But didn’t he say before he didn’t care about life or death?

Why was he suddenly worried?

“Jiang Ling mentioned that the Medical Immortal in the Great Yan Empire has a master. That master might be able to save me.” Ling Qi straightened his collar, then asked, “You’ve been in the martial world for years. Ever heard of that old divine doctor?”

Chu Xinyue’s face darkened with disappointment.

“If only he can save you… you might already be doomed,” she said.

Ling Qi frowned, “What do you mean?”

“Because that old divine doctor… died many years ago. No one knows it yet.” Chu Xinyue replied.

Ling Qi’s heart sank.

Was he… finished?

“After retiring, he traveled alone, continuing his research into medicine,” Chu Xinyue continued. “But years ago, he encountered people from the Demon Sect… and was killed.”

“However… he did leave behind a medical tome. And now… it’s in the Demon Sect’s hands.”

“In the hands of Ye Youluo!”