Ethereal World: Vicious Cannon Fodder's Immortality Road

She absorbed his warmth and scent, focusing on the rhythm of his breath. One hand subconsciously touched his right arm, while the other rested against his muscular back, where his tattoo was hidden beneath his Hanfu.

She relaxed slightly upon noticing that his right arm was fine. But the hand that touched his back suddenly burned, as if something hot had seared her skin. Her eyes stung, turning red again. She didn’t want them to notice, so she tightly shut her eyes.

Shenlian Yinzhu’s body stiffened the moment her hand brushed against the snake tattoo on his back, even through his robes.

"Yue’er, are you uncomfortable anywhere?" His voice was hoarse, tinged with desire that he tried to suppress, though she didn’t notice. He placed her on his lap, embracing her in his arms, providing her with a sense of comfort and security.

His heart pounded against his chest, relishing this rare closeness. His lips lingered near her ear, his hot breath brushing against her skin. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he struggled to control himself.

Unable to resist, he pressed his lips against her ear, then moved to her cheek and down to her delicate neck. His kisses were obsessive yet featherlight, hot lips grazing her skin.

His arms tightened around her, as if he never wanted to let go, as if he longed to make her a part of himself.

But before he could lose himself further, her soft voice reached his ears.

"Brother, I want to learn more skills. I want to master everything, arrays, formations, alchemy, rune drawing, talismans, and poison refining." Her voice was so low, almost unheard, as if she were still lost in the memories of the illusion.

She didn’t notice the purple tattoo forming on her slender right wrist, a mark of Abyssal Veil Orchid petals.

Shenlian Yinzhu smiled softly, his gaze filled with doting affection. But beneath it, unspeakable pain lurked.

"Good," he whispered. "Whatever Yue’er wants, I will do my best to help her."

He knew she was hiding something. How many years and lifetimes had they spent together? He understood her nature well. If she didn’t want to talk, no one could force her. So, he would do everything to lift her spirits instead.

The others remained silent, watching them. Their emotions were complicated.

The bond between the two siblings was too deep, so deep that they could never replace Shenlian Yinzhu’s position in her heart. It wasn’t just love or affection.

It was something beyond comprehension, something so profound, so unreachable, that none of them could truly understand it.

But soon, their low spirits lifted. So what? None of them had ever wanted to replace Shenlian Yinzhu.

They knew their place in her heart. Their souls and hearts were connected to hers, and she loved them all equally. That was more than enough.

Once she had calmed down, Shenlian Yingyue picked up the black sword, now back in its original form. But the moment she held it, she noticed something strange.

The once shabby, worn-out sword had improved in appearance. It looked better than before. What happened?

She didn’t know. But she didn’t blame the sword for bringing her here. Instead, she thanked it, for allowing her to witness a past she had never known. She stroked the blade gently, then stood up.

The sword quivered in delight, releasing a coquettish aura, as if happy that she wasn’t angry.

"So, Master, how did you end up here?" Bing Xue asked, his tone filled with doubt.

He and the others, except for Shenlian Yinzhu, Jun Mu Yang, Zhiyi, and Xiong Zi Ying, had been inside the Ethereal Small World.

They didn’t know what had happened outside because, the moment she reached the mountaintop, her spiritual connection with the Ethereal Small World had suddenly severed. It had terrified them.

But thankfully, the disconnection lasted only a few seconds before everything returned to normal.

By the time they rushed out, they found her unconscious in Shenlian Yinzhu’s arms, pulled from the deep pond.

"I underwent a trial here," she explained, giving them the details, except for what she saw in the illusion.

It wasn’t that she didn’t trust them. She just didn’t want them to share her pain. The past was like smoke, a painful memory.

But now, she embraced the present. She had her brother and her companions, and her life was already good.

Of course, she would remember the past. She would find those who hurt her father and brother. She would avenge them. But she wouldn’t let the pain of the past burden the ones she loved now.

Shenlian Yinzhu knew she was hiding something. So, he simply held her wrist, his grip firm.

As if reassuring himself that she was still here with him, that no matter what happened in the future, they would never be separated.

"Speaking of which, Master, why are there so many new things in our small world now?" Xiao Mei suddenly asked in surprise. Because he had been outside, he hadn’t checked the Ethereal Small World yet.

But the Spirit Bees had informed him, a new paradise had appeared near the flowery forest.

Everyone turned to look at Shenlian Yingyue.

She blinked. "Why are you all looking at me?"

"Master, what have you done?" Xiao Li pouted, hugging her arm. "Did you collect treasures without us?"

Xiao Lan climbed onto her shoulder, his small paws playing with her soft hair.

"I have no idea, let’s check it out." She waved her hand, activating protective barriers as they entered the Ethereal Small World.

[Ethereal Small World]

Sure enough, a new piece of paradise had merged with the Ethereal Small World.

The land wasn’t big, only the size of a small town, but it was overflowing with rare resources.

A mystic pond radiated ancient power. Several ancient trees stood tall, exuding magical energy. A dozen strange-looking fruits dangled from their branches, their scent mouthwatering. Snake-like vines coiled around the trees. A small field of Ethereal Orchids bloomed.

"Wow! What kind of pond is this?" Wang Pei Zhi exclaimed excitedly.

"No idea!" Everyone shook their heads.

"I recognize these flowers, they’re Ethereal Orchids." Jun Mu Yang spoke.

"What are they?" Zhizhi and Tian Tian asked curiously.

Shenlian Sheshan explained, "Unlike Abyssal Veil Orchids, these prevent illusions rather than cause them. You can brew them into tea, eat them, or cook with them."

Shenlian Yingyue was speechless.

If her memory was correct, this paradise was the same place she saw before falling into the illusion. She had thought it was just a dream but it was real.

Suddenly,

"Master! Your cultivation level!!!" Lu Long gasped in shock.

Everyone froze. Then, they noticed, her cultivation had skyrocketed.

Their lips twitched, this is too inhuman.

"Master, you advance very fast." Xie Xie’s neutral expression softened with a smile as he clung to her sleeve.

Shenlian Yingyue, "....."

Can someone please explain what’s going on?