Seraphine tucked the flower into her hair with practiced grace.

The crimson bloom resembled a peony—scarlet petals with golden stamens that nestled perfectly against her thick, raven-black locks.

A subtle fragrance drifted from the delicate flower as her pale fingers brushed against the petals. She turned to Echo with that devastatingly beautiful smile of hers.

“How do I look?”

Absolutely stunning. I immediately gave it a thumbs up.

Seraphine nodded with satisfaction, then moved behind Echo to check the reflection in the Nine Heavens. Her smile widened as she admired the result.

“I have something for you too.” Seraphine said softly, retrieving a fine golden mesh net and Echo’s physical data core from her storage ring.

I tilted my head curiously, watching as she carefully placed my marble-like core—what she affectionately called my “Barbie ball”—into the intricate golden netting.

The mesh tightened around my silver-white core, which immediately began pulsing with iridescent light. Delicate golden threads dangled from her fingertips, adorned with colorful gemstones carved into elaborate patterns of flowers and mythical beasts.

Seraphine glanced at my empty waist. I quickly explained how I’d stored away the jade pendant she’d given me earlier. She hummed acknowledgment and tied my core around my waist like a decorative charm.

The golden threads swayed with my movements, creating a soft rustling sound. I bent my eyes into happy crescents. “It’s beautiful!”

Behind us on the silk couch, Error had been struggling to free itself from it earlier restraints. It transformed back into it’s dragon form and slithered over to coil around both of us, rubbing it head affectionately against our bodies.

Dragon wants to be pretty too!

Neither of us had anticipated Error’s sudden burst of enthusiasm. Our bodies were pressed together abruptly, and I let out a surprised “Aiya!” as my chin bumped against Seraphine’s forehead.

“I’m sorry!” I immediately reached up to rub the spot where we’d collided.

“Error!” Seraphine scolded, her face flushing pink.

The distance between them had vanished completely. The cool, snow-like aura mixed with the concentrated floral essence, creating an intoxicating blend that made the air around them feel thick and warm.

Seraphine’s face turned an even deeper shade of red as she pressed her hands against Echo’s shoulders, gently pushing.

“It’s a bit cramped.” I admitted honestly.

“Seraphine, you’re really soft.”

“……”

“Oh!” I added, “Seraphine, you’re turning red again.”

Looks like she’s about to combust.

Seraphine didn’t just look ready to combust—she looked ready to incinerate both Echo and Error! She smacked the dragon’s side firmly. “Let go of us. Now.”

Error roared pitifully and unwound herself, releasing us both. It slithered under the couch to hide, as if that would somehow make Seraphine forget about punishing it.

“Do you have any idea how heavy you are? I nearly suffocated.” Seraphine muttered, smoothing down her robes.

The unexpected closeness had shaken loose the red flower from her hair. Several soft petals drifted down to land on her shoulder. I quickly gathered them up, cupping them protectively in my palms.

After that awkward encounter, Seraphine clearly wanted to escape the room as quickly as possible. “Let’s go.” she said curtly, heading for the door.

I clutched the flower petals and hurried after her, my silver hair streaming behind me as the bells on my accessories chimed melodiously.

Error skulked along behind us, properly chastened.

⁂

Later that day, Lanzhi from the Insight Academy Palace arrived with Siyi to inspect the competition grounds before coming to Luanyang Palace. Her spirit boat landed in the Phoenix Roost Peak plaza, and she descended gracefully to exchange formal greetings with the palace officials.

Mountain mist drifted across the courtyard, swirling around the hem of her pristine white dress. Siyi glanced back, discretely observing this distinguished visitor. Lanzhi carried herself with scholarly elegance—her bearing refined, her temperament gentle yet dignified. As she gazed at the palace complex nestled in the mountains, genuine curiosity flickered in her otherwise composed eyes.

“Please follow me, Fairy Lanzhi.” Siyi said warmly. “Our palace lord will join us shortly.”

Lanzhi immediately bowed respectfully. “Please, there’s no need for such formality. Simply call me by name.”

The Insight Academy Palace was the most prestigious institution in the cultivation world. Only those with exceptional talent and character could gain admission—true prodigies among prodigies. Yet throughout their conversation, Siyi found Lanzhi remarkably humble and courteous, which only increased her favorable impression.

They made their way to the main hall.

Soon after, Seraphine entered through the grand doors with Echo following behind. Rather than taking her seat on the elevated platform, she stood with her hands clasped behind her back. Lanzhi bowed to both of us.

Standing in the back, Siyi raised an eyebrow slightly. Perhaps a bit too deferential, she thought.

After rising, Lanzhi smiled at Seraphine. “My master mentioned you before, junior sister. Seeing you today, I can confirm that your reputation for unparalleled beauty and extraordinary presence is well-deserved.”

Seraphine’s interest was piqued. “Your master is……?”

Lanzhi lowered her head respectfully. “My master is the current headmaster of Insight Academy Palace. He and Elder Aunt Velka once studied together at the academy and maintain a deep friendship. That’s why he sent me to oversee the Eastern Continent Competition.”

Headmaster Jingxing—Ink-Trace Venerable—was considered the strongest cultivator below the Heavenly Dao itself.

The Headmaster of Insight Academy Palace, Jingxing, Ink-Trace Venerable, the foremost figure under the Heavenly Dao.

Everyone in the hall straightened with newfound respect. If Ink-Trace Venerable had accepted her as a disciple, Lanzhi’scultivation must exceed their wildest expectations.

Among the admiring gazes, one stood out as particularly direct. I tilted my head, studying Lanzhi with open curiosity.

“Seraphine says your master is very powerful.” I stated matter-of-factly.

Seraphine shot Echo a warning look.

I immediately corrected myself: “Is your master very powerful?”

Lanzhi looked momentarily surprised, then replied humbly, “There is an order to learning. My master often says he simply has more cultivation experience than others, and doesn’t consider himself particularly strong.”

“Oh.” I nodded in understanding. Higher experience points than other players.

“What about you?” I asked next.

“Are you strong?”

Siyi’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she observed their composed Palace Lord taking deep breaths while Echo asked exactly what everyone was wondering.

“I wouldn’t dare claim superiority.” Lanzhi said modestly. “I’ve simply been cultivating for 150 years longer than you. I’ve reached the Soul Transformation stage, and my talent is far different compared to yours. At your age, barely fifty years old and already at mid-Nascent Soul—if we were the same age, your cultivation would undoubtedly surpass mine.”

“My body is the same age as Seraphine’s.” I replied.

The hall fell silent except for quiet murmurs of amazement. A Soul Transformation cultivator under 200 years old, and a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator under 26—either achievement was extraordinary!

An elder from Propriety Central Peak whispered, “Has genius reached such heights in this era?” These two were younger than half her age combined, yet the silver-haired cultivator matched her own cultivation level.

Everyone felt a mixture of awe and inadequacy. Seraphine maintained her composure—she’d long accepted that there were always greater heavens beyond heaven, and she had both the confidence and courage to reach those heights. Besides, Echo had been literally non-human just three days ago.

I remained even calmer than Seraphine. After hearing Lanzhi’s explanation, I nodded thoughtfully. “Agreed.”

Seraphine’s internal alarm bells started ringing as Echo continued with characteristic bluntness: “If my body reached 200 years old, it would have already ascen—”

“Mmph.”

I fell silent, though my expression remained perfectly calm as I mentally completed the thought.

—ded long ago.

Humans sometimes don’t like hearing the truth. I understand. I’ll try to be more considerate.

Seraphine’s hand loosened, and she gently caressed Echo’s cheek. “You had a smudge of dirt here—probably from picking flowers in the mountains earlier. You’ve worked so hard today. Perhaps you should return to your room to rest and meditate?”

Her smile was gentle, her voice tender, but she stared directly into Echo’s eyes with unmistakable intensity.

Ah. Murderous intent detected.

I rubbed my face against her palm. Seraphine’s fingers paused, and her smile became more genuine.

“The seamstress is already waiting at Phoenix Roost Hall.” Siyi added helpfully.

Okay, okay. I get it. Humans have unique ways of communicating indirectly.

I patted Seraphine’s arm, then took her wrist and opened her palm. I poured the flower petals I’d been carefully protecting into her hand, then rummaged in my sleeve to produce the jade pendant inscribed with “Dawn hears the Way, dusk hones the will” I placed that in her palm as well.

“Please keep these safe for me. Thank you.” I gave her a formal bow. “I’ll head back now.”

Seraphine sent Echo a mental message: I need to discuss competition arrangements with everyone. If you get bored, feel free to play around. You can take Error out too.

Understood.

I’ve learned how to play now.

Echo gave Seraphine a serious little smile, then squared her shoulders and walked away with her sword on her back.

Seraphine watched her go before turning back to see Lanzhi still staring at her.

Her gentle expression from speaking with Echo faded, replaced by curiosity as she raised an eyebrow and asked, “Senior Sister, do you have something to ask me?”

“No.” Lanzhi shook her head. “It’s just that Master only accepted me as his sole disciple. Seeing how you two interact makes me somewhat envious.”

Seraphine slipped the jade pendant into Echo storage ring, planning to return it to her later that evening. “You’re too kind. She’s innocent and naive, so I have to look after her. Though I suppose even if Elder Uncle Jing only took you as his disciple, there are still other disciples seeking knowledge at the Insight Academy Palace, right?”

Lanzhi smiled faintly. “True companions are hard to find.”

Seraphine’s expression shifted slightly as she nodded in agreement.

Indeed.

What she and Echo share goes far beyond mere companionship.

Siyi smiled diplomatically. “Perhaps after this Competition, when promising disciples join the Insight Academy Palace, Senior Lanzhi will find kindred spirits among them.”

Lanzhi nodded, and the conversation smoothly transitioned to competition matters.

⁂

I found Error in the plaza.

Come to think of it, I’d never been carried by a dragon since getting this human body. I walked around Error’s head, examining her from different angles.

“Please give me a ride back.” I requested.

Error immediately raised her head with an enthusiastic roar.

“Go!” I shouted, climbing onto her back.

Error whipped her head around and took off in a low-altitude flight across the ground, heading straight for Phoenix Roost Hall.

Along the mountain path, we passed Xue Mengtao, who seemed lost in thought and was walking slowly. She turned at the sound of our approach, looking surprised before bowing respectfully.

“Senior sister.”

I invited Xue Mengtao to join us on dragon-back.

Error flicked her tail and shot into Phoenix Roost Hall’s garden like a missile. The entire garden immediately became a disaster zone—flowers and plants flattened, petals scattered everywhere. Error hastily lifted its claws, looking guilty as it poked at the fallen stems.

“Roar.” Whoops.

Its spiritual power has been getting harder to control lately. It’s been accidentally destroying things everywhere.

“You’ve gotten stronger and bigger.” I observed, jumping down to help Error uprights the fallen plants. I gathered some stones to prop up the broken stems while Xue Mengtao silently assisted. Between the two of us, we managed to make the garden look merely storm-damaged rather than dragon-trampled.

“We could ask Senior Sister Mu to come up the mountain.” Xue Mengtao suggested. “She has wood spiritual roots—she might be able to help.”

I considered this. “Good idea. I’ll visit her later. But first, I need to find the seamstress to clean this outfit and return it to you.”

Xue Mengtao smiled. “Senior sister, there’s no need to be so formal. After you saved me today and I witnessed your incredible performance in the arena, please keep the clothes as a gift.”

I was grateful, but I turned back to her with characteristic honesty: “You’re a bit short. The clothes don’t fit me comfortably.”

“I see……” Xue Mengtao stared for a moment, then covered her mouth and laughed.

Error made a soft sound, nudging its head against Echo’s hand.

“Huh? You want to wear it?” I asked.

“Right, Seraphine mentioned you’re focusing your spiritual power to cultivate a human form. Being a magical creature must be tough work.” I cradled Error’s head and gave it a gentle shake. “I’ll save the clothes for you then. Please thank Xue Mengtao for me.”

Error immediately roared her gratitude at Xue Mengtao.

This time, even covering her mouth couldn’t contain Xue Mengtao’s laughter. She lowered her hands, laughing freely and showing the bright, innocent charm typical of someone her age—a refreshing change from her usual composed demeanor.

“If Lord Error doesn’t mind.” Xue Mengtao said between laughs, retrieving a jade stone from her storage ring, “My master asked someone to bring this to me.”

What is it?

Both Echo’s eyes and Error’s lit up with curiosity.

“It’s a recording stone.” Xue Mengtao explained. “Today’s match between you and the Crimson Thunder Sword Sect elder was captured in this spiritual stone. I heard that all future Grand competition matches will be recorded and sold at the viewing platform.”

“Apparently, it was the Palace Lord’s idea.”

“Oh!” I gave an enthusiastic thumbs up. Classic Seraphine—always finding innovative ways to make money. I stared at the recording stone in Xue Mengtao’s hands. When she offered it to me, I shook my head.

If this was Seraphine’s idea, I won’t charge royalties. Haha!

Xue Mengtao tucked the stone away. “I’m going to treasure this recording. In a few days, it might be worth a fortune as a rare collectible.”

She winked at me with a smile that reminded me distinctly of Siyi’s mannerisms.

Siyi really is terrifying—her influence is spreading!

⁂

Meanwhile, at the Eternal Spring Inn in Luanyang City……

Xu Zehua landed in the courtyard, looking frantic as if someone had been chasing him. He burst into his room in a panic. In the west wing, a young man heard the commotion and emerged from his quarters.

Before he could reach Xu Zehua’s door, the sound of crashing and banging erupted from within, accompanied by incoherent shouting.

When Luanyang palace lord’s voice had echoed across the city earlier, Xue Bushui had heard it too. He’d chosen not to join the crowd, but judging from Xu Zehua’s reaction…… Elder Li lost?

Xue Bushui’s heart skipped a beat. He glanced at the other Crimson Thunder Sword Sect members who’d returned with Xu Zehua—all pale as ghosts, trembling as if they’d seen death itself.

After waiting for Xu Zehua’s tantrum to subside, Xue Bushui knocked on the door, putting on a concerned and shocked expression. “Brother Xu, what happened?!”

Xu Zehua glared at him with cold eyes, his body still shaking. Despite his condition, he maintained his arrogant attitude. “Don’t pretend you don’t know! Can’t you guess what happened?”

“This……” Xue Bushui forced an awkward smile, shrinking back fearfully. “Elder Li, he……?”

At the mention of Elder Li, Xu Zehua’s mind flashed with images of endless white snow and Li Wuhe’s body frozen in death. The icy sensation that had been haunting his dreams seemed to whisper against his neck again. He shuddered violently.

“Elder Li is dead!”

A Nascent Soul elder from a major sect like Crimson Thunder Sword Sect Sword, killed just like that! Xue Bushuimarveled internally while asking quietly, “Brother Xu, what’s the background of this Lingshan Sect? What did the killer say?”

What did they say?

Xu Zehua recalled the cold, indifferent eyes of the swords woman as she stood on the platform, and his knees nearly buckled again. He instinctively reached for the table for support, his eyes flickering with uncertain emotion.

“Something’s wrong!” he muttered repeatedly.

“The more I think about it, the more wrong it seems.” He slammed his hand on the table, his eyes reddening with fury. “I know exactly what happened! This is all part of Luanyang Palace’s scheme! Seraphine deliberately set a trap for Crimson Thunder Sword Sect!”

“How so?” Xue Bushui asked with surprise.

Xu Zehua gripped the table and stood shakily, steadied by Xue Bushui. He gave him an appreciative look before continuing in a low voice: “Last night’s confrontation was just a ruse. Everything from the phoenix apparition to the verbal sparring was designed to provoke us into making a move! Do you remember the final spiritual projection from last night?”

He grabbed Xue Bushui’s shoulders, shaking him. “That was today’s killer! The same person who murdered Elder Li!”

“Hahaha! It’s all connected, perfectly connected! Otherwise, why would the first provocation be specifically a phoenix? Everyone in the Eastern Continent knows the phoenix is Luanyang Palace’s symbol!” Xu Zehua’s face was ashen as he continued, “That taunt made Elder Li and me so angry that we led people up the mountain to confront them. Seraphinedeliberately mocked us to fan our fury. Then, what are the odds that the enraged Elder Li would encounter yesterday’s mysterious swordsman right after leaving? In his anger, he agreed to a death match!”

“This was clearly orchestrated! Luanyang Palace’s scheme runs deep! Seraphine is utterly vicious and cunning!”

Xue Bushui had initially dismissed this as paranoid rambling, but upon reflection, he found it surprisingly plausible. “Luanyang Palace’s ability to host the Grand competition certainly suggests they have significant resources and connections. Poor Elder Li……”

Xu Zehua shook his head mournfully. “Father and I counted on Elder Li to balance against Luanyang Palace’s power. We never expected him to fall into their trap!” Tears streamed down his face. “This is all Luanyang Palace’s deliberate murder. I’ll return to tell father everything and let him decide our next move.”

Whether this death match was intentional or not, if you’re going to frame it that way, then so be it, Xue Bushui thought cynically. It doesn’t affect me either way. I’ll just sit back and watch the tigers fight. But before Crimson Thunder Sword Sect causes trouble for Luanyang Palace, I need to meet with Seraphine first.

With this in mind, Xue Bushui put on an expression even more grief-stricken than Xu Zehua’s, as if Li Wuhe had been his own father rather than a Crimson Thunder Sword Sect elder.

“Brother Xu has suffered greatly. Thank heavens you made it back safely. Though Elder Li is gone, you must continue living!” He steadied Xu Zehua. “How about this—let me host you for dinner at the Immortal’s Rest today. You need something to calm your nerves!”

Xu Zehua sighed deeply. “Elder Li just passed away……”

“Brother Xu, you misunderstand. I’m not just inviting you to drink. Do you remember what’s next to the Immortal’s Rest?” Xue Bushui smiled meaningfully as he guided Xu Zehua along.

Next to the Immortal’s Rest…… the Weaving Maiden Workshop?

“Last night, I had clothes made for you at the Weaving Maiden Workshop. Now we can’t do anything about LuanyangPalace directly, but surely we can teach a few arrogant Luanyang Palace disciples a lesson?” Xue Bushui laughed heartily. “Don’t worry, Brother Xu. You won’t need to lift a finger. Just watch me vent your anger for you!”

Xu Zehua’s eyes lit up as he called out emotionally, “Brother Xue!”

Seeing this reaction, Xue Bushui sneered inwardly while maintaining his pleading expression. “About the Crimson Thunder Sword Manual……”

“Don’t worry! As long as you humiliate them for me today, I’ll personally ensure you get the manual. I’ll even make the decision for father—you’ll be a true Crimson Thunder Sword Sect disciple from now on!” Xu Zehua declared, slapping his chest.

Xue Bushui’s heart soared. “Thank you, Senior Brother Xu!”

The two headed out together, thick as thieves.

⁂

Back at Luanyang Palace, the seamstress measured Echo’s proportions before retrieving several neatly folded outfits from her storage ring.

“I apologize for last night’s poor hospitality.” she said. “The manager estimated your measurements and had our finest seamstresses work through the night to create these garments. Please wear them while your custom clothing is being prepared.”

Surprise!

My eyes widened slightly. “I don’t have any money.” I admitted softly.

If no one was watching, I’d totally break out the ‘wallet’s feeling shy’ expression right now. Seraphine’s advice about budgeting was proving prophetic—I’d been too careless with spending and now had zero points to exchange for spirit stones.

I should have asked Seraphine for an allowance first.

The seamstress covered her mouth with a handkerchief, laughing softly. “No need to worry, fairy. The Palace Lord instructed that all your expenses at any Luanyang Palace-affiliated establishment in the city should be charged to her account. If you need spirit stones, you can withdraw them from her account as well.”

My eyes grew even wider. “Amazing!”

Is this…… is this a mission reward from Seraphine?

Excitement bloomed in my chest like flowers. I desperately wanted to find Seraphine and ask her about it, but she was currently working. I had to contain my floral euphoria for now.

Without any other system guidance, I’ve managed to build an incredibly positive relationship with my host through my own efforts. If friendship had a 100-point scale, we’d be at least 70 points now.

No, make that 80!

I was so happy that old system habits kicked in. I couldn’t help but spin in a circle, my silver hair flowing through the air as the bells chimed musically.

The three seamstresses exchanged knowing looks, their eyes twinkling with amusement.

The lead seamstress packed up her materials. “If there’s nothing else, we’ll take our leave. The clothes will be delivered within two days.”

“Thank you all so much.” I said gratefully, escorting them to the door with proper etiquette and waving goodbye.

Once they disappeared down the mountain path, I returned to my room, still glowing with happiness. Error was circling the table: Dragon wants pretty clothes too.

“Transform quickly.” I encouraged, patting its head while pulling out a rarely-used electronic glow stick to wave around as encouragement.

“Roar.” Error coiled up Echo’s leg, planning to get extra cuddles with both its master and Echo before transforming.

“Can’t breathe!”

I’d just picked up a dress when everything went dark. “Please grant me the right to breathe.” I wheezed.

Error made gurgling sounds that I suspected were laughter.

That’s really ugly laughing! I sighed, grabbed its dorsal fin, and pulled it off me before tossing it aside. Error curled into a ball, properly chastened.

I took deep breaths, patted her head apologetically, then grabbed a water-blue outfit and headed behind the screen to change.

Error swam around the room aimlessly until it heard Echo exclaim in frustration.

“Roar?” It swam over to see Echo emerge from behind the screen, holding a ribbon with her silver hair completely loose and flowing, refracting the sunlight like crystal.

“It fell out.” I said, my internal system radiating mild annoyance as I compared the ribbon to my hair.

Seraphine is incredible—she can actually manage to tie up all this slippery hair with ribbons. I gave Seraphine a mental thumbs up before sitting at the vanity to attempt styling my hair like she did.

The room filled with the continuous chiming of bells.

Half an hour later: “Ugh!”

System failure.

The more you try to fix flowing water with a blade, the more it flows. The more you try to style flowing hair with a comb, the more it tangles. Why do humans insist on having hair? Being bald like a system core would be so much easier.

I looked at Error with mounting despair. Even worse—dragons also had hair.

Error misunderstood and raised its front half, showing Echo its tiny dragon claws.

Dragon claws don’t work either.

If I’m going to be human, I need to do it properly. I can’t go out looking like a mess. I stared at my reflection, determined to find a solution. As my gaze followed Error swimming back and forth behind me, inspiration struck like lightning.

“Ding!”

The System got it!

⁂

Seraphine landed outside the hall, absently adjusting the red flower in her hair. Her peripheral vision caught something unusual, and she froze.

What happened to the garden?

The previously immaculate flower beds looked like a disaster zone.

Did Error and Echo have a wrestling match in there?

That seemed entirely possible. Seraphine hurried through the devastated garden toward Echo room, wondering if Echo is inside. Just as she was about to call out, she heard light footsteps—Echo is coming out to greet her.

A warm smile spread across her face as she looked up. “I’m back—huh.”

The words died in her throat, replaced by a strangled sound of disbelief.

“Seraphine, you’re back!” I ran up to her, taking her hand happily. “I was just about to go out and play!”

Seraphine’s eyes locked onto my—head. Her lips twitched as she managed a faint, “Oh.”

Going out to play, are we?

Two seconds of silence.

“You’re planning to…… go out like that?”

I glanced upward, wondering what could possibly be wrong. I’d worked so hard to style my hair properly.

Echo’s waist-length silver hair was neatly gathered and tied high on her head, secured by a long, bright red dragon coiled in careful loops.

Error—the Golden Core stage Fire Rock Dragon that Luanyang Palace disciples respectfully called “Lord Error”—was biting its own tail to form a living hair tie around Echo’s ponytail.

That would have been manageable.

But that wasn’t all.

The “hair tie” dragon was wearing a scarlet silk ribbon around its neck, tied in a perfect bow at the top of Echo’s head. The ribbon’s two long tails hung down on either side of Echo’s face, framing her cheeks symmetrically.

“What’s wrong?” I asked earnestly, seeking guidance. “I successfully achieved the objective.”

Hair-tying mission: complete.

Seraphine stood speechless, her chest rising and falling as she took deep breaths. She nodded slowly, then turned to stare at the distant mountains.

The peaks are so beautiful today, she thought desperately, focusing on a single cloud as if it held the secrets of the universe.

I leaned closer, studying her with serious concern. The bow on my head swayed in the breeze, drawing her attention back to my face.

What lovely weather we’re having, Seraphine reflected internally, then reached out to gently turn Echo’s head away from her.

And that’s when she lost it completely.

“Pfft—”

[Author’s Note]:

Seraphine: What an idiot.

Seraphine: Actually…… kind of adorable.

Echo: I’m okay with this.

Want to see what happens next? The chaos continues in 20 chapters ahead—only on Pxtreon➡️LoveisLove520.