Chapter 19: Jealousy and rivalry.

At that moment, another streak of azure light flashed across the distant sky, descending rapidly toward them.

As the light faded, Luo Xingli’s anxious figure appeared.

The moment she saw Lin Xibai being supported by Gu Ranying, the concerned expression on her face froze instantly, replaced by pure panic.

“Sister Xi! What happened?!”

She rushed over in a few quick steps, dropping to one knee beside Lin Xibai. A soft, gentle blue light wave immediately surged from her palm, like a clear spring, instantly pouring into Lin Xibai’s injured body. It began efficiently sorting out the chaotic magic power and repairing the damaged tissue.

Su Jianying saw this and guessed that a big shot from headquarters had arrived. It was inconvenient for her to stay any longer.

She took one last deep look at that pure white figure that appeared even more translucent under the blue light, lowered her head, and quickly slipped away into the shadows.

“Sister Xi, how did you get hurt so badly? Does anywhere feel especially painful? Is your breathing difficult? Is there any stagnation in your magic circulation?”

Luo Xingli fired off a string of questions like bullets, her eyes full of heartache.

“I’m fine.”

Lin Xibai felt the soothing effect of that pure healing power. Her tensed nerves relaxed slightly, and her voice became steadier. “It’s just some superficial wounds… Don’t worry too much.”

“What do you mean ‘fine’! This is lightning damage!”

As Luo Xingli spoke, she skillfully squeezed Gu Ranying, who had been clinging tightly to Lin Xibai, aside a little and took a closer position for herself.

She seemed completely unaware of Gu Ranying’s instantly darkening expression and continued on her own, her tone filled with worry and a hint of self-recommendation.

“Not just here. The communication earlier said that void beast disturbances broke out simultaneously in several other areas of Qingchuan City, and the energy readings were all quite high. If I hadn’t been held up by those matters and couldn’t get away in time…”

Luo Xingli increased her magic output while giving Gu Ranying a meaningful glance. “If the person by Sister Xi’s side had been me… you definitely wouldn’t have gotten hurt.”

“You…!”

Gu Ranying gritted her silver teeth. She was so angry at the blatant crowding out and implied accusation that her chest heaved and her cheeks puffed up.

But just as Luo Xingli said, the fact that Lin Xibai was injured was undeniable.

In that situation earlier, if the attack had been targeted, with her ability she could have blocked it for Xier even with her eyes closed.

But in that moment… Lin Xibai had chosen to throw herself forward and take the hit with her own body.

There had been no space for anyone else to react or intervene.

“That’s because Xier is too soft-hearted. It’s not my fault!”

Gu Ranying muttered sullenly like a wronged child.

“It’s all because of that Su Jianying.”

If not for that black-haired little brat acting so recklessly, she could have properly shown off in front of Xier during this sudden crisis!

Hero saving the beauty, careful healing, gentle comfort… How perfect! It would have skyrocketed her favorability with Xier.

And now? The perfectly good date had been completely ruined!

Not only did Xier get hurt, but Luo Xingli had halfway hijacked the treatment, and that culprit Su Jianying had even gotten Xier’s contact information. She had suffered a total loss!

On Gu Ranying’s list, Su Jianying had already been marked as the number one target for close observation.

On the other side, under the nourishment of Luo Xingli’s pure healing magic, Lin Xibai finally let out a long breath.

That azure magic power flowed slowly along her spine, warm and gentle like spring water. It peeled away the scorching pain bit by bit, making her involuntarily recall the days when they had fought side by side in the past.

“How is it, Sister Xibai? Does anywhere still feel uncomfortable?”

Luo Xingli withdrew the flowing light from her palm and asked with concern, her pale golden eyes fixed unblinkingly on her.

“Thank you, Luo… Xingli. I feel much better.”

Lin Xibai tried to stand up and moved her shoulders.

Her back felt warm. The originally tearing pain had eased into a tolerable soreness.

“That’s wonderful…”

Luo Xingli murmured softly. Her body suddenly swayed, and her forehead drooped from exhaustion.

“Careful!”

Lin Xibai hurriedly reached out to support her. “I’m sorry… I made you expend so much magic power…”

She felt guilty, knowing full well how much energy such efficient healing required.

“It’s fine~”

Luo Xingli leaned against Lin Xibai’s shoulder, sniffing the familiar scent. A trace of satisfaction appeared in her eyes. “At this level, it’s no longer a burden for me. As long as I can help Sister Xi, even if it means exhausting my life, it doesn’t matter.”

“That won’t do either.”

Lin Xibai frowned subconsciously, her tone turning serious. “Magic power will always erode the soul. You must take good care of yourself, understand? In the future, try to use less magic power unless it’s absolutely necessary…”

“Mhm mhm~ I know.”

Luo Xingli obediently nuzzled into her neck. In that moment, she seemed to have turned back into the little follower who trailed behind Lin Xibai eighteen years ago.

“During the years Sister Xibai was gone, I barely used any magic power at all. I’ve been… keeping it well preserved just for this.”

Her words sounded light, but they caused an inexplicable ache in Lin Xibai’s heart.

“Really now~!”

Gu Ranying finally found an opening to interrupt. Her tone was sour as she tried to pull Lin Xibai’s attention back. “Why does Xier only care about her and not me? I was very worried earlier too, and I worked really hard!”

“Yes, yes, you too. Make sure to take care of your health normally, okay?”

Lin Xibai shook her head helplessly, then stood up, conveniently creating some distance from Luo Xingli.

“Alright, it’s getting late. I should head home soon. You two should be careful on your way back as well.”

She turned to the still sulking Gu Ranying and added, “I’ll leave the matter with the witch to you. I’ll contact those two magical girls from headquarters to coordinate with you. Be sure to find out the truth behind the disappearance cases.”

“Leave it to me!”

Gu Ranying immediately puffed out her chest. She desperately needed a major task right now to prove she was more reliable than Luo Xingli. She was already rubbing her hands together, itching to go capture that purple-dressed witch right this instant.

Lin Xibai nodded, said no more, and turned toward the warmly lit Cat Salt Café.

Pushing open the familiar wooden door, the wind chime tinkled softly.

A middle-aged auntie came forward with a face full of gratitude, holding a clean towel and a cup of hot water in her hands.

When she saw Lin Xibai, it was as if she had seen her savior. She bowed repeatedly in thanks.

“Thank you! Thank you so much! Esteemed magical girl, if you hadn’t stepped in in time, this little shop I’ve worked my whole life for would have been reduced to ashes…”

“It’s nothing. This is our… duty.”

Lin Xibai responded politely, accepted the towel and water, and thanked her.

Her ruby eyes anxiously searched the dimly lit interior of the shop.

Finally, at the end of the corridor leading to the back room, she spotted that familiar figure — Lin Yuan.