Apocalypse: Everyone Levels Up, I Return to the Time Before the Server Opened Chapter 71

Chapter 71: The Only Hidden Quest — Marry My Daughter!

After bidding farewell to Elder Xu, the village chief, Ye Qiu went to visit the herbalist shopkeeper, his master’s wife.

He also brought so snacks for Ji Yun: instant noodles, chips, soda, candy…

Even though most of them were junk food, they were tasty!

“You’re leaving?”

His master’s wife looked at Ye Qiu, hesitating as if she wanted to say sothing.

Ye Qiu nodded. “I need to go to the big city to complete my class change. But don’t worry, Master’s wife, I’ll co back and visit you often.”

He didn’t have deep feelings for this “discounted” master’s wife, but he could sense that she genuinely cared about him, even if there were so self-interests mixed in.

She nodded, saying, “I know you’re capable. I’m sure you’ll find your way back. But once you’re in the city, focus on leveling up. Don’t waste ti running around.”

Ye Qiu nodded and asked, “Is there anything you need to do?”

She hesitated again, clearly conflicted.

But now that Ye Qiu asked directly, she no longer kept it hidden.

“I want you to marry my daughter!”

“Huh?!!!” Ye Qiu almost spat out his drink.

What kind of joke is this?!

At the sa ti…

Ding!

The herbalist shopkeeper has issued a quest.

[Marry her daughter, Ji Yun.]

[Quest type: Unique Hidden Quest]

[Accept?]

She seed to expect this reaction, letting out a helpless sigh.

“To tell you the truth… Ji Yun isn’t fully human.”

“???” Ye Qiu was stunned again.

She continued, “Her father is actually a half-demon from beyond this realm. Because he had so human blood, he could take on human form.

“Half-demons are unique beings — part human, part demon. They’re naturally strong… but also short-lived.

“Ji Yun’s father left the Novice Village to find a way to extend his life. His ti was almost up.”

Her expression carried emotions of nostalgia, happiness, sorrow, anger, and helplessness.

Ye Qiu asked, “Then what about Ji Yun? How long can she live? And why the need for marriage?”

Looking toward the back room, her face filled with affection and pity.

“Ji Yun is sixteen. She only has two years left to live. The offspring of a half-demon and a human are even more unstable, especially in lifespan. Almost none of them live past eighteen!

“And as for the marriage… It’s not just necessary, it must be with you!”

Ye Qiu was dumbfounded.

He scratched his head awkwardly. “I an, I guess I look okay, but I’m sure there are people out there better looking than ?”

He was realistic about himself. While he was undeniably handso — even compared to celebrity-level looks — he wasn’t the ultimate.

Even against top-tier stars like Edison Chen at his peak, Ye Qiu might have to step aside.

His master’s wife shook her head with a laugh. “It’s not about looks!”

Ye Qiu checked himself. What was it then?

She explained, “You’ve taken the Mysterious Potion, haven’t you?”

Ye Qiu nodded instinctively.

“That’s it,” she continued. “If the potion takes full effect, you’ll have a chance to inherit demon blood.”

Now Ye Qiu was the one half-laughing, half-crying. “Master’s wife, you know how low the success rate is for that. It’s practically zero!”

He glanced at his progress: 42.77%.

But even a minor failure could reset it all to zero.

Even Ye Qiu himself couldn’t guarantee success.

She sighed. “Yes, the success rate is about the sa as a new ‘Human Emperor’ appearing in this world. Nearly impossible.

“But… there are no other options. And ti is running out.

“Demon blood is too rare. Native demons only have one drop of pure blood in their bodies. Outer Demons might have more, but they’re nearly impossible to find.

“My daughter only has two years left. We have no choice but to take this desperate shot.”

She looked at Ye Qiu with hope in her eyes, waiting for his response.

But Ye Qiu hesitated.

Others might still treat this Trial City like a ga, thinking of NPCs as just code.

But not him.

He knew these “NPCs” were real people. Things in the Trial City — like marriage… or pregnancy — were as real as in the real world!

Crap.

He shook his head to clear those indecent thoughts.

Then he asked, “Does Ji Yun know about this?”

She nodded. “She’s known for a long ti. And she… doesn’t object. She’s willing to marry you.”

Ye Qiu blinked.

He pictured Ji Yun — that sweet and beautiful young girl.

In his past life, Ji Yun was considered one of the most beautiful characters by many players.

Honestly, who could resist a beauty so readily available?

“What do I need to do after the marriage to extend her life?” he asked.

This was a crucial question.

Was it dual cultivation?

If so… well, he could stock up on so health supplents.

His master’s wife coughed lightly, leaned in close, and whispered in his ear.

Even with two lifetis of experience, Ye Qiu blushed instantly.

“This… this doesn’t seem right…”

She gave a bitter smile. “If you don’t agree, I won’t force you.”

Ye Qiu was about to refuse.

This kind of quest… maybe it was better not to take it at all!

Then she added, “If you help, I’ll reward you with a Legendary-grade elixir.”

“I accept.” Ye Qiu took the quest imdiately, afraid she’d change her mind.

Seeing him accept, she finally smiled, her tone softening. “Then once you fully fuse with the potion and inherit the bloodline, co and marry my daughter.”

“Alright.” Ye Qiu gritted his teeth and nodded.

He took one last glance at the tall, slim-waisted master’s wife and quickly turned to leave.

As he walked away, a flash of red glead in her eyes, alluring and dangerous.

—

Inside the house…

“Mom, was that my junior brother just now?”

A pure-looking girl ran in from the back, her face still a little smudged with ash, likely from refining dicine.

Her mother returned to her usual deanor and pulled her daughter close, smiling.

“Why do you call him both ‘junior brother’ and ‘big brother’?”

Ji Yun giggled. “Well, I’m your daughter and your eldest disciple. Ye Qiu is your youngest disciple. So I’m his senior sister. But since he’s older than , I call him big brother too~”

Her mother chuckled.

Though Ji Yun seed mature, her ntal developnt was a bit behind kids her age.

A natural flaw of being half-demon.

Normally she appeared fine, but spend enough ti with her, and you’d notice it.

“Oh? What are these colorful little packages?”

Ji Yun spotted the large bag on the table and looked curious.

Her mother opened it and said gently, “These are snacks your junior brother brought for you. He said they’re for you to try.”

“Instant noodles!” Ji Yun spotted sothing familiar, instantly pulling it out.

It was the sa noodles she’d eaten with Ye Qiu before.

“So yummy!

“Mom, you have to try them later. They’re really delicious!”

She eagerly explained how to prepare the noodles, like it was the most exciting thing in the world.

Her mother smiled and listened attentively.

But at the corner of her lips, a faint trail of blood appeared.

Purple blood.