With a sharp, piercing screech of brakes, it felt as if countless razor-sharp knives sliced through the air, mercilessly tearing apart the once peaceful atmosphere.
In an instant, the entire space was filled with this heart-stopping sound, sending chills down one’s spine.
Lin Yu felt a dazzling white light flash before her eyes, followed by a dizzying whirl.
It was as if she had been pulled into a massive vortex, everything becoming blurred and out of control.
Her body swayed involuntarily, as if the entire world had flipped upside down in that moment.
Just before her consciousness slipped into darkness, the last thing Lin Yu saw was the blinding headlights that pierced her vision and the steering wheel that spun wildly out of control.
When Lin Yu slowly opened her eyes again, she was astonished to find herself lying on an exquisitely ornate bed.
The bed appeared incredibly luxurious, with intricately carved frames adorned with various elaborate and splendid patterns.
The canopy was a bright, golden yellow, gently cascading down like a layer of sheer fabric, swaying slightly in the breeze like a dancing fairy.
The air was filled with a subtle and elegant scent of sandalwood, distinctly different from the modern fragrances she was accustomed to.
It was not overpowering or pungent; rather, it felt deep and distant, as if it contained ancient stories and mysterious legends accumulated over time, lulling one into a state of enchantment.
“Where... where am I?” Lin Yu murmured to herself as she gently rubbed her still throbbing temples.
Struggling to prop herself up with her hands, she cautiously surveyed her surroundings.
The room's decor seemed to transport her into a scene from a historical drama.
Looking up, she saw beautifully carved patterns on the beams above—dragons and phoenixes intertwined with flowers and birds, all vividly alive; the walls were adorned with delicate murals depicting picturesque landscapes and elegant pavilions, breathtakingly beautiful.
In the center of the room stood a stunning screen made of high-quality materials with exquisite craftsmanship. The embroidered flowers and birds on its surface were vibrant in color and intricately stitched, presenting a lively picture before her eyes.
Looking at the furniture, each piece was crafted from fine mahogany, with clear and beautiful grain, showcasing an elegant and generous design.
The tables, chairs, cabinets, and beds all exuded an air of antiquity and a sense of expensive value.
This was in stark contrast to the modern minimalist style she was accustomed to, leaving her momentarily dazed, even questioning whether she was in a dream.
Could it be that they were filming a period drama here?
Such a thought flashed through Lin Yu's mind.
But she quickly shook her head, feeling that this idea was off.
She clearly remembered just having gone through a terrible car accident, being struck head-on by a suddenly out-of-control vehicle.
The sound of the impact, the shattering glass, and the intense pain in her body were still vivid in her memory.
At this point, Lin Yu's heart suddenly skipped a beat, an ominous premonition surged within her like a tidal wave, causing her to tremble involuntarily.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she reached out to lift the brocade quilt covering her and hurriedly got out of bed, barefoot.
The carpet beneath her feet was thick and soft, feeling like clouds; however, at that moment, she had no time to appreciate it. All she wanted was to figure out what had happened.
Lin Yu quickly walked towards a large bronze mirror in the room. The mirror stood taller than a person and was polished to a smooth shine, reflecting one's face and figure with clarity.
As she stood in front of the mirror, she couldn't help but gasp—reflected back at her was an entirely unfamiliar face!
This face was extraordinarily beautiful, with willow leaf-shaped eyebrows that resembled wisps of smoke shrouding distant mountains—elegant and enchanting.
Her large almond-shaped eyes sparkled brightly, glistening as if they could speak.
Her petite, delicate lips were naturally tinted red, resembling ripe cherries, vibrant and inviting.
Such exquisite features combined made her look like an unparalleled beauty stepping out from an ancient scroll.
What... what on earth is happening?
Is the person reflected in the mirror really me?
Lin Yu widened her eyes, her face filled with shock and confusion.
She reached out and pinched her arm hard, a sharp pain instantly surged through her.
Oh my God, that hurts! This cannot possibly be a dream!
Just as Lin Yu was still in a daze, struggling to comprehend everything happening before her and beginning to question her entire life,
Suddenly, a clear and melodious voice, like the sound of silver bells, echoed unexpectedly in the depths of her mind: "Ding dong! Dear host, hello! We warmly welcome you to successfully bind with our super amazing Inverse Light System!"
This sudden and inexplicable voice struck her like a bolt from the blue, causing Lin Yu to shudder violently, nearly letting out a scream.
"Who? Who is speaking?" Lin Yu panickedly turned her head, her beautiful eyes nervously scanning the surroundings.
However, there was no one else in the room besides herself.
"Don't be afraid, dear host! I'm the invincible, adorable, and magical Inverse Light System! From now on, I will wholeheartedly provide you with the best service!" The voice sounded lively and playful, filled with a sense of vitality, as if it belonged to an innocent and carefree little girl.
Lin Yu took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, trying to calm her racing heart that was pounding from shock.
She bit her lip tightly, constantly reminding herself to stay composed and not let fear and panic cloud her mind.
Gradually, Lin Yu finally regained a bit of her sanity, no longer as lost as she had been moments before.
At this moment, she began to suppress her inner unease, focusing all her attention on the mysterious "Inverse Light System."
"What exactly is this Inverse Light System?" Lin Yu pondered to herself, furrowing her brow and displaying a look of confusion on her face.
She felt as if she were talking to the air, and the sensation was utterly bizarre.
"The Inverse Light System can guide you through various worlds. As long as you successfully complete tasks, you can earn abundant Points and exchange them for all sorts of wonderful items and extraordinary abilities! Dear friend, it's absolutely fantastic!" The System's voice was filled with pride and a strong enthusiasm for promotion.
Traveling between worlds?
Tasks?
Points?
What on earth are these things?
Lin Yu felt that everything before her seemed like a bizarre plot that had jumped straight out of some absurd online novel.
She couldn't help but stare in disbelief, shaking her head as if she could hear the sound of her long-held beliefs cracking apart, piece by piece, scattering all around her.
"Wait, wait, please hold on a moment while I sort this out..." Lin Yu murmured to herself, reaching up to support her forehead. A wave of intense headache surged over her, instantly clouding her previously clear mind, like a pot of porridge boiling over.
After quite some time, she finally managed to catch her breath. Taking a deep breath, she cautiously asked, "So, does this mean... I have really crossed over?"
"Absolutely correct, esteemed host! You are now situated in an ancient era."
As for the role you are playing... well... currently, you are not particularly favored as a consort in the harem," the System replied with a slightly awkward tone.
Concubine?!
Upon hearing this, Lin Yu nearly spat out a mouthful of blood. If she hadn't forced herself to hold it in, she might have sprayed it all over the smooth, clean copper mirror before her.
She, Lin Yu, an independent woman from the 21st century, a knowledgeable youth of the new era, should have been thriving in her career or enjoying the conveniences and comforts of modern life in a bustling city.
However, fate played a cruel joke on her, transporting her through time and transforming her into a concubine in an ancient palace.
What was even harder for her to accept was that she was a neglected and unappreciated concubine!
This immense disparity in status felt like plummeting from the towering heights of Mount Everest straight into the unfathomable depths of the Mariana Trench, leaving her utterly unprepared.
At this moment, Lin Yu was filled with grievances and helplessness with no outlet for her emotions. Tears welled up in her eyes, nearly spilling over.
She longed for the modern world with its smartphones, computers, air conditioning, and takeout.
That was where she truly belonged!
With a trembling voice tinged with sorrow, Lin Yu asked the mysterious System, “Um... System, please tell me, can I go back?
I really don’t want to be this concubine; I just want to go home!” Her voice was filled with endless grievance and profound helplessness, like a lost lamb in a dark forest.
The System seemed to sense Lin Yu's pain and responded in a tone filled with sympathy and understanding: “Dear host, don’t be too sad. Of course, you can go back.
As long as you successfully complete all the required tasks and accumulate enough Points, you will be able to return to your original exciting world.”
Upon hearing this, Lin Yu's anxious heart finally settled down a bit, like a drowning person suddenly grasping a life-saving straw, reigniting a glimmer of hope.
Eagerly, she pressed on with her questions: “So what specific tasks do I need to carry out right now?” At that moment, her only thought was to complete these tasks as quickly as possible and set foot on the road back home.
"Please wait, the system is loading your task..." Accompanied by the mechanical and cold voice of the System, Lin Yu's heart suddenly raced.
However, the voice abruptly paused, as if the System had fallen into deep thought for a moment.
After a brief silence, the System's voice completely vanished from the air, leaving the entire space unusually quiet.
Lin Yu stood there feeling somewhat bored, her gaze beginning to wander.
Eventually, she slowly took a step forward and walked toward the window in the room.
When she reached the window, she stopped and gently pushed open the intricately carved wooden window.
In an instant, a rush of fresh air surged into the room like a tide, mingled with the fragrance of earth and blooming flowers.
Lin Yu took a deep breath, savoring this refreshing aroma.
Then, she turned her gaze outside, where a beautifully crafted courtyard came into view.
There were rugged rocks on the artificial mountain, each with its own unique shape; clear streams flowed gently down the slopes, producing a crisp and pleasant sound;
Pavilions and towers were scattered throughout the courtyard, harmonizing with the surrounding flowers and trees to create a stunning picture.
A few unknown small birds joyfully hopped on the branches, chirping incessantly while curiously peering around as if sharing tales of the courtyard's various happenings.
These adorable little creatures added a vibrant life to the originally tranquil courtyard.
Yet, despite the enchanting scenery before her, it could not dispel the anxiety and unease lingering deep within Lin Yu's heart.
She gazed quietly into the distance, her brow slightly furrowed, her thoughts already drifting far away.
She had no idea what challenges and difficulties awaited her, nor did she know when she would be able to return to her familiar world.
At that moment, she felt like a lonely flower in a beautiful courtyard; surrounded by splendor, yet filled with confusion and helplessness.
She stood there in a daze, overwhelmed by an unfamiliar sense of bewilderment and solitude, as if she were a solitary little boat adrift on the vast, turbulent sea.
Looking around, all she could see was an expanse of uncertainty, with no clear direction to guide her, and no shore symbolizing hope and belonging in sight.
Just then, a crisp and clear notification sounded: “Ding! Task loaded!” The System prompt abruptly cut through Lin Yu's chaotic thoughts.
Immediately after, a cold mechanical voice echoed again: “Main quest has been issued: The host must do everything possible to gain the Emperor's favor and ultimately succeed in ascending to the favored Consort position among the six palaces.”
What?!
Lin Yu could hardly believe what she had just heard.
Gain the Emperor's favor?!
What kind of bizarre task was this?
She couldn't help but ponder: Why had the original host failed to win the Emperor's affection?
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