Chapter 88: I Want to Seduce You
Luo Jinxiao remained perfectly still, afraid to disturb Qu Weiyin.
Under the night sky, amidst the vast starry expanse, the two leaned against each other. When Luo Jinxiao looked down again after gazing at the stars, Qu Weiyin had fallen asleep.
In her sleep, she looked quite docile. The mark on her forehead was faint, flickering occasionally with each breath she took.
She looked adorable.
The surroundings were quiet, broken only by occasional bird calls and Qiongqi’s soft grunts.
As the night breeze turned cool, Luo Jinxiao waved her hand, covering Qu Weiyin with a cloak. Then she closed her eyes and fell asleep beside her.
The next morning, Luo Jinxiao yawned and reached out, only to find the space beside her empty. The cloak was now draped over her. Panic surged through her, and she abruptly sat up, just as a red streak of light flew back from the distance and landed gracefully.
Luo Jinxiao breathed a sigh of relief.
โYouโre awake,โ Qu Weiyin said, striding towards her.
โWhere did you go so early?โ
Qu Weiyin smoothed down her skirt and pointed towards the mountains in the distance. โWeโre almost there. I went to scout ahead and figure out how to enter.โ
By now, Luo Ning and Yan Ying had also woken up. They rubbed their eyes and walked over to the edge, looking down. Yan Ying gasped in awe. โSo many mountains connected togetherโฆ is this the demon realm?โ
โThis place, with its beautiful mountains and waters, and rugged terrain, is perfect for spirits and demons to hide. Over time, they set up a barrier, creating a haven for demons to live in,” Qu Weiyin explained.
Luo Jinxiao focused her gaze and noticed a thick fog shrouding the mountains, obscuring the scenery within. This must be the barrier. โHas no one tried to break in?โ Yan Ying asked.
โExcept for a few evil ones, most demons actually prefer to absorb the spiritual energy of plants and don’t harm humans. The immortal realm has tacitly allowed their existence. Besides, the barrier is hard to break, and ordinary people wouldn’t dare try,” Qu Weiyin said, gesturing to indicate the location.
โWe can go down now,โ she announced.
As soon as they landed outside the mountain range, they felt the environment change dramatically. The spiritual energy was abundant, and the flora was much more lush, clearly nourished by heaven and earth.
Even the trees were taller than elsewhere.
Luo Jinxiao placed her hand on a tree trunk, feeling the surge of spiritual energy, marveling at the wonders of nature.
Qu Weiyin walked a few steps forward, seemingly searching for something. After pacing in circles three times, she stopped, made a flower shape with her hands, and muttered something.
Suddenly, a slightly wavering fan-shaped arch appeared in the air. Yan Ying and Luo Jinxiao both gasped in awe.
โCome in,โ Qu Weiyin said.
They quickly entered, and the barrier reformed behind them. Before them lay a narrow path winding through the valleys between small hills, leading deeper into the realm.
Luo Jinxiao walked beside Qu Weiyin, looking around curiously. โHow did you know where the entrance to the barrier was?โ
โYears ago, during my travels, I had the fortune of saving a Demon Queen. She told me about this and invited me to visit anytime,โ Qu Weiyin replied, showing no surprise at their surroundings. She suddenly looked at Luo Jinxiao. โWhy are you dressed so elaborately today?โ
Luo Jinxiao was taken aback. She touched her face, confused. She was wearing her usual attire, her hair casually tied up with a wooden hairpin. She hadnโt even had time to change her clothes. How was she dressed elaborately?
Qu Weiyin frowned at her for a moment, her eyes tinged with resentment, before turning away without another word.
Luo Jinxiao was completely confused and didnโt dare to question her, muttering to herself in confusion.
After a few turns, the scenery became even more enchanting. Birds sang, flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, and the wind carried a sweet fragrance, making them feel as if they were standing in a colorful sea.
Occasionally, lesser demons darted past, hiding among the flowers or in the trees, peeking at them curiously.
Suddenly, a gust of demonic wind swept through, followed by a shower of flower petals, each as sharp as a knife. Luo Jinxiaoโs eyes narrowed, and she instinctively waved her hand, creating a shield of ice to block the petals.
As the petals dissipated, a figure appeared before them, wielding a black club covered in thorns. The figure lunged forward, aiming the club directly at Qu Weiyinโs chest.
Qu Weiyin blocked Luo Jinxiaoโs attempt to intervene with one hand and effortlessly caught the club with the other, her fingers gripping the thorns without any sign of injury.
โImmortal Qu?โ The person lowered their weapon upon seeing Qu Weiyinโs face.
“It’s been twenty years! What brings you here today?โ The personโs voice was filled with surprise. They were dressed in vibrant, multicolored clothing, their hair adorned with fresh flowers woven into braids that draped down their back. She walked on two lotus flowers, and wherever she stepped, more lotuses bloomed.
Luo Jinxiao had never seen anyone as colorful as a flower before and couldn’t help but stare.
โTo be honest, I’ve come to ask for your help,โ Qu Weiyin said politely, nodding her head.
โFor saving my life, I owe you a debt of gratitude. Whatever you desire, just name it. Anything in my Flower Valley is yours for the taking!โ The woman’s voice was soft and melodious, with a hint of crispness and etherealness that tickled the ears and tugged at the heartstrings.
โI need the Clear Pool of Tian Mountain,โ Qu Weiyin stated.
The woman seemed to notice Qu Weiyin’s blood-red eyes for the first time. After a moment’s hesitation, she understood Qu Weiyin’s intent and looked troubled. โThat’s certainly possible, but the Clear Pool isn’t available year-round. It forms only in early summer when rainwater is plentiful and the mountain springs converge, creating the purest pool.โ
Seeing Qu Weiyinโs disappointment, they quickly added, โBut donโt worry, I believe summer is approaching. The Clear Pool should form soon. If you’re not in a hurry, you’re welcome to stay in Flower Valley for a while. It’s a rare paradise in this world, and we’ll take excellent care of you. How does that sound?”
She smiled at the four visitors, her gaze lingering on Luo Jinxiao.
Although Qu Weiyin was anxious, she knew they had to wait. She agreed and thanked them with a slight smile.
“Wonderful! I’ll have my little demons arrange accommodations for you. And you, what’s your name and age, my dear?” She suddenly floated gracefully to Luo Jinxiao’s side, placing her delicate hands on Luo Jinxiao’s shoulders with a smile both alluring and innocent.
Luo Jinxiao sensed something amiss and froze, not daring to turn her head. She glanced nervously at Qu Weiyin before answering, “I’m Luo Jinxiao. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
โDonโt be afraid. I am the King of this demon realm. My name is Hua Xianrui, but you can call me Ruirui,โ the woman giggled, wrapping her arms around Luo Jinxiaoโs arm and resting her head on her shoulder.
Luo Jinxiao was terrified. She tugged at Qu Weiyinโs sleeve with trembling hands, her voice choked with tears. โJunior Shishuโฆโ
Qu Weiyinโs face turned pale with anger. She clenched her fists and muttered, “I should have known.”
โYouโre her disciple? Thatโs even better! If youโre willing, we can hold our wedding ceremony today. We can even ask Immortal Qu to be our matchmaker. Marry me, and this Flower Valley will be yours. What do you say?โ Hua Xianruiโs voice grew increasingly flirtatious as she snuggled closer to Luo Jinxiao.
Luo Jinxiao cried out and scurried to Qu Weiyinโs side, peeking over her shoulder at the woman. โWhatโs wrong with her?โ she asked through gritted teeth.
โSheโs a notorious flirt and a master of seduction. She only pursues womenI saved her because she had seduced a married woman and lured her to a private residence. The womanโs husband was a cultivator, and he and his family nearly beat her to death.โ Qu Weiyin explained bitterly. “I regret saving her now. She deserved it.”
Behind them, Yan Ying and Luo Ning exchanged glances, barely suppressing their laughter.
โItโs not my fault! Who knew you humans had so many complicated rules? In our demon realm, if you like someone, you just take them. If you canโt, then you admit defeat. If you truly love someone, having more than one partner is no big deal. Life is so long; how can you spend it with just one person?โ Hua Xianrui pouted.
She looked at Luo Jinxiao, her expression turning coy as she leaned closer. “I just adore beautiful ones like you. With those long arms and legs, you must give such comfortable hugs.”
Luo Jinxiao nearly bit her tongue.
Qu Weiyin’s face darkened further. She suddenly stepped between them, glaring back at Hua Xianrui. “Don’t you dare lay a finger on her, or I’ll raze your entire demon realm to the ground!โ
Hua Xianrui, still wary of Qu Weiyin, stepped back with a hurt expression. “Oh, she’s yours? No wonder you two keep exchanging glances.โ
โWhat a pity. All the pretty ones are already taken,โ Hua Xianrui sniffled, dabbing at her eyes with her sleeve. Still unwilling to give up, she asked with wide eyes, “But you cultivators who’ve embraced demonic culivation, can’t you have multiple partners?”
โNo,โ Qu Weiyin gritted out.
โThen weโre not meant to beโฆ for now. But Iโll keep trying to win you over!โ Hua Xianrui declared with a dramatic sob, reaching out to Luo Jinxiao with a lovesick expression.
Luo Jinxiao, having never encountered such a blatant display of affection, was too flustered to even make eye contact and could only hide behind Qu Weiyin.
Upon hearing this, Qu Weiyinโs demonic energy surged uncontrollably. Red light erupted around her, causing the surrounding plants to wither instantly.
โOh dear!โ Hua Xianrui cried, spreading her arms to protect her precious flowers. โI was just speaking carelessly! Forgive me!โ
โSo fierce! You cultivators who turn to demonic ways are all the same. None of you are good peopleโฆโ Hua Xianrui grumbled tearfully, stepping on the withered lotuses as she walked along the path.
โFollow me. Iโll arrange your accommodations. The Clear Pool should be formed in about ten to twenty days,โ she said, leading the way.
Qu Weiyin glared at Luo Jinxiao before following with a huff.
Luo Jinxiao felt utterly pathetic for the first time. She sighed and trailed behind Qu Weiyin.
โHey, youโre quite popular with the ladies,โ Yan Ying whispered, unable to hide her amusement.
โShut up,โ Luo Jinxiao retorted.
โRemember, put her in the same room as me,โ Qu Weiyin said coldly.
The demon realm was truly a blessed land. Even the fruits were several times sweeter than those in the mortal realm. They were housed in treehouses, bright and airy, with little demons scampering around the branches.
Luo Jinxiao took a deep breath of the sweet air, feeling refreshed. Though not grand, this simple, unspoiled place was worth visiting.
However, much to Luo Jinxiaoโs disappointment, Hua Xianrui insisted on arranging two separate rooms for them, claiming that one wouldnโt be spacious enough.
Below the treehouse, several young men and women, recently transformed from their demon forms, were running and playing barefoot on the grass, occasionally glancing at Luo Jinxiao with curiosity.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Luo Jinxiao opened it to find a small rabbit demon holding a large bucket of water, its long, fluffy ears sticking out.
“Immortal Luo, this is hot water prepared on Demon Queen Sister’s orders. It’s morning dew that promotes longevity when bathed in,” the rabbit demon said in an adorable, soft voice.
โThank you,โ Luo Jinxiao replied with a smile, taking the heavy bucket and placing it inside. When she looked up, the shy rabbit demon had already disappeared.
Luo Jinxiao was in high spirits. She drew the curtains for privacy and began to undress, eager to try the morning flower dew bath.
Still slightly apprehensive, she entered the water wearing her undergarments. As the rabbit demon had said, the water felt soothing and invigorating, with a faint hint of spiritual energy.
A flower with scattered petals floated in the water, releasing a pleasant fragrance.
As Luo Jinxiao reached out to examine the flower, a sudden shimmer of light transformed it into a person in colorful robes, splashing water droplets everywhere.
Luo Jinxiao froze, and upon recognizing the personโs face, she couldnโt help but scream and jump out of the bucket, quickly putting on her clothes.
โWhat are you doing in the water?โ she asked in shock, hugging herself tightly.