Luo Jinxiao remained perfectly still, afraid to disturb her.
Under the night sky, filled with vast stars, the two of them nestled against each other. After a while of gazing at the heavens, when Luo Jinxiao lowered her head, she discovered that Qu Weiyin had already fallen asleep.
In her dreams, Qu Weiyin looked particularly gentle, the mark on her forehead fading softly, rising and falling gently with each breath, occasionally sparkling.
She was incredibly adorable.
Surrounded by tranquility, the only sounds were the occasional chirp of birds and the soft grunts of Qiongqi.
The night air carried a slight chill, so Luo Jinxiao waved her hand to drape a cloak over Qu Weiyin before closing her eyes and falling asleep beside her.
When she awoke the next day, Luo Jinxiao yawned and reached out, only to find an empty space beside her. The cloak lay draped over her own body, and a sense of confusion filled her. She suddenly shot up, just in time to see a red light flying back from the distance, gracefully landing on the ground.
Luo Jinxiao let out a sigh of relief.
“You’re awake,†Qu Weiyin said, striding towards her.
“Where did you go so early in the morning?â€
Qu Weiyin leisurely adjusted her skirt, pointing towards the distant mountains. “We’re almost there. I went down to scout a bit, wanting to know how to enter.â€
At that moment, Luo Ning and Yan Ying also woke up, rubbing their eyes as they approached the edge to look down. Yan Ying gasped, exclaiming, “So many high mountains joined together—this is the Demon Realm?â€
“This place is rich in mountains and rivers, with rugged terrain, making it ideal for mountain spirits and wild creatures to hide. Over time, they set up a barrier for the demons to inhabit, creating a veritable paradise,†Qu Weiyin explained.
Luo Jinxiao focused her gaze and noticed that the peaks were indeed shrouded in thick mist, lending the scenery within the mountains an air of obscurity—this must be the barrier. “Doesn’t anyone want to break through?†Yan Ying asked.
“Except for a few who cause trouble, most demons actually prefer to absorb the spiritual energy of plants and don’t harm people. The Immortal Realm has tacitly allowed their existence, and besides, the barrier is hard to break, so common folks wouldn’t dare venture in,” Qu Weiyin explained, gesturing to the surroundings.
“We can head down now,†she announced.
The group descended to the foot of the mountains, and as soon as their feet touched the ground, they felt a distinct change in the environment. The air was rich with spiritual energy, and the flora and fauna were more lush, clearly thriving under substantial heavenly nourishment.
Even the trees here towered taller than those elsewhere.
Luo Jinxiao placed her hand on a tree trunk, feeling the surge of spiritual energy, marveling at the wonders of nature.
Qu Weiyin stepped forward a few paces, seemingly searching for something. After pacing in place for three circles, she finally stood still, forming her hands into the shape of a flower and murmuring an incantation.
Suddenly, a softly shimmering fan-shaped archway appeared in the air, causing both Yan Ying and Luo Jinxiao to exclaim in wonder.
“Come in,†Qu Weiyin urged.
The group quickened their pace into the entryway, and as they did, the barrier restored itself behind them. Before them lay a narrow, winding path that snaked through the hillocks, leading deeper into the unknown.
Luo Jinxiao moved beside Qu Weiyin, glancing around curiously while asking, “How did you know the entrance to the barrier?â€
“I trained out in the world in my early years and had the fortune to save a demon king. This is what she told me; she invited me to visit whenever I had the chance,†Qu Weiyin replied, displaying no signs of surprise at their surroundings. Suddenly, she turned to Luo Jinxiao, her expression curious yet slightly reproachful. “Why are you dressed so elaborately today?â€
Luo Jinxiao was taken aback. She touched her face, puzzled, thinking it was no different from her usual attire. Her hair was simply pinned up with a wooden hairpin, and she hadn’t had time to change clothes—how was it considered elaborate?
Qu Weiyin frowned and stared at her for a moment, her eyes holding a hint of irritation before she turned away and chose not to say anything more.
Luo Jinxiao was left confused, unsure of what to do. She dare not provoke her further, feeling a growing sense of unease.
After winding through several turns, the scenery became even more enchanting. Birds sang, swallows danced, and the vibrant flowers blossomed profusely—the gentle breeze felt like standing in a colorful sea.
Small demons occasionally darted by the roadside, hiding among the flowers or in the trees, peeking out curiously.
Suddenly, a gust of demonic wind swept past them, followed by a flurry of flower petals that came pouring in like blades. Luo Jinxiao’s eyes sharpened; instinctively, she waved her hand to conjure a barrier of ice to block the petals.
As the multitude of petals that had obscured their vision dissipated, a figure appeared before them, brandishing a spiked black club aimed directly at Qu Weiyin’s chest.
Qu Weiyin held out one hand to stop Luo Jinxiao from rushing forward, while her other hand effortlessly grasped the club, gripping its sharp spikes without sustaining any injury.
“Master Qu?†the attacker exclaimed as they recognized Qu Weiyin’s face, retracting their weapon and bringing it down.
“It’s been twenty years; what brings you here today?†The person’s tone was filled with pleasant surprises. She wore a colorful outfit with vibrant hues, her hair adorned with fresh flowers braided down her back, and her feet were barefoot on two lotus flowers—every step she took seemed to bring forth more lotuses.
Luo Jinxiao had never encountered someone so vividly colorful, resembling a flower herself, and couldn’t help but steal a few glances.
“Not to hide anything from you, I seek your help,†Qu Weiyin said politely with a nod.
“A life-saving grace must be repaid with a gushing spring! Whatever you need, Master Qu, just say it! Anything we have in Flower Valley, I can offer!†The voice was soft yet clear, with a lilting quality that danced in the ears, stirring a sense of excitement in the heart.
“I need the Clear Pool of Tianshan,†Qu Weiyin stated.
It seemed the woman only then noticed the blood-red hue of Qu Weiyin’s eyes. She stared for a moment, swiftly understanding Qu Weiyin’s intentions, her expression shifting to one of concern. “That’s naturally doable, but the Clear Pool of Tianshan isn’t available all year round. It gathers more rainwater as summer approaches, and when the mountain springs converge together, only then can the purest Clear Pool take shape.â€
Seeing Qu Weiyin’s expression dim, the woman felt a pang of sympathy and quickly added, “But it’s no trouble! I estimate that summer is approaching soon, so it shouldn’t be long before the Clear Pool gathers. If you aren’t in a hurry to leave, you could stay a while longer in Flower Valley. After all, Flower Valley is a rare paradise in this world; I assure you, you won’t be treated poorly. What do you think?â€
She smiled brightly at the four of them, lingering a moment longer on Luo Jinxiao.
Though Qu Weiyin felt anxious, she understood that they had to wait, so she accepted and thanked her with a slight smile.
“Wonderful! I’ll have the little demons arrange accommodations for you. By the way, what’s your name and age?†The woman asked but suddenly floated over to Luo Jinxiao’s side, placing her delicate, pale hands on Luo Jinxiao’s shoulders, her smile both charming and innocent.
Luo Jinxiao suddenly felt that something was off; she didn’t even dare turn her head, her body stiffening.
Nervously glancing at Qu Weiyin, she finally replied, “I’m Luo Jinxiao, nice to meet you.â€
“Don’t be afraid. I am the king of this Demon Realm, surnamed Hua and named Xianrui. You can call me Rui Rui,†the woman said with a giggle, her hand sliding down to cozy up to Luo Jinxiao’s arm before resting her head on Luo Jinxiao’s shoulder.
Luo Jinxiao was left utterly flabbergasted and felt her spirit fleeing; she trembled as she tugged at Qu Weiyin’s sleeve, her voice tremulous. “Master Uncle…â€
Help! I’m still so young!
Qu Weiyin’s face turned from pale to green with rage, her fists clenched tightly. She spoke in a low voice, “I knew it.â€
“You’re her apprentice? That’s even better! If you’re willing, we can have our wedding today. It’s perfect; we can ask Master Qu to officiate. You can marry me, and from now on, this Flower Valley will belong to you. How does that sound?†Hua Xianrui said, becoming increasingly bashful. She shifted her body, directly diving into Luo Jinxiao’s embrace.
Startled, Luo Jinxiao let out a cry. She darted to Qu Weiyin’s side, peering over her shoulder at Xianrui, gritting her teeth and asking, “What’s wrong with her?â€
“She has always been a flirt and is skilled at charming others, especially women. She only likes ladies. The reason I saved her in the first place was that she seduced a married woman, dragging her to her private residence. That woman’s husband was a cultivator, and he had his entire family come after her, practically chasing her to the ends of the earth.â€
“Later, I regretted saving her—she deserved it,†Qu Weiyin said with indignation.
The looks exchanged between Yan Ying and Luo Ning almost turned into laughter behind them.
“This isn’t my fault! Who knew your kind had so many troubles? In our Demon Realm, if you like someone, you just take them! You can consider yourself unlucky if you can’t snag them. If you truly like someone, what’s wrong with having several partners? Life is long; how can you live with just one person?†Hua Xianrui pouted.
She gazed at Luo Jinxiao, her expression shifting to one of shyness as she leaned closer, “I really like how you look—with long hands and legs. It must be comfortable to hold you.â€
Luo Jinxiao almost bit her own tongue in response.
Qu Weiyin’s expression turned a deeper shade of anger. She suddenly reached out to push Hua Xianrui away, turning around to glare at her. “Don’t you dare touch her, or I will flatten your entire Demon Realm!â€
Hua Xianrui was clearly intimidated by Qu Weiyin and stepped back a few paces, looking aggrieved. “Is she yours? No wonder you were exchanging glances!â€
“It’s a pity that someone already took their chance on her,†Hua Xianrui said with teary eyes, wiping her sleeves. Undeterred, she widened her eyes and asked, “But why can’t those who have turned to the demon path have more than one partner?â€
“Not allowed,†Qu Weiyin spat out through clenched teeth.
“We may have a temporary parting, but it’s just for now—I will work hard to win you over!†Hua Xianrui replied, adopting a pitiful look, extending her hand toward Luo Jinxiao, exuding deep affection.
Luo Jinxiao had never encountered such blatant advances before; she was so frightened that she didn’t even dare meet her gaze and only hid behind Qu Weiyin.
Hearing that, Qu Weiyin felt her demonic aura surge uncontrollably. Red light erupted around them, causing the surrounding flora to wither almost instantly.
“Oh no!†Hua Xianrui quickly spread her arms to protect her precious flowers, shouting, “I was speaking carelessly! I didn’t mean it!â€
“So fierce! All you cultivators who have turned to the demon path are like this. None of you are good people…†Hua Xianrui mumbled with tears in her eyes as she stepped over the mass of wilting lotus flowers and continued along the path.
“Come with me; I will arrange accommodations for you. In about ten to twenty days, the Clear Pool will take shape,†she said, leading the way.
Qu Weiyin shot a furious glare at Luo Jinxiao before moodily following behind.
For the first time, Luo Jinxiao felt quite pitiful. She sighed and followed closely behind Qu Weiyin.
“Hey, I must say, you’ve got quite the good fortune!†Yan Ying whispered slyly, her face full of glee.
“Shut up,†Luo Jinxiao snapped back, not in the mood.
“Remember to have her and me stay in the same room,†Qu Weiyin said coldly.
The Demon Realm was indeed a blessed land; even the fruits tasted several times sweeter than those outside. Their accommodations were tree houses, bright and airy, with numerous small demons scurrying around that hadn’t yet fully transformed.
Luo Jinxiao took a deep breath of the sweet-scented air, instantly feeling refreshed all over.
While this place wasn’t necessarily a grand spectacle, its simplicity and purity made it worthwhile to visit.
However, Hua Xianrui insisted on arranging two separate rooms under the pretense that they wouldn’t be able to share, which left Luo Jinxiao feeling a bit disappointed.
Under the tree, there were many people who had just taken on human forms, running around barefoot on the grass and playfully chattering amongst themselves. Occasionally, they glanced curiously at Luo Jinxiao.
A knock at the door caught her attention. When she opened it, a small rabbit demon appeared, carrying a large bucket of water, with only two fluffy long ears visible above it.
“Master Luo, this is the hot water that the Demon King’s sister instructed us to prepare. It’s morning flower dew, and using it for bathing can enhance longevity,†the little rabbit demon said in a soft and adorable voice.
“Thank you,†Luo Jinxiao replied with a smile. She took the large bucket and set it down in the room, but when she looked back up, the shy little rabbit demon had already disappeared from sight.
Luo Jinxiao’s mood remained bright. She drew the gauzy curtain to block the outside view and began to remove her outer garment to try the morning flower dew.
Still feeling a bit apprehensive, she opted to wear her undergarments into the water. As the rabbit demon had said, the water felt soothing and comfortable to the touch, with a hint of spiritual energy emanating from it.
Floating in the water was a flower, accompanied by many petals, emanating a delightful fragrance.
Luo Jinxiao reached out to pick the flower for examination, but as she touched the petals, a sudden flicker of light and shadow occurred. The flower in front of her transformed into a person, wearing colorful garb that splashed water everywhere.
Luo Jinxiao was momentarily stunned. Once she clearly saw the figure’s face, she couldn’t help but scream loudly and quickly jumped out of the bucket, hastily putting her outer garment back on.
“What were you doing in the water?†she gasped, incredulously clutching herself.
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