[Urban] The True Colors of a Lustful Woman (Complete) - 13-15

page views:1 Publication date:2023-04-24

Trip to Tianshan (Part 1)
"Wife... are you sure leaving him here won't result in him being carried off by wolves?" Qingyan looked worriedly at the figure under the large tree not far below. Nan Kujin hummed a tune, glancing indifferently at the shrinking figure. "No way~ With his size, even an old wolf probably couldn't bite him! Besides, it's a crossroads; passersby will surely find him. Maybe he'll even run into a stunning beauty, a kind-hearted woman who saves him out of compassion, and then they'll fall in love and end up in bed together~ He should be thanking us~"

Bai Shang chuckled wickedly. "But what if he runs into someone like the Eighth Princess?" Qingyan nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes..." "What if he meets someone like the Eighth Princess?"

Ni Luo laughed at them, "There's no best, only better~ He's unlikely to meet someone like the Eighth Princess. If he does, he'll meet someone even more amazing than the Eighth Princess!" Mu Qi chimed in, "Someone like the Eighth Princess is already top-tier. Where are they so easy to find?"

Nan Ku Jin laughed at these words, clapping her hands and jumping around happily on the broken wing, "May the Lord bless this chauvinistic pig with some 'good' luck that's rare in all the ages!"

Qing Yan looked at Nan Ku Jin with some curiosity, and asked doubtfully, "May the pig bless him? The Pig God??"

...%&*@#￥...

Mu Qi's lips twitched, looking at Qing Yan, speechless. Jesus, did you vomit blood on the cross?

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"Mumu, how much further? Look, it's getting dark. Should we go down to that forest, set up camp, hunt some fat wild boars or rabbits, and roast them to fill our stomachs?" Nan Kujin, sitting on Canyi's back, said weakly. They'd traveled all day; even Canyi was wobbling precariously in flight!

Mu Qi looked into the distance, guessing they wouldn't be able to return to Tianshan tonight, and nodded apologetically to everyone, "Alright then, I see a small pool down there, let's stay there tonight~" Everyone was exhausted, and hearing this was undoubtedly the best salvation, so they rushed down one after another. From afar came Nan Kujin's cheers: "Ahhh! Canyi, hurry up! Can't you see we're in first place now? Full speed ahead, let's come on!"

A moment later,

except for Mu Qi who stayed behind to guard the camp and build a fire, everyone else dispersed to hunt and prepare dinner. As a result, Nan Kujin and Qingyan formed one group, Bai Shang formed one group, and Nilu formed one group. The three teams split up, and Nan Kujin, holding Qingyan's hand, vanished in an instant.

A long time later, in a patch of grass... Nan Kujin placed the carefully woven straw hat on Qingyan's head, put her index finger to her lips to shush, and transmitted her voice, "See those rabbits grazing ahead? We can work together, slowly sneak up to them, and then catch them off guard! Got it?"

Qingyan nodded understandingly, her face full of curiosity and eagerness. "Don't worry, my wife. Let's begin!" "Okay...follow me..."

Nan Kujin held up the large foxtail grass in one hand, lay down in the grass, and carefully crawled forward. Qingyan followed closely beside her, her beautiful peach blossom eyes blinking occasionally in the grass, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, her pretty hands parting the grass and moving in little by little.

Closer, closer! Looking at the plump rabbits, Nan Kujin swallowed hard, thinking, "What do you rabbits eat to grow so fat? Wow~ the smell of roasted rabbits... tsk tsk, I can't help but drool!" Nodding to Qingyan beside her, Nan Kujin was about to shout "Attack!" when a powerful crossbow bolt pierced the air, heading straight for Qingyan's hiding place! Terrified, Nan Kujin didn't care about anything else, yelling "Watch out!" and hurriedly pounced on Qingyan, pulling him into a suggestive roll.

Forgetting all about romance, Nan Kujin quickly stood up and roared, "Who is it? Stop sneaking around, come out!"

Accompanied by the sound of bells, a group of women's low, seductive, and husky laughter rang out, like the emergence of a peerless female demon on television. Rose petals appeared in the air, drifting down.

"Damn it... I'm allergic to pollen..."

Like raindrops, Nan Kujin nervously pressed close to Qingyan, gritting her teeth and calmly scanning her surroundings. She was determined to find these women laughing like ghosts! The worst part was that she'd used up all her sleeping pills and poisons at Yinyin Manor, and now she could only rely on Canyi!

"Is it them again?" Qingyan muttered to herself, looking down with some confusion. Her voice wasn't loud, but it was enough for Nan Kujin to hear clearly. What did she mean by "again"? Could it be that Bai Shang and the others were hiding something from her?

*Hoo...*

Nan Kujin and Qingyan simultaneously felt someone exhale seductively in their ears. Nan Kujin thought dejectedly, "Why are all the women seducing me?" Qingyan thought naively, "Why are they being so kind, even blowing air on him? He doesn't even feel hot!"

A deep crimson hue suddenly obscured their vision for a moment. All they could see was a red veil, swirling and fluttering, forming a circle around them. A gentle breeze carried the movement, and every now and then, a woman's slender fingers would extend, each strike aimed at Qingyan's vital points, while those aimed at Nan Kujin were merely her pressure points.

As the attacks continued, Nan Kujin clearly realized this: against such a dense barrage, a risky move could often turn the tide! With this thought in mind, Nan Kujin placed her hand on Qingyan's shoulder and began to swirl around him. Her blue robes billowed, mingling with the wide, white-patterned sleeves, tightly enveloping Qingyan, creating a phantom-like silhouette. Sensing
the women's hesitation, Nan Kujin transmitted his voice to Qingyan, "Now! Use that attack that can strike in all directions! I...I...I'm about to faint..."

Upon hearing Nan Kujin's voice transmission, Qingyan gathered blue spiritual energy at her fingertips, and with a gentle flick and elegant movement, the blue spiritual energy surged out like waves, shredding the grass in its path!

In his dazed state, Nan Kujin only saw blood mist burst forth, and heard the sound of wind being shredded. Apart from a woman in red fleeing in a disheveled state, the rest had already been carried away by the wind. A heavy stench of blood filled his nostrils. Qingyan gently pulled him into his arms, frowning, clearly also disliking the smell. He lifted him up with his strong arms, stood up, and headed back the way they came.
Her expression was somewhat grave, as if she were worried about something…

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“So, how’s that matter going?” A familiar voice rang out. In a secret chamber of the Bloodstained Sect, Ningxue looked at the newcomer with some respect and replied, “Our deal should be resolved soon.”

Her delicate, white hand picked up a crystal-clear grape and placed it on her crimson lips. A slow smile played on the lips of the newcomer. "That would be perfect. We each get what we need; it

's a pleasure to cooperate!" Ningxue smiled faintly and sat down. "Yes," she said, "you grant me power, and I'll steal the people I want from the ones you love, ensuring they never have a chance to meet again. We can also cultivate our shared power in the process. What's not to like?"

Upon hearing this, the newcomer said slowly and deliberately, "But I heard that the most recent assassination attempt failed."

Ningxue clenched her fists in resentment, recalling how the skilled men she had sent had all perished. "That's because I underestimated them."

"Hehe..." the newcomer chuckled. "You don't need to go to so much trouble. Today, I've brought you something good. Have you heard of the Forgetful River Spring?"

"Forgetful River?" Ningxue paused, "Of course I have. It's said to be in the underworld. No matter how high one's spiritual power, drinking it will cause them to lose their memories. Could it be..."

"That's right. I'm having you give this to Nan Kujin. That way, she can forget everything from the past. Then you can take her far away, to a place where no one can find her and live in seclusion. That way, she'll be yours forever. It's convenient and risk-free. You just need to use your brain a little!"

Ningxue nodded with some delight, carefully taking the porcelain bottle containing the Forgetful River Spring water. She said gratefully, "Don't worry, it will definitely work."

"That would be best." She ate another grape, her cherry lips glistening alluringly in the candlelight. A meaningful smile flashed in her eyes. The candlelight flickered, illuminating the woman's face—it was none other than the seemingly frail Eighth Princess!

The Journey to Tianshan (Part 2)
When Nan Kujin returned to the camp, it was completely dark. The flickering flames illuminated Mu Qi's profile. Ni Luo evenly applied the crushed hemostatic herbs to the wound on his left shoulder, wincing in pain. Nan Kujin slowly walked over and sat down beside him, softly asking, "Does it hurt?"

Hearing Nan Kujin's voice, Ni Luo looked up in surprise. "You're back, you damn woman? Bai Shang went to look for you earlier!" "I know, I met him on the road." She raised her arm, pointing to Bai Shang, who was frowning. "Look, isn't he over there? Tell me the truth, were you also assassinated? Are you hiding something from me?"

Looking into Nan Kujin's serious eyes, Ni Luo's heart skipped a beat. Had she already sensed something? No, I absolutely can't tell her about that. First, it's an agreement between us, and second, it would be terrible if she did something impulsive after hearing it! Feigning suspicion, she looked at Nan Kujin, "Huh? We're hiding something from you? How could that be? We're with you every day, what could we possibly be hiding from you?"

"Really?" Nan Kujin raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "Really!" Nan Kujin realized she couldn't get anything out of him, so she gave up, but she still had a nagging feeling that they were definitely hiding something from her! And it was definitely related to today's assassination attempt! Finding out from Mu Qi was impossible; Mu Qi was always very tight-lipped. If they didn't tell her about this, it must be related to her. Finding out from Bai Shang was even less likely; it seemed the only option was to try and get information from Qingyan…

That night, everyone fully exercised the virtue of silence, quietly finishing dinner before gradually going to rest. Because it was Sunday, Nan Kujin could do as she pleased. So, after everyone was mostly asleep, she crouched down and carefully made her way to where Qingyan was sleeping.

To Nan Kujin's surprise, Qingyan was still awake so late. When he saw a dark figure approaching, he silently prepared to attack, but when he realized it was Nan Kujin, his body softened instantly. He lay on the ground, blinking his ocean-blue eyes, quietly watching her. Nan Kujin propped herself up beside Qingyan's face, smiling gently as she looked down at him. A strand of hair fell down, lightly brushing against Qingyan's nose.

Qingyan wrinkled his nose slightly, glancing shyly at Nan Kujin, then reached out and caught the strand of hair, playfully twirling it between his fingers. Nan Kujin looked at Qingyan's delicate face, lowered her head, and kissed his pink lips. Originally intending to give her a light peck and then let go, Qingyan unexpectedly wrapped one arm around Nan Kujin's waist and supported her head with the other, sitting her up. Nan Kujin was secretly annoyed that she had forgotten her duty because of her beauty, and quickly pushed Qingyan away, feigning seriousness as she asked, "Yan Yan, tell me, are you two hiding something from me?"

Upon hearing this, Qingyan panicked, hurriedly lowering her head and stammering, "No way..." As she spoke, her small hands kept tugging at the hem of her clothes, clearly indicating she had something to hide!

"Really? If you lie, my wife won't talk to you anymore!" Qingyan looked up anxiously upon hearing this. "Really? If I lie, my wife won't talk to me anymore? Waaah..." "Yes! So you'd better tell the truth, Yan Yan!" "But...but they said they can't tell you..." "It's okay, I won't tell them even if you do. Is it related to today's assassination attempt?" Qingyan hesitated for a moment, biting her lip lightly, and nodded slightly. "Then why won't they tell you?" Qingyan looked at Nan Kujin with some difficulty. "Because they said that the master of those assassins is someone my sister knows. Her name is Ningxue. She's my sister's maid from before..."

What? How could it be...how could it be Ningxue?!

"Yan Yan, are you sure? Are you sure you didn't hear wrong?" "No mistake... Brother Ni Luo's reaction after hearing it was similar to Sister's. But judging from their tone, Ning Xue seems to have changed! She founded a Bloodstained Sect, which is entirely composed of women, and she's constantly opposing the Shadow Sect. My wife, what's wrong? Why is your face so pale? Are you feeling unwell?"

Nan Ku Jin clutched her chest, waving her hand sadly. "Nothing. I'm just feeling a little down. Did they say why Ning Xue would do this?" "They didn't say... but they all think that Ning Xue's feelings for you are extraordinary. Is that true?"

Hearing this, Nan Ku Jin's heart skipped a beat. Extraordinary? How come she hadn't noticed? Could it be that Ning Xue likes her? How could that be...? Could there really be GL (Girls' Love) relationships in ancient times...?

A sense of unease crept into her heart. Could it be that Ning Xue would rather kill all the men around her to get her? She hoped it wasn't like that.

She couldn't believe Ning Xue had become like this. She couldn't believe Ning Xue had become so twisted. In her heart, Ningxue had always been just an innocent little sister.

She felt that all of this was either a setup or a conspiracy.

Qingyan, watching her frowning and distressed, was a little worried. "Wife, are you alright..."

Nan Kujin slowly came back to her senses, shook her head, and replied in a muffled voice, "I'm fine, Yan Yan, don't worry. It's getting late, we have to travel tomorrow, Yan Yan should go to sleep first~"

"Mmm!" Qingyan nodded, her eyes like crescent moons, "I want to sleep with my wife~"

Before Nan Kujin could agree, Qingyan's figure changed, and a small blue fox suddenly appeared in Nan Kujin's arms. It nuzzled against Nan Kujin with its pink nose, licked the back of Nan Kujin's hand with its pink little tongue, then curled up into a ball, closed its eyes, and dozed off in Nan Kujin's arms.

Nan Kujin looked at Qingyan, smiled helplessly, stroked its soft fur, and gradually drifted off to sleep ... ===
... The ghostly figure knelt on one knee, deliberately lowering his voice, and said, "Your subordinate is late, please punish me, Master." Bai Shang's lips curled into a beautiful smile upon hearing this. "No need. How have you done with the tasks I entrusted to you?" "Please rest assured, Master. In just one day, some of our sect's elites destroyed over a hundred branches of the Bloodthirsty Sect, achieving remarkable feats. The enemy suffered heavy casualties, but... our own forces also suffered many losses..."

"Pass down the order: everyone involved in this mission will be rewarded. However, you only destroyed some minor branches of the Bloodthirsty Sect. In future missions, you must tell them to be extra careful. This enemy is extraordinary. Moreover, she seems to have a mysterious force supporting her." Bai Shang's tone was indifferent, seemingly not too satisfied with the results of this battle.

Ghost Shadow hesitated. Who exactly was this person? Why was the other party so familiar with the Shadow Sect? But he knew that he should only think about these things himself and not ask his master, or he would be in deep trouble!

"Then, Master, what should we do with the Golden Scorpion after we caught it?"

"Take it back to the Shadow Sect and imprison it. I think it would be best to lock it up for life... Hehehe~" Bai Shang chuckled softly, seemingly already imagining the future scene, but his eyes were icy and devoid of any emotion.

"Go, and complete the mission well."

"Yes, Your subordinate will take his leave..." The next morning

on Mount Tian
, when Nan Kujin was woken up, Qingyan had already returned to her human form, full of energy and jumping around. Nan Kujin was furious. Last night, holding you made me sleep in such an uncomfortable position, it was so painful, and you, on the other hand, are so relaxed now! With some difficulty, Nan Kujin put her hands on her hips and started doing the school's broadcast gymnastics based on her fragmented memory.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight... one, two, three, four... um... that seems to be it, it should be right, no, no, why are these movements so awkward? Huh? Why is there suddenly no sound? Standing on one leg, she turned around and, good heavens, everyone except Mu Qi was staring at her with wide, round eyes in surprise...

Bai Shang was the first to come to his senses, walked to Nan Kujin's side, and pulled her into his arms. "Little thing... what kind of dance is this???? Why are the movements so strange?" Ah~ Bai Bai's voice was always so soft and enchanting, like the finest silk tearing, or like a siren's soft murmur, captivating the soul and making one involuntarily sink into its depths... His breath brushed against Nan Kujin's neck, and Nan Kujin felt her body instantly melt into a puddle, melting into Bai Shang's embrace.

Swallowing hard, Nan Kujin turned her head to the side, refusing to look at Bai Shang's bewitching purple eyes. Oh my god~~ Oh my god!!! Boss, can you please stop seducing me in broad daylight? Even though it's your turn today, please don't look at me with such seductive eyes, okay? I'm going to get a nosebleed!!! And it'll gush! This could kill me!

"Um... well..." How should I put it? "Are you suggesting I tell you this is some kind of calisthenics invented thousands of years in the future, something you do every day, supposedly great for your health, but actually useless? Am I supposed to lie and say these bizarre movements are a dance I just made up? I might as well just crawl into a hole and disappear!"

Seeing the puzzled, interested, and somewhat expectant looks on everyone's faces, Nan Kujin somehow managed to answer, "Um…this is a set of monkey boxing that I just figured out~"

Everyone was stunned. Nan Kujin realized what she had said, her face instantly turning red. Good heavens! She must have had a brain fart! She must have lost her mind! Otherwise, how could she have said something so incredibly embarrassing?

Someone started laughing, and then, like a series of explosions, laughter erupted all around. Nan Kujin, unable to contain her anger, suddenly rushed up to Nilo, who was laughing the loudest, and kicked him twice. As a result, Nilo laughed until tears almost streamed down his face…

“Hmph!!! Laughing, laughing, laughing, I’m ignoring you all, I’ll walk away myself!”

“Hey~ Mother monkey, slow down, slow down~~~”

“Hmph!”

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Unbeknownst to her, more than a week had passed in Tianshan. Back when Nan Kujin stormed into Yun Chengzi’s dilapidated little house, Yun Chengzi was taking a bath. Upon seeing her, he held his breath, and in a flash, he disappeared into the tub, leaving only bubbles rising from the bottom… She had witnessed firsthand what bad luck was; even drinking cold water could cause problems! The group of people who followed closely behind undoubtedly witnessed everything that had just happened .

Nan Kujin stomped her feet angrily, too angry to speak, and simply disappeared into the nearby woods, not emerging for a long time… It seemed that her grand plan that day had been greatly thwarted…

Yun Chengzi was also ridiculed by Ni Luo because of Nan Kujin's situation. Although he didn't say anything, Yun Chengzi still decided to curb the young man's arrogance. Thus, the daily tasks of chopping wood, cooking, gathering herbs, and preparing lunch were all taken care of by these guests. Of course, the others were implicated. Nan Kujin, having nothing better to do, simply joined them on the mountain every day. This Tianshan Mountain was indeed very different from the Tianshan Mountain of their time. As far as the eye could see, it was full of green—deep green, light green, yellowish green—and there was almost no trace of snow. In this mountain range, there are not only clear springs, flowing streams, plump fish, and sweet, juicy wild fruits, but what truly captivated Nan Kujin and his companions was this statement: "

Actually, many places in these mountains hide thousand-year-old Ganoderma lucidum, or other spiritual herbs only recorded in books. Eating one, while unlikely to grant immortality, could very well increase one's cultivation by a hundred years. However, such opportunities are bestowed by heaven and not easily discovered. But even I myself am unsure what lies deep within these mountains; I only know they are extremely dangerous!" (This is just something to talk about after dinner...)

But! His words only fueled their excitement. Especially after Ni Luo, through some incredible stroke of luck, tripped and fell in the forest, his foot hooking onto a giant, thick He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum)! Good heavens... are you blind?! Did you see someone's jaw practically drop from laughing? So, ever since then, everyone has been filled with endless fantasies about the treasures in this forest, spending their days wandering around it.

Today, Nan Kujin and his group are going fishing. The reason is that a certain Yun said he wanted to try something new recently, and maybe if he was in a good mood, he would reveal some things about this forest. Without saying a word, everyone got to work! Fully armed and ready to go!
After about ten minutes on foot, they successfully arrived at Silver Moon Lake in the forest.

According to Yun Chengzi, he had heard Lin Mu say that Silver Moon Lake was a basin of water accidentally spilled by Chang'e in the heavens. Whether it was foot-washing water or bathwater is unknown, but it fully proves that the skin of immortals is as pure as jade, white and flawless, without any dirt (I wonder if it is as fragile as porcelain...), and it also has a sweet taste (I don't know what caused it), but in any case, this lake was formed. After hearing this story, everyone sighed in dismay. Indeed, good things don't come out of a dog's mouth; even the freshest fish tastes bad once it's in your mouth…

When they arrived at Silvermoon Lake, they were still greatly surprised, stunned by the beautiful scenery before them. The sunlight, instead of gilding the water with its usual pale gold, cast a soft, silvery-white hue. The water was crystal clear, truly transparent to the bottom. So many fish swam freely, clearly very lively. Bai Shang spoke first: "Alright, everyone, let's begin. The sooner we catch some fish, the sooner we can go back and report. Tomorrow, we can go explore the depths of the forest as the little one wishes, right?" With that, he deftly flicked his wrist, and the bamboo fork in his hand plunged into the water. The water's resistance seemed to have no effect on him; straight and unbiased, the bamboo fork instantly pierced the bodies of two fish. Bai Shang raised his hand, and the bamboo fork returned to his grasp. Only then did blood begin to seep from the fish's belly, not a single drop dripping into the lake water. The speed was eerily terrifying.

Bai Shang smiled at Nan Kujin and then moved on to the next task. His movements were incredibly elegant, as if he were creating a beautiful work of art rather than fishing. Qing Yan was even more impressive. With a flick of his finger, a section of water in the lake separated from the rest of the lake, wrapping around the fish like a silken thread, and then he directed the water to toss the fish into his bamboo basket. He did it all with effortless ease. Mu Qi, having lived here for a while, must have done this kind of work before, so he leisurely fished with a rod.

Nan Kujin and Ni Luo, however, were at a loss. They knew they couldn't control the fish as well as Bai Shang, and they didn't know how many they would catch in a day. Helpless, the two could only stare at each other in bewilderment.

"What do you think we should do?" Nan Kujin asked, seeing everyone else busy and not having started anything herself or Ni Luo.

"You damn woman, how would I know what to do! Where's your monkey fist? Why don't you show it off?" Ni Luo couldn't resist teasing Nan Ku Jin even at this point, saying with a mischievous smile.

Nan Ku Jin was already quite depressed, worrying about how to catch fish. His words ignited her anger, and without a word, she kicked Ni Luo into the water. Before Ni Luo could even scream, she had already become a diving athlete. Nan Ku Jin laughed triumphantly on the shore, unaware that Ni Luo's claws had unknowingly reached her feet. Before she knew it, she was pulled into the water too. She nearly

choked on the water; after all, Nan Ku Jin only knew how to do a dog paddle! But a woman's anger is always terrifying. Nan Ku Jin didn't care about her image anymore, and with a "smack," she slapped the water's surface, miraculously using the recoil to float to the surface! This went on repeatedly, keeping Nan Kujin quite busy, one hand slapping the water's surface while the other splashing him. Ni Luo, however, seemed oblivious, comfortably closing his eyes as she splashed him, praising, "You damn woman, are you giving me a bath?"

This infuriated Nan Kujin. "A bath? My foot!" With a lightning-fast swirl in the water, she grabbed something slippery and threw it. Countless fish rained down on Ni Luo like bombs, only to be deflected by his protective inner energy, knocking them unconscious. They floated
on the surface, belly up, eyes rolled back, unresponsive.

Wow… this works too…

Nan Kujin's antics spurred the others to stop fishing altogether. Wasn't that enough? They jumped into the water, joining the fray. Water splashed everywhere, and laughter and shouts echoed for a long time.

When this group of people appeared before Lin Mu, Lin Yanfeng, and Yun Chengzi, all soaking wet, the three were genuinely taken aback. Had they gone fishing? It looked more like they were going to have a water fight!

Nan Kujin, wearing Bai Shang's coat, had just been busy sneezing. Upon seeing her two masters, Lin Mu and Lin Yanfeng, arrive, her joy was beyond words. She rushed forward like the wind and hugged her masters tightly. Lin Mu was the first to object, yelling, "You brat, be gentle! My clothes are soaked! I, the handsome, charming, universally loved, flower-attracting, bird-attracting, sheep-attracting handsome man, have been turned into a drowned rat by your hug! I'm so humiliated!!!"

Nan Kujin's lips twitched, her face darkening, and she said sullenly, "Master... don't be so narcissistic, okay?"

Lin Mu casually tossed his hair, struck what he thought was a very cool pose, and declared loudly, "If I'm not narcissistic, who will be narcissistic about me???"

Everyone fainted like dominoes... Life on

Liunian
Mountain was undoubtedly blissful and sweet. Surrounded by handsome men and doted on by her master, everything tasted delicious, everything went smoothly, and Nan Kujin's mouth was practically crooked from smiling. She was constantly laughing happily! Except for the occasional bickering between her and someone else, her life was simply blissful!

That day, someone suddenly suggested going into the mountains to hunt wild game. The mere mention of it instantly ignited a frenzy among the crowd, everyone's eyes lighting up and they darted around furtively, seemingly already picturing golden-brown roasted pheasants and ducks laid out before them, their aroma filling the air.

Right there at breakfast time, Nan Kujin, with an air of charisma, grabbed chopsticks with a piece of dried radish on one hand and a bowl of porridge in the other, and declared with boundless enthusiasm, "Brothers, hurry up and finish what you're holding, then we'll head to the forest! And if we're thinking about the forest, we'll go catch some fat meat!" As this Statue of Liberty-like figure loudly proclaimed this call, Lin Mu and Lin Yanfeng whispered amongst themselves, "Are you sure our precious apprentice's brain's not malfunctioning lately? I feel like she's acting more and more like a man!" "I think so too! Could this be the power of nature's wildness?" (A large bead of sweat dripped from Mou Chen's forehead; indeed, very wild...)

However, since ancient times ... There's a saying—beauty is in the eye of the beholder (someone quietly asks, "What does beauty see in beauty?"). No matter what Nan Kujin does, she's still the most adorable person in Bai Shang, Mu Qi, and the others' eyes. So, when Yun Chengzi, Lin Mu, and Lin Yanfeng turned around and kept muttering, "I don't know this person, I don't know this person...", Qing Yan, Bai Shang, and Mu Qi were still listening to the woman's passionate speech with smiles on their faces...

A moment later, in front of the hut, Bai Shang and the others, riding horses that the Shadow Sect's incredibly efficient freaks had somehow managed to transport, received crossbows, bows, arrows, and animal traps from Yun Chengzi. After a brief farewell to Yun Chengzi and the others, they entered the jungle. These horses were all well-trained and very useful. Nan Kujin's horse was an exceptionally intelligent Akhal-Teke, so there was no need to worry about how bad her riding skills were. At least riding that horse would make her much safer.

Encountering such a fun activity, Nan Kujin naturally rushed ahead, her eyes darting nervously around, not wanting to miss a single sound. Nan Kujin and her companions walked and walked, and finally, in a grove of trees not far away, they spotted a young deer! Without a word, Nan Kujin drew a crossbow bolt from behind her back, nocked it, and aimed at the deer's swaying rear, preparing to give it a good whack on the backside. But to her surprise, before she could even fire, the sound of arrows whistling through the air rang out one after another, and in the blink of an eye, the young deer's rear end was indeed riddled with holes…

Mu Qi tightened the reins of his horse, smiling as he said to Nan Kujin, "Jin'er has lost to us in archery! Now let's see who catches the wounded deer first!" Only then did Nan Kujin notice that the deer had somehow managed to run away, wounded! Some stared in disbelief, wide-eyed. "Seriously? Her backside's practically a target, and she's still running so fast? These deer in the Tianshan Mountains are truly extraordinary...

" Nan Kujin raised an eyebrow, a hint of defiance in her voice. "Alright! Let's have a race, see who can catch that deer first!!! Good horse, giddy up!!!" Nan Kujin cracked her whip and charged forward, causing the others to freeze in surprise. By the time they realized what was happening, Nan Kujin was already far ahead, only her white robes appearing and disappearing in the forest.

Qingyan, Bai Shang, Mu Qi, and the others shouted worriedly, "Slow down, be careful!" Then, they all spurred their horses on, chasing after Nan Kujin.

Nan Kujin kept whipping her horse, her speed increasing rapidly. The treetops brushed against her cheek, but she paid no heed. She had only one thought in her mind: to catch that deer and show them! She vaguely remembered that the deer had run in this direction. Nan Kujin leaned down, pressing herself close to the horse's back, both to avoid being cut by branches and to increase her speed.

Finally, she hadn't gone far when she saw the fawn lying on the ground, too weak to move. But... wait, next to it was...

Looking closer, she saw someone she knew all too well, gently taking out a handkerchief from her bosom, carefully removing the arrow fletching with a small knife, and bandaging the deer's wounds with a gold-inlaid ointment. It was Ningxue.

Looking at her gentle, smiling face, she felt that Ningxue was still Ningxue, unchanged and never would! She was still so gentle, so kind, so innocent… How could a woman who could treat animals so well send assassins to kill Bai Shang and the others? Someone must have framed her.

Nan Kujin quietly dismounted and gently walked towards that figure. Ningxue's lips curled up imperceptibly. When Nan Kujin's hand patted her shoulder, she turned around with feigned surprise, looking at the person in front of her.

Upon seeing her like this, Nan Kujin smiled gently and said, "Sister, what are you doing here?" Ningxue looked at her, her eyes filled with tears, and she sadly threw herself into Nan Kujin's arms. She sobbed, "Sister, after I left Medicine King Valley, I was fortunate enough to meet a master who taught me martial arts. Later, I inquired about your whereabouts in the martial world and found out that you disappeared after you became famous overnight for blowing up the garden of Kuyin Yin Manor. I thought you had returned to Medicine King Valley, so I went to look for you, but there was no one there. Then I remembered that people in the martial world said that Brother Mu was the disciple of a divine swordsman from Tianshan. I thought of Yun Dashu and hurriedly inquired about the exact location of Tianshan and came here. I never expected to meet you here!"

Nan Kujin patted Ningxue's back happily and comforted her, "Don't cry. We've met now, haven't we? Let's still live together from now on and never be separated again, okay?" Ningxue wiped away her tears, smiled through her tears, and nodded.

Nan Kujin patted her head, helped her up, glanced at the deer, shook her head and said, "Since she brought me here and led me to you, little sister, she deserves some credit. So I won't kill her, let's let her go!" Ningxue smiled and nodded, "Okay! Sister, let's go! Look at you, you're all sweaty from running!" Ningxue led Nan Kujin's Akhal-Teke horse, laughing at Nan Kujin as they went.

Nan Kujin scratched her head a little embarrassed, looked ahead, and exclaimed in surprise, "Oh! We've gone the wrong way! There are cliffs ahead!" Ningxue smiled nonchalantly, "It's alright, it's still early, and I don't know the way either. I'll trouble you to lead the way soon, sister!"

"No problem, I've got it covered!" Nan Kujin patted her chest confidently and said. "Sister, you've sweated so much, why don't you have some water?" Ningxue took a water bottle from her waist, unscrewed the cap, and handed it to Nan Kujin. Nan Kujin nodded, "Little sister, I didn't realize it until you said it, but now that you've mentioned it, I really do feel thirsty!" Taking the water bottle, Nan Kujin took a large gulp before handing it back to Ningxue. However, just as the bottle was about to be handed to Ningxue, Nan Kujin felt her heart stop for a moment, and her blood begin to flow backward. She could no longer hold onto the bottle, and as she knelt on the ground, the bottle rolled and
rolled down the slope, tumbling down the cliff.

Seeing the satisfied smile bloom on Ningxue's lips, Nan Kujin's eyes widened in disbelief, and she said with difficulty, "Little sister, you..."

Ningxue bent down, hugged her, and stroked Nan Kujin's smooth face. "Sister, do you know? For you, I sold my soul to the devil... Sister, do you know where the most desolate hell is? It's the place you desire but can never have. I know it all too well." She paused, leaned down and kissed Nan Kujin's brow, then continued, "Sister, do you know? You've always been my wish, you're the master of my every day, my heart is filled with cries of love for you, I yearn for you until my life ends! But why? Why do you always look at them more, pay more attention to them more? Yet you've never noticed my love for you? Sister, I only want a little bit of your love, and since you won't give it to me, I'll take it, possess it all, okay?" Ningxue smiled, and tears streamed down her face, wetting Nan Kujin's cheeks. The cool tears seeped into her skin.

Suddenly, Ningxue's pupils constricted sharply. Nan Kujin felt as if her entire body was burning. Ningxue stared in disbelief at her hands covered in blood, watching the blood seep continuously from the pores of the person in her arms. She panicked, not knowing what to do. Nan Kujin's face was gradually covered in blood, and her flesh curled up as if rotting.

"Hehehe, Ningxue, you are so naive. Even if a person loses their memory, it is still possible to recall everything from the past. Only the dead can forget everything~" The figure of the Eighth Princess slowly emerged from the shade of the tree on the other side, followed by a man completely covered in a black robe. The Eighth Princess simply flicked her fingers, knocking Ningxue unconscious. With some relief, she glanced at the man behind her and smiled faintly, "Master, the spiritual power you gave me is truly powerful..." The man chuckled softly, his sharp gaze sweeping over Nan Kujin. "Go, bring her here. I'll cure her poison and take her back to the Demon Realm. Our Third Prince still hopes to use her to deal with his own brother!"

"But, Master..." "No buts. Even if the poison is cured now, it won't restore her former appearance. Are you still afraid she'll seduce the person you like?" The Eighth Princess seemed to suddenly realize something, grinning maliciously as she walked step by step towards Nan Kujin. At that moment, Nan Kujin mustered all her strength, rolled over, ignoring the excruciating pain all over her body, and tumbled down the cliff at an unstoppable speed. As she plummeted through the air, a smile appeared on her blurred face. She laughed weakly, "What you want, I won't let you have it!!!" She

vaguely saw the Eighth Princess and the man reach the edge of the cliff, but it was too late to grab even a sliver of her clothing.

She kept falling, falling, the wind passing by her ears, the blood in her body slowly draining away.

At that moment, she felt no fear. Her mind was filled with memories of the times she had spent with them.

She seemed to see Qingyan standing before her, her little face flushed, her small hands awkwardly placed at her sides. After a long while, she lowered her head and shyly called out, "My lady—"

She seemed to see Bai Shang personally tying up her long black hair, the white butterfly jade hairpin glowing beautifully in the candlelight…

She seemed to see Mu Qi, sword in hand, disregarding his wounds, resolutely standing in front of her to prevent the Wan Jian Ge people from bullying her…

She seemed to see Ni Luo, holding a rough hemp rope and wearing a straw hat, looking resentful when Ning Xue knocked her unconscious—it was so funny…

…

So many…so many images…

*plop*…a raindrop landed on Nan Kujin's cheek, stinging her. Was it raining? Unfortunately, she had no time to appreciate it now…

Resolutely, she summoned Broken Wings, whose body trembled noticeably. The sword spirit was sealed within her sword, impossible to break through.

Mu Qi, we once planted a blood curse between us, but how could I let you die? You should live on, even my share. With

the sword tip pointing downwards, she ripped out her own heart. Nan Ku Jin crushed the love curse that weighed on her heart, but her heart slipped from her grasp, disappearing somewhere unknown.

Her consciousness blurred; she thought, soon she would hear the sound of all the bones in her body breaking together, wouldn't she?

It was time to say goodbye…

(End of Jianghu Chapter)

Hibiscus Pavilion (Part 1)
In the blink of an eye, three years had passed… In those three years, the world had undergone earth-shattering changes. The Demon Clan seemed quieter than usual, a quietness with an eerie feel, like the brief calm before an impending storm. The Demon Race had also grown stronger little by little. Within three years, the Shadow Sect completely eradicated the Bloodthirsty Sect's power. The mysterious sect leader, Golden Scorpion, vanished without a trace three years ago, as if he had evaporated into thin air.

On the night before the Mid-Autumn Festival, within the Shadow Sect,

Bai Shang sat alone in the courtyard. The weather was slightly chilly. He wrapped his thin coat tighter around himself, gazing at the moon, lost in thought.

Three years have passed, but why haven't I heard a single word from you, little one? Why, even after exhausting the resources of hundreds of Shadow Sect members, I haven't found a single clue to your whereabouts? Are you really dead? No, no! It can't be! There's blood at the bottom of the cliff, but no body. You must still be alive!! Right? Right?

You're usually so clever and cunning, little one. This time, you must have escaped using a bad idea, right? Little one, please come back. I miss you so much…

“Cough cough cough…” Bai Shang suddenly trembled violently, coughing one cough after another. Ghost Shadow couldn't bear to watch any longer and stepped out from the shadows, advising, “Master, let's go back inside. It's windy outside…”

Bai Shang seemed not to hear, sitting on the stone bench, staring blankly at the plate of mung bean cakes in front of him.

He seemed to see her, her eyes lowered in a gentle smile, picking up a piece of mung bean cake with her left hand, slowly putting it into her mouth, her eyes narrowing in enjoyment, her brows relaxing, then opening them, gleaming with a strange light, her eyebrows raised defiantly, a smirk playing

on her lips. "Little thing..." Bai Shang smiled, reaching out to touch her face. But all he touched was the cold air. His purple, demonic eyes instantly turned a deep, soul-chilling gray, causing Ghost Shadow a pang of heartache. For three years, he had watched his master's heart ache with unbearable longing, desperately developing the Shadow Sect's power, all for the sake of finding even the slightest trace of her.

Bai Shang stood up, taking out the pristine white letter from his robes. All his hope lay in tomorrow.

Shunshui Tower in the Imperial City. The place where they had gathered every year. He hoped they would find something, even a little.

===

...

Gone is the innocent, shy smile of the past; he has transformed into a stoic young master, no longer even flinching when killing. No longer crying, no longer laughing, no longer acting coquettishly, he is like a puppet, controlled by hatred, with only one thought in his mind: revenge against the demon realm!

Watching him casually sip his tea, he sighed softly, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." Although he didn't speak of what happened back then, the clan members had a pretty good idea. They say demons are heartless, but their young master loved so deeply!

"Hmm. Go. If anyone in the demon realm falls into our hands, inform me immediately. Perhaps we can coax some information about my wife out of them." When he said "wife," Qingyan's lips curled slightly, and his eyes softened, as if recalling those beautiful memories.

Watching his subordinate push open the door and leave, Qingyan huddled in the deepest, darkest corner of the room. An uncontrollable ache gripped his heart. He pulled a sandalwood box from his robes and carefully opened it. Inside were two strands of hair intertwined. One was a deep blue, the other a pure black. They still carried her fragrance.

Qingyan stared blankly at the bound strands, as if through them he could see Nan Kujin's eyes, clear and cool like autumn water. He seemed to see her playfully teasing Bai Shang, playfully fighting with Ni Luo, and even looking at him with a "lustful" gaze…

Gently, he took the two strands of hair from the box, cradled them in his palm, and pressed them gently against his chest. The shimmering blue hair flowed down like moonlight.

"Plop."

A tear fell onto the back of his hand, carrying a heart-wrenching warmth. It rolled silently along the curve of his hand, leaving a faint mark.

Qingyan felt his eyes sting, his vision blur, and tears began to fall quickly, one by one. Gradually, they welled up into a suppressed sorrow.

His gaze, no longer sharp, softened under the touch of tears, carrying a hint of grievance and helpless bitterness. His hands clenched suddenly, only the ends of his mixed-colored hair peeking out from between them. He buried his head deeply in his arms, his shoulders trembling slightly, murmuring incessantly, "Wife, wife...where are you? You...don't you want Yan Yan anymore? Wife..." His voice grew louder, until it was almost a cry. Qingyan clutched his hair in distress, letting the tears stream down his face.

Wife, where are you? Please come out and see Yan Yan, okay?

A white letter fell to the ground from his bosom. Qingyan's gaze inadvertently fell on it, and a glimmer of hope appeared in his eyes.

==================================================================================

"Giddy up! Giddy up!"

On this scorched land, the tiny grains of sand leaped and swirled wildly in response to a streak of black lightning, as if coming alive in their interplay. Long, ink-black hair flowed freely, tracing perfect arcs in the air with the rhythm of the horse's movements.

Watching the town on the edge of the desert gradually appear before him, he felt no joy at the prospect of rest after such a long journey, only a profound sense of desolation. Three years had passed. He had traveled to the border of the three realms every year, yet why was there still no news of her? Three years ago, when he awoke under that great tree, his body felt like it was falling apart, and his first thought was to settle accounts with the culprit—Nan Kujin! But when he finally found Bai Shang and the others, he was stunned by the unexpected and devastating news.

She was missing, her fate unknown.

At that moment, his heart felt heavy, making it hard to breathe. Qing Yan said he sensed the aura of the demons on the cliff edge; with his cultivation, he couldn't be wrong. But why, after all these years, was there not a trace of her in the demon realm? And why did he miss her so much?

Biting his lower lip, he told himself again and again that he was only helping his friend find her, that he didn't love her. His eyes flickered, his heart aching. He knew he was deceiving himself; otherwise, why would he have fallen out with his family and become a wanderer? Although news of the Eighth Princess's death from a cold soon followed, and the engagement annulled, he didn't want to go back. He only wanted to find her, see her familiar smile, and banter with her. But even that was becoming a distant dream?

He pulled out the carrier pigeon letter from his pocket; the white envelope gleamed blindingly in the sunlight. Silently tightening his grip on the letter, he spurred his horse and galloped away… ===

...

Muji Pavilion's restaurants surpassed all others, and a year later, it acquired ownership of all other restaurants in the capital at an extremely low price. After renovations, it became the largest cloth shop, pawnshop, and grain store in the capital, bringing unprecedented prosperity to the city. After this, it rapidly opened branches throughout the country, becoming the richest man in Li Kingdom. In just three years, it amassed a nationwide business network, earning it the reputation of a prodigy.

While it's said that all merchants are cunning, this man was an exception. He seemed indifferent to money, and he helped and relieved the poorest people in the capital. Over time, he gained immense prestige among the people. Those fortunate enough to meet him once remarked:

"Our benefactor is elegant and refined, gentle and kind, always with a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth, a beautiful curve. Especially his eyes, beautiful as obsidian, one glance is enough to captivate. Such a handsome and talented young man, what else could he be but a god sent by heaven to save all living beings?"

Such wealth and fame should have attracted the court's attention, should have instilled a sense of crisis. Unfortunately, after the regent's untimely death three years ago due to overwork, the state of Li had deteriorated significantly. Now, the throne rests on the shoulders of a mere seven-year-old child. With the regent gone, the previously suppressed forces are stirring again. Although they cannot openly usurp the throne, anyone can coerce the emperor to command the other lords. Therefore, even if this mysterious young master bought a mansion near the Hibiscus Pavilion that was larger than the Regent's Palace, no one would care.

==================================================================================

Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival, but why is there not a single ray of moonlight tonight?

Deep within the mansion near the Hibiscus Pavilion, a man slowly walked to the window, gazing at the dark sky. He wore a light, ethereal robe, extremely simple in design, yet embroidered with a pale blue mountain pattern. The robe draped gently, revealing his fair collarbone. But in his eyes was an unconcealable pain. A pain that pierced his soul, a torment year after year, slowly searing his heart.

He hunched over, one hand bracing against the window railing, slowly bending down. His heart pounded, yet he felt a loss, an emptiness. He clutched his chest in anguish, his brow furrowed, gasping for breath. He tried to tell himself the blood curse was still there, the love potion was still there, she wasn't dead… But if she

wasn't dead, why would she risk her life to sever the bond between them? He knew her too well; she would never do such a thing unless forced to. Was she really dead? Really? No! He didn't believe it, he couldn't believe it! No body, no body, no body below the cliff except for bloodstains! That meant there was still a possibility, still a possibility…

A strong taste of blood suddenly filled his mouth, and he forced a smile. Nilo said he was too deeply troubled, and the backlash from the love potion had caused considerable damage to his internal organs; he couldn't overexert himself. But how could he let go? If he hadn't sent them to Tianshan, perhaps that incident wouldn't have happened, perhaps his little Jin'er wouldn't have been in trouble… How could he not do everything in his power to find her? After all, he loved her terribly…

“Mu Qi! You, sigh!” A faint glance back revealed Ni Luo's anxious face. “I'm fine, just a little unwell,” Mu Qi said casually, giving him a reassuring look. “What nonsense are you talking about! I noticed it when I arrived in the capital yesterday; your health has deteriorated significantly! I told you, we can definitely handle her situation together. You need to recover first, otherwise, if she sees this, she… she'll definitely blame me for not taking good care of you…” Ni Luo's voice grew heavy at the end, his soft golden hair falling down, obscuring his face. He tilted his head back, blinking frantically. His eyes ached, but he didn't want to cry, even though his eyes were already brimming with tears.

Why, three years, without a single word?

Mu Qi leaned against the wall, sat on the ground, and closed his eyes. He wanted to drink, because so many

people said that wine could drown sorrows. But he found that the more he drank, the more he realized—wine was sweet and fragrant, but longing and heartbreak penetrated deep into the soul. He intended to soak his sorrow and bitterness in the wine, but he was already slightly drunk, and sorrow was relentless, like a shadow following him…

What should he do?

The letter had been sent, and it was time to reunite again this year. Surely someone among them would have news of her, surely…

05-08

Hibiscus Pavilion (Part 2)
Another important figure had arrived in the capital. Almost everyone in the city thought so.

The usually bustling Hibiscus Pavilion was unusually quiet today because—it was temporarily closed for business. Perhaps outsiders would be curious and inquire, but the final answer would always be—the Hibiscus Pavilion is closed every Mid-Autumn Festival, apparently to receive some important figure from the martial arts world.

Indeed, Mu Qi was receiving a very important figure from the martial arts world. The Shadow Sect Master—Bai Shang, Little Fairy Doctor—Ni Luo, the former son of the martial arts alliance leader and now a renowned wandering swordsman—Lin Jinnian, and a mysterious, enigmatic, and alluring man—Qing Yan. They are all now quite famous in the martial arts world. Especially Lin Jinnian and Qing Yan. Lin Jinnian used to be such a playboy, but now, apart from his carefree nature, handsome appearance, and arrogant tone, everything else has changed. He no longer seduces girls, no longer has multiple women, and when bored, he visits brothels. He just wanders the martial arts world, seemingly searching for someone. If you ask him, he'll refuse to say, constantly blushing. Anyone with eyes can see he's looking for a woman… But every year, he seems to be searching for that person, yet he hasn't found them. Gradually, people can see a sadness in his eyes, faint yet extremely piercing.

As for Qing Yan, he remains mysterious. No one knew where he came from, or which sect he belonged to. All people knew was that he possessed unimaginably terrifying strength. His eyes, large and watery, curved into crescents when he smiled, his eyebrows slightly raised—an indescribable aura that could only be described in two words:

enchanting.

An absolute enchantress, a little fox spirit. No one could see him without being captivated, yet no one dared to lay a hand on him. Because his methods were notoriously ruthless, especially towards demons. He was always searching for demons, and it was said that any demon who fell into his hands was either dead or barely clinging to life. His methods were beyond human comprehension, let alone the capacity to endure them.

"What, closed? I've got plenty of money! I'm in a good mood today, can't I give you some silver? I heard your Hibiscus Pavilion is known for its excellent service, how come you're so ungrateful today? You bunch of lackeys have ruined my mood! I won't leave until I smash this dilapidated building to pieces!" A burly man who looked like a江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the martial arts world) figure looked contemptuously at the waiters of Hibiscus Pavilion, his henchmen following behind echoing him, ready to attack!

The common people shook their heads, silently mocking these江湖 figures for overestimating themselves, daring to act so arrogantly in front of their benefactor's shop without even considering their own strength, or they wouldn't even know how they died! Sure enough, soon...

"Oh? Tear down Hibiscus Pavilion? Are you itching for a beating?" A voice suddenly rang out, inexplicably lazy and charming. "Which little..." Just as he was about to get angry, he turned around, only to be stunned along with his henchmen.

Such unparalleled elegance, such captivating allure. His azure hair was tied up with a pure white glass hairpin, the smooth strands falling gently, the ends brushing against his fair, slender neck in a graceful arc. He dismounted, his blue robe billowing in the air like ocean waves, his elegant and light movements like a dance. He smiled at them, extremely alluring, yet a faint hint of disdain flashed in his eyes.

He slowly stopped, his slender fingers tucking a strand of hair behind his ear, playing with it little by little, his gaze seemingly casually falling on the group of troublemakers before him. The leader could no longer resist and stepped forward, grinning lewdly, "Little beauty~ come with me, I'll guarantee you good food and drink!"

Qingyan looked at him, a beautiful smile curving her lips, her eyebrows slightly raised. "Oh? Is that so?" Before the words had even left her lips, the troublemakers hadn't even reacted, only seeing a flash of blue before their eyes. When they came to their senses, they realized their right hands had been twisted off. Only then did they feel the pain; their faces turned pale, and their bodies trembled. The leader was the most pitiful, not only losing his right hand but also both his legs. He prostrated himself on the ground, pointing at Qingyan and shouting, "You wait, you bitch, I'll definitely get her back!"

Hearing this, Qingyan, who had already reached the entrance of the Hibiscus Pavilion, paused. He chuckled lightly, saying nonchalantly, "Alright, I, Qingyan, am always ready~"

"What? You are the Demon Prince—Qingyan??????!!!!" Faced

with such a question, Qingyan no longer wanted to answer. His gaze was fixed ahead, his eyes surging with emotions that seemed to be about to burst forth.

He hurriedly stepped into the Hibiscus Pavilion, his heart filled with both excitement and nervousness. He feared that this year, if things didn't turn out this way…

Led by Mu Qi's men, Qingyan hurried along the winding, exquisite corridors towards the distant horizon. He didn't know how long he walked before his eyes suddenly opened up. An artificial lake contained dozens of pavilions, and in the most exquisite pavilion in the center, everyone except him had arrived. Ignoring the small boat that came to fetch him, Qingyan lightly touched the water's surface with his toes, his figure ethereal and graceful, landing before the crowd in the blink of an eye. He looked anxiously at the people before him, only to see them shaking their heads in agony.

Still… they hadn't found it?

Qingyan's body suddenly felt weak; his brows furrowed, his eyes reddened, and he lowered his head. What should he do?

Silence, a deathly silence, lasted for a long, long time, until Bai Shang's voice rang out, "There's another place, very likely."

"Where???" The crowd's eyes lit up, eagerly looking at Bai Shang, hoping he could provide some useful clues.

Bai Shang's purple pupils shimmered like glass, slowly cutting into people's hearts. He drank the tea before him and said calmly, "The City of Rosemary."

"Why?" Lin Jinnian asked疑惑地问道. "Rosemary City is a sky city that rose to prominence this year, surrounded by extremely strong magical power. Even the strongest spiritual power user cannot enter Rosemary City without the guidance of someone from within. But why do you think she's there?" Qingyan

nodded. "Recently, Rosemary City has been sending out invitations widely, even those who have lived in seclusion in the martial world for decades or even centuries. I wonder what that mysterious city lord is planning. Why do you think my wife is in the city?"

Mu Qi then interjected, "I think it's possible. She was harmed by the demons back then, and we still can't find any trace of her. The demon realm and the monster realm have no news of her either. I suspect that she might have been rescued by a master in Rosemary City and is living there."

"Then why doesn't she come looking for us?" Nilu looked at the person in front of her and said her thoughts word by word.

"This..."

"Sigh..." Lin Jinnian sighed, "Bai Shang, what about your ghost? Did you try to use it to find her?"

Bai Shang nodded, "Yes, but it seems there are high-level spiritualists around, and the ghost only found darkness. Now, we can only place our hopes on that mysterious Rosemary City. It's possible, we should try. Have you all received invitations?"

They all nodded. Qing Yan raised her face slightly, looking at the distant sky, "Then, let's set off tomorrow. It's not long since the Rosemary City gathering."

Mu Qi and the others stood up, looking at the thoughtful Qing Yan, and nodded.

Rosemary City (Part 1)
When Bai Shang and his group found Rosemary City according to the information provided in the invitation, three full days had passed since the Mid-Autumn Festival. But when they saw a huge and luxurious city appear before their eyes, all their fatigue vanished. The visual impact was unforgettable. Lin Jinnian shook his head and sighed repeatedly—he had been wandering at the intersection of the three realms for three years, yet he had foolishly failed to notice such an unbelievable miracle floating above his head!

Indeed, it was truly an unbelievable miracle! If Mu Qi and the others hadn't witnessed it with their own eyes, they might never have believed that someone's spiritual power was so strong that they could create such a sky city! When the city appeared clearly and completely before their eyes, a rosy glow shot into the sky, a faint golden light enveloping the entire city, as if protected by a deity.

Four men, around seventeen or eighteen years old, bowed slightly to them. Their hair was uniformly white, without a single blemish. They all made a gesture of invitation, elegant and polite, poised and graceful. "Welcome to Rosemary City. Our city lord has arranged everything for you guests who have traveled from afar. Please follow us." With that, he turned and, muttering incantations, opened the barrier leading to Rosemary City. Bai Shang and the others exchanged a silent glance. Judging from the young people's actions, they were clearly no ordinary individuals. A quick probe with their spiritual energy revealed a level of spiritual power far exceeding their expectations! Just who was the city lord of Rosemary City?

Since they were already there, they might as well make the best of it. Besides, she might very well be present in this mysterious Rosemary City. Mu Qi stepped forward first, entering Rosemary City. Ni Luo Qingyan and the others followed closely behind.

The streets were orderly, the scene more prosperous than the imperial city, and the atmosphere more peaceful and harmonious than the Li Kingdom. Everywhere they looked, they saw the genuine happiness of the people, children running around joyfully, vendors shouting their wares, and shops bustling with people. Mu Qi was stunned. What an amazing city lord! He hadn't expected to govern even a city to such an extent. Nilo slowly walked to Mu Qi's side and sighed softly, "It seems finding people will be much easier. The people here seem very kind!"

"Big brother, I'm sorry, that was... our ball..." Just then, a little boy ran up to the young man leading the group, smiling apologetically. It seemed he had accidentally hit the boy while playing. The man bent down, smiled, and handed the ball back to the little boy, patting his head. "Be careful next time. Here, go play!" The little boy nodded and ran back to the group of children to play.

Lin Jinnian smiled gently and exclaimed, "What a paradise!" The young man at the head of the group seemed to hear Lin Jinnian's praise and turned around, smiling, "Please forgive my rudeness, guests. Please follow us this way..."

Night.

Inside Mu Qi's room, five figures sat around a table, seemingly discussing something. Indeed, they were Bai Shang, Mu Qi, Nilo, Qing Yan, and Lin Jinnian. Bai Shang pondered for a moment before slowly lowering his voice and saying, "I've investigated. Almost all the powerful and famous righteous people in the martial world have come this time. Even those old men who live in seclusion in the mountains, I don't know what the city lord of Rosemary City said to them, but they all came! The city lord of Rosemary City is really not to be underestimated! I wonder what this is all about..." Mu Qi nodded, "I also investigated. When I came here, I was a little strange. Why do the people in this city only have three colors of hair? Later I found out that there are actually three tribes living in this city! What surprised me even more is that these three tribes are actually descendants of the ancient Four Divine Envoys!" Everyone listened attentively to Mu Qi recounting his discoveries along the way, but they didn't notice that Qing Yan's expression changed slightly when she heard the words "Four Divine Envoys"...

"Well... in short, we should investigate the true nature of Rosemary City tomorrow. Hopefully, it's not related to the Demon Realm..." Ni Luo sighed with a somewhat solemn expression.

“Yes, Nilo, you’re right. The Demon Realm has become increasingly quiet lately. I have a feeling that some grand plan is about to unfold. This is probably the calm before the storm!”

Before they knew it, the night had deepened. However, the light in Mu Qi’s room remained on for a very long time. The low murmurs of discussion within the room continued unabated, unaware of the shocking events that tomorrow would bring…

======================================================================================

“Young Hero Lin, Sect Master Bai, Young Master Ni, Young Master Qingyan, Young Hero Mu, it’s been a long time! How have you been?” Lin Jinnian and the others turned around in surprise upon hearing this, only to see the Azure Dragon Sect Master smiling as he approached them. Mu Qi nodded, "Yes, it's been a long time since we last met, and I never expected to see you here again. I suppose you also received an invitation, so let's go together!" The Canglong Sect Master smiled, "Yun Chengzi has indeed taken on a good disciple! He's very generous in his dealings!" "Hehe, you flatter me, senior. This way, please."

Chatting and laughing, the group arrived at the entrance of the legendary palace. It lacked the luxurious extravagance of a royal palace, instead possessing a strong sense of elegance. The first thing that caught their eye was the main hall, with its pale blue glazed tiles, white marble pillars, and neat marble steps. The other pavilions and towers, though simple in style, had smooth lines and exquisite craftsmanship, possessing a certain charm. Overall, it could only be considered a decent residence. This was truly surprising; the lord of Rosemary City actually lived in such a mansion, rather than a magnificent palace.

Looking again at the distant palace gates, Bai Shang and the others couldn't help but take their first step up the marble staircase. With each step, they felt their hearts inexplicably quicken. It seemed something awaited them.

A moment later, when everyone was seated, Ni Luo and the others had already surveyed the hall countless times. The most striking feature was the sheer veil at the front, obscuring everything behind it, but it was certain that the city lord had not yet arrived. The interior of the hall was meticulously decorated. Hundreds of egg-sized luminous pearls were inlaid on the walls, illuminating the entire hall with a dazzling light. Flower branches hanging from the beams were laden with blooming flowers, their fragrance filling the air. Anyone with an eye for such things knew that these flowers were mostly priceless; the city lord of Rosemary City certainly had good taste.

Seeing that almost everyone had arrived, yet not a single person from Rosemary City had appeared, some people were growing impatient and were about to loudly question the people of Rosemary City about their schemes when four figures—white, gold, blue, and red—descended from the sky, accompanied by a gentle breeze, landing silently and steadily in front of the gauze curtain. Behind the curtain, a mysterious woman had appeared,
sitting quietly, observing everything before her. Presumably, this was the mysterious city lord. Although separated by the gauze curtain, the woman's cold gaze was still unmistakable, sending a slight shiver down one's spine.

Looking closer at the four figures, it was an extremely strange combination. A child of about seven or eight years old stood there smiling, with soft white hair and delicate features; it was hard to imagine that he was one of the four elders of Rosemary City. On the other side stood a middle-aged man, smiling gently, yet still unable to conceal the sharp aura emanating from him. A woman smiled,
her alluring red lips slightly parted, her shimmering blue hair drawing comparisons between her and the demon prince Qingyan standing not far away. The striking red figure at the forefront was like a quietly burning flame, a stark contrast to his icy expression and aura. For a moment, everyone was stunned. Only Qingyan remained silent, head bowed, biting his lip, lost in thought.

"Welcome everyone to the City of Rosemary. To be a good host, the small tables before you are laden with rare, thousand-year-old Spirit Fruits. Eating them will not only greatly increase your spiritual power but also prolong your life. Please do not find the 'simple fare' unpleasant; enjoy it to your heart's content." She paused, then smiled slightly, appearing very friendly. Immediately, someone below raised their voice alertly, "What are you up to? Inviting us here isn't just about being guests, is it?" Others below echoed this man's words, looking at the four people in front of them with some suspicion, as if they were plotting something.

The blue-haired woman seemed to have anticipated this, and smiled calmly. "That's right, the reason I invited you here today is because it concerns the survival of the human realm." Seeing the crowd fall silent, she continued, "As you've probably all noticed, the demon realm has long been restless and has been extremely unsettling in recent years. Lately, however, it's inexplicably quiet, which is not a good sign. My master wants to lead everyone to protect the human realm and thwart the demon realm's conspiracies. That's why I invited you all here today." "

Hmph, just a little girl. What abilities could she possibly have? Why should she lead us??? What makes her so special???" Before anyone could react, this highly accomplished elder, who had lived in seclusion for decades, raised her hand, and ten thousand sharp sword beams shot towards the person behind the curtain.

Some held their breath in tension. No one saw any movement in the curtain; a black, mysterious light burst forth, instantly shattering the ten thousand sword beams. Yet, its power remained undiminished, shooting straight towards the elder. The old man's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly retreated, but he couldn't keep up with the speed of the Xuan Guang. He was about to lose his life. The woman behind the curtain waved her hand lightly, and the Xuan Guang immediately scattered, transforming into countless black butterflies that fluttered about. However, the old man was still affected by the aftershocks and coughed up a mouthful of blood, staining the clean marble surface before him.

Everyone's expressions changed slightly; such power was truly unimaginable! Even the old man who had lived in seclusion for many years couldn't match this power! Seeing the old man so easily defeated in the woman's hands, like a rag doll, Bai Shang and Mu Qi looked at Qing Yan, whose face was somewhat grave, and asked softly, "Qing Yan, if it were you, what are your chances of winning?"

Qing Yan looked at them and said without hesitation, "Not even a fraction."

Before Mu Qi and the others could ask in surprise why Qing Yan was so certain, a soft female voice rang out, echoing for a long time in the hall.

—Anyone else have any objections?

How could Qing Yan and the others forget that familiar voice? In an instant, the five people stood up, their gazes fixed intently on the woman behind the curtain. They had waited so long, and she actually…

Her soft laughter, like cracks in ice, like a silent wave, instantly engulfed them. Were they about to meet? Finally, they had waited…

The City of Rosemary (Part 2)
A delicate hand parted the thin, ethereal curtain, and a silver-cloud-embroidered shoe stepped out. Then, the city lord, dressed in magnificent attire, appeared before them.

Her long hair was styled into a flowing cloud bun, adorned with a water-smoke-like hairpin, inlaid with a small, exquisite red begonia flower. Two or three strands of purple tassels were hidden in her hair, appearing and disappearing, cascading to her shoulders. A golden three-flower pattern was painted between her brows, and she wore earrings of azure mountains and clouds. She wore a long golden robe, with a nine-hole jade belt around her waist, from which long pearl tassels hung down. Her arms were draped with long, flowing robes, adding a touch of ethereal elegance to her opulent attire.

However, a fine veil concealed her face, revealing a pair of almond-shaped eyes that shimmered with a clear, cold light. Even the alluring, bright red beauty mark at the corner of her eye could not conceal the cold indifference emanating from her. What was even more remarkable was that, despite her attire, she still possessed an otherworldly aura, untouched by the vicissitudes of time. Her beauty would not fade, no matter how many millennia had passed. She shone for a fleeting moment, then faded into eternity.

She slowly came to a stop, her golden, silver-trimmed sleeves cascading down, fluttering gently in the breeze that seemed to come from nowhere. She glanced indifferently at everyone present, but when she saw those five familiar figures, a sudden surge of emotion welled up in her eyes, causing her to quickly lower her gaze, concealing the brilliance within.

Her hands, hidden in her sleeves, clenched involuntarily. Why, why did they come! Hadn't she deliberately not sent them invitations?

Just then, the Blue Fox Goddess Lan Qin whispered, "Your Majesty, I added those five names~" Caught off guard by Lan Qin's playful wink, she bit her lip and replied after a long pause, "Thank you for your kindness, sister, but you've unilaterally changed the decision. Come to me later to receive your punishment. As for… as for those five people, I have no feelings for them…" Her tone at the end caused Lan Qin a pang of heartache; she sensed a deep weariness in her voice.

Your Majesty, what are you thinking? Why are you always so unfathomable?

The city lord raised her head, looked at the crowd, and repeated her words. "Now, is there anyone who still disagrees?"

At the same time, the clenched hand in her sleeve loosened, and she warned herself once more: You are not Nan Ku Jin! Nan Ku Jin is long dead! You are the city lord of Rosemary City!

Seeing the extreme reluctance of those before her, she slowly spoke, "You must be very unwilling, but who among you possesses my strength? I think you understand that even if you all joined forces, you might not be my match. You might wonder, since Rosemary City is already so powerful, why bother joining forces with you? Why not just deal with the Demon Realm yourselves? But I want to tell you, the Demon Realm's forces are vast, and our forces alone are simply insufficient to defeat them. I've invited you all here today to request your assistance in attacking the Demon Realm's various crucial cities. Rosemary City will primarily be responsible for attacking the Demon Capital and key passes, annihilating the Demon Realm's delusions in one fell swoop! Furthermore, if you cooperate with Rosemary City, I promise you will not suffer any harm from the Demon Realm!"

Hearing this, the people below were slightly moved, but the most shocked were the five individuals. They stared intently at her, their eyes filled with longing. Was it her? Was it her?

"Boom!" Mu Qi and the others stood up simultaneously, overturning the table without realizing it, because their eyes and hearts were only filled with that figure. Faced with this situation, everyone fell silent. They looked at the five people in confusion, then at the city lord whose expression remained unchanged. What was going on?

Qing Yan stared blankly at the beautiful profile not far away, a thousand emotions flashing across his face in a short time. His body trembled, and he walked forward step by step, a tear sliding down his cheek. He was somewhat bitter, somewhat helpless, somewhat resentful, somewhat happy... He asked softly, "Wife, is it you? Wife, why didn't you come to find Yan Yan? Yan Yan... Waaah... Yan Yan has waited for you for so long, wife, it's you, isn't it?" He was careful, as if he was extremely afraid that what was in front of him was a dream, a dream that would shatter with the slightest touch.

No, you can't be heartbroken, ha, heartbroken, how could you be heartbroken? Nan Ku Jin lowered his eyes, secretly mocking himself, trying to ignore Qing Yan's words. Her fingers gently touched her heart, momentarily lost in thought. Sure enough, there was no beat... It must be empty there, right? If I tapped it, would there be a dull echo? How ridiculous that I could still feel heartache; was it just an illusion? Yan Yan... I'm sorry, I'm destined to let you down. How can I love you without a heart? How can I accept your love? I didn't want you to come because the conflict between the three realms is destined to be perilous. If you come and get hurt, what will become of you? I only hope that you can forget me, and then... live a good, happy life...

Qing Yan watched the figure remain motionless, her beautiful brows furrowing, her peach blossom eyes instantly misting over. Ni Luo, quick as a flash, fearing Qing Yan might do something rash, grabbed his hand. Nilo frowned, pondering for a long time, before finally, unwillingly, saying to the mysterious city lord, "Would you be willing to lift your veil and show us your face? Your voice sounds very much like... very much like an old friend we've been searching for for many years..."

Nan Kujin listened, feeling an overwhelming pain. You've searched for me for three years? I'm not worthy... Without a heart, changed as I am, how could you possibly recognize me? Fine, let it end your hopes! She nodded, her delicate hand fluttering, the veil falling to the ground.

Delicate brows, clear eyes, a jade-like face, and crimson lips; her brow bone exuded a cold, pure white hue. The smile at the corner of her mouth was like smoke and mist, carrying a faint sadness, a hint of mockery, and a thin, indistinct air seemed to separate them, making it impossible for them to grasp.

She too was breathtakingly beautiful, but alas, she was not her. They looked completely different; one possessed a bright and lively aura, while this one exuded a sacred, noble, and inviolable aura.

Qingyan, seemingly unwilling to give up, struggled and shouted at her, "Your name is Nan Kujin, right? You're my wife, aren't you? Why...why won't you admit it?"

Nan Kujin didn't shy away from his gaze, looking at him without any hesitation, her cherry lips slightly parted, "You've mistaken me for someone else. My name is Mingxi, not the person you're talking about. If you don't mind, I can use the power of Rosemary City to help you find that woman." She smiled softly, but only she knew the unspeakable bitterness behind that smile.

"No, I don't believe it!"

Qingyan's tears fell drop by drop, soaking her clothes. All the heroes and warriors present were stunned. Was this the Demon Prince Qingyan? What kind of woman could make him so infatuated? So heartbroken?

Lan Qin silently looked at her beloved son, shaking her head and sighing. Their king, even with a heart, was still as cold and ruthless as before… or… or was it a curse she unknowingly placed on her own heart in her despair, turning her back into that heartless and indifferent creator goddess?

Mu Qi knew there was something fishy about this, and quickly bowed to the so-called Ming Xi, saying, “I’m sorry, our friend doesn’t seem to be feeling well today, so we’ll take our leave.” Bai Shang also understood that there were many suspicious points in this matter. He gritted his teeth and knocked Qing Yan unconscious with a single palm strike. He looked deeply at the high and mighty woman, his eyes flashing with countless emotions, and pressed his pink lips tightly together. He only knew that with a clue, his little one would definitely return to their side. They would not give up!

"Well then, Your Excellency should go back and rest." After thinking for a moment, she added, "There's a highly skilled physician named Yan Bo in the east of the city. I'll ask him to check on this guest later to see if there's anything wrong with his health. That
way, he can treat him." She smiled warmly, thinking that this way, they wouldn't suspect she was Nan Kujin. Her appearance was different, and she pretended not to know that Ni Luo was a doctor. That way, they would definitely give up...

Watching them help Qingyan out the door, Nan Kujin lowered her head and closed her eyes sadly. Perhaps, this was the end for them... There would be no more contact...

On this night of sorrow
, the cold moonlight streamed down like satin from the clouds, meandering. Ni Luo, dressed in black, leaped up nimbly and entered the city lord's residence. Looking at the cold moonlight, he couldn't help but recall a folk song: Moonlight, moon is icy poison, moon like poison, moon like frost, falling on whose wound? Back at the inn, he pondered for a long time, still convinced that his judgment was correct. Mingxi, ha, Mingxi is that damned woman Nan Kujin! There's no doubt about it!

His thoughts drifted, and he couldn't help but recall that day at the beginning of this year.

The five of them had gathered in Medicine King Valley, spending a New Year without her. The already somewhat somber atmosphere was ignited by the intrusion of an extraordinary person. She was Ningxue. The insane Ningxue. She would sometimes laugh maniacally, sometimes cry, her clothes were torn, and her face bore small wounds. Faint scabs of blood clearly indicated that she had suffered greatly over the past few years. Mu Qi hesitated for a moment, but still welcomed her into the house. Because he felt that he could obtain some clues from her.

Ningxue had truly gone mad. When she saw Mu Qi and the others, tears streamed down her face. She kept saying, "It was me who hurt her, it was me..." Everyone felt a pang of pity. After all, she only loved her, yet she suffered more and more than any of them. Because at least they could have Jin'er, while she was destined to be a heartbroken lover. After bandaging her wounds and settling her in, they spent about an hour finally understanding the general events, piecing together Ningxue's incoherent words. To their greatest shock, the Eighth Princess, whom they had never taken seriously, was actually from the Demon Realm!! Lin Jinnian, in a fit of rage, smashed a marble bench with one hand. Bai Shang's brows furrowed deeply; it took him a great deal of effort to suppress the urge to kill Ningxue. According to Ningxue, Nan Kujin was completely disfigured, a blood-soaked figure, and undoubtedly dead. Her face was utterly ruined, with no chance of recovery. However, deep down, they felt that Nan Kujin wouldn't die!

Seeing the Rosemary City Lord Mingxi now, although he didn't know why she possessed such high spiritual power, nor could he fathom why she had such a flawless, almost perfect appearance, his intuition told him that she must be Nan Kujin! She must have encountered some extraordinary and bizarre experience to be in this state! Therefore, he refused to give up; his heart told him that he had to come and see for himself, or he would regret it for the rest of his life!

His figure moved through the thick night, searching for her residence. Little did he know that the four guardian deities of the mansion had already discovered his whereabouts. However, they did not decide to pursue him. Because Lan Qin stopped them, saying, "Your Majesty, you will know what's what. What's meant to come will come."

Ni Luo stared intently at everything around him, and finally, his gaze was drawn to a small building not far away. That small building was supported by a giant golden lotus, suspended high above an artificial lake. The windows were covered with hazy, light gauze, dancing in the wind, ethereal and full of mystery. Ni Luo immediately made up his mind: That's it! Thinking it over, she lightly touched the water's surface with her toes, using the momentum to leap silently into the small building.

Dressed in white, she sat quietly before her dressing table. In her hand was a small ivory comb, but her hands were even whiter than the comb itself, gently combing her long hair. Her eyes, like autumn water, were clear and cool, yet within them lingered the heat of summer, burning secretly. The wind whistled, scattering the flower petals drying on the balcony. For a moment, peach blossoms and pink and white petals fell like rain.

But she paid no heed. She simply gazed silently, intently, at her unfamiliar face in the mirror.

She gently touched the yew-wood dressing box on the table, her fingertips tracing its curves, oblivious to the unique scent of the yew clinging to her skin. This box was the only thing she had left. Inside, she treasured her fragmented love. Lowering her eyelashes, a slight smile played on her lips. Her fingers traced the intricate carvings and flowing lines of the box, the delicate patterns pressing against her skin. She picked it up and placed it over her heart. She wanted to warm her heart, even if it was futile.

After a moment's hesitation, she opened the small box. Three things came into view. One was a strand of shimmering blue hair, another a piece of white cloth, and most strikingly, a broken jade butterfly hairpin. Touched by these objects, memories flooded her mind: the guilty conscience of secretly cutting a strand of Qingyan's hair in her sleep; the way Mu Qi tore off his own clothes to bandage her wound on Mount Tian; and… and the scene of Bai Bai tying up her long, dark hair. So beautiful…

Her fingers picked up the broken jade hairpin, watching its flowing reflection in the moonlight. A glistening tear grazed her eye, passed her ear, and seeped into her hair.

The moon shone late into the night, white silk curtains hung, the chimes mingled warmly, and the fading flames were cold.

Alas, alas…

the past has turned to ashes, and today, with a wave of the hand, one cannot hold back the fleeting years.

“You wretched woman… are you crying?”

A familiar voice rang out, and Nan Kujin’s body trembled inexplicably. Without a word, she put the jade hairpin back into its box, slowly rose, and gracefully turned her head. Her water sleeves were like mist, her sash swayed, like a dream. Her eyebrows and eyes were smooth, and the corners of her mouth curved into a beautiful arc, but there was no smile in her eyes.

“It’s Young Master Ni. A visit at such a late hour is quite charming. I already said today that you’ve come to the wrong person, so why be so persistent?” She tried not to run away, looking into his eyes, and said calmly.

Ni Luo chuckled softly, like a thawed sheet of ice. "You damned woman, don't deceive yourself."

Nan Kujin raised an eyebrow, her eyes as cold and still as a lake, and calmly replied, "Young Master Ni, please don't make hasty judgments."

Before she could react, Ni Luo stepped forward and pulled open her clothes. There, though many years had passed, was still a delicate pink scar on her heart. Ni Luo stared at her, pointing at the wound and roaring, "How do you explain this?!"

Faced with this sudden turn of events, Nan Ku Jin calmly adjusted her clothes, looked at him, and said, word by word, "It's a coincidence, isn't it?"

"A coincidence, huh~ indeed a coincidence!" Ni Luo said with a faint sneer, looking at this unfamiliar face, and angrily said, "Tell me, what exactly happened?"

Nan Ku Jin had warned herself a thousand times in her heart, resisting the urge to tell him everything. Nan Ku Jin said, "Nothing happened. It's just that you've mistaken me for someone else."

"You..."

With a slap, Nan Ku Jin slapped away Ni Luo's outstretched hand, her face turning cold, and said, "Young Master Ni, please have some self-respect. I think it's getting late, you should go back..." With that, she raised her hand, and large golden lotus flowers bloomed in the air, quickly engulfing Ni Luo no matter how much he resisted. Nan Kujin said softly, "Young Master Ni, don't worry. This spatial transformation technique will take you to the inn. Please rest well."

Watching Ni Luo's figure disappear little by little before her eyes, Nan Kujin slumped to the ground. She covered her face with her hands, but crystal tears still flowed through her fingers. She was in pain, she was lost, but she had no regrets. How could a person without a heart love, how could they accept love? The bitterness

was indescribable.

The wind gradually picked up, scattering the papers on the desk, leaving only a sheet of Xuan paper pressed under the inkstone.

On it were written:

Alone I walk, alone I sit. Alone I dance, alone I sing, alone I lie. Standing drunk and cold. Is it not the evening wind that urges me on?
Without thought, without feeling. Without tears, without soul, without heart. Once gone with the wind, yet still saying that secret intentions seep into the heart.

Stubborn (completed)
too hasty.
When will the deep tower lock brows and the rainbow of infatuation?
Where the rainbow breaks and dimness lingers,
the piercing cold heart is gone and the world is empty. ------- Nan
Kujin

= ... Mu Qi dismounted and respectfully approached Lan Qin, asking, "May I ask where the City Lord has gone? Could you please tell me?" Lan Qin chuckled sweetly, "My mistress knew you would come, so she told me to tell you that she is at the ends of the earth, a place you will never find~~~"

...@%...%￥#%... (Someone muttered under their breath, "This is what you wanted to say, isn't it...")

Mu Qi was momentarily stunned, his brows furrowing. "Could you please tell me the truth?" Lan Qin glanced at Qing Yan indifferently, smiling as she refused, "No. I'll be punished." Bai Shang leaped off his horse at this moment, his Soul Blade already in his hand. He pointed it at Lan Qin with a whoosh, frowning as he said, "Please tell me the truth!" His thin lips tightened, and his pale purple eyes gradually turned into dazzling red glass. Lan Qin flicked the blade of the Soul Blade with her finger, a seemingly innocuous action that shocked Bai Shang to the extreme! If he hadn't been holding back all his spiritual power, the Soul Blade would have already slipped from his grasp! He had long guessed that this woman was difficult to deal with, but he hadn't expected her to be so powerful!

Not far away, Qing Yan, though extremely unwilling, still dismounted. Seeing Bai Shang and the others' efforts in vain, he sighed and slowly walked forward.

"Mother." Her voice, though soft, was filled with reluctance, enough to stunned everyone present.

"What? This... this woman is your mother?" Lin Jinnian seemed to have heard the most unbelievable thing in the world. Like a detector, her gaze darted back and forth between Qingyan and Lan Qin countless times, still unable to believe it, she asked, "Qingyan, you... are you alright today?" Mu Qi was also caught off guard by this turn of events. He looked at Lan Qin, then at Qingyan. Indeed, their hair color, their eyes, their features were similar, but Lan Qin looked very young at first glance, probably about their age. But... she was actually Qingyan's mother? How could this be!

Qingyan gritted her teeth and called out again in a muffled voice, "Mother..." Lan Qin narrowed her eyes and nodded slightly, "Yan Yan." Now, it seemed there was no mistake. Bai Shang looked at Qingyan with some doubt, an unbelievable thought creeping into his mind.

Lan Qin seemed to know what Bai Shang was thinking and said, "That's right, Qing Yan is a demon. A descendant of the ancient divine beast Blue Fox clan. Sect Master Bai, there's no need to be too surprised. It's normal for demons to remain young for thousands of years. Perhaps you'll immediately think of the incompatibility between humans and demons, but I'm telling you, those are the most, most, most stupid things in the world!" As Lan Qin spoke, she became inexplicably angry, but this small flame was extinguished by Qing Yan's calm words. "Then why did you abandon Father? Father is human, isn't that why you abandoned him?"

Her voice grew louder, filled with anger. Once, he always thought that Mother loved Father the most. But in these three years, he accidentally saw a bundle of handwritten notes, which were Father's records of the past.

He wrote down many, many unknown secrets. Qing Yan never thought that there was such a deep rift between them. Father wrote that the time he met Lan Qin was the most unforgettable time of his life. He knew Lan Qin was a demon, yet because he loved her, he stayed with her without complaint, even at the cost of his own lifespan. But gradually, he noticed Lan Qin was distancing herself from him. His heart grew cold. Days passed, and after Lan Qin gave birth to Qing Yan, he realized that his carefully nurtured love couldn't withstand the inevitability of being "human and demon." Human and demon, incompatible... From that moment on, on the surface, he and Lan Qin were loving and affectionate, but in reality, they were as cold as strangers. Whenever he saw Qing Yan, how much unseen heartache and pain lay behind her smile? He never knew she hated him so much, ultimately abandoning the entire Blue Fox Clan to travel the world. At that time, his heart ached. He understood that she simply didn't want to see him. But what about little Qing Yan? He was so young, still a child!

Without reason, he decided to walk alone, to raise Qing Yan well. After all, she was a testament to their past love. The journal was very thick, but the dates all the way back to the day his father died. Qingyan was stunned. He had always thought that his mother, the queen of the Blue Fox clan, had left him alone to grow up for some special reason, but he never imagined it was for such a reason! At that time, having just lost his wife, knowing all this was like a bolt from the blue. He resented, he hated, and he loved his wife. Even though she was human, he would always love and protect her! Unlike his mother, a heartless demon!

Lan Qin looked at Qing Yan, a fleeting hint of grievance in her eyes. She muttered, "It's not like that..." Qing Yan glared at her, her voice dripping with bitter mockery. "Not like that? What a ridiculous 'not like that'! Do you know that when Father died, he was still calling your name? At that time, I always thought Father missed you. I never imagined he was waiting for you, waiting for you to come back, to see him, even just once! How laughable was my ignorance then, how laughable that I had such a mother!" Lan Qin's eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at Qing Yan, her body trembling slightly. "What did you say? What? He's dead? How could this be? They promised, they should have kept their word!" She took three steps back in disbelief, then said to Bai Shang and the others: "East of the city, deep in the bamboo forest." With a flash, her face contorted in pain, she hurriedly departed in an unknown direction.

Ni Luo looked at Qing Yan for a long time before finally saying, "Are you that fox?" Qing Yan looked at him and nodded. "Yes, that's why I'm so afraid of you, you damn Eighth Route Army!"

Eighth Route Army... #￥@￥... (Someone muttered to himself, "Little Jinzi, look at you, is this what you said?!")

Mu Qi and Lin Jinnian looked worriedly in the direction where Lan Qin disappeared, then looked at Qing Yan and asked with concern, "Your mother... will she be alright?" "How could she be alright? Humph! Don't worry about her, let's go." Lin Jinnian thought for a moment and still asked, "Qing Yan, humans and demons are different, is there really such a thing?"

Qing Yan glanced at him sharply. "Even if there is, it won't pose a threat to my wife. I think she must be the master that the Four Gods have been searching for for a long time! But no matter who she is, she is just my wife. I will not be like her." Hearing Qing Yan's words, everyone was a little confused. Why wouldn't it affect Nan Ku Jin?
What was she hiding from them?

Seeing that Qing Yan was unwilling to talk, everyone had no choice but to mount their horses and go to the east of the city first. As for Nan Kujin's secret, it wouldn't be too late to ask her tonight.

================================================================================

Without stopping, they rushed towards the eastern outskirts of the city. Sure enough, as they had inquired, the eastern part of the city was a lush bamboo forest. However, the bamboo forest was surrounded by an extremely strong barrier, and the city lord had decreed that no one was allowed to step into it! But the true secret hidden deep within this bamboo forest, apart from the Four Gods, was probably unknown to anyone.

When Bai Shang and the others arrived outside the bamboo forest, Qing Yan immediately concluded, "This is an extremely powerful barrier field; it can only be barely broken with the combined efforts of many." Upon hearing this, Ni Luo also took out a spiritual medicine he had just concocted, his latest creation capable of maximizing the recovery of spiritual power.

Because Qingyan possessed the strongest spiritual power, the five people, centered around her, formed a strange pattern as she had instructed.
Qingyan stood in the center of the pattern, gently closing his eyes and beginning to gather spiritual power at his fingertips. He knew that his happiness now had to be fought for.

Bai Shang, Mu Qi, Ni Luo, Lin Jinnian. In their hearts, they thought of her former smile, her once arrogant words and personality. A smile played on their lips as they heard Qingyan shout "Break!" Five beams of spiritual light of different colors flashed, intertwining and transforming into the shape of a long whip, lashing out at the barrier. The

barrier, suddenly struck, reflexively shot out one black and one white beam of light, directly meeting Qingyan and the others' attack. Qingyan and the others, unwilling to be outdone, met the attack without hesitation. As their spiritual power clashed with the black and white light, a massive fluctuation of spiritual power was generated. A surge of force struck, and the five figures swayed simultaneously, a trickle of blood escaping from the corner of their mouths and slowly sliding down.

Qingyan felt a sweet and pungent smell, gritted her teeth, and her fingers moved rapidly. The spiritual power she controlled in the air instantly transformed into countless streams of bright blue light, which swiftly pierced through the black and white light and crashed into the barrier again and again.

In a short moment, tiny cracks appeared on the barrier. With each impact, they widened. Seeing the opportunity, Qingyan shouted, "Break!" With that shout, the barrier shattered instantly like fresh ice, falling piece by piece into the air and vanishing into nothingness. Niluo was the first to give way, collapsing to the ground with a thud, gasping for breath. She pulled a small white porcelain bottle from her bosom and swallowed five or six small red pills. Knowing the others weren't much better off, Niluo tossed the bottle to Muqi, gesturing for him to take a few. At the same time, she complained angrily, "What kind of broken barrier is this! So powerful! Was it even set up by a human?!" Qingyan glanced at her indifferently, biting her lower lip, secretly wondering whether to tell them her discovery. She never expected her wife to be her reincarnation; life is truly unpredictable!

After only a brief rest, Bai Shang was the first to rise, coldly saying, "Let's go." As he spoke, he gathered his strength and dashed into the bamboo forest. Mu Qi immediately stood up, not wanting to fall behind, and followed. Soon, the five figures disappeared into the verdant bamboo forest. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, adding to the forest's mystique. What awaited them?

================================================================================

Deep within the forest, the sound of swords slicing through the air could be heard intermittently. Looking out, the first thing that caught the eye was a crystal-clear waterfall, cascading down and creating huge splashes in a deep, clear pool. A simple cottage stood quietly beside a pond, its front edge a natural meadow where unnamed wildflowers bloomed in profusion, their beauty almost unreal against the backdrop of the golden figure.

The sword, slender, thin, and silver, gleamed with a clear, flowing light, both elegant and agile, like spring water carrying the chill of early spring. A gentle flick of the finger and it swayed into a soft, boneless form, lightly draping around someone's neck, its chill penetrating to the bone. However, it paled in comparison to the expression of its wielder.

Long eyebrows, delicate eyes, a jade-like face, and crimson lips; her black hair, like sculpted silk, flowed freely, intertwining with her movements, draping her body like brocade. A cold, pure white hue filled her brow, her eyes carrying a hint of bewilderment and a touch of sadness. With a light touch of her toes, she swung from the withered vine swing, her figure ethereal and graceful, her sleeves like mist, her robes swaying, exuding fragrance.

A flick of the wrist. A flash of light. Leaves falling.

She stood silently, slowly turning her head, a gentle smile playing on her lips. Leaves fluttered down, clinging to her hair and clothes. A breeze blew, her eyelashes trembled, her dark hair billowing behind her, like a fairy descended from heaven, otherworldly.

Soft applause rang out, and a figure in crimson slowly approached the woman. Her usual icy demeanor was softened by a faint smile. "Your Majesty, you've made great progress." The short sentence carried a tone of praise. She smiled, shook her head, and sighed, "Nan Sang, this is far from enough."

Xue Nan Sang was taken aback. "You…are still worried about them?" The woman smiled self-deprecatingly, her silver sword hanging lightly. She replied, "How could I? I have no heart; how could I care about others?" Xue Nan Sang's eyes suddenly became complicated. Could it be that she didn't know him…? He pondered for a long time, unsure whether he should tell her the truth.

"Nan Sang…" the woman whispered softly, her eyes unfocused, drawing closer to him. She raised her left hand, revealing a slender, jade-like arm, and gently brushed the bamboo leaves from his hair. The entire process was elegant and moving, yet tinged with a hint of ambiguity, causing Xue Nansang's heart to tremble inexplicably. What was happening? Why did her heart feel so strange? Unbeknownst to her, Nan Kujin glanced faintly in the distance,
a bitter smile playing on her lips.

Yes, everything had been witnessed by Mu Qi and the others, who had finally found their way here. Seeing them embracing each other, so intimate, made their blood boil, causing them immense pain. The sight was so jarring, so painful, so heartbreaking. It was a pain that made it hard to breathe.

Bai Shang covered his lips with his hand, his body trembling, coughing softly. The purple light in his eyes gradually dimmed until he saw a flash of silver.

"Broken Wing!" he exclaimed softly, a glimmer of hope instantly rising in Bai Shang's eyes. It was this cry that brought immense hope and strength to the others. Hearing the commotion, Xue Nansang finally spotted the five figures. She quickly retreated a few steps, a bitter feeling rising from the depths of her heart. Could it be that everything she had done just now was merely for their benefit? Just an act?

The woman's expression changed slightly, a flash of annoyance crossing her eyes, but it was only for a fleeting moment. She smiled faintly, watching the five people flying towards her, calm and composed.

"Jin'er!" "Little thing!" "Wife!" "Dead woman!"...

Voices rose and fell. Nan Kujin raised an eyebrow, noticing Mu Qi's hand gripping her sleeve. She subtly pulled away, maintaining a short distance from them, and said calmly, "My guests are quite skilled, managing to break the barrier I set up. I wonder what brings you here in such great trouble?"

Mu Qi pondered for a moment, then stepped forward and said, "Jin'er... why... won't you acknowledge us?" Nan Kujin chuckled, "I've said it many times, I am not the Nan Kujin you speak of. My name is Ming Xi." "But how do you unravel this sword?" "Release? The Sword King's Embryo only followed Nan Kujin, how did it end up in your hands?"

Nan Kujin raised the silver sword, her fingertips lightly brushing the blade: "Have you all forgotten that if the previous master dies, the Sword Embryo will naturally choose another lord?"

Ni Luo stepped forward angrily, her expression unchanged, and said: "Then what about that scar on your chest? You damned woman, stop deceiving yourself!" "I accidentally injured myself, so what? There are all sorts of strange things in this world." Bai Shang smiled sadly, "Then, can we summon the Sword Spirit for a confrontation?"

Nan Kujin secretly sighed that she was prepared in advance, and summoned the Sword Spirit without hesitation. The Sword Spirit looked at Bai Shang and the others, a complex look flashing in its eyes, and said in a muffled voice: "Yes, the previous master is dead, this is my new master." After saying that, it gritted its teeth and stopped talking. It lowered its head and slumped against Nan Kujin's shoulder. Nan Kujin looked at them. "Did you hear me clearly?"

she said, then turned and walked towards the hut. As she walked, she said, "Now that things have been resolved, please go back."

She thought that everything would end there, but unexpectedly, at that moment, the five men's voices rang out in unison: "Then... what will it take for us to stay by your side?" Bitter, sorrowful, and suffocatingly painful.

So many emotions surged in Nan Kujin's heart. She tried hard to suppress the urge to tell them everything and said flippantly, "You all have good looks; you'd be more than qualified to be my male concubines." Male concubines, ha, what an insult to their self-esteem! But to her surprise, Lin Jinnian, who was the most concerned about his reputation, answered first, "Okay. I'll be your male concubine." Shock made her tremble. Nan Kujin listened to the five men giving the
same answer as Lin Jinnian, one after another, and smiled bitterly to herself.

"Alright, I don't raise useless people. From today onwards, you will all learn from Xue Nansang and the others. Also, the Shadow Sect of the Hundred Great Sect Masters, and all the members of the Demon Prince's clan, are mine. How about that?"

"Okay." "No problem."

"Alright then, your master has something to do and needs to rest first. When I'm bored, I'll send people to find you toys. Go now." Nan Kujin laughed carefree, seemingly indifferent, and gracefully left before their eyes. She didn't know why she would say such absurd things, why she would agree to their requests. She only thought that she had gone mad. 05-08
Leaving

the
Fragrant Soul's Lament, beginning in the vast sea, ending at the peak of a hundred flowers, not asking about the past or the future, this person sheds tears, remembering the many affections of a lifetime, how bitter it is to sigh that in the end, all returns to dust.
-----Nan Ku Hibiscus

==============================================================

No one expected that those five men would actually move into the city lord's mansion as male concubines. But they no longer cared about others' opinions; their only thought was to become stronger, to have the chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with her. Although they didn't know why she stubbornly refused to acknowledge herself as Nan Kujin, nor what she had gone through, what they cherished was their love for her. At the same time, they also wanted to find the clever and quirky woman they once knew, to reclaim the love she had shown them.

"Bang!" Another muffled sound rang out, and Lin Jinnian groaned, clutching his shoulder and staggering back several steps. He struggled to lift his eyes and was shocked to find that Qingyan, Bai Shang, and Mu Qini Luo were in no better shape, all looking like they were about to die. They were too shocked to speak. This child, who looked only seven or eight years old, possessed such a powerful aura; Qingyan's strength was worlds apart from his. Kaka grinned happily, revealing two adorable little tiger teeth and a shallow dimple on his left cheek. He looked every bit the brat! Kaka glanced at the five people in front of him and said cheerfully, "You guys are pretty good, you managed to withstand three or four of my moves!"

Nilo rolled her eyes in exasperation and said, "Master!!!!! Oh, Master told us to come here to learn spiritual power, not to fight with you!!!!"

Kaka clapped his hands and grinned mischievously, "To give you more practical experience~ Hehehehe~~~~"

Bai Shang slowly stood up and said weakly, "Master, can you stop messing around?" Although it should have been a question, he said it as a statement. Kaka shrank back as soon as Bai Shang spoke, whispering, "Okay..." She secretly glanced at the silver-haired man, sticking out her tongue. The first time she saw him, she felt an extremely chilling aura emanating from him, even more powerful than the ice block Xue Nansang! A little scared, she just wanted to stay far away from him. Thinking this, she immediately started working, using spatial manipulation to conjure a book bigger and thicker than a dictionary, throwing it like a brick in front of them, shouting, "Find the book in that one! If you don't recognize the words, go look in the library in the southeast corner of the mansion!!! I...I suddenly remembered I have some things to do, I'll be going now~"

Before she finished speaking, her small body flashed and disappeared without a trace. Mu Qi smiled helplessly, "Bai Shang, look, you scared the child!" The teasing tone made Lin Jinnian and Ni Luo laugh heartily, and Bai Shang couldn't help but chuckle, a slight smile playing on his lips. In this place where she was, even the hardest and most tiring times were filled with happiness…

But Qingyan was unusually quiet. Her brows were slightly furrowed, as if she were deep in thought. Seeing this, Mu Qi said softly, “What’s wrong? Are you worried about your mother? She hasn’t come back yet.”

Even though he had hit the nail on the head, Qingyan turned her head away defiantly and replied sullenly, “How could that be? That kind of woman is better off dead. Alright, let’s not waste time. That book is so thick, and it’s written in ancient language. It’ll keep us busy enough. Let’s hurry up and get things done!” As she spoke, Qingyan stood up, picked up the thick book, brushed off the dust, and gave them a “it’s alright” smile.

================================================================================

At this moment, in the back garden of the mansion, above the center of the lotus pond, a black and white lotus blooms. Occasionally, a glimpse of a golden hem can be seen shimmering from within the lotus petals, appearing and disappearing.

Nan Kujin lies contentedly in the lotus, her long hair casually spread out, her hands clasped together at her chest. Beneath her hands is a small wooden box, quietly resting in her heart. Her fingertips gently trace the surface of the box, Nan Kujin closing her eyes to enjoy the fresh morning air. The Yin-Yang Ring is tightly wrapped around her wrist, and as her spiritual power gradually awakens, black and white light begins to swirl around its surface.

Just as Nan Kujin was drifting off to sleep, Xue Nansang's voice rang out from below, "Your Majesty, I've taken care of what you asked me to do. They've already begun their studies. Hmm... there's one more thing. For some reason, the Blue Fox Goddess, Lan Qin, hasn't returned since leaving the city yesterday."

Nan Kujin opened her sleepy eyes, one hand resting on the edge of the lotus flower, and smiled at Xue Nansang below, "Don't worry. Sister Lan is always very sensible. She must be busy with something. She'll definitely come back when she's done." Xue Nansang nodded, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

"Wait! Help me prepare. Tomorrow, I'm heading to the Demon Realm. It's time to investigate. Nansang, will you come with me?" Nan Kujin waved her hand, and the lotus supporting her body immediately transformed into fluttering black and white butterflies, accompanying her as she descended. Nan Kujin, barefoot, kissed the water's surface and the lotus leaves one by one with her toes, and in no time stood before Xue Nansang.

Xue Nansang nodded, a strange emotion flashing in his eyes, and rose to take his leave. Watching his departing figure, Nan Kujin thought he would handle things well, and without worry, she darted towards her small pavilion not far away.

============================================================================================

Looking at the five astonished men before her, Xue Nansang didn't know why she had told them about Nan Kujin's trip to the Demon Realm. Although Nan Kujin had outwardly given them the humiliating status of male concubines, she secretly cared for them. He knew she was conflicted and in pain, yet she pretended to be so indifferent and strong.

After a brief silence, Lin Jinnian spoke first, "So, can we go?" Xue Nansang shook her head, "I don't know what she's thinking. She seems to want to keep a low profile, only taking me and Kaka." Qingyan, upon hearing this, wasn't disappointed, but instead nodded approvingly, "That's the right thing to do. Our current strength is probably nothing in the Demon Realm. Our going might even cause trouble, so we can use this time to improve our strength." Mu Qi, after hearing Qingyan's words, also nodded in agreement, "That's right, besides, this spellbook is so thick and so difficult to translate, our task is still very important."

Xue Nansang, hearing their words, couldn't help but ask curiously, "The book? What book?"

“Oh, it’s the book Kaka gave us. He told us to practice according to that…” Nilo showed the book to Xue Nansang, but clearly noticed his lips twitching several times. “That bastard dared to slack off!” Xue Nansang cursed angrily, then looked at Bai Shang and the others, and said, “You don’t need to translate anymore. After we leave tomorrow, you can have the Azure Dragon God teach you. Alright, I don’t have much time, so I’ll take my leave!”

“Okay. Then you go and attend to your official duties.”

Nodding slightly, Xue Nansang stood up, turned and left.

==================================================================================

The next morning, Nan Kujin and his group quietly left Rosemary City before dawn. Nan Kujin, Xue Nan, and Sang Kaka each summoned their mounts and flew towards the Demon Realm.

Before leaving, Nan Kujin looked back one last time at the direction of her residence before departing.

Cloud City (Part 1):
Entanglement, the infatuation of the past life and the resentment of this life. Like a circle, it eventually returns to its starting point. Continuing, a double web of emotional debts, with countless knots within. Right and wrong, will be measured in the next life.

---------------Nan Kujin

====================================================================================

Along the way, Nan Kujin briefly explained the rules of this operation to Kaka Xue Nansang. They needed to keep a low profile, avoid attracting the attention of the demon race's higher-ups, and be extremely careful to prevent any mistakes. Their mission was to begin with a military investigation of the demon race. The rebellion three years ago, the ascension of the new king—the demon race's current strength was truly unfathomable. Seeing the demon race's prosperity was a cause for great concern.

With Xue Nansang's preparations, infiltrating the demon race was a breeze for the three of them. To prevent any discrepancies caused by their appearance, everyone disguised themselves. Nan Kujin and his group first went to the military stronghold—Cloud City.

Upon arriving in Cloud City, Xue Nansang easily noticed the worry in Nan Kujin's eyes. Indeed, if a small military stronghold was already so prosperous, how prosperous would the Demon Capital be? Led by Xue Nansang, Nan Kujin first stopped at Cloud City's largest restaurant to rest. "Let me rest well first, wash away the dust of my journey, and recharge my energy. Tonight, I'll have a good fight at the Marquis Jing's mansion!"

Thinking this, Nan Kujin's hand brushed against the warm water, lifting a strand of hair submerged in the water, and she smiled alluringly. A misty haze rose in her eyes , making her appear somewhat unreal.

=== ...

Having learned today that a great figure would be arriving in the capital, she had originally intended to investigate the inner workings of the Demon Clan. This troupe of dancers had proven quite helpful.

Before the mirror, Ningyan's graceful figure shimmered, her skirt splattered with powder, her sleeves like mist, her hair like rosy clouds, her robes swaying—a dreamlike, ethereal sight. Carefully drawing her willow-leaf eyebrows, Nan Kujin hesitated for a moment, then added a dark beauty mark to the corner of her right eye. A smile spread across her face; everything felt somewhat familiar. She rose, her long, open-fronted golden dress cascading down, her satin-black hair styled into a misty bun, a purple jade hairpin beside it, its tassels gently tapping, a soft, delicate sound like the first cracks of spring ice. Covering her lips and bowing her head, a slight smile played on her lips as she slowly stepped out the door. It was time to board the carriage.

Seeing the dancers' amazed gazes, Nan Kujin smiled, her eyes sparkling, and she boarded the carriage first, settling in quietly. Yet, she still felt the flickering joy within her. It knew tonight would be exciting, didn't it?

A moment later, after everyone was seated, the coachman cracked his whip, urging the carriage forward slowly. Nan Kujin quietly closed her eyes, calming her mind. Xue Nansang had always opposed this action, believing it too risky, what if something went wrong… Thinking of this, Nan Kujin smiled. Did he still think of himself as the carefree, worry-free Nan Kujin of the past? Everything had changed… ever since she was
reborn in the Golden Lotus.

Soon, the carriage stopped at the entrance of the Marquis's residence. Hearing "We've arrived," the dancers began to disembark one by one. Nan Kujin donned a fine golden veil, concealing her face, leaving only her shimmering eyes. She was the last to rise, the last to disembark. Yet, she was surrounded by the crowd, bowing her head as she stepped into today's destination, the Marquis Jing's residence.

Led by the relevant personnel, they first rested in the back garden. Faintly, the sounds of music and laughter drifted from the hall. Nan Kujin smiled sarcastically. They probably didn't know a spy like herself had infiltrated. Indeed, no matter how tight and orderly the demons' defenses were, they were far inferior to the Rosemary City, which had ancient magical arrays for defense.

Someone whispered, "It's your turn!" The dancers lined up in an orderly fashion and marched towards the hall.

================================================================================

The glass lamps suddenly went out.

A series of crisp silver bell sounds rang out, and dozens of graceful figures appeared under the pale yellow candlelight. Mo Tong observed the scene before him with a somewhat listless interest. This new king of the demon race was someone only a few had ever seen. This time, he had issued an edict sending ministers to inspect the area, and even mingling among them, he had still noticed many flaws. He was leaving tomorrow, and the Marquis of Jing's mansion had specially prepared a grand banquet, claiming it was to properly send off this minister, hence the many beautiful performances. However, no matter how beautiful a woman was, she couldn't compare to the person in his heart. Even though she had been killed by his third brother…

Thinking of this, he frowned, a deep sorrow flashing in his eyes. He hated it. Why? Why hadn't he seized power in the demon race sooner? Perhaps then, she wouldn't have died…

A soft melody began, and the dancers before him started to move, their waists swaying gently, displaying their most beautiful side. Mo Tong rested his chin on one hand, holding a wine cup in the other, a perfunctory smile on his lips, watching everything with a slightly bored expression. But then, unexpectedly, he was stunned.

The woman in the center, dressed in a long, open-fronted gold dress, had delicate collarbones that appeared even more alluring in the dim candlelight. A light veil veiled her face, her expression hesitant, her movements graceful and captivating, her hands clasped together. She twirled, her jade-like arms rising above her head, long sleeves flowing down in circles. A soft ribbon tied around her slender waist, accentuating her tall and graceful figure. But most strikingly, she possessed eyes remarkably similar to his! Both

eyes were bright and clear, unwavering in their gaze. Her lowered eyelids, though partially concealed, couldn't hide the overflowing light in her crystalline eyes, like pierced autumn waters, piercing through icy clouds, their depths blurred by the candlelight.

She seemed to sense his gaze, glancing in his direction before quickly averting her eyes and continuing her dance.

Little did she know, Nan Kujin was utterly shocked! It was him? It really was him. Wasn't he a demon? He must be that important figure? Regardless of who he was, she wouldn't let anyone who tried to disrupt the balance of the Three Realms escape!

The lights suddenly blazed on, and when everyone looked back at the stunning woman dancing in the center, they were surprised to find that her veil had been inadvertently removed. What a captivating beauty!

Nan Kujin gave everyone a flirtatious wink, chuckling softly. Mo Tong stared at her, speechless. Until the song ended.

Jing Bohou, clearly intoxicated, stood up and pounced on Nan Kujin's body. Nan Kujin felt disgusted but endured it, deliberately letting him hold her in his arms. Jing Bohou laughed heartily, his hands lingering restlessly on Nan Kujin's chest, making her eyes grow colder. Mo Tong narrowed his eyes dangerously. Jing Bohou? This kind of person could control Yun City? Hmph, he must be tired of living to have someone like this stationed in Yun City! He glanced at the dancer indifferently, shook his head, and chuckled. Only the eyes were similar; the face was completely different.

The Marquis Jing breathed hot air into Nan Kujin's ear, his arms encircling her slender waist, pulling her to sit on his lap. He whispered suggestively in her ear, "Little beauty~ I'll definitely pamper you tonight~ I guarantee you'll feel like you're dying of pleasure...hehehe..."

Nan Kujin clearly felt what was pressing against her back, smiled sarcastically, deliberately rubbing her thigh against his lower body, and replied in a low, coquettish voice, "My lord is so naughty~ always teasing me~" (Someone was already nauseous...)

Seeing that it was getting late and the Marquis Jing looked impatient, Mo Tong simply gestured for the minister to leave first. As soon as the banquet ended, the Marquis Jing hurriedly scooped up Nan Kujin in his arms, leering as he carried her into his room.

Nan Kujin was secretly delighted. It seemed that this time, she was determined to obtain the Demon Clan's military secrets. ~

Cloud City (Part 2)

Nan Kujin clung to Jing Bohou's thick neck, appearing weak and boneless. Jing Bohou's blatant gaze, however, seemed to have already stripped her bare, leaving only what remained unsatisfied. He leered at her, his fat hands reaching under her intricate dance costume, impatiently plunging inside. A cold glint flashed in Nan Kujin's eyes, and she quickly and sweetly pleaded, "My lord, don't be impatient~ There are still people here, let's go back to our room first..."

Jing Bohou was already completely infatuated with Nan Kujin, nodding repeatedly, "Don't worry, my beauty, I promise I won't neglect you tonight! Hehehehe..." He quickened his pace, and soon reached his bedroom door.

He gestured for the servants to leave, and as soon as he entered, he hooked the door shut with his foot, slamming it shut tightly. He eagerly pouted, wanting to kiss her, but Nan Kujin's delicate hand stopped him. "My lord, the bed is over there..."

Her ambiguous tone, with its implicit invitation, stirred Jing Bohou's heart. He hastily tossed her onto the bed and began to undress himself. Seeing his lustful state, Nan Kujin wrapped her arms around his neck, smiled alluringly, and began to cast a spell. Watching the fat pig's eyes gradually become dazed, quickly losing himself under her magic, Nan Kujin began to ask what she wanted to know.

"Speak! How many troops do you have in this city?" "Two hundred thousand troops... and two elite cavalry units." "Which gate of Yun City is the weakest?" "The South Gate." "What is the purpose of that important minister's visit?" "He said that Rosemary City has some new developments recently, and we should be prepared and on high alert."

...

Having understood everything he wanted to know, Nan Kujin continued to use his Soul-Capturing Technique: "Remember, you spent quite a while with that dancer today, and you're a bit tired now. Go to sleep." After saying this, Nan Kujin watched with satisfaction as the Marquis Jing lay on the bed with a dazed expression, and soon fell asleep.

Nan Kujin secretly thought that killing him today would be extremely troublesome. Since he would be traveling to other towns and even the Demon Capital in the future, killing him would definitely arouse the suspicion of high-ranking officials. It would be better to let this dog live first. After all, it's better to play the long game. Straightening his clothes, Nan Kujin pushed open the door, and with a light touch of his toes, a golden light flashed and disappeared into the darkness.

===============================================================================

The next day, Nan Kujin, Xue Nansang, and Kaka set off for Shanghai. Xue Nansang was still sulking because of Nan Kujin's unauthorized actions the previous night. No matter how Nan Kujin tried to talk to him, he remained aloof and refused to speak. Nan Kujin was speechless. Damn it, he was the real master! This subordinate dared to play tricks on him? What was going on?!

Xue Nansang had already bought three fine horses. Nan Kujin really disliked covering his face with makeup. After thinking for a moment, he put on a veil. The days she was forced to wear a veil suddenly flashed through her mind. She shook her head, desperately trying to forget. But those images were like roots, firmly embedded in her mind, impossible to shake off. She raised her whip and hurried on. Only by focusing all her attention on something else did she feel any better.

=========================================================================

"Who are you?" In a filthy water dungeon, a woman with bright blue hair was chained to a high wooden cross with black iron chains. Her once rosy and radiant face was now deathly pale. Her lips were cracked, and her clothes were covered in bloody whip marks, clearly showing she had suffered greatly. She must have endured a great deal of torture!

Outside the water dungeon, a man surrounded by a crowd slowly entered. A black mask revealed only his crimson eyes; his innate kingly aura was palpable, inspiring awe. He looked down at the woman, his eyes filled with disdain. After a long pause, he said calmly, "You are not worthy to know my name. The one who truly deserves it, even if you all were combined, couldn't compare to a single glance from her." As he spoke, a fleeting tenderness crossed his eyes, but it vanished so quickly that one could hardly believe it was just their imagination. With

that, the man beckoned with his finger, and a man dressed in green stepped forward beside him. He said calmly, "You did a good job this time. You completed the task efficiently. Go collect your reward afterward. As for this Blue Fox God, I've sealed all her spiritual power. She's a cripple. She's nothing to fear. I don't care what torture you use, just get all the important information about Rosemary City out of me. Also, whatever you do, don't let her die. Later..." A cunning glint flashed in his eyes as he confidently added, "Later, I'll use her to complete my plan."

Lan Qin gritted her teeth, "You scum! Lin Qian, you..." "That scumbag! You promised me that if I gave you one-tenth of my power every year and I didn't stay with him, you could guarantee his eternal life! But why! Why!!!" Struggling and shouting, Lan Qin seemed to want to unleash all her anger. The green-clad man glanced fearfully at the masked man, his body trembling, and immediately retorted, "What are you saying, you damned woman? When did I ever make such a promise with you! Don't make false accusations!!! My lord, please don't listen to her nonsense!"

"Oh? Is that so? Extend your hand." The man commanded emotionlessly. After a long while, the green-clad man reluctantly extended his left hand. The masked man extended his right hand and struck the green-clad man's pulse. Soon, a trickle of blood oozed from the corner of the green-clad man's mouth. "My lord..."

"Hmph, you think you can fool my eyes?" The man sneered, swiftly covering the man's heart with lightning speed. Before the green-clad man could even open his eyes, he was already lifeless.

Lan Qin gasped at the scene before her. She knew that cultivators usually didn't die easily, because their hearts were protected by spiritual energy. Even after she had poured so much spiritual energy into this green-clad man for so many years, he was still so vulnerable before this mysterious man! Who was this man?

Although he had just killed one, the masked man seemed completely unaffected. He slowly turned around, "Let's go. Remember to follow orders," and left.

===================================================================================

As expected of a fine horse that can travel a thousand miles a day, three days later, Nan Kujin and her party arrived in the Demon Capital. However, this time, they weren't in a hurry to stay at an inn, but instead thoroughly explored the Demon Capital. Nan Kujin carefully studied the governance and layout of the Demon Capital, and at that moment, she became interested in the current Demon King. Now, seeing him, she was indeed no ordinary person; he truly possessed considerable abilities. Finally, Nan Kujin proposed a plan that Kaka and Xue Nansang vehemently opposed—a night raid on the Demon Palace.

Ignoring their objections and disapproval, she took out the bottles and jars from her bundle and began studying them in her room at the inn. She knew that although those two were so opposed, they would ultimately go with her.

But then, remembering Mo Tong's current status, she was momentarily lost in thought. She had never imagined they would become enemies. Fate was truly playing tricks on her!

But she wondered under what circumstances they would meet again.

She was looking forward to it, truly looking forward to it.

(The Demon Palace - Completed!)
Night fell quickly. Nan Kujin, dressed in a tight-fitting black night suit, her long black hair casually tied back with a black ribbon, carried signal flares for communication, her prepared poison, and smoke bombs for emergencies. Having prepared everything, Nan Kujin slowly walked to the window and gently pushed it open. The night breeze carried a slight chill; the city was bustling, the streets teeming with people enjoying the night market. Looking at their happy smiles, Nan Kujin felt a smile creep onto her own lips. But quickly, realizing the daunting task ahead, her expression turned cold. She flipped over the window, transforming into a blur, and flew towards the Demon Palace. She didn't need to worry, because she knew Kaka and the others would catch up soon.

Passing over rooftops, watching the Demon Palace draw ever closer, a smile played on Nan Kujin's lips. With a flip, she flew straight into the Demon Palace.

Landing silently in a completely unfamiliar place, Nan Kujin carefully observed the situation through the darkness. Sure enough, the Demon Palace lived up to its name; the guards were all diligently patrolling. Nan Kujin pondered for a while, deciding to first explore the study, hoping to find some valuable information there. But finding the study in this vast Demon Palace was no easy task. It seemed she would have to kidnap someone to question them. Carefully standing up, she quickly hid on the wooden beam of the nearest hall, carefully observing the people passing by. Until…

until a palace maid hurriedly passed by carrying a basket full of flower petals. Nan Kujin guessed the time was right, and without hesitation, she flashed in front of the maid, smiling at her, and before she could cry out, she began to use her Soul-Capturing Technique. "Tell me, where is the study?"

"Go straight from here, then turn right three times, then go straight again, and finally turn left. You'll be there."

Nan Kujin silently memorized what she said, knocked her unconscious, and placed her in a hidden flower bush not far away. She then gathered her spiritual power and hurried away. Little did she know that while she was doing this, Mo Tong was silently hiding behind a stone pillar not far away, watching everything without a sound. He concealed his spiritual power, making him completely undetectable.

The night was deep, and the guards of the Demon Palace were divided into several small teams, patrolling in an orderly manner. Having learned the location of the study, Nan Kujin fully unleashed the life and death energy on her Yin-Yang Ring to protect her body, allowing her to cleverly conceal herself in the night.
Now, her strength was far greater than before. She passed by the guards without any hesitation. Nan Kujin was not worried about being discovered, because she knew that with her cultivation level, the guards would at most think that a gust of wind had blown by.

Mo Tong, concealing his aura, pursued after them, only to be astonished by their inhuman speed. When did such a master appear in the world?

Could it be… someone from the City of Rosemary?

Glancing again at the rapidly departing figure, Mo Tong's expression darkened slightly, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. Simultaneously, he silently activated his spatial magic. He wanted to see what these people were up to…

Soon, Nan Ku Jin arrived at the study's door. After a slight hesitation, she walked to a window, condensed her energy into a blade, easily broke the lock, and gracefully vaulted inside.

To her great surprise, the new king of the Demon Realm should have been diligently reviewing memorials, but the room was completely dark, seemingly uninhabited. However, subconsciously, Nan Ku Jin had to be on high alert, lest it be a trap.

Taking out a pre-prepared luminous pearl from her bosom, Nan Ku Jin cautiously approached the conspicuous desk. Looking at the neatly stacked memorials, Nan Kujin couldn't help but feel puzzled. Was it really that simple? But then she thought, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained. At worst, I'll just fight them and run away." With the combined strength of Nan Kujin, Xue Nansang, and Kaka, escape shouldn't be a problem.

Thinking this, Nan Kujin immediately began to act. However, after looking for a while, Nan Kujin noticed something was amiss. Although the memorials were written in a seemingly proper manner, upon closer inspection, it became clear that they lacked substance. She frowned slightly; the new king of the Torture Realm was indeed cunning.

"Master." A low voice sounded in her ear. Nan Kujin quickly turned around and found that Xue Nansang had unknowingly come to her side. She sighed inwardly, "Still not enough! I didn't even notice his arrival. She tried so hard, but I still can't match his strength! When will I be able to fully develop and utilize that Yin-Yang power and the energy of life and death?"

With a hint of reproach in her eyes, Nan Kujin lowered her voice and asked, "Nan Sang, why are you so late?"

"Something happened."

"What?" Nan Kujin's expression changed slightly, and she hurriedly asked, "What happened in the city?"

Xue Nansang shook her head and replied, "It's not Rosemary City, it's Lan Qin."

"What!!!! How could... how could this be? Sister Lan... how could something happen to her? With her strength... what could possibly happen to her?" Hearing Xue Nansang's words, Nan Kujin's heart trembled violently. Although she remained outwardly calm, she was truly panicked inside. Three years later, when she woke up, she, Nan Kujin—no, it should be Ming Xi—truly regarded the Four Gods as the most important people in her life. Just like... family.

Xue Nansang pursed her lips, and after a long while, she answered Nan Kujin: "It's the Underworld. The mysterious Underworld. None of us knew that Lan Qin would have any connection with the people of the Underworld. But this time... it seems that something important happened, so much so that someone reported seeing Lan Qin anxiously leaving the city! In the following days, the Blue Fox God did not return. Just as we were preparing to search for her, the people of Rosemary City received a mysterious letter. When Dragon God Luo Wei opened it, he was shocked. Firstly, because he had never imagined that Lan Qin, with her strength, would be captured and become a prisoner! Secondly, because the Underworld has always been extremely mysterious. Although people know that such a place exists, very few have actually entered it. What the world truly knows is that there is a River of Oblivion in the Underworld, with a gentle current, ordinary water." The flow of emotions can indeed make one forget all worldly attachments and anxieties. Now, the mysterious Underworld, which has always been isolated from the outside world, has imprisoned the God of Blue Foxes and even sent a special letter inviting the Lord of Rosemary City to "visit" the Underworld. This invitation, clearly fraught with conspiracy, is one that anyone with eyes can see, yet everyone knows Nan Ku Jin cannot refuse. Luo Wei, knowing this is no ordinary situation, immediately sent a message by carrier pigeon to inform me and Kaka. "We two rushed here to find you, Master, as this matter
cannot be delayed for even a moment."

Nan Ku Jin's brows furrowed even more upon hearing Xue Nan Sang's words. "We'll set off immediately for the Underworld."

Xue Nan Sang glanced at Nan Ku Jin, hesitated, and then whispered, "Qing Yan and Bai Shang… well… they insisted on going to the Underworld with us."

Although her voice was soft, it was enough for Nan Ku Jin, who was very close to Xue Nan Sang, to hear. Nan Kujin's body trembled almost imperceptibly, but she only paused for a moment, without turning her head. She simply replied in a muffled voice, "Hmph, a bunch of ignorant fools. Let them die if they want to. Don't worry about them. We just need to get to the Underworld as quickly as possible."

With that, she started walking, hurrying away. Just then, Kaka, who had been silent all along and whose eyes had been fixed on a certain spot in the house, now had a deep expression and said coldly, "Hey, you've been standing here for so long and listening to so much. You must be tired. Why don't you show yourself? You certainly won't let us leave so easily. Rather than us being in the open while you're in the shadows, let's break through the last barrier and have a head-on confrontation." Kaka calmly finished speaking, crossing his arms over his chest, looking like a little adult.

"Hehehe..." A magnetic laugh rang out softly, and a figure strolled unhurriedly to the front of the crowd. Nan Kujin slowly turned around, calmly meeting the face she knew all too well. Ah... Mo Tong... So he was the new king of the Demon Clan...

Mo Tong silently observed the so-called lord of Rosemary City before him. Her black night-clothes accentuated her perfect curves, and her jet-black hair was delicately tied back with a ribbon, exuding a noble and aloof aura, untouchable. However, deep within her beautiful obsidian eyes lay far too many things he couldn't decipher. This enigmatic woman smiled gently, a smile as radiant as the rising sun. She raised an eyebrow, stepped past the red-haired man, and walked to him. Looking up defiantly and fearlessly at him, as if being discovered was no big deal, she said, "Heh... discovered, huh... So, the new king of the demons, how do you intend to punish us? Capture us? Are you confident you can capture us? Release us? But I doubt you would." Her

seemingly joking words were so reminiscent of that person, causing Mo Tong to momentarily lose her composure. But quickly, she regained her senses, walked to the desk, and sat down. Her long, slender fingers lightly tapped the surface, her long eyelashes drooping, and a slight, mocking smile played on her lips. Her eyes were full of cunning. She said, "Is that so? Although you are a clever woman, I must tell you, you're wrong. I... will... release! you!"

Deliberately emphasizing each word, Mo Tong looked at the woman before her with a half-smile. She frowned, looking at him with some confusion, and finally asked, "Why?"

"Because..." Mo Tong suddenly stood up and leaned forward, instantly shortening the distance between him and Nan Kujin. He leaned close to Nan Kujin's ear, gently exhaled, and teasingly said, "That way, the game is more fun, isn't it? If the opponent is too easy, it's too boring..."

………………*&**……￥……

Damn it! Nan Kujin cursed inwardly. Sure enough, a leopard can't change its spots; he's still as perverted as ever! Subtly shifting her body to the side, Nan Kujin feigned gratitude, saying, "Really? Alright then, I'm also looking forward to the day I can face you head-on. Since there's nothing else, I'll be going now, no need to trouble you!" A mischievous smile played on her lips as Nan Kujin effortlessly conjured two long whips from the air beside her, simultaneously wrapping them around Xue Nansang and Kaka's waists. She leaned back abruptly, her toes pushing off the ground, and with lightning speed, she carried the two of them out of the study, laughing loudly, "Did you hear me? Don't disappoint me!" Mo Tong rose and transmitted her voice, "No! I believe it won't be long!"

Narrowing her eyes as if spotting prey, Mo Tong smiled silently. Based on the many similarities she shared with that person, he would definitely play along to the end!

Who is he? Who is he?
"Giddy up! Giddy up!"

In the desert at the border of the three realms, sand swirled, clinging to the travelers' clothes and hair... The dull thud of hooves on the sand was rhythmic and powerful, each step reflecting the travelers' eager hearts. The white silk robes, covered in dust from days of arduous travel, seemed unconcerned, their gaze fixed on the distant horizon.

"Nan Sang, how much further?"

"Soon, we'll reach the entrance to the Underworld soon," Xue Nan Sang replied, her face weary, gritting her teeth as she gazed into the distance. Kaka pouted her little cheeks, angrily clenched her fist, and huffed, "Hmph! Who are these reckless fools who dared to use underhanded tricks against Sister Lan! I'll tear them to pieces!!!!" Nan Kujin turned around and smiled faintly, speaking in a sinister tone, "Tearing him to pieces is too lenient. I want him to feel like he's living a life worse than death..." Silently recalling all
the cruel tortures she knew from ancient China (such as the Ten Great Tortures of the Qing Dynasty), who told that person to harm her, Nan Kujin's, people? Hmph!

"This is it!" Before Xue Nansang could even remind her, Nan Kujin had already leaped off her horse. Because the Yin-Yang Ring sensed a large amount of life and death energy from the underworld, it trembled more and more violently along the way. When she arrived here, Nan Kujin almost felt as if it was about to tear its own wrist off and fly away. Without making a sound, Nan Kujin clenched her fists, closed her eyes, and exhaled deeply. Xue Nansang and Kaka saw two thick streams of black and white energy intertwine, instantly flowing through Nan Kujin's entire body, finally fading and becoming a completely part
of her.

When Nan Kujin opened her eyes again, two sharp golden streams of light flashed across them. She had never expected that a trip to the Underworld would bring her such great benefits. A smile played on her lips, and Nan Kujin quickly formed a complex incantation in front of her chest, about to strike the barrier concealing the Underworld, when the air before her suddenly rippled and undulated. Soon, gray water patterns flowed in the air, and the barrier opened a gap for them. Nan Kujin, Xue Nansang, and Kaka exchanged hesitant glances, unsure whether to proceed. Just then, a languid voice came from within, so clear it seemed to be speaking right next to their ears.
An extremely captivating voice stirred everyone's hearts.

"What, does the city lord of Rosemary City lack even this much courage? Hehe..."

Nan Kujin composed herself, her eyes crinkling into a smile, revealing a hint of her former charm. She playfully licked her lips, her tone slightly teasing, and said, "How could I disappoint you?"

"How could I! The Blue Fox God has been missing you terribly while I'm here! I'm sure he's been eagerly awaiting your arrival every day!"

Hearing the unfamiliar man mention Lan Qin, Nan Kujin's face darkened instantly. She gritted her teeth, gave a cold snort, and with a flick of her sleeve, stepped into the barrier without hesitation. Xue Nan Sangka wanted to stop her, but it was too late. Fearing she would fall into a trap, she hurriedly followed her into the barrier.

The moment they stepped into the barrier, it abruptly returned to its original state. Nan Kujin and the others turned back warily, watching helplessly as the barrier reverted to its original condition. Nan Kujin smiled indifferently, raising an eyebrow at the two somber-faced people. "Relax, things have come to this, we should cheer up and go!" However, when Nan Kujin and his group turned around and faced the scene before them, everyone was stunned. What kind of place was this underworld? It should have been an endless desert, lifeless and devoid of any vitality, so how could they explain what they saw before them? At this moment, they
were standing on a small hill! Yes! A small hill! As far as the eye could see, there were only red spider lilies, indescribably eerie, bewitching, and shocking! The eerie, almost blackish-red hue of the blooming flowers looked like a carpet of blood from afar, like fire, like blood, like a raging inferno! Unconsciously drawn in, Nan Kujin and the others were speechless for a moment.

"There, something seems to be calling me." Nan Kujin pointed to the dense forest on the cliff not far away, her eyes somewhat lost, and murmured to herself.

Sensing something amiss, Xue Nansang rushed forward and called out with concern, "Master..."

Xue Nansang's voice instantly pulled Nan Kujin back to reality. Feeling the intense pull in her heart, Nan Kujin bit her lower lip, shook her head, and said with a determined look, "Next, we must first find the mysterious man's residence so we can rescue Sister Lan." As soon as she finished speaking, the figure of a gray-clad man gradually appeared from the air. In a short while, a person draped in a gray cloak appeared before them. The wide cloak completely covered his face, revealing only his stubbled chin. Nan Kujin and the others looked at him warily, fearing a sudden attack.

But the man only uttered eight words: "Please follow me, the master requests your presence," before turning and walking away. After a moment's consideration, Nan Kujin and the others steeled their hearts and simply followed him.

The gray-clad man remained silent the entire way, simply continuing forward, not caring whether Nan Kujin and the others were keeping up. Nan Kujin and the others followed him through the sea of red spider lilies, heading towards a grove of trees not far away. The forest of the Underworld was in no way inferior to the one in the snowy region, and could even be said to surpass it. Thousands upon thousands of kinds of poisonous insects never seen before, and all sorts of colorful plants whose names they couldn't name, made Nan Kujin's brows furrow deeper and deeper.

Finally, they stopped in front of a natural wall covered by layers of withered vines. The gray-clad man tapped on the wall left and right, and with a loud rumble, the mountain seemed to have been cleaved open by a god, gradually revealing its dark, eerie crevice and exposing its interior to Nan Kujin.

The hollow mountainside, dotted with egg-sized luminous pearls, and the finest white marble steps, stretched endlessly forward, leading Nan Kujin and her companions deeper and deeper. A wind blew incessantly from the unknown depths ahead, ruffling their hair, and a chill seeped into their nerves, causing cold sweat to break out on their palms and backs.

Nan Kujin felt a pang of panic, but just then, a pair of hands tightly grasped hers. Calloused hands covered her soft palms, holding her firmly, offering warmth from their bodies, which deeply moved Nan Kujin. Looking up, she met a pair of deep red eyes. Although she couldn't decipher the many emotions within them, she smiled slightly and returned the gesture, tightly gripping the man's hand.

After countless turns, finally, accompanied by a blinding light, they arrived at their final destination. The unimaginably luxurious palace, whether it could compare to the legendary Epang Palace or not, was filled with beautiful maids, and guards in tight-fitting uniforms stood respectfully to the side.

The gray-clad man did not stop, continuing onward. Finally, after a short while, they arrived at the very center of the palace,
where the mysterious man was waiting for them.

The gray-clad man hurriedly walked to the center of the hall, knelt down abruptly, and said, trembling slightly, before the black jade throne that gradually appeared from behind the gauze curtain, "Master, the person has been brought." The man stood with his back to them before the throne, silent, simply waving his hand, and the gray-clad man respectfully withdrew.

Nan Kujin looked at the back of the figure before her, and felt a strange sense of familiarity, a deep, familiar feeling. Her brows furrowed slightly. She was certain that she had never seen this man before, but where did this sense of familiarity come from?

The man slightly raised his head, sighed, and his handsome back exuded an indescribable height and majesty. After a long silence, he broke it first, "Lord of the City of Rosemary, what impression does my palace give you?" As he spoke, he slowly turned around, finally revealing himself to them.

At that moment, Kaka and Xue Nansang's expressions changed drastically, while Nan Kujin stared at that familiar yet unfamiliar face, her eyes gradually becoming unfocused and blank… Who is he? Who is he?

Looking at that handsome, star-like face, long black hair sweeping across his fair cheeks, a touch of eerie red in the strands, striking and flamboyant, making it hard to look away. The strange red totem at the corner of his left eye held no meaning, completely different from the golden spider lily on Bai Shang's face. But what Nan Kujin found most captivating were those eyes, filled with loneliness, longing, bitterness… so much unspoken emotion lurking within, who could truly understand it?

So familiar… so familiar…

Who is it? Who is it?

Her chest felt heavy and her heart pounded. Nan Kujin looked… looked… as if possessed, she uttered the name:

—Luo Yehua…

The Secret of the Past Life (Part 1)
“Luo Yehua…” Nan Kujin’s eyes were hazy, as if veiled by a thin mist, as she murmured the name. Kaka Xue Nansang’s face paled upon hearing this. He looked at Nan Kujin with shock, disbelief, and worry in his eyes.

Nan Kujin snapped back to reality, shaking her head violently. What was wrong with her? Why did she say that name? Clenching her fists, when she looked up at the unfamiliar man again, she was shocked to see the incredulous look on his face. He looked at her intently, his eyes filled with a fascination that gradually grew intense and radiant. His body trembled slightly as he gazed at her intently, as if afraid she would disappear. He took a step forward and pulled Nan Kujin into his arms. He held her tightly, as if trying to meld her into his very blood.

Nan Kujin frowned, struggling to push him away, but heard him softly call out, "Monasha, I've finally waited for you..." Warm water droplets fell, soaking into her dark hair, damp and carrying the salty scent of longing.

"Luo Yehua! Let go of your master!" Xue Nan Sangkaka simultaneously made an attacking motion, about to snatch Nan Kujin away.

The man named Luo Yehua smiled slightly, and an invisible pressure instantly enveloped Xue Nan Sangkaka, making them feel somewhat suffocated. "It's you guys!" He said lightly, resting his chin on Nan Kujin's hairline, pulling her tightly to prevent her from turning around. A hint of malice flashed in his eyes as he chuckled, "I thought you wouldn't recognize me like Lan Qin. The totem on my face has just changed."

Kaka trembled with anger, "Where's Sister Lan! You monster!"

Hearing this, Luo Yehua smiled helplessly, "Of course, she's 'visiting' somewhere in the palace!" Upon hearing this, Nan Kujin was annoyed. She summoned the Spirit of Life, intending to strike him unexpectedly. Unexpectedly, as soon as the spiritual power was released, Luo Yehua simply loosened his grip, his robes fluttering as he transformed into a black streak of light. Nan Kujin thought she was fast enough, but she was still stunned by what she saw.

"Shasha, you're so naughty!" A doting voice held a playful reproach, and warm breath brushed against her neck. Nan Kujin trembled, and before she could jump away, those strong arms wrapped around her waist again. Knowing that struggling was futile, Nan Kujin frowned and said calmly, "What are you talking about? I don't understand at all."

Luo Yehua chuckled and shook his head with a sigh, "Of course, Shasha drank the Meng Po soup, how could she remember everything from when she was the creator god? But it doesn't matter, I will make you remember me, that you can't live without me for the rest of your life... You are mine... forever..." The irrefutable tone made Nan Kujin tremble. Luo Yehua curled his lips and smelled the unique fragrance on Nan Kujin's body, squinting his eyes in enjoyment.

Suddenly, he looked at Kaka and Xue Nansang, who were anxiously waiting, and said with a hint of sarcasm, "Don't even think about it. Shasha is mine, and I won't be like I was back then. For a thousand years, everything I've experienced has made me think a lot. As long as I'm with Shasha, I want no one to separate us! Don't think I don't know that in that chaotic battle back then, I destroyed nearly ninety percent of your power. The Four Gods are nothing but tiny ants in my eyes now. Those five extra ones outside the door are nothing to fear..." As he spoke, he casually played with Nan Kujin's black hair, restraining her struggles.

"What are you going to do to them?!" Nan Kujin finally couldn't hold back anymore and shouted. Luo Yehua lifted Nan Kujin's chin, looking at her delicate face, and whispered, "Shasha, do whatever you want... as long as they don't get in our way." Nan Kujin understood what he meant, gritted her teeth, and said resentfully, "Fine! I promise you! I won't leave you! I'll always be yours! But you have to promise me, help me pacify the Three Realms, help me restore the balance of the Three Realms! And... let them and the people of Rosemary City go..." By the end, Nan Kujin's tone had a hint of pleading. Luo Yehua looked at her, raised an eyebrow, and said softly, "Shasha, you're very different from before."

"Master!!! Please don't!!!!!!!!! No!!! ... At that moment, Luo Yehua trembled violently, staring in disbelief at the woman kissing him. His gaze softened, and he embraced Nan Kujin, his right hand cradling the back of her head, deepening the kiss.

Nan Kujin felt an inappropriate bitterness in her heart. She wanted to cry, but she knew she couldn't. This man before her could easily possess the whole world. She had already died once; they were the most important people to her. How could she let anything happen to them? How could she?

Her tear ducts welled up; she wanted to cry. She had heard that tears flow from the depths of the heart. But she, a heartless person, actually wanted to cry! How ridiculous, how ridiculous…

Bai Shang, Qing Yan, Mu Qi, Ni Luo, Lin Jinnian…

You will all eventually become passersby in my life! I will cherish everything from the past in my memory, and not let it fade away. Forget me, stop smiling bitterly. You deserve better people to accompany you for life.

A tear welled up from the corner of her eye, slowly sliding down her cheek. Luo Yehua released her lips, licking away the bitter tear droplet with his tongue, and said slowly, "I won't give you a chance to regret it."

"No, no, no... Xi... you promised me that you would be with us four gods forever, have you forgotten?" Xue Nansang's face was filled with sorrow, shaking her head repeatedly, looking at the blinding scene before her, her voice hoarse, asking in disbelief.

Nan Kujin heard him call her "Xi", her mind went blank, and she smiled bitterly.

For so long, this was the first time he had heard Xue Nansang call her by her name. Kaka always called her "Sister Ming", Lan Qin always called her "Sister Xi", Luo Wei always called her "Xi Girl", only he had always only called her "Master". All along, she had deliberately ignored the hint of emotion in his eyes, but unexpectedly, he called her name at this moment. At such a moment.

She buried her face in Luo Yehua's arms and said in a muffled voice, "Nan Sang, let's go. This is an order, do you hear me?"

"No!" Xue Nan Sang stepped forward, her face resolute, refusing to leave even at the cost of her life. Kaka stood to the side, looking troubled, not knowing what to do.

"Shasha, you really do have a soft spot for everyone!" Sensing the hidden displeasure in Luo Yehua's tone, Nan Kujin gritted her teeth and ordered, "Kaka!"

Kaka thought to herself, "As long as we're alive, we can always find a way out." If they escaped first, they could work together to figure out a solution. This gave Nan Kujin some hope. With a swift stroke, she knocked Xue Nan Sang unconscious before he could even react. Seeing Xue Nansang unwillingly collapse, Kaka hardened his heart and bowed deeply to Nan Kujin, saying resentfully, "This subordinate takes his leave!"

Having just experienced everything, Nan Kujin was too weak to utter another word. She could only turn her back to him, lean against Luo Yehua's chest, and gently wave her hand.

Luo Yehua watched Kaka and Xue Nansang disappear from sight, then brushed a strand of hair that had fallen across Nan Kujin's chest behind her ear, and softly said, "Shasha, it's just the two of us now..."

Nan Kujin looked up at him calmly and whispered, "My name is Mingxi."

Luo Yehua looked at her for a long time, then finally chuckled softly, "You know what? I've waited for you for so long, but I don't regret it. Xixi, compared to the past, you fascinate me even more now." As he spoke, he leaned down and gently teased Nan Kujin's sensitive earlobe with the tip of his tongue, his hands gently caressing her delicate body.

Nan Kujin quickly grasped his hand, smiled charmingly, and looked at his absent-minded expression, whispering, "I'll only be with you from now on anyway, there's plenty of time, but right now I really want to know everything about our past."

Luo Yehua gently kissed her lips, a smile playing on his lips, "Okay."

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