Chapter 121 Something was watching her; it couldn't be her imagination...
"I'm serious! If you cooperate with me, you can go home!"
Xiao Ru stumbled after him, mustered all her strength, and shouted, veins bulging on her neck, finally managing to get the person in front of her to stop.
Lu Yuanyuan turned around, her eyes flashing with indescribable shock and tension: "What did you say?"
Seeing that there seemed to be a chance, Xiaoruo perked up, strode forward, tilted her head back, and repeated, "You heard me right, I said I can help you get home!"
Lu Yuanyuan lowered her head, gazing at the beautiful face before her. As if remembering something, the shock in her eyes gradually faded, replaced by calm: "If I'm not mistaken, your system only promised to send you home after it was done, right? Even you yourself aren't 100% sure you can go back, so what makes you think you can give me this empty promise?"
Xiao Ruo said urgently, "That's right, my system does only serve me, but that doesn't mean the time tunnel is always closed! As long as you subdue the Ghost Emperor, you can also shatter the void and return to your world!"
Why are you so sure?
“Because I have the script and the setting of this world. This is different from the plot of ‘The Enchanting Fairy’ that you know. You’ve always been from the reader’s perspective. The plot you know is what the author wants the reader to see. The script I have is a straightforward, God-like perspective.” Xiao Ru took a deep breath and gestured for him to speak: “If you think we have a possibility of cooperation, why don’t we sit down and have a chat? It won’t hurt you to say a few words.”
Lu Yuanyuan pondered for a moment: "Okay."
Xiao Ruo only wants to go home and doesn't care about the lives of NPCs. She has no attachments in this world, and everything and everyone can become a stepping stone for her to return home.
Of course, anyone in Xiaoruo's position would probably do anything to get home. So she couldn't criticize that, but similarly, she wouldn't choose such a person as an ally. After all, she couldn't guarantee that the other person wouldn't suddenly abandon their responsibilities or betray their ally just to get home.
However, this time, Xiao Ruo clearly lost her composure and actually revealed so many of her trump cards.
Let's listen to what she has to say. Even if the so-called "going home" and "a straightforward script" are likely just empty promises, she can at least get some useful information out of Xiao Ruo that can help her better complete her duties as envoy.
Lu Yuanyuan climbed the steps and sat down in a private seat under the window of the main hall, lifting her robe: "Tell me about the time tunnel first."
Xiao Ru sat down across the table, her gaze intense: "I saw all of this in the script. The great war over three hundred years ago destroyed the heavens and the earth, changed the color of the sun and moon, shattered the balance of spacetime, and tore open a rift in a spacetime tunnel. The place where the Ghost Emperor Jiuli was defeated was precisely where that rift was located. Over the years, the cultivation world has guarded it fiercely. Logically speaking, without any supplies and with the Ghost Emperor sealed away, it should have weakened all the way down until it dissipated into nothingness. But not only did it not weaken, its power actually increased. This is because it is stuck at that rift, continuously drawing power from the souls of the dead from another world. Only by completely destroying it will you have a chance to reach the spacetime rift it occupies. As long as you enter before the rift completely closes, you can return to your world!"
After saying it all in one breath, Xiao Ru watched her expression with some excitement.
But Lu Yuanyuan wasn't as agitated as she was. She shook her head and said, "These are just your side of the story. There's no evidence to prove that there really is a spacetime rift there. Even if there is, how can you guarantee that it leads to Earth? However, at least we share the same goal in bringing down the Ghost Emperor. Tell me about the general situation of the demon race."
Xiao Ruo was slightly disappointed, but she could tell that the other party still had the intention to cooperate, so she picked up the small silver pot on the table, poured a cup of tea for Lu Yuanyuan, and said, "Let's start from seven years ago."
To keep readers engaged, the number of romanceable characters in "The Enchanting Fairy Tale" will increase as the story progresses.
Ji Shuo's true form is a wolf demon. He was originally a romanceable character who only appeared after the Ghost Emperor was defeated in "The Enchanting Fairy Tale". Moreover, he was already a powerful demon when he first appeared.
"Seven years ago, I met Ji Shuo in the Southern Border. Because I had the script, I immediately recognized him as a future romanceable character. At first, I couldn't understand why this guy would appear so early." Xiao Ru raised her head, her eyes deep and thoughtful, and glanced at her: "But then I thought, the story has already fallen apart like this, so what does it matter if one of the characters appears early?"
Lu Yuanyuan ignored the implication in her words and frowned slightly: "You mean, because I'm reading the serialized version of 'The Enchanting Fairy's Fate,' Ji Shuo already exists in some corner of this world, but hasn't officially appeared yet, so I don't know who he is?"
Xiao Ru shrugged: "That's how it is."
Although Ji Shuo didn't officially appear, you can still go home by increasing his favorability.
A wise bird chooses its tree to perch on. Seven years ago, Ji Shuo was just a wolf demon guarding the territory left by his parents. There were plenty of other characters he could pursue, and Xiao Ruo originally planned to stay with him for a while before leaving. However, for some reason, she ultimately stayed.
Time marches on, the original story crumbles, and the fallen bricks and tiles build a new order.
"After all, I am the female lead of this book. With my involvement, the development of the demon race has avoided many detours. I have also raised enough favor with Ji Shuo, but as long as the Ghost Emperor, this roadblock, is still alive, and the plot cannot get back on track, I cannot go home. Therefore, I suggested to Ji Shuo that we could try to cooperate with Jin'ao Island, but this was met with strong opposition from most of his subordinates, and there was an uproar among the people."
Lu Yuanyuan deliberately said, "Ji Shuo is the king of the demon race. If he decides to cooperate with Jin'ao Island, his subordinates will have no choice but to obey."
Xiao Ru sighed in frustration: "If it were that easy, you have no idea how much the demons hate and distrust you. If the two sides join forces, it means that many military secrets will have to be shared. This is not like the mortal world, where the emperor can rule unilaterally. Although Ji Shuo is the king, he is not the only one fighting the war. He can't ignore the voices of the outside world and act unilaterally. Although everyone agreed to talk to you in the end and invited you here, it doesn't mean that an alliance can be formed. Just wait and see. When the formal meeting begins, we will definitely encounter a lot of obstacles."
Lu Yuanyuan narrowed her eyes, grasping a key point: "You said most of Ji Shuo's subordinates are against it, so what about the rest? Are they neutral?"
Xiao Ru nodded: "The current ratio of opposition to neutrality is four to six."
Lu Yuanyuan gently tapped the table, her thoughts gradually becoming clearer. She murmured, "I understand what you mean. In other words, instead of trying to change the opposition's attitude, I should try to win over the support of the neutral faction first. But I need a specific list. You should at least tell me who the neutral faction is."
“Okay, I’ll write one for you right away. My stance is different from yours. Just proposing cooperation has already drawn a lot of skepticism, so I can’t get too close to them. You’re different; you can fight for it openly and honestly.” Xiao Ru paused, seemingly hesitant to speak: “Oh, right…”
"What?"
"The neutral faction includes both big shots and small fry. If you can gain the support of high-ranking figures, there's a good chance you can persuade their followers to defect to your side..."
Just then, Lu Yuanyuan's ears twitched slightly, and she abruptly looked towards the door: "Someone is approaching."
Xiao Ru was a little nervous. She stood up and urged, "Then you should leave quickly, so no one sees us. I told them I wasn't feeling well today and didn't want to attend the banquet. It's possible that Ji Shuo sent someone to check on me."
In this situation, it's too late to go through the main gate.
Lu Yuanyuan stood up, casually hiding the silver cup she had used on the table into her sleeve. Just as she was about to climb out the window, something suddenly flashed through her mind. As if by magic, she stopped and asked, "Which side does your high priest stand on?"
Xiao Ru paused, a slight glint in the depths of her eyes: "He is... a neutral party member."
Having received the answer, Lu Yuanyuan didn't waste any more words and nimbly climbed onto the windowsill. Suddenly remembering something, she turned her head, her eyes slightly subtle: "By the way, next time if you need to write me a secret letter, if you really can't, just write it in pinyin."
Xiaoruo: "..."
Although the palace was on the first floor, the windowsill was quite high off the ground. Lu Yuanyuan slipped out through the open window, like a butterfly in the night, her clothes fluttering as she landed silently.
I suddenly found it kind of funny.
Despite holding such a prestigious title as an envoy, he sneaked into the Demon King's wife's window on his very first day.
I've been away for quite a while now, I should probably head back as soon as possible. However, this risky escape was definitely worthwhile.
The information Xiao Ruo provided pointed her in the right direction. As for how much of those clues were true and how much were false, she would naturally investigate further.
Lu Yuanyuan stood up, about to return along the route she remembered, when suddenly she heard a barely perceptible rustling sound of boots in the night. At the same time, she saw a shadow move in the bushes out of the corner of her eye.
who?
Lu Yuanyuan suddenly lowered her elbow and raised her hand, the movement so fast that it was almost impossible for the naked eye to catch it, and she accurately grabbed the other person's throat, pushing up with her thumb to press down on the throat bone.
Because this was demon territory, she didn't use her spiritual power to avoid being noticed by the patrolling soldiers nearby, but even just using her hand strength, she was still incredibly strong.
Before the other person could utter a sound, she slammed him heavily against the wall.
Moonlight streamed down from behind the clouds, illuminating the other person's face.
Lu Yuanyuan stared intently, her hand trembling: "Yue Hong?"
Yue Hong's handsome face flushed red from lack of oxygen. But perhaps because it was her opposite him, he simply held her wrist without resisting.
Lu Yuanyuan quickly released her grip on him. But five clear finger marks had already appeared on his neck.
Lu Yuanyuan asked with some regret, "What are you doing here?"
His breathing suddenly became easier, and Yue Hong coughed, the red veins in the whites of his eyes clearly visible. He bent over, took a moment to catch his breath, then touched his throat and said in a hoarse voice, "I saw you go out... I was a little worried because you've been inside for so long."
As he spoke, Yue Hong suddenly noticed a hard object lying in the grass in front of his boots. He picked it up, puzzled: "A cup?"
Lu Yuanyuan looked down and realized that she had dropped the cup in her hand while she was in such a hurry to suppress Yue Hong.
This wasn't the place to talk. Lu Yuanyuan was about to pull Yue Hong back to his seat when she suddenly heard a familiar, reproachful voice coming from the window above her: "Why are you back? Weren't you supposed to be with those people from Jin'ao Island? How could you be the one slacking off?"
It was Xiao Ruo's voice.
She spoke these words much louder than usual, as if it were a deliberate reminder.
Oh no, it seems that what has arrived is not a servant, but the Demon King himself.
In a flash, Lu Yuanyuan's gaze swept across the large, unobstructed garden ahead. She decisively turned back, grabbed Yue Hong, and retreated rapidly until their backs were pressed against the wall behind them.
On Xiao Ruo's windowsill, a dense clump of crabapple blossoms cascaded forth like a torrent, forming a narrow, dark shadow at the base of the wall, just enough for the two of them to hide in. From above, it was a blind spot.
Yue Hong's expression changed slightly. Before he could ask any questions, a hand covered his nose and lips, and a warm body pressed against his back.
The woman's body was completely different from his; it was soft and fragrant.
A faint fragrance wafted on the night breeze, not the scent of freshly burned sandalwood incense. It was a fragrance that had lingered on the clothes all day, so faint it was almost undetectable, but which had been rekindled by body heat.
Yue Hong's body stiffened.
He didn't know why he was thinking such nonsense at a time like this. Just as he didn't know why, after being nearly suffocated by her choking moments before, he was now facing a similar feeling again—his lower face was covered by her, and he could only barely get that precious air from the gap between her palm and his cheek, but the feeling was completely different.
He should have felt uncomfortable, but why did his face burn as her fingertips brushed against his lips? He felt dizzy and lightheaded, as if he were drunk, and he even had an urge to bite her finger.
It must be because of oxygen deficiency that the brain is behaving strangely.
A tingling sensation rose from the brain, and the thin muscles covering the waist and abdomen involuntarily tightened.
Yue Hong's narrow eyes narrowed slightly. After a while, he slowly came back to his senses from his daze. His eyes suddenly widened, filled with intense self-doubt and disbelief.
He actually... just like that...
Impossible! How could this be!
Lu Yuanyuan did not notice the strange behavior of the person in front of her, and kept looking up at the sky.
As it turns out, the most dangerous place was the safest place, and the decision to hide here was the right one. If we had run forward recklessly, we would have been spotted much sooner.
Finally, she heard Xiao Ruo talking to that person for a while before she closed the window.
Only after confirming that the commotion had truly subsided did Lu Yuanyuan feel relieved and release Yue Hong.
For some reason, as soon as she lowered her right hand, he jerked back as if he had been pricked by a thorn, his face turning pale and then red, full of frustration.
Lu Yuanyuan looked down and found her palms were wet, so she casually wiped them on her clothes. Suddenly, she noticed something, and her gaze stopped on a certain spot.
It was a clump of low shrubs.
For a moment, she felt as if something was watching her from the darkness; it couldn't have been her imagination.
But looking closely now, there really isn't anything to see.
Lu Yuanyuan looked away and said, "Let's go back. Take that cup with us too, don't forget it."
Yue Hong mumbled a "hmm," and after she walked ahead, he awkwardly pulled his coat up, his ears turning red, and followed her. He opened his palm and saw a deformed, hard object lying on top of him.
What silver cup? He didn't control his strength just now and would have crushed it into a lump of scrap metal.
Fortunately, she didn't ask any more questions.
Following the path they had come from, the two headed towards the banquet hall. The banquet hall was just as lively as when they left, with catgirls of the demon race performing dances and musicians playing drums and other instruments.
Lu Yuanyuan returned to her original position without making a sound.
Not long after, she saw that Ji Shuo, who was in the main seat, had also returned.
Lu Yuanyuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief; everything had returned to normal.
Ji Shuo drank a cup of wine and soon after sitting down, he took the initiative to chat with her, mostly about topics unrelated to the cooperation, such as whether the dishes at the banquet suited her taste and what her impressions of Xuanzhao City were.
Lu Yuanyuan also adopted the demeanor of an envoy, answering each question in turn.
Seeing that their leader had adopted such an attitude, some of the demon race ministers who were not so opposed to cultivators also joined the conversation, and the atmosphere gradually improved.
At this moment, Ji Shuo suddenly remembered something and smiled as he mentioned the grand event that Xuanzhao City would be holding soon: "Speaking of which, tomorrow is our demon race's gladiatorial day. The competition on this day is always very exciting. It is rare for you immortal envoys to visit the demon realm. Would you be willing to do us the honor of watching the competition together?"
Lu Yuanyuan nodded, fluently reciting diplomatic phrases: "His Majesty's hospitality is so kind, we naturally..."
Suddenly, a provocative voice rang out from afar: "Your Majesty, the envoys from Jin'ao Island and Shu Mountain have come from afar and have just arrived on this auspicious day. It would be a waste for them to merely watch the competition, wouldn't it?"
Lu Yuanyuan's brow twitched, and she looked in the direction of the voice. Sure enough, the person speaking was the General Zuo who was swinging the hammer outside the city.
This guy probably got humiliated this morning and tried to intimidate others but failed, so he's looking for another opportunity to cause trouble.
Seeing her looking over, General Zuo sat there with an air of authority, and even gave her a cold smirk.
Ji Shuo didn't seem surprised by the Left General's words. He rubbed his temples and asked, "Then what suggestions do you have?"
General Zuo said loudly, "I propose that tomorrow the celestial envoys also take to the arena for a couple of rounds, so that everyone can spar and get a preliminary understanding of each other's strength. I wonder if Immortal Lord Lingheng dares to do so?"
Ji Shuo looked troubled.
Lu Yuanyuan put down her wine glass and said calmly, "No problem, it's just a friendly sparring match."
Since cooperation is the goal, such a test is unavoidable. On the surface, the decision is in her hands, but in reality, she has no choice but to refuse.
If you refuse, it will definitely be seen as cowardice.
General Zuo curled his lips into a smile: "That's really straightforward! Your Majesty, since Immortal Lord Lingheng has also agreed, then it's settled."
It was quite late when the banquet ended. Lu Yuanyuan spoke a few words to her people alone before they dispersed.
Yue Hong usually doesn't stay at her place until late and refuses to go back, but tonight was unusual; he quickly slipped back to his room.
Lu Yuanyuan closed the door, dismissed everyone else, washed up, changed into her nightgown, and dried her wet hair. As she passed the window, her gaze unconsciously drifted back to the huge stone sculpture in the distance.
After dark, its cold, hard outline melted into the night, as if the wind had truly lifted the veil covering it.
Lu Yuanyuan stepped onto the terrace, gazed into the distance for a moment, and suddenly paused, feeling a sense of familiarity once again.
She felt that someone was watching her.
Moreover, this time the gaze came from a very nearby place—behind a flower bush in a corner of the garden.
Who exactly has been spying on her all this time?
Lu Yuanyuan's expression darkened slightly. She leaped off the balcony, landed on the ground, and rushed forward, parting the cluster of flowers.
...Nothing at all?
Lu Yuanyuan frowned, squatted down, and looked for a while before finally discovering something.
They are footprints.
But they weren't human footprints; instead, they were four tiny, plum blossom-shaped paw prints.
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