9 Chapter Nine
◎The person she hated most in her life was Blood Demon Lotus, and the second most hated was Xue Ji.◎
Lu Yue didn't seem to care about Xue Ji's departure. She continued drinking and enjoying the music, lovingly stroking Xiao Bai's soft tail and watching the alluring dance of the beauties below the stage. The warm fragrance from the incense burner filled the entire hall, while the sounds of idle chatter and the clinking of wine cups continued unabated.
The beauties dressed in purple gauze revealed their soft bellies. Under the candlelight, the silver ornaments on their bodies jingled as they danced, and their skirts flew high, revealing rounded curves.
Through the billowing veil, Lu Yue leisurely watched the hypocritical expressions of the Ten Palace Masters below, who hated her yet had no choice but to bow down and submit to her.
The commotion only ended as the candles in the hall were nearly burned out, and the demons gradually dispersed as dawn approached. Lu Yue, still quite drunk, was about to rest with Xiao Bai when a red figure blocked their path.
Heng Ji glanced disdainfully at the rabbit spirit beside her, and Lu Yue gestured for him to leave first.
“You’re going into seclusion again soon. Last time you shed your skin, I was there to protect you. I can’t risk it for you this time.”
"Um."
Lu Yue didn't plan to continue looking for Heng Ji. She already had a suitable candidate. Originally, this matter needed to be discussed in detail, but since Heng Ji took the initiative to come to her, she didn't need to put in any more effort.
Seeing her nonchalant expression, Hengji couldn't help but feel anxious and blurted out, "Don't you have anything to say?"
Lu Yue was puzzled, her purple eyes filled with confusion due to her drunkenness: "Haven't you said what you were supposed to say yet?"
Heng Ji looked at her with disdain and said, "What's so good about that white rabbit spirit? She's just pretty. Not even a single hair on her head can compare to my brother's. You two have been together for many years and have a deep bond, but you've grown a bit distant these past few years."
Lu Yue said calmly, "As long as you are obedient and sensible, that's good."
Heng Ji was speechless. Her brother certainly didn't fit the description, but he was handsome. Although he had a bad temper, everyone tolerated him because of his good looks.
“My good-for-nothing brother is a bit unruly, but he lost a tail to save you, so we should at least consider our past relationship. You publicly humiliated him back then, and A Yao is still in seclusion in his cave, afraid to go out. He is young and impetuous, but you usually indulge him. How could you hold a grudge against him over such a small matter? He only scolded Wen Ruo a few times, and you fought with him over it.”
"snort."
A soft laugh instantly chilled Heng Ji's beautiful face, and she looked into the shadows. Wen Ruo, with pale lips, strolled out, his long, casually styled hair giving him a sickly, pitiful appearance. He respectfully bowed and nodded to the Venerable One.
Lu Yue knew the time was right and said seriously, "I remember you're currently single and haven't married yet, have you?"
"Why are you asking this?" Heng Ji sensed something was amiss. She glanced at Lu Yue and then at Wen Ruo, her breath becoming unsteady. "You wouldn't be suggesting I marry this Wen Ruo, would you?!"
To be honest, she could find Wen Ruo's good looks appealing, but he was so old. And with his sickly, frail appearance, he might die any minute now. Add to that the rift between him and his younger brother, and she saw him as a thorn in her side.
"It's not him, it's my child, Yan Qing."
Heng Ji's eyes flickered. She knew that Lu Yue had a child she had raised since childhood. It was said that he was found on the road and was also a member of the snake clan. Even her arrogant and rude younger brother couldn't help but praise his beauty after seeing him. This made Heng Ji curious about who was more beautiful, Xue Ji or Lu Yue.
She said irritably, "I don't just marry anyone, but I can meet him first."
Lu Yue had the same idea, but she didn't know if Yan Qing was awake, so it would be better to wait a while before going.
Young Master Bai, who was in the corner, became even more curious after hearing this. He was usually cautious and would not overstep his bounds, but since it was his birthday, it wouldn't hurt to be a little presumptuous.
He followed Wen Ruo cautiously, wanting to see what the young master was really like.
Wen Ruo walked halfway, his smile deepening. He slowly opened the secret realm and entered the courtyard.
Yan Qing slept for a long time this time, and as soon as he woke up, he saw Wen Ruo beside him. Hearing that his mother would come to see him soon, he quickly got up and changed into a light blue shirt. Afraid that his complexion was not good, he lightly applied lip rouge to add a rosy glow.
Upon hearing the commotion outside, his perpetually gloomy face broke into a cheerful smile, and he quickly got up to greet them.
Heng Ji kept looking around the secret realm. Compared to the extravagance of the Demon Realm, this place was far too simple.
"Your Excellency."
Hengji saw a slender child running out of the house from afar. When she saw the face clearly, she was shocked, and her fox tail stood up high.
You should call me Mother.
Lu Yue disliked Yan Qing addressing her that way, but Heng Ji didn't correct her much since she was there.
She introduced, "This is Yan Qing."
Heng Ji stood there, staring blankly at the innocent and naive child looking at her for a long time. He was already an adult, but his temperament still possessed an androgynous beauty that was hard to distinguish between male and female.
She immediately asked, "When will I get married? We need to set a date."
It wasn't surprising that Lu Yue's attitude towards Heng Ji changed so quickly, after all, Yan Qing was the child she had raised since childhood, and she would definitely like him.
Yan Qing was stunned, and stammered, "To marry?"
Lu Yue nodded: "She is the chief of the Pure Fox Clan. I will feel at ease if you follow her from now on."
Wen Ruo's smile was enigmatic, her narrow eyes filled with arrogance. The Venerable One had finally thrown this good-for-nothing out.
"Do you want me to leave you?" Yan Qing's youthful face was still smiling, but there was a hint of helplessness in it.
Lu Yue disliked repeating things a second time, and reminded her, "You're more free in Pure Fox than in the Demon Realm."
"If this is your wish, then Yan Qing is naturally willing."
Lu Yue looked at him quietly, her eyes filled with tears despite her smile. If she didn't want to, she could have just said so directly. Why did they always act like this?
"If you're willing, then so be it."
She carefully covered Yan Qing's face with a veil, reminding Heng Ji, "He's still not fully recovered. He can't be exposed to the wind or get tired. You have to wait."
"Don't worry, I know my limits," Heng Ji said teasingly in a low voice, staring at Yan Qing's handsome face. "You really have a lot of luck with women, huh? Two, perhaps?"
Lu Yue didn't understand why everyone found it strange that there were two snake clansmen. Even though she was also a snake clansman, she found it extremely odd, so she had never touched a snake clansman.
Yan Qing remained expressionless. His Majesty hadn't visited him in a long time, and this visit was merely to send him away. But since it was His Majesty's order, he naturally had to obey.
He can only rely on His Majesty.
After watching Heng Ji take Yan Qing away, Lu Yue looked gloomy and turned to look into the shadows: "Come out."
Young Master Bai then appeared and said cautiously, "Your Excellency, I only wanted to see the young master, which is why I came in so abruptly."
Lu Yue ignored the gentle and charming beauty, his purple eyes deep, and said coldly, "Wen Ruo, you can deal with her."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Young Master Bai understood that he had lost the Venerable One's favor, but today was his birthday, and the Venerable One had just treated him with respect and dignity in the main hall. How could the Venerable One abandon him simply because he had entered the secret realm?
“What a pitiful little thing,” Wen Ruo looked at Bai Gongzi with pity, and said with a half-smile, “You don’t really think that His Majesty dotes on you because you are obedient, do you? It’s because I arranged it.”
Young Master Bai, heartbroken as he watched the Venerable One's departing figure, instantly collapsed to his knees, slumped to the ground. He had done nothing wrong; he had merely glanced at the young master. How could he have been abandoned?
But yesterday, even the Left Protector flattered him, saying he had won the Venerable One's heart, and that no one had ever been so favored before. Because of his favor, even the Rabbit Clan had gained prestige in the Demon Realm.
The previous Demon Lord, Chong Li, was abstinent and cold, and he disdained the beautiful women offered by the Rabbit Clan. Although Lu Yue was romantic and affectionate, not everyone caught his eye.
Even the beauties of the fox clan were openly insulted; his appearance could only be described as pure. Nobody had high hopes for him, yet he was the most promising. That must mean that Lu Yue wasn't just superficially attracted to his looks, but had fallen in love with him genuinely.
But the gentleness he thought he had received was nothing but a mirage; in the Lord's heart, he was ultimately no match for the young master.
A faint smell of blood permeated the courtyard, then a splash of red disappeared into the water.
Everyone in the Demon Realm knows one rule: no one is allowed to enter the secret realm, as it is the young master's residence. Why are there always some fools who repeatedly challenge her bottom line?
Lu Yue felt bored, but fortunately she had an interesting child in her palace who could help relieve her boredom.
However, it seems we have some distinguished guests visiting today.
Xueji didn't know how he got back to the palace. His mind was in a daze. He had clearly brought shame upon himself by going to the banquet.
So it turns out that the Demon Realm also has such a grand birthday celebration, while he received nothing. He hadn't even tasted a bowl of longevity noodles made by his master.
The disciples of Shangqing, having cultivated to a certain level, no longer eat grains. However, everyone must try the longevity noodles made by their master. His clever and mischievous junior brothers and sisters even made their master make a bowl when they formed their golden cores.
Also, his dull personality made him unlikable to begin with.
Because she had been lost in thought for so long, Xueji forgot all the rustling noises at the door.
"Junior brother, are you alright?"
Xueji looked up and saw her senior sister Simiao, whom she hadn't seen for many days. She stood up and said, "Senior sister, what brings you here?"
"One should bear the consequences of one's own actions; I cannot let my sins implicate you."
After learning the whole story, Simiao felt extremely guilty. She couldn't let her junior brother Xueji suffer here because of the sins she had caused. As soon as she recovered, she secretly sneaked into the Demon Realm to take her junior brother away.
The light in Xueji's eyes dimmed instantly; it turned out that it wasn't her master who had sent her senior sister to see her.
He said lightly, "I'm doing this for the sake of Shangqing, and besides, it doesn't matter where I am."
Simiao knew that Xueji had an eccentric personality and didn't like to talk to others. But after all, he was the junior brother he had watched grow up, and he couldn't bear to see him suffer in the Demon Realm.
But he looked quite well, and Xueji's residence here was indeed extremely luxurious. The floor was paved with gold bricks, the curtains were made of brocade, and even rare luminous pearls were casually inlaid on the bed.
"Take this Blood Demon Lotus Senior Sister to Master."
Simiao was astonished that his junior brother possessed dozens of Blood Demon Lotuses, exclaiming, "How can there be so many?"
"She gave it to me."
Simiao was taken aback. This Demon Lord really doted on his junior brother. Hesitantly, she asked, "Is she treating you well?"
Xueji was stumped by the question. Apart from being teased all the time, she seemed unharmed, so she lowered her eyes and gave a vague answer: "I'm fine."
Simiao originally wanted his junior brother to leave while he stayed, but since he was unwilling, he couldn't force him.
She had barely stepped outside the palace when she saw the figure in black robes who had been waiting for her. The chilling aura emanating from him made Si Miao grip her sword tightly. She knew she had violated his taboo by trespassing into the Demon Realm. But that cold, beautiful face remained lifeless as he stood there.
Simiao froze, not daring to move. His current cultivation level was tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock. He could only watch her approach step by step, stopping abruptly as she brushed past him.
"She doesn't like Blood Demon Lotus."
Simiao was stunned; this was the first time she had ever seen the Demon Lord Luyue. He wasn't the ferocious demon of rumors; his stunningly beautiful and alluring appearance captivated her.
Upon returning to Shangqing, she informed her master of everything, big and small.
"I went to see Xue Ji. He's doing well in the Demon Realm and hasn't suffered too much. This is the Blood Demon Lotus that my junior brother asked me to give you."
Dozens of vibrant flowers were burned to ashes before they even touched the table, leaving only a few wispy ashes in no time.
The woman's cold face was filled with deep disgust: "We, Shangqing, don't need this kind of thing. Haven't we caused enough trouble because of it? Who told you to go to the Demon Realm without permission? Confine yourself for a month and come back to see me."
"Master, I'm just worried about my junior brother. After all, he was sent to the Demon Realm to suffer because of me." Simiao immediately knelt down. This was the first time she had seen her master angry.
“He did it not for you, but for Shangqing. As a disciple, this is the sacrifice he should make.”
The woman left coldly, the sound of her slamming the door shut almost shattering the entire house. Simiao, looking remorseful, remained kneeling on the ground for a long time, unwilling to rise. Xie Shu, upon hearing the whole story, could only shake his head and sigh.
Senior Sister usually dotes on Simiao the most, and even sacrificed half of her cultivation to save her. This is the first time she has ever been angry with her.
He gently persuaded his senior sister, "Don't blame her. When I was seriously injured and needed the Blood Demon Lotus, it was you who ventured into the Demon Realm alone to obtain it. Xue Ji is a kind-hearted child. Hearing that he didn't suffer, I feel much relieved. Although he is cold-hearted, he is always grateful to you for raising him."
"unnecessary."
The woman's expression was cold and aloof. The person she hated most in her life was Blood Demon Lotus, and the second most hated was Xue Ji.
Xie Shu knew that his senior sister had a very good temper. Perhaps it was because Xue Ji was brought to Shangqing by Lu Yue in disguise. Therefore, she thought that this child was a scourge sent by the Demon Realm. However, the child had been well-behaved for many years. Even though she deliberately made him a formation cultivator in order to prevent future troubles, his senior sister was still wary of Xue Ji's existence.
Xie Shu, mindful that Simiao had just recovered, saw that the child was kneeling and wouldn't get up, so she told her to get up first.
But the girl on the ground stared blankly, feeling that something was amiss, especially Lu Yue's last words.
She doesn't like Blood Demon Lotus.
Simiao looked up, puzzled, and asked, "Sect Master, does Master know her?"
Xie Shu was stunned: "Who?"
"Lu Yue".
Xie Shu's heart tightened, as if he could see again those beautiful, deep vertical pupils against the backdrop of the snow. As a disciple of Shangqing, he should hate the wicked demons, but the alluring fragrance at night always made him unable to resist.
He could only force himself to remain calm: "We shouldn't know each other."
"Yeah?"
Simiao wondered if she had guessed wrong, but she still felt that she should know her master. Otherwise, why wouldn't Lu Yue kill her? The Demon Realm was not a place that could be entered and exited at will. The two disciples before had only escaped because of Xue Ji. She had heard that Lu Yue was cold-blooded and ruthless, and it was impossible for her to let the Shangqing disciples who trespassed into the Demon Realm go again.
Wen Ruo also wanted to ask this question.
Why don't you kill that little mouse?
Lu Yue said coldly, "Boring."
Wen Ruo lowered her eyes and chuckled softly: "Your Excellency has been a bit too soft-hearted lately, which is unlike you."
"I just find it strange that someone would risk their life to come to the Demon Realm just to see their junior brother. The people of Shangqing are really boring. They would willingly sacrifice themselves and suffer humiliation for the sake of their sect when it has nothing to do with them."
“Because humans like to torture themselves for the sake of so-called loyalty and righteousness,” Wen Ruo had seen many righteous cultivators who suppressed their minds and ended up either betraying their sect or going mad with evil spirits. They were truly pitiful. “Speaking of which, that disciple just now seems to have the same master as the one in your room.”
Lu Yue's lips unconsciously curled up: "We all studied under the Shangqing Sword Venerable Wei Mengqiu."
Her swordsmanship was beautiful; it was the most beautiful swordsmanship Lu Yue had ever seen.
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