Chapter 10
I think I said I wasn't interested in you.
Wen Ruo keenly sensed the pleasure in Lu Yue's tone. He lowered his head and coughed a few times. The collar of his newly made cloak came undone as his body trembled, and a lot of cold wind blew into his fragile neck.
The soft, white rabbit fur collar accentuated his fair complexion. His long, slender fingers, covering his mouth with one hand, were even more noticeable as he clenched his fist, revealing a faint bluish tinge to his skin and a pale pink knuckle.
Seeing Wen Ruo's pitiful state as he coughed incessantly, Lu Yue stepped forward and fastened his collar.
She touched the familiar texture, her eyes calm and composed: "This dress suits you very well."
Wen Ruo chuckled softly, "Thank you for your praise, Your Excellency."
Lu Yue moved her hand, which was tied with a sash, to his loose black hair. She casually grasped a strand and looked at Wen Ruo, who was now bowing down to her, and couldn't help but miss his former spirited appearance.
Wen Ruo used to never wear light colors like crab shell blue. He had an outgoing personality, and his clothes were always in intense colors like black or scarlet.
Some of my former colleagues had even fantasized about Wen Ruo during casual conversations. After all, he was just as impressive as Chong Li back then.
"I really want to try his V-shaped waist. If I could sleep with him just once, I would have no regrets in this life."
"Come on, Wen Ruo is even more ruthless than the Venerable One. He hasn't been seen getting close to anyone in tens of thousands of years. He's always that cold and aloof, secretly passionate look."
"At least His Majesty has some interest in the strong, but Elder Wen seems to care about nothing. Do you think he's still a virgin after living for tens of thousands of years?"
"It's a pity his pectoral muscles are so big, I really want to touch them."
"What do you say, Lu Yue?"
When Lu Yue first entered the Demon Realm, she had always been a loner and had never interacted with other races. She didn't know that this was a vulgar joke, so she just asked in a daze, "How can Protector Wen, who is not a demon, have a male dog waist?"
Her colleagues burst into laughter at her story, and knowing she had never been to a brothel, they took her to the brothels of Fengdu for some fun. They even specially picked out a pure, innocent little fox who had never served customers to give to her.
After one night of slaughtering the moon, I felt a certain pleasure, but still found it uninteresting. After that, I had several lovers, but they were all just going through the motions. The only one I missed was a certain demon king. Unfortunately, I don't know what I did to offend Chongli and he was brutally killed. Fortunately, I survived the agonizing molting period after consuming his demon core.
Although Chongli is cold and ruthless, he is not unpredictable. Why did he suddenly kill the Demon King, and why did he kill Wen Ruo?
He thought Wen Ruo must have some skills after living for so long, but he was still almost killed by Chong Li. After that, his health never improved, and he gradually became weak and frail.
Lu Yue still prefers his former swagger.
Wen Ruo didn't understand why the Venerable One kept looking at him. His eyes curved slightly as he said, "Since you have no one by your side right now, why don't you let Xue Ji serve you first? If he's unwilling, I'll train him for you."
"No need, I don't want to see him right now."
Lu Yue gazed at the distant, layered mountains. Yan Qing had already been taken away by Heng Ji, but she was still worried. That child was too lonely, having been imprisoned in the secret realm. Xue Ji, on the other hand, had the care of his fellow disciples, and his senior sister risked everything to see him.
No matter how well-behaved and sensible her child Yan Qing was, she still sent him to the fox clan. Had she gone too far? She could have kept Yan Qing by her side forever.
Even though he was too weak as a snake, she was able to protect Yan Qing and take good care of him.
Lu Yue had a headache, but finally said in a deep voice, "You should also go to Chunhu to keep Yan Qing company."
Wen Ruo was stunned. He thought that the Venerable One had finally come to his senses and had thrown that good-for-nothing out so that he could protect him. How come in the end he still had to take care of that fool who was good for nothing but his looks?
Is it because of his background, or because he looks somewhat like Chongli?
Wen Ruo didn't care whether Lu Yue had feelings for Chong Li, but she still wanted to know where she and Chong Li had gone that year. What kind of woman could make Chong Li admire her so much that he eventually became obsessed?
Since it was the Lord's order, he had no right to refuse, and going to Chunhu to have some fun wouldn't be bad.
"Your subordinate obeys."
Wen Ruo wrapped her rabbit fur cloak tighter around herself and disappeared into the frosty hues of dawn.
Hengji had just returned to Chunhu territory with the beauty, and before she could even settle things, her younger brother, who hadn't left the house in a hundred years, suddenly appeared behind her.
The boy who was abandoned back then has grown into a mature man. A golden, intricately carved mask covers his handsome face. Seeing his sister return, Ayao pretends to be calm and asks, "How is she? Did she mention me?"
"Don't even mention you. When has she ever lacked anyone by her side? When Lu Yue first entered the Demon Realm as a general, countless eyes were glued to her, wanting to possess her entirely. Later, after becoming the Demon Lord, she was even more promiscuous." Heng Ji admired Lu Yue, but knew that her flirtatious and ruthless nature would only hurt her younger brother.
A Yao's expression darkened: "Lu Yue wasn't like this when she was with me; she only had me in her heart and eyes."
"Lu Yue has long forgotten you. He's currently enjoying himself with a rabbit spirit. She's not as beautiful as you, but Lu Yue spoils her rotten. Even the Ten Directions Palace Master is going to celebrate the rabbit spirit's birthday. Lu Yue has also gone to great lengths to bring a beauty from Shangqing. He's so carefree, having one on each arm."
Ayao, still trying to maintain his composure, said indignantly, "She has feelings for me."
"You? When you met Lu Yue, she was already famous for her womanizing ways in the Demon Realm."
"Impossible, sister, you just don't like her."
"You really are useless. She has quite a few romantic affairs in Fengdu."
"Perhaps she was just trying something new. A woman like her would definitely attract attention, so how can it be Lu Yue's fault? She was still young then, so we can't blame Lu Yue. It's all because Fengdu was too chaotic."
Is a thousand years old still young?
Hengji couldn't understand why her usually shrewd younger brother had stumbled in matters of love. The fox clan was known for its allure, yet her brother had been bewitched by Luyue and turned into a fool.
"Other things aside, you sacrificed your own tail to save her life. How could she humiliate you in public for the sake of Wen Ruo?"
Ayao's face turned pale: "Sister, please stop. I did it willingly, how can you talk about repaying me?"
"You're such a disappointment. It's enough that our Pure Fox has produced such a love-struck fool like you."
"The snake clan is at its weakest when it sheds its skin. If you and I aren't there to protect her, what if one of the Ten Directions Palace Masters launches a sneak attack on the Demon Realm?"
"Why are you in such a hurry if Wen Ruo is here?"
"She must have placed Wen Ruo next to Yan Qing."
Heng Ji didn't want to waste her breath on her infatuated younger brother, and this time she wouldn't help Lu Yue. Last time, it attracted the covetousness of many demon leaders, and she had to expend a lot of her cultivation to wait until Lu Yue successfully molted before dealing with those rebels.
How could that old fellow Wen Ruo, who is so loyal to Lu Yue, let anything happen to her?
"This cave dwelling is a bit shabby, but it's alright."
His lighthearted tone sent chills down Hengji and Ayao's spines. How could he have entered Chunhu's territory without anyone noticing?
Upon seeing Wen Ruo suddenly appear, A Yao was the first to curse, "Old man, what are you doing here?"
"His Majesty's orders are for me to protect Yan Qing."
"Yan Qing?"
Ayao looked at his elder sister, Hengji, feeling somewhat guilty, could only tell the truth.
"Yan Qing will be your brother-in-law from now on, so you can't bully him."
Heng Ji understood Lu Yue's meaning; she simply wanted to leave Yan Qing with her so she wouldn't have any worries. But why did she also let Wen Ruo stay by Yan Qing's side?
"No, Yan Qing cannot stay."
A Yao's face darkened. Lu Yue treated Yan Qing like his own son, so it was only natural that he should consider himself his father. If Wen Ruo wasn't protecting Lu Yue in the Demon Realm, wouldn't she be in danger?
"If you're here, what will happen to Lu Yue?"
Wen Ruo calmly sat down: "This is not something I need to worry about."
Heng Ji couldn't help but curse, "You old bastard..."
"Princess Heng, please don't be rude."
"Mother-in-law."
When the old patriarch of Chunhu, who was leaning on a cane, saw Wen Ruo, he first bowed and said, "You are an honored guest. It is our honor to have you come to Chunhu."
Ayao said sarcastically, "Grandma, what ability does he have to survive this long? He's just good at flattery."
"Stop being rude."
The mother-in-law knew perfectly well that Wen Ruo had existed since the birth of the Demon Realm. Even a mad dog like Chong Li had stayed by his side unharmed for a thousand years; how could he be all talk and no action?
He could easily obtain the position of Demon Lord if he wanted it, but for some reason he prefers to be a loyal subject.
He entered Yan Qing's room and saw only a small, huddled figure in a corner. Upon seeing Wen Ruo, a sense of relief appeared on Yan Qing's face. This was his first time leaving the secret realm, and he had been personally escorted out by the Venerable One. Even though he feared Wen Ruo, he felt much more relaxed.
He asked timidly, "Does Your Majesty truly not want me anymore?"
Wen Ruo looked at the frail Yan Qing with a gentle expression: "Because you're useless. Being so weak is a burden to her. Being with Chunhu is a good thing for you. You don't have to be confined to the secret realm all day. You can go out and see the world."
"But I miss Your Majesty."
Wen Ruo was disgusted by Yan Qing's cowardice and incompetence, and all he did was exploit Lu Yue's patience and time. He was Lu Yue's Achilles' heel; whoever had a weakness in him would be a fatal flaw.
Wen Ruo will only pledge allegiance to the Demon Lord he chooses, and if that Demon Lord no longer pleases him, he will immediately choose a new one to take over. Emotions are the most useless thing; even if Lu Yue loses her radiance, he will abandon her without hesitation.
This was Wen Ruo's principle. Since Lu Yue believed that Yan Qing's safety was more important than hers, he would follow the arrangement. As for the consequences, Lu Yue should bear them.
But it's really annoying.
Wen Ruo's indifferent gaze grew even deeper; killing Yan Qing was more than enough for him. He didn't believe that Lu Yue had any feelings for the child, but had only raised him out of respect for Chong Li.
But why does Lu Yue always look at Yan Qing with an expression he doesn't understand? It's neither love nor hate, but rather a longing for something.
Whom do you miss? Chongli?
That's impossible, of course.
He looked at Yan Qing with a knowing look on his face, but ultimately chuckled and left. Wen Ruo, who believed she had everything under his control and had remained calm and composed for so long, suddenly felt emotions she shouldn't have.
It seems to be anger?
What's there to be angry about with a useless guy like Yan Qing?
Wen Ruo looked down at Yan Qing and decisively left.
After watching him leave, A Yao went inside and said, "Yan Qing, since you've come to Chunhu as a guest, I will naturally treat you well."
Considering that he was Lu Yue's adopted son, he, as his adoptive father, should take good care of him. He would never allow Yan Qing to become his sister's husband, otherwise what kind of relationship would he have with Lu Yue?
Don't you remember me?
Yan Qing had already smelled the scent on him; the Venerable One's clothes also carried this unpleasant odor.
He murmured softly, "I don't know you."
Ayao had long sensed Yan Qing's hostility towards him, but since Yan Qing was Lu Yue's adopted son, he was willing to indulge him. Back in his cave, he began to reminisce about the time Lu Yue had spent there; the entire cave was their cozy haven. She loved to fall asleep lying on his soft tail, and he would gently wrap his tail around her.
Is Lu Yue also thinking of herself at this moment?
The misty steam transformed the dark green bamboo forest into a traditional Chinese ink painting. Lu Yue calmly watched Xue Ji in the hot spring from a branch. He seemed to really like this bath, coming here to soak every day.
She stared at that face for a long time, though his expression remained indifferent and devoid of any particular emotion. He looked tough, but deep down he still adhered to the outdated and boring ways of the Shangqing regime. Seeing him get up to put on his clothes, Lu Yue subconsciously turned her head.
She was also a little doubtful; she had seen everything before, so why was she acting so coy now?
"who?"
Upon sensing the unusual presence, Xue Ji immediately donned his outer robe and carefully examined the area, but found nothing amiss. Perhaps he was overthinking it. He slowly dressed and returned to the palace, only to find Lu Yue waiting for him.
"When I released two of Shang Qing's disciples last time, you promised to do something for me in exchange."
"I remember."
"Come with me."
Lu Yue brought Xue Ji to the secret realm. Looking at the paradise-like scenery, Xue Ji knew what she wanted to do. She gritted her teeth and finally slowly untied her waist seal.
When Lu Yue turned around, a glimpse of jade was already visible on his chest.
"I think I said I wasn't interested in you."
Xue Ji's face flushed red. She didn't know whether to take off her clothes or put them on. If she really had no interest in him, why did she have to come to the Demon Realm herself?
Seeing his embarrassed expression, Lu Yue reached out and helped him put his waist sash back on: "The snake clan sheds its skin every once in a while, and this is when I am at my weakest. I need you to help me guard this place and prevent anything from entering."
Xue Ji's expression froze: "You want me to protect you?"
"right."
Aren't you afraid I'll take advantage of you when you're weak?
Lu Yue looked at him and chuckled, "Because I trust you."
Xueji stared into her purple eyes, her heart pounding wildly. This was nothing but a pretense, a trick she used to deceive herself.
He pursed his lips and stopped looking at her. The secret realm had already been enchanted, so he didn't need to waste any more effort. He was just curious why Young Master Bai wasn't here with her. Wasn't he afraid that demons might threaten her with his life?
Lu Yue fell silent; her body was also on the verge of collapse. Fortunately, Yan Qing had already been sent away, and Wen Ruo was by his side, so she had no worries and could stay in the secret realm with peace of mind.
After a long while, Xue Ji heard a rustling sound behind him, and felt cold scales brush against his brocade robes. He turned around and saw Lu Yue lying peacefully asleep under the pear tree, purple scales slowly emerging from beneath her dark brocade robes.
He couldn't resist the urge to touch it, but ultimately restrained himself.
Unconsciously, Lu Yue's snake tail had gradually wrapped around that supple, narrow waist. Xue Ji's whole body tensed, his usually icy body temperature burning intensely. He sat cross-legged on the ground, silently reciting the Meditation Sutra, but his fingers accidentally brushed against the scales. Opening his eyes, he saw a faint purple hue flowing in the light.
It's a very beautiful and pretty color.
Xue Ji turned to look at the sleeping Lu Yue, and finally reached out a finger, gently touching the purplish scales with her fingertip.
The touch was icy cold, yet the temperature on his hand was terrifyingly hot. He dared not use force, and carefully touched the purple scales with the back of his hand.
A gentle breeze stirred, and pear blossoms fell into the pond, creating ripples.
When Xue Ji came to his senses, his hand was already covering the snake's tail. He hurriedly clenched his fingers and continued to silently recite the Meditation Sutra. She just liked to tease everyone like this; he absolutely couldn't fall for Lu Yue's tricks.
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