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Chapter 81: The Secret That Cannot Be Told (Post-Apocalyptic Extra Story Part 2).

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When Ji Feichen returned, it was already midnight.

Xiao Zhuang was taken away for urgent treatment of his injuries, and the note wasn’t given to Ji Feichen, so he could only hear a brief description of the situation from the neighbor.

The neighbor’s description ability was poor: “That young girl, thin and pale, with dark hair, dressed very minimally, and her smile is pretty. Do you remember who it is?”

Ji Feichen: “…”

This description really provides no information at all.

I feel ashamed of these people’s cultural literacy!

In fact, after that incident, almost everyone was curious about the identity of the young girl. But despite inquiries among the upper echelons and even asking high-level individuals, no one knew who she really was.

They also didn’t know where she lived.

Among the females in the high-level area, you can count them with one hand, and there’s no such person among them.

Continuing to eliminate possibilities… only the top-level area remains.

No, the top-level area can only be entered by Xie Wuyan.

The whole base is curious about who this girl really is. After intense discussion, everyone unanimously believes that she must be a spy sent by the opposing faction to gather information.

I’m also curious.

Because there’s no such character in my novel!

I thought about it for a moment. Could it be that during my hiatus, the novel world has started creating crisis supporting characters for the main characters on its own?

Xiao Zhuang has been in the base for a long time, and he’s somewhat familiar with the high-level people. With such a big incident this time, he also feels embarrassed.

After inquiring with the high-level people and confirming that the woman is neither a member of the high-level area nor a mistress, Xiao Zhuang is ready to settle the score.

But he can’t find that arrogant girl.

So, Xiao Zhuang can only shift his anger towards Ji Feichen, who seems to have some connection with that arrogant girl.

After colluding with the guards, and using their private authority under the pretext of needing to observe something, they quickly came to arrest people.

As the male protagonist, Ji Feichen, if you say you’re going to catch him, wouldn’t that be quite embarrassing?

So, he prepared to resist.

Just as a group of people were preparing to engage in a fight, a familiar female voice sounded.

“Hello, is Ji Feichen at home today?”

It’s that arrogant girl!

She energetically greeted the people around and then pushed through the circle of people, getting in while everyone watched.

Then, she locked eyes with Ji Feichen, and then she opened her arms, rushing forward and hugging him tightly.

The arrogant girl: “Big brother!”

Ji Feichen: “Little sister!”

…I felt foolish.

Where did this little sister come from?

I don’t remember writing such a setup.

The joys and sorrows between people in the world are not interconnected.

The arrogant girl and Ji Feichen were very excited and moved, but I wasn’t moved. I just felt confused.

The guards on the side were also confused.

But they felt that they couldn’t let these two continue to recognize each other with tears streaming down their faces, which made them lose face.

Then both sides started fighting.

This fight was very strange and unusual.

Because it’s obvious, the arrogant girl and Ji Feichen didn’t come to fight, they came to humiliate people.

Firstly, when the guards initiated their abilities, Ji Feichen immediately pulled the arrogant girl behind him and said, “Hide well, be careful.”

The arrogant girl requested to join the battle, saying, “It’s okay, I can…”

Ji Feichen interrupted, “Don’t be afraid, big brother won’t let you get hurt even a bit more.”

The arrogant girl hesitated in her words, “It’s not that I’m very scared, actually.”

Ji Feichen sighed affectionately, “You’re still as stubborn as before.”

The guards: “?” What do you think we are?

As a result, they fought even more fiercely, led by Xiao Zhuang who had just completed his healing treatment.

The arrogant girl had been eager to try, but Ji Feichen firmly held her back.

“Let me handle this!”

“Step back.”

“I want to fight, I want to fight!”

“Don’t make trouble.”

In the intense battle, the arrogant girl was unexpectedly injured.

To be specific, it was because she was competing with Ji Feichen for damage output. As a result, she angrily confronted him after being scolded, and both of them were so engrossed in arguing that they didn’t notice a small spark from a powerful attack launched by Xiao Zhuang.

That small spark grazed the arrogant girl’s forehead, causing a burn and a wound about two to three centimeters long, without even leaving a trace of blood.

However, the surroundings suddenly fell strangely quiet for a moment.

In the midst of everyone’s silence, even the slightest sound would become particularly obvious.

For instance, like the crisp sound of coins colliding in the air when tossed.

“Clink clang.”

After a brief sound, as if the calm before a storm, following a short moment of silence, suddenly a roar erupted. Those several coin-like objects exploded violently. They disintegrated into countless steel needles, densely packed, covering the sky and rushing fiercely towards the guards. Yet, just an inch away from them, they stopped.

Everyone was dumbfounded.

I was also dumbfounded.

…This seemingly magical manipulation, only Xie Wuyan can achieve.

“Clink clang.”

Two coins were thrown out and caught steadily in hand. Looking in the direction of the sound, I saw Xie Wuyan sitting nonchalantly on a railing in a high place, his hand resting on his knee, repeatedly tossing the objects in his hand, as if watching a show.

“Shen一Wan一qing.” He pronounced her name word by word, his tone light and airy, sounding not threatening at all. “You’re really good at causing trouble for me.”

Shen Wanqing: “Nonsense, I am clearly very polite. If you don’t believe it, flip a few pages back and see. I use respectful language when I speak.”

…I think using respectful language is what makes it even more infuriating.

That was the first time I scrutinized the antagonist I created so intently.

Black hair, crimson eyes caused by fluctuating abilities, a person who casually sat in a place but unwittingly became the center of attention.

I fell silent, feeling like I should consider writing my novel differently in the future. I shouldn’t make the antagonist such an invincible figure just to emphasize the difficulty of the protagonist’s victory.

Not to mention assassinating Xie Wuyan, I felt like no one would dare speak when he’s using his abilities.

But soon, I realized I was wrong, because一

“And why are you scolding me? Look at the injury on my head, such a big wound, it’s as big as my fingernail! Why can’t you see such a big wound? You only care about whether I caused trouble, but you don’t care whether I’m hurt or not after causing trouble,” Shen Wanqing said.

Xie Wuyan seemed to let out a chuckle, then shook his head helplessly. He jumped down from the railing and walked towards Shen Wanqing’s direction.

The sound of his heels touching the ground made the surrounding guards’ expressions grow heavier with each thud. They lowered their heads, not daring to look up at Xie Wuyan in front of them.

“Right. If I remember correctly一”

Xie Wuyan seemed to recall something. He drew out his words, mirroring the slow and oppressive tone that Shen Wanqing had used a few days ago, “The residents in the base area are prohibited from using special abilities.”

He paused for a moment, then laughed, “You’ve violated the rules.”

The people around held their breath.

“No choice, someone has to be punished. Let me think, whom should I choose?” Xie Wuyan’s words seemed to say so, but he appeared to not have considered it at all. He didn’t even glance at anyone, just lifted his finger lightly and said, “I have chosen.”

Soon.

There was no time left for any screams.

The countless steel needles plunged straight into Xiao Zhuang’s body, densely packed, forcefully piercing through him.

The scene of death was gruesome.

As a trysophobia patient, i dare not take more than a quick glance.

After dealing with someone as if settling a personal grudge, Xie Wuyan didn’t even raise his eyes. He walked up to Shen Wanqing, bent down, and examined the abrasion on her forehead.

“Hmm,” he followed her words, smiling, and said, “It’s indeed quite a large wound.”

. . . . .

Hello, everyone.

I am Xuanniao.

Now, I’ve turned into a pigeon.

Let me reintroduce the situation of this post-apocalyptic novel.

To be honest, after introducing an inexplicable supporting character named Shen Wanqing, the plot of this post-apocalyptic novel has become something I, as the author, completely do not know.

. . . . .

Secret Message 1: <The Mysterious Leader>

Xie Wuyan is really not a good person, that’s true.

But it’s true that he really doesn’t want to manage “Xiao Feng” or be the leader.

However, the previous leader didn’t learn well, always thinking about wanting to control humans, and forming his own kingdom. So, behind the scenes, he researched using zombie toxins to manipulate powerful supernaturals like Xie Wuyan.

Many supernaturals knew about this matter, but unfortunately, this leader had strong abilities and power, making it difficult to act, so they could only swallow their pride.

Xie Wuyan didn’t take it seriously at first, until later when this leader repeatedly added his own toxic potions to test Xie Wuyan’s patience. Xie Wuyan found him annoying, so he killed him.

Then everyone cheered, surrounding Xie Wuyan to be the leader.

Xie Wuyan felt even more annoyed, regretting killing the previous leader.

Compared to receiving a bunch of mysterious cakes every day, being a leader was clearly harder.

. . . . .

Secret Message 2: <Helpless Shen Wanqing>

Shen Wanqing has something to say.

Although she may appear silly and naive, compared to that dog, Xie Wuyan, he is lazy to read subordinate reports every day and even lazier to pick up a pen for writing. Therefore, every night, she helps him sign documents.

As a result, one day, it was discovered that she had written the character “衍” in Xie Wuyan’s name wrong, with two dots instead of three in the middle. Consequently, she was mocked for an entire week.

Angrily, Shen Wanqing didn’t help Xie Wuyan with document reading for a week, which directly led to Xiao Feng almost going out of business that week.

. . . . .

Secret Message 3: <Domineering Leader Xie Wuyan>

One night, Shen Wanqing woke up hungry and said she wanted to eat a dish called “Feng Yaoqing’s Fish Fragrant Shredded Pork.”

However, because she didn’t know where Feng Yaoqing was, she couldn’t get the dish. Also, waking up hungry caused her to be a bit irritable, and Shen Wanqing ended up crying in frustration.

The next day, Xie Wuyan found out where Feng Yaoqing was.

On the third day, he brought Feng Yaoqing back to Xiao Feng and said, “Come, cook.”

Feng Yaoqing: “?”

However in Ji Feichen’s eyes, Xie Wuyan is seen as someone who takes advantage of his position, bullies and forcefully takes advantage of women. He considers him to be cruel and unscrupulous, kidnapping and tormenting Feng Yaoqing, and forcing her to suffer.

This is also the reason why Ji Feichen came here alone.

But the problem is that nobody knew where Ji Feichen went after leaving his teammates, so when Feng Yaoqing came back later to look for him, she couldn’t find anyone.

Shen Wanqing asked Xie Wuyan for help in finding Ji Feichen.

Xie Wuyan said no.

Shen Wanqing asked why.

Xie Wuyan: “I won’t help you find male creatures.”

Shen Wanqing: “…”

As a result, Ji Feichen always thought that Feng Yaoqing must have been bullied.

It was only after meeting Shen Wanqing that he discovered Feng Yaoqing was actually holed up on the top-level area of the Xiao Feng Building watching romantic idol dramas.

. . . . .

Secret Message 4: <Ji Feichen, who had already been exposed long ago>

Actually, Ji Feichen had just arrived at Xiao Feng base camp when Xie Wuyan noticed him standing at the door.

Originally, he didn’t want to let this male creature, Ji Feichen, in.

It wasn’t until he remembered the time when Shen Wanqing cried in her dreams and said she missed her brother that Xie Wuyan reluctantly allowed him in.

. . . . .

Secret Message 5: <The Secret That Cannot Be Told>

Behind every regulation within Xiao Feng base camp, there is an additional clause: “Except for Xie Wuyan.”

For example: Xiao Feng base camp prohibits the destruction of public property (except for Xie Wuyan).

P.S. Later, Shen Wanqing added her own name.

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The author has something to say:

Due to certain reasons, I had some mental issues last year, and my condition was very poor. I stopped engaging with online platforms for about two to three months.

Actually, my writing output had been consistent before, but for a while this year, my condition was poor. I experienced anxiety to the point of nausea and stomach discomfort almost every day.

After resting for so long, my condition has somewhat improved. However, I won’t release the next novel unless it’s at least fifteen chapters long. I’ve revised the outline and the first three chapters many times, but I’m still not satisfied. After completing fifteen chapters, I’ll probably release them at the end of February. I’ll share screenshots of the draft box on Weibo before posting.

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Taw’s note:

So, this is the end of our journey together with our Palace Master and our Demon Lord. (.づ◡﹏◡)づ.

Thank you for the support, comments, and likes. Don’t forget to support the original author! ♡⸜(ˆᗜˆ˵ )⸝♡

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Chapter 80: Pigeon’s Travel Diary (Post-Apocalyptic Extra Story Part 1).

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I am an author of romance novels on a certain website.

My pen name is Xuan Niao.

My nickname is Pigeon.

I wrote a post-apocalyptic story, which can be summarized in a few words: zombies, supernatural abilities, and slaughter.

The story is also quite clichéd; it symbolizes light and justice. The main characters, Ji Feichen and Feng Yaoqing, go on a journey together, battling monsters and leveling up, to save people from dire situations.

However, I stopped updating the story shortly thereafter.

Because the scenes of end-time battles were too difficult to write, I’ve been using only a few phrases like “deep and hoarse” and “cold and clear eyes” in my novels for many years. Clearly, this kind of post-apocalyptic zombie story isn’t suitable for me, a sweet romance writer.

In the novel, there’s a major antagonist named Xie Wuyan.

He possesses all the qualities of an antagonist, such as being merciless and ruthless, showing no mercy, being inhumane, and not valuing small animals. But he also has top-level supernatural abilities and is heavily equipped. He is the main archenemy of the protagonist group and the leader of the faction “Xiao Feng.”

The point where I stopped updating is at the first confrontation between the female protagonist, Feng Yaoqing, and the antagonist, Xie Wuyan, where she is captured and imprisoned at the base.

Aside from not being able to write action scenes, the main reason I stopped updating is that the game I pre-ordered is launching tomorrow. Writing novels is tiring and it’s taking away my gaming time.

So, I left the story unfinished and abandoned.

And then, I faced consequences.

I found myself transported into the post-apocalyptic novel I had written.

The scariest part is that I turned into a pigeon!

Looking at my dusty feathers, I let out a painful scream 一 “Caw.”

Retribution, this is retribution.

As a person who transmigrated into a pigeon, my situation is extremely miserable.

I’m currently tiptoeing on a piece of ruins, which appears to be a camp that has just fiercely battled with zombies. There are corpses everywhere, but not a single one is intact. I can only smell the overwhelming stench.

I shifted my slender little feet and found a softer spot to stand, so that my tender footpads wouldn’t be uncomfortably pricked.

Being a pigeon, I should take care of myself a little.

However, before I could indulge in self-pity, the ground beneath my feet suddenly trembled.

In an instant, the soft thing beneath my feet stood up with a roar, turned its head, and stared at me with blood hole-like eyes.

Grass, this zombie is playing dead.

This is the first time I’ve seen zombies. They scared me so much that I flapped my wings up and down, flying around in all directions. Although the zombies seemed uninterested in me, in intense fear, I screamed on my own while clumsily controlling my wings. I circled around them three times, then crashed into a tree.

Zombie: “?” porcelain bumping¹?

In the end, I still didn’t get eaten.

Because a figure with a somewhat heroic demeanor flashed by, accompanied by the sound of thunder, and with a swift and clean strike, killed the zombie, followed by a handsome gaze.

That temperament, that appearance, and the highly recognizable attire.

It’s him! The male protagonist.

Finally, on the first day of my unfortunate pigeon’s journey through the apocalypse, I captured the important character Ji Feichen from the novel and successfully became his teammate.

Even though I’ve turned into a useless pigeon, by following the male protagonist, I’ll also transform into a special pigeon.

So, after my persistent coquettish behavior and cajoling, Ji Feichen inexplicably accepted the fact that he had gained an extra pet.

Truly worthy of being the male lead in my story, all along his journey, he ventured alone and helped anyone in trouble, saving young girls, rescuing children, searching for food, and bravely battling zombies.

Every day was filled with thrilling adventures, but luckily Ji Feichen had enough to eat and was strong enough as the male lead.

But soon I became confused.

Why was the male lead here fighting demons alone, like the journey to the West? What about the others? What about his teammates? Wasn’t the male lead supposed to have a small team with him in the novel?

Soon enough, I had an answer.

Because Ji Feichen’s final stop on his journey was Xiao Feng base camp.

…It turns out that the point in time I crossed into was exactly where I had stopped writing.

Judging from the situation, Ji Feichen decided to go alone to save Feng Yaoqing in order to avoid involving his other teammates.

“I will infiltrate their base and then… kill Xie Wuyan.”

As he was about to reach Xiao Feng base camp, Ji Feichen sat by the bonfire and said that.

The firelight illuminated his face, making him appear particularly charismatic.

Me: …I’m leaving.

Just as I was planning to sneak away, Ji Feichen grabbed me back and put me on his shoulder.

“Let’s go, it’s time to hit the road,” he said.

I always felt like this sentence was sending me on a journey.

Others might not know, but as the author of this novel, don’t I know just how twisted the portrayal of Xie Wuyan is in this book?

At this moment, Ji Feichen, who was still leveling up, went to challenge a legendary-level boss. Perhaps he could survive because of the protagonist’s aura, but his pigeon definitely wouldn’t make it.

However, as a pigeon without the power of speech, my crying and protesting couldn’t stop the fact that Ji Feichen carried me and brought me to Xiao Feng base camp.

I initially thought that Ji Feichen might not even be able to enter the entrance of the Xiao Feng base camp.

But I underestimated the protagonist’s halo. He not only successfully concealed his identity and joined Xiao Feng under the guise of surrender, but also in just a few days’ time, he became a well-known figure within the base.

Shortly after the zombie outbreak, order collapsed and money gradually lost its meaning. Humans were once again categorized based on the strength of their superpowers, much like a pyramid.

Xiao Feng base camp is like a tangible epitome of the survival situation in the post-apocalyptic world.

At the bottom of the base are civilian shelters, and the higher up you live, the higher your status.

Most of the people surviving in the shelters are ordinary individuals without self-defense capabilities, possessing low-functional superpowers with no combat attributes. In order to survive in a safe environment and enjoy resources, they need to make exchanges.

Anything can be used as bargaining chips.

Superpowers like Ji Feichen’s, which possess strong offensive attributes and extraordinary combat abilities, quickly earned him a place in the mid-to-upper regions of the base, where he enjoys a small suite with a bedroom and bathroom.

As the saying goes, when one person succeeds, even their pets and livestock go to heaven.

I also benefited from his influence, as members of the special squad visit me every day under the pretense of bringing me delicious food, attempting to curry favor with Ji Feichen.

The most exciting thing is that almost every night, someone comes to knock on Ji Feichen’s door. In just over ten days, I have witnessed more than ten beautiful sisters or handsome brothers with different styles coming to knock on the door.

Some of them even proposed that they could offer their services without the need for material exchanges, volunteering to serve him. People like them all hope to have a stable backer to ensure their livelihoods.

This is the happiest moment of my life as a pigeon.

Just in case, one day, if luck strikes and we’re fortunate, we might be able to see content that requires payment to view.

But, even though Ji Feichen is filled with rumors and fantasies, he hasn’t given me the chance.

Every time someone who came to see him is rejected, they would often be enthusiastically snatched up by a few people next door.

After living here for more than half a month, I’ve gained a whole circle of weight. I spend my days lounging in Ji Feichen’s small suite, calculating how many years I have left before I meet my end.

Although this thought is quite malicious, as an emotionless pigeon, I hope Ji Feichen can continue to hang around the base for another three to five years, not finding Feng Yaoqing so quickly.

Because the days of not needing to work, attend classes, or write novels are too joyful.

It wasn’t until one night when Ji Feichen didn’t return that I went out and flew around the corridor to aid digestion. When I came back, I saw a little sister standing at the doorway.

To be honest, I’m already used to the daily activity of someone knocking on the door every night.

These past few days, the most frequently seen are the glamorous mature style, followed by the pure white floral style, and also the innocent young girl style. Occasionally, a few limited edition stylish guys can be encountered.

I stood aside quietly observing this young lady, attempting to analyze which category she belongs to.

But I’m a bit lost for words.

Very fair, very beautiful.

When she smiles, her right shoulder slightly lifts, appearing as delicate as the innocent young girl style, yet her eyebrows and eyes carry a hint of elegance.

She seems out of place here.

This sentence isn’t implying that her temperament is ethereal like an immortal, but that she’s incredibly open and confident, as if she owns this place. She knocks on the door boldly, without any shyness or timidity.

People from the lower to the upper-middle levels would usually be somewhat cautious.

But I feel like she doesn’t have an ounce of caution.

Like those people in the past, she’s not wearing much.

However, it’s not the deliberate kind of not wearing much, but rather a very homely robe. She casually threw on a coat and had a pair of small flip-flops on her feet.

After knocking for a while, the boy next door, Xiao Zhuang, peeked out.

I sighed.

Feeling quite sad.

Rarely encountering someone with a rather refreshing demeanor, only to be preempted.

She turned her head, looked at this friendly neighbor, and then smiled slightly, “Hello, I’m looking for Ji Feichen.”

“Little girl, he’s not in the room.” Xiao Zhuang pushed the door open, leaning against the door frame in what he believed to be a cool posture.

“Ah…” She pondered for a moment, then spoke crisply, “Well, do you know where Ji Feichen is?”

Xiao Zhuang clicked his tongue a couple of times, raised his hand to support his body with a smiling faceand said, “Let it go. Even if he’s here, he wouldn’t let you in. You see, our group of brothers doesn’t live on the same floor as him. Think about it, there’s no need to hang yourself on one tree.'”

I perked up my ears and quietly approached, finding a good spot to watch. The young girl fell silent for a moment, lowered her eyelids, as if contemplating something.

Ah…

The pigeon sighed.

I knew it would be this plot.

“You’re right,” the young girl sighed, then lifted her head to look at Xiao Zhuang, they locked eyes for a moment, then she curved her eyes and smiled, saying, “So, do you know where Ji Feichen is?”

Caw!

My eyes lit up suddenly.

A new plot!

…Xiao Zhuang, who was a middle-level person, had been comfortable in the base since the apocalypse broke out. Now, he was being ignored by someone from a lower-level person.

After that, the following plot is quite similar. Angrily, Xiao Zhuang starts trying to engage in aggressive buying and selling, loudly demanding to drag people into the house.

Xiao Zhuang grumbles, “Do you know that one word from me can make you get out of this shelter…”

Then, the young girl, clearly uninterested in him, goes to knock on the next door, politely asking to borrow a pen and paper.

The neighbor next door had heard the commotion long ago. After a moment of silence, he hands over the pen and paper, casually watching the scene.

The young girl: “Thank you.”

Neighbor: “No… no need.”

Xiao Zhuang: “Whether you believe it or not, I can make you join the special squad tomorrow to clear the battlefield at the zombie focal point. You can still beg me for it now if you want…”

Ignoring the curses behind her, the young girl leans against the door, writing a note meticulously and engaging in a conversation with the neighbor, “Has Ji Feichen not returned all day?”

Neighbor: “…Yes.”

Xiao Zhuang: “What do you mean? Turn around, come over here…”

The young girl: “Thank you for the pen and paper.”

Two individuals seemed like two different worlds.

This is the most exciting quarrel I have ever seen in my pigeon career.

Such an attitude caused the originally slightly annoyed young man to erupt completely. In an instant, flames surged with intense force towards the young girl.

I quickly covered my eyes.

The last time Ji Feichen took me out to annihilate zombies, the memory of the young man incinerating a ferocious zombie with a single blow was still fresh.

“Boom一”

In the blink of an eye, the first to scream was the young man.

The young girl, at some point, had moved in front of him, gripping his arm. With a sharp sound, flesh and bone separated as his left arm was forcefully torn off.

The next second, that severed left forearm became a weapon once again, brutally thrust into his left shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” the young girl said, she patted her hands and looked down at the crying man, “The residents in the base area are prohibited from using special abilities, and you’ve violated the rules..”

Then, without leaving any gap for a response, the young girl picked up the note she had just written, handed it to Xiao Zhuang, and smiled warmly, “Alright, could you please help me deliver this note to Ji Feichen when the time comes?”

Neighbors were left dumbfounded.

I was also left dumbfounded.

The onlookers present were equally dumbfounded.

What on earth is this thing?

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1. intentionally sets up a scenario to cause an accident or provoke a conflict in order to extort money or gain an advantage. ↩︎

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Chapter 79: Xie Wuyan’s VIP lover (Modern Extra Story).

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Shen Wanqing is reading a domineering CEO novel called “Don’t Run Away, Innocent Secretary”.

In this book, the cute and naive newcomer to the workplace, Xiao Hua, becomes the secretary of the big CEO, Xiao Gang, as soon as she joins the company. With her kind, lively, and slightly careless personality, she successfully captures the CEO’s attention. She is then forced by the domineering CEO to sign a VIP lover’s contract, and thus begins a romantic love story.

The book describes it as follows:

【Xiao Hua accidentally spills coffee on the CEO, and she gets startled. She hurriedly grabs a tissue to wipe the CEO’s clothes.

The CEO grabs her hand, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, looking into her eyes.

Those eyes, as agile as a little deer, instantly pierce into the CEO’s heart.】

Shen Wanqing: “Wow.” I’ve learned.

She meticulously copies this passage into her notebook, thinks for a moment, and adds a note: 【Coffee: lukewarm, eye makeup: pitifully delicate, lipstick: not too aggressive】

Why does Shen Wanqing make this note?

It all goes back to the day she returned to the country.

A few years ago, due to the family’s struggle for inheritance, the Ji family was in constant turmoil. Ji Feichen didn’t want his sister to get involved in these matters, so he sent her abroad to study.

After graduating from university, things at home settled down, and Ji Feichen had become the remarkable and successful young CEO after winning the battle.

Thinking that Shen Wanqing had graduated from university and was standing on her own, Ji Feichen brought her back from abroad.

On her first day back in the country, Ji Feichen took her to have a meal at another family’s house.

This family’s surname is Xie, they are wealthy and powerful, just like the Ji family in the business world.

After entering the house, I found that the old master of the Xie family was lounging on the sofa watching a TV drama, crying with a runny nose and tears, holding a short-legged cat in his arms, and kneading it.

Shen Wanqing focused her gaze and saw 一 “The CEO’s Runaway Sweetheart.”

It tells the story of a sadomasochistic relationship between a domineering CEO and his VIP lover.

This really intrigued her.

So, while the nanny was cooking, Ji Feichen and Feng Yaoqing were discussing cooperation matters with others seriously in the study of the Xie family, while Shen Wanqing and the old master of the Xie family lay on the sofa, crying and feeling miserable.

She also casually picked up the cat, while cuddling and sniffing.

“So sad, the CEO is so pitiful.”

“But he deserves it too, after treating the female lead so badly before.”

The two of them cried all night, didn’t even eat dinner, and kept watching until the end, only to find that the CEO’s VIP lover turned dark, took over the CEO’s property, and then the CEO couldn’t handle the blow and committed suicide by jumping into the sea.

Such a tragedy.

Grandfather Xie suddenly felt something’s off.

He carefully looked at the male protagonist’s face on the TV drama and felt that his grandson looked more handsome than the male lead, had a colder and more ruthless personality, and was even wealthier than the male lead.

Could his own grandson be involved in this kind of VIP lover contract?

Grandfather Xie imagined the scene of his grandson jumping into the sea and shivered in fear, thinking that he couldn’t let such a thing happen.

So, how should this be resolved?

He glanced at Shen Wanqing, who was crying beside him, and then said very seriously, “Young lady, do you want to be my grandson’s VIP lover?”

Shen Wanqing: “?”

What?

Grandfather Xie’s idea was simple. Seeing that his own grandson seemed to have not yet established this kind of VIP lover status, he decided to arrange one for him who wouldn’t become villainous at first sight.

This way, he wouldn’t be retaliated against by VIP’s little lover, and won’t be forced into a corner.

But Shen Wanqing felt it wasn’t appropriate.

“…I’m not sure, I haven’t even met your grandson, and I just returned to the country.”

“Not a problem. When I saw you, I thought you were very cute and friendly. Plus, you just need to supervise him, it’s just a formality. If he has any ill intentions towards you, you can call me anytime and complain to me.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea…”

“I’ll let you take care of this cat.”

“I agree.”

Shen Wanqing was a dedicated cat slave.

For this, she began diligently studying. She bought all the CEO novels in the bookstore and even created a “Strategy Notebook,” more diligent than she had been during the college entrance exam.

Grandfather Xie also cooperated, sending a large amount of information about his grandson, and even directly appointing her as Xie Wuyan’s secretary.

On her first day at work, Shen Wanqing was very nervous.

She deliberately woke up early, applied her “deer-eyed makeup,” brought her strategy notebook, and officially began her conquest plan.

After entering the company, everyone was curious about the new secretary. Along the way, everyone gave her a look of anticipation, like saying “safe journey,” which was strangely eerie.

The old secretary reminded her when leading her in, “When President Xie is unhappy, you must quickly leave, otherwise, it will cause big trouble.”

Shen Wanqing: “Understood!”

She knocked on the door and politely walked in, bowing, “Hello, I’m your new secretary.”

Xie Wuyan didn’t even bother to lift his eyelids. He signed a few documents and then threw the pen on the table, crossing his arms, “New secretary?”

It was only at this moment that Shen Wanqing got a clear look at Xie Wuyan’s face.

He was even more handsome than in the photos, very good-looking. If he were to act in a TV drama, he would definitely become an overnight sensation and become a top star. In her aesthetic judgment, he was even better looking than her brother Ji Feichen.

But right now, this cool guy had a face that said he wasn’t easy to deal with. Although he was smiling, there was a hint of mockery in his smile, very oppressive.

But Shen Wanqing still had to answer his question: “Yes, the new secretary.”

Xie Wuyan: “How come I don’t know that I’ve picked a new secretary for myself?”

Shen Wanqing: “…I can’t explain it, maybe that’s just life, full of surprises.”

“…”

Well, this response was both soft and confident, making it difficult for people to respond.

A long silence followed.

The old secretary waiting in the corner secretly wiped off a cold sweat.

“Go outside,” Xie Wuyan said, “go to the HR department to collect your salary, and then don’t show up here. I don’t need a new secretary.”

As expected.

Shen Wanqing, who was already familiar with domineering CEO’s literature, knew that this sentence was the beginning of all love.

Usually, in this situation, as long as the female protagonist perseveres and holds her position persistently, she will be able to move the CEO’s heart through her own efforts.

So Shen Wanqing replied very quickly: “Okay, I understand.”

And so, under the gaze of the old secretary with widened eyes and an open mouth, she obediently walked out.

As graceful as if she owned the company herself.

After following her out, the old secretary realized that Shen Wanqing didn’t go to the HR department but very naturally looked for her own workstation.

She thought for a moment and reminded, “Miss Shen, President Xie’s intention is that he doesn’t need you to work here anymore, so we…”

Shen Wanqing said, “Ah, I still have to stay.”

The old secretary: “But President Xie tends to get angry, and by that time, he will definitely…”

“No need to worry about him,” Shen Wanqing said.

The old secretary was shaken to the core.

Don’t need to worry about him?

How audacious must one be to utter such words?

So, she kindly reminded: “It’s like this, Miss Shen, you might not understand our President Xie. He is usually decisive and ruthless in his actions, and the key point is that he’s the legitimate heir of the Xie family, so一”

“It’s alright,” Shen Wanqing said, “I have connections.”

…?

Shen Wanqing: “By the way, where is my workstation?”

The old secretary: “That small office on the left.”

Shen Wanqing: “Thank you.”

So, under the gaze of the group, Shen Wanqing walked towards her workstation, holding her file box, her figure exuding grandeur.

She didn’t look back, leaving behind a group of people dumbfounded, looking at each other.

Good guy.

This little secretary is quite annoying.

Shen Wanqing didn’t notice at all. She sat at her desk, opened her strategy notebook, and checked off the item “Make the overbearing CEO look down on me.”

The task was completed smoothly.

Following the plot, the next task is 【Make a bold statement when the CEO mocks me, making him see me in a new light.】

Shen Wanqing found this task quite simple.

But soon she began to face a problem.

Because she was placed in this position by Grandfather Xie, the company didn’t assign her any work, so she has nothing to do right now.

Shen Wanqing felt that this was not good, so she went out and asked around, “Do you need my help?”

Who dares to ask Shen Wanqing for help in the company?

So, Shen Wanqing didn’t secure any tasks for herself.

But she felt this wouldn’t work. If she didn’t do anything, how could she leave a positive and sunny image on others?

She decided not to waste her time.

So, she started watching American dramas.

The love story of vampires. The company’s computer screen was large, and she was enjoying it. She hugged a pillow, leaned back in her chair, and ate little cakes while watching.

Until someone stood in front of her, blocking the light.

“Move a bit,” Shen Wanqing said, “You can stand behind me, this way I won’t be able to see the screen clearly.”

“What are you looking at?”

“The male lead and the female lead are kissing. The male lead is very handsome, a handsome guy with blue eyes, whoever sees him will be charmed.”

After saying this, Shen Wanqing realized the person in front of her didn’t respond for a long time.

Silence.

Deathly silence.

As if the surrounding air instantly turned cold.

Shen Wanqing sensed that something was wrong. She slowly raised her head and met those calm, emotionless eyes.

Xie Wuyan leaned against the corner of the table, arms crossed, lazily looking at herself, with no expression on his face.

Shen Wanqing remained silent for a moment, reached out her hand to calmly close the video page, then propped up the chair, gradually supporting her almost collapsed body, stood up, and politely bowed: “Hello, President, do you have any orders?”

“What are you doing?”

Shen Wanqing hesitated for a moment, then said: “To be honest, I’m learning English.”

“Didn’t I tell you not to appear here?”

“Without unexpected twists in life, how can it become rich and colorful?”

Xie Wuyan feels that this person shouldn’t be a secretary and should go become a crosstalk¹ performer.

In fact, he knew Shen Wanqing’s background very well.

Ji Feichen was a siscon, always mentioning his sister at various gatherings, proudly showing them photos, boasting about how beautiful and articulate she was, and mocking the rich second-generation kids who had only younger brothers.

Ji Feichen’s fiancee, Feng Yaoqing, also dotes on Shen Wanqing, occasionally having someone leave clothes and jewelry for her, and even customized a few outfits from well-known designers for her.

Shen Wanqing’s photos were widely circulated within this circle, all thanks to Ji Feichen’s obsession with showing off his sister. The most famous one was her daily photo of dozing off while trying to keep her eyes open, watching TV with a pillow in her arms.

Therefore, when his grandfather inexplicably decided to assign him a secretary and he saw that it was Shen Wanqing, Xie Wuyan knew for sure that his grandfather must have watched some boring TV drama again, leading him to worry unnecessarily.

Originally, Xie Wuyan didn’t want to play along with others.

Moreover, she had been a pampered little princess since childhood.

Dealing with such a girl, usually a few stern words, a little hardship, and she would run home to complain to someone else, so you didn’t need to bother yourself at all.

So Xie Wuyan switched to a mocking mode: “So, besides these, what else can you do?”

“I can pour coffee,” Shen Wanqing said.

“Just pouring coffee?”

“Yes, indeed.” Because that’s the only part that was written in the domineering CEO novel.

Very well.

Very suitable for mockery.

Xie Wuyan: “Our company is not lacking in people who can only pour coffee. So, if your value is only this much, you can leave today.”

“Then I still have other values.”

“For example?”

Shen Wanqing: “I can speak English.”

“?”

Aren’t you still learning by watching American dramas just now?

Xie Wuyan, who has always been decisive and capable of forcing opponents to retreat step by step in negotiations, inexplicably finds himself at a loss when dealing with the delicate and soft-looking little princess in front of him.

Shen Wanqing didn’t say a harsh word from start to finish, and didn’t even retort, but it made people speechless and choked up.

Xie Wuyan fell silent: “What did you study in college?”

Shen Wanqing: “Fine Arts.”

Xie Wuyan: “Alright then, go to the Fine Arts department as an intern. My secretary doesn’t need these.”

Shen Wanqing hesitated for a moment.

She did want to create a positive image, but the problem was that grandfather Xie hadn’t given her any extra salary. It was already difficult enough to seduce Xie Wuyan, and extra work should come with extra pay.

Also an intern at the Fine Arts department.

Working as interns in big companies like this was very hard.

However, she wasn’t lacking money.

Typically, a spineless rich second generation like her usually doesn’t work.

So Shen Wanqing looked at the pillow in front of her chest, secretly put it down, and then spoke truthfully: “I disagree.”

Xie Wuyan: “?”

Is it you who has the final say in this company, or is it me?

Xie Wuyan: “What do you really want to do?”

Shen Wanqing recited the lines she had prepared long ago, “I want to become an excellent secretary who can fulfill all your requirements, do everything perfectly, and help President Xie with dedication and excellence! Even if there are many difficulties, I will work hard to overcome them and become someone President Xie recognizes!”

Task of【A naive girl stands firm against the domineering CEO and leaves a bold statement in the CEO’s heart】accomplished!

Xie Wuyan fell silent: “Alright, since that’s the case, I’ll give you your first task: become an intern in the fine art department.”

Shen Wanqing: “I don’t agree.”

“?”

Don’t you just reciting emitional lines?

This was a failure Xie Wuyan had never experienced before.

Even until Shen Wanqing finished work and went home, Xie Wuyan couldn’t successfully move her from the position of being his secretary.

This little princess is indeed quite different.

It’s true that she’s delicate, after all, she grew up under Ji Feichen’s care, never encountering any rough edges. Even though she’s now coming over to act as his secretary, the refinement all over her is still obvious.

But it’s precisely this girl who should be delicate that has an exceptionally strong mental resilience.

Initially, Xie Wuyan wanted to call the old man and have him take her away. However, after careful consideration, he realized that even if he sent away Shen Wanqing, given the old man’s character, he might bring in someone else like Wang Wanqing or Zhao Wanqing tomorrow.

Thinking this through, it’s better to let Shen Wanqing stay in the office and watch American dramas, at least she’s obedient and won’t cause trouble to others.

However, soon enough, Xie Wuyan realized he was wrong.

It seems that Shen Wanqing has set some strange targets for herself.

It’s really not much trouble, but there will always be some strange things in front of him.

Until a certain Friday, Shen Wanqing accidentally handed her next week’s task plan, which was mixed in with documents, to Xie Wuyan’s desk.

Monday’s tasks:
1. Spill coffee on Xie Wuyan and then hurriedly wipe it off.
2. When going to work, catch your breath and rush to take the same elevator as Xie Wuyan.

Tuesday’s tasks:
1. Be bullied by colleagues in front of Xie Wuyan, red-eyed, bite your lower lip, and remain silent.
2. Accidentally break a cup in front of Xie Wuyan, then cut your index finger.

Wednesday’s tasks:
1. Fall and fall on Xie Wuyan.
2. Sprain your ankle in front of Xie Wuyan but stubbornly insist on taking the subway.

Thursday:
Yesterday, I was so tired from taking the subway home. Today is a day off, so I’ll watch American TV shows.

Friday’s Tasks:

1. Go to a banquet with Xie Wuyan and successfully become his partner.
2. Get wine spilled on.

Saturday:
Resting and sleeping.

Weekend:
Resting and sleeping.

After reading this series of planning lists, Xie Wuyan fell silent.

He turned his head and looked through the one-way glass beside him at the small office next door. Shen Wanqing was sitting in the chair, holding a cushion, watching a romantic idol drama, crying with a runny nose and tears.

But even while crying and sobbing, she didn’t forget to take notes.

Xie Wuyan didn’t need to think to know what Shen Wanqing was taking notes on.

In the afternoon, the company issued a new rule.

【Watching TV dramas in the company is prohibited.】

Although this rule was inexplicably announced, Shen Wanqing still decided to comply with the rules and regulations.

Then Xie Wuyan noticed that Shen Wanqing switched to watching “Detective Conan.”

And she continued taking notes.

Xie Wuyan: “…”

Things have become more complicated.

What notes will you take while watching Detective Conan?

. . . . .

Soon, the next Monday arrived.

Shen Wanqing’s tasks for today include: running into the elevator by chance and accidentally spilling coffee, so Xie Wuyan arrived at the company an hour early, but he didn’t expect Shen Wanqing’s perseverance to be even stronger than he imagined. She started waiting in the lobby’s resting area at 6:30 in the morning.

But the good times didn’t last long.

In less than ten minutes, Xie Wuyan noticed that she had dozed off three times secretly.

Xie Wuyan fell silent, got off the car, walked into the company, passed by the sleeping Shen Wanqing, pressed the dedicated elevator button, and waited for the elevator to slowly descend from the 30^th floor.

The front desk desperately coughed, trying to remind Shen Wanqing who was waiting.

Finally, when the elevator reached the first floor, Shen Wanqing opened her eyes.

Xie Wuyan entered the elevator, and just as the doors were about to close, Shen Wanqing squeezed in through the gap, and then pretended to be out of breath: “Good morning, President Xie.”

Xie Wuyan: “You can go off duty after you get some more sleep.”

“…”

Shen Wanqing said, “Makes sense, but I’m planning to sleep in the office to avoid catching a cold.”

After she finished speaking, she didn’t forget to take out her own task manual and put a big checkmark on it.

Xie Wuyan: … I suspect you never actually wanted to attack me at all; you’re just going about your daily routine.

Inside the office, Shen Wanqing did not forget her original intention and showed a sweet smile to Xie Wuyan:

“President Xie, let me pour you a cup of coffee.”

“I’m not drinking coffee today.”

“Juice?”

“Don’t like sweet things.”

“Wine?”

“I don’t drink at work.”

“Then how about a glass of warm water?”

Xie Wuyan: “Just a reminder一”

“Hmm?”

“This shirt I’m wearing is custom-made, costs seventy-five thousand yuan.”

Shen Wanqing: … strange, why it feels like I’ve been seen through.

But a seventy-five thousand yuan shirt is indeed not suitable for being splashed with coffee.

Shen Wanqing wouldn’t waste money for the sake of completing a mission. After careful consideration, she left the office.

Just when Xie Wuyan thought she was giving up, she returned with a glass of water in her right hand and a blanket in her left.

Then she walked up, placed the water cup down, clumsily draped a blanket over Xie Wuyan. However, she found that the blanket kept slipping down, and Xie Wuyan wasn’t very cooperative. So, with a sigh, she simply wrapped the blanket around him.

Xie Wuyan who was wrapped into a zongzi²: “?” Do you think I’m a dead person?

Alright!

Shen Wanqing, having successfully completed her task, patted her hands with satisfaction and continued her sweet act: “The air conditioning breeze is too cold, I’m worried President Xie might catch a cold.” As she said this, she picked up the water cup, “President, drink more hot water… oh my.”

Water spilled onto the blanket.

Xie Wuyan remained silent.

Next, he admired many of Shen Wanqing’s performances:

The red-eyed performance.

The clumsy clothes-wiping performance.

The lip-biting and aggrieved performance.

Taking about a minute and a half, Shen Wanqing completed her last daily task. She took the blanket off Xie Wuyan and then, in a carefree manner, left and went straight into the small office next door. She opened the computer and continued to watch anime content contentedly.

Xie Wuyan didn’t say a word, he called his old secretary in, his face gloomy: “When did the Ji Corporation go bankrupt?”

. . . . .

Tuesday.

Shen Wanqing’s daily tasks today are:
1. Being bullied by colleagues.
2. Breaking a cup and cutting a finger.

Xie Wuyan has only one doubt: Is there anyone in this company who would bully Shen Wanqing?

She has been in the company for half a month, although she never causes trouble and is generally well-liked.

But that imposing and fearless aura she exudes is even more like a boss than Xie Wuyan.

Even a blind person can see that Shen Wanqing is not ordinary, and in this situation, people don’t even have time to please her, so who would dare to bully her?

But soon, Xie Wuyan understands just how treacherous people’s hearts can be.

Because when he returned from the meeting room to the office, he witnessed Shen Wanqing rehearsing with her colleague Xiao Fang.

“Yes, yes, you have to push me like this. Let me see… yes, that direction, so I can take a few steps back and just fall onto the couch.” Shen Wanqing is simulating a scene, “Two hundred yuan, no more, because I’m stingy. I can let you come to my office to watch dramas during your lunch break, and you can even sleep on my single bed. Don’t worry, if Xie Wuyan doesn’t let you, I’ll go complain to his grandfather!”

“Come on, let’s rehearse the lines together… no, no, you have to be more harsh.” Shen Wanqing passionately reads the lines as a demonstration, “You should say, ‘with the likes of you, you think you can get close to President Xie? Look at yourself in the mirror, how could you possibly stand by President Xie’s side? I advise you to give up on this idea and get out of the company!'”

“Yes, at this point, I will raise my head stubbornly, tears in my eyes, and look at you.”

Xiao Fang gently reminded: “Can you do the crying scene?”

Shen Wanqing: “That’s why I need to use eye drops in advance, please help me apply them.”

The two of them were hurriedly applying eye drops, and Xie Wuyan had already walked out from the side. The three of them looked at each other, falling into a brief silence.

Xiao Fang was quick and nimble, giving Shen Wanqing a light push.

“Oh my.” Shen Wanqing exaggeratedly took a few steps back, gently fell onto the sofa, and then whimpered a few times, looking pitifully at Xiao Fang, “Why did you push me?”

Xiao Fang recited her lines skillfully, although with a slightly stiff tone.

Now it’s Shen Wanqing’s turn to act, her eyes were red, looking pitiful, “Even if you say that, I… um… won’t give up… until I’m acknowledged!”

“…”

Why does it feel like someone forgot their lines?

Xie Wuyan: …How many surprises do you still have that I don’t know about?

With this level of memorization, she would’ve been dismissed by the domineering CEO in the first episode of a TV drama.

In fact, Shen Wanqing was also in a difficult situation.

Grandfather Xie was worried about his grandson, asking her about the progress every few days.

This task list is a plan agreed upon by her and the old man. For Shen Wanqing, this thing is just like homework.

No matter the quality, homework still needs to be submitted on time.

So, while completing the second task of “breaking the glass cup,” Shen Wanqing stood silently in front of Xie Wuyan’s cup display cabinet.

She pulled the old secretary over: “Which one is the cheapest?”

“The one in the upper left corner, 14,800 yuan,” the old secretary answered considerately.

Alright.

So Shen Wanqing returned to the office, prepared to sacrifice her precious cup worth 174,3 yuan.

Therefore, when Xie Wuyan saw Shen Wanqing holding a pink teddy bear love mug in front of him, he fell into silence once again.

Xie Wuyan: I can handle any surprises now.

Shen Wanqing lifted the cup: “Please have some tea.”

Xie Wuyan: “I only have one request, stay far away from me when dropping it.”

Shen Wanqing: “?” Why does it feel like someone has figured out my plan?

But she thought Xie Wuyan’s suggestion was indeed worth considering.

So she found a safe spot, stretched out her hand, and with a snap, the little bear cup shattered on the ground, creating a mess.

Now it’s time to cut the finger.

Shen Wanqing looked at the ground covered in fragments, lost in thought. She looked at the shards, then at her finger, and back at the fragments. Then, taking a deep breath, she crouched down, trembling, and reached out her hand…

Before she could touch the shards, Xie Wuyan grabbed her wrist and pulled her up, saying, “Let’s skip the finger-cutting. I’ll call someone to clean up. I don’t want Ji Feichen causing trouble for me.”

Shen Wanqing: “… How did you figure out my plan?”

Xie Wuyan: “Who are you planning to fall on tomorrow?”

Shen Wanqing: “Uh…”

Xie Wuyan: “The day after tomorrow, do you want to be my partner? How do you plan to do it?”

Shen Wanqing covered her mouth: “I… I haven’t…”

“Getting wine spilled on you?” Xie Wuyan asked with a smirk. “Miss, who would dare to spill wine on you?”

Although he was clearly smiling, it sent an inexplicable shiver down one’s spine. He reached out and gently tucked the strands of hair on the side of Shen Wanqing’s face, tucking them behind her ear, his voice low: “Miss, if you’ve had enough fun, go back. Stop your little games, I don’t have time to play with you.”

Shen Wanqing explained: “It’s just that I’m stubborn.”

“Miss.” Xie Wuyan smiled and tousled her hair, but his words were sharp as a knife. “You are not attractive to me at all.”

…?

You’ve gone too far!

This is a huge humiliation to Shen Wanqing’s performance ability.

Shen Wanqing was indeed infuriated.

She wants to leave gracefully.

Xie Wuyan: “I thought you had more perseverance…”

“Don’t talk to me,” Shen Wanqing said, “I’m going to your house now to complain to your grandfather.”

Xie Wuyan: “…”

Shen Wanqing: “I’m going to cry in front of your parents too.”

Xie Wuyan: “…”

Shen Wanqing: “I’ll even act depressed, abandoned, mentally confused, and lose my appetite in front of my brother.” As she said this, she had already packed her things, and then walked up to Xie Wuyan with an angry expression, raising her index finger menacingly, “Didn’t expect this, did you? I may not be attractive, but I’m venomous.”

Xie Wuyan: … Is this woman a monster?

Shen Wanqing, holding her things, was about to leave. Halfway through, she suddenly remembered something. She turned back to Xie Wuyan’s desk and cleared away the colorful sticky notes on his desk.

Xie Wuyan remembered that this thing was bought by Shen Wanqing on the first day she came.

It’s called having a good mood when using good-looking things.

Now it seems that Shen Wanqing is the type of person who holds grudges, ready to search and take away all the valuable possessions she left behind.

So, Xie Wuyan watched as she:

Took out a few small animal pens from the pen holder.

Took away the “Xie Wuyan Beautiful Portrait Anime Version” she drew from the folder.

Peeled off the keyboard sticker.

Took away the soft heart-shaped cushion from the chair.

Removed the dust cloth with a girlish heart from the desk lamp.

Finally, she stood on the chair, struggling to reach the light bulb of the pendant light: “This light bulb was replaced by me at my own expense in the second week after I came here, I specially found one with eye protection effect, and now you have to give it back to me.”

Xie Wuyan looked at her sulky appearance, then turned his head to glance at the things piled up like a small mountain on the side, and was slightly startled.

Has she really brought so many things in less than a month?

Each item seems out of place in this cold office, but once all of these are taken away, it’s as if the surroundings instantly become cold and desolate.

Xie Wuyan looked at Shen Wanqing, who was swaying on the chair, and subconsciously reached out to support the back of the chair, her voice slightly deep: “Come down.”

“I won’t.” Shen Wanqing said, “I’m being rebellious.”

“Come down,” Xie Wuyan said, “Put everything back.”

“No way,” Shen Wanqing put her hands on her hips, raising her index finger at him, being very straightforward, “Even though I’m a second-generation wealthy person, I’m stingy.”

“What I mean is,” Xie Wuyan said somewhat awkwardly, “It seems like I do need a secretary.”

Shen Wanqing paused, squatting down while hugging her knees, looking at Xie Wuyan, “You’re not kicking me out?”

Xie Wuyan: “Temporarily.” He frowned, turned away, “Until I find a suitable one, you can stay for now.”

“That won’t work, I’m very busy,” Shen Wanqing acted tough, “And you just said something about me earlier, if you don’t give me some benefits, I won’t easily stay.”

“Benefits?”

“For example, have me accompany you to the banquet on Friday,” Shen Wanqing said.

“…”

“You hesitated,” Shen Wanqing immediately put on a pitiful look, stood up again, swayed over to unscrew the light bulb, “As expected, I’ll have to complain. You won’t let me go, you just commanded me earlier, didn’t let me take the things I bought, and even exploited the employees, seized private property…”

“Alright, alright,” Xie Wuyan rubbed his temples, “Come down, I’ll take you there.”

“Great!” Shen Wanqing instantly smiled happily, jumped down from the chair, contentedly putting back the things she took earlier to their original places.

Sure enough, I still have to use the tactic of grievance.

Xie Wuyan felt that something was wrong.

… Why does it feel like she’s leading me by the nose again?

“Oh, by the way, just a reminder, I’ll still fall onto you tomorrow, okay?” Shen Wanqing put the pen into the pen holder, “The task of pretending to twist my ankle was to make you feel sorry for me and offer to take me home, but I don’t really want to twist my ankle, so we can skip that part and you can just take me home.”

Xie Wuyan: “Don’t push yourself too far.”

Shen Wanqing pouted, “Okay, then I’ll beg you again tomorrow.”

Xie Wuyan was caught off guard for a moment but found that there was no anger in his heart, just a hint of helpless amusement.

It seems like it’s always been this way.

Since the first day Shen Wanqing arrived here, the resolute and stern Xie Wuyan hasn’t found any way to deal with her.

Whether she’s slacking off or working on some mysterious plan, Xie Wuyan is completely helpless.

He seems unable to get angry in front of her at all.

This is truly a tricky problem.

Xie Wuyan couldn’t come up with a solution.

Or perhaps…

Xie Wuyan looked at Shen Wanqing in front of him, who was speaking with guilty conscience, but Shen Wanqing had an appearance of righteous confidence, and Xie Wuyan helplessly shook his head.

Or perhaps, there’s simply no solution at all.

[End of Modern Extra Story]

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1. 相声 (xiàngsheng) refers to a comedian or crosstalk performer, a traditional Chinese comedic performance involving rapid dialogue and wordplay. ↩︎
2. A traditional Chinese rice dish made of glutinous rice stuffed with different fillings and wrapped in bamboo leaves, or sometimes with reed or other large flat leaves. ↩︎

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Chapter 78: Diary of A Beloved Concubine.

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“In the past, it would have been fine if you didn’t bring me along, but this time it’s Heavenly Dao Palace, and I have personal grievances with them. Moreover, I’m the kind of person who holds grudges and seeks revenge, so how can I miss the chance to beat them up?”

Shen Wanqing confidently expressed, and the disciples of Heavenly Dao Palace behind her were in tears.

…It’s the first time I’ve seen someone speak so boldly about this kind of thing.

Xie Wuyan nodded thoughtfully, raised his head to glance at the neatly kneeling group of people, and said, “Then just pick a few to take back and have some fun with.”

The row of Heavenly Dao Palace disciples kneeling behind trembled all over, their faces filled with despair, instantly losing all vitality.

How could there be such a way of doing things?

Are you treating them as pets? Just pick a few to take back?

Shen Wanqing carefully considered Xie Wuyan’s proposal, then shook her head, saying, “Let’s forget it. The demon generals in the Demon Palace are already struggling to survive because they spend their days drinking, singing, and dancing. Bringing back a few more would mean adding more mouths to feed.”

The disciples of Heavenly Dao Palace showed relieved expressions, feeling moved. Their noses tingled, sensing that this woman wasn’t as terrifying as rumored; her heart was still quite kind.

However, in the next moment一

“Anyway, riding the White Dragon Fragrant Carriage is very comfortable, and it’s fast to get here. I can come by myself in the future! Just picking a few to take back wouldn’t be fair to others; we should all share the benefits. Next time, I’ll bring our family’s Maomao along.”

As Shen Wanqing spoke, she turned her head very kindly and reassured the disciples of Heavenly Dao Palace behind her, “Don’t worry, I won’t be too harsh when I act.”

There’s a limit to how much one should bully, you can’t go too far.

She called this managing renewable resources.

Obviously, the disciples of the Heavenly Dao Palace were not comforted; instead, they became even more frightened.

This morning, White Dragon Luxury Carriage was lent to some disciples of the Xuantian Pavilion to experience the Cloud-Soaring Roller Coaster, so Shen Wanqing returned on Xuanniao.

Although she didn’t say it out loud, Shen Wanqing was still a bit moody. She ignored Xie Wuyan and lay on the back of Xuanniao, playing with its feathers.

Xuanniao felt wronged, flying and crying at the same time.

Xie Wuyan reached out and scooped her up, asking, “Are you angry?”

Shen Wanqing turned her head away, struggled to get out of his grasp, and let out a soft snort, “No, I just don’t want to talk. Don’t talk to me.”

After saying that, she shifted to the side, holding her arms, initiating a one-sided cold war.

However, she never lasted in a cold war for more than a few seconds.

Shen Wanqing held her arms, but still couldn’t help stealing glances at Xie Wuyan beside her. She couldn’t maintain her tough stance for long and soon began to say in a somewhat uncomfortable manner, “Okay, I’m angry. You coax me.”

Xie Wuyan pulled her into his embrace, tightened his arms, and buried his head in the crook of her shoulder. He remained still, not letting go of her, appearing somewhat pitiful.

“Don’t always use this trick.” Every time Shen Wanqing saw Xie Wuyan’s cute and clingy mode, she couldn’t help but soften.

Xie Wuyan held her even tighter.

“Ah, so annoying, how come you’re even better at acting cute than I am!” Shen Wanqing was so irritated that she bit Xie Wuyan’s shoulder.

Xie Wuyan didn’t struggle, nor did he make a sound; he just let her vent.

After a while, Shen Wanqing finally stopped biting. She quietly lay on Xie Wuyan’s shoulder and grumbled, “I’m not mad because you fought without me.”

“I can accompany you for good things.”

“I’ll also accompany you for bad things.”

“Do you understand?”

“Um,” Xie Wuyan said, “Got it.”

She won’t leave him alone again.

Ji Feichen, sitting alone in the corner: … It doesn’t matter, just pretend I don’t exist.

. . . . .

A few days later, the small spring outing named “Returning Home” officially ended.

On the day when the two great demons were sent away, the Xuantian Pavilion was adorned with lanterns and festive decorations, full of joy.

Of course, except for the kitchen chef.

Because Shen Wanqing really took him away.

The chef sat in the White Dragon luxury carriage, tears in his eyes, waving goodbye, looking like a hero going off to battle.

The disciples of the Xuantian Pavilion also felt sorry for him, thinking that the Demon Palace seemed like a gloomy and desolate place at first sight, so they repeatedly promised to send him things from time to time.

When he had just arrived there, a letter from the chef:

【I’m unfamiliar with everything here, don’t know if there’s a chance to survive, things are fine for now, hope everything goes well. If there’s a chance, I’ll definitely come back to visit.】

A few days later, another letter from the chef:

【I made a big mistake, a big one! The kitchen is so large, and there are so many ingredients, and there’s even a large vegetable garden. Remarkably, they have vegetables for every season! It’s so magical! They say it’s because the palace master loves to eat everything, so the Demon Lord uses magic to make these vegetables grow in all seasons. Is this what it means to be powerful?

But I still miss home, nowhere is as good as my own home.】

Then a few more days passed:

【It’s so amazing!! There are so many fun things here, the Midnight Song Hall is truly joyful, and it’s a great way to relax. Do you know what “happy water” is? It’s the most magical thing I’ve ever drunk in my life!

The palace master even invented something called “Landlord,” and I’m really good at it. Those demon generals are so silly, they keep losing money, and now they owe me a lot of spirit stones.】

A few more days later:

【Uh-oh, I won against the palace master in “Landlord,” and Demon Lord is angry. My days are numbered.】

Immediately:

【I’m alive again, because the palace master wanted to eat the crispy roast duck I made, so Demon Lord spared my life.】

Then, after a long time, the chef didn’t send any letters.

Some people were worried about his safety, and they sent several letters in a row. It was only when they were almost preparing for a funeral that the chef finally replied.

【So happy, those demon generals disguises are really good.

There’s a beautiful one with long legs, and another one very curvaceous, very satisfying. She dances beautifully and dresses quite well, hehe. Now I know what love is. From today, I’m a resident of the Demon Realm, goodbye to Xuantian Pavilion.】

The chef’s letter spread quickly, from one person to ten, from ten to a hundred.

Since then, the Demon Palace in the eyes of the cultivation world was no longer a desolate place with no life, but rather a paradise that everyone yearned for.

Shen Wanqing knew nothing about all this.

She only knew that recently, there were more and more people, demons, and monsters coming to court her, wanting to become demon generals.

But she felt it was getting a bit out of hand.

The singing of these demon generals in the hall was already noisy enough; a few more, and she would be driven to a mental breakdown.

One day, Shen Wanqing felt that she should record her life, so she began writing a diary.

【The weather is clear today.

The demon generals singing is still dreadful, they’ve even learned to imitate dolphin sounds, it’s terrifying. Xuanniao didn’t come to scrounge for food and drinks; it’s been going to the Demon Realm a lot recently, and it even takes a bath every day, perhaps it’s in love.

Xie Xiaogou accidentally stepped on my hair. It hurt, even though he apologized to me, I’m still going to be upset for a while.

. . . . .

He gave me a little dress, happy, not angry anymore.】

【The weather is still clear today, so hot, not happy. I wish it would rain to cool things down.

Those demonic cultivator brought us gifts again, this time a bunch of strange decorations. They explained for a long time, but I couldn’t understand, and I want to sleep, but I can’t.

Xie Xiaogou shooed people away, saying they talked too much and disturbed my sleep. Those demon cultivator were very aggrieved, saying that this was carved by Master Qing Lian. I don’t care if it’s a flower or grass, and I can’t eat it.

But the cook made crispy roasted duck, rewarding him, the cook is very happy, and I’m also happy, it’s a joyful day today.】

【It’s raining today! I hope it snows tomorrow, even though it’s only July. We can build a snowman.

Xuanniao got dumped, it’s crying, and I suggested it change its hairstyle to improve its mood, and it agreed. But I accidentally shaved off the hair on its head, I said it’s a new hairstyle called the Mediterranean, very trendy. It believed me, it looks happy, but I feel a bit guilty.

Those demonic cultivator came again, this time with many handsome guys and beautiful girls, saying they’re enriching our harem. Xie Xiaogou got angry, and I stopped him. Then I noticed a ‘green tea’ secretly flirting with Xie Xiaogou, damn, so angry, let’s just get rid of him.】

【It’s snowing, it’s snowing! So magical!

Xie Xiaogou asked me what ‘green tea’ is, strange, why is he asking this?

Why does those demonic cultivator keep sending gifts every day? Wait a minute, this time they sent a short-legged cat, so cute!! I like it so much! Happy cat-sucking, I’ve finally become a shit shovel officer, from now on, I’ll call it Ultraman!】

【Xie Xiaogou asked me what a ‘shit shovel officer¹‘ is.

I suddenly realized something is not right…】

【Xie Wuyan is so handsome, the best in the world, unrivaled.】

Thus, Shen Wanqing’s diary has come to an end because it’s always being secretly read by Xie Wuyan.

Although with Xie Wuyan around, no one dares to cause trouble, she still leads a busy life every day.

For example, at dawn in the morning一

“Xuanniao got dumped again, crying outside while singing love songs. I’m going to tease it.”

“Ultraman and Underworld Tiger are fighting! Maomao is having a meow battle, I’m going to watch!”

“Oh, I’m going to check if the Hell Overlord flowers I planted yesterday have sprouted.”

“Wait a moment, I still need to go一”

The sound abruptly stopped.

Xie Wuyan reached out and pulled Shen Wanqing, who was preparing to jump off the bed for the fourth time, back into his arms, with his chin against her neck: “Take care of me, too.”

Shen Wanqing smiled: “Why are you becoming more and more like Ultraman?”

Xie Wuyan gritted his teeth: “Sooner or later, I’ll lose to that cat.”

Shen Wanqing turned around in his arms, laughing and trembling: “I mean, why are you starting to feel jealous of the cat?”

Xie Wuyan lowered his head and bit her collarbone, but he didn’t use any force, just pinched the soft flesh around her waist in helplessness.

The life of the beloved concubine is always dull yet busy.

Under the doting of the two great demons , Ultraman had seemingly become the third great demon.

One time it sneaked out, went to the boundary of the underworld, and relieved itself everywhere, then had its tail stepped on by an underworld demon.

Ultraman came back, feeling wronged and acting spoiled. Of course, Shen Wanqing couldn’t tolerate it, and immediately dragged Xie Wuyan to confront the underworld demon at their doorstep.

So, Xie Wuyan gave the underworld demon a good beating.

He beat them so that they probably wouldn’t dare to cross the boundary for hundreds or even thousands of years, nor would they dare to step on the cat’s tail.

The problem that had plagued the human realm for thousands of years was unexpectedly solved by a cat, which is something probably no one had thought of.

Over time, everyone knew that the safest place in the world was the Demon Palace. As long as someone was within the boundary of the Demon Palace, outsiders wouldn’t dare to harm even a blade of grass.

Fortunately, Xie Wuyan seemed to have little interest in destroying the cultivation world or unifying the demon realm.

However, just when everyone thought they would peacefully go on like this for a long time, Xie Wuyan suddenly brought down the Demon Realm.

It happened so quickly that there was no time for people to react.

Why did this happen?

Because Shen Wanqing took a liking to the Hundred Ghosts City within the Demon Realm, saying it looked rundown and would be perfect for playing city-building games.

[End of the main text]

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The author has something to say:

The plot has come to a complete conclusion, and the romantic storyline of Xiaocui² and Guoqiang will continue peacefully (?), so the main text should end here.

Extras will be written in a parallel world modern part (unrelated to the main text).

Also, some daily life continuation from the main text (similar to the love story of Xuanniao, or you can call it Shen Wanqing’s gossip record, and Shen Wanqing opening a kindergarten in the Demon Palace, etc.). Rest for a day or two, and then I’ll start writing. I want to be happy for a few days, being a princess in King’s Canyon.

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1. This term is often used informally to refer to a person who takes care of the daily tasks of cleaning up after pets, particularly cats, which includes picking up their feces during walks. It’s a lighthearted way of describing the responsibility of pet owners to clean up after their animals. ↩︎
2. Shen Wanqing ↩︎

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Chapter 77: No More Blood-Burning Technique.

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There is the deepest part of the Heavenly Dao Palace.

Surrounded by dense forests, blocking out the sky, as you go further inside, the light from the sky can’t reach as much. A cold air emanates from the source, colder than any other that Ji Feichen has encountered before.

Then, the three individuals stopped in front of a stone door.

The door is engraved with strange patterns. Even though it hasn’t been opened yet, Ji Feichen can vaguely feel the wailing on the other side of the door.

The wailing isn’t clear, it’s not ringing in his ears, it’s more like a sound appearing in his mind, mixed with immense despair.

What kind of thing could burst forth with such tremendous despair?

The sect leader opens his palm, pressing it against the stone door, blood flows along the patterns. The stone door instantly shines red, the earth trembles, dust falls down lightly, and the heavy stone door slowly opens.

“Woo, woo, woo一”

Cry.

Resentment.

And that suppressed feeling that makes one’s heart resonate with sorrow.

The sect leader stops, he remains silent for a long time, then finally takes a slow step and speaks in an aged voice: “Young Master Ji, when I was your age, I was just like you, full of spirit, but ignorant and arrogant.”

Ji Feichen’s steps falter slightly, but he doesn’t say anything.

“At that time, I also had like-minded friends, the fame, the adoration, it made me dizzy, ignorant and arrogant, thinking I was peerless, believing I could save anyone.”

Leading the way forward, the sect leader continues to narrate, yet his tone is so calm, as if he’s not telling his own story.

“I was determined to prove myself to the world, showing that there was nothing I couldn’t do. Hunting those demons was my way of proving myself. After each demon’s death, it would leave behind a demon core. I collected countless demon cores, receiving praise and boasting, making me feel like I truly could accomplish anything.”

“Until encountering the millennium-cultivated Transcendent Heaven-Piercing Nightmare Demon. It was a life-and-death struggle. The Heavenly Dao Sect sent an entire branch to eradicate the demon, but they were still heavily injured. We battled for three days and three nights. Finally, a companion gambled their life and depleted their spiritual power to create a unique opportunity for me, allowing me to strike a fatal blow.”

“But at that moment, I suddenly realized. The Transcendent Heaven-Piercing Nightmare Demon had somehow kidnapped my junior sister, hidden within its life force. If I killed it, my junior sister would also die. If I didn’t kill it, the companion who paved the way for me with their life would die due to the rebound.”

“I hesitated, unable to make a choice.” The sect leader stopped, looked up at the sky concealed by dense dark clouds, “Then, my junior sister died, and my companion died as well. Because of my hesitation, I couldn’t save anyone.”

“Young Master Ji, if it were you, what choice would you make?”

This is a choice that no one can make an immediate answer to.

“I know you can’t answer.” The sect leader turned to look at Ji Feichen, “So, at that moment, I suddenly realized how much I longed for someone to make the choice for me, to release me from that painful dilemma.”

“Do you know why it’s called the Heavenly Dao Sect?”

“Coexisting with the seven emotions and six desires is not the Heavenly Dao, but rather the human way. Heaven’s punishment doesn’t consider your joys or sorrows; it is a judgment that must be made.”

Ji Feichen: “I don’t know how to choose, but I won’t make decisions for others.”

Sect Master: “You’re just afraid of carrying a bad reputation.”

Ji Feichen subconsciously clenched his fists, pursed his lips, but didn’t speak.

The sect master burst into laughter, turned around to look at Xie Wuyan, “Xie Wuyan, what do you think…”

“Don’t ask me, I can save both of them.” Xie Wuyan glanced at him coldly.

The look in his eyes said it all: “You’re so weak, yet you’re the sect master.”

Sect Master: “…”

Ji Feichen: “…”

This ruining the mood.

Xie Wuyan’s purpose was clear. He seemed completely unaffected by the sect master’s lengthy story, and he went straight into the depths of the forest.

After who knows how long they walked, they finally cleared the clouds and saw the moon.

Ji Feichen’s pupils contracted, stunned in place.

It was a slope that seemed endless, with countless tombstones standing on it, densely packed. From beneath each tombstone, one could see the unique binding spell of the Heavenly Dao Palace.

A spell used to suppress, imprison, and bind souls.

Ji Feichen looked up, only to realize that it wasn’t darkened by clouds.

Rather, it was the restless spirits of the deceased. Due to their sheer number and being trapped here by the curse, they resembled a bottomless, swirling cloud of despair, lingering endlessly.

“Who are they?”

“They are my fellow clansmen.”

Xie Wuyan lifted his head, looked at the sect master, and calmly said, “Indeed, twenty years ago, they believed that the blood-burning technique had completely vanished. However, the Heavenly Dao Palace never intended to give up the power of this bloodline. Every clan member who died in the past, as long as their soul remains intact, will be imprisoned here.”

“Why?”

“For the sake of reincarnation,” Xie Wuyan replied. “They are gambling on a chance, betting that after countless reincarnations, there might be a slim opportunity for a person with the blood-burning constitution to reappear.”

“And if it doesn’t happen?”

Xie Wuyan didn’t answer.

But Ji Feichen knew the answer.

So these souls have been here all along.

Under the control of Heavenly Dao Palace, undergoing countless reincarnations.

Reincarnating, then being killed again.

Eternal cycle.

Eternally denied rebirth.

Ji Feichen gripped his sword tightly, “Sect master, have you ever considered that for the sake of the people of this world, these lives that you have extinguished with your own hands time and time again are also living beings?”

Xie Wuyan remained calm, “Would you feel sorrow for a sword that has failed?”

Ji Feichen looked at the sect master.

The sect master said, “Young Master Ji, do you think that when I do everything, I haven’t considered how many people in the world would not acknowledge me?”

Ji Feichen stared into his eyes.

“As my end draws near, those insults and criticisms are irrelevant to this old bones of mine. As long as the blood-burning technique can be passed down, and another person capable of opposing Xie Wuyan appears in the world, able to suppress these demon, and future generations without worries, then I will have no regrets.” The sect leader smiled, “Young Master Ji, if you want to stay clean, you can never become a truly benevolent person working for the well-being of the people.”

Just as his words fell, the sect master’s white hair, along with his robes, fluttered up and down. His whole body was surrounded by a golden light, with every inch of his spiritual power surging.

Thunder roared loudly, each subsequent roar more intense than the previous.

“Xie Wuyan, today, this place will be your burial site, and we shall go down together一”

However, before he could finish speaking, his voice abruptly stopped.

Xie Wuyan didn’t even lift an eyelid. As if he had foreseen it, he reached out and grasped the sect master’s head, applying a slight pressure with his two fingers.

Just now, the person who was still imposing, as if all his spiritual power had been instantly drained, the aura around him suddenly dissipated. A golden light surged towards the palm of Xie Wuyan’s hand, and his eyes gradually lost their luster.

“You…”

Xie Wuyan withdrew his hand with a look of disgust, blowing on his fingers.

The sect master sat slumped on the ground, his eyes lifeless like a puppet. After a long time, he looked hopefully at Ji Feichen and said, “Young Master Ji, you were born in a prestigious righteous sect. This is a great opportunity for you to save the world…”

Ji Feichen squatted down, meeting his gaze, and said, “I refuse.”

Now the sect master had no energy to inquire about the reasons for Ji Feichen’s decision. He looked as Xie Wuyan reached out his hand, and watched those ghosts who gathered into dark clouds move towards his direction, with a mixture of confusion and testing, gently touching his fingertips.

“Xie Wuyan! You can’t do this!”

“Why can’t I?” Xie Wuyan chuckled, “I’m not some prestigious righteous sect member, I’m a filthy, heinous monster.”

As he spoke, he reached his hand into those unfathomable vengeful ghosts, closing his eyes.

In an instant, the wind roared.

“Bang!”

In just a moment, countless tombstones covering the mountains and fields simultaneously exploded, sending rocks and soil flying, and golden light shimmering. The Soul-Binding Curse laid down by the entire sect was shattered in an instant.

That dark cloud was torn apart in an instant, and countless souls flew towards the sky, a magnificent yet sorrowful sight.

It should be over.

For thousands of years, the endless cycle of suffering had finally come to an end.

Just like that last bit of faith being extinguished, the sect master, like a broken ragdoll, kneels on the ground, body swaying precariously.

Xie Wuyan didn’t look at him, took a step, and walked straight ahead.

Ji Feichen followed, the two of them understanding each other without mentioning what happened just now. “So, did you call me here to show off how strong you are?”

“Ah, partly,” Xie Wuyan said.

… Thankfully, you’re strong enough.

Otherwise, you would have been assassinated thousands of times by now.

Ji Feichen didn’t bring up the words spoken by the Heavenly Dao Sect master earlier, because many things inherently lack absolute correct answers.

Once a choice is made, there’s no need to question the reasons behind it.

Soon, Xie Wuyan found the place he was looking for.

It looked like a dungeon.

Just getting close, one could sense an immensely powerful suppression here.

“This is what I need your help with.”

“What?”

“There’s a demon imprisoned here, called the ‘Heaven-Piercing Nightmare Demon.'”

“…Heaven-Piercing Nightmare Demon?”

“That’s the Nightmare Demon that caused the tragedy back then.”

“Well, but now it’s no different from an ordinary underworld demon.”

“So, what do you want me to do?”

“Kill it.”

Ji Feichen was taken aback.

For Xie Wuyan, killing this Nightmare Demon was even easier than crushing an ant, so why did he have to do it?

But Ji Feichen didn’t ask, he nodded and walked into the dungeon.

No one had been here for a long time, the smell of blood permeated the air, and occasionally, the sound of chains clinking could be heard, along with faint breathing.

Following that faint sound, Ji Feichen found the Nightmare Demon.

Indeed, it posed no threat anymore.

The torment it had endured from the Heavenly Dao Palace over these years had completely stripped away the majesty it once had, capable of stirring the world.

Every inch of its body was penetrated by the soul-piercing nails, hanging on the wall like that, covered in unhealable wounds. Even though it had only a breath left, it stubbornly clung to life.

As if sensing the approach of someone, the Heaven-Piercing Nightmare Demon opened its eyes, gazed at Ji Feichen for a long time, then slowly closed them again.

Ji Feichen couldn’t see the slightest desire for life in its eyes.

Why did Xie Wuyan want to kill such a Demon that posed no threat anymore?

At the moment when he pulled out the Flying Spirit Sword, Ji Feichen suddenly understood the reason.

Even though it was faint, he could still sense the aura emanating from the Heaven-Piercing Nightmare Demon.

It was the same as the aura of slaughter that Xie Wuyan exuded when he didn’t hide his power.

Exactly the same.

As if born from the same root.

Ji Feichen suddenly recalled that rumor.

Why was Xie Wuyan so powerful?

Because flowing through his veins was the most formidable human bloodline, and the most ferocious killing intent among the demons.

So that’s how it was.

When Ji Feichen emerged from the dungeon, the sky had completely darkened.

Xie Wuyan sat on the mountaintop, resting his hand on his knee, boredly gazing at the bright moon in the sky.

“Here.” Ji Feichen handed the magic pill to Xie Wuyan.

Xie Wuyan took it, played with it in his hand for a moment, then held it between two fingers and gently crushed it.

Casually, it was as if he had popped a bubble.

“By the way, about the blood-burning technique…”

Xie Wuyan: “From now on, there won’t be any more blood-burning technique.”

Ji Feichen pondered for a moment and felt it was reasonable.

The person burdened with such a secret technique would surely become a target of everyone’s criticism.

But soon he remembered, “Wait, but I remember that both you and Wanqing have the bloodline of this clan. What if in the future…”

“It won’t happen,” Xie Wuyan said.

Ji Feichen took a moment to realize what Xie Wuyan meant.

He was a little stunned.

While he wouldn’t interfere in Xie Wuyan and Shen Wanqing’s future life, he was still somewhat curious. After all, the cultivation world still held onto bloodline inheritance, especially for those who were powerful. They paid special attention to the continuation of their family lineage.

So, his curiosity was purely due to that.

Ji Feichen asked, “Why?”

Xie Wuyan: “Why ask why?”

Ji Feichen felt like it was a tongue twister, but he still explained: “In the cultivation world, this kind of thing usually requires a reason to be stated.”

Xie Wuyan thought for a moment, then chuckled: “She’s afraid of pain.”

After saying that, he moved his arm a bit and stood up, “I’m leaving.”

“Wait.” Ji Feichen stopped him, thought for a moment, and then said seriously, “I’ve decided to entrust Wanqing… to you.”

Silence.

It seemed as if only the sound of the wind could be heard.

“Huh?”

After a long while, Xie Wuyan spoke, with a puzzled expression: “Do you agree?”

“…” Grass.

And then, the two of them started arguing again.

“I don’t agree. I’m taking Wanqing back to the Ji family today.”

“Haha, it’s you, just you?”

They bickered all the way until they reached the entrance of the Heavenly Dao Palace, when suddenly they heard shouts of “Ai yo ai yo.”

They looked up and saw Shen Wanqing standing on the high platform of the Heavenly Dao Palace, hands on hips, with a large group of Heavenly Dao Palace disciples kneeling below.

“I’ll give you one last chance, okay?”

“Wuwuwu, we really don’t know where Xie Wuyan went, he suddenly came and beat us up and then disappeared.”

“I don’t care, I haven’t found him.”

“You’ve been hitting us the whole time! You never went to look for him!”

Shen Wanqing thought for a moment and realized that it was true, but quickly started to make excuses.

“Why can’t you all help me find him proactively? I’m not familiar with Heavenly Dao Palace!”

“But it was Xie Wuyan at that time, we barely managed to hide, how could we go find him?”

“You’re from such a powerful sect, why are all the disciples so timid? I, a young girl, dared to look for Xie Wuyan, but you all don’t dare?”

“… You’re his beloved concubine! We’re not!”

“You’re still talking back!”

And then Shen Wanqing beat them again.

The disciples of Heavenly Dao Palace cried in distress.

This is definitely venting frustration, right?

Ji Feichen covered his eyes, unwilling to admit that she was his sister.

Xie Wuyan stood a few meters away, holding his arms and watching, letting Shen Wanqing go wild.

After a while, some sharp-eyed disciples of Heavenly Dao Palace noticed and pointed, feeling relieved and shouted, “Xie Wuyan! Xie Wuyan is over there!”

Shen Wanqing looked up, her eyes immediately lit up, she happily ran over, and threw herself into Xie Wuyan’s arms, acting coquettishly, “How come you went out to fight without taking me with you?”

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Chapter 76: The Overbearing Demon Lord’s Feisty Cat.

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Rumors and gossip like this often spread quickly.

In just a few days, people from all over the country rushed over to listen to Shen Wanqing tell her stories. For this, the town specifically arranged a teahouse, laying soft cushions inside, preparing a large variety of delicious dishes, as if offering them to a deity, all for Shen Wanqing, to listen to her storytelling.

Every day, the crowd watching would fill the entire building, and some who couldn’t get in would listen from outside as the stories were relayed from person to person, a kind of live broadcast.

Xie Wuyan was there too.

At first, the onlookers were quite afraid, after all, the title of ‘Demon Lord’ had left a significant psychological shadow, and everyone was afraid that he would become displeased and end up strangling everyone in the building.

However, after observing for a while, it was found that most of the time, he was just being decorative.

He always supported his head and lay on the soft couch behind Shen Wanqing, taking occasional yawns, not interrupting, not getting angry. Even if a child running around accidentally fell onto him, he wouldn’t even furrow his brows, he seemed quite patient.

Shen Wanqing’s stories were full of drama.

And they carried a strong subjective bias.

“… in the dark of night, I found Xie Wuyan. Even though I was severely injured at that time, and we were strangers, I still decided to bravely save him!”

Xie Wuyan raised an eyebrow.

“Seeing Xie Wuyan being severely injured by the monster, I decided to intervene and save him. So I stepped forward in the midst of a sea of fire, surrounded by colorful light, and standing on clouds of seven colors. Xie Wuyan looked at me, tears of gratitude welling up in his eyes…”

Xie Wuyan leisurely ate a date.

“…Then, when we reached the northern city, because of the dream-eating demon causing trouble and taking lives, our group decided to come to the Full Moon Tower to eliminate the demon. You know about the Full Moon Tower, right? It’s a very famous brothel. The girls inside are extremely beautiful, and there are also young men!”

“Wow, what kind of young men?”

“They’re amazing, the kind with delicate features. They get shy after a few words, and they sweetly call you ‘sister.'”

“Really?”

“Really, really! Do you think there’s only one type? Of course not! There’s also the kind that’s very aloof… Hey hey hey!”

Xie Wuyan put down the date in his hand, clapped his hands, stood up, grabbed Shen Wanqing by the collar, and lifted her up.

Shen Wanqing struggled for a few moments, but after a light glance from Xie Wuyan, she immediately became as still as a well-behaved kitten, allowing him to carry her away.

Of course, before leaving, she didn’t forget to wave goodbye to the melon-eating people in the building.

Melon-eating people: Wow! They’re so affectionate!

Later, the embellished version of the story told by Shen Wanqing quickly spread through the streets, and the storytellers in various tea houses followed the trend, immediately suspending their previous programs and narrating this series of stories, even giving it the name “The Overbearing Demon Lord’s Feisty Cat.”

Storytellers also face competition, so to make their stories more exciting, they added some tragic plot elements.

In less than half a month, the names of Xie Wuyan and Shen Wanqing became popular on every street and alley. Moreover, since they both are exceptionally good-looking, they instantly gained a group of devoted fans.

Walking onto the main street, you can see Xie Wuyan posters, Xie Wuyan-style masks, and Xie Wuyan mini dolls everywhere.

On the other hand, there’s not much of Shen Wanqing’s stuff. It’s said that it’s because one time Xie Wuyan saw a muscular guy buying a Shen Wanqing mini doll and hugging it, and the next moment he almost set the whole town on fire.

Thanks to Shen Wanqing being by his side, petting and coaxing him, they managed to calm him down.

From that point on, there were no more Shen Wanqing-related products on the market.

But does Xie Wuyan’s behavior make the common people feel rough?

Not really.

They only feel like “I’ve been hit.”

The conservative factions, led by the Heavenly Dao Palace, looked at this and thought, “How can this be allowed?” They spent hundreds of years shaping Xie Wuyan’s image as a villain, how could the trend be changed by a few stories in an instant?

So they immediately sent their own disciples to various towns for propaganda, warning the people everywhere, putting up notices explaining Xie Wuyan’s bad behavior.

But they were kicked out by Xie Wuyan’s loyal fans.

Feng Yaoqing are deeply moved by all of this.

Regardless of the reason, at least the people of the world no longer consider these two individuals as irredeemable demons. They don’t have to bear unfounded accusations for everything they do, as they did before.

Of course, the act of being arrogant and taking things from someone else’s sect should still be criticized.

Everyone familiar with Shen Wanqing and others is happy for them.

Except Shen Wanqing herself.

Because she has noticed that ever since Xie Wuyan’s reputation improved, the online forums for cultivation novels have been flooded with a bunch of fan fiction.

“<Yesterday, the Demon Lord told me he still can’t let me go.>”

“<A hundred years have passed, yet I’m still waiting for you.>”

“<After the Witch Shen Wanqing turned dark, I became the White Moonlight of the Demon Lord.>”

Every day, Shen Wanqing gets into arguments with these fan fiction authors on the Cultivating Spirit Book. When she can’t win an argument, she cries and goes to Xie Wuyan, complaining to him and asking him to delete these pages.

After deleting many pages, those fan fiction authors started to feel dissatisfied一

【Who could have destroyed those pages in the Cultivating Spirit Book? Could it be the person who used to argue with me under my stories? It seems they’re way too jealous.】

Shen Wanqing was so angry that she bit Xie Wuyan’s shoulder.

Xie Wuyan didn’t resist at all and helplessly let her fuss, then he took the Cultivating Spirit Book from her hand and used his index finger to swipe a few times on the pages.

Then, in the section of the book discussion forum for the Cultivating Spirit Book, a bright red font appeared, no matter how you tried to erase it.

【Shut up.】

Even though it was just a page condensed in the Cultivating Spirit Book, you could sense the chilling bloody smell from those two words.

Everyone knew this power came from Xie Wuyan.

They suddenly realized.

They finally understood who the strongest person in this world is.

Not Xie Wuyan.

But rather, it’s the little girl from his family who bares her fangs and dances around.

. . . . .

Of course, when everyone in the world is very wary of Xie Wuyan, besides Shen Wanqing, there is another person who has very little respect for Xie Wuyan.

That would be the original male lead of this book, Ji Feichen.

At this juncture, the two finally began to be at odds with each other.

On the first day Shen Wanqing returned to the ancestral home, Ji Feichen warmly greeted her and led her to the guest rooms, then pointed with his hand, saying, “Wanqing will sleep in the room on the left, and Master Xie will sleep in the room on the right.”

Xie Wuyan: “No need for two rooms.”

Ji Feichen: “We need two rooms.”

“We don’t need two rooms,” Xie Wuyan said lazily, “she doesn’t sleep well, I have to take care of her.”

Shen Wanqing: …?

Speechless, why do you men bring up my sleeping habits when you argue?

So the two men began to argue like elementary school kids, starting with polite sarcasm and ending with no one knowing who lost face first.

“As her elder brother, I haven’t agreed to entrust Wanqing to you yet.”

“I’m stronger than you.”

“… What does that have to do with anything! I haven’t agreed!”

“But I’m stronger than you.”

Ji Feichen was so furious, losing his dignity as the male lead. His palm trembled, and he suddenly grabbed a sword out of thin air, ready to fight Xie Wuyan aggressively, but was stopped halfway by Feng Yaoqing: “Enough, enough, you really can’t win.”

Xie Wuyan strolled leisurely towards Shen Wanqing’s room, then was stopped by Ji Feichen一

“Xie Guoqiang! Stop for me!”

“?”

Xie Wuyan squinted his eyes, raised his hand, slowly moved his own neck, then let out a cold laugh and turned around.

Shen Wanqing immediately grabbed Xie Wuyan’s arm and pulled him into the room, saying, “Let’s sleep together, no need to be like this.”

Although, under the influence of Shen Wanqing and Feng Yaoqing, the conflict between the two men had somewhat subsided, they still engaged in subtle battles behind each other’s backs.

At the dining table, Ji Feichen gently picked up a bite of food for Shen Wanqing and said, “Eat more, look at you, you’ve become haggard even in the Demon Palace, I don’t know how they treated you there.”

Shen Wanqing, who had gained two pounds, looked at him with a puzzled expression.

Xie Wuyan, who originally didn’t like eating these things, reluctantly picked up the chopsticks and also picked up some food for Shen Wanqing, then slightly disgusted, took away the dish that Ji Feichen had offered.

Ji Feichen put it back, and Xie Wuyan took it away again.

And so, they went back and forth, starting to deadlock.

Shen Wanqing and Feng Yaoqing put down their chopsticks with a numb expression, watching the surging spiritual power between the two men, a series of clashes, and then a loud explosion, with dishes and food scattered all over the floor.

Feng Yaoqing: “Ji Feichen, get out of here.”

Shen Wanqing: “Xie Wuyan! Those are my favorite potato stewed chicken chunks!”

In the end, these two were banned from sitting at the table to eat.

So they began to play Go.

Two people sat politely in the garden, with a game of Go on the stone table. They courteously exchanged pleasantries, appearing truly like refined and charming young gentlemen.

“Master Xie, please make the first move.”

“Thank you, Brother Ji.”

“…Who are you calling Brother Ji?”

“Wanqing calls you that, so I should do the same.”

“Xie Guoqiang, that’s enough! I haven’t agreed to it!”

So the two of them started another quarrel, but they were intercepted by Feng Yaoqing and Shen Wanqing, who were hiding in the bushes, watching.

However, everyone knew that although Ji Feichen acted as if he disliked Xie Wuyan, deep down, he had long acknowledged him as his brother-in-law. The slight discomfort he felt was purely as an older brother, not wanting to see his little sister being taken away by some wild man.

Furthermore, if Xie Wuyan really wanted to make things difficult, just based on the banner that Ji Feichen had given him on the day of the ‘Returning Home’, it would be enough for him to wipe out the Xuantian Pavilion. How could he still give face like this?

He became more restrained, not because he had become more virtuous in his heart.

It’s purely because he doesn’t want to hurt the people who are important to Shen Wanqing.

Ji Feichen also knew this, so he had to admit that he really had to entrust Shen Wanqing to the other person to take care of.

One day, Xie Wuyan suddenly found Ji Feichen, and for a rare change, they didn’t argue. He just calmly said, “Let’s go somewhere?”

“Where?”

“The Heavenly Dao Palace.”

Ji Feichen hesitated for a moment, “Without telling Wanqing?”

“Yeah,” Xie Wuyan said, “It’s not a big deal, just need your help.”

Originally, Ji Feichen thought it would be a fierce battle.

But it wasn’t.

Xie Wuyan, alone with a sword, walked from the main gate of the Heavenly Dao Palace all the way to the inner hall, his pace never slowing down. No matter how hard the people around tried to resist and fight back, there was not a moment’s pause.

As the fight went on, the disciples of the Heavenly Dao Palace suddenly realized.

This was no longer an opponent they could match, even if a thousand or ten thousand more came from the Heavenly Dao Palace, there was no way they could touch even a single strand of his hair.

Ji Feichen knew that Xie Wuyan was powerful, but he never expected him to be this strong.

He clearly didn’t need any help.

Xie Wuyan hardly spent much effort before meeting the sect master of the Heavenly Dao Palace.

The elderly man with white hair sat quietly at the main seat, his back straight, looking at Xie Wuyan. He moved his beard but didn’t speak.

Xie Wuyan pointed his sword at his throat and said: “Take me to that place.”

---

The author has something to say:

Based on my calculations, it feels like the main story will end before this Thursday.

I might write a side story set in a modern parallel world with some scattered mischievous daily life scenarios.

---

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Chapter 75: Comparing Husbands.

---

Shen Wanqing has been having a comfortable time these days.

The chefs at Xuantian Pavilion are incredibly skilled in cooking. There is a wide variety of dishes, and they even serve hot pot from time to time. What’s even more surprising is that the activity in the city below Xuantian Mountain has been thriving lately. Every evening, there’s a night market with colorful lights and decorations, creating a lively atmosphere.

The distance from the foot of the mountain to the top isn’t too far, especially now with the convenience of the White Dragon Luxury Carriage. A round trip hardly takes much time.

So, every day, she would take Feng Yaoqing to explore the night market. Those three demonic generals who had come out of the Demon Palace with a determination to die didn’t expect to find themselves surrounded by heaps of clothes, accessories, and trinkets instead of brutal killings. Carrying a bunch of items each day, they clumsily followed behind Shen Wanqing.

She even took the effort to conceal their demonic auras and make them appear as ordinary people.

After all, the joy of the night market is in mingling with common folks.

What’s the greatest pleasure of shopping?

Of course, it’s bargaining!

So Shen Wanqing, a legendary and renowned figure in the cultivation world, capable of demolishing the human realm along with her partner at any time, was now haggling and bargaining with small stall owners at the market every day.

In the end, they even got into a heated argument because of five cents.

What infuriated Shen Wanqing the most was when she finally managed to haggle down the price for a beautiful skirt, only to realize shortly after that a significant portion of the skirt’s inner lining was torn.

Angrily, she confronted the small owner, “How could you sell such a skirt?”

The stall owner pretended to be clueless, “I sold it to you in good condition. Who knows if you deliberately damaged the skirt to get a refund?”

Shen Wanqing couldn’t tolerate such remarks.

She stopped the demonic generals who were ready to wreck the shop and Feng Yaoqing, who was about to mediate.

This argument was about a woman’s dignity.

She had to win.

And she had to win fair and square with her words; resorting to magical arts or bullying would be against the rules.

The two of them bickered for a while, but eventually, the stall owner reached her limit.

The stall owner with hands on hips: “Do you know who my man is? My man is in charge of this area. If you mess with me again, I’ll make sure you can’t leave in one piece!”

Shen Wanqing also stands with hands on hips: “Well, do you know who my man is?”

“I don’t care who your man is! Your man is not as formidable as mine!”

“You’re boasting! Your man is nowhere near as impressive as mine!”

Feng Yaoqing weakly holds her forehead, watching Shen Wanqing jump around and tug the hair of the female stall owner.

The demon generals broke into a cold sweat, shocked to the point where their mouth hangs open.

Their Palace Master’s behavior is no different from Xie Wuyan scaring a little kitten with the Solitary Light Sword.

Finally, amidst the arguing, the male partner of the female stall owner finally appeared.

He’s the kind of standard, with a stubble beard, well-built muscles, and a brawny and fierce look, a local tough guy.

The female stall owner arrogantly said: “See that? My man’s here. Your thin arms and legs won’t stand a chance against him. As for this skirt, I don’t want to give it to you either. Anyone with sense should leave the clothes and get lost quickly, so my man doesn’t hurt anyone.”

People around immediately start advising.

“Let it go, let it go, don’t provoke them.”

“Indeed, miss, this family is not easy to provoke. Many outsiders like you have been bullied here before. You better leave quickly.”

“This man has caused quite a stir in our town. His uncle holds an official position; we can’t afford to offend him.”

As the demon generals listened to these words, their inner feelings remained calm.

Perhaps this is what they call fearless ignorance.

However, upon reflection, they found the situation somewhat understandable.

Who would have thought that such a catastrophic figure would engage in a heated argument over a worthless skirt and a person here for a full incense stick’s worth of time?

The man of the female stall owner glanced at Shen Wanqing, who was not leaving. He playfully raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, “Little miss, where’s your man? Why isn’t he coming out to talk? I don’t hit women, either let your man come out for a one-on-one with me, or you could just say a few soft words to me, who knows…”

“Shen Wanqing.”

Xie Wuyan’s voice sounded from behind.

He was wearing a red and black brocade robe, his brows slightly furrowed. He then extended his hand towards her and said, “What are you causing a fuss about now?”

Shen Wanqing hopped over to him and pointed towards the burly man, acting spoiled, “He wants to fight you one-on-one.”

Xie Wuyan: “?”

He lowered his head to look at Shen Wanqing, who was using a sweet voice and acting spoiled. Then he glanced at the ordinary burly man not far away who seemed to have no foundation whatsoever.

“Fine.” Xie Wuyan pinched his brow bone, “Let’s fight then.”

The demon generals and Feng Yaoqing both took a sharp breath.

Goodness. He’s really agreeing?

You should just pamper her.

Of course, the fight didn’t actually happen.

Because Xie Wuyan’s crimson eyes were too attention-grabbing, not the kind of eyes a normal person should have. Some of the onlookers felt that they recognized the two of them, pondered for a while, then suddenly exclaimed一

“Aren’t these the two people from that… what was it, ‘Demon Lord’s Beloved Concubine: The Most Arrogant Demon Concubine’ picture book?”

“Wow! It’s really, identical!”

Before, Shen Wanqing was here, and some people did feel that they looked alike, but most thought it wouldn’t be possible to have such a character haggling here, so they just thought it was a look-alike.

Now, Xie Wuyan is also here…

They finally sensed that something was off.

Some cultivators were also strolling through the night market, and when they heard this sentence, they quickly squeezed in, focused their gaze, and then their pupils shook. They hurriedly moved away, leaving behind a miserable cry: “Xie Wuyan!! It’s Xie Wuyan! The world is going to change! It’s going to change!!”

Originally, the onlookers didn’t deeply understand the significance of this name.

In addition, Shen Wanqing had been frequenting the night market these days. She was good-looking, liked to bargain with people, and would usually share her bargaining experiences with those women. So, they hadn’t really felt how terrifying these two people were.

But now, with these cultivators stirring up a commotion, running and climbing, some even trying to fly away on their swords in a panic but ending up colliding with trees, it made everyone quite nervous.

So, after a few seconds of silence, the surrounding onlookers realized the seriousness of the situation. They began to scream, covering their heads as they scurried away, quickly putting distance between themselves and then sneakily peeking out.

Xie Wuyan: “…”

Shen Wanqing: “…”

“I have a question,” Shen Wanqing asked, “What exactly is that book?”

Feng Yaoqing: “Well… it’s just something some cultivators occasionally do as a side business, you know, people nowadays really like to read illustrated books, and it’s quite profitable, more than the average demon slayer.”

Shen Wanqing nodded and then looked at the female stall owner and her sturdy man huddled in front, politely asking, “Are you still up for a one-on-one?”

The two of them shook their heads like a tambourine.

Not only that, but they also respectfully exchanged Shen Wanqing’s skirt for a new one and even returned the money.

Shen Wanqing: Happy!

Xie Wuyan: “This skirt…”

“One silver tael!”

Xie Wuyan: “…? So, you had an argument with someone over one silver tael?” And it even led to me having a one-on-one?

Now both demon generals and Feng Yaoqing were nervous.

Oh no, Xie Wuyan realized what was going on!

Shen Wanqing guiltily nodded her head and whispered, “I didn’t really intend to involve you, she spoke up first! It was a reflex!”

Then she started using the tactic of being wronged: “Is it not allowed?”

Xie Wuyan: “…It’s allowed.”

Now, even Feng Yaoqing, who had always been elegant, couldn’t help but mutter “grass.”

As expected of the Demon Lord.

The couple with trembling legs could hardly stand: “Immortal, we’ve returned the money. How about this matter…”

“It’s not about the money.” Shen Wanqing sat at their table, sternly educating them, “It’s about professional conduct. Do you know what professional conduct means? It means your stall should have integrity. The kind of disrespectful attitude towards customers like earlier is not right.”

“Yes, yes, yes.”

“You need to genuinely apologize, to all the customers you’ve offended before. And what about your fellow villagers? How can you extort protection money from them? We need to eliminate this unreasonable behavior.”

So, the couple stood in the center of the night market, tears streaming down their faces.

Behind them sat Shen Wanqing, swinging her legs on the table, with Xie Wuyan standing by her side, supporting her.

The couple began a lengthy apology, bowing and apologizing to every villager and friend, seeking forgiveness.

The villagers were moved.

How just and righteous.

It’s completely different from what’s written in books.

They’re not as evil as portrayed, and they didn’t want to destroy the human realm at all! Clearly, they’re still upholding justice for everyone, it’s truly touching.

So everyone exchanged glances and gradually began to relax their guard.

The woman who had previously discussed bargaining techniques with Shen Wanqing was the first to approach, asking cautiously, “Miss, are you really the two people from the picture book?”

Shen Wanqing, feeling a bit embarrassed, touched the back of her head, saying, “I haven’t seen the picture book, but I’ll buy it and take a look in a few days. But, unless something unexpected happens, it should be the two of us.”

Although they had known it earlier, the woman still exclaimed, hesitating, “You don’t seem as… wicked as the book describes.”

“You can’t believe everything written in books.” Shen Wanqing confidently lifted her index finger and said with a smile, “But if you want to hear it, I can tell you, just remember to cover my expenses when we go to the night market.”

These common folks often hear rumors from the cultivation world, but their focus is mostly on everyday life, not meddling in the affairs between sects. So, they don’t hold the deep-seated antagonist views towards Xie Wuyan like the cultivators do.

After all, even if Xie Wuyan’s actions were significant, it’s just something that happened hundreds of years ago. Moreover, back then, he didn’t really bother the human realm much; he only destroyed a few places in the demon realm. At first, hearing that name would indeed be frightening, but looking at these two people standing here like ordinary folks, suddenly there wasn’t as much fear.

What’s more, this legendary witch, she does the same things as ordinary people.

This infamous demon lord from the legends, looking so gentle and affectionate as he watches the person beside him make a fuss.

No matter how you look at it, he doesn’t seem like a person of great evil.

At first, only a few women who had talked with Shen Wanqing before came over to listen, then these women brought their children along to listen, and later the men of these women also gathered around to listen.

Anyway, for some reason, in the end, there was a circle of people around Shen Wanqing, even the couple who had just apologized secretly brought a small stool to listen together.

From time to time, someone would look up at Xie Wuyan beside them.

Xie Wuyan was yawning, seeming to have no temper at all.

After a while, he glanced at Shen Wanqing, who was sitting at the table, telling stories to others with a smiling expression. He stood up, avoiding the crowd, and walked over to Feng Yaoqing.

First, he sent the demon generals back, then he said to Feng Yaoqing, “I’ll keep her company, thank you for these days.”

Feng Yaoqing took a moment to react before understanding that Xie Wuyan was thanking her for accompanying Shen Wanqing to the night market.

“It’s not a difficult task. Anyone who has spent time with her would probably feel the same,” Feng Yaoqing looked at Shen Wanqing, who was surrounded by the crowd, “Her vibrant vitality is very appealing, making people want to stay by her side. As for you, are you really okay with letting her weave stories, half true and half false?”

“Um,” Xie Wuyan said, “She enjoys the lively atmosphere.”

Suddenly, Feng Yaoqing understood why Xie Wuyan made such an unnecessary fuss about this ‘Returning Home’.

He knew what Shen Wanqing liked.

He wanted to make sure she could be a bit happier.

At any time.

---

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Chapter 74: Welcome Ceremony.

---

The demon generals heard the news that their Palace Master and His Highness were leaving the Demon Realm to go to the Human Realm. They were all eager and prepared, wearing a determined expression on their faces.

Is it finally starting? The war full of slaughter.

In fact, these demon generals were quite comfortable staying in the demon palace. They spent their days farming, tending to flowers, feeding animals at the zoo, occasionally singing songs and drinking. Their lives were fulfilling.

As time went on, they all realized how interesting their lives of idleness had become, and they began to feel that the world was quite beautiful. So, the idea of “I want to destroy the world” from before was no longer present.

However, their loyalty remained strong.

After all, their two leaders were currently the most untouchable individuals in the world. It was as if they were working under the top company in the world. Even as employees, they felt proud.

So, although the demon generals weren’t too keen on causing world-ending trouble anymore, they still displayed an unwavering loyalty to their masters.

As a result, they nervously prepared for a long time, gathering their most powerful magical treasures and even writing farewell letters to their families.

Tension filled the demon palace.

Therefore, on the morning they were set to depart, Shen Wanqing yawned as she emerged from her sleeping quarters. When she looked up, she saw a neat and orderly group of demon generals standing in rows on the steps below. She remained silent for a while before asking, “What’s going on here?”

“We, the subordinates, are willing to pledge our lives to follow Palace Master and serve the realm. Regardless of life or death, we will never retreat!”

A very loud and uniform slogan.

“…”

What’s going on? I’m just going home to visit my family, why are you all getting involved??

However, due to the demon generals’ enthusiasm, Shen Wanqing felt a bit awkward just sending them back like that. She scratched her head for a moment, then said, “Alright, but I don’t need this many. Just send two or three of you to accompany me.”

“Two or three?”

The demon generals understood.

Sure enough, have the Palace Master and His Highness become so powerful?

They must be preparing to directly target the vital points of those prestigious clans, avoiding unnecessary sacrifices and battles.

Therefore, the three most accomplished and highest-ranking demon generals put on expressions of willingness to face death as they walked forward amidst the attention of the crowd.

They raised their heads high and solemnly declared, “We are willing to live and die alongside His Highness and the Palace Master.”

Shen Wanqing said, “…Alright.”

The way you people from the Demon Realm speak is quite intimidating.

She looked around for a while, and it seemed like Xie Wuyan was not in the Demon Palace.

So, she dismissed the remaining demon generals, sat in the hall, propped up her chin for a while, and then couldn’t hold on any longer. She leaned over the table and took a nap.

In fact, at some point last night, Xie Wuyan had disappeared from the Demon Palace. He was always like this, occasionally vanishing for a while on a whim, and then returning from some sect or place with interesting and unusual things to entertain Shen Wanqing.

Yesterday, while Shen Wanqing was halfway through her sleep, she suddenly sat up and earnestly analyzed the route from the Demon Realm to the Human Realm.

They had to cross glaciers and deserts.

If riding Xuanniao, its feathers would tickle and make people sneeze. Flying on her own would be tiresome, and the wind blowing on her face would be uncomfortable.

This trip to the Human Realm would probably involve wandering around for a long time. Flying like this in the sun and wind would surely lead to wrinkles.

Then she wanted to create a flying carriage, preferably with a bed inside where she could comfortably lie down.

As soon as she thought of it, she acted on it.

So, in the middle of the night, she got out of bed and started tinkering around to build a flying carriage. She even brought out a few demon-headed centaurs from the zoo to act as guides.

However, Shen Wanqing wasn’t skilled in construction or craftsmanship. The things she built were crooked and unstable. In addition, the wild and disunited nature of the demon-headed centaurs caused the flying contraption to go haywire in all directions.

As a result, the carriage was never completed, and several accidents occurred.

In the middle of the night, the entire Demon Palace was in chaos as if being torn apart, with a series of crashing noises. The carriage even shattered the statue of Xuanniao placed at the entrance of the palace. Xuanniao was immediately displeased, standing on the palace with a mournful cry.

At this point, Xie Wuyan, unable to tolerate it any longer, got up and grabbed Shen Wanqing by the back of her collar, dragging her out from among the mess she had created. He then pushed her back onto the bed and frowned, saying, “Sleep.”

Shen Wanqing immediately straightened up like a Weeble: “But!”

Xie Wuyan pressed her back down, “Sleep.”

With a resigned tone, Shen Wanqing muttered an “Okay,” turned over, closed her eyes, and tried to sleep. However, after a while, she found she couldn’t sleep. So, she opened her eyes again, turned back over, and snuggled up to Xie Wuyan.

Using her index finger to play with a strand of his hair, she began to chatter, “Flying on a sword is too cold. Flying too slowly is boring, and flying too fast makes the wind hurt your face.”

“Xuanniao doesn’t clean its feathers! It has a smell of braised pig’s trotters on its body, which could spoil the scent on me! Whenever I ride on it, I tend to sneeze easily.”

“And we have to cross the desert, where the air quality is poor. My skin would break out.”

As Shen Wanqing continued to prattle on, she felt drowsy. She yawned widely, murmured a few more sentences, and then snuggled into Xie Wuyan’s arms, falling asleep.

After a while, Xie Wuyan opened his eyes. He lowered his gaze and looked at Shen Wanqing, curled up into a ball in his embrace.

She has been getting more and more restless when sleeping recently.

The blanket that’s covering her is always kicked down to her feet.

Xie Wuyan propped himself up and pulled the blanket over her as he got out of bed. He grabbed a nearby coat and put it on before leaving the room.

Xuanniao was deep asleep in its nest, only to be unexpectedly picked up by Xie Wuyan.

But it dared not speak its anger: “Does Your Highness have any orders?”

Xie Wuyan: “Go take a bath.”

Xuanniao: “?”

Is this the reason you won’t let me sleep?

. . . . .

Shen Wanqing had no idea how long she had been asleep. In a daze, she felt someone stop in front of her, then bend down, hold her waist, and lift her up horizontally.

Without even needing to open her eyes, she knew who it was.

She sniffled, found a comfortable spot to lean against as she usually did, stretched lazily, and opened her eyes, “Where did you go?”

Xie Wuyan didn’t answer, just raised his chin and gestured forward.

Shen Wanqing straightened up, leaned forward to take a look.

A carriage!

A flying carriage!

And it looked incredibly luxurious!

Once inside, she realized that although the carriage didn’t seem large from the outside, the interior was adorned with all kinds of decorations, like a palace.

Moreover, the scenery outside the windows was created by illusion magic, exceptionally beautiful.

Shen Wanqing was happy. She hopped around and ran to the oversized soft bed inside the carriage, where she lay down and rolled around. After rolling for a while, as if she had thought of something, she jumped off the bed, sprinted to Xie Wuyan, hugged him, gave him a kiss, and then contentedly ran back to continue rolling.

Xie Wuyan just let her mess around like this, his mood seemingly quite pleasant.

Xuanniao yawned and slumped on the table, dozing off.

Time passed peacefully, the scene was harmonious.

Except within the Martial World Gossip Forum of the Cultivating Spirit Book:

【Who on earth stole our Tianding Sect Master’s White Dragon Luxury Carriage?! The sect master is so angry that they made us, the disciples who were on night watch last night, copy the ancestral teachings three hundred times as punishment!!】

“I am one of those unfortunate disciples on night watch. The person who stole the White Dragon Luxury Carriage was incredibly arrogant. Not only did they take it, but they also left a note with the words ‘I took it, thank you’. It seemed quite polite. Our Sect Master was so furious that tears streamed down his face. He’s still wiping his tears in the main hall. It’s so miserable. If I find the thief who made me copy three hundred times, I will definitely make him kowtow to me three hundred times.”

The group of people burst into laughter mercilessly.

It was a while later when suddenly someone replied.

“…I think I just saw your Sect Master’s White Dragon Luxury Carriage.”

“Fellow Daoist, please quickly provide the location. I will lead the disciples of our Tianding Sect to come and punish this thief.”

“And Xie Wuyan is on the carriage.”

“Well, then it’s all right.”

. . . . .

Shen Wanqing silently looked at the Xuantian Pavilion in front of her, lost in thought.

Since receiving the notification, Xuantian Pavilion swiftly classified this matter as an urgent event concerning the survival of the sect. Major sects like this were adept at assessing the situation.

Xie Wuyan, a figure whom no one in the entire cultivation world could control, whoever had a good relationship with him was gaining a tremendous advantage.

So they decided that they must seize this opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Xuantian Pavilion and Xie Wuyan.

Now, what color exudes the most enthusiasm?

Red!

To express sincerity, Xuantian Pavilion is adorned with festive decorations and red lanterns hung everywhere. The attire of the sect’s disciples has all been redesigned to feature primarily red clothing.

From the main entrance all the way to the back mountain, “喜” (happiness) characters are posted everywhere, and almost every room is adorned with a pair of exquisite figurines depicting Shen Wanqing and Xie Wuyan.

Thus, as soon as Shen Wanqing stepped out of the carriage, she witnessed this eerie scene.

The disciples and elders of Xuantian Pavilion stood in two neat rows, each person dressed in red, wearing friendly smiles on their faces, looking at her with anticipation.

On the grand entrance of the main hall hung two large “喜” characters, and two young attendants stood at the door, holding flowers.

Goodness…

Did they arrange a wedding for her?

Xie Wuyan leaned against the White Dragon Luxury Carriage, glancing at this very extravagant welcome ceremony. He didn’t speak, nor did he show any expression, appearing quite calm.

It wasn’t until the two young attendants handed flowers to Shen Wanqing that something changed.

She lowered her head to look and found a stack of red paper rolls within the bouquet. She took out the paper, shook it open, and only then did she discover a banner on it.

The banner read一

【Warmly welcome Xie Guoqiang, a valiant, righteous, and kind hero.】

A sudden jolt ran through Shen Wanqing’s heart.

But why does this sentence look so familiar?

She raised her head and looked towards Ji Feichen not far away.

Ji Feichen smiled.

… is this a grudge between men??

Are all you boys so petty!

Xie Wuyan’s expression sank as he gave a cold laugh and stood up.

“It’s not that serious, it’s not that serious,” Shen Wanqing hurriedly held onto his arm, “Think about it, this is respect. It’s understandable, it’s understandable.”

After all, it was someone else’s goodwill. Shen Wanqing felt that she still needed to give them some face.

So she pulled Xie Wuyan with a stinky face, walked into the reception hall under the friendly eyes of Xuantian Pavilion disciples on both sides, and smoothed his hair as if to comfort him: “Red is festive, red is festive.”

Then the two were welcomed into the reception hall.

As soon as they sat down, they saw a pair of lively porcelain dolls on the table.

Exquisitely made, the collars of the porcelain dolls were embroidered with their names, Shen Wanqing and Xie Wuyan, respectively.

Xie Wuyan narrowed his eyes.

Shen Wanqing immediately held his hand, “Don’t be angry, don’t be angry. Look, after all, it’s a cute doll, it shows that you’re endearing to them.”

As she spoke, she even reached out and gently poked the porcelain doll’s face.

Then the porcelain doll started speaking in a baby voice, “Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome!”

Shen Wanqing: “…”

She let go of Xie Wuyan’s hand.

“You go ahead and kill someone, I don’t care.”

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Chapter 73

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Feeling uncomfortable.

Shen Wanqing had long noticed that Xie Wuyan’s hands were very attractive. The bones were distinct, long, and powerful.

Now, that hand was tightly clasped around her abdomen, moving slightly towards a deeper place. The palm of his hand felt hot, and the places rubbed by it were burning uncomfortably.

Then, suddenly, he stopped and curled his fingers inward.

Shen Wanqing whimpered, biting her lower lip and instinctively straightening her posture, trying to raise her head to break free. However, Xie Wuyan lightly held her neck, signaling her to tilt her head sideways, and then he bit her lip.

…He really bit her!

Are you a dog? Are you a dog?!

Shen Wanqing felt embarrassed and angry, but as long as he made the slightest movement with his fingers, she instantly turned into a puddle, unable to muster the strength to pull Xie Wuyan’s hair.

After a long while, Xie Wuyan finally let go of Shen Wanqing.

Shen Wanqing had no strength left, her chest heaving, struggling to catch her breath.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, she playfully tried to wrap herself tightly in the blanket and sneak away. However, Xie Wuyan held her waist and pressed his fingers on it.

“Wuu”

She leaned her head on Xie Wuyan’s shoulder, acting coquettishly, and said: “I feel uncomfortable. Do you know that cultivator can cultivate in harmony with their soul? It can enhance our cultivation base!”

“Is that so?”

“Yes!”

Xie Wuyan finally stopped, but before Shen Wanqing could relax, he grabbed her waist and lifted her, his hand securing her neck, forcing her down.

His voice was close, sounding near her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

“Too bad, I don’t need to enhance my cultivation base,” Xie Wuyan said lazily, arrogantly declaring, “My current cultivation base is enough to do as I please.”

Then he kissed her neck.

Shen Wanqing: !! Damn arrogant cultivator!

Actually, Xie Wuyan wasn’t very rough.

He seemed to be especially afraid of hurting her, patiently soothing her for a long time until she couldn’t help but whimper before he moved.

But it still hurt.

Shen Wanqing felt uncomfortable, crying out in pain.

Then Xie Wuyan really stopped.

He closed his eyes and remained quiet for a while, then withdrew his body, held Shen Wanqing’s waist, and turned her to face him. He gently embraced her and comfortingly stroked her hair.

Shen Wanqing sobbed for a while, then quietly raised her head.

Xie Wuyan kept his eyes closed, with a slight frown on his brow. He seemed to be suppressing something with some spiritual power.

Shen Wanqing felt a bit soft-hearted.

And is it normal to really stop like this?

Will there be any problems from holding it in…

She moved her body, seemingly wanting to know Xie Wuyan’s current condition, but he firmly held her waist.

“Don’t move,” Xie Wuyan said without opening his eyes, his brow tightly furrowed and his voice low, “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Ah, alright…”

Shen Wanqing obediently stayed still, closed her eyes, and prepared to sleep. However, after a while, she opened one eye and secretly observed.

Xie Wuyan seemed to be really uncomfortable.

His brow remained furrowed, and there was a chill emanating from his body.

Shen Wanqing closed her eyes again.

She stayed quiet for a while, then opened her eyes and tugged at his sleeve, whispering, “It’s normal for girls to hurt the first time.”

Xie Wuyan: “…”

“I’ll just say it.” Shen Wanqing whispered, “Usually, they won’t stop, that’s what the book says.”

“But if it really hurts, it’s still not possible.”

“How about trying again? But it’s still a bit painful. Actually, I’m a little scared of pain. Ah, no, I’ll think about it again. Pretend you didn’t hear anything!”

Xie Wuyan opened his eyes and saw Shen Wanqing twisting her fingers in his embrace, looking distressed.

He chuckled.

An indescribable emotion filled him.

It was as if whatever he had experienced before was not worth mentioning.

The way things were now, it was enough.

Shen Wanqing: “How about I draw lots?”

Xie Wuyan reached out, pulled her into his arms, and rested his chin on her shoulder pit, laughing softly with a hint of helplessness in his tone. “Why is it that I can’t resist you at all?”

Shen Wanqing blinked in confusion.

Why couldn’t he resist at all?

What did she do just now?

But Xie Wuyan didn’t do anything.

He just held her like this for a long time, and his breath surrounded her, making her feel comfortable and gentle.

Shen Wanqing sulked for a while, then suddenly raised her head and whispered in his ear: “Actually, it’s possible.”

. . . . .

Because of this “Actually, it’s possible,” Shen Wanqing was tossed and turned until the next morning, lying listlessly on the bed.

She opened her eyes, struggling to hold the pillow in her arms, trying to spend the whole day in bed.

Then Xie Wuyan woke up. He propped his head up and watched Shen Wanqing sulking for a while, then reached out and pulled her into his arms.

Shen Wanqing started crying and acting coquettishly, “Let go, it still hurts, it still hurts.”

Xie Wuyan chuckled silently, his chest trembling slightly. He didn’t say anything, just pulled Shen Wanqing closer to him, leaning down to give her a light kiss on the back. Then he propped himself up and let Shen Wanqing lie on his thighs, acting like a spoiled child.

The bedroom was very quiet, occasionally, the wind chimes hanging by the bed made a tinkling sound.

“I said,” Xie Wuyan rested his arm on his knee, casually moving his neck, “your song hall is built too close to the palace.”

Last night, even at the darkest hours, one could hear the demons wailing and howling inside.

But Shen Wanqing was exhausted at that time, curling up in his arms like a little cat, sleeping. Occasionally, she would still be startled by the noise, wrinkling her nose, unable to sleep peacefully.

So Xie Wuyan could only resign himself to his fate and cast a sound isolation spell for her.

However, he soon thought, although Shen Wanqing wasn’t a light sleeper, she would still be kept awake by this noise. So how did she manage to sleep before he returned?

Thus, Xie Wuyan asked, “So, you never sleep at night?”

Shen Wanqing didn’t answer immediately. She lay on Xie Wuyan’s legs, playing with his hair, and whispered, “I can’t sleep.”

Xie Wuyan looked down at her, letting her play with his hair.

She made the palace lively and interesting wherever she went, as if everything was fascinating.

Because she couldn’t sleep.

Most of the time, Shen Wanqing would sit on the soft couch in the midnight song hall, holding a cup of milk tea, lost in thought amidst the bustling crowd. The demons’ dancing was colorful and fancy, but their movements were not coordinated.

However, she couldn’t find interest in any of the noise.

Suddenly, she recalled what she saw in Xie Wuyan’s memories, the countless nights he spent alone.

She understood the loneliness he had felt.

But she wasn’t much better off.

Despite the lively surroundings, she still felt desolate.

Not anymore.

“Will the merging with the Solitary Light Sword have any effect on you?”

“I should have mentioned it to you a few times. The Solitary Light Sword was originally forged from human bones and flesh.”

Now the sword is supporting Xie Wuyan’s body.

Originally it built as a sword to kill him, it became the vessel that kept him alive.

Shen Wanqing asked, “There won’t be any accidents, right?”

Xie Wuyan replied, “Hmm.”

Shen Wanqing looked up and extended her pinky finger: “Pinky promise.”

Xie Wuyan frowned at her childishness but still reached out and pinky promised with her. Then, he bent down, lightly kissed her forehead, and ruffled her hair, smiling, “When did I ever lie to you?”

Shen Wanqing remained quiet for a while, then started grumbling.

“…Actually, quite often. When we first met, you pretended to be a righteous person every day and deceived people. You even made up excuses to come to my room and drink tea, just to prevent me from sleeping, with a new deceptive reason every day, like…”

“Shut up.”

“Getting angry, huh!”

The consequence of her arrogance was Shen Wanqing being pressed down and teased again until her eyes were teary, her face blushed, and she bit Xie Wuyan’s arm, cursing softly, before he finally stopped.

In the same night, Shen Wanqing had someone evacuate the Tianxiang’s secret techniques from the library and sent someone to Jingxin Palace.

Without them even having to go there, when Jingxin Palace heard it was someone from the Demon Palace, they immediately trembled and led all their disciples to bow and sent bouquets along the way to welcome them.

So, the next day, Xie Wuyan looked at the neatly arranged row of books in the library一

“<Surprisingly, After Abstaining from Desires, I Ascended>”

“<After Staying Away from Seduction, I Actually Ascended To the Top>”

“<The Ten Benefits of Serenity and Forgetting Desires>”

“<Still Dual Cultivating? Jingxin Palace Advises You Not to Do This>”

Xie Wuyan: “?”

But obviously, this psychological tactic had no effect.

The next night, Shen Wanqing cried and complained, “Didn’t you see Jingxin Palace’s writings?”

Xie Wuyan: “I saw them.”

Shen Wanqing: “Then reflect on it.”

Xie Wuyan: “I’ve reflected.”

He lowered his head and lightly bit Shen Wanqing’s collarbone, then leisurely said: “Tomorrow, we’ll wipe out the sect.”

Not to that extent, not to that extent.

Shen Wanqing: “Forget it… you don’t need to reflect. Most of what’s written in books is not accurate.”

In the following half month, Shen Wanqing diligently played the role of the Demon Lord’s beloved concubine.

She either lay on the bed or lay on a soft couch, and the surrounding demon generals were noticeably more attentive than when she was alone.

Until a few days later, Xie Wuyan pulled Shen Wanqing, who was lazily lying on the soft couch, and said: “Let’s go, go out for a while.”

Shen Wanqing: “Where to?”

“To the Xuantian Pavilion or the Ji Family,” Xie Wuyan understood his homework thoroughly, “I heard it’s called the ‘Returning Home.'”

Shen Wanqing fell silent for a moment.

Wow.

Other people have a “Returning Home” but yours is more like a tiger entering a home.

But after thinking about it, she decided to go back for a visit.

On that day, she and Ji Feichen bid farewell in the Void Realm, and she was quite concerned about their well-being.

In fact, after Xie Wuyan’s resurrection, the Xuantian Pavilion and the Ji Family immediately recognized the current situation and realized that Xie Wuyan was undoubtedly the most powerful figure in the world. So they quickly started begging and pleading for the two of them to return to the sect.

At least this way, there is a backer who has a good relationship with Xie Wuyan. In the future, if Xie Wuyan initiates a plan to wipe out their sect, they can still stand further back in the line.

Moreover, Xie Wuyan’s trip is definitely not just to bring her back to the sect.

Actually, he has been quite busy lately, often going out to do something, but he didn’t mention it to her.

Since he didn’t bring it up, Shen Wanqing didn’t ask either.

The reason for this trip is most likely to take care of some trivial matters.

So she happily decided to accept the offer to return to the sect!

She even kindly wrote a letter to inform them in advance.

The letter:

【Xie Wuyan and I are coming back.

No need to prepare any gifts.

I hope the chef at Xuantian Pavilion hasn’t changed.

If he hasn’t, I’d like to take him away.

Other than that, there’s nothing else.

Anyway, we’ll come for a visit.

Meow¹.

一一 Demon Lord’s beloved concubine, Shen Wanqing】

Upon learning this news, both Xuantian Pavilion and the Ji family were displeased.

The next morning, when Ji Feichen and Feng Yaoqing opened their doors without any knowledge of the situation, they saw a row of their sect’s disciples standing outside their doors, all led by the elders of each branch, crying with tears and snot all over their faces.

“Sob, sob, the Demon Lord and the Witch are finally going to conquer the Human Realm!!”

Feng Yaoqing: “?”

Ji Feichen: “?”

What on earth?

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The author has something to say:

The reason Xie Wuyan refused the close and intimate relationship with Shen Wanqing because he once let Shen Wanqing take advantage of him in that aspect and he still dare not speak up. He feels this matter is very embarrassing, so he doesn’t want her to know.

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1. “啾咪” (jiū mī) is an affectionate and playful way to describe the sound a cat makes, similar to the English “meow” or “mew.” ↩︎

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Chapter 72: The Demon Lord’s Beloved Concubine.

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Regarding the harem matter, Shen Wanqing was completely unfazed.

Because she had set up this whole thing to retaliate against Xuanniao, she had selected some extremely rugged and fierce men from the Demon Realm to come in. Then she made Xuanniao move in with them.

In just a few days, Xuanniao couldn’t bear their snoring, teeth grinding, sleep talking, and being treated like playthings at night. He ran back, crying, and apologized to Shen Wanqing.

From then on, the harem became one of Shen Wanqing’s punishment measures.

Whenever a demon general committed a wrongdoing, they would be sent there for a day. So every day and night, cries of the demon generals’ suffering could be heard from the harem.

Before long, all the demon generals were tamed and obedient.

So there was really nothing to worry about!

She didn’t choose any cool guys herself. It was obvious that she had selected capable assistants to deal with the demon generals. How could Xie Wuyan possibly be angry?

So, she proudly led the way, talking confidently, “These are carefully chosen people, and you will definitely be very satisfied with them!”

As she spoke, she opened the palace door, raised her head proudly, and gestured with her hand. “Look一”

Xie Wuyan followed her direction and slowly scanned the entire hall. Then, he frowned slightly and squinted his eyes.

The smile in his eyes faded, he crossed his arms, and coldly laughed with a hint of ambiguity, “These are your capable assistants?”

“Well, they’re okay, they’re okay. The main reason for bringing them in is to一” Shen Wanqing thought Xie Wuyan was praising her, so she scratched her head with a bit of embarrassment. Then, with a smile on her face, she turned around to introduce her capable assistants in the harem one by one.

However, her smile froze.

In the main hall, a row of men stood in perfect order.

Each of them has a delicate appearance, narrow waists, and raised buttocks, and each person has a different style. There are cute little wolf dogs with a hint of naivety, as well as charming and cool guys with a touch of cinnabar between their eyebrows.

The key is that they are all dressed very elegantly, revealing their collarbones and cleavage. They also carry fragrant sachets, which makes them look very enticing, but not suitable for children.

Shen Wanqing was dumbfounded.

Where were her capable assistants?

Where is her big macho with a beard?

How come they all changed their attitude within a month?!

The crucial part is that after seeing Shen Wanqing, these people’s eyes immediately lit up, showing expressions of surprise and delight. They warmly approached her and started to act coquettishly like a baby.

“Palace Master.”

“Palace Master, we’ve been waiting for your return.”

“Don’t you know that the Hongxiu Pavilion has been so quiet since you left?”

In fact, when Shen Wanqing first brought these people from the Demon Realm, they were very unhappy.

As the mighty demonic overlord, it was too humiliating to be brought to this place by a woman.

But soon, they discovered that the palace was quite comfortable.

The beds were soft, the food was delicious, the environment was pleasant, and there were midnight singing halls and various entertainment facilities. Moreover, their Palace Master was very powerful, bullying the nearby sects and demon clans without fear of retaliation.

The most important thing was that they enjoyed free food and drinks; it was so enjoyable to just sleep every day!

Is this the charm of living off someone else’s fortune?

These demonic overlords instantly understood.

A man who serves as the Palace Master’s partner is happy!

But soon, they discovered a problem.

The Palace Master never visits the harem, only occasionally sending demon generals and broken bird to supervise them.

Later, because the demon generals behaved well, Shen Wanqing stopped sending people to the harem, causing it to become desolate.

Such desolation made them feel a sense of danger.

Very strange.

Aren’t other harems all lively and joyful every night?

They stayed up all night to cram the “Essential Manual for Palace Concubines” and realized that this is called falling out of favor.

Falling out of favor is very dangerous.

At any time, they could be sent to the cold palace, where they would have nothing to eat and live a cold and lonely life.

Having enjoyed an easy life for too long, those demonic overlords were devastated upon learning this news. They cried in despair and decided that they must regain favor!

So, they started studying disguise techniques diligently, worked hard to lose weight, and even stole basic seduction books from the library for training.

Moreover, they were very aware of becoming male consorts.

With Shen Wanqing absent from the palace for a month, there were no tasks in the demon palace, and everyone became idle.

So, this group of ‘concubines’ started fighting in the palace.

They fought fiercely and, due to their demonic nature, enjoyed the thrill of the competition. Surprisingly, during the infighting, they found a strange pleasure in it.

Originally, there were dozens of people in the harem, but after the fights, only a dozen or so were left. They even arrogantly gave themselves titles, dividing into two camps: the empress and the noble concubines, and they would greet each other politely every morning.

Before Shen Wanqing even returned, they had already established a ranking through their fights to determine the order of serving the Palace Master.

Finally, through their relentless efforts, they transformed from burly men into successful charming men who brought calamity to others.

So, this group of mischievous troublemakers surrounded Shen Wanqing, using all their tricks to try to seduce their master and tirelessly pursued the path to regain favor.

Shen Wanqing had never been surrounded by so many handsome men before and didn’t know where to put her hands.

But she could clearly feel the scorching gaze behind her, which was extremely daunting and made her so nervous that she couldn’t even swallow her saliva.

It’s about to be a matter of life and death.

“Shen Wanqing,” Xie Wuyan calmly spoke, “come here.”

Shen Wanqing tried to push the crowd away like an agitated cat, lowering her head and attempting to make her way through, saying: “Excuse me, excuse me, I have to go over there…”

However, those mischievous troublemakers were too engrossed in their internal struggles and, coupled with the psychological trauma of demon generals towards the harem, they completely ignore these people.

So, the harem was isolated from the world.

They had no idea who this handsome but extremely fierce man really was.

The leader of the mischievous troublemakers decided to make himself more noticeable and enhance his formidable image in the Palace Master’s heart.

He walked up to Xie Wuyan, standing with his hands on his hips, raising his head and chest high. He immediately started scolding in a confrontational manner: “How dare you speak such disrespectful words to the Palace Master? Have you no manners? No matter who you are, you cannot directly address the Palace Master by name in this hall.”

A collective gasp filled the air.

Shen Wanqing felt suffocated.

Xie Wuyan raised his eyebrows slightly, his face appearing expressionless, “Who do you think you are?”

The leader of the mischievous troublemakers was quite proud, “Empress.”

Shen Wanqing: “?”

It had nothing to do with her!

Who knew the people from the Demon Realm would be so useless! They could go to such lengths just to survive!

Moreover, how could they give themselves titles?

“Harem.”

“Male pet.”

“Hongxiu Pavilion.”

“Empress.”

Xie Wuyan walked up to Shen Wanqing, calmly enumerating each word, then bent down to meet her gaze and asked with a smile, “This place is quite interesting, don’t you think, Lady Palace Master?”

Shen Wanqing choked up.

Seeing this, Xuanniao quickly flapped his wings and jumped from Xie Wuyan’s shoulder, then peeked into the hall, fearing he might get involved if a fight broke out later.

Now, the other mischievous troublemakers started to notice that something was off.

What’s going on? Why is their own Palace Master acting so soft in front of this man?

Even the self-proclaimed empress began to feel uneasy, “Who are you?”

“Good question.” Xie Wuyan lifted his hand, holding Shen Wanqing’s chin gently, not exerting any force, and spoke in a leisurely tone, “Lady Palace Master, tell me, who am I?”

A life-or-death question.

Shen Wanqing tried to understand Xie Wuyan’s thoughts and emotions.

Clearly, it meant, “No matter what you say, I am angry right now, and I’m going to kill someone in a moment. But I’ll give you a chance to struggle.”

So, she decided to struggle a bit.

Shen Wanqing broke free from Xie Wuyan’s hand, took a deep breath, stood straight, and respectfully flattened her left hand, introducing, “This person is Xie Wuyan, as everyone knows, the Demon Lord.”

Then she extended her right hand and began introducing the male concubines on the right, “And these are from the harem. But I must clarify that I didn’t establish the harem; it was Xuanniao who did. Although I did choose the people, it’s not my harem, it’s the Demon Lord’s.”

Xuanniao was frightened: You are not human!

Then Shen Wanqing pointed at the person who was called “Empress” just a moment ago.

The Empress now realized the gravity of the situation, shivered all over, quickly stepped back, and almost burst into tears.

“This person is the Empress. Your Empress. Though they decided it internally, I respect their opinions.”

Saying this, Shen Wanqing straightened her waist, patted her chest, and introduced herself very seriously, “As for me, from today, I am not the palace master anymore. I am一”

She hesitated, then gestured to Xie Wuyan for a hint.

Xie Wuyan didn’t understand her hint and showed a puzzled expression as if to say, “What are you acting about again?”

Seeing that Xie Wuyan was slow to catch on, Shen Wanqing reluctantly took his left hand and positioned herself close to his arm.

She then reminded him to hold her waist, tugging on his sleeve to signal him to embrace her tightly.

After all the preparation, Shen Wanqing lifted her head proudly and said, “As for me, I am the Demon Lord’s beloved concubine.”

Xie Wuyan: “?”

So, you’ve assigned roles to everyone by yourself?

He lowered his head and glanced at the Shen Wanqing, who was behaving coyly as his “concubine” in his embrace. He leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers, asking with a threatening tone, “What? Is that all you have to explain?”

Shen Wanqing rolled into his embrace and started acting coquettish, “But if you kill people here, I’ll lose face. If the news spreads, they’ll know I have no authority. Otherwise… let’s secretly kill them tonight and say they were accidentally bitten by Xuanniao.”

Xie Wuyan found it amusing. When did he need to secretly kill someone?

But Shen Wanqing shrank into his arms, and as she spoke, her breath gently brushed against his neck, like a ticklish itch that disturbed his heart and mind.

Xie Wuyan frowned irritably: “Let go.”

Shen Wanqing hugged him tightly: “I won’t.”

“Let go,” he warned.

Shen Wanqing whimpered.

“…” Xie Wuyan inexplicably blurted out, “Let go, I won’t kill them.”

Shen Wanqing released her grip and, with a playful scratch on her clothes, joyfully jumped away from him.

Xie Wuyan: “?”

Xuanniao had a look as if the kingdom was about to fall.

It was too miserable.

Several hundred years ago, the lawless Demon Lord was unexpectedly helpless against Shen Wanqing’s little tricks.

It’s a headache.

Without a firm attitude, there was no way he could conquer the world!

But the fact proved that Xie Wuyan could also be quite firm sometimes.

For example, when it was time to sleep, he silently looked at the two neatly arranged beds in the bedroom.

Shen Wanqing made a sleeping eye mask for herself, which now loosely hung on her forehead. She sat on the bed and earnestly explained to Xie Wuyan, “You sleep on the big bed, and I’ll sleep on the small one. This eye mask makes sleeping more comfortable, and as for the incense一”

However, before she could finish her sentence, Xie Wuyan scooped her up into his arms.

His hand clasped around her waist, and the other arm held her beneath her chest. Her back was pressed tightly against his chest, feeling warm.

Shen Wanqing protested, “You have your own bed! And you’re no longer under a curse! You won’t have insomnia!”

“It’s true; I don’t have insomnia anymore,” Xie Wuyan smiled and whispered by her ear, “but a Demon Lord and his beloved concubine won’t sleep in separate beds.”

Shen Wanqing: I miscalculated.

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