In the dimly lit Yao Ming Hall, the atmosphere was intimate.
A monk in Buddhist robes sat quietly on a low seat, his gaze fixed on the folds of his own robe.
The woman on the high seat toyed with a delicate silver lock and smiled, “Master, it’s been a long time since we last met. Why don’t you look up at me?”
“The Princess’s grace remains unchanged.” After a pause, Mingjing finally raised his head.
“After so many years, one inevitably grows old,” Bu Jiang sighed and then turned her gaze back to him. “However, I didn’t expect you to come to Heishi City with Zanxing. It seems that your Buddhist practice isn’t very profound if a Buddhist monk like you is mingling with the demon clan.”
“I no longer practice Buddhism.”
“Oh?” Bu Jiang raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly intrigued. “Why is that?”
“I dare not defile Buddha due to the delusions in my heart.”
Bu Jiang smiled faintly at his words. She shifted her body slightly, her long robe clinging to her figure, outlining her graceful form. Her legs were partially visible beneath the wide red robe. With a casual demeanor, like an emperor in control of the situation, she spoke with a hint of allure, “If you dare not defile Buddha, what about the demons?”
Mingjing’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he avoided her gaze.
“Alright,” Bu Jiang observed his reaction with some disinterest. “You didn’t come to Heishi City just to exchange such trivial talk with me. What’s the real issue?”
Mingjing seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and spoke calmly again, “I’ve heard that the spiritual veins in Heishi City are gradually thinning. The situation remains the same even after the young princess returned to the city.”
“Didn’t you already know that?” Bu Jiang replied, “Perhaps the demon clan’s fortune is running out, and the heavens are playing tricks.”
“No,” Mingjing said, “Have you considered that it might not be limited to just Heishi City?”
Bu Jiang’s gaze sharpened slightly. “What do you mean by that?”
“I have made a discovery,” the monk lowered his eyes, “I’m not sure if it could resolve the immediate crisis of Heishi City.”
*
It rained throughout the night in Heishi City.
Recently, there had been frequent rain, enveloping the mountains and the city in a layer of mist. The climate in the city was not as warm as Yue Mountain, always cold and damp throughout the year.
The rain dripped steadily on the greenish-white paper lanterns at the door. The lanterns remained dry, only gradually showing faint, shadowy figures, resembling alluring and eerie beauties.
Today’s breakfast wasn’t as terrifying as yesterday’s.
Men Dong picked up a bun the size of a palm with chopsticks. The bun’s skin was very thin, looking translucent and crystal clear. A bite revealed a delicious taste. As he ate, he called out to the others, “Master, Senior Sister Meng, why aren’t you eating?”
Mu Cengxiao walked in from outside and hesitated when he saw the scene. “Junior Brother, I’ve heard that some demons like to chop human flesh into minced meat and use it in various dishes.”
Cough cough cough— Men Dong choked and exclaimed, “Brother Mu, are you doing this on purpose?”
“It’s not entirely out of the question,” Tian Fangfang said thoughtfully, “After all, demons and we have different tastes and perspectives. For safety’s sake, it’s better to stick to vegetarian food.” He picked up a sweet pastry, took a bite, and glanced at Gu Baiying.
Gu Baiying sat by the window, gazing blankly at the rain outside, lost in thought.
Meng Ying said softly after a moment, “Master, when I went out just now, I heard the demons say that Junior Sister has come out of the Demon Energy Pool.”
Gu Baiying was startled. “What?”
“She came out this morning,” Meng Ying said. “It seems Junior Sister’s condition should be alright.”
“That’s great!” Tian Fangfang said excitedly, standing up. “Let’s go see her now!”
“It’s not as simple as wanting to see her,” Men Dong poured cold water on his enthusiasm. “Yesterday in Yao Ming Hall, you heard the Demon Queen say clearly that Zanxing is now the princess of Heishi City. Her status is different, and we, as minor sect practitioners, might not be worthy. Unless Master is willing to become her eighth concubine…”
As he spoke, he sneakily glanced at Gu Baiying’s expression. It wasn’t a problem until he mentioned it. Recalling Bu Jiang’s words from last night, Gu Baiying’s face immediately darkened.
“Speaking of which, it’s getting late,” Mu Cengxiao looked outside. As it was their first time in the demon realm, they were quite unaccustomed to the demon-style architecture. They had been frequently awakened by the ghostly flames in the caves during the night, resulting in a late start today. “Since Junior Sister came out of the Demon Energy Pool early this morning and has not sent anyone to inquire about us, it seems she won’t be coming to find us on her own. If we want to see her, we will have to request an audience at the Chaos Hall.”
“That’s right,” Tian Fangfang agreed with a nod.
While the others seemed indifferent, Gu Baiying’s mood appeared rather grim. Given his prideful nature, it was understandable. He had never bent his pride, even in life-threatening situations, such as being taunted by the Mirage Woman in Wufan City. Now, being asked to voluntarily acknowledge that he would become the eighth concubine of the demon princess was quite humiliating.
“Master, are we going or not?” Men Dong asked.
“We’re not going.”
“Master,” he persisted, trying to persuade him gently, “things are different now. She is a demon princess. You should put aside your pride.”
“Yes, yes,” Tian Fangfang nodded in agreement, “She already has seven concubines, so there’s no shortage of men.”
“Annoying,” Gu Baiying shot a cold glance at the two of them. “If you want to go, go yourselves.”
“But you’re the only elder here, so you should lead the way,” Men Dong pondered. “Master, are you feeling guilty?”
Gu Baiying said, “Guilty of what?”
“True,” Men Dong sighed. “Previously, that Skeleton Woman from Yue Mountain mentioned that Heishi City has no shortage of young, talented, and dashing young men. Your appearance and figure are top-notch in our sect, but they might be quite ordinary in Heishi City. Now that Zanxing’s scar has healed, she’s not just beautiful but also noble and highly skilled. She has many admirers, so it’s natural for you to feel insecure.”
Hearing this, Gu Baiying didn’t get angry but instead laughed. “Get lost. Do I look insecure?”
“Yes.”
“You!”
Seeing that another argument was about to start, Meng Ying spoke up. She looked at Gu Baiying and said, “Master, regardless of anything else, we should still go see Junior Sister. Not to mention her injuries and how she’s recovering, it’s been two years since we last saw her after the Ten Thousand Killing Formation. We didn’t have a chance to speak properly due to the Demon Extermination Army. Now that we have the opportunity, we should clarify things from back then. Aren’t you curious,” Meng Ying paused before continuing, “why Junior Sister went to Gufeng Mountain and how she became a demon princess?”
This question still had no answer.
The cave fell silent for a moment.
After a while, Gu Baiying stood up, glanced at everyone, and said, “Let’s go.”