Queen of Ten Thousand Demons Insists on Marrying Me - Chapter 13

Yao Xia Palace’s main hall was truly lively today, surrounded by a circle of Enforcement Hall disciples, with the Elders seated on both sides.

The clamorous human noise immediately ceased the moment Wan Xuan’er entered.

No one had expected a simple trial mission to result in the loss of a disciple, especially Mei Yuanhua, who was usually highly favored by Wan Xuan’er.

Although Mei Yuanhua’s talent was not outstanding, he was diligent and earnest in his cultivation, which led to deep friendships with many people.

This is not to say that Tan Taijing was unpopular, but she was known to be aloof in Yao Xia Palace, never socializing with the masses, so sentiments were naturally weaker towards her.

At this moment, Wan Xuan’er sat on the Master’s chair in the main seat, her face like frost and her expression stern. Xi Xiaoshuang stood to one side, looking at the hall with indifferent eyes.

In the center of the hall, the three people—Lu Xiaoxiao, Lu Wanbai, and Tan Taijing—stood in a row, attracting everyone’s attention.

Under the atmosphere of solemn authority, everyone held their breath. Even the sisters who usually played well with Lu Xiaoxiao were quietly silent at this time.

Seeing Lu Xiaoxiao standing in the hall, Wan Xuan’er’s expression finally softened a bit: “Xiaoxiao, tell Auntie about the events in Zhujia Town one more time. You and Wanbai have inherently good natures; Xi Xiaoshuang must have misunderstood you.”

Lu Xiaoxiao was flattered, never expecting Wan Xuan’er to still trust her so much even after such an incident. It seemed the relationship between Wan Xuan’er and her late mother was truly very good.

Lu Xiaoxiao composed herself, stepped forward, and recounted everything in detail.

The hall erupted in an uproar.

Everyone still had the same doubts.

“Why was no Demonic Qi detected on Mei Yuanhua’s body?”

“Mei Yuanhua has been in the Palace for a long time; if there were a problem, it would have been discovered long ago.”

“If Mei Yuanhua was a demon, why would he expose himself to frame Tan Taijing, who is just an ordinary disciple?”

Over and over, Tan Taijing’s suspicion could not be cleared.

Xi Xiaoshuang said: “In that case, we can only ask you, Palace Head, to personally conduct the examination and determine the truth.”

Tan Taijing did not argue at all, putting on a look of being about to burst into tears: “This disciple has a clear conscience. If the Palace Head and Hall Head do not believe me, then please proceed with the examination.”

At this sight, Lu Xiaoxiao felt a tickle in her heart. Wow! This Ice Mountain can shed tears at will! She shouldn’t be called a demoness; she should be called an Actress Queen.

However, the other two showed no sympathy.

Wan Xuan’er walked forward without hesitation, saying coldly, “I apologize for putting you through this,” then grasped Tan Taijing’s pulse gate and sent her spiritual energy inward.

Tan Taijing frowned and let out a light groan, looking as if she were enduring immense pain. Her body swayed, and she nearly fell to the ground.

This sight softened Lu Xiaoxiao’s heart, inexplicably sparking a desire to protect her.

Lu Wanbai, seeing her Junior Sister’s distress for her beloved, quickly pulled her back and whispered: “Wait until Palace Head Wan finishes the examination before you help her up. There are so many people here; don’t make it difficult for Palace Head Wan. We all know Fellow Daoist Tan is innocent.”

Lu Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes countless times inwardly: Innocent, my ass! You did remind me, though—if she dies, I’ll die soon too. Why should I feel sorry for this culprit? I should feel sorry for myself first, having suffered this undeserved misfortune.

Wan Xuan’er’s expression remained unchanged. She withdrew her hand, and everyone looked at her with expectant eyes.

“There is no Demonic Qi.”

Xi Xiaoshuang: “Impossible!”

Lu Xiaoxiao challenged: “What’s impossible? The Palace Head has spoken: there is no Demonic Qi. Do you doubt even the Palace Head?” (Though Lu Xiaoxiao also inwardly thought it was impossible.)

Just then, an old man entered the door. Dressed in a grey long gown, he said with a gloomy look: “This old man has heard that the Demon Clan possesses a magical artifact called the Concealment Pearl, which can prevent Demonic Qi from leaking out. In view of this, my Mei family demands a body search and retesting. I hope Palace Head Wan will grant this request.”

Wan Xuan’er was not easily pushed around. She said sternly: “Mei Ce, what do you take the people of my Yao Xia Palace for? That they can be handed over to you for a search at random?”

This person was none other than Mei Ce, the Head of the Mei Family and Mei Yuanhua’s biological father.

Mei Ce said harshly: “My Mei family’s ancestral treasure was lost because of this woman, and my own son died because of this woman. Is your Yao Xia Palace so unreasonable as to shield its own disciples?”

As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately caused a commotion in the hall.

Wan Xuan’er was furious: “My Yao Xia Palace will thoroughly investigate the death of Mei Yuanhua. I have already examined Tan Taijing, and she has no Demonic Qi. If she is handed over to you, it’s questionable whether she will survive, so it is absolutely impossible!”

The moment Tan Taijing heard she was to be body-searched, her expression turned wistful, and she slumped directly into Lu Xiaoxiao’s arms, sobbing softly.

Lu Xiaoxiao had a beauty in her arms, yet she was stiff and dared not move, knowing full well that the Actress Queen was showing off her skills again.

Seeing that Wan Xuan’er was so unyielding, Mei Ce pointed at Wan Xuan’er, trembling: “Good, good, good! Your Yao Xia Palace is going too far! Wouldn’t this make the world laugh at you? If you do not give me an explanation today, does Palace Head Wan intend to make an enemy of my Mei Family?!”

Wan Xuan’er could no longer tolerate Mei Ce’s aggression and was about to call people to throw the old man out.

At this time, Tan Taijing suddenly spoke: “This disciple is indeed at fault regarding Senior Brother Mei’s matter, allowing a team member to be harmed by a demon through possession. I volunteer to enter the Demon-Locking Pagoda to accept punishment and to prove that I do not possess Demonic Qi. If Family Head Mei insists on a public body search, this disciple will have no choice but to take her own life here to prove her innocence.” As she finished speaking, she reached out to place her hand on the hilt of Lu Xiaoxiao’s personal sword.

Lu Xiaoxiao was startled, quickly snatched her sword, and threw it to Lu Wanbai. She cooperated with the act: “Tan Taijing, don’t think about such desperate measures! The Palace Head certainly won’t let him do that. Others may not believe you, but I do!”

It was rumored that if a demon below the Golden Core stage was imprisoned in the Demon-Locking Pagoda, it would not survive for more than forty-nine days, suffering the agony of being burned by flames and forged by ice.

Mei Ce thought to himself: If a human cultivator is inside, although they won’t suffer the Pagoda’s punishment, they will be with the Pagoda’s prisoners, making the danger level equally high. In fact, these demons, who never see the light of day, are capable of anything.

Mei Ce saw that Wan Xuan’er was still silent: “Although my Mei family cannot compare to Yao Xia Palace, we are a centuries-old aristocratic family. If you do not give us an explanation today, my Mei family’s Old Ancestor will surely pay a visit soon!”

Mei Ji, the Mei Family’s Mahayana-stage Old Ancestor, was said to be over a thousand years old, but there had been no news of his breakthrough for decades, and Wan Xuan’er thought the old fellow was already dead.

Although Wan Xuan’er, who was also in the Mahayana stage, did not fear the declining Mei family, she was still cautious of the old man Mei Ji. The old man had long ago broken through to the Mahayana stage. If they truly fought, it would likely result in both sides suffering heavy losses.

If the old fellow was still alive, the death of the Mei family’s only son and the accidental loss of the ancestral treasure, the Sub-Meridian Compass, would necessitate compensating them with some magical artifacts. Although she thought the thing was just a directional tool, they treated it like a treasure, and she had no choice.

The scene descended into a stalemate. Tan Taijing stepped forward solemnly, cupping her hands in a plea: “I request the Palace Head to allow me to enter the Demon-Locking Pagoda. If I can survive inside the Pagoda for forty-nine days, I ask that Family Head Mei no longer pursue the matter of Xiaoxiao losing the Sub-Meridian Compass.” As she finished, she looked at Lu Xiaoxiao with a worried expression.

Lu Xiaoxiao thought to herself: Deal with your own problems! Why drag me into this?

It would have been fine if she hadn’t mentioned it, but bringing up Lu Xiaoxiao caused Mei Ce to explode.

“Hmph! I heard that Lu Xiaoxiao was with Tan Taijing when my son died. It was probably the two of them plotting together to steal my Mei family’s Sub-Meridian Compass, killing my son to take the treasure! I think they should both be locked up together!”

Wan Xuan’er roared: “Old Man Mei Ce, do not push your luck!”

Mei Ce retorted: “I’m pushing my luck? I think you are attempting to harbor criminals!”

The two exchanged heated insults for a long time, with neither side showing any sign of backing down. However, Mei Ce’s remarks had already caused a stir in the hearts of those present.

At this time, the Demon Clan and the Monster Race were ambitious, constantly watching the immortal sects. Internal strife now would be bad for everyone.

Left with no choice, Wan Xuan’er compromised, agreeing to send Tan Taijing and Lu Xiaoxiao into the Demon-Locking Pagoda for forty-nine days, after which the matter would be considered concluded.

Lu Xiaoxiao was dragged into the firing line by Tan Taijing and was furious, yet she still had to help support the person on the walk to the Demon-Locking Pagoda.

Midway, Tan Taijing whispered: “I’ll be inside for forty-nine days. You won’t get the antidote, and you’ll turn into a puddle of water by the time I get out. I’m doing this for your own good.”

Lu Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes, no longer in the mood to bicker with her. She was only deeply worried about her own future.

For a moment, she even felt that being a testing dog who stayed up late to work overtime was quite good—at least it was a peaceful world.

Before long, the two arrived in front of the Demon-Locking Pagoda. Just before they entered the tower, Wan Xuan’er secretly slipped Lu Xiaoxiao a piece of paper.

Mei Ce stared at the two with venomous eyes, as if he would rush up and devour them alive in the next moment.

Lu Wanbai also wanted to enter, but Wan Xuan’er, seeing her about to speak, cast a spell to seal her mouth. After she hmmed and hawed and shoved two bottles of Bigu Pills (Pills for abstaining from grains/food) into Lu Xiaoxiao’s hands, Wan Xuan’er pulled her away to retreat.

Bigu Pills were obviously a kind of pill that allowed one to temporarily go without eating.

Just like that, Lu Xiaoxiao accompanied Tan Taijing, looking back repeatedly, and walked into the Demon-Locking Pagoda.