Queen of Ten Thousand Demons Insists on Marrying Me - Chapter 38

Wan Qingyi looked at the scene before her, making clicking sounds with her tongue like someone who enjoyed a good spectacle. “The storybooks say you can’t take what’s said in bed seriously,” she muttered. She then looked Lu Xiaoxiao, who was hiding behind Tantai Jing, up and down with eyes full of disdain and contempt, thinking: Last night it was ‘Tantai Jing this’ and ‘Tantai Jing that,’ and now it’s the Princess of Dongchang City. Lu Xiaoxiao is something else. Is she really planning to revitalize the Xuantian Sword Sect by stealing the City Lord’s sister?

Lu Xiaoxiao’s head was spinning. She pointed at Dong Qinglan and said, “Don’t talk nonsense! Nothing happened between us. Why are you slandering me like this? What are you trying to achieve?”

Dong Qinglan didn’t say a word, merely covering her face and weeping like a pear blossom bathed in rain. This only made those unaware of the situation believe that Lu Xiaoxiao was an ungrateful scoundrel who had abandoned her.

“Elder Ban, please take your people and leave for now. Once I have clarified the situation, I will personally send Lu Xiaoxiao back,” Dong Shuo said.

“Absolutely not!” Lu Wanbai and Tantai Jing exclaimed simultaneously.

Tantai Jing: “The City Lord’s Mansion is heavily guarded. Without Princess Youlan’s permission, Lu Xiaoxiao’s cultivation level would never allow her to enter. The knockout incense from the City Lord’s Mansion was found in Lu Xiaoxiao’s room, so the matter is already clear. I ask City Lord Dong to release Lu Xiaoxiao from the mansion immediately.”

“When elders are speaking, you have no right to interrupt.” Dong Shuo’s voice was filled with undeniable authority. In his mind, there was a strict hierarchy, and the authority of an elder was inviolable, especially when dealing with such an impudent junior.

Tantai Jing’s expression did not change. Her eyes remained sharp, showing no sign of backing down.

Seeing this, Dong Shuo’s anger intensified. He had not expected such an insignificant junior to dare defy him. A powerful aura surged from his body, and he suddenly struck a palm toward Tantai Jing from a distance. The palm-wind whistled, carrying a fierce and sharp energy.

Lu Xiaoxiao hurriedly stepped forward to shield Tantai Jing. This incident began because of her, and she absolutely could not let anyone else be injured for no reason.

Dong Shuo’s attack was malicious. Just as the fierce wind was about to strike Lu Xiaoxiao, Ban Cheng’s figure flashed, appearing before her like a phantom. With a gentle lift and push of his left hand, he neutralized the aggressive palm-wind into nothingness.

Ban Cheng was deeply displeased that Dong Shuo had made a move against Tantai Jing. The formidable Yaoxia Palace would not fear a mere City Lord.

“City Lord Dong is quite mighty. If you want to stop a disciple of my Yaoxia Palace today, you’ll have to see if my Qianyun Sword agrees. Today, my Yaoxia Palace will certainly take our person and go. Let’s see who dares to stop me.”

After speaking, he turned and led the group toward the door, completely unafraid of Dong Shuo launching an attack from behind. Since the City Lord’s Mansion was clearly in the wrong, he naturally did not need to show Dong Shuo any more respect.

Watching the departing Yaoxia Palace group, Dong Shuo was furious but knew that Yaoxia Palace had never taken Dongchang City seriously. He could only say with a dark expression, “I’ll let you be arrogant for a few more days.”

With that, he turned to Dong Qinglan and violently slapped her, attempting to vent the humiliation he had just suffered from Ban Cheng.

Dong Qinglan was caught off guard and knocked to the ground by the slap, looking at Dong Shuo in shock.

Dong Qinglan had been the family’s pampered jewel since childhood, and Dong Shuo had always cherished his only sister dearly. When the family fortunes later changed and Dongchang City gradually declined, the siblings relied on each other. Dong Shuo took on the responsibility of City Lord at a young age. Through those difficult days full of hardship, it was Dong Shuo who held up the sky for her, slowly leading his sister and the entire city’s population back to their former glory.

She had thought that after experiencing these ups and downs, her brother would, as before, support her unconditionally, which was why she had dared to act so recklessly today.

But the Dong Shuo standing before her now was filled with anger and desire that Dong Qinglan couldn’t comprehend. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re thinking! The marriage is settled. Even if you don’t want to, you will marry him for me!”

“Brother, when did you become like this? Is there truly no other path for our Dong family if we don’t form this alliance?”

Dong Shuo stood with his hands behind his back, looking out the window, a flicker of unbearable sadness passing through his eyes.

Without waiting for Dong Shuo’s reply, Dong Qinglan let out two desolate laughs.

Time had flowed on, yet only she remained immersed in the smile of that dashing young man on a proud horse. But that young man had long been consumed by ambition as he climbed from the bottom to the peak. By the time Dong Qinglan came to her senses, she realized she had become a commodity in Dong Shuo’s transaction with power.

Dong Shuo walked to the door with his hands clasped behind him: “What other path? There’s only a dead end. You are a member of the Dong family, and you must do what benefits the Dong family.” With that, he strode out without looking back.

“What benefits the Dong family? I think it only benefits you, Dong Shuo!”

The courtyard, which had been bustling moments ago, was now left with only this one powerless roar.

Everyone who returned to the inn gathered in one room.

Ban Cheng sat in the main seat, glanced at the silent Tantai Jing beside him, cleared his throat twice, and spoke to Lu Xiaoxiao, who was standing in the center: “Tell us, what exactly happened? You were supposedly sleeping in the inn, so how did you end up in Princess Youlan’s bed?”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk.” Wan Qingyi said to Lu Wanbai, “Your Lu family people are quite wild, aren’t they?”

Lu Wanbai replied blankly, “Wild? What do you mean?”

At this moment, Lu Xiaoxiao felt like a heinous sinner waiting to be judged by the crowd. She glared back at Wan Qingyi: “I really don’t know, Elder Ban. I was sleeping in my room and woke up in Princess Youlan’s room, and then she started…”

“Started what?” Wan Qingyi asked curiously.

“Started… taking off my clothes,” Lu Xiaoxiao mumbled.

The disciples all drew out a long “Ooooh~” sound.

“But don’t misunderstand. I guess Dong Qinglan just doesn’t want to get married, so she found me to ruin her reputation,” Lu Xiaoxiao quickly waved her hands and explained.

Tantai Jing said coldly, “Then why did she choose you?”

Lu Xiaoxiao scratched her head sheepishly: “Maybe she thought I was good-looking?”

The disciples and Wan Qingyi all gave a long, drawn-out “Hush” sound of derision.

Wan Qingyi: “Although you’re passable-looking, we have Tantai Jing here. Even if Tantai Jing wasn’t an option, it would be my turn before yours.”

Tantai Jing: “Perhaps it was the Chaoyuan Sword?”

Ban Cheng slapped his hands together in sudden realization: “Qingyi, you got it right this time. If Lu Xiaoxiao didn’t have the Chaoyuan Sword, it might really have been your turn.”

Lu Xiaoxiao: “I get it. Dong Qinglan must not want to get married and simply wants to find someone to ruin her reputation and sabotage the wedding. Moreover, the person she is supposed to marry has a status no less than Yaoxia Palace or the former Xuantian Sword Sect. Wan Qingyi is a good choice, but I was easier to control than her.”

“Is that true?” Wan Qingyi asked skeptically.

Ban Cheng: “I think that’s about right. Didn’t you notice that when Dong Shuo arrived, he didn’t try to scold or punish Lu Xiaoxiao, but instead unleashed his fury on Dong Qinglan? That’s not how a brother should act at all.”

After Ban Cheng finished speaking, everyone recalled the scene and agreed that Dong Shuo’s behavior was indeed strange. Everyone chatted and debated for a while longer, until Ban Cheng, who was extremely tired, urged everyone to go back and rest.

Seeing that everyone had left, Tantai Jing said to Lu Xiaoxiao, “Lu Xiaoxiao, come with me.”

Lu Xiaoxiao thought she was afraid of her being kidnapped again, so she reassured her, “It’s alright. They probably won’t try to capture me again.”

Tantai Jing glanced at her: “Less nonsense. Just follow me.”

“Oh, okay.” Seeing this, Lu Xiaoxiao did not dare to delay. Although she didn’t understand, she dared not disobey.

The two returned to Tantai Jing’s room one after the other. Sensing the low pressure in the room, Lu Xiaoxiao stood awkwardly in front of the table.

“What did you call me here for?”

Tantai Jing took off her Guichen Sword and placed it on the table. She reached out and grabbed Lu Xiaoxiao’s wrist, pressing her against a pillar, and asked, “What exactly did she do to you? And did you do anything to her?”

The two were standing extremely close, so close that Lu Xiaoxiao could feel Tantai Jing’s breath on her face.

Different from Tantai Jing’s usual angry appearance, Lu Xiaoxiao seemed to catch a hint of almost imperceptible hurt. She didn’t understand why Tantai Jing looked so distressed when she was the one who had been kidnapped, but she felt a strange pang in her own heart.

She spoke on impulse: “Don’t be sad. She didn’t do anything to me, and I’m not hurt. I also didn’t do anything to her. I don’t like people like that.”

Lu Xiaoxiao’s words to Tantai Jing were simple, yet they brought her immense peace of mind. Watching Lu Xiaoxiao’s dark eyes seriously explain things to her, she felt that even if everyone else in the world might lie to her, it seemed… it seemed Lu Xiaoxiao wouldn’t.

The grip on Lu Xiaoxiao’s wrist involuntarily tightened. Tantai Jing asked softly, “Then what kind of person do you like?”

Lu Xiaoxiao’s heart inexplicably fluttered. She turned her head away, not daring to look directly at Tantai Jing, and stared at the Guichen Sword on the table as she said, “I think I prefer someone who is self-respecting, pretty, has impressive cultivation, and most importantly, won’t lie to me.”

As Tantai Jing listened, her heart swelled with joy, and she felt an urge to kiss the person she had pinned to the pillar right there. But upon hearing the last sentence, her hand suddenly let go. She thought: I am still hiding too much from her.

Seeing that Tantai Jing finally released her wrist, Lu Xiaoxiao unconsciously rubbed it. With such strength, she would likely have a large bruise tomorrow.

Tantai Jing glanced at the screen and motioned: “Go take a bath first. The smell on you is too strong.”

Lu Xiaoxiao acknowledged this and obediently walked behind the screen.

She didn’t know when the water had been drawn, but she reached out to test the temperature, and it was already icy cold. Feeling that her own spiritual power had recovered, she cast a fire-attributed spell and threw it into the water.

Before long, the water temperature visibly rose rapidly, yet remained gentle, perfectly maintained at the most suitable temperature for bathing.

Lu Xiaoxiao yawned and sniffed her sleeve, not smelling anything strong. Thinking that the person outside was waiting for her, she lightly undressed and stepped into the tub, immediately feeling a warm current envelop her body. Instantly, the fatigue and tension of the day were washed away by the warm water, and her body and mind achieved a level of relaxation she hadn’t felt before.

She had spent half the day playing, then had trouble sleeping at night, was drugged and tormented for an evening, and it was nearly dawn when they returned to the inn. Now, enveloped in unprecedented comfort, she became drowsy and drifted off to sleep again.

Not long after Lu Xiaoxiao went in, Tantai Jing no longer heard the sound of water. She asked worriedly, “Lu Xiaoxiao, are you done washing?” She called out several times, but there was no response.

Tantai Jing stood up, sat back down, and finally picked up a set of inner clothes and walked behind the screen.

The sight before her made her not know whether to laugh or cry.

Inside the bathroom, steam filled the air. And the person was lying peacefully in the large bathtub, eyes closed, breathing steadily—clearly sound asleep. Water droplets slowly slid down her soft face, merging with the warm water in the tub.

She sighed softly and gently placed the inner clothes she was holding on the rack beside the tub. She walked to the tub’s edge, lifted her out of the water with utmost gentleness, carefully dried her off, and then dressed her in the inner clothes she had brought.

With everything tidied up, she looked at Lu Xiaoxiao sleeping on the bed. The scene of wiping Lu Xiaoxiao dry suddenly flashed into Tantai Jing’s mind, making her feel suddenly parched. She picked up a cup of cold tea and drank it in one gulp, trying to banish the seductive thoughts in her heart.

She didn’t understand. She had changed her clothes before when Lu Xiaoxiao was injured and unconscious in the Demon Locking Pagoda, but why did she feel such a strange sensation in her heart this time?

Why had she felt so restless and upset when she saw Lu Xiaoxiao stumble down from Princess Youlan’s bed in disheveled clothes? She even had a momentary urge to break the seal on the Hidden Pearl and use her Guichen Sword to lash them both fiercely.

How could she be so easily moved? After only a few months together, her emotions were swayed by this person. She wanted to take her back to Mount Gouwu, but she didn’t know if this person truly held her in her heart or shared the same feelings.

Outside the window, a strong wind suddenly rose, carrying the chill of early autumn and violently rattling the window frame. Heavy rain followed, pouring down fiercely and urgently. The person on the bed, startled by the sudden storm, instinctively burrowed deeper into the quilt.

Tantai Jing’s heart, like the wind and rain outside the window, was restless and could not be calmed.

The next day, when Lu Xiaoxiao woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.

Just as she had expected before falling asleep the day before, she woke up holding Tantai Jing again. She always felt that ever since she endured the Frost-Bone Tempering Rain in the Demon Locking Pagoda, her body was not as good as before, and she was more sensitive to the cold.

Whenever she slept with Tantai Jing, she would end up hugging her when half-asleep. She attributed this to demons naturally having “hot blood.” Furthermore, Tantai Jing didn’t seem to resist much. Lu Xiaoxiao figured Tantai Jing probably also liked being held, like a kitten or a puppy that enjoys human affection.

The chill from the autumn rain last night penetrated the room. Lu Xiaoxiao tucked the quilt around herself, then tightened her embrace on the person in her arms, hoping to cuddle a little longer before Tantai Jing woke.

However, things did not go as she wished. Just as she nestled back against Tantai Jing, she heard a loud, frantic knocking on the door.

Wan Qingyi: “When are you two getting up? What time is it? It’s already noon! Xie Hu and the others have been here for ages. Aren’t you going to get up and meet them?”

The warmth in her arms suddenly pulled away. Lu Xiaoxiao was almost pushed off the bed by Tantai Jing, but at the critical moment, the person pulled her back. However, when she was pulled back, she accidentally fell on top of Tantai Jing, in a rather improper position.

Lu Xiaoxiao looked down at the person beneath her—her hair was messy, and her collar was slightly open. A feeling like a gentle stream washed over her heart, which began to pound erratically.

Her throat moved, and she stammered, “You… you’re awake? When did you wake up?”

The person beneath her had a flushed face. She turned her head to the side and whispered, “No… I just woke up when I heard the knocking. I went to bed too late last night.”

Lu Xiaoxiao watched the flush on Tantai Jing’s face quickly spread down her neck. The pink-tinged white skin before her looked like a delicious little cake, making her want to take a bite. She couldn’t help but swallow.

After the “Gulp” sound echoed in the room, Tantai Jing’s face grew even redder.

“When… when are you getting off? Wan Qingyi and Lu Wanbai are waiting outside.”

Lu Xiaoxiao suddenly realized the situation. She flipped over and stood up, looking at the inner clothes that didn’t belong to her. She lifted her sleeve, sniffed, and said, “As expected, you smell better. I fell asleep while bathing last night. Thank you for carrying me out.”

Tantai Jing flushed and gave a soft “Mm,” then got up to straighten her wrinkled clothes.

Seeing Tantai Jing was dressed, Lu Xiaoxiao finally went over and opened the door: “You were tormented all night yesterday. Aren’t you tired? Why did you come so early to wake us up?”

Wan Qingyi: “Would you please look at where the sun is? If you sleep any longer, it’ll be dinner time! Elder Ban told you to come down for a meal. The people from the Enforcement Hall are here.”

“The Enforcement Hall people are here? Then let’s hurry down,” Tantai Jing said, walking over after hearing their conversation.

Wan Qingyi stared at Tantai Jing’s face and asked, “Tantai Jing, why is your face so red?” She continued, “Lu Xiaoxiao definitely didn’t sleep well last night and kept you awake. You don’t actually need to guard her. I doubt Princess Youlan would dare to try it a second time, and Elder Ban has already sent disciples to patrol in shifts at night.”

The three walked downstairs together. Lu Xiaoxiao looked up at Tantai Jing, feeling a little worried, hoping she hadn’t caught a cold.

The subject of everyone’s discussion, however, had even redder earlobes, her mind drifting back to the moment on the bed and to Lu Xiaoxiao sniffing her clothes and saying she smelled better.

The entire inn had been reserved by the Yaoxia Palace group. The disciples in the hall were quietly eating, with only Xie Hu, the Deputy Head of the Enforcement Hall, chatting briefly with Ban Cheng.

Seeing the three descend the stairs, Xie Hu, who was talking with Ban Cheng, suddenly sprang to his feet and looked at them. The chair scraped against the floor, making a harsh squeak sound.

The disciples on both sides stopped eating and looked at Xie Hu in confusion.

Xie Hu paused for a moment and said, “I didn’t realize the Young Palace Mistress was also here. Xie Hu pays his respects to the Young Palace Mistress.” Upon hearing this, the disciples also stood up to bow to Wan Qingyi, though they looked at Xie Hu with displeasure, annoyed at his show of formality.

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Don’t worry about me. Everyone, please enjoy your meal.” Wan Qingyi waved her hand, pulled Tantai Jing, and found seats at Ban Cheng’s table.

Lu Xiaoxiao felt a little contempt for this person in her heart. Wan Qingyi was mischievous but never put on the airs of a Young Palace Mistress. This Xie Hu was too exaggerated. Moreover, she noticed that although Xie Hu’s words were directed at Wan Qingyi, she had seen his eyes sweep over Tantai Jing when they came down before he abruptly stood up.

Ban Cheng: “Xie Hu is respectful, has excellent cultivation and character, and is efficient in his work. If all of you were like him, I wouldn’t have to worry so much.”

“I think Lu Wanbai is also good, and Tantai Jing’s cultivation is no worse than Xie Hu’s,” Wan Qingyi retorted.

Xie Hu gave an awkward laugh: “Yes, yes. Junior Sister Lu and Junior Sister Tantai also have impressive cultivation, and they are even better than I am.”

Only after he said this did Wan Qingyi look satisfied and start taking food.

Suddenly, a burst of hurried hoofbeats came from outside. The sound grew from distant to near, seeming exceptionally loud on the quiet street. Immediately after, accompanied by the horses’ slight panting and the clatter of metal fittings, several guards in splendid armor lightly jumped off their horses. Dong Qinglan was among them. She tugged at the reins, dismounted gracefully, and walked calmly into the inn.

The Yaoxia Palace group quickly rose to their feet, looking at the unwelcome guest.

Ban Cheng raised both hands and pressed them down, signaling for everyone to sit.

“May I ask what instructions Princess Youlan has for her visit this time?” he asked, his gaze sharp as he stared at Dong Qinglan.

Dong Qinglan looked around. When her eyes swept over Lu Xiaoxiao, she offered a smile, before finally settling her gaze on Ban Cheng.

“What happened yesterday was my rudeness. Qinglan sincerely invites all of you to visit the City Lord’s Mansion tonight to attend a grand banquet. I hope to use this opportunity to express my apologies to everyone.”

Ban Cheng frowned: “Thank you for your kindness, Princess Youlan, but the people of my Yaoxia Palace are crude and not fit for such elegant occasions. We appreciate your kind thought, but we will not attend the dinner.”

“Yes, we shouldn’t go. Who knows, it might be another banquet of the Hongmen type,” Lu Xiaoxiao said sarcastically, picking up a chicken drumstick and placing it on Tantai Jing’s plate.

Dong Qinglan was not annoyed by Ban Cheng’s refusal and still spoke gently: “My brother said I must invite everyone to the banquet, or he will disown me and forbid me from ever returning to the City Lord’s Mansion.”

“Lu Xiaoxiao, a single day as husband and wife creates a hundred days of grace. How can you be so heartless towards Qinglan?” Dong Qinglan said, walking over to the seat opposite Lu Xiaoxiao, wiping away two non-existent tears with her sleeve.

Before Lu Xiaoxiao could speak, Tantai Jing couldn’t sit still any longer. Her face turned ashen as she said, “Princess Youlan, you can eat carelessly, but you cannot speak carelessly. Didn’t everyone know what happened yesterday?”

“Only Lu Xiaoxiao, who was in bed with me yesterday, knows what truly happened. Isn’t that right, Xiaoxiao?” Dong Qinglan picked up her chopsticks, put a piece of green vegetable into Lu Xiaoxiao’s bowl.

Tantai Jing picked up the vegetable and threw it onto the table: “Xiaoxiao has never liked eating vegetables.”

Hearing this, the expressions of everyone at the dining table were quite a sight to behold.

Lu Xiaoxiao naturally didn’t dare to speak much, fearing she would say too much and make a mistake, letting Tantai Jing speak for her. Wan Qingyi and Lu Wanbai looked like they were enjoying the spectacle. The disciples ate quietly, but their ears were practically pricked up. If anyone made too much noise and disturbed their eavesdropping, they would receive glares from several people.

Ban Cheng coughed: “Those who are finished, hurry up and go back to cultivate.” Only then did the crowd quickly shovel down a couple of mouthfuls and disperse. As they left, Zhang San and Li Si still gave Lu Xiaoxiao a thumbs-up.

Lu Xiaoxiao could only manage a wry smile, thinking inwardly: This woman is not someone to be trifled with.

While she was lost in thought, she suddenly heard Tantai Jing’s gentle voice: “Are you not full yet?”

Lu Xiaoxiao had never heard such a gentle voice from Tantai Jing since they met, and she immediately understood the hidden meaning. It was as if she heard Tantai Jing saying: Since the food is so good, why don’t you keep eating until the Gold-Worm Gu turns you into a pool of bloody water?

Although she hadn’t eaten more than a few bites, she immediately stood up and said, “I’m full, I’m full. Let’s go back and rest.”

As Lu Xiaoxiao followed Tantai Jing upstairs, she looked back and saw that Ban Cheng was still chatting with Princess Youlan.