Queen of Ten Thousand Demons Insists on Marrying Me - Chapter 42

The following day.

Lu Xiaoxiao and Tantai Jing were seated on the couch, fully focused on the Go board between them. The black and white pieces were scattered across the board, like two armies facing off, with every move concealing a deeper strategy.

Lu Xiaoxiao looked serious. After contemplating for a moment, she placed a white stone. She looked up and met the mischievous smile on Tantai Jing’s face opposite her. Tantai Jing calmly picked up a black stone with two fair fingers and placed it down without hesitation.

“You lose again, Lu Xiaoxiao.”

Lu Xiaoxiao looked at the five black stones lined up, her face darkening.

How could Tantai Jing be so good even at Gomoku? She had lost seven or eight times this morning and only won once.

Suddenly, the sound of horses’ hooves echoed from downstairs, mixed with the crisp clang of iron armor colliding.

“I’m not playing anymore, not playing anymore. We have business now. I’ll play something more interesting with you later, and we can invite Lu Wanbai and Wan Qingyi to join.” Lu Xiaoxiao said, pulling Tantai Jing to the window to look out.

A solemn column of tall soldiers, riding Purple Cloud Wolves, slowly approached. In the middle of them was an extremely luxurious carriage. The carriage body was covered with iridescent silk, and the exquisite canopy was inlaid with dazzling gemstones. The jewels swayed gently as the carriage moved, sparkling brilliantly in the sun.

When the carriage came to a stop, Dong Qinglan, dressed in a shimmering purple opulent robe, gracefully stepped down. She was followed by several maids. The group quickly disappeared inside the inn.

“They’re here to deliver the invitation, aren’t they? That woman actually has the nerve to show up. Impressive, impressive!” Lu Xiaoxiao returned to the couch and sat down, complaining to Tantai Jing.

Ban Cheng, who already knew the visitor was Dong Qinglan, was waiting in the lobby.

In truth, Ban Cheng didn’t want to accept the invitation at all. After all, Lu Xiaoxiao’s whereabouts were unknown, and being constantly hounded by Wan Qingyi was painful enough. He had no idea how the Palace Lord would scold him when he returned.

Seeing Dong Qinglan enter, Ban Cheng reluctantly stood up and bowed respectfully: “May I ask why the City Lord Youlan has graced us with her presence.”

Dong Qinglan, now the City Lord, was still as polite as before, performing the courtesy of a junior meeting a senior: “In six days, it will be my humble wedding. I ask Elder Ban to honor us with your presence.”

Although he had already anticipated this, Ban Cheng was torn. Their original goal was this very wedding, but given the current situation, should they go or not?

“This… uh… Lu Xiaoxiao’s matter… isn’t very suitable, is it?”

Hearing this, Dong Qinglan smiled instead: “What Lu Xiaoxiao did was her own business. I believe it is certainly unrelated to the Yaoxia Palace. My Dongchang City has always maintained good relations with the Yaoxia Palace, so how could the Yaoxia Palace harm my brother?”

Oh no.

Ban Cheng secretly thought things were going badly. This young woman had cornered him. If they didn’t attend the wedding, it would confirm that Lu Xiaoxiao and the Yaoxia Palace were aligned, and Lu Xiaoxiao’s actions would inevitably be linked to the Yaoxia Palace. But if they went, what if another accident occurred?

While he was still hesitating, he heard Wan Xuan’er enter through the inn door, saying, “Qinglan is right. For the City Lord’s wedding, how could my Yaoxia Palace not offer its congratulations?”

After receiving Ban Cheng’s letter last night, Wan Xuan’er had rushed here at top speed, terrified of missing a single moment.

Her expression was calm at the moment, concealing her emotions. However, Ban Cheng, familiar with Wan Xuan’er’s temper, knew she was already furious.

Ban Cheng quickly stepped forward to greet Wan Xuan’er, then quietly withdrew to the side.

Dong Qinglan showed even more joy upon seeing Wan Xuan’er. She quickly extended both hands to welcome her: “To have the honor of inviting Palace Lord Wan to attend Qinglan’s wedding is undoubtedly a great honor for our City Lord’s Mansion.”

Having said this, Dong Qinglan seemed to suddenly think of something and spoke with a hesitant expression: “However, regarding Lu Xiaoxiao’s disappearance, Qinglan would like to request that Palace Lord Wan move to a private place. Please allow me to explain the whole story to Palace Lord Wan in detail, so there is no misunderstanding between Dongchang City and the Yaoxia Palace.”

Wan Xuan’er sharply turned to look at her and demanded: “What? Wasn’t Lu Xiaoxiao locked up by you, awaiting my disposal? How is she missing now?”

Dong Qinglan flinched at the sound of her voice.

She hadn’t expected Lu Xiaoxiao to be so important to Wan Xuan’er. If she had known, she would never have let anyone start that fire.

Thinking of this, her gaze involuntarily darted toward Ban Cheng.

Ban Cheng wiped away non-existent sweat from his forehead and replied: “Miss Wan, the side room where Lu Xiaoxiao was confined mysteriously caught fire. Afterward, someone saw her escape. I have already sent people to search for her.”

Dong Qinglan followed up: “I am also sending people to search the entire city. However, my subordinates reported that more than just Lu Xiaoxiao escaped. It seems there was another Yaoxia Palace female disciple with her. They should be fine; they are likely just in hiding for the time being.”

“That’s right, that’s right. Tantai Jing is also missing. The two of them have always been close, so they must be hiding together,” Ban Cheng echoed.

Wan Xuan’er’s brow remained tightly furrowed. She simply said, “Elder Ban, please find a room to receive City Lord Youlan.”

The three entered a guest room. Wan Xuan’er, sitting in the main seat, said expressionlessly: “I wonder what confidential matter City Lord Youlan wishes to discuss with me. Are you perhaps trying to find fault with me, Wan Xuan’er? I don’t believe that Lu Xiaoxiao alone could have killed your Dongchang City’s former City Lord within your massive mansion.”

Dong Qinglan remained composed: “That is not the case. Upon reflection, there are indeed peculiarities in the Lu Xiaoxiao incident, but since public opinion matters, a formal explanation must be given. Moreover, Lu Xiaoxiao certainly bore the greatest suspicion at the time.”

Wan Xuan’er sat in the main seat, commanding authority without anger. She merely stared fixedly at Dong Qinglan without speaking.

Dong Qinglan continued: “Actually, the urgent matter I came for was to discuss things with Elder Ban Cheng. Since Palace Lord Wan is also here, I will tell you both at once.”

Ban Cheng tried to smooth things over: “Haha, City Lord Wan, please speak freely. What is this urgent matter?”

“Actually… the person who is marrying me… is Yan Gengshen!”

“He covets my City Lord’s Mansion’s spiritual treasures and stones, forcing this marriage in an attempt to seize control of the City Lord’s Mansion. Qinglan has just taken over Dongchang City, our power is weak, and many old officials are defiant. I truly do not have the strength to contend with him. I hope Palace Lord Wan can remember the affection between our ancestors and help me through this crisis.”

With that, Dong Qinglan took a step forward, knelt on both legs, bowed low, and pressed her forehead to the back of her hands.

Wan Xuan’er looked at the trembling Dong Qinglan on the ground. Though shocked by Dong Qinglan’s words, her tone remained calm: “Has Dongchang City truly fallen to such a state? Our ancestors guarded the Demonic Beast Mountain Range and resisted the Demon Race, and now you allow Yan Gengshen to bully you?”

Dong Qinglan propped up her upper body, her face pale, her eyes filled with shame and self-reproach: “It is all because of my incompetence. I have not inherited even one-tenth of my ancestors’ bravery. I have failed my predecessors!”

“As far as I know, Yan Gengshen wouldn’t be so superficial. I’m afraid he is not coveting your Dongchang City’s spiritual treasures and stones.”

Saying this, Wan Xuan’er carefully examined the person kneeling on the ground.

“Is the key to your Dongchang City’s teleportation array in your hands?”

The most valuable asset of Dongchang City was the large teleportation array in the outer city. If the key fell into the hands of the Demon Race, the Human Race would be like sheep entering a tiger’s den. If a great war between the Demon and Human Races were to break out, the Demon Race could reach various human territories within half a day.

Wan Xuan’er’s greatest concern was that the Dongchang City teleportation array must not fall.

“Yes. Qinglan deeply understands the importance of the teleportation array key. Aside from Elder Lin of my clan and myself, who each hold two keys, no one else can use it even if they obtain it; it must be opened with my clan’s secret technique. And Elder Lin has long been placed under a prohibition by the Dong family, ensuring he will never pass the array opening secret to a second person in this lifetime,” Dong Qinglan answered truthfully.

Wan Xuan’er finally felt relieved. She nodded and said, “Then Dong Shuo was likely not killed by Lu Xiaoxiao. It must be related to Yan Gengshen, mustn’t it?”

Dong Qinglan was an intelligent person and naturally understood the implication of Wan Xuan’er’s words. She bowed and replied: “Palace Lord Wan speaks wisely. I am afraid both Lu Xiaoxiao and I have fallen for Yan Gengshen’s plan to sow discord.”

“Elder Ban, how many disciples does my Yaoxia Palace have here? Can my disciples set up the Shifang Zhuxie Array (Ten Directions Demon Execution Array) on the day of my niece Qinglan’s wedding, and then you and I can jointly destroy Yan Gengshen in Dongchang City?” Wan Xuan’er turned her head to ask Ban Cheng.

Ban Cheng pondered for a moment: “There are twenty disciples who came this time. Excluding Lu Xiaoxiao and Lu Wanbai, the remaining eighteen are just enough to set up the array, but Tantai Jing is currently missing, leaving one person short. The Demon Race is very cunning, and their escape techniques are unpredictable, but with both of us here, there is no need to worry. We have a seventy percent chance of eliminating Yan Gengshen.”

“Good! Then in six days, my Yaoxia Palace will slay another Mahayana stage snake demon. Niece Qinglan, rest assured. Slaying demons and vanquishing evil is the primary duty of my Yaoxia Palace. Even if you didn’t ask, I would not allow that demon scum to cause trouble in Dongchang City. You will just need to make a small sacrifice on your wedding day to lure that beast into the array.”

Wan Xuan’er finally displayed her usual gentle smile.

Hearing this, Dong Qinglan finally relaxed. After paying her respects to Wan Xuan’er, she led her group back to the City Lord’s Mansion in a grand manner. Outsiders who saw this truly believed she had only come to deliver invitations, unaware that she was colluding with the Yaoxia Palace to set a trap for Yan Gengshen.

Inside the inn, Lu Xiaoxiao watched Dong Qinglan’s party leave, took a long look at the opposite side, then closed the window and returned to Tantai Jing’s side.

“Dong Qinglan is gone. Aunt Wan has arrived in Dongchang City. Do you think I should go see her?”

Tantai Jing’s long eyelashes covered half her eyes: “Do you like Wan Xuan’er very much?”

“Of course! Aunt Wan is beautiful and kind, and she’s been generous to Senior Sister and me. Why wouldn’t I like her?”

Lu Xiaoxiao only then realized. Fu Zhao was captured and imprisoned in the Demon Locking Tower by Wan Xuan’er. For Tantai Jing, Wan Xuan’er was her greatest enemy.

Thinking this, she looked at Tantai Jing cautiously and added: “Actually, it’s not necessary. Anyway, on the day of Dong Qinglan and Yan Gengshen’s wedding, we can expose her for colluding with the Demon Race to kill her brother, throwing some dirt on her. Then we’ll get to see Aunt Wan.”

Tantai Jing didn’t take that bait. She just lowered her head and quietly asked: “But I don’t like her. If… I mean if, the day comes when she and I must fight to the death, whose side will you choose?”

Tantai Jing looked up, watching Lu Xiaoxiao with glittering eyes.

Lu Xiaoxiao was hit by this sudden question.

Wan Xuan’er was a very important benefactor to her, but Tantai Jing… A hint of bitterness arose in Lu Xiaoxiao’s heart, and at the moment, she only felt immense sympathy for the woman in front of her.

She reached out and tightly grasped Tantai Jing’s hand: “If that day truly comes, I… I won’t let her hurt you. Don’t be sad.”

In Lu Xiaoxiao’s view, no matter how powerful Tantai Jing was, she might not be able to defeat Wan Xuan’er. Between the two, she would definitely protect the weaker party. If that day ever came, she would kneel and beg, holding tightly onto Aunt Wan’s leg, and find a way to let Tantai Jing escape. Wan Xuan’er had always cherished her and likely wouldn’t harm her afterward.

Hearing Lu Xiaoxiao choose her between the two of them, a flower blossomed in Tantai Jing’s heart, and her smile spread openly to her eyes: “Really?”

Lu Xiaoxiao also smiled brightly: “Of course it’s real. But it’s best if you two don’t fight. With your cultivation levels, I might not even be able to help and could get caught in your sword qi and whip lashes and die instantly.”

Tantai Jing scolded her gently: “Don’t talk nonsense. That’s bad luck. I will absolutely never hurt you again.”

“Haha, looks like my role as little follower has now been upgraded to your Demon King’s trusted subordinate.”

“Of course, you were upgraded long ago.”

However, not as a trusted subordinate…

“I want to visit the City Lord’s Mansion tonight. I’m still uneasy about Dong Qinglan. I want to personally find out who killed Dong Shuo and why Yan Gengshen is marrying her.”

“Good! I, Lu Xiaoxiao, will go with you!”

Late at night, at the Zishí hour (11 PM – 1 AM), two figures moved across the rooftops of the City Lord’s Mansion. They deftly avoided the patrolling guards, sneaking toward Dong Qinglan’s residence.

Suddenly, Lu Xiaoxiao patted Tantai Jing and pointed to the alley, signaling that someone was coming.

Two maids carrying a bucket walked past. Just as Lu Xiaoxiao was about to go and subdue them to ask for Dong Qinglan’s location, she heard one of the maids complain to the other: “We need to hurry up, Chunlan. Can you please stop being so careless next time? The City Lord loves soaking in the warm room pool with rose petals, and you even forgot that.”

The maid named Chunlan replied with a trembling voice: “I know, Sister Xiazhu. I promise I won’t dare to do it again. The City Lord won’t kill us both in a fit of rage and throw us out, will she?”

Xiazhu replied confidently: “Princess Youlan—no, City Lord Youlan—is different from the former City Lord. She must be soft-hearted and won’t make things difficult for us little maids.”

Lu Xiaoxiao curled her lip in disagreement with this assessment.

In her eyes, that Dong Qinglan was simply sinister, malicious, and wicked. She had framed her repeatedly in just a few days and even tried to kill her.

The two followed the maids silently until they reached the entrance of a bathhouse. Lu Xiaoxiao went ahead, knocked out the two maids, carefully placed them by the door, and then she and Tantai Jing carried the wooden bucket into the bathhouse.

Unexpectedly, as soon as they entered, a delicate shout came from inside: “Who allowed you to enter? Get out!”

Dong Qinglan must have already started her bath since the maids were late. She disliked having servants around while bathing, which was why she was losing her temper at the two people who had just entered.

But Lu Xiaoxiao was not Dong Qinglan’s maid and had long been fed up with this wicked woman. She immediately drew the Chaoyuan Sword, dropped the bucket in her hand, and pushed aside the curtain to enter the bathing area.

Inside the bathhouse, water vapor was misty and hazy, and the light was soft and warm. Huge luminous stones were placed on both sides, emitting a pale green glow that illuminated the entire space. Exquisite murals depicting a fairy-tale landscape hung on the surrounding walls. The central bathing pool was built with white marble, and the water was crystal clear, emitting a faint blue light.

And there were actually two women in the pool, cuddling and entwined.

Upon seeing the two intruders, one woman immediately hid in Dong Qinglan’s embrace like a little white rabbit. Since no rose petals had been sprinkled, the pool water was clear, and the two women’s shapely figures were faintly visible beneath their sheer robes.

This was a scene Lu Xiaoxiao would never have imagined. Just as she stood rooted to the spot, stunned and unsure what to do, she was suddenly pushed out by Tantai Jing’s palm hitting her face.

Lu Xiaoxiao stood behind the curtain, her face burning, listening as Tantai Jing inside threatened Dong Qinglan and the other woman to get dressed and come ashore. Even when Tantai Jing called her to re-enter, she remained in the posture she’d been pushed out in.

She had originally wanted to seize the chance to thoroughly deal with Dong Qinglan while Tantai Jing was present. Now, she was speechless.

When she walked back in, the two who had been frolicking like mandarin ducks were now sitting neatly dressed on a couch by the pool.

Dong Qinglan was calmly drying the wet hair of the “little white rabbit” lady, completely devoid of any feeling of being held captive.

Seeing Lu Xiaoxiao enter, Tantai Jing gave her a displeased look, then held the Guichen whip and questioned Dong Qinglan: “What did Yan Gengshen want from you?”

Dong Qinglan stopped what she was doing and looked at Tantai Jing strangely: “How do you know about Yan Gengshen?”

Lu Xiaoxiao knew this person wouldn’t cooperate honestly: “I advise you to confess and receive leniency, resist and face severe punishment. If you cooperate well, neither of us will make things difficult for you. If you resist, beware that she might flay you alive.”

Dong Qinglan wouldn’t believe her words. Her previous reluctance to fight was only because she feared startling Zhou Qian’er.

Dong Qinglan spoke languidly: “Lu Xiaoxiao, you have a lot of guts. Killing my brother and still daring to intrude on my bathhouse! Today, I will make you pay.” Her expression immediately changed, her eyes blazing with anger, and she clenched her fists and struck at Lu Xiaoxiao.

But Tantai Jing was a step faster. She waved her hand, and the Guichen whip wrapped around Zhou Qian’er and pulled her over.

Tantai Jing pinched her fingers on Zhou Qian’er’s neck and said coldly: “Be quiet. Sit back down.”

Even though Dong Qinglan had anticipated a move, she hadn’t expected Tantai Jing’s speed to be so quick. She immediately begged nervously: “Don’t touch Qian’er! I’ll agree to whatever you want.”

If Lu Xiaoxiao had been stunned before, her jaw was about to drop now.

She took two steps forward, looking at the woman being held captive by Tantai Jing. Zhou Qian’er’s eyes were filled with tears, looking deeply frightened, but she stubbornly refused to beg for mercy.

She pointed at Zhou Qian’er and asked Dong Qinglan: “What is her name? What is your relationship?”

Dong Qinglan looked impatient: “You idiot, is that the only question you can ask?”

Lu Xiaoxiao, scolded like that, and combined with the scene she’d just witnessed, seemed to understand and closed her mouth.

Tantai Jing, however, was not as good-tempered. She tightened her grip. Zhou Qian’er cried out in pain, but still bit her lip stubbornly.

“Don’t hurt her! Her name is Zhou Qian’er… We are in love, and she… is the person I care about most.”

Seeing Zhou Qian’er’s painful expression, Dong Qinglan reached out to stop Tantai Jing, but fearing she would hurt Zhou Qian’er, she quickly retreated and spoke.

Tantai Jing: “How exactly did your brother die?”

Dong Qinglan: “It was Yan Gengshen…”

Tantai Jing remained silent, her fingers tightened, adding more force to her grip. Zhou Qian’er’s face was completely drained of color, and hoarse sounds escaped her throat.

Dong Qinglan frowned deeply, her eyes panicked. Seeing Zhou Qian’er’s previously frantic struggling legs gradually lose strength, she couldn’t delay any longer. She glared at Tantai Jing and shouted: “I killed him!”

“Heh, at least you’re honest.”

Tantai Jing loosened her grip. Zhou Qian’er finally had a chance to breathe. Tantai Jing wrapped Zhou Qian’er in the Guichen whip, trapping her at her feet, then looked up coldly at Dong Qinglan on the floor and said: “Speak.”

Though Dong Qinglan was mortified, she had no choice but to start recounting the whole story…

Zhou Qian’er was a maid who grew up with Dong Qinglan since childhood.

On the day Dong Qinglan kidnapped Lu Xiaoxiao, Zhou Qian’er was among the crowd that stormed the room with Dong Shuo. The woman who angrily stormed out of Dong Shuo’s side was her.

Dong Qinglan knew that Zhou Qian’er had witnessed everything that day. After Dong Shuo left, she immediately rushed out to Zhou Qian’er’s room, intending to explain everything to her.

However, as she reached Zhou Qian’er’s room, she heard the sound of breaking porcelain mixed with Zhou Qian’er’s screams.

Panic-stricken, Dong Qinglan kicked open the door and rushed in. She saw a man pinning Zhou Qian’er to the floor, violently strangling her neck.

In a fit of rage, Dong Qinglan drew the dagger she carried and stabbed the man’s back without hesitation.

The man lunged forward, pushing Dong Qinglan to the ground with his arm. Only then did she realize that the person was her own brother.

Dong Shuo stood in front of Dong Qinglan, his towering figure blocking the candlelight behind him. His face flickered between bright and dark in the dim light.

“Dong Qinglan, are you insane? Do you even know what you’re doing?!” Dong Shuo roared at Dong Qinglan.

Dong Qinglan braced her wrist on the floor. Dong Shuo’s authoritative figure reflected in her eyes. She felt suffocated by the shadow before her: “Dong Shuo, you’re the one who’s insane! What exactly are you doing?!”

“Impudence! Is that how you speak to your brother? I see you are completely bewitched by this demoness. If she doesn’t die, how can you marry Yan Gengshen peacefully, and how can my Dong family rise again? How am I supposed to face our ancestors?”

As soon as the words left his mouth, a fiery slap landed on Dong Qinglan’s face. Dong Shuo was still unsatisfied. He suddenly picked up a teacup and threw it at Dong Qinglan.

The teacup hit Dong Qinglan’s head directly.

Crimson blood dripped from Dong Qinglan’s pale cheek, splashing a horrifying flower shape onto the floor.

Zhou Qian’er only just recovered from her near suffocation. Seeing the crimson blood on Dong Qinglan’s head, she didn’t even have time to stand up. She scrambled on all fours to Dong Qinglan’s side, sobbing as she trembled and reached out to wipe the blood away for her.

“Are you alright, Qinglan? Does it hurt?”

Dong Qinglan stared blankly into the air and said listlessly: “Can’t you just give him the teleportation array? Why must I marry him? Do you truly think relying on a marriage alliance can maintain the relationship with Yan Gengshen? Aren’t you too naive?”

Dong Shuo remained silent, simply grabbing Zhou Qian’er’s hair and dragging her step by step toward a pillar, completely ignoring her painful pleas for mercy.

“Heh, even if it’s useless, so what? Do you think I genuinely want a marriage alliance? I just want to send you there as a spy for me.”

Zhou Qian’er’s face was covered in tears. She used all her strength to let out a painful, despairing cry for mercy. The sound echoed for a long time in the empty hall, sounding particularly mournful.

Dong Qinglan could not believe those words came from her own brother’s mouth. It wasn’t until she heard a muffled “thud” that her scattered consciousness was pulled back.

She looked up. Her own brother was pulling the hair of the woman she loved most, violently smashing her head into the pillar.

She staggered to her feet and picked up the dropped dagger.

The blood slowly running down the pillar stained Dong Shuo’s eyes red. Zhou Qian’er’s weakening cries instead struck harder at Dong Qinglan’s heart.

Dong Qinglan’s eyes instantly turned vicious. She quickly rushed behind Dong Shuo, raised the dagger high, and used all her strength to plunge it fiercely into the existing wound, until the entire hilt disappeared into the flesh before her.

The dagger plunged straight into Dong Shuo’s heart. The strength left his body, his fingers loosened, and Zhou Qian’er collapsed numbly to the ground.

Dong Shuo slowly turned around, raising a trembling finger to point at Dong Qinglan.

He seemed to want to say something, but blood continuously flowed from his mouth until his body went limp and fell to the ground, lifeless.

Dong Qinglan knew that what was done could not be undone. She forced herself to remain calm and summoned her personal guard.

“Drag his body away, change him into clean clothes, and preserve him in the Yǔlíng Ice Coffin (Imperial Spirit Ice Coffin).”

The Yǔlíng Ice Coffin was made by a deeply devoted ancestor of the Dong family to preserve the body of his deceased Dao companion. Later, that ancestor died and was buried with his Dao companion, and the Yǔlíng Ice Coffin was passed down.

The personal guard had followed Dong Qinglan since childhood and was loyal only to her. He quickly dragged Dong Shuo’s body away. The scene was restored to its original state, as if nothing had happened.

Watching the last guard walk out, Dong Qinglan forced herself to walk over to Zhou Qian’er.

Seeing the bloody hole on the head of the woman beside her, she felt her strength drain away and collapsed to the ground.

Zhou Qian’er hugged her beloved, crying inconsolably.

Dong Qinglan leaned against her embrace, like a living corpse, her eyes unfocused. After a long while, she spoke one sentence—

“I killed my only relative…”