Queen of Ten Thousand Demons Insists on Marrying Me - Chapter 5

The days spent traveling are always relatively uneventful. Over the past few days, Lu Xiaoxiao took the time to tell Lu Wanbai the news of her spiritual power recovery, which made Lu Wanbai so happy she nearly cried. Although she shares the same name as the original owner and knows this is a game world, the feeling of receiving genuine kindness from others while using the original owner’s body still makes her feel slightly uncomfortable.

To avoid becoming a burden to Lu Wanbai in the future, Lu Xiaoxiao started practicing the $Purple Qi Coming From the East Art$ day and night. It’s not a high-level cultivation method; it merely allows her to circulate the Jingluo (meridians) and restore her spiritual power, but it is exactly what she needs most right now. Along the way, she also found opportunities to secretly use her sword a few times. Perhaps due to muscle memory, the moment the sword was brandished, the moves naturally flowed out. This discovery both surprised and thrilled her, making her practice even harder.

Lu Xiaoxiao Life Value: 100

Attack Power: 70

Defense Power: 60

She also checked her stats. Although not comparable to those two individuals, they are much stronger than her previous self. Based on her understanding, each stage has its own attributes, and the current attribute interface she sees is blue, which should correspond to the Foundation Establishment stage.

Four days later, the carriage finally arrived at the foot of the Yao Xia Palace mountain.

Yao Xia Palace occupies the summit of a mountain. The entire mountaintop looks as if it has been leveled by a sword, and the peak is shrouded in clouds and mist, resembling a fairy realm. Lu Xiaoxiao wanders through it, feeling as if she is truly in paradise.

As soon as they reached the peak, a disciple named Shen Xiaonan led Lu Wanbai and Lu Xiaoxiao through a maze of turns into a magnificent side hall.

Shen Xiaonan poured two cups of tea and said, “Fellow Daoists, please wait a moment. The Palace Mistress will arrive shortly.”

Just as she finished speaking, a set of footsteps approached from far away and stopped at the door. Leading the way was a woman dressed in luxurious clothes with a dignified and majestic appearance. She had a plum blossom-shaped hua dian (forehead decoration) between her eyebrows and looked to be about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old.

Lu Xiaoxiao followed Lu Wanbai’s example, rising to bow: “Lu Wanbai pays respects to Palace Mistress Wan.”

“Lu Xiaoxiao pays respects to Palace Mistress Wan.”

Wan Xuan’er supported Lu Xiaoxiao’s arm and said with a sorrowful expression, “There’s no need to be formal. Your mother and I were old acquaintances. By seniority, you should even call me Godmother. Half a month ago, when I suddenly heard the news that the Xuan Tian Sword Sect was besieged by the Demon Clan, I immediately led the Yao Xia Palace to provide support, but alas…”

Lu Xiaoxiao truly hadn’t expected Wan Xuan’er to look so young. According to Lu Wanbai, she should be over five hundred years old. Even more unexpected was that the Palace Mistress of Yao Xia Palace had a connection with Lu Xiaoxiao’s mother. It seemed this trip to Yao Xia Palace was the right decision.

Wan Xuan’er pulled Lu Xiaoxiao to sit beside her and carefully sized Lu Xiaoxiao up.

“You truly are Lu Mingyu’s daughter. You look exactly like she did when she was young.”

Lu Xiaoxiao then learned that the original owner’s mother was named Lu Mingyu. She raised a hand to cover her face, feigning a look of sadness, and asked, “Auntie Wan, do you know why the Demon Clan attacked the Xuan Tian Sword Sect? I was still training in the Demon Beast Mountain Range at the time. As soon as I emerged from the mountain, I heard that the Xuan Tian Sword Sect was gone, and even my mother is missing.”

Wan Xuan’er’s eyes became sharp: “The Demon Clan is tainted with the nether-world energy and harbors sinister intentions. They are truly intolerable to heaven and earth, and everyone has the right to kill them. This time, the Demon Clan mobilized their entire force, coming and leaving quickly. I suspect they have other motives.”

Lu Wanbai suddenly realized, “Sect Master Wan, could the Demon Clan be after the Chao Yuan Sword?”

Wan Xuan’er replied, “Exactly. The Chao Yuan Sword is an ancient divine sword. It ranks alongside our Yao Xia Palace’s Demon-Locking Pagoda as the two great divine artifacts of the present age. It contains a Sword Spirit and can drive away ghosts, slay Demon Qi, and break Demon Magic. It cannot be touched by anyone other than our Human Clan. If a member of the Demon or Monster Clan foolishly attempts to wield it, the mildest consequence is skin ulceration from burning like a fierce fire, and the severe consequence is the dissipation of the soul. The Demon Clan and Monster Clan have been constrained by it for a long time and have long wished to seal or destroy it.”

Lu Wanbai murmured in a low voice, “No wonder Master had Junior Sister take the Chao Yuan Sword.”

Wan Xuan’er noticed the strange look in her expression and asked, “Did you think of something?”

Lu Wanbai said, “Actually, the Chao Yuan Sword was always sealed in the restricted area. Only two days before the Demon Clan attacked the Xuan Tian Sword Sect, Master encountered an issue with her cultivation, and her physical condition was no longer what it used to be. That’s why she secretly gave the Chao Yuan Sword to Junior Sister Xiaoxiao. Perhaps Master had already sensed the Demon Clan’s intentions, but she didn’t expect them to arrive so quickly. And the Demon Clan certainly didn’t expect Junior Sister Xiaoxiao to steal away down the mountain for training after getting the Chao Yuan Sword, and then even lose it.”

Wan Xuan’er was exasperated: “Lu Mingyu, you were foolish! If you had sent word to me earlier, how could it have come to this? Now you are missing, and the Chao Yuan Sword is gone. What are we to do?”

Just then, a girl in an lotus-root pink gauze dress suddenly entered the doorway. Her apricot eyes were charmingly beautiful. She said to Wan Xuan’er, “Mother, Qiu Ye said you had something to call me for?”

“Qingyi, come here. This is your Auntie Lu’s daughter, Lu Xiaoxiao, and her disciple, Lu Wanbai. They will be staying at Yao Xia Palace from now on, so you must look after them. Your Sister Xiaoxiao is nineteen this year, one year older than you. Learn more from her.”

Wan Qingyi hugged Wan Xuan’er’s arm, shaking it and whining, “What does being one year older matter? Maybe her cultivation isn’t even as good as mine! Why shouldn’t she learn from me? I have very impressive skills too!”

Wan Xuan’er frowned: “Stop being absurd! Don’t let your Sister Xiaoxiao or Sister Wanbai mock you.”

Just then, a flustered disciple suddenly entered from the outside and whispered something into Wan Xuan’er’s ear. Wan Xuan’er immediately gave instructions to the few people present, ordered Wan Qingyi to take good care of Lu Xiaoxiao and her Senior Sister, and then departed.

The moment Wan Xuan’er stepped out the door, Wan Qingyi dropped her facade. She playfully skipped a few steps to Lu Xiaoxiao’s front: “You’re one year older than me, and Mother told me to call you Sister Xiaoxiao, but if your cultivation isn’t as good as mine, then you’ll have to call me Boss.”

Lu Xiaoxiao looked devastated: “Fine, fine, fine.” She thought to herself: I dare you to say that to Lu Wanbai! Why do both of them treat me like a soft persimmon to squeeze?

Wan Qingyi turned and was about to head out the door: “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go, Lu Xiaoxiao.”

Lu Xiaoxiao stopped her: “Wait a moment. We traveled for several days to get to Yao Xia Palace. I’m not in good shape right now, so even if you win, it would be an unfair victory. As the esteemed Eldest Miss of Yao Xia Palace, you wouldn’t take advantage of someone, would you?”

Wan Qingyi frowned and said, “Lu Xiaoxiao, who said I was going to take advantage of you? Then I’ll arrange a room for you first. We’ll have the match after you’ve had enough rest.”

Lu Xiaoxiao said, “The Eldest Miss is indeed different from what the outside world says. You truly possess the Palace Mistress’s demeanor. In that case, you still need to call me Sister Xiaoxiao right now.”

Wan Qingyi asked curiously, “What exactly does the outside world say about me?” Wan Xuan’er was usually very strict with her rules and never allowed her to leave the palace casually, so she longed for the outside world.

Lu Xiaoxiao replied, “The people outside say you are arrogant and willful, that your temper is odd, and you never keep your word. You act on impulse. For example, you just promised your mother to call me Sister Xiaoxiao, but now you’re going back on your word. Of course, I’m just giving an example. The reason you haven’t called me Sister Xiaoxiao is definitely because you simply forgot, right?”

Wan Qingyi was furious, realizing she had fallen for Lu Xiaoxiao’s trick. She gritted her teeth and said, “Sister Xiaoxiao, I hope you rest well and save your strength. I will come to find you then.” She handed the task of arranging lodging for the two of them to Shen Xiaonan and turned to leave.

Lu Xiaoxiao and Lu Wanbai slept soundly in their lodging until they were called for dinner. They joined Wan Xuan’er and her daughter for a welcome feast, where another battle of wits and words with Wan Qingyi was inevitable. It wasn’t until the moon hung above the treetops that they left the table. Feeling bored, Lu Xiaoxiao asked for directions to Tan Taijing’s residence, planning to go and probe her about the subsequent arrangements. If the plan was too dangerous, she figured it might be better to just die early anyway. Since death is inevitable sooner or later, she might as well choose a less painful method.

After asking for directions, she realized that Tan Taijing’s residence was only a few dozen steps away from hers. This was great! She wouldn’t have to worry about running for several miles to find her for the antidote when the poison acted up.

From a distance, Lu Xiaoxiao saw a young man standing at the entrance of Tan Taijing’s courtyard, forcefully striking a pose. Upon closer inspection, he was indeed handsome and impeccably dressed. When he saw Lu Xiaoxiao approaching, he quickly hid a small box he held behind his back.

Lu Xiaoxiao glanced at the young man and was about to push the door open, but the young man stepped forward and blocked her path with his arm. He said in an unfriendly tone, “Who are you? Junior Sister Jing doesn’t like people entering her courtyard without permission.”

Lu Xiaoxiao asked, “And you are?” She thought: Junior Sister Jing? Such an intimate title. Could he also be a demon undercover at Yao Xia Palace guarding the door for Tan Taijing?

The man looked smug and said, “I am Mei Yuanhua, Junior Sister Jing’s Senior Brother. You are not a disciple of Yao Xia Palace. Who exactly are you?”

Got it, thought Lu Xiaoxiao. Just a simp. She adopted the persona of an innocent young girl: “I’m Lu Xiaoxiao. Sister Jing asked me to come find her after dinner. I saw you standing outside for a long time. Why don’t you go inside and talk to her?”

When Mei Yuanhua heard this, his face flushed slightly. So, Junior Sister Jing had invited her over. It wasn’t his fault, though. He had known Tan Taijing for so long but had never seen her make any friends. It was always various dubious people coming to harass her.

“Then… then you go in quickly. Please, don’t tell her that I stopped you. Thank you.” Mei Yuanhua’s posture softened, and he turned to leave.

Lu Xiaoxiao quickly called out to him: “I see you’re holding a box in your hand. Is that a gift for Sister Jing? I’m just about to go in, so I can give it to her for you.”

Mei Yuanhua hesitated for a moment but still handed the box to Lu Xiaoxiao. He had been trying to give this jade hairpin and letter to Junior Sister Jing for months, but she never even looked his way. Perhaps having her friend deliver it this time would encourage her to accept it out of respect for her friend.

Lu Xiaoxiao waited until Mei Yuanhua left, then eagerly opened the box and read the letter. The letter was so nauseatingly sweet and mushy. Fortunately, she had already eaten dinner, or it would have seriously affected her appetite. However, the jade hairpin looked quite nice; it might be valuable.

Lu Xiaoxiao tucked the jade hairpin into her clothes, straightened her attire, tried to clear her throat, and then knocked on the door: “Sister Jing, it’s Xiaoxiao. I’ve come to find you.”

A clear, cold female voice came from within: “Come in.”

The room carried a faint scent of sandalwood. Tan Taijing was sitting at a huanghuali wood desk, reading a book. Lu Xiaoxiao walked in and leaned over to peek at the title: River-Luo Array Formation.

Clatter, Lu Xiaoxiao sat down opposite Tan Taijing and tossed the sickening love letter onto the desk, saying, “Someone named Mei-something-Yuan gave this to you. Auntie Wan had someone call you to dinner. Why didn’t you go?”

Whoosh, a flash of fire ignited. Lu Xiaoxiao was startled and quickly leaned to the side, narrowly avoiding having her hair singed.

The person opposite her was expressionless: “The next time you bring in such trash, I’ll burn your hand.”

Lu Xiaoxiao patted her chest, trying to soothe her wounded feelings, and said, “I’m here to ask you something important. What are your plans for the Demon-Locking Pagoda?” She thought to herself: Why does this person play with fire at the slightest provocation? Playing with fire is dangerous! As compensation, I’ll just dispose of that jade hairpin for you.

Tan Taijing skimmed the tea foam. The tea fragrance wafted out, and the rising steam made her cold, beautiful face indistinct.

Seeing her silent, Lu Xiaoxiao continued, “I was eating with Auntie Wan and overheard them talking. She is truly a good person. She had someone prepare a table full of delicacies for me. Not like you, who treats me so poorly, and yet I have to help you deceive her.” Wan Xuan’er treated her with courtesy, which made it impossible to dislike them or want to harm them later on.

Tan Taijing set down her teacup, her eyes shifting: “The Emperor isn’t worried, but the Eunuch is?”

Lu Xiaoxiao secretly rolled her eyes: “…I’m just worried about my life! I don’t want to survive your poison only to be killed by you in Yao Xia Palace.” She added, “I also overheard them talking during dinner. Things haven’t been peaceful near Yao Xia Palace recently. The former Head of the Enforcement Hall is stepping down, and the former Deputy Head is taking his place. They plan to select another Deputy Head from among the younger generation, and the selection method may be related to a trial.”

Tan Taijing put down her book, her eyes swirling: “The new Deputy Head can only be me.”

Lu Xiaoxiao didn’t care at all who became the Deputy Head. There was one thing she was incredibly curious about right now.

“I heard that it takes many years for a demon to transform. So, are you already hundreds or thousands of years old? May I ask, young lady, how old you are this year?”

Tan Taijing said: “Get out…”