Chapter 184: Black and White, A Temporary Truce
With a graceful wave of her sleeve, the white-clad woman dispersed the shimmering starlight that surrounded them.
Mao Ruoyu descended to the ground, her aura calming as the torrent of Yin energy that had engulfed her subsided, becoming as still as a tranquil lake.
Her embroidered robe clung to her voluptuous figure, the sheer fabric flowing around her like a gentle breeze. Her lotus-like feet touched the ground lightly, her ethereal beauty and pure aura making her seem like a celestial being descended from the heavens.
“Haa—”
She exhaled softly, looking down at her hands.
Her heart, once filled with anxiety, was now calm and peaceful. It had been a while since she had taken this form, but she felt a strange sense of serenity.
“That jade pendant is quite ruthless, taking over your body so forcefully.”
The black-haired woman’s voice broke the silence.
She put away her pipa and twirled a strand of hair around her finger, walking towards Mao Ruoyu. “But I’m more curious now. Who are you?”
“I am Mao Ruoyu, of course.”
Mao Ruoyu met her gaze, her voice cold. “If you intend to harm Tianlu, I won’t allow it.”
Remembering the woman’s threats, her eyes narrowed.
“Such heartfelt words. But—”
The black-haired woman smiled faintly, her lips moving silently, sending out an imperceptible ripple of energy. “You borrowed the jade pendant’s power, yet you claim to be Mao Ruoyu?”
“What are you…”
Mao Ruoyu frowned, about to retort, but she suddenly froze.
She touched her forehead, her expression dazed, a ripple of doubt disturbing her previously calm mind.
“Finally realized it?”
The black-haired woman, her guard seemingly down, smiled and walked closer. “You’re merely possessed by a consciousness from the jade pendant. That’s why you’re like this.”
She reached out and gently stroked Mao Ruoyu’s white hair. “And it’s slowly influencing you, making you colder and more distant.”
Mao Ruoyu dodged her touch, her lips pressed together.
But…
She didn’t deny it.
A strange sense of dissonance had emerged within her, as if two separate consciousnesses were struggling for control, her mind wavering.
After a moment of silence, she murmured,
“…Not Mao Ruoyu?”
“You’re not Mao Ruoyu. You’re just a parasite.”
The black-haired woman moved behind her, her voice a seductive whisper as she trailed her fingers along the silky ribbons adorning Mao Ruoyu’s robe. “The real Mao Ruoyu would never dress like this, nor would she be so cold and distant.”
“I…”
Mao Ruoyu’s eyes trembled, her expression troubled, her mind becoming more and more confused.
Seeing her defenses crumble, her Yin energy fluctuating uncontrollably, the black-haired woman’s smile widened, her hand moving from Mao Ruoyu’s shoulder to her waist, her fingers tracing the smooth, white skin beneath her robe.
“Close your eyes and sleep. I’ll take care of your beloved Tianlu.”
“…”
Mao Ruoyu suddenly turned to face her.
The black-haired woman’s eyes narrowed, her movements freezing.
The lavender eyes staring back at her were devoid of emotion, like ancient ice, filled with a chilling emptiness.
That single glance sent a shiver down her spine, her body trembling with a sudden coldness.
“How terrifying…”
The black-haired woman forced a smile. “That weak and foolish girl… You’re quite intimidating when she’s asleep.”
“—This is ridiculous.”
‘Mao Ruoyu’s’ voice was cold and sharp. “Why are you doing this?”
“I found this environment suitable, so I decided to take a look.” The black-haired woman withdrew her hand, now covered in frost, and chuckled. “Besides, I wanted to see what you’re made of.”
“…We’re not enemies.”
‘Mao Ruoyu’s’ expression softened slightly, and she sighed. “I’ll lend you my power. I just want to protect you and Tianlu.”
“I understand.”
The black-haired woman leaned closer. “Perhaps I wouldn’t even exist without you. I should be thanking you. But—”
“Who are you? What’s your purpose?”
Her voice turned serious. “Why are you hiding in that jade pendant? And how can you merge with my soul, with my consciousness?”
Her eyes flashed with a menacing light. “Do you intend to harm Tianlu?”
“I’m bound to ‘Mao Ruoyu’ now. I’ve let go of my past. You don’t have to worry about me harming him.”
‘Mao Ruoyu’s’ voice was soft, her eyes downcast. “Unless I die, I won’t let Tianlu be harmed.”
Seeing the genuine concern on her face, the black-haired woman raised an eyebrow in surprise.
“Perhaps… I was worried for nothing?”
Although she still hadn’t revealed her past, her words were filled with unwavering conviction.
“…I understand your intentions now. I won’t interfere. But don’t go too far. It will only create conflict between you.”
‘Mao Ruoyu’ closed her eyes, her aura calming as her mind settled.
When she woke up, Mao Ruoyu’s eyes flickered with confusion for a moment, then she regained her senses.
She looked at the black-haired woman, her expression complex.
“Since we’ve cleared up the misunderstanding, then we—”
“Wrong.”
The black-haired woman smiled mischievously. “I was just teasing that strange woman. My real target is you.”
Mao Ruoyu was startled.
Before she could react, the black-haired woman had summoned a golden-red fan, its edge sharp as a blade, slashing towards her!
Clang—!
A cold blade flashed before her chest, but it only cut through an afterimage.
“You’re quick.”
The black-haired woman licked the golden edge of her fan. “I wanted to leave a scar on your chest.”
Mao Ruoyu floated back, her expression turning cold. “What are you doing?!”
“You’re absorbing the Moon Shadow Breath to suppress your desires. That’s a threat to me.”
The black-haired woman opened her fan, her movements graceful and seductive. She chuckled. “I have to take this opportunity to stop you. Or to put it simply—”
She lifted the hem of her skirt, revealing a glimpse of her black-silk-clad legs, her eyes half-closed lazily. “It’s a competition for his affection~”
Mao Ruoyu sighed. “How can you compete with yourself?”
“It might sound strange, but I can’t wait to see you cry and beg for mercy!”
Seeing her mischievous smile and her eagerness to fight, Mao Ruoyu frowned and raised her hand.
“Stop being ridiculous!”
Ice crystals erupted beneath the black-haired woman’s feet, instantly freezing her lower body!
“Hmm?!”
Her expression changed, and she quickly shattered the ice. But her skirt was torn, and frostbite marks appeared on her legs.
“This form… has made you much stronger.”
The black-haired woman chuckled fearlessly and charged forward, her movements blurring into a series of afterimages.
Multiple shadowy figures attacked from all directions, their bodies wreathed in a black mist, like screaming ghosts, shadows from hell.
Mao Ruoyu’s eyes narrowed, and she summoned a white jade fan. She twirled gracefully, her movements like a dance, effortlessly deflecting every attack, her fan creating a ripple of icy wind that dispersed the black mist.
Crack, crack, crack!
The black-haired woman’s figure was frozen in a block of ice.
“She’s… even more terrifying than I imagined.”
The afterimages vanished, and a voice, filled with a lingering fear, came from behind Mao Ruoyu.
The black-haired woman was standing on a piece of ice, her pipa in her arms, her expression awestruck. “I was toyed with by Sister Yun in the Netherworld. But now, experiencing her power firsthand… She’s truly formidable.”
She strummed her pipa, unleashing a wave of eerie and discordant music.
Ghostly visions and illusions appeared around them, a chilling wind howling.
But Mao Ruoyu just glanced at them dismissively, her expression cold and unmoved. She flicked her fingers.
Bang, bang, bang!
The illusions shattered, along with the surrounding ice and snow, dissolving into a shower of sparkling particles.
She took out a jade flute and began to play, its clear and ethereal melody filling the air, gradually overpowering the discordant sound of the pipa, calming and soothing the chaotic energy.
“You—”
The black-haired woman’s eyes widened in surprise, beads of sweat appearing on her forehead.
A hint of frustration crept into her expression, and she strummed the pipa more frantically, trying to regain control, unwilling to be subdued.
Mao Ruoyu’s eyes were calm and clear as she continued playing, her footsteps slow and steady as she approached the black-haired woman.
Their music clashed, like invisible blades, creating ripples of energy in the empty space.
But a chilling wind pierced through their defenses, tearing at the black-haired woman’s body, forcing her to retreat.
“Damn it… Don’t come any closer!”
Her face, once filled with arrogance and charm, was now contorted with pain. Her playing became frantic and discordant, her left hand trembling, her strength fading. She was clearly losing control, unable to resist!
Finally, she could only watch helplessly as Mao Ruoyu approached, her eyes filled with fear.
The melody of the flute changed, and Mao Ruoyu twirled it gracefully before gently tapping the black-haired woman’s chest.
“Ugh!”
The pipa shattered, and the black-haired woman collapsed to the ground, her face pale, her breath shaky.
“You’ve lost.”
Mao Ruoyu pointed her flute at her, her voice cold. “Release this illusion and let us leave.”
“Heh…”
The black-haired woman clutched her chest, her breathing ragged. She looked up, a weak smile on her lips. “I didn’t create this place. I’m just a manifestation, borrowing the power of the ritual to talk to you. I can’t control this place… Cough, cough!”
She coughed violently, blood spilling from her lips.
Mao Ruoyu’s expression changed, and she lowered her flute.
“You’re injured?”
“You’ve almost shattered my bones…” The black-haired woman coughed up more blood. “I didn’t expect the difference in our strength to be so… vast. Cough, cough!”
Seeing her pitiful state, Mao Ruoyu frowned and said softly, “You hurt Shuya. Consider this your punishment. Don’t ever harm anyone again.”
“Cough, cough!”
Her coughing intensified, and she collapsed to the ground, her body weak and trembling. Mao Ruoyu sighed and was about to check on her injuries.
But the black-haired woman, her mouth covered in blood, suddenly smiled.
“Even with borrowed power, you’re still so naive.”
“What are you—”
A pair of slender arms wrapped around her waist from behind.
“Just like now!”
Thud!
A sharp pain pierced through her skin, and Mao Ruoyu gasped.
She turned to see the black-haired woman clinging to her neck, her lips pressed against her skin. A warm sensation spread through her body, as if her strength was being drained away!
“How could you use such a…”
Mao Ruoyu’s eyes widened in shock. She tried to push her away, but a wave of weakness and numbness washed over her, her body frozen. Her vision blurred, and she moaned softly.
…
A while later, her face was pale, her breathing shallow as she struggled weakly, her legs trembling.
The black-haired woman tightened her grip, holding her close, her lips sucking greedily at her neck, as if trying to devour her soul.
“Ugh!”
Mao Ruoyu’s eyes widened, her vision darkening, her fingers twitching. She felt her Yin energy and soul force being drained away, her body weakening, her consciousness fading.
The black-haired woman smiled, her eyes filled with desire, and after a final, lingering kiss, she released her.
Mao Ruoyu collapsed to the ground, her legs sprawled, her body limp and lifeless, her breath shallow and ragged.
“You might be too gentle for your own good, but your Yin energy is truly delicious, an endless supply.”
The black-haired woman knelt beside her, licking her bloodstained lips, her fingers gently stroking Mao Ruoyu’s silver hair.
“But it seems you’re still too naive.”
“You…”
Mao Ruoyu’s lips trembled as she weakly reached out her hand.
“Do you really think you can still win?”
The black-haired woman lifted her face, her smile cruel. “Or do you want me to drain you completely?”
Slash!
A sword flashed, a streak of gray light.
“Ugh?!”
The black-haired woman gasped and stumbled back, clutching her shoulder, a deep cut bleeding.
She looked up to see Hua Shuya, awake and transformed. Her black hair had turned silver, her white robe replaced by a seductive and revealing gown, her skin exposed.
“The jade pendant?!”
The black-haired woman clicked her tongue. “You transferred it to her while I was distracted?”
Hua Shuya’s eyes gleamed with a cold light as she approached, her sword drawn.
“Another nuisance.” The black-haired woman snorted and stood up. “If you want to fight, then fight!”
“…”
But instead of attacking, Hua Shuya took a deep breath and released her grip on her sword.
The black-haired woman watched in astonishment as the sword vanished into thin air.
“What are you doing?!”
“Madam, let’s end this, okay?”
“What nonsense are you talking about!”
The black-haired woman’s expression turned cold, and she advanced menacingly. “If you won’t fight, then I’ll make you!”
She gathered the Yin energy she had just absorbed and struck out with her palm!
A powerful wind swept past Hua Shuya’s face, her hair whipping around her, a sharp pain stinging her cheek.
But…
Hua Shuya caught the woman’s hand, her voice soft. “Madam, you don’t really want to kill us. You’re just trying to scare us.”
“You—”
The black-haired woman’s eyes widened in panic. She hadn’t expected this reaction.
She quickly tried to pull her hand away.
“Madam, I don’t know what’s happening to you, why there are two consciousnesses within you. But I just want you to be safe. Please stop fighting.”
Hua Shuya pleaded earnestly. “We don’t understand the situation yet. We should work together to overcome this crisis. If you’re still angry later, I’ll let you do whatever you want to me.”
“…”
The black-haired woman’s struggles gradually ceased, and she looked at Hua Shuya, her expression complex.
“When did you become so… smooth-tongued?”
“I’m just being honest.”
“But I hurt you.”
“I apologize for misunderstanding you, for treating you as an enemy. It was my fault.” Hua Shuya shook her head. “Although it hurt, I’m not angry. But—”
She summoned her sword again and plunged it into the ground beside her, her voice firm and resolute. “I will get my revenge for what you did to me today, Madam. I won’t let you get away with it.”
The black-haired woman stared at her, her eyes wide.
After a moment of silence, she chuckled softly. “You have quite a temper, Shuya.”
“Madam, you…”
“Fine! This ends now. I don’t want to create any more conflict.”
The black-haired woman withdrew her hand and snorted, then walked over to Mao Ruoyu and knelt beside her, chuckling. “To think you needed another woman to plead for you. How pathetic.”
Mao Ruoyu struggled to sit up, her breath shaky. “So your words and actions… were all…”
“Of course they were sincere. I should have taken over your consciousness and your body, so I could enjoy my time with my beloved Tianlu.”
The black-haired woman glared at her coldly. “We’ll settle this next time! Remember this defeat! Don’t let it happen again!”
She raised her hand, and her body dissolved into a cloud of black mist, flowing back into Mao Ruoyu.
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