Chapter 49: Yan Zhen’s Mischief
Due to Jiu Youyue’s arrival, Yan Zhen was forced to sleep on the couch.
He couldn’t understand. Jiu Youyue was here as a representative of the Demon Realm, to coerce the Serpent Queen into joining them. They should be enemies. Why were they acting like best friends, all “Sister Serpent Queen” this and “Sister Serpent Queen” that? If he hadn’t read the script, he would have thought they were old acquaintances.
Was Jiu Youyue really just here to see him and Yun Xiu?
He was suspicious.
…
With his doubts lingering, he listened to the Serpent Queen’s plans for the next day, then returned to the couch, sleeping soundly. The next morning, he was informed that the Sand Scorpion army had appeared outside the oasis.
Having conquered the four fortresses, the Sand Scorpions, after a brief respite, were finally launching their attack on the Water City.
The oasis wasn’t like the open desert, so the scorpions’ advance would be slower, but they would still reach the city within a day or two.
The Serpent Queen urgently summoned the eight Serpent Generals, instructing them to follow her plan, dividing them into four teams, each consisting of one of the top four generals and one of the bottom four, to defend the four city gates.
The reinforcements from the three kingdoms were also assigned defensive positions.
The Water City entered a state of lockdown, all entry and exit forbidden, violators to be executed without exception. The entire city was filled with anxiety.
“When are we leaving?” he asked.
“We’ll wait a bit longer.”
…
Around noon, a terrifying aura approached rapidly, a blood-red sandstorm swirling above the Water City, the oasis’s cool air replaced by the desert’s oppressive heat.
Within the crimson vortex, a massive scorpion’s silhouette, its eyes glowing like embers, was faintly visible.
The supreme ruler of the Sand Scorpion Clan, the Crimson Sand Scorpion King!
He had been a Mystic Lord before, no match for the Serpent Queen, but now, tempered by the Great Crimson Skyfire, he had reached the Mystic Sovereign realm, his strength unfathomable.
“Serpent Queen, I keep my promises! I said I would arrive within six months, and here I am! I will soon surround your city and exterminate all Serpent descendants! If you don’t want your people to die, then surrender! I might spare your lives! Otherwise, two days from now… will be the Water City’s end!”
His voice, deep and resonant, like a tolling bell, echoed throughout the city.
The citizens panicked.
Having made his declaration, the Crimson Sand Scorpion King, his sandstorm swirling, disappeared.
…
Within the palace, the Serpent Queen calmly watched the receding sandstorm, then turned to Yan Zhen.
“It’s time. Prepare yourself. Follow me.”
She led the way, heading deeper into the palace.
He, Yun Xiu, and Jiu Youyue exchanged glances, then followed.
“Are you coming too, Jiu You?” he asked suspiciously. “When did you become so close to the Serpent Queen?”
She rolled her eyes.
“Why do you care about our relationship? Can’t we just… hit it off? You’re such a gossip!”
— Tsk! Definitely something fishy going on.
He stroked his chin, his mind working like a little detective’s.
Could this temptress be a spy? Deliberately infiltrating our group, waiting to backstab us after we find the Great Crimson Skyfire?
After all, the Demon Realm was also after the Great Crimson Skyfire.
In the script, the reason he had risked his life to refine the Great Crimson Skyfire was because a Demon Realm cultivator had tried to steal it. He had been forced to fight for his life.
Possessing three or more Extreme Flames allowed him to use a special Mystic Skill described in the Emperor Flame Technique, capable of instantly killing anyone below the Mystic Lord realm. Even the Crimson Sand Scorpion King, with his enhanced defenses, hadn’t been able to withstand it.
He decided to be cautious. After all, this temptress was unpredictable and loved playing tricks.
…
They followed her to the Sacred Spring Hall, the place where he had first encountered her.
The Sacred Spring’s source was connected to the remnants of a lake outside the Water City, and beneath the lake was an underwater passage leading out of the oasis.
They could use this passage to secretly leave the Water City, escaping the Sand Scorpion army’s encirclement.
She had already created a Mystic Power clone to remain in the palace, issuing commands, maintaining the illusion of her presence. It could last for ten days or even half a month without any problems.
They had planned everything in advance.
…
She removed her crown and sash, taking off her outer robe, surprising both Yun Xiu and Jiu Youyue, and making his eyes widen.
However, they had been mistaken. Beneath her robe, she was already wearing a simple, crimson dress, suitable for travel, its design less regal, more like that of a noble lady.
“…Why are you staring at me? Get in the water.”
He quickly snapped out of his daze, Jiu Youyue giggling, while Yun Xiu retreated into her shell of shame.
She snorted, enveloping her body in Mystic Power, then extended her hand towards him.
“?”
He was puzzled. He looked at his hand, then hesitantly placed it in hers.
She pulled him close, her crimson Mystic Power enveloping him as well.
“Your cultivation is too low. Come with me.”
His face buried in her cleavage, he mumbled, slightly embarrassed, “I can handle it myself.”
“The journey is long. Your Mystic Power won’t last.—Hold on tight. We’re going underwater.”
“…”
He obediently wrapped his arms around her waist.
Yun Xiu, still in her self-imposed exile, her eyes flickered, but she remained silent.
Jiu Youyue, however, made a mental note. So that’s how it’s done.
Ignoring their reactions, the Serpent Queen, holding him tightly, jumped into the Sacred Spring, swimming towards its depths.
Yun Xiu and Jiu Youyue, also enveloping themselves in Mystic Power, followed closely behind.
…
There was a spring at the bottom of the pool, constantly gushing water. Beyond it lay a hidden passage.
As they descended, he felt the increasing water pressure, but her Mystic Power protected him, shielding him from its effects.
Reaching a certain depth, they each transformed, she into a blood-red serpent, Yun Xiu into a white sword, and Jiu Youyue into a dark blue crescent moon, cutting through the currents, swimming towards the oasis’s exit.
…
He was held tightly in her embrace, his face pressed against her soft breasts, her fragrance filling his senses.
As time passed, his willpower weakened. Despite the cold water, he felt his body warming.
The Serpent Queen, focused on their escape, sensed the change in his aura, glancing down at him. Realizing his… condition, her free hand discreetly reached down, her skillful fingers gently… soothing him.
He gasped, the pressure easing.
Looking up at her indifferent face, as if nothing had happened, he felt a surge of mischief, his lips finding her neck and collarbone, leaving a trail of marks.
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