Chapter 132: Layers of Secrets
“The Realm of Demons and Ghosts?”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious.
“As the name suggests, this world has been ruled by demons and ghosts for a thousand years.”
Yun Yue’s face was solemn. “Although there are six realms of reincarnation, demons and ghosts stand above all other beings. Favored by heaven, their power amplified by the laws of this world, they control the fate of all living things.
The conflicts between factions, the wars between kingdoms, even the ancient struggles of the Xuan Clan, it’s all because of them.”
“And what about ordinary humans—”
“They still exist.”
Yun Yue shook her head. “But they are considered lowly, unworthy of knowing the truth. They’re blinded by the elaborate lies woven by the demons and ghosts, living in this false world of prosperity, unknowingly becoming their ‘food.’”
Lin Tianlu’s face darkened. “But the order of the human world remains stable.”
“Naturally, it’s because the demons and ghosts are maintaining it.”
Yun Yue glanced out the window. “The commotion caused by the Netherworld tonight was so great, even the mortals were ordered to stay indoors. But where were the officials, the magistrates, the ones responsible for maintaining order in this town?”
“…”
“You possess extraordinary abilities, Sir. You should understand the vast difference in power between mortals and demons and ghosts. It’s not something that can be overcome with mere cultivation or unity.
To them, mortals are just a vital part of the cycle of reincarnation, of life and death. That’s their only value.”
Yun Yue sighed. “I don’t know if the rules of the world have changed in the past nine hundred years. But dynasties have fallen, factions have risen and fallen, perhaps only the Realm of Demons and Ghosts has remained unchanged.”
Lin Tianlu remained silent.
He had already suspected this.
But Yun Yue’s explanation confirmed his suspicions.
No wonder he had encountered so many demons and ghosts in less than a year, and why they targeted mortals so frequently.
Because the power dynamics were skewed, the number of demons and ghosts far exceeding that of humans. They were the true masters of this world.
And the reason ghost practitioners held a lower status than demons and ghosts might be due to their human origins.
Seeing his thoughtful silence, Yun Yue said gently, “Sir, is this… too much for you to handle?”
“It’s alright.”
Lin Tianlu waved his hand dismissively. “I’m just reflecting on my past experiences.”
This revelation didn’t shock him. Instead, it made him think of the demons and ghosts he had encountered who hadn’t harmed any humans, who had clung to their principles.
To maintain their kindness and purity in this chaotic world was truly admirable.
“Indeed.” Yun Yue smiled softly. “You’re a gentle soul, Sir, averse to conflict. Whether it’s the mortal world or the Realm of Demons and Ghosts, it probably doesn’t make much difference to you.”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment. “When was this Realm of Demons and Ghosts established?”
“About four thousand years ago.”
Yun Yue frowned, trying to recall. “I’ve been fighting and killing ever since I awakened my powers. I don’t know much about ancient history. I only know that several powerful demons joined forces and reshaped the world, shattering the old order, plunging many realms into chaos. The Realm of Demons and Ghosts and the human world both collapsed.”
“But this chaos allowed the demons and ghosts to rise to power. They eventually restored order, rebuilding the world from the ashes.”
“And ever since then, despite the changing dynasties, the human world has been a part of the Realm of Demons and Ghosts.”
Yun Yue sighed softly. “There is no true ‘mortal world’ anymore.”
“…”
Lin Tianlu was silent for a moment, then asked, “Do you know of the existence of immortals, Miss Yun Yue?”
“Immortals?”
Yun Yue frowned. “A thousand years ago, I never met a true immortal. I only heard rumors, stories passed down among mortals. I never took them seriously. But—”
She looked at Lin Tianlu, a smile on her face. “Now that I’ve met one, I realize how naive I was.”
“You think… I’m an immortal?”
“You possess extraordinary power, Sir. And you seek neither fame nor fortune. Your heart is kind and compassionate.”
Yun Yue leaned closer, her finger tracing his arm, a seductive smile on her lips. “To me, you are undoubtedly an immortal, a being from a dream, my savior. Such a debt… I’m willing to spend my life repaying it.”
Seeing her alluring figure, her robe barely concealing her curves, Lin Tianlu chuckled.
Her seductive charm was potent, truly worthy of a fox demon.
“You’re too kind, Miss Yun Yue. It seems I need to earn some money and buy you a house in Changling.”
Yun Yue’s eyes sparkled, and she tilted her head, smiling sweetly. “A small room in your house would suffice, Sir, just like in that dream. As long as you don’t mind my presence.”
Lin Tianlu smiled helplessly.
He had almost forgotten that this fox was inherently lazy. Her favorite pastime was… basking in the sun.
She was quite easy to please.
“Ahem, let’s get back to business.”
Seeing his awkward expression, Yun Yue’s smile widened, and she gently placed her hand on his chest. “What else do you want to know, Sir?”
“You mentioned the ancient Xuan Clan earlier. Who are they?”
“They are the descendants of those powerful demons who reshaped the world, the ones who established the laws of this realm, the rules of the Realm of Demons and Ghosts.” Yun Yue explained patiently. “There are eight clans, each governing a different territory. Their rule has lasted for thousands of years. But by my time, the Eight Ancient Xuan Clans had retreated into the shadows, their influence waning.”
Lin Tianlu murmured in confusion, “Descendants of demons?”
Yun Yue chuckled softly. “Not the demons you encounter today, but true ‘demons,’ beings with earth-shattering power. According to legends, they were almost as powerful as immortals.
As their descendants, the Eight Ancient Xuan Clans also possessed extraordinary power. They were the dominant force thousands of years ago, ruling over multiple realms.”
It was a pity that he hadn’t heard anything about these ancient clans.
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment, then asked, “Do you know about the Path of the Netherworld, Miss Yun Yue?”
“It must be a ritual created within the last nine hundred years. Hmm… I’ve never heard of this ‘Luo Xing’ organization.”
So the Luo Xing was a relatively new faction?
He was about to ask for more information when he noticed that Yun Yue, who was leaning against him, was breathing heavily. He quickly looked down at her. “Miss Yun Yue, are you alright?”
“Just… a little tired.”
Yun Yue sighed and touched her forehead. “My body is still weak, my demonic and Yin energy out of balance. Maintaining this form is quite taxing.”
“Why don’t you rest for a while? We have plenty of time.”
“Mm.”
Yun Yue nodded softly.
But then, her eyes sparkled as she shifted her position, sitting down on his lap, her fluffy fox tails wrapping around them both.
“Sir…”
Her beautiful face, both seductive and innocent, was inches from his, her breath warm on his skin, carrying a faint floral fragrance. Her every curve and detail was on full display, her skin glowing with an ethereal light.
As the fox beauty pressed against him, Lin Tianlu felt a wave of coolness, her body truly as cold as ice.
Her lips gently brushed against his earlobe, a moist warmth spreading through him. Her voice was a soft, seductive whisper. “Consider this… a small punishment for teasing me earlier.”
Lin Tianlu held her tightly, his lips twitching. “Is this really a punishment?”
“Not being able to have my body is definitely a punishment.” Yun Yue chuckled mischievously, then her voice softened. “But you should focus on Ruoyu for now, Sir. She’s just lost her innocence, and her feelings are strong. Be kind and attentive to her, so she doesn’t feel neglected.
But if she’s… indisposed for the next few days, I’ll take care of you both, especially… you, Sir.”
—Pop.
A soft, moist sound, like lips parting.
“I’ll be with you… always.”
A fragrant breeze swirled around them, and the voluptuous woman in his arms suddenly disappeared, transforming into a fox, surrounded by sparkling ice crystals. She leaped onto his shoulder and curled up, closing her eyes peacefully.
“…”
Lin Tianlu touched the fox’s head, resting on his shoulder, and chuckled helplessly.
Had he… been teased again?
But this fox demon’s charm was truly potent.
He thought of the stories he had read about fox spirits, their seductive beauty and alluring charms. But compared to this real fox demon, they paled in comparison.
Her gentleness and affection, her sensuality and grace, intertwined to create a pure and irresistible love, a force that few men could withstand.
Even her slightest touch made Lin Tianlu’s heart race.
Fortunately, he had Madam Mao in his heart. He could resist.
“Mmm?”
A soft moan came from behind him. Lin Tianlu quickly turned around. “Madam, are you awake?”
“I thought I saw… Sister Yun?”
Mao Ruoyu sat up gracefully, her silver hair cascading down her shoulders, the blanket slipping down her arm, revealing her alluring figure. Her eyes met his, and a blush crept onto her face.
Lin Tianlu smiled gently. “She was talking to me earlier, but she’s tired now, so she transformed back into a fox to rest.”
“I’m glad she’s alright.” Mao Ruoyu looked at the little cloud fox curled up on his shoulder and reached out to pet it curiously. “She seems much more energetic than yesterday.”
“And you and Miss Yu last night—”
“We had a good chat.”
She chuckled, her voice amused. “She’s quite a mischievous girl.”
“Ahem, I hope she didn’t bother you too much.”
“It’s fine. She’s actually quite adorable.”
Mao Ruoyu averted her gaze shyly, not knowing how to describe their conversation in the depths of their consciousness.
After all…
The topics they had discussed were quite embarrassing.
Lin Tianlu was about to speak, but then he exclaimed in surprise, “Madam, your hair!”
“Hmm?”
Mao Ruoyu instinctively looked down at her hair, her eyes widening.
Her hair was slowly turning black again.
“It’s… returning to normal?”
“But your eyes are blood-red now.” Lin Tianlu observed her closely. “And there’s a golden glint in your pupils.”
“Golden-red?”
Mao Ruoyu was stunned.
She clenched her hands, her expression flickering.
Seeing her conflicted look, Lin Tianlu asked in a low voice, “Is it related to the Lunar Valley?”
“…Yes.”
Mao Ruoyu didn’t try to hide it. “Practitioners of the Lunar Valley’s secret art develop these physical characteristics. I didn’t expect that after all these years, there would still be traces of it on me.”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment, then smiled and took her hand. “If you miss them, Madam, I can accompany you to the Lunar Valley to visit your old friends.”
“That would be… Hmm?”
Mao Ruoyu moaned softly, her face flushing as she clutched her lower abdomen.
She tried to get out of bed, but as she stretched her legs, she felt a sharp pain.
Remembering her insatiable desire last night, her endless pleas for his touch, her face burned with embarrassment.
“I-it’s my fault for being so shameless last night, making you work so hard, Sir.”
“If you’re feeling unwell, Madam, just lie down and rest for a while.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled and gently pushed her back onto the bed. “It’s still early. Focus on regulating your Yin energy. I’ll go and get you some breakfast.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
Mao Ruoyu blushed, watching as he left the room.
“…”
Perhaps recalling their passionate encounter in the Netherworld, she couldn’t help but let out a soft moan, her cheeks flushed.
And the red glow in her eyes intensified.
Like a fine wine, its fragrance intoxicating.
…