Category: They All Want to Be My Female Lead

Chapter 30: You’ll Have One Too, Someday

The Serpent Queen retorted, “Taking you out to play doesn’t mean letting you possess his body! Return control to your father, now!”

Yan Yan, arms crossed, said defiantly, “Hmph, I already asked for Father’s permission! I’m just borrowing his body for a bit…”

“This is ridiculous!”

The Serpent Queen sighed, rubbing her forehead. Yan Yan giggled.

“Speaking of which, Father’s body is so different from Mother’s~ His chest is so… flat! And he has this… extra thing between his legs. It’s a bit uncomfortable.”

She looked down, her hands fumbling in the air, unsure what to do with it.

Girls, after all, didn’t understand how to handle a… dragon.

Their actions made both the Serpent Queen and Yun Xiu blush.

“Yan Yan!” The Serpent Queen felt her face burning with shame. “Stop messing with your father’s body! Come back to my sea of consciousness, now!”

“Are you jealous, Mother?” The little princess giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. “Even jealous of your own daughter? You’re such a jealous queen, heehee~”

With her father’s “support,” Yan Yan had become bolder, even daring to tease her mother.

The Serpent Queen glanced at Yun Xiu, who was looking at her with a strange expression, and she felt even more embarrassed.

She had just been bragging about her daughter, and now her daughter was making a fool of herself, giving Yun Xiu something to laugh about.

Enraged, she glared at her foolish daughter, her slitted pupils narrowed.

“I’ll count to three. If you don’t come back, you’ll never come back! —Three!”

Huh? Yan Yan hadn’t expected her mother to get so angry.

“Mother, don’t! I still want to play with Father…”

“Two!”

“Mother~ Just a little longer! Please~”

“One!”

“Fine, fine, I’m coming back~”

She closed her eyes, returning control to Yan Zhen, her consciousness, like a flame, shooting out from his forehead, returning to her mother’s sea of consciousness, where she hid, feeling guilty.

…

Yan Zhen stumbled, almost falling. Yun Xiu quickly caught him.

“Are you alright, Yan Zhen?”

He shook his head. He just wasn’t used to these sudden consciousness shifts. It always took him a moment to regain control of his body.

“That’s good.” She said softly, “Was that… really your and the Serpent Queen’s daughter?”

He scratched his cheek.

“I… I’m not sure.”

He looked at the Serpent Queen, who, noticing his gaze, quickly turned away.

“Don’t look at me like that. The future is the future, the present is the present.”

“Oh.”

— This is awkward.

He barely knew her, and now they suddenly had a daughter, who had even traveled from the future!

Thankfully, his daughter didn’t know how she had been conceived, and the Serpent Queen was also unaware of their future entanglement. Otherwise, if she had been more cautious, it could have significantly affected the plot.

The Serpent Queen’s role in the script wasn’t major, and her interactions with him were limited, but they were crucial.

…

A subtle tension filled the air between them, like two people secretly in love, too shy to confess. Yun Xiu, feeling like an outsider, her heart aching, tightened her grip on his hand.

He noticed her sadness, his fingers gently tracing patterns on her palm, his voice a soft whisper in her mind.

“…You’ll have one too, someday~”

Her cheeks flushed, remembering his passionate nights with her, how he had “filled” her repeatedly, and how she had “occasionally” … forgotten to refine his essence. Perhaps… it was really possible…

No, no, that couldn’t happen!

She lowered her head, embarrassed, but her mood had improved. She interlaced her fingers with his.

The Serpent Queen, noticing their interaction, snorted.

“Since you promised to take Yan Yan out to play, don’t break your promise. I’m free every day!”

He thought for a moment.

“Then… let’s go now? Where does Yan Yan want to go?”

Yan Yan had been born in the Water City, living there with her mother for several years. She was familiar with the local attractions.

The Serpent Queen paused, then Yan Yan’s mental voice echoed from her mind.

“I want to go to the Serpent Arena with Father! I want to watch the serpent fights!”

Serpent fighting was a unique form of entertainment in the Water City.

Most of the city’s inhabitants were descendants of the Serpent God, naturally capable of communicating with snakes and controlling them.

Serpent fights involved two snake controllers battling each other. The outcome usually depended on the snakes’ strength and abilities, but the controllers’ tactics also played a role. Defeated snakes were buried respectfully.

The Water City’s army also had skilled snake handlers, forming the “Serpent Cavalry.” The combination of human and snake, their mobility and lethality unmatched, was one of the city’s greatest prides.

Serpent fighting was also a popular theme in literature, inspiring countless stories and even action-packed novels like Serpent Battles in the Sky, which he had purchased for Yun Xiu during their sightseeing trip.

…

They left the teahouse, the two Serpent Guards following at a distance.

There was only one large Serpent Arena in the Water City. The Serpent Queen, flashing her royal token, was immediately greeted with respect, the three of them led to a luxurious private box with an excellent view.

…

They sat on a large sofa, Yan Zhen in the center, the Serpent Queen on his left, Yun Xiu on his right.

He felt a sense of pressure, his future wife and daughter on one side, his self-proclaimed “secret lover” on the other. Although there was no overt hostility, the situation was tense.

“Ahem, can Yan Yan see the fights from inside your sea of consciousness?”

“I can see, but it’s not the same.” Her mental voice came through. “Mother, I want to… possess your body~”

The Serpent Queen sighed.

“You can possess my body, but no running off.”

Yan Yan eagerly agreed.

The Serpent Queen closed her eyes, relinquishing control. When she opened them again, her slitted pupils were gone, and her hair was streaked with red.

“Woohoo! I’m out again!”

She stretched, then turned to Yan Zhen, her voice cheerful.

“I want to sit on Father’s lap~”

Without waiting for his response, she climbed onto his lap, pulling his arms around her.

“Yan Yan?”

He felt her weight on his lap, his legs sinking into her soft, round buttocks, his hands on her slender waist. It was… surprisingly comfortable.

The Serpent Queen was taller than him, making their current position look a bit awkward. Yan Yan also felt something was off. It didn’t feel the same as sitting on her father’s lap before. She shifted her position, trying to get comfortable.

“!”

His “dragon,” stimulated by her movements, stirred, threatening to awaken. He groaned inwardly.

— My dear daughter, this is your mother’s body, not yours!

Chapter 29: Two Women Vying for His Affection

“You’ve been reborn, haven’t you, Serpent Queen?”

Yun Xiu’s opening words were a bombshell, stunning the Serpent Queen. However, as the ruler of her people, she quickly regained her composure.

“So you’ve also been reborn, Yun Xiu? No wonder you used some of the Evergreen Sacred Ground’s techniques during our fight yesterday.”

“That was a deliberate hint.”

The Serpent Queen frowned.

“And?”

“Although you were his wife in our past life, he loves me now. I won’t give him up so easily.”

“Heh, stealing your disciple’s fiancé… is that something to be proud of?”

Yun Xiu bit her lip, knowing she couldn’t back down now. The Serpent Queen wouldn’t show any mercy.

“I’ve… decided to marry him… with Wenqing.”

The Serpent Queen was stunned. This was the second time she had been surprised today. Such words, coming from Yun Xiu, were unexpected.

“What kind of joke is this?!”

“You know Wenqing also had deep feelings for him in our past life.”

In their previous life, Huangfu Wenqing had repeatedly urged her to let go of her reservations and marry Yan Zhen, even suggesting, half-jokingly, “If you’re worried about me being alone, Master, then why don’t we both marry him~?” Although it had been a joke, she knew her disciple had harbored such thoughts.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Cloud Heaven Palace would never allow their Sect Master and Young Sect Master to marry the same man.”

“As long as he’s exceptional enough…”

The Serpent Queen was silent. Yun Xiu’s words weren’t entirely unreasonable.

If his achievements had stopped at the Mystic King or Mystic Lord realm, Cloud Heaven Palace wouldn’t have agreed. But in their past life, he had reached the Mystic Sovereign realm before the age of twenty, and ascended to the Emperor’s throne at thirty-three.

Even the Celestial God Clan of the Eighth Continent, knowing he already had a wife and daughter, had still offered their most talented daughter, Zi Xunyi, to him, the then Jiā Lán Sacred Son, forging an alliance with the Jiā Lán Sacred Ground.

If even the Celestial God Clan had done so, then Cloud Heaven Palace, a mere first-rate sect, would certainly not object.

However, she still chuckled coldly.

“If it were that easy, things wouldn’t have turned out the way they did in our past life.”

“I’ve already stopped Wenqing from breaking off the engagement. And I’ve even changed the terms.”

“But it was still someone from Cloud Heaven Palace who caused his father’s disappearance.”

Yun Xiu’s expression turned serious.

“I’ve already launched an investigation. I’ll give him a satisfactory answer before he uncovers the truth himself.”

“It seems you’ve made thorough preparations…”

“I won’t repeat the mistakes of my past life.”

“But don’t think you’ve already won, Yun Xiu.” Her slitted pupils gleamed with a sharp light. “You might have his affection and favor, but I have my own methods!”

“What are you planning?” Yun Xiu frowned. “If you force him, he’ll only resist.”

“Let me tell you a secret. I’m not the only one who has been reborn.”

“What? Who else?”

“You don’t seem very surprised.”

It was because Yun Xiu had also been reborn with Jiu Youyue, but there was no need to reveal that information to her opponent yet. Jiu Youyue would be arriving soon.

“If we can be reborn, then why not others?”

“That’s true, but you’ll never guess who was reborn with me.”

“Could it be… Miss Zi?”

“Zi Xunyi might also be reborn, but I haven’t met her yet, so I can’t be sure.”

“Then who is it?”

Yun Xiu pondered this. The Serpent Queen was a proud and solitary woman. She didn’t have many close friends. Besides Zi Xunyi, there was only that Dragon Girl, who treated Yan Zhen like a brother, always clinging to him.

“Is it the Dragon Girl?”

The Serpent Queen said calmly, “Long Ying, like Zi Xunyi, is at the Sacred Ground Academy. She’s probably still… in her egg at this time.”

Not Zi Xunyi, not the Dragon Girl… then who? Yun Xiu couldn’t figure it out. She remained silent.

The Serpent Queen, seeing her silence, no longer kept her in suspense.

“It’s Yan Yan.”

Yan Yan? It took Yun Xiu a moment to realize who she was referring to, then she was stunned.

“Y-you mean… your daughter, Yan Yan?!”

“Yes.” The Serpent Queen said proudly. “Yan Yan’s consciousness was reborn within me. And she’s been clamoring to see her father.”

“Yan Yan… how is that possible?! She hasn’t even been born yet!”

“If something as unbelievable as rebirth can occur, then anything is possible.” She said, “Yan Yan’s existence means… I can’t lose.”

Yun Xiu said stubbornly, “I don’t believe you! Let her come out and see me!”

“I’ll make you believe.” She chuckled coldly. “Yan Yan, come out. Meet your Aunt Yun.”

Silence.

She frowned.

“Yan Yan?”

No response.

She sensed something was wrong. She closed her eyes, her consciousness entering her sea of consciousness.

It was empty. Her daughter was gone.

She opened her eyes, her face paling, her eyes filled with panic.

“Yan Yan… she’s gone… How could this be?”

Since her rebirth, her daughter had been her constant companion, easing her loneliness and her longing for Yan Zhen. But she had always been worried. Her daughter, not yet born at this time, didn’t truly exist. She could disappear at any moment.

Her queenly composure vanished. She stood up abruptly, desperately searching for her daughter’s aura.

“Yan Yan! Where are you?! Yan Yan!”

“Serpent Queen…”

Yun Xiu had never seen her so distraught. At this moment, she wasn’t a queen, but a mother who had lost her child, her heart filled with panic and regret.

Suddenly, a voice came from outside the window.

“Hey, Mother, I’m over here~~~”

They both froze. The voice was too familiar—it was Yan Zhen’s!

As the words faded, his figure appeared outside the window, his hands gripping the windowsill, his body dangling, then he swung himself inside, landing gracefully, his movements strangely… feminine, making them both cringe.

Under their gazes, he looked at the Serpent Queen, his voice childish and sweet.

“I was playing with Father! What is it, Mother?”

Huh? They were both stunned. The Serpent Queen was the first to recover, her voice filled with surprise.

“Yan Yan, how… how did you get into your father’s body?”

“Yan Zhen,” hands on his hips, his expression haughty, said, “I came to see Father! You told him to leave, so I went to find him myself! Father is the best! He immediately agreed to take me out to play~”

— Unlike Mother, who always makes empty promises and never does anything! As the saying goes, ‘Only a father’s love is true. A child with a father is like a treasure.’

Of course, he, or rather, she, only dared say that in her mind.

Chapter 28: Mother and daughter

—“Is there something I can’t hear?”

Yan Zhen looked at Yun Xiu, then at the Serpent Queen, a bad feeling creeping into his heart.

Just then, a flame-like consciousness shot out from the Serpent Queen’s forehead, entering his, then disappearing.

None of them noticed this, their Soul Realms too low to perceive it.

“I’ll be back later then.”

He left the room, his expression puzzled, then, seeing the two Serpent Guards standing motionless outside the door, greeted them politely. “Hello, Sisters.”

They looked at him strangely. They had been present when the Serpent Queen had declared her intention to make him her consort.

He casually waved, then left, climbing onto the roof to bask in the sun.

He lay on the roof, his eyes half-closed, gazing at the clear sky, as if he had returned to Earth, a college student slacking off, no transmigration, no system, only uncertainty about the future.

He suddenly remembered the thought that had surfaced in his mind while refining the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire:

— He wasn’t just playing a role. He was Yan Zhen, both the real one and the one in the script.

“Sigh, am I getting too into character? Hey, System, are you there?”

[How may I assist you, Host?]

“Why did you choose me to be the protagonist? Is there something… special about me? There must be, right? Tell me! I want to hear it!”

[Nothing special.]

“…”

— Heh, I finally feel confident for once, and you crush me like this?!

He decided to ignore the system for the rest of the day.

“Father, what’s a ‘System’?”

“A System is a big dummy.”

He casually replied, then froze, realizing something was wrong. He sat up, his voice sharp with alarm.

“Who just spoke?”

“It’s me, Father!” Yan Yan’s playful voice echoed in his mind. “I’m in your sea of consciousness~”

“… Sea of consciousness?”

He was startled, quickly sitting cross-legged, closing his eyes, his Spiritual Power manifesting his consciousness within his sea of consciousness.

As expected, within his sea of consciousness, a red-haired girl in a fiery dress was curiously looking around. Seeing his consciousness manifest, her eyes lit up, and she floated towards him excitedly, then, in a move that felt strangely familiar, pounced!

“Father~~~”

Her speed wasn’t particularly fast, but he couldn’t dodge, falling to the ground as she landed on top of him.

The impact, like being hit by a horse, made his spiritual form flicker.

— Crap, not this again!

He had been tackled like this before, in the Sacred Spring chamber, but that had been the Serpent Queen. This time, it was this red-haired girl…

Wait, had she just called him “Father”? It seemed the Serpent Queen had also called him “Father” earlier.

He felt like he was getting close to the truth. He focused, asking, “Who are you? And how did you get into my sea of consciousness?”

The red-haired girl, who had been nuzzling his chest, looked up, revealing a beautiful face that resembled the Serpent Queen’s, though without the slitted pupils and pointed ears.

She looked to be around thirteen or fourteen, her aura innocent and carefree. She was incredibly cute.

He felt an urge to pat her head.

“Father, it’s me, Yan Yan~”

“Yan Yan… who?”

The name sounded familiar.

The red-haired girl—Yan Yan—said proudly, “Your precious daughter, of course!”

He was even more confused. Where did this daughter come from? And why was she almost the same age as him?

“Little Sister, are you… mistaken?”

“I would never mistake my own father! More accurately, I’m your future daughter. I haven’t been born yet~” She nuzzled his chest. “Father, I missed you so much! Mother wouldn’t go find you, so I had to wait and wait… for over a year! I finally get to see you!”

— That’s a lot of information to process!

His future daughter? Could she be the one he had with the Serpent Queen? Yan Yan… Yan Yan?!

— Holy shit! No way! Is this real? Don’t lie to me! I’m not that gullible!

He discreetly examined her, finding her features indeed similar to the Serpent Queen’s, and he could even see a bit of himself in her.

He asked again, needing confirmation.

“Wait a minute. You say I’m your father… then who’s your mother?”

“Mother is… Mother.”

“Her name!”

“Cai Lian.”

Cai Lian, the Serpent Queen’s maiden name, known only to the three Serpent God Priests!

Could this girl really be his and the Serpent Queen’s daughter? He hadn’t even… started anything with the Serpent Queen yet! Where did this daughter come from?

A thought struck him, and he asked incredulously, “Did you… travel from the future?”

“Yes! Somehow, my consciousness traveled back in time, into my past mother’s body. I’ve been trapped in her sea of consciousness for over a year! It’s been so boring~”

His mind reeled. He patted her back, urging her to get up.

Having had her fill of cuddling, she obediently sat up, like a well-behaved child.

He also sat up, still unable to accept that this beautiful girl, not much younger than him, was his future daughter.

This was ridiculous!

“Wait, you said your consciousness traveled into your mother’s body. Did you… tell her about me?”

Yan Yan tilted her head, puzzled, then nodded. Her mother had also been reborn. The word “tell” seemed strange in this context.

It was like a sudden epiphany. Everything made sense now.

The Serpent Queen must have learned about him, her future husband, from her daughter. That’s why she had offered to make him her consort and had been more lenient than expected.

But this wasn’t in the script at all! What was going on?

Why had his daughter’s consciousness traveled from the future into his wife’s body?

— System, care to explain?!

[Ding! Searching database. Please wait…]

“Father? Father?”

A small hand waved in front of his face, bringing him back to the present.

“Sorry, it’s not that I don’t believe you, it’s just… unreal.”

“What’s unreal? I’m right here! Pinch me if you don’t believe me!”

“We’re both spiritual forms. There’s nothing to pinch.”

“Oh, right! I almost forgot~”

My future daughter is a bit… airheaded… He couldn’t help but worry about her.

“So… you don’t recognize me, Father?”

Her eyes were filled with a pitiful expression that tugged at his heartstrings.

“I recognize you, but–”

“Yay! I love you the most, Father!”

Before he could finish, she hugged him again, her arms around his neck.

He sighed, patting her head, his turbulent emotions calming.

Was this what it felt like to be a father? It wasn’t so bad.

Suddenly, a thought struck him, his expression changing. He leaned closer, whispering in her ear, “Um, my dear daughter, Yan Yan, do you know… how your mother… got pregnant with you?”

Surely the future Serpent Queen wouldn’t tell her daughter that he had… forced himself on her mother, right?

If Yan Yan knew, and told her mother, then he would be… in danger!

Chapter 27: The Serpent Queen’s Threat

The Serpent Queen walked alone through the city streets, her two Serpent Guards following discreetly.

She looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar surroundings.

She often stood atop the highest point of the palace, overlooking her city, but she rarely walked among her people, experiencing their daily lives.

Using the information from the Serpent Guard who had been monitoring them, she easily found their location.

They were in a clothing store. As she reached the entrance, she saw Yun Xiu draping a dark robe over Yan Zhen’s shoulders, then, her hands on his shoulders, adjusting the garment, her beautiful face beaming with a sweet smile, drawing the attention of the other customers.

He stood there patiently, like a mannequin, allowing her to dress him.

Their intimate behavior made it clear they were a couple. And he was clearly younger than her, a classic “older woman, younger man” pairing, their height difference also quite noticeable. They were a perfect match.

“…”

A surge of jealousy, like a vat of aged vinegar overturned, filled her heart.

— She should be the one standing beside him, his lawfully wedded wife!

She clenched her fists, her slitted pupils filled with a sense of injustice, then turned and left without a word.

Yan Yan panicked.

Mother? Wait, don’t go!

She ignored her daughter’s plea, continuing to walk away.

…

Inside the store, they both sensed a familiar aura, turning towards the entrance, but they didn’t see anyone they recognized.

…

Yun Xiu purchased two new outfits for him, and he, in return, bought her a new dress. Then they left the store.

As soon as they stepped out, two women, their gazes sharp, approached them, flashing their identification tokens. “Serpent Guard Eight” and “Serpent Guard Nine.”

Yun Xiu immediately stepped in front of Yan Zhen, her expression wary.

She had noticed the Serpent Guards monitoring them, but they had kept their distance, seemingly only reporting their location. So she had ignored them.

But now they were confronting them directly…

“What do you want?”

The guards, however, didn’t attack.

“Her Majesty requests your presence. Please, come with us.”

She was startled, then she understood. The Serpent Queen was impatient.

He, however, was puzzled.

“Why does she want to see us?”

“Please ask Her Majesty directly. We are merely messengers.”

“Fine…”

He and Yun Xiu exchanged glances, then nodded, following the guards to a teahouse on the next street.

…

The guards opened the door to a private room on the top floor, gesturing for them to enter, then closed the door, standing guard outside.

…

Inside the room, the Serpent Queen, dressed in a long, crimson dress, sat gracefully at a low table, preparing tea.

Her veil was gone, her beautiful face calm and composed, her lips pressed together in a thin line.

She looked up as they entered, her voice indifferent.

“Sit.”

They were both puzzled. Why had she come here in disguise, requesting a meeting in such a place?

Her face was powdered, her lips painted, her hair adorned with ornate and expensive hairpins, her dress elegant and striking… Yun Xiu instantly recognized that she had dressed up, and it didn’t take a genius to figure out who she had dressed up for.

Yun Xiu felt a surge of unease, her hand tightening around his.

He, however, didn’t think much of it, simply finding her more beautiful in this attire than in her usual queenly garb, her mature charm alluring. He wanted to call her…

“Wife!”

But that was for the future. Now, she was simply the ruler of the Water City, the Serpent Queen, a powerful Ninth Star Mystic Lord. Anyone who disrespected her would likely end up dead.

…

The atmosphere in the room was tense. No one spoke. She continued preparing the tea, while they watched her.

The hot water, poured over the tea leaves, released a fragrant aroma, filling the room, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

She poured them each a cup, then one for herself.

“Try it. See how my tea-making skills are.”

They each took a sip, their eyes widening in surprise.

“Excellent tea~” Yun Xiu sighed. “Its fragrance is refreshing, its taste mellow, its texture smooth, its aftertaste lingering. Truly a masterpiece.”

How does Yun Xiu know so much about tea? He blinked, impressed, then also praised her tea-making skills.

“Mmm, it’s delicious! I didn’t know you were so skilled at this, Your Majesty.”

She looked at him strangely. Didn’t you drink enough of my tea in our past life? And you always gulped it down like a barbarian, never appreciating its subtleties. Now you’re pretending to be a connoisseur?

“It’s just a minor skill.” She fixed her gaze on him. “I learned it to… calm my mind… when dealing with… irritating people.”

— Is she referring to me? Probably not.

He tried to appear innocent.

Yun Xiu set down her cup.

“You didn’t ask us here just to serve us tea, did you, Your Majesty?”

She also set down her cup, her slitted pupils fixed on Yun Xiu, as if trying to see through her.

“The Cloud Heaven Sword Immortal of the Gallo Kingdom… becoming lovers with an unknown boy… how surprising. I wonder how Cloud Heaven Palace would react if they knew.”

— Uh… is she threatening us right off the bat? That’s not good…

He felt a bit speechless.

Yun Xiu frowned.

“This is my personal matter. It’s none of your concern, Your Majesty.”

The Serpent Queen smirked.

“I’d like to make a deal with you, Palace Master Yun.”

“A deal?”

“If I’m not mistaken, the Sand Scorpion army will be attacking soon. I’d like you to assist us, to help us fight the Crimson Sand Scorpion King.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then… your… affair… will become public knowledge. Not only will Cloud Heaven Palace’s reputation be ruined, but your little lover will also face… retribution.”

“You–”

Yun Xiu hadn’t expected her to be so shameless, using Yan Zhen as leverage even after being reborn.

“And… I also know that this little lover of yours… is actually your disciple’s fiancé, isn’t he?” The Serpent Queen’s tone was mocking. “A master stealing her disciple’s man… how… interesting.”

Her words struck a nerve, silencing Yun Xiu.

After Cloud Heaven Palace’s destruction in her previous life, she and Huangfu Wenqing had relied on each other, their bond deepening. For her, there were only two important people in the world: Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing.

After being reborn, she had intended to be their guardian, their elder, but under Jiu Youyue’s influence, she had somehow become… this. She had always felt uneasy about it.

“Yun Xiu…”

“It’s fine.” She shook her head, then, after a moment of hesitation, said, “Yan Zhen, wait outside. I need to talk to Her Majesty… alone.”

Chapter 26: Yan Yan: Let’s Go See Father~

The Serpent Guard’s report detailed the situation at the Southern Fortress: three Great Scorpions had attacked, the Southern Legion was no match for them, and they were now holding the fortress, refusing to engage. At this rate, the Southern Fortress would fall within two days at the latest.

The Serpent Queen nodded thoughtfully. The situation was similar to her previous life. However, following her orders, Ye Mei hadn’t engaged the enemy, choosing to focus on defense. Although it was a bit embarrassing, it was better than sacrificing her soldiers needlessly.

“How is the evacuation of the Southern Fortress’s refugees progressing?”

“Most have been relocated to the villages surrounding the city. Some have gone to stay with relatives within the Water City.”

“Good.” She said calmly. “Once the evacuation is complete, begin the legion’s withdrawal, as planned. Make sure there are no mistakes.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Since the Southern Fortress was destined to fall, it was better to abandon it and preserve their forces.

However, this would be a blow to morale, and Ye Mei wasn’t entirely on board with this strategy. But the Serpent Queen insisted it was a secret plan, ordering them to follow her commands.

The Sand Scorpions, their strength enhanced by the Great Crimson Skyfire, were currently stronger than the Water City’s forces, unless she could reach the Mystic Sovereign realm.

And to reach the Mystic Sovereign realm, she needed to evolve her Serpent God Bloodline.

Normally, this would take two or three years, but time was of the essence. The only way to accelerate the process was to utilize the Great Crimson Skyfire itself!

And the Great Crimson Skyfire was currently located within the Crimson Sand Scorpion King’s lair.

Her plan was the same as in her previous life: while the Crimson Sand Scorpion King was besieging the Water City, she would use a secret underwater passage to bypass his army and attack his lair, using the Great Crimson Skyfire to evolve her bloodline, then return.

Therefore, she had to avoid unnecessary sacrifices, preserving her forces as much as possible, defending the Water City until her return.

Now, she just had to “let” the Sand Scorpions in.

Once all four fortresses had “fallen,” the Crimson Sand Scorpion King would personally lead his army to besiege the Water City. That would be her chance to counterattack.

Until then, she had to be patient.

This was her plan.

“What’s the situation at the other three fortresses?”

“There have been minor skirmishes, but nothing major.”

Just like in her previous life. She had to wait for the Demon Realm’s emissary to act before she could implement her plan. Otherwise, it would arouse suspicion.

Speaking of the emissary, she couldn’t help but think of Jiu Youyue. Although a secondary body of the Demonic Consort, Jiu Youyue had loved Yan Zhen, even sacrificing her life for him. After her death, he had given her a title, making her a “sister” to her and Zi Xunyi.

However, she had rarely interacted with Jiu Youyue and wasn’t close to her. If they met, she wouldn’t hesitate to kill her.

“Maintain high alert. Report any changes immediately. Do not engage the enemy without my orders!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

The remaining issue was the reinforcements from the three kingdoms.

— Forget them. They’re just opportunistic vultures, trying to profit from the situation. They’re irrelevant.

She dismissed the Serpent Guard, summoning another.

“Where are they now?”

The Serpent Guard replied carefully, “Your Majesty, they’re on a houseboat on the central river…”

She then detailed her observations, including the… rhythmic rocking of the boat.

The Serpent Queen listened, then dismissed the guard with a wave of her hand.

The guard, relieved, quickly disappeared.

The Serpent Queen leaned back, sighing, her hands clenching within her sleeves.

“Mother, let’s go see Father.”

Her daughter’s voice echoed in her mind. She found an outlet for her frustration, her voice cold.

“Didn’t you hear? Your father is busy… rocking a boat with his first love. He has no time for a useless child like you!”

Yan Yan pouted, unfazed. She was used to her mother’s sharp tongue.

Every time her father went to see Yun Xiu, her mother would get angry, taking it out on her, criticizing her for everything.

If her mother didn’t always spoil her afterwards, she would have run off to Aunt Zi long ago. At least Aunt Zi wouldn’t scold her.

“But Mother, if we don’t go, then Yun Xiu will have him all to herself! Is that really okay?”

The Serpent Queen’s expression flickered, but she still snorted.

“What’s wrong with that? He loves her so much that he’s even willing to risk his life for her. Let them be happy.”

They weren’t even related now. And even in her previous life, he had only married her out of a sense of responsibility.

He had never loved her. He loved Yun Xiu!

What could she possibly do to compete?

“If Mother doesn’t marry Father, then what about me? I want to be born soon~” Yan Yan whined. “It’s so boring being trapped in your sea of consciousness!”

Thinking of her lively daughter, confined within her mind, she felt a pang of sympathy, her voice softening.

“Be patient. It’s not time yet…”

— When the time comes, he’ll take what he wants, whether she wants it or not.

Remembering their past life, she blushed, a rare shyness in her expression.

“I promise, after we deal with the Sand Scorpions, I’ll take you out to play, okay?”

Yan Yan mumbled, “But I want to play with Father now.”

“Yan Yan!” Her voice turned cold again. “Are you trying to annoy me?”

Her daughter said stubbornly, “I haven’t seen Father in over a year! And now that he’s finally here, and he’s so young and handsome… of course I want to play with him~ Don’t you want to see him too, Mother?”

“No.”

“Liar! You clearly do! You even sent people to watch him!”

“That’s to monitor Yun Xiu’s movements! Who knows if she has other motives for coming here… She didn’t arrive this early in my previous life. She came with the reinforcements from the Gallo Kingdom.”

She deliberately explained herself.

Yan Yan, knowing her mother was just being tsundere, started acting spoiled.

“Let’s go see Father, Mother! Please~”

“No.”

“Mother~~~ Mother, Mother, Mother~~~”

“Fine, fine, we’ll go! Stop rolling around in my sea of consciousness! You’re making me dizzy!”

“Yay! Mother is the best! Love you!”

“Hmph, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t bother.”

“Mmm, mmm, it’s all my fault! It has nothing to do with Mother~”

“…”

The Serpent Queen returned to her chambers, bathed, changed into a form-fitting dress, then, after being meticulously dressed by her servants, checked her appearance in the mirror several times before finally donning a purple veil, leaving the palace, escorted by two Serpent Guards.

Chapter 25: Yun Xiu Rocks Back and Forth

Yun Xiu woke up late in the morning, her body feeling limp and weak.

She turned to the young man beside her. Yan Zhen was still asleep, his face peaceful and innocent, like a child. But in reality…

Remembering his forceful thrusts from last night, she instinctively squeezed her thighs together.

He had promised to limit their… activities to an hour, but they had gone on for twice as long.

For some reason, her resistance seemed to be weakening. During the second hour, she had been completely at his mercy, unable to resist, her mind blank, embarrassing moans escaping her lips.

Just the memory made her face burn, a tingling sensation between her legs.

If she weren’t a Mystic Lord, she wouldn’t be able to get out of bed today.

“That rascal… he’s insatiable.”

She sat up, the blanket slipping from her breasts, pooling on her lap, her hair disheveled, two strands framing her face, partially concealing her rosy nipples, the subtle exposure incredibly alluring.

Closing her eyes, she circulated her Mystic Power, her strength quickly returning.

She exhaled, opening her eyes, her gaze falling on the… evidence of their activities on the blanket. She blushed again.

“He’s still… energetic… What a beast.”

Remembering the intense heat from last night, she suddenly felt curious, an urge she couldn’t suppress, to see what it looked like.

Just… one peek.

She glanced at him, confirming he wouldn’t be waking up anytime soon, then slowly pulled down the blanket.

She froze, her eyes widening.

A small, intricate dragon mark, faintly glowing, was etched on his… dragon, its aura both alluring and intimidating, making her blood rush, her lower abdomen warming.

She swallowed, her gaze fixed on it, like a child mesmerized by candy, then, as if possessed, she reached out…

“…”

…

He woke up to a strange sensation, finding her sitting on top of him, her hands on his chest, rocking back and forth.

“Yun Xiu?”

He was confused. Was he dreaming? She was actually taking the initiative!

She was mortified, but she didn’t stop, her hand covering his eyes, preventing him from seeing her embarrassed expression.

…

When it was over, she collapsed beside him, her back to him, her body curled up like a hedgehog, clearly wanting to be alone.

He scratched his head, puzzled. He hadn’t done anything. She had been the one who initiated it. Why was she upset?

He tried to comfort her.

“What’s wrong? Did I… wake up too early?”

Her face was as red as an apple.

“…It’s not what you think!”

“Then what is it?”

“I-I… It’s not my fault!”

Hearing the sadness and frustration in her voice, he pulled her into his arms, gently stroking her head.

“Okay, okay, it’s my fault. Don’t be angry.”

…

After a while, she calmed down, her voice soft.

“What’s that… dragon mark?”

Dragon mark? He realized she was referring to the side effect of refining the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire.

Could it be that besides enhancing his… performance, it also… aroused women?

That was… interesting.

Before he could answer, she seemed to have guessed.

“Is it… the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire’s power?”

“Heehee, yes.”

“No wonder it felt familiar. How can the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire have such a lewd power?!”

“I don’t know. It appeared after I refined it.”

“Is it… a problem?”

“Not at all. Isn’t it good?”

“It’s not good at all! Wait, why are you… again?!”

“It’s your fault. Take responsibility~”

“I can’t… I can’t do this anymore…”

“Ahem, the ancients said, ‘Morning exercise is good for your health.’”

“It’s almost noon! Stop… Yan Zhen… mmm~”

…

They didn’t get out of bed until noon, then, after a leisurely lunch on the houseboat, they explored the city, searching for shops selling Water Elemental Hearts.

The Water City’s cuisine was unique, every dish a novelty to them.

He enjoyed most of the dishes, while she, being a Mystic Lord capable of fasting, only sampled a few.

…

Inside the restaurant, many people were discussing the recent Sand Scorpion attacks.

He listened attentively, gathering information.

“I heard the Southern Fortress was attacked again.”

“Wasn’t that a few days ago?”

“No, last night. The Sand Scorpion army attacked again. Commander Ye Mei sent an urgent request for reinforcements. I don’t know what’s happening there now.”

“Really? How do you know?”

“My nephew is a guard there. He was on duty last night and saw the messengers from the Southern Fortress. He let them in. He told me this morning when he returned.”

“This is the third time the Southern Fortress has been attacked, right?”

“The fourth.”

“Why are they targeting the Southern Fortress? I remember Commander Ye Mei is stationed there. She’s the most beautiful woman in our army! I hope she’s alright.”

“I hope so too. My brother-in-law’s cousin’s daughter’s fiancé is also stationed there.”

“The other three fortresses seem to be quiet.”

“No, although there haven’t been any large-scale attacks, there have been reports of Sand Scorpion activity at the other fortresses as well… It seems Her Majesty’s defeat against the Crimson Sand Scorpion King has emboldened them.”

“Sigh, I hope Her Majesty recovers soon.”

“She was fighting a mysterious Mystic Lord in the sky yesterday. It ended in a draw. It seems her injuries haven’t fully healed. In the past, she could easily defeat any Mystic Lord!”

“…”

He stopped listening, lost in thought.

“The Southern Fortress was attacked again?” Yun Xiu sighed. “I wonder how that Serpent Woman is doing.”

“A Nine Star Mystic King isn’t that easy to kill.” He said indifferently. “And Ye Mei knows the Body Splitting Technique. Even you might not be able to kill her if she’s trying to escape.”

She looked at him, her gaze suspicious.

“How do you know that?”

He blinked, realizing he had slipped up, then quickly said, “I saw her use it during the night battle.”

She nodded, not questioning him further.

He sighed with relief, his mind returning to the script.

The reason for the Southern Fortress’s second attack was because that Tier 5 Purple Scorpion King was the Crimson Sand Scorpion King’s offspring.

The Southern Fortress would likely fall within the next two days, and Ye Mei would escape, severely injured.

Then, the other three fortresses would also fall, the Sand Scorpion army, their forces combined, surrounding the Water City.

Then he would be able to sneakily follow the Serpent Queen, attacking the scorpions’ nest, subduing the Great Crimson Skyfire.

He wasn’t worried. He finished his meal leisurely, then took her hand, leaving the restaurant to continue their sightseeing.

…

Meanwhile, within the palace, the Serpent Queen listened to the guard’s report, her expression indifferent.

Chapter 24: Stop fighting

—“System! Activate Special Trump Card: Stop Fighting! to stop their fight!”

[Ding! Friendly System Reminder: Host is currently immobilized and cannot use non-escape Trump Cards.]

—“Then help me escape first!”

[Ding! As per Host’s request, activating Special Trump Card: Mwah~.]

— There’s a card for that?

He was stunned, then felt a kiss on his cheek. The Serpent Queen’s hold on him loosened.

It actually worked!

— But this kiss… it feels strange. Who kissed me? System, it wasn’t you, was it?

After all, it loved adding “mwah~” to its messages.

[Ding! Friendly System Reminder: It’s just the Trump Card’s effect. Don’t flatter yourself, Host. Mwah~]

“…”

Forget it, this isn’t the time to argue with the system.

While the Serpent Generals weren’t looking, he activated Starry Sky Dance, his feet stepping on starlight as he soared into the air, passing through the hole in the roof. He saw them, high above the city, a white tornado clashing with a purplish-red serpent phantom.

Her Wind Mystic Power, pushed to its limits, had turned white, while the Serpent Queen’s poison-infused Mystic Power had taken on a purplish hue.

They were fighting seriously now.

Each clash between the tornado and the serpent phantom created a deafening roar, as if the sky itself was trembling.

People gathered on rooftops across the Water City, speculating about the identity of the Serpent Queen’s opponent.

“Mystic Sovereign Skill: Thousand Wind Obliteration Sword!”

“Serpent Technique: Myriad Serpent Shadows!”

Countless wind blades, like a rain of arrows, shot outwards, met by a swarm of crimson serpent phantoms, also transformed into arrows.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Explosions rocked the sky, the wind howling, thunder rumbling, a torrential downpour beginning.

“This is getting out of hand!” He stepped on the starlight beneath his feet, rushing towards them, his voice a desperate plea. “Stop! Both of you, stop fighting!”

“Yan Zhen?”

“Husband?”

They both sensed his arrival, startled, quickly trying to withdraw their attacks, but it was too late. The residual power of their Mystic Skills, even at half strength, was enough to obliterate him.

“Idiot, get out of the way!”

“Yan Zhen, look out!”

Facing imminent death, he panicked.

“System, activate Special Trump Card: Stop Fighting! Target: Yun Xiu and the Serpent Queen! Hurry!”

[Acknowledged~]

The card activated, black and white lights swirling around him. He extended his arms, a black boundary line pushing against the tornado, a white boundary line pushing against the serpent phantom.

The Special Trump Card: Stop Fighting! prevented them from attacking each other, their attacks unable to connect, as if they were in different dimensions.

And he was the boundary between them.

Both Trump Cards and Special Trump Cards centered around him, the system’s host.

Without their masters’ control, the tornado and the serpent phantom dissipated.

They both appeared beside him instantly, relieved to find him unharmed.

Yun Xiu pulled him into a tight embrace, her voice filled with relief and concern.

“You scared me… I’m glad you’re okay…”

He felt her soft breasts against his chest, gently patting her back.

“Sorry for worrying you.”

The Serpent Queen, watching their embrace, her face darkening, her voice cold and sharp, said, “You risked your life… for this woman?”

He turned to her, noticing a hint of… hurt in her slitted pupils. He felt a pang of sympathy, and also a twinge of guilt, like a husband caught red-handed by his wife after a night out at the bar.

“So… stop fighting. It’s not good to get injured.”

“Hmph!”

She turned, transforming into a red light, descending back into the palace. The ministers, guards, and her personal guards rushed towards her.

“Your Majesty–”

“Leave!” Her voice was sharp with impatience. “Let them go!”

“Y-yes, Your Majesty.”

She glanced at the two figures in the sky, then, surrounded by her entourage, entered the palace, disappearing from their sight.

…

He watched her retreating figure, his heart heavy, scratching his head.

Yun Xiu’s voice was gentle.

“Let’s go, Yan Zhen.”

He nodded, taking her hand, and they left the palace.

…

Yun Xiu, with her ample funds, purchased a brand new houseboat, mooring it nearby.

They bought some local delicacies, returning to the houseboat, eating and chatting.

“You’ve reached the Seven Star Mystic Scholar realm. It seems you successfully obtained the Water Elemental Heart and refined the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire.”

“Yes, that’s why it took so long. Sorry for not contacting you sooner.”

“As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters.”

“I’ve achieved my goal in coming to the Water City. Let’s… enjoy ourselves for the rest of our time here.”

“Mmm, I’ll do whatever you want.”

He, of course, wasn’t just thinking about having fun.

In the script, he had spent five days within the Fire Refining Starry Sky, emerging just as news arrived of the Southern Fortress’s fall. The Sand Scorpion army was marching on the Water City, preventing him from returning the way he came. He had been forced to remain hidden within the palace, observing the situation, until the scorpions arrived at the city’s gates.

However, returning to the palace now was impossible. He could only wait for the right opportunity, infiltrate it again, then follow the Serpent Queen through a secret underwater passage, leaving the Water City, to attack the Sand Scorpions’ nest, the location of the Great Crimson Skyfire.

Until then, he would simply enjoy sightseeing in the Water City with Yun Xiu.

…

After their meal, he sat on the bed, meditating, regulating his energy flow.

She sat beside him, quietly watching over him, until nightfall.

They left the houseboat, exploring the night market, returning late at night.

…

After his bath, he lay on the bed in his pajamas, arranging his Special Trump Cards, trying to create a new deck. Hearing her footsteps, he quickly closed the system interface, looking up.

He was stunned.

Yun Xiu, fresh from her bath, was wearing his black robe again. The black fabric contrasted sharply with her fair skin, the tight fit accentuating her curves, transforming her from an ethereal fairy into a seductive temptress.

She climbed onto the bed, her face flushed, her voice soft.

“It’s… been five days since last time… I’m… fulfilling our agreement… to… help you…”

He swallowed, pulling her into his arms, his body pressing down on hers.

She quickly erected a Mystic Power barrier to prevent any… unwanted observation.

The houseboat rocked gently, her soft moans echoing through the night, until just before dawn.

Chapter 23: First Love vs. Future Wife: The Showdown

Before entering, Yun Xiu had sensed both his and the Serpent Queen’s auras. She immediately assumed that the Serpent Queen had captured him after he snuck into the palace and was about to have him executed.

With her lover in danger, she hadn’t hesitated, breaking through the Serpent Generals’ and the palace guards’ encirclement, rushing into the hall to save him.

She never expected to see the Serpent Queen kissing him.

They were so engrossed in their kiss, so lost in their own world, that they hadn’t even noticed her arrival.

“Yan Zhen…”

She instantly understood. The Serpent Queen, like her and Jiu Youyue, must also be reborn. That was the only explanation for her behavior.

Otherwise, with the Serpent Queen’s cold and arrogant personality, she would never allow him within a foot of her.

The question was, had the Serpent Queen revealed her identity as his wife?

If she had, and he had accepted it…

No, that couldn’t be!

At least for now, he loved her!

Remembering their intimate moments, his passionate kisses, her heart warmed, her resolve strengthening. She called out coldly,

“Serpent Queen, release Yan Zhen!”

Swish, swish, swish.

The Serpent Queen’s personal guards appeared, blocking her path, preventing her from approaching.

The Serpent Queen loosened her grip, her slender, pink tongue slowly withdrawing from his mouth, lingeringly licking her lips. Seeing his dazed expression, a mischievous smile curved her lips as she gently kissed him again, then turned her gaze towards Yun Xiu, her slitted pupils flashing with a hint of provocation, but mostly caution.

Yun Xiu, Grand Palace Master of Cloud Heaven Palace, National Preceptor of the Gallo Kingdom, a Mystic Lord before the age of thirty.

After the fall of Cloud Heaven Palace, she had left the Gallo Kingdom with her disciple, Yan Zhen’s fiancée, eventually arriving at Evergreen Continent and joining the Evergreen Sacred Ground.

There, her talent had been fully nurtured, and through a fortunate encounter, she had inherited the legacy of a female Sword Saint, eventually reaching the Mystic Saint realm, becoming the Evergreen Sacred Ground’s new Holy Master.

In terms of beauty, talent, and status, she was second to none, not even the Serpent Queen herself.

The Serpent Queen only had a vague understanding of the complicated relationship between Yun Xiu and Yan Zhen, but she knew that they were each other’s first love, their feelings mutual, yet fate had kept them apart.

Even after he married her and Zi Xunyi, he would occasionally visit Yun Xiu at the Evergreen Sacred Ground, staying for days. Although he probably hadn’t done anything inappropriate, it still made them feel threatened.

They could have accepted another sister wife, but his feelings for Yun Xiu were clearly different, making them both wary of her, even after being reborn.

The Serpent Queen held him like a pet, her scaled hand gently caressing his cheek, her voice filled with queenly authority.

“You not only trespassed into the palace, but you also dared to raise your voice at me. Do you think the Water City is defenseless?”

As she spoke, the four Serpent Generals, leading the palace guards, rushed in, surrounding Yun Xiu, joining the Serpent Queen’s personal guards. They were all puzzled by the Serpent Queen’s embrace of the unfamiliar young man, but their attention was mainly focused on Yun Xiu.

— This woman is powerful!

Surrounded, Yun Xiu calmly flicked her sword, its tip pointing towards the ground, her aura unwavering.

“I mean no harm. I’m just here to retrieve my lover. Return him to me, and I’ll leave immediately.”

Lover? Why was she saying that too? In her previous life, she and Yan Zhen had never officially acknowledged their relationship. Why was she so openly calling him her “lover” now?

The Serpent Queen sensed something amiss, a familiar feeling of unease washing over her.

“Your… lover? You mean… this boy?”

“Y-yes.”

“A Mystic Lord like you… in love with a Mystic Scholar?”

Aren’t you the same? Yun Xiu thought to herself.

“So what? Cultivation doesn’t mean everything. And I have high hopes for his potential.”

“Indeed, he is exceptionally gifted in many aspects, a rare talent. Therefore, I intend to make him my consort, then my queen, to rule this Water City with me.”

“What?!” Yun Xiu’s expression changed. “A-are you serious, Serpent Queen?”

Not only Yun Xiu, but even the Serpent Generals, the palace guards, and the Queen’s personal guards were shocked.

The Queen’s consort… this wasn’t a trivial matter!

The Serpent Queen, like a victorious general, her tone nonchalant despite her smugness, said, “A queen’s words are absolute.”

Yun Xiu frowned. She hadn’t expected this.

“He… Yan Zhen won’t agree! Yan Zhen!”

The Serpent Queen snorted.

“His opinion is irrelevant.”

He hadn’t asked for her consent before doing those… things to her in their previous life!

The tables had turned. It was her turn to tease him now!

“…”

—So she is taking him by force!

Confirming that he hadn’t accepted the Serpent Queen’s offer, Yun Xiu felt a wave of relief, her resolve strengthening.

“Yan Zhen is my lover! I won’t let you have him!”

The Serpent Queen, immobilizing Yan Zhen with a gesture, placed him on the throne, then stood up, her Mystic Power surging, her slitted pupils glowing with a menacing red light.

“No one can take what I want. Try me if you don’t believe me.”

The Serpent Generals, feeling the oppressive power of her Serpent God Bloodline, their awe and reverence for their queen deepening, prepared to attack the intruder.

Yun Xiu, however, was fearless. She wasn’t even afraid of the Ninth Star Mystic Sovereign Baby, let alone a few Mystic Lords.

Wind Mystic Power gathered around her, swirling around her sword.

“You’ve forced my hand.”

Boom!

A powerful wind-based sword energy surged towards the Serpent Queen, who stomped her foot, a purplish-red serpent phantom emerging from behind her, meeting the attack head-on.

The clash of their Mystic Lord auras activated the hall’s protective formations, but the formations strained, threatening to collapse.

The guards and the Serpent Queen’s personal guards retreated, leaving the battlefield to the two women, even the Serpent Generals feeling apprehensive.

They were also Mystic Lords, but the gap between them and these two peak Mystic Lords was vast.

However, this was just a test of their strength.

As the sword energy and the serpent phantom dissipated, they both leaped into the air, one with a sword, the other with a whip, their attacks, a green and a red sphere of light, colliding.

Bang!

The first layer of the hall’s protective formations shattered, the two spheres of light soaring upwards, crashing through the roof, their battle continuing in the sky above the Water City.

Mystic Lords, capable of manipulating the world’s energy, their every move causing the weather to shift.

Dark clouds gathered above the Water City, the sky darkening, threatening rain.

…

Seeing his first love and his future wife fighting, Yan Zhen panicked, quickly summoning the system.

Chapter 22: White Album 2.0

— Oh crap, Yun Xiu really did barge in! I have to prevent this from escalating!

He wanted to intervene, but the Serpent Queen’s grip was firm, immobilizing him.

He struggled, saying, “My girlfriend is here to get me! Let me go! She’s also a Mystic Lord! If you two fight, it won’t end well for anyone!”

Girlfriend?! Her expression darkened. Although she knew he was just saying that, she still felt a pang of displeasure.

“I’d like to see what makes your Mystic Lord girlfriend so special.”

He realized his mistake. The Serpent Queen was the type who responded better to gentle persuasion, not threats.

“I mean… there’s no need for us to fight. This is all a misunderstanding!”

She said coldly, “You took advantage of me. Do you think a simple ‘misunderstanding’ can resolve this?”

“I only touched you to heal your injuries!” He was exasperated. “And we had an agreement! You said you wouldn’t hold it against me!”

“…That was just a temporary arrangement.”

“What?! You’re going back on your word?!”

She raised her chin, smirking.

“So what if I am?”

“You–”

— You… Do you believe I’ll give you the “Three Holes, One Dragon” plus “General Guan’s Carelessness” combo?!

His anger surged, but he couldn’t do anything.

He couldn’t defeat her, he couldn’t escape, his arguments were weak, and even his sharp tongue was useless.

…

The sounds of fighting echoed from outside. Yun Xiu, unable to meet with the Serpent Queen through normal channels, had resorted to force.

Besides Yun Xiu, there were four other powerful Mystic Lord auras. If he wasn’t mistaken, they were the four Serpent Generals who had retreated earlier.

Yun Xiu’s strength was undeniable, rarely challenged by those of the same realm, but she was facing four opponents who wielded a combination Mystic Skill. If the fight escalated, she would be at a disadvantage.

“What do you want from me? Just tell me!” He frowned. “If it’s within my power, I’ll do it!”

The Serpent Queen, seeing his concern for Yun Xiu, his willingness to compromise, chuckled coldly.

“Human boy, you trespassed into our forbidden grounds, defiled me… according to our laws, you should be thrown into the scorpion pit, devoured alive by thousands of scorpions, then your corpse thrown into the water prison, where it will be–”

Scorpion pit? His face turned green. He raised his hand, stopping her.

“Let’s talk this out! There’s no need to mention such… gruesome punishments!”

— Hmph, you’ll be begging for death soon enough.

She glared at him, then, with a haughty air, said, “If you don’t want to be punished, there’s another option.”

“Tell me.”

“Within the Water City, only one type of person is allowed to enter the Sacred Spring and touch my body. My consort.”

— That’s great! I’m your future husband! Mwah~

He wanted to say that, but he was afraid of being slapped to death by this beautiful snake.

“What do you mean, Your Majesty?”

Playing dumb again, this rascal… She felt her cheeks flushing, quickly composing herself, her voice cold.

“I’ll give you two choices. Either accept your punishment, or become my consort.”

He blinked, unsure of her intentions. Becoming her consort was out of the question. It wasn’t about male pride. It was about the script! She was supposed to marry him, and it was supposed to be a shotgun wedding!

“Can we… discuss other options? I already have a girlfriend. That Mystic Lord outside… How can I become your consort?”

“What’s stopping you? Break up with her.”

Damn, trying to sow discord, huh? He frowned, his displeasure growing.

“I’m just a lowly Mystic Scholar, unworthy of you, Your Majesty. Please, find someone more suitable.”

“I’m also a Mystic Lord.” She said meaningfully. “So that woman is worthy, but I’m not?”

“Please don’t tease me, Your Majesty. Let’s discuss how to resolve this… amicably.”

“I’m perfectly serious.”

“But… what do you even see in me? I’m just an ordinary boy passing through.”

“Does an ordinary boy have a Mystic Lord girlfriend?”

“I was… exaggerating. She’s actually an elder. I’m really just an ordinary person.”

“You were a Three Star Mystic Scholar a few days ago, and now you’re a Seven Star. How ‘ordinary’ are you?” She studied him intently. “And you have a strong Extreme Flame aura, clearly having refined one. And your cultivation technique is quite unique, capable of suppressing Extreme Flames. That crystal pendant around your neck is a spatial treasure… And you call yourself ordinary?”

“I think I’m pretty average.”

“A talented young man without a powerful background… that’s my ideal partner. You can provide me with strong offspring without threatening my rule.” She caressed his face, her touch like that of a connoisseur admiring a prized artwork. “Now do you understand why I’m giving you this opportunity?”

— Uh… you’re serious?

He was speechless, then he realized something.

To maintain the purity of the Serpent God Bloodline, the people of the Water City rarely married outsiders, especially the Serpent Queen.

If she were to choose a consort, it would be someone with a strong Serpent God Bloodline. Even if she wanted him, the three Serpent God Priests wouldn’t agree.

In the script, when he had proposed, he had been challenged by the three priests, only overcoming their objections with his overwhelming strength.

She was just teasing him, right?

…

The fighting outside suddenly stopped. Yun Xiu’s aura was rapidly approaching. Had she sensed his presence and broken through the four Serpent Generals’ encirclement to rescue him?

As he thought this, the hand caressing his face moved to the back of his head, pulling him closer, her lips finding his.

Chu~

They kissed. Or rather, he was kissed by her again.

Before he could react, her slender tongue slipped into his mouth, wrapping around his, like a snake.

“Mmm~”

He struggled, but how could he escape a serpent’s coils?

He heard the wet sounds of their tongues intertwining, his own tingling, his mind numbing, as if poisoned.

She kissed him passionately, her tongue exploring his mouth.

“Yan Zhen!”

A gust of wind swept through the hall, revealing Yun Xiu, her body enveloped in pale green Wind Mystic Power. She was about to call out his name again when she saw the scene on the throne, freezing in place.

Chapter 21: Teleported onto My Wife?!

In the script, he had infiltrated the palace alone, without Yun Xiu. Focused on following the script and completing the mission, he had completely forgotten about her!

Three days had passed, and he hadn’t contacted her. She might barge into the palace!

Normally, she would be here to assist the Water City, even participating in the battle against the Crimson Sand Scorpion King. If she trespassed into the palace and clashed with the Serpent Queen, it would be disastrous.

And if his “first love” and his future wife fought each other, he wouldn’t know whose side to take.

“…Master, I just remembered something. I have to go.”

Without waiting for her response, he activated his Star Shifting Fire Seal, teleporting out.

…

He had hidden the crystal pendant in the Sacred Spring. Logically, he should reappear there. However, he found himself in a spacious hall, sitting comfortably on a soft… chair.

Or rather, the “chair”—the throne—was occupied by the Serpent Queen, and he was straddling her lap, their position almost identical to his earlier dual cultivation posture with his Beautiful Sect Master, just reversed.

His weight pressed against her, flattening her ample bosom, their faces inches apart, their breaths mingling.

She was stunned, her mind blanking, and he was also dumbfounded, a cold sweat breaking out.

— Holy crap! I teleported onto the Serpent Queen?! I’m screwed!

““Your Majesty!””

The ministers, who had been discussing the Sand Scorpion threat, were shocked.

A bright light had suddenly flashed from the Serpent Queen’s chest, then this young man had appeared, sitting on her lap in such an indecent position! How outrageous!

Although they didn’t know who he was, a mere Mystic Scholar, daring to disrespect their ruler… he had to be punished!

“Insolent thief! Get off Her Majesty!”

“Seize him!”

The Serpent Queen had eight Serpent Generals under her command. The last four guarded the four fortresses, all at the Ninth Star Mystic King realm, while the first four guarded the four districts of the Water City, all Mystic Lords.

The four Mystic Lord Serpent Generals activated their Mystic Power, their auras locking onto him. Any suspicious move from him would result in a swift and decisive attack.

At the same time, the Serpent Queen’s personal guards and the palace guards also appeared, their combined killing intent pressing down on him.

Although he possessed both the Emperor Flame Technique and the Ancestral Talisman Scripture, he couldn’t withstand the pressure from so many experts, especially with a powerful Serpent Queen, capable of challenging even Mystic Sovereigns, right in front of him!

— What kind of hellish situation is this? Is this special treatment for the protagonist? Why not just teleport me directly to the Demonic Consort and let her crush me with a finger?

His mind raced. He decided to return to the crystal space immediately!

However, the Serpent Queen was faster. Her hand, emerging from her scale-patterned sleeve, grabbed his right wrist, precisely cutting off his Mystic Power flow, preventing him from activating the Star Shifting Fire Seal.

He was stunned. She had used this trick again!

— How did she know he used the Star Shifting Fire Seal on his right hand? Even a Ninth Star Mystic Lord shouldn’t be this perceptive! Was this even possible?!

He looked at her beautiful, yet indifferent face, swallowing nervously, his heart sinking.

Seeing his fear, she smirked, her hand moving from his wrist to his face, caressing his cheek.

“What’s wrong? Not running anymore?”

He thought that since he had healed her injuries, she wouldn’t kill him, right? Although she was known for her ruthlessness, she was still reasonable.

“I… I wasn’t planning to run. I’m still here, aren’t I?”

She snorted.

“Don’t think you can hide from me in the Fire Refining Starry Sky.”

— You know about the Fire Refining Starry Sky too?

He was stunned. He thought of Jiu Youyue, who also knew about the Fire Refining Starry Sky, even about his Beautiful Sect Master’s presence within it.

This was his cheat, his secret! How did everyone know about it?!

It seemed she had indeed found the crystal pendant, which was why he had teleported onto her. And during these past few days, she must have figured out some of its secrets.

The Water City had a long history. It wasn’t impossible for someone to recognize the Fire Refining Starry Sky.

His escape method was useless, and acting cute wouldn’t work either. It seemed he had to play the “emotional card.”

“I didn’t mean to offend you. Not last time, and not this time. Can you… spare me, considering I cured your injuries?”

She narrowed her eyes, her slitted pupils fixed on him, her silence unnerving.

The ministers exchanged glances. Judging by their conversation, could it be that Her Majesty knew this impudent young man?

She finally spoke.

“That’s enough for today. You’re all dismissed.”

“Your Majesty!” The second-in-command of the Serpent Generals, a young man with an alluring appearance, asked, puzzled, “If I may be so bold, who is this young man?”

“It’s none of your concern.” The Serpent Queen’s voice was cold and authoritative. “Leave. I don’t want to repeat myself.”

Under the dual pressure of her cultivation and bloodline, the ministers paled, bowing their heads as they retreated.

Within the Water City, the Serpent Queen’s word was law. Only the three Serpent God Priests could challenge her authority.

The hall quickly emptied, leaving only the two of them, their position still… compromising.

Under her intense gaze, he felt like a mouse cornered by a snake.

“Can you… let go of me now? I won’t run.”

She said calmly, “Do you think I would believe you?”

“Then… what do you want?”

“You snuck into our forbidden grounds, touched my body… and now you’re asking me what I want? Human boy, do you think I’m a fool?”

— You’re my future wife~

He almost blurted it out, but he stopped himself just in time. Saying that would probably get him killed.

“I wandered in by accident! And I only touched you to heal your injuries! If you’re not satisfied… I can let you… touch me back?”

She inwardly scoffed. You shameless little…

She was about to say something when a commotion erupted outside. They both sensed a powerful aura approaching.

A Mystic Lord!

“I demand an audience with the Serpent Queen! I have an urgent matter to discuss with her!”

— That voice… Yun Xiu?!

They both recognized the voice, their expressions different.