Category: They All Want to Be My Female Lead

Chapter 10: Yun Xiu’s Jealousy

The next day, Yan Zhen slept until late morning, then had a leisurely breakfast with Yun Xiu.

Around noon, as described in the script, the Southern Fortress’s commander, the Serpent Queen, arrived with two subordinates. She bowed to Yan Zhen.

“I am Ye Mei, this fortress’s commander. Last night, I was indebted to you for your assistance, young master. If it weren’t for your help, I would have surely perished at the hands of that scorpion, and this fortress would have fallen, with dire consequences.”

Yan Zhen responded modestly, “I only played a small part. The credit for slaying the Purple Scorpion King goes to Commander Ye Mei for her valiant efforts.”

Ye Mei chuckled, her narrow eyes flashing with charm. “You are too humble, young master. That was no small feat. It was the decisive blow that turned the tide of the battle. — I haven’t yet asked for your name.”

“I am Yan Zhen. ‘Yan’ as in ‘flame,’ ‘Zhen’ as in ‘true.’”

“Yan Zhen…a lovely name. I have a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it.”

Ye Mei turned and took an ornate box from one of her subordinates, opening the lid with a flourish.

Inside was a crimson crystal, radiating potent fire attribute energy.

Yun Xiu, standing next to him, was surprised. “A Fire Elemental Heart?”

Like Water Elemental Hearts, Fire Elemental Hearts were unique to the Great Marsh Desert, precious treasures for cultivators of Fire Mystic Power.

Ye Mei glanced at the veiled Yun Xiu, inwardly curious about her relationship with Yan Zhen. With a smile, she nodded. As a fire cultivator herself, she had chosen something from her personal collection to express her gratitude for his aid.

Yan Zhen blinked, a shy expression on his face. “The Fire Elemental Heart is truly a rare treasure, but… would it be possible to exchange it for a Water Elemental Heart? I’m willing to pay extra.”

Ye Mei and her subordinates were taken aback. The Serpent Queen asked, puzzled, “Young Master Yan Zhen, you cultivate Fire Mystic Power, correct? Why would you need a Water Elemental Heart?”

Yan Zhen scratched his head. “To be honest, I’m a Pill Master, and I’m currently in dire need of a Water Elemental Heart to refine some medicine.”

“You’re a Pill Master as well?”

Ye Mei’s jaw dropped. Fifteen or sixteen years old, a Three Star Mystic Scholar, wielding such advanced Mystic Skills, and a Pill Master?!

Quickly regaining her composure, she chuckled, her gaze lingering on Yan Zhen with undisguised admiration. “Young Master Yan Zhen, you are truly gifted. I am deeply impressed… However, I cultivate Fire Mystic Power, so I have no use for a Water Elemental Heart. I don’t happen to have one at the moment.”

“Then… never mind.” Yan Zhen’s disappointment was evident. “I’ll buy one in the Water City myself.”

“Elemental Hearts are rare items. You can’t simply buy them whenever you wish. They usually only appear at auctions, and even then, they are often reserved for the nobility.”

“Oh…”

Ye Mei smiled faintly. “I happen to be returning to the Water City to report last night’s attack. Why don’t you join me, Young Master Yan Zhen? You can be my guest. Once I’ve taken care of my duties, I’ll acquire a Water Elemental Heart for you as a token of my gratitude. How does that sound?”

Just what I was hoping for. Yan Zhen thought.

“Would that be too much trouble, Commander Ye Mei?”

She shook her head with a smile. “I live alone. You wouldn’t be disturbing me at all. — Then it’s settled. Do you have any other pressing matters, Young Master Yan Zhen? If not, we shall depart immediately.”

Yan Zhen nodded his agreement.

Yun Xiu, sensing something was amiss, didn’t speak, silently following them.

They arrived at the fortress’s central plaza, where a giant bird was perched.

According to the script, this bird was a “Giant Sand Eagle,” the most powerful variant of the Sand Eagle, a Tier 3 Mystic Beast, essentially the equivalent of an airplane in the desert.

Suppressing his urge to rant about the cliché, he followed Ye Mei, mounting the Giant Sand Eagle with Yun Xiu.

Since Ye Mei was holding the reins, and Yun Xiu refused to be too close to strangers, he ended up sandwiched between them.

With powerful flaps of its wings, the Giant Sand Eagle soared almost vertically into the air, then swiftly flew away from the fortress.

In the air, the scorching sun, the intense heat, and the strong wind were incredibly uncomfortable.

Ye Mei, sitting in front, suddenly turned to him.

“If you’re feeling unsteady, Young Master Yan Zhen, you can hold onto me~”

He blushed at her teasing, quickly assuring her he was fine.

She giggled, apparently finding his reaction amusing.

Yun Xiu frowned, then, after a moment of hesitation, she put her arms around his waist, deliberately pressing her breasts against his back. She rested her head on his shoulder.

— No one will see us up here.

He stiffened, surprised by her touch, the comforting softness of her body against his back, her cheek against his neck, her breath warm against his ear. He quickly became aroused.

His “dragon,” stirring from its slumber, brandished its Crescent Blade, ready for action.

Ye Mei was the first to sense the shift in his aura, her body trembling slightly, a blush coloring her cheeks. Thinking he might also be interested in her, she felt a thrill of excitement.

Serpent descendants admired both strength and beauty. He possessed both. And he had “rescued” her last night. She had to claim him.

As they flew further, the oasis, the only patch of green in the vast expanse of yellow sand, came into view. It looked unreal, like a mirage.

But as they approached, the temperature cooled, and the air became less dry. The lush forest and wide river, teeming with life, were a welcome sight.

Before dusk, they reached their destination.

Nestled amidst the mountains, on the shore of a large lake, lay a beautiful city.

From above, canals crisscrossed the city, boats docked along their banks, even shops built on boats. It was a bustling and prosperous scene.

The city could be accessed by both bridges and waterways, forming a network of interconnected paths.

The tallest building was the palace, the residence of the city’s ruler, the Serpent Queen.

Ye Mei steered the Giant Sand Eagle directly into the city. The guards, recognizing the markings on the bird, didn’t stop them.

The giant bird landed before a luxurious mansion in the inner city. Servants immediately emerged to greet them.

They dismounted. Ye Mei gestured for a servant to take the bird away, then led Yan Zhen and Yun Xiu inside, arranging two adjacent guest rooms for them.

“It’s getting late. Why don’t you two freshen up in your rooms? I’ve already instructed the servants to prepare dinner. We’ll dine together later.”

She winked at Yan Zhen, then left, her hips swaying.

Yun Xiu, observing the Serpent Queen’s suggestive gesture, felt a surge of annoyance.

This Serpent Woman… she’s clearly after him!

Chapter 9: The Secret Lover’s Three Rules

[Special Trump Card: One Slash 999. Upon activation, Host’s next slash deals maximum damage for the current realm.]

— Oh yeah, I love powerful cards like this.

He happily stored the reward, then slowly descended, landing on the wall.

He felt a wave of emptiness, his legs nearly giving way. That Flame Extinguishing, Ashless Slash had drained almost all his Mystic Power!

He swallowed a Mystic Pill to replenish his energy, sighing with relief.

With the Tier 5 Scorpion King dead, the remaining Sand Scorpions, losing their leader, scattered, burrowing into the sand, disappearing quickly.

The chaotic battlefield fell silent, then erupted in cheers.

““The Southern Fortress stands strong!””

““Commander Ye Mei is invincible!””

This was the Southern Fortress’s third encounter with the Sand Scorpion army. This time, their casualties were minimal, thanks to the Serpent Queen’s timely defeat of the Scorpion King.

However, Ye Mei knew that if not for the young man’s attack from the sky, the outcome might have been different.

“Where is that boy wreathed in flames?”

“I don’t know. He disappeared after landing.”

“I think I saw him. He jumped off the wall and left.”

“He’s the one with the powerful Fire Mystic Power, right? He looks familiar…”

She frowned, issuing orders.

“Clean up the battlefield, then send someone to find that boy. With his skills, he can’t be an unknown nobody!”

— And he’s quite handsome~

She licked her lips, her eyes gleaming.

The true Serpent descendants of the Water City admired both strength and beauty.

“…”

Yan Zhen, avoiding the celebratory crowd, quietly returned to the inn, finding the Mystic Power lock on his room’s door intact. Yun Xiu hadn’t left.

He dispelled the lock, entering the room, closing the door behind him.

“Yan Zhen?”

Her voice came from the inner room, making him flinch.

He composed himself, removing his bloodstained cloak, hanging it on the screen, then entered the inner room.

She was already dressed, clearly about to leave, seeing him still absent.

Thankfully, he had completed the mission in time. Otherwise, she would have intervened, easily slaying the Scorpion King with a few sword strikes. He wouldn’t have had a chance to help.

“Were those Sand Scorpions attacking?” She examined him, her eyebrows furrowing as she noticed his new wounds. “You went to the gate to fight?”

He scratched his cheek.

“I just… helped out a bit. Consider it my daily training.”

His Mystic Power was nearly depleted, and he calls it “helping out a bit”…? She sighed.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

He chuckled.

“You were tired. You needed to rest. It wasn’t a big deal anyway. It’s all settled now.”

Hearing this, she blushed, then, after a moment of hesitation, patted the space beside her.

“Sit down. We need to talk.”

He obediently sat down, his gaze curious.

“About what?”

“About… what I said before.” She sounded slightly resentful. “Although I said I would be your… secret lover… you can’t treat me like… that kind of woman.”

The last part was barely audible.

That kind of woman? What kind? He realized what she meant, his actions, his forceful and possessive behavior, having clearly upset her. He quickly explained.

“I didn’t mean anything by it! I just… I couldn’t control myself. You’re… too beautiful.”

She bit her lip.

“I understand that boys your age are… impulsive. But that’s why you need to learn self-control and focus on your cultivation. Indulging in… pleasures will only hinder your progress.”

“Oh.”

“So… I have three rules for you.”

“Huh?”

“Ahem, first, you can’t… attack me like that again. And you can’t do that to anyone else either, especially not Jiu Youyue! Otherwise, I’ll treat you like a pervert!”

“…”

He was embarrassed. He had been forced to act against her will earlier, due to the circumstances. And as for the incident in the hot spring, Jiu Youyue had been the one who provoked him first. He wouldn’t have… attacked her otherwise.

“Second, you have to honor our agreement. If you defeat Wenqing in a year, you have to marry her. This is the most important rule. Promise me.”

She was clearly adamant about this, for some reason.

He nodded silently.

She sighed with relief, her expression softening.

“And lastly… as your… secret lover… I’ll… satisfy your… physical needs… once every five to ten days… for no more than half an hour each time… And… kissing is fine, but no touching… understood?”

Her cheeks were flushed, but her eyes were fixed on him, a determined glint within them, as if daring him to disobey.

He blinked, then obediently replied, “Okay.”

“Don’t just say ‘okay’! Answer me properly!”

Uh…

“Okay, I understand.”

“…”

Her anger melted away, replaced by amusement, seeing his cute, dumbfounded expression.

“It’s getting late. You should rest. I’ll meditate over there.”

As she stood up, he grabbed her wrist, pulling her back. She collapsed onto his lap, as if she were a helpless damsel.

He wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Come rest with me. There’s no rush to meditate.”

His voice, soft and warm against her ear, carried a suggestive tone.

And she could feel… something pressing against her hip.

Her heart skipped a beat.

It had only been a few hours… how could he be… again?

…

He didn’t understand himself either. Ever since their night together, he had been… obsessed with her body, especially after hearing her offer to be his secret lover. He couldn’t control his desires.

Was this the power of “first love”? In the script, he and Yun Xiu had also maintained a secret relationship, their every meeting filled with passion.

But his real “first love” should be his Beautiful Sect Master.

No, he didn’t have much self-control around her either. He was just more restrained, out of respect for his master.

But Yun Xiu was also his fiancée’s master. Why was he so eager to… investigate her?

Hmm…

“Let go of me.” She struggled slightly, but her efforts were half-hearted. “You just promised not to touch me.”

“I’m not touching you with my feet. I’m touching you with my hands.”

He weakly defended himself. He knew continuing this would only lead to another system warning, but his body was urging him to explore her body further.

— Damn it, control yourself!

With immense willpower, he suppressed his “dragon,” releasing her, muttering an apology.

She, still pretending to struggle, was startled, then quickly got up.

“You… you should get some rest.”

She fled.

He sighed, collapsing onto the bed, his exhaustion overwhelming him. He quickly fell asleep.

Chapter 8: Flame Extinguishing, Ashless Slash

He wasn’t the only one. Across the fortress, non-military personnel joined the fight, rushing from rooftops, but he was the only one enveloped in a cloak of flames, soaring through the air, surpassing countless experts, the first to reach the gate.

He didn’t draw Raikiri. Instead, his hand transformed into a blade, flames condensing, and he slashed at a Tier 2 Sand Scorpion attacking a soldier.

A flash of fire, and the scorpion was bisected, its wound cauterized.

The soldier, saved, looked at him with gratitude, then grabbed his weapon, charging into the fray.

“Screech!”

The scorpions’ shrieks, mixed with the soldiers’ shouts, filled the air.

He had never experienced such a scene before, a battle between humans and insects. Severed limbs and shattered exoskeletons, blood splattering, red and green, painting a gruesome scene.

He felt a familiar urge to vomit, the same feeling he had experienced after killing Lan Ke, but he suppressed it.

His Spiritual Perception spread outwards, guarding against sneak attacks, his movements agile as he dodged the larger, more formidable Tier 3 Sand Scorpions, targeting the weaker ones, slicing through them like vegetables, leaving a trail of corpses in his wake.

Both the soldiers and the other cultivators noticed him.

“Who is that? Such powerful Fire Mystic Power!”

Sand Scorpions were naturally resistant to fire, and the Great Crimson Skyfire’s tempering had further enhanced their defenses. Ordinary Fire Mystic Power attacks would have their effectiveness reduced by at least half.

However, his flames seemed unaffected, their heat intense, their edges sharp, like wind blades.

Only the Tier 3 Sand Scorpions could withstand a single strike.

“Such power at such a young age… Could he be from a powerful clan?”

His performance boosted morale. The soldiers’ shouts intensified, the battle growing fiercer.

However, everyone knew the outcome depended on the aerial battle.

…

He quickly reached his quota of fifty kills, then turned his attention to the fight in the sky.

Ye Mei, the Serpent Queen, the Southern Fortress’s commander, a Nine Star Mystic King.

Like him, she cultivated Fire Mystic Power, but it wasn’t ordinary fire. It was ash, her body enveloped in gray smoke.

As for why she was called the Serpent Queen…

The Water City worshipped the Great Serpent God. The noble families all possessed the “Serpent God Bloodline,” which enhanced their physical abilities, transforming their eyes into snake-like slits, and covering their bodies in scales when activated.

Incidentally, the one with the purest Serpent God Bloodline was the ruler of the Water City, his future wife, the Serpent Queen.

With her cultivation, defeating a Tier 5 Scorpion King wouldn’t normally be a problem, but this scorpion’s exoskeleton had been tempered by the Great Crimson Skyfire, making it incredibly tough and resistant to fire.

She had been fighting for a while, but she couldn’t break through its defenses, having even been struck by its poisonous tail several times. If not for the Serpent God Bloodline’s high poison resistance, she would have already been defeated.

However, at this rate, her defeat was only a matter of time.

“You can’t even scratch my armor! You have no chance!” The massive, purple scorpion screeched. “Surrender now, open the gates, and I might spare your lives!”

“Dream on!”

Enraged, she channeled her ash-like Mystic Power, transforming into a gray, translucent Flame Serpent.

This was a bloodline Mystic Skill of the Serpent God Bloodline: Serpent Transformation!

Serpent vs. Scorpion!

They clashed repeatedly, gray scales scattering, but the scorpion’s armor only showed scorch marks, no signs of cracking.

“The Great Crimson Skyfire…”

She gritted her teeth, her consciousness within the Flame Serpent.

That accursed flame, which had destroyed the Great Marsh Kingdom, was now threatening to destroy the Water City?

Bang!

Another clash, and cracks appeared on the Flame Serpent’s body, threatening to shatter it.

Blood trickled from her lips, her aura weakening.

She was reaching her limit.

The purple scorpion, waving its claws, chuckled.

“Heeheehee, you lose!”

As it finished speaking, a small crack appeared on its back, a minor injury, like a mosquito bite, inconsequential to its massive body.

“You actually managed to damage my armor, Snake Woman. Impressive! But a small scratch like this… even a few more won’t make a difference.”

— No, you’re finished.

Yan Zhen, who had been observing the battle, said silently. He activated Starry Sky Dance, his feet stepping on starlight, rising into the air, hidden behind the clouds. He summoned the Gold and Silver Fire, condensing it into a sword.

Without the Mystic Tool Embryo, he relied solely on his Spiritual Power.

A magnificent sword, its blade a blend of gold and silver flames, appeared in his hand. Then, with his other hand, he drew the Wind Rune on the blade.

The rune on his hand glowed, and the Divine Wind True Intent, extracted from Arashigir, infused the Extreme Flame Sword.

The dual winds fueled the flames, the sword expanding, then contracting, returning to its original size, its brilliance intensified.

Above the clouds, bathed in fire, he raised the sword high, assuming an upper stance.

A sharp edge, unusual for a flame, appeared on the blade, followed by a high-pitched hum, piercing their eardrums.

Both soldiers and scorpions were affected.

The wind and fire dispersed the clouds, revealing his figure.

All eyes, human and scorpion alike, turned to the young man, his body wreathed in flames, his sword raised high, their hearts filled with awe.

Even Ye Mei and the Tier 5 Scorpion King were stunned.

Under their watchful gazes, his aura reached its peak, and he shouted, his voice a thunderous roar,

“Flame Extinguishing! Ashless Slash!”

He swung the Extreme Flame Sword downwards.

A massive sword energy, over thirty feet wide, accompanied by a powerful wind, slammed into the scorpion’s back.

The Scorpion King hadn’t even considered him a threat, a mere Mystic Scholar. However, enhanced by the Wind Rune and the Divine Wind True Intent, the sword energy, formed purely from the Gold and Silver Fire, possessed not only intense heat, but also incredible sharpness, melting and slicing through its armor.

He wouldn’t have been able to break through its defenses normally, but there was a crack on its armor!

The wind and fire, pouring into the crack, shattered the armor from within.

The small crack expanded, becoming a gaping wound.

The sword energy sliced through its flesh, blue-green blood splattering.

“Screeeech!!!”

The scorpion screamed, its massive purple body falling from the sky, crushing a group of scorpions below.

Ye Mei, seeing this, her eyes flashing, seized the opportunity, unleashing her strongest attack.

The tide had turned.

Chapter 7: The Sand Scorpion Army Attacks

Southern Fortress, a certain inn, the best room.

The room’s doors and windows were locked, the interior dim, illuminated only by the glowstone in the bathing area, its light casting two figures onto the screen.

One male, one female, one small, one large, side by side.

Yun Xiu’s hands gripped the edges of the wooden tub, her slender waist bent, her hips raised, her posture like that of a female beast.

Her long, black hair, parted in the middle, cascaded down her smooth back, its ends submerged in the water.

With each thrust from the young man behind her, her hair swayed, creating ripples on the water’s surface. Her breasts also swayed, bouncing enticingly, tempting him to grab and fondle them.

And so he did.

One hand on her slender waist, the other reaching forward, his “attack speed” doubled, until she let out a muffled cry, a sound of suppressed yet uncontainable pleasure. He paused, then, as if encouraging her, “refilled” her.

“Haa~”

He exhaled, slowly withdrawing. She, losing her support, collapsed back into the water, a splash echoing through the room.

The rose petals, previously scattered on the water’s surface, were now mostly gone, only a few remaining, the rest scattered across the floor, a carpet of shattered red.

The water had turned cloudy. He stepped out of the tub, then, with a strong arm, lifted her limp body, carrying her out of the water.

He circulated his Mystic Power, their bodies instantly drying, a cloud of white mist forming.

The naked young man, carrying the naked fairy, walked through the mist, reaching the bed, then began the second round of their “battle.”

His goal was singular: to make sure she couldn’t get out of bed… ahem, to make sure she wouldn’t be able to fight when the attack came!

Even when she began to beg for mercy, he showed no signs of relenting.

…

Over an hour later, the sounds of their activities finally subsided.

He released her legs, carefully moving away, lying on his back, his chest heaving.

He turned to her, finding her eyes glazed over, her expression dazed, so he reached out, caressing her skin, soothing her after her climax.

When her breathing finally calmed, he kissed her forehead, his voice gentle.

“Sleep if you’re tired.”

She mumbled in agreement, closing her eyes, quickly drifting off to sleep.

— Finally, she’s down.

He sighed with relief.

Mystic Lords were truly incredible. Their stamina was amazing. And she was incredibly alluring to him, her every moan and gasp fueling his desire.

If he hadn’t experienced numerous “rice bowl” formations, and if he wasn’t so… gifted, he wouldn’t have been able to handle her.

Thankfully, he would soon refine the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire, enhancing his “weapon,” doubling his “combat power.” And he would later refine the Great Crimson Skyfire, using it to temper his body, further increasing his strength.

Well, no point in thinking about that now. The Sand Scorpion army’s attack was still a few hours away. He should get some sleep.

He lay down, pulling her soft, fragrant body close, quickly falling asleep.

…

He entered a dream, summoned to the crystal space by his Beautiful Sect Master, who scolded him.

“Zhen’er, she’s your fiancée’s master! How could you do this to her, again and again?”

Her disappointed tone made him shrink into a ball.

“I’m sorry, Master. I was wrong.”

“No, it’s my fault.” She said, “You’re a young man, Zhen’er. It’s natural to have… needs. I shouldn’t have suppressed you… It’s better to… release than to restrain… From now on, I’ll take care of your needs~”

“Huh?”

“Come, Zhen’er, take off your pants. Let Master see how much you’ve grown.”

“No, Master! Don’t!”

…

He jolted awake, the dream shattering.

“Damn it, why did I have that dream? Master is so kind to me…”

Although it was just a dream, he still felt guilty.

He slapped his cheeks, trying to wake himself up.

Yun Xiu was still asleep, her breasts rising and falling with each breath, a captivating sight.

He felt a surge of desire, quickly circulating his Mystic Power to suppress it.

“…”

He sometimes wondered if he was actually a dog in human form.

He got out of bed, going to the bathroom, splashing water on his face, then wiping his body with a wet towel.

He changed into his clothes.

Suddenly, he sensed an unusual fluctuation, making him alert.

“Enemy attack!”

A voice, loud and clear, echoed from a distance.

A horn sounded, its mournful wail carried by the wind, waking the entire Southern Fortress.

— The Sand Scorpion army has arrived!

He felt a surge of excitement, his remaining fatigue vanishing.

He glanced at the bed, finding Yun Xiu awake, her beautiful face still drowsy. Mystic Lords were more sensitive to energy fluctuations than he was. She had clearly been awakened by the commotion in the city.

“Yan Zhen, what’s going on?”

He sat beside her, gently stroking her head.

“It’s nothing. You rest. I’ll go check it out. I’ll let you know if anything happens.”

She nodded obediently.

“Be careful.”

He smiled, leaning down, kissing her lightly, then left the room, locking the door with his Mystic Power.

…

Downstairs, the innkeeper, the waiter, and the other guests were all on the roof, observing the situation.

He joined them, his Spiritual Perception extending outwards, confirming his suspicions. Sand Scorpions were battling the soldiers on the walls.

Although they couldn’t fly, their jumping ability was incredible. They could easily leap onto the walls.

The scorpions ranged from Tier 1 to Tier 3. Their movements might be slow, but their exoskeletons were tough, and their tails poisonous, making them formidable opponents.

There were also Tier 4 Rock Armored Sand Scorpions and a single Tier 5 Scorpion King, leading the army.

The Tier 4 scorpions were being handled by Mystic Generals, while the Scorpion King was fighting a woman in red in the air.

The situation wasn’t looking good.

They would be overwhelmed if this continued.

Unless the Southern Fortress’s commander, the Serpent Queen, could defeat the Scorpion King. But having read the script, he knew she didn’t stand a chance.

[Ding! Key Plot Point Triggered.]

[Current Plot Progress: Chapter 275 – The Sand Scorpion Army Attacks.]

[Acting Requirements: ① Join the battle, killing at least fifty Sand Scorpions; ② Seize an opportunity to sneak attack the Tier 5 Scorpion King, creating an opening in its armor for the Serpent Queen, Ye Mei, to counterattack.]

[Completion Rate: 0%]

— Finally, a mission!

He cracked his knuckles, then activated Starry Sky Dance, soaring towards the gate, under the shocked gazes of the onlookers.

Chapter 6: Yan Zhen: I’ll Make Sure She Can’t Get Out of Bed

As expected, the four fortresses were under strict martial law. The gates only opened at specific times, then closed.

Soldiers patrolled the walls, on high alert.

Clearly, the Sand Scorpion army had already attacked, multiple times, and another attack could occur at any moment.

“…”

When he and Yun Xiu arrived, a long queue stretched before the Southern Fortress’s gate, slowly inching forward.

To enter the fortress, they had to present identification. Those without documents had to receive a temporary pass stamped on their hand, then obtain proper identification within the Water City before the stamp expired.

The stamp’s validity was ten days. Those without valid identification, once discovered, would be treated as criminals.

In the script, he had simply wanted to purchase the Water Elemental Heart from the Water City, so he hadn’t concealed his identity, presenting his identification documents and passing the inspection.

Yun Xiu, however, had revealed the National Preceptor’s token bestowed upon her by the Gallo Kingdom’s royal family, startling the guards.

The Water City was located at the intersection of the Gallo, Sunward, and Closed Moon Kingdoms, maintaining diplomatic relations with all three, though not particularly close ones.

As the Gallo Kingdom’s National Preceptor, the Cloud Heaven Palace Master, and the renowned “Cloud Heaven Sword Immortal,” her fame and power were undeniable. They naturally recognized her.

A guard approached them.

“Greetings, are you… the Cloud Heaven Sword Immortal?”

She nodded slightly.

“Yes.”

The guard’s face lit up.

“Are you here to assist our Water City, Palace Master Yun?”

“Mmm.”

She nodded again.

If she remembered correctly, within the next ten days, the Serpent Queen should have already fought the Crimson Sand Scorpion King, not only being defeated, but also injured by the Great Crimson Skyfire. The Extreme Flame was now within her body, causing her immense pain.

The Crimson Sand Scorpion King had also been slightly injured, forcing him to temporarily retreat, but he would return soon.

The people of the Water City could only use this opportunity to seek aid from the three kingdoms.

In her previous life, after returning to Cloud Heaven Palace and learning about the situation, she had been worried about Yan Zhen, who had mentioned going to the Water City to purchase the Water Elemental Heart. So she had gone to help him.

Of course, she hadn’t bothered queuing at the gate. She had simply flown over the walls, searching for him.

— No one dared question a Mystic Lord’s actions, nor could they stop her.

As she revealed her identity, the people around them, their gazes changing, respectfully parted, allowing them to pass. The guards also bowed, granting them entry.

…

Once inside the city, he pulled her into a secluded alley.

“How did you know the Water City was seeking aid?”

She smiled faintly.

“I just… followed his lead.”

“Oh, I didn’t know you could lie~”

His gaze was teasing, making her feel a bit guilty.

“You had too high an opinion of me. Are you disappointed now?”

“Not at all. I’m happy to see a new side of you.”

She blushed, then adopted a lecturing tone.

“Enough of that. Let’s restock our supplies and continue our journey.”

— That’s not going to happen.

He thought to himself.

The Sand Scorpion army would soon attack this Southern Fortress, led by a Tier 5 Scorpion King, its exoskeleton tempered by the Great Crimson Skyfire, making it incredibly tough, even Mystic King level attacks barely scratching it.

The Southern Fortress’s commander, the Serpent Queen, was only a Nine Star Mystic King, no match for the Scorpion King. She would be defeated.

Then, he, a mere Mystic Scholar, would seize an opportunity to sneak attack the Scorpion King, using the Wind Rune, the Divine Wind True Intent, his Extreme Flame Sword, and his new sword technique to create an opening in its armor, giving the Serpent Queen a chance to counterattack.

This was a crucial “showing off” scene.

— Hold on.

He suddenly realized a serious problem.

Yun Xiu was here! If she intervened, she could easily slay the Scorpion King with a few sword strikes! The Serpent Queen wouldn’t be defeated, and he wouldn’t have a chance to help!

This…

As expected, deviating from the script always led to problems!

He patted his stomach, putting on a pitiful expression.

“Don’t rush. I’ve been eating dried meat and drinking water for ten days. I want to have a proper meal in the city.”

“This place might not be safe.”

She was worried. Although she didn’t know about the impending attack, she knew that the Southern Fortress would be the first to fall in her previous life. They couldn’t stay here for long.

“Look at the security at the gate. And that guard mentioned seeking aid. Something big is about to happen in the desert. We should leave as soon as possible.”

“Don’t worry, you’re here~” He said casually. “You’re a Mystic Lord. You can’t be that weak, right?”

“The ancients said, ‘A wise man doesn’t stand under a collapsing wall.’”

“But I’m still a young boy.”

Sixteen wasn’t exactly young, but he looked younger!

She rolled her eyes.

“You’re so good at making excuses~”

…

They went to a restaurant in the city center, ordering a private room and a table full of dishes.

The cuisine in the desert was quite different from other regions. From vegetables to meat, everything was unique.

Cactus dishes, sandworm dishes, camel dishes… He wasn’t used to the flavors, only eating half of the food before losing his appetite. Yun Xiu only had some tea, not touching any of the dishes.

After their meal, they went to a water vendor, refilling their storage ring.

The water in Green Mountain Town had already been several times more expensive than elsewhere. Here, it was even more expensive, comparable in price to high-quality meat.

Fortunately, he was wealthy.

— In the script, he had spent too much time bargaining for water, delaying their departure, forcing them to stay the night in the Southern Fortress. Then, the Sand Scorpion army had attacked late at night.

Now, he deliberately took his time, claiming he wanted to “experience the local culture.” By the time they finished shopping and gathering information, it was already late. They found an inn and checked in.

He requested a single room again.

“For safety reasons.”

Ten days without a proper bath… even a Mystic Lord couldn’t remain completely clean. She eagerly headed for the bathroom upon entering their room.

However, as soon as she had undressed and stepped into the tub, he entered the bathroom, his bright eyes fixed on her naked body, his intentions clear.

“I’m going to bathe too.”

His voice carried a hint of coquettishness.

It had been ten days since their last intimate encounter. She had occasionally thought about… doing it again, but he had been focused on his cultivation, and she didn’t want to disturb him.

His sudden appearance caught her off guard.

“Wait! Yan Zhen, don’t come any closer!”

She covered her breasts with her hands, her voice trembling, forgetting she was a Mystic Lord!

He ignored her protests. The Sand Scorpion army would likely attack around 1 a.m. Before that, he had to make sure she couldn’t get out of bed.

Judging by her previous… performance, it would probably take three rounds.

With that in mind, he quickly undressed, jumping into the tub.

Chapter 5: Entering the Great Marsh Desert, Reaching the Southern Fortress

The next morning, when Yan Zhen woke up, Yun Xiu was already awake, sitting by the table, staring blankly into space.

She was wearing her moon-white dress. Although it was quite conservative, it couldn’t conceal her alluring curves. Her figure was graceful and elegant, her aura cold and ethereal.

Her face was veiled, her clear eyes, visible through the fabric, fixed on him, unblinking.

She looked like a celestial being from a painting, her beauty almost unreal.

As soon as he opened his eyes, she flinched, like a startled rabbit, quickly turning away. She was clearly upset.

He sat up, scratching his head. He had gotten too into character last night, leading to some… excessive behavior.

For example, he had claimed he would just “touch,” then proceeded to thoroughly “fill” her, his fingers constantly teasing her sensitive spot.

He hadn’t intended to humiliate her. He had just wanted to… have some fun. But after only a few times together, she probably couldn’t accept this.

And he hadn’t been satisfied with just one round. He had switched positions, continuing their activities until midnight. Thankfully, she wasn’t the type to moan loudly. Her sounds had been soft and suppressed.

Which had only made it more exciting for him.

— Ahem, I shouldn’t dwell on those memories. It’s not conducive to getting out of bed.

“Good morning, Yun Xiu.”

She turned her back to him.

“Get up. We’re leaving soon. Don’t be lazy.”

Her tone, like that of an elder lecturing a junior, made him want to laugh, but he held it in, not wanting to anger her.

“I’ll just wash up. It won’t take long.”

After their activities last night, simply brushing his teeth and washing his face wouldn’t be enough. He enjoyed a leisurely bath, then changed into his travel clothes, before joining her downstairs to check out of the inn.

…

The most important things for traveling through the desert were a map, water, and food. He purchased several different maps, then, using an empty storage ring, stocked up on water. As for food, he packed some dried meat, biscuits, and other non-perishable items.

He didn’t have time to refine pills. Otherwise, packing some Fasting Pills would be ideal.

Most travelers to the Water City rode giant camels or other desert-traversing beasts, but he, besides traveling, also wanted to use this opportunity to practice his new Mystic Skill, so he chose to walk.

They donned cloaks that covered their entire bodies, shielding them from the sun and sand. He wore black, she wore white, then they left Green Mountain Town.

…

About ten miles from the town, the vegetation disappeared, the land covered in sand.

There was a weathered stone tablet by the roadside, its inscription warning, “Danger! Sand Scorpions ahead!”

This marked the boundary of the Great Marsh Desert, the territory under the Water City’s jurisdiction.

The temperature rose sharply. Even he, a Fire Mystic Power cultivator, felt a slight heat.

This was just the edge of the desert. He could only imagine how hot it would be deeper inside.

However, the heat made his Fire Mystic Power more active, beneficial for his cultivation.

He said, “Yun Xiu, I’m going to start training now. Try not to interfere.”

She nodded.

“I won’t intervene unless your life is in danger.”

…

They entered the desert.

The wind blew, sending sand swirling around them.

About fifteen minutes later, they encountered their first Sand Scorpion.

A scorpion the size of a child suddenly emerged from a sand dune, its hooked tail lashing out, aiming for his leg.

He had been waiting for this. He kicked the scorpion’s tail, sending it flying, then, his fingers clenching, a thin blade of Gold and Silver Fire shot out from his palm, slicing the scorpion in half.

Sand Scorpions had incredibly tough exoskeletons. His Beautiful Sect Master had instructed him to use his Gold and Silver Fire to slice them open, training his fire control and developing a “fiery sharpness,” preparing him for forging the Gold and Silver Fire into his personal weapon, as well as laying the foundation for his swordsmanship training.

He crouched down, examining the cut. It was rough and uneven, created by melting the exoskeleton with intense heat, far from his Beautiful Sect Master’s standards.

Without the Mystic Tool Embryo’s assistance, he could only condense the Gold and Silver Fire into the shape of a sword, but not a sharp blade.

It seemed this training wouldn’t be easy. But that was fine.

[Ding! Detected training session that can be skipped.]

He felt a surge of excitement. As expected, the system’s “skip” function had activated!

Cultivating in the desert was a tedious process. Even his Beautiful Sect Master rarely offered guidance. After all, this trial was about perseverance.

And he had already instructed Yun Xiu not to interfere. There shouldn’t be any interactions.

“Skip!”

The scenery around him sped up, like fast-forwarding a video, and night quickly fell.

A wave of exhaustion washed over him, his steps heavy.

“Yan Zhen, it’s getting late. We shouldn’t travel at night. Let’s find a place to camp.”

“Mmm, I scanned the area with my Spiritual Perception. There are some Ironwood Cacti up ahead. We can camp there.”

…

He secured the tent to a sturdy cactus, then, using Raikiri, the tool-knife, carved an “X” into the cactus. Water trickled out.

He soaked a towel, then handed it to her inside the tent.

“Thank you.”

She used the wet towel to wipe her body. Although Mystic Lords didn’t get dirty, she was still accustomed to cleaning herself daily.

After she finished, he re-soaked the towel, wiping himself clean.

He entered the tent, finding her already dressed.

In her usual white dress, of course. She wouldn’t be wearing his black robe again anytime soon.

“Let’s eat.”

They shared some dried meat and biscuits with water, then settled down to sleep.

The temperature difference between day and night in the desert was extreme. He retrieved a blanket, covering them both.

They lay side by side, facing each other, their gazes meeting in the darkness, a mixture of joy and shyness in their eyes.

She had never imagined sharing such a peaceful and intimate moment with him.

“Go to sleep.”

He said softly, his voice filled with exhaustion. He quickly drifted off to sleep.

She sighed with relief. She had been worried he would… try something in the desert.

Gazing at his sleeping face, her heart felt peaceful. She reached out, her hand gently caressing his cheek, her touch tender and careful, as if handling a precious treasure.

…

After a long while, she too fell asleep.

…

Ten days passed.

He didn’t touch her during those ten days, focusing entirely on his cultivation, occasionally asking her about sword energy.

After sacrificing hundreds of Sand Scorpions, his ability to condense flames into blades had significantly improved. And they had finally reached the Southern Fortress, one of the four fortresses guarding the Water City.

Chapter 4: I Can Be Your Secret Lover

Yun Xiu sat on the edge of the bed, her dazzlingly white legs swinging, then drew the bed curtains, enclosing the space.

The glowstone on the table provided ample illumination, even with the curtains drawn.

Yan Zhen lay beside her, facing away from her, his breathing steady, seemingly asleep.

She blinked, slowly lying down, leaving a fist’s width between them.

This wasn’t out of necessity, like in the cave. She had been the one who suggested getting a room, and she had willingly shared a bed with him, even wearing his clothes to try to arouse him…

Thinking about this, her heart pounded, her body warming.

“Yan Zhen.”

She called out, surprised by the seductive tone of her own voice, a hint of pleading within it.

He, however, didn’t turn around, simply asking coldly, “What?”

She propped herself up on her elbow, her hand gently resting on his back. She bit her lip.

“I’ve… thought a lot these past few days, and I’ve found some answers. I shouldn’t have made decisions for you. It was wrong of me not to consider your feelings. I’m sorry, okay?”

He remained silent for a long moment, then simply replied with an “mmm,” his tone unchanged.

Her heart sank. She bit her lip, then continued, “I won’t interfere with your engagement with Wenqing anymore. It’s up to you two to decide, whether you get married or not. It’s your fate.”

“Are you done? I’m going to sleep.”

His coldness hurt. He didn’t want to hear this.

She panicked.

“Wait! I’m not done!”

He opened his eyes, his expression still indifferent, even with his back turned to her.

Her face showed a flicker of struggle, then, finally, she made up her mind. She closed her eyes, pressing her ample bosom against his back, her arm wrapping around his waist.

“I like you, Yan Zhen. I really, really like you. From our past life to this life, I’ve always liked you… But you have an engagement with Wenqing, and I’m her master. So… I can’t be with you. I couldn’t face Wenqing.”

He finally turned to face her, their faces inches apart.

“I told you, I’ll have Wenqing break off our engagement after I win the duel. Then there won’t be a problem.”

She lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze.

“If you win, she won’t break off the engagement.”

As her master, she knew her disciple’s pride. Her most important criteria for a partner was someone stronger than her!

There were very few men in the Gallo Kingdom who could meet that requirement.

If he defeated Huangfu Wenqing, she would definitely not break off their engagement.

“And if you lose, you’ll have to marry into Cloud Heaven Palace.” She sighed. “Either way, it’s impossible. So… just give up.”

“…I don’t care about any of that. I want you.”

“No, Yan Zhen, you can’t hurt Wenqing because of me. I…”

Before she could finish, he silenced her with a kiss, his hand reaching for her breast.

He felt the soft texture of her skin, the barrier of fabric, his fingers brushing against a firm, sensitive point.

This was his “bad habit.” In the script, during their intimate moments, he would always tease her, finding her weakness, his fingers gently pinching, then squeezing and rubbing, quickly rendering her helpless, her eyes glazed over as she collapsed against him, surrendering to his touch.

Unconsciously, he was doing it again, his skillful movements overwhelming her.

“Wait, Yan Zhen, stop… listen to me… mmm… listen…”

He released her, flipping her over, straddling her, his hands framing her face, his breath ragged as he suppressed his desires.

“What is it?”

She covered her breasts with her arms, protecting herself.

“I… I can be your… secret lover. But you have to promise me, if you win against Wenqing, you’ll marry her, as agreed. Don’t break her heart.”

“Huh?”

Secret lover? What was that? He couldn’t keep up with her thought process.

“Are you serious, Yun Xiu?”

“Of course I am.” She stared at him, her gaze unwavering. “If you agree… then… I’ll… I’ll let you do… whatever you want to me.”

Whatever I want? Were there any words more enticing than these?

He felt a surge of excitement, almost losing his composure.

He collected himself, asking, “Why does it have to be… a secret? I want to be with you openly.”

“I told you, you have to marry Wenqing, not me.”

“We can… marry both of us, can’t we?”

“You… you… Of course not!” She turned away. “Wenqing is proud. She would never agree. And Cloud Heaven Palace wouldn’t allow the Sect Master and the Young Sect Master to share a husband! And… you want both master and disciple? How…!”

He scratched his cheek awkwardly.

According to the script, their relationship had indeed been somewhat like that of “secret lovers.” Although they were separated, they had still maintained a connection, their every meeting filled with passion. However, she had always stopped him before they crossed the final line.

But this “secret lover” arrangement was supposed to happen much later! This was way too early!

Seeing his frown, she said stubbornly, “If you… really don’t want to, then… let’s just… end this. We can’t keep making mistakes… Ah~”

Lost in her thoughts, she had let her guard down, and his hand had slipped past her defenses, finding its target.

“S-stop… Yan Zhen… let go… mmm…”

Her lips were also captured.

Her struggles weakened under his assault, until she finally closed her eyes, surrendering.

His lips left hers, trailing down her neck, reaching her chest.

She wrapped her arms around his head, shaking it.

“No, you haven’t agreed yet.”

He ignored her, his lips continuing their journey.

She pressed her thighs together, refusing to open them, her gaze unwavering.

He frowned.

“I’m just… touching. Is that not allowed?”

She bit her lip, her body trembling, her mind in turmoil. Finally, she relaxed slightly.

“…Just… touching… Ah! You… you liar!”

“Ahem, just for a bit… I’ll… stay outside…”

“You… little rascal… hurry up…”

…

Half an hour later, filled to the brim, she weakly pounded his back with her fists, her expression a mixture of satisfied drowsiness, shyness, and frustration.

— This rascal… he’s full of lies! He’s wasting a good name!

***

• 炎真 (Yán Zhēn): “Yan” means “flame,” symbolizing passion and strength, while “Zhen” means “true,” implying honesty and sincerity. Together, his name suggests a passionate, strong, and honest individual.

Chapter 3: I Want to Sleep in the Bed Too

He happily ate his dinner, noticing that Yun Xiu wasn’t touching her chopsticks, her hand supporting her chin as she stared at him.

“Aren’t you eating, Yun Xiu?”

She smiled faintly.

“You eat. I’m not hungry.”

He picked up a piece of braised pork, placing it in her bowl.

“Mystic Lords can indeed abstain from food, but occasionally enjoying mortal cuisine is also a form of cultivation.”

She was momentarily speechless, then rolled her eyes.

“Such profound words from someone so young.”

She picked up the pork, taking a small bite, her hand shielding her mouth, her demeanor elegant and refined.

“How is it?”

“A bit greasy.”

“It’s an inn, not a restaurant. The food isn’t as refined… That’s also part of the ‘mortal experience.’”

“—Is eating only meat and no vegetables also part of the ‘mortal experience’?”

Ahem. He almost choked, muttering, “It’s called personal preference.”

She picked up some vegetables, placing them in his bowl, a smile curving her lips.

“Being picky isn’t a good habit~”

“…”

He reluctantly ate the vegetables.

He wasn’t actually picky, but after weeks of fish and wild vegetables in the Demon Dragon Mountain Range, he needed a hearty meal of meat and soup to restore his spirit.

…

Under her watchful eye, he practically devoured everything. He leaned back in his chair, patting his full stomach, a look of contentment on his face.

She gathered the bones and utensils, placing them on a tray, then set it outside the door for the waiter to collect.

“I’m… going to take a bath.”

She blurted out, her face flushing, then went behind the screen, gently undoing her sash, removing her clothes one by one.

As she undressed, she wondered if he would peek, her heart pounding.

However, even after she was completely naked, she didn’t feel his gaze, feeling both relieved and disappointed. She sighed softly.

The bathtub was already filled with piping hot water, a layer of Fire Mystic Power maintaining its temperature…

She felt a mixture of joy and sadness. She hadn’t seen him smile in days. He was clearly still angry with her.

…

After a quick bath, she stepped out of the tub, circulating her Mystic Power to dry herself, then was about to change back into her usual clothes when she hesitated.

She hadn’t returned his black robe. She had kept it in her storage ring, initially as a memento.

She retrieved it, after a moment of hesitation.

…

He, of course, wasn’t peeking. He had opened a window, enjoying the cool evening breeze, his mind gradually calming.

“Yan Zhen.”

He turned, his gaze widening, his eyes filled with surprise and admiration.

She wasn’t wearing her usual white dress, but his black robe.

On him, the robe had reached his knees. On her, however, with her taller frame, it barely covered her hips, revealing her long, slender legs.

His gaze traveled upwards, taking in her curves accentuated by the tight fabric, the neckline gaping open, unable to be fastened due to her ample bosom, her breasts partially exposed, her cleavage deep and alluring, her collarbone delicate.

He swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry, his voice a bit strained.

“Yun Xiu, what are you…”

She mumbled, “It’s… hot… being so close to the desert… I didn’t want to wear so many layers.”

Her voice lacked conviction. After all, as a Wind Mystic Power cultivator, she could easily withstand even boiling water. Why would she be bothered by a little heat?

He scratched his cheek, nodding. He closed the window.

“It is quite warm here, even though it’s winter.”

She tried to appear casual, walking to the table, pouring a cup of tea. She spoke, her voice soft.

“Many, many years ago, the Great Marsh Desert was a vast lake, its surface covered in a dreamy mist. It was called the ‘Cloud Dream Marsh.’ There was a small island in the lake, with a city-state, sometimes called the ‘Cloud Dream Kingdom,’ or simply the ‘Great Marsh Kingdom.’ Then, a crimson Extreme Flame fell from the sky, evaporating all the water overnight, killing all life within the lake. The lake became a desert, leaving behind a single oasis, where the people rebuilt their home, the current Water City.”

He sat down at the table.

He had learned about this history from the people of the Water City in the script. Why was she telling him now?

He asked, “You said… an Extreme Flame?”

“Yes, the culprit behind the Cloud Dream Marsh becoming the Great Marsh Desert was an Extreme Flame. It’s called the Great Crimson Skyfire, ranked thirty-sixth on the Extreme Flame Ranking. It’s the hottest Extreme Flame, capable of tempering the body.”

Uh, in the script, Master Chen Xi was the one who told me about the Great Crimson Skyfire.

The current turmoil in the desert was caused by the Great Crimson Skyfire.

“Didn’t you say your cultivation was tied to Extreme Flames? Perhaps you can find the Great Crimson Skyfire on this trip to the desert.”

He shook his head, his tone dismissive.

“If it were that easy to find, those experts would have taken it long ago. Why would they leave it for a lowly Mystic Scholar like me?”

She didn’t comment.

The Great Crimson Skyfire was actually buried deep beneath the desert. Even a high-level Mystic Refiner’s Spiritual Power couldn’t detect it. Only the Sand Scorpions, Mystic Beasts living beneath the sands, could access it.

Their leader had accidentally encountered the flame and, instead of being incinerated, had benefited from its body-tempering abilities, evolving into the “Crimson Sand Scorpion,” bringing back a spark of the flame, enhancing the entire scorpion population’s strength.

The scorpion army should be attacking the Water City’s fortresses by now.

“I’m not going to waste my time on wishful thinking. My priority is to reach the Water City and obtain the Water Elemental Heart.” He yawned, activating the Snow Wind Pearl within the room, then walked towards the bed. “I’m tired. I’m going to sleep. Goodnight.”

He removed his shoes, climbed onto the bed, lay down, closed his eyes, and fell asleep, his movements smooth and practiced.

…

She stared at him, biting her lip, then, summoning her courage, walked towards the bed, her long, fair legs carrying her gracefully. She leaned closer, gently shaking him awake.

“What?”

He opened his eyes, finding her ample bosom inches from his face. His sleepiness vanished instantly.

She quickly straightened up, her voice soft.

“Move over. I want to sleep in the bed too.”

He glanced at her, then, with an indifferent “okay,” moved aside, making space for her. He closed his eyes again, seemingly uninterested in her.

Chapter 2: A Double Room, Please

He didn’t actually care about how she addressed him, but according to the script, he was supposed to be interested in her. He had to act accordingly.

Of course, his attraction to her wasn’t entirely an act. After all, she was incredibly beautiful, and he had… sampled her alluring body.

If he could, he would marry her right away and take her home. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option.

“I’m in charge of my own life. I won’t accept any arrangements. I’m sure Wenqing feels the same way.—I’ve saved your spot. Whether you sleep in it or not is up to you.”

He retreated into the tent, removing his outer robe, wrapping himself in the blanket, and falling asleep.

Yun Xiu was speechless. After a long silence, she sighed, a melancholic sound.

She sat by the campfire, her thoughts swirling, until dawn.

…

He woke up, his expression sullen, and left the tent, going to the river to wash up, then returned, starting a fire and boiling water, filling two water pouches.

“Here.”

He tossed her a pouch, which she silently accepted.

He packed his belongings, then, after a brief “Let’s go,” they set off, heading north.

She followed him.

…

They were currently in the central core region of the Demon Dragon Mountain Range. Crossing the mountains would take them another half of their total journey.

With the two dragons dead and the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire subdued, the Mystic Beasts, freed from its control and without a leader, were in a state of chaos, their aggression intensified, battles erupting everywhere.

Not for food or territory, but simply for the sake of fighting. They attacked each other on sight.

Traveling through this region was incredibly dangerous, as they could easily be caught in the crossfire.

Man or beast, let’s fight!

His Beautiful Sect Master’s trial for him was to cross the perilous Demon Dragon Mountain Range alone, reaching the desert, where she would teach him the new Mystic Skill.

Therefore, she flew in the sky, while he ran through the forest, prioritizing escape over combat, calling for her help only as a last resort.

However, he was still sulking. He refused to ask for her assistance, even when encountering Tier 4 Mystic Beasts, simply running away.

She cursed him inwardly for his stubbornness, forced to keep a close eye on him, ensuring his safety.

…

That night, he again left a space for her in the tent, but she didn’t enter, not even once.

He didn’t say anything, his demeanor growing colder, his words becoming fewer.

She sighed, comforting herself that this was for the best.

…

On the third night, he again left a space for her, but just like the previous two nights, she didn’t enter the tent.

“Fine.”

On the fourth night, he finally stopped leaving a space for her, taking only his own pillow and blanket. After setting up his bedding, he said “good night” and went to sleep.

She stared at their shadows cast on the tent wall, a deep sense of loss washing over her. She suddenly recalled the look in his eyes in their previous life, the shock and self-deprecation when he had seen her standing with Cloud Heaven Palace.

“Sigh.”

The beautiful fairy, dressed in white, sighed softly, her heart as turbulent as the flickering flames of the campfire.

…

It took them five days to cross the Demon Dragon Mountain Range, reaching the other side.

There was a small town there called Green Mountain Town.

Compared to Green Water Town, Green Mountain Town was more primitive, without a Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce branch, a Hunter’s Association, or even an underground gang. Just an ordinary town.

Very few people managed to cross the Demon Dragon Mountain Range, and those from the desert rarely ventured out, resulting in limited interaction and slow development. There were no powerful cultivators here.

Along their journey, he had mostly seen ordinary people, and the few cultivators he encountered were mostly at the Mystic Apprentice and Mystic Adept realms. He hadn’t seen a single Mystic Scholar.

…

He first took her to the town’s pharmacy to purchase the missing ingredients for refining the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire.

As described in the script, despite the town’s small size, its selection of medicinal herbs was surprisingly extensive. He found everything he needed, and the prices were even lower than expected.

Now only the “Water Elemental Heart” remained.

He sighed with relief. Having been misled by the script so many times, he had been worried about not being able to find all the ingredients in this small town.

…

It was already evening when they finished shopping. He took her to a small inn, placing a small bag of Crystal Coins on the counter.

“Two single rooms, please.”

“Alright!”

The innkeeper’s eyes lit up, but before he could take the money, a delicate hand moved the bag aside. A beautiful voice said calmly, “No, one double room, please. The best one you have.”

The innkeeper was stunned. He looked at Yan Zhen, then at Yun Xiu, her face veiled, his mind blanking.

Hadn’t the young man asked for two single rooms? Then this girl… she wanted a double room!

This… wasn’t this backwards?

Although her face was covered, judging by her figure and aura, she was undoubtedly a rare beauty. Even the handsome young man beside her…

He had lived for many years, but he had never witnessed such a scene before.

…

Not only the innkeeper, but even Yan Zhen was puzzled. He couldn’t see her expression through the veil.

“Innkeeper, the room.”

She urged him, her voice seeming impatient. He was even more confused.

“O-okay, one top-quality double room. It’s the ‘Heaven’s Blessing Room’ at the end of the hall on the left. Here’s the key. Do you need me to show you the way?”

“No, just have someone bring us two dinners.”

She took his hand, leading him up the stairs.

…

Arriving at the Heaven’s Blessing Room, she unlocked the door, pushing him inside, then closed it behind them.

Her movements were swift and decisive.

He stared at her, bewildered. What was she doing?

She removed her veil, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“It’s safer to stay together when traveling. We can react quickly if we’re attacked… I said I would protect you until we reached the Water City. I’ll keep my promise.”

He nodded, accepting her explanation.

“I’ll… take a bath then? Or do you want to go first?”

“You go ahead. They’ll bring dinner soon.”

He nodded again, then went behind the screen, filling the bathtub with water.

There was a clean river behind the inn. The water was piped directly from the river, like running water.

Being closer to the desert, Green Mountain Town’s temperature was much higher than the Demon Dragon Mountain Range. A cold bath wouldn’t be a problem, but he still preferred to heat the water before bathing.

…

After his bath, he emerged from behind the screen, finding a table full of dishes, his stomach growling.

“Come eat.” She said softly. “I tried a few dishes. They’re quite good.”

Hmm… What’s gotten into her? He couldn’t understand her sudden change in behavior. He sat across from her, his chopsticks flying.

He hadn’t had a proper meal in the Demon Dragon Mountain Range. Apart from the milk-flavored medicinal liquid his Beautiful Sect Master had fed him, everything else had been bland and unappetizing.

He could finally enjoy a good meal!

Volume 5: Great Marsh Desert

Chapter 1: Yun Xiu: I’ll Go with You

After receiving his instructions, Yan Zhen left the crystal space.

Night had fallen, the cold moon hanging high in the sky, casting a silvery glow.

The elegant beauty, dressed in white, her hair black, stood on a boulder by the river, gazing at the moon, her posture unwavering even as she heard his footsteps approaching.

He landed beside her.

“What are your plans? Are you returning to Cloud Heaven Palace?”

According to the script, with Jiu Youyue having stolen their treasured inheritance, and her failure to stop her, she had to return to the sect, informing the other Palace Masters and investigating the possibility of other Demon Realm spies within Cloud Heaven Palace.

Therefore, upon waking up, she had bid him farewell, her injuries not fully healed.

They weren’t supposed to meet again until half a month later, in the desert.

…

She averted her gaze, turning to him, her cheeks flushing, but she didn’t look away.

“What about you? Where are you going?”

He answered honestly, “I’m crossing the Demon Dragon Mountain Range, going to the Great Marsh Desert to search for the Water Elemental Heart. I need it to refine the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire.”

She sighed inwardly. As expected, he was going to the Great Marsh Desert.

Once he went to the desert, he would undoubtedly, as in her previous life, meet the Serpent Queen, the ruler of the Water City, then, through a series of mishaps, sleep with her, resulting in her pregnancy, forcing him to marry her.

She wasn’t jealous of the Serpent Queen, but she envied her fertility.

Although she and Yan Zhen hadn’t crossed the final line in their previous life, she couldn’t help but wonder, if he had been more forceful, if she had also gotten pregnant, would she have been able to…

She unconsciously touched her abdomen.

He had “filled” her three times today… could she be…? No, no, no!

She was startled, scolding herself for such thoughts. Sleeping with him was already inappropriate. If she got pregnant, it would be disastrous! She had to refine his “essence” as soon as possible!

“Yun Xiu?”

“I’ll… go with you.”

Her answer surprised him, his mind momentarily blanking.

“Huh?”

“The Great Marsh Desert is a dangerous place. At your cultivation level, reaching the Water City in the desert’s center would be difficult.” She said seriously, “I’ll escort you. Consider it my repayment for saving my life.”

Another plot change? No! He quickly waved his hands.

“There’s no need! I can handle it myself! You have important matters to attend to at Cloud Heaven Palace, right?”

Yun Xiu shook her head.

“Besides me, Cloud Heaven Palace has seven other Palace Masters. It won’t be a problem if I’m away for a year or two.”

She had rushed back to Cloud Heaven Palace in her previous life to report Jiu Youyue’s actions to the Jiā Lán Sacred Ground, but she didn’t need to do that this time.

Yan Zhen was more important.

She didn’t want him to meet the Serpent Queen, and she definitely didn’t want the Serpent Queen to get pregnant. Otherwise, Wenqing’s position as his fiancée would be awkward.

Besides, it was in the desert that he had learned about his father’s disappearance. She would stay by his side this time, ensuring that situation was handled properly, preventing a repeat of the tragedy.

This was her top priority.

She never wanted to hear him ask again, his voice filled with despair and rage, “Your Cloud Heaven Palace disciples’ lives are precious, but what about my grandfather’s life? Who will pay for that? Who?!”

…

Seeing her determination to follow him, he felt a headache coming on.

Having a Mystic Lord realm expert as a bodyguard was reassuring, but it wasn’t in the script! He was supposed to learn a new Mystic Skill from his Beautiful Sect Master on his way to the Great Marsh Desert.

More accurately, a sword technique.

After refining the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire, his Spiritual Power would skyrocket, allowing him to begin forging the Gold and Silver Fire into a sword. Using that sword to unleash the new technique… it would be both powerful and stylish!

Don’t ruin his plans!

“I told you, you don’t have to repay me. You don’t even have to… offer “yourselves”.”

She blushed, remembering how she had also said “a temporary surrender” under Jiu Youyue’s influence.

Now he was using her own words against her.

— This brat…

“Not repaying a debt of gratitude… that’s not how I do things.”

“Sigh, fine. Come if you want. But if we encounter any danger, you’re not allowed to interfere. I’ll handle it myself.”

“Mmm, I’ll only help if you can’t handle it. Is that okay?”

“That’s more like it.”

She smiled.

“When are we leaving?”

“We’ll rest here tonight, then set off at dawn.” He glanced at the nearby river. “This place is nice. We’ll camp here.”

…

He expertly set up the tent, then caught two fish from the river, cleaned them, and started a fire, grilling them.

She sat by the tent, watching him, her heart peaceful.

Without Jiu Youyue’s interruptions, she could finally focus on him.

…

He handed her a grilled fish after it was cooked. She tried to refuse.

“I’m not hungry. You eat it.”

“Take it.”

He shoved the grilled fish into her hands, then began eating his own portion with gusto.

How domineering… She bit her lip, then took a small bite.

He had added some kind of medicinal powder. Even the bland fish tasted delicious.

After their meal, they washed their hands in the river.

He returned to the tent, spreading out the mat, asking casually, “Yun Xiu, do you want to sleep on the inside or the outside?”

“I’ll sleep in–” She was about to answer, then quickly changed her mind. “I’ll… I’ll just meditate outside.”

“Okay.”

He didn’t insist.

She bit her lip, trying to sound authoritative.

“Yan Zhen, since we know each other’s true identities, we can’t address each other like before. You should call me ‘Master,’ like Wenqing.”

He emerged from the tent, his expression strange.

“That’s not possible. I only have one master. She’ll be angry if I call you ‘Master’ too.”

His Beautiful Sect Master seemed to be quite possessive. She had even been jealous of Instructor Yu Xuan back at the Mystic Academy. He didn’t want to upset her and face her wrath.

Thinking of Chen Xi, Yun Xiu also felt a bit apprehensive.

“Then… ‘National Preceptor’ or ‘Cloud Heaven Palace Master’?”

He blinked, then said softly, “But you said… until we leave the Demon Dragon Mountain Range… we’re still lovers.”

She blushed.

“That… doesn’t count anymore.”

He frowned.

“You can’t just… decide that! It’s not fair!”

“What do you want?” She was starting to feel unjustly treated. “I won’t… do that with you again.”

“That?” It took him a moment to understand, then he blushed. “I-I’m not just thinking about… that.”

“That’s good.”

“Ahem, I mean… we can just… continue as before.” He said calmly, “Let me be clear, I won’t marry into Cloud Heaven Palace. And I might not marry Wenqing either.”