Chapter 38: The Lingering Side Effects
The Serpent Queen narrowed her eyes, thinking that Yun Xiu, a mere novice in this area, wouldn’t actually dare to join them in bed. She and Zi Xunyi, however, had extensive experience in serving Yan Zhen together in their past life. Even with Yun Xiu present, it wouldn’t prevent her from being intimate with him. It might even add a thrilling sense of… forbidden pleasure.
— Hmph, since you insist on acting tough, I’ll show you what a real wife can do. You’ll be crying and running away by tonight.
They glared at each other, their gazes clashing, sparks of Mystic Power crackling in the air.
Yan Zhen, caught between them, flinched, shrinking into a ball.
— Holy shit, those aren’t special effects! Those are real sparks!
He couldn’t afford to offend either of them right now.
…
Half an hour later, the Serpent Queen hosted a banquet in the audience chamber, welcoming the reinforcements from the three kingdoms. The four Serpent Generals were also present.
She deliberately arranged his seat beside hers. Yun Xiu, still wearing her veil, sat on his other side, not bothering with politeness.
This arrangement made him look like the palace’s master, with the Serpent Queen and Yun Xiu as his consorts, confusing the onlookers.
The four Serpent Generals couldn’t understand why their queen had suddenly taken such a liking to this young man, even disregarding protocol, allowing him to attend such an important occasion without any formal ceremony.
— What kind of spell has this boy cast on Her Majesty?!
Feng Xiao and the others were also puzzled. The veiled woman… was that the National Preceptor? Hadn’t something serious happened at Cloud Heaven Palace? Why was she here in the Water City?
— And that boy in the middle… he looks familiar.
In this strange atmosphere, the Serpent Queen declared the banquet’s commencement.
The representatives from the three kingdoms introduced their followers.
The Gallo Kingdom’s contingent, led by Feng Xiao, consisted of the current Crown Prince, two Mystic King experts each from the Shangguan, Murong, and Huangfu families, and four of Feng Xiao’s followers, twelve people in total.
The Sunward Kingdom’s group was led by Lin Qi Bai Ren and the Third Prince, master and disciple, along with four Mystic King experts, six people in total.
The Closed Moon Kingdom had the smallest group, consisting only of the Yin Spirit Granny and her two attendants, a boy and a girl.
“…”
He felt a surge of pressure. The two Mystic Kings from the Huangfu family were Huangfu Wenqing’s uncles. They were staring at him intently, probably recognizing him.
After all, he had been quite active at the Mystic Academy. Old Master Huangfu would definitely have noticed him.
He lowered his head, embarrassed, focusing on his food, ignoring everything else.
Yun Xiu occasionally placed some meat in his bowl, her beautiful eyes gazing at him with undisguised affection.
Seeing this, the Serpent Queen, no longer bothering with pleasantries, also watched him eat, her gaze gentle.
The four Serpent Generals had no choice but to take over, maintaining the banquet’s atmosphere.
…
After a few rounds of drinks, the representatives from the three kingdoms finally got down to business.
“Your Majesty, how do you plan to deploy our forces?”
All eyes turned to the Serpent Queen, who, unfazed, said calmly, “There’s no need to rush. The situation is currently under control. It’s not time for you to act yet.”
They were stunned. The Southern Fortress had just fallen, and the Sand Scorpion army could march on the Water City at any moment. The enemy was practically at their doorstep! How could she say the situation was under control?
Her unexpected words confused them. Why wasn’t she worried?
Wait, was she doing this on purpose? Projecting an image of calm and control, downplaying the importance of their assistance, to gain an advantage in the upcoming negotiations?
As expected of the Serpent Queen! Such cunning!
However, they weren’t fools either!
They would play along. The worse the situation became, the more desperate she would be for their help.
And then they could demand even greater rewards.
The three representatives shared the same thought.
“Since Your Majesty has said so, then we shall await your command. We’ll be ready when you need us.”
She nodded slightly.
“I’ve already arranged accommodations for you within the city. Please rest and recuperate. We’ll be counting on your assistance when the time comes.”
…
After the banquet, she had them escorted out of the palace, then ignored them.
She would keep them waiting until the decisive battle. When the Sand Scorpions surrounded the city, they would have no choice but to fight.
If the Water City fell, everyone within its walls, including them, would become food for the scorpions.
As for their rewards, that would depend on their contributions during the siege.
…
Having dismissed the reinforcements and the Serpent Generals, only she, Yan Zhen, and Yun Xiu remained in the hall.
“Are you going to ignore them, Serpent Queen?”
“They’re useless anyway.”
“How do you plan to deal with the Crimson Sand Scorpion King? The same way as ‘last time’?” Yun Xiu frowned. “If we join forces, can we defeat it?”
“It’s unlikely, unless you can use a Saint-level Mystic Skill.” She said indifferently. “And besides the Scorpion King, we also have to be wary of the Demon Realm.”
“So… we need to reach the Mystic Sovereign realm to resolve this crisis…”
“Yes. Are you jealous?”
“It’s just the Mystic Sovereign realm. I can reach it within six months on my own.”
“Really? I’m about to break through soon!”
“Relying on external forces… that’s nothing to be proud of.”
“External or internal, it will all become my power. And then, I’ll be able to defeat you with a single hand.”
“Then try it—we can even try it now.”
“Oh?”
They were at each other’s throats again. Sensing the escalating tension, he pretended to be summoned by his master, quickly escaping into the Fire Refining Starry Sky.
…
Twelve Heavenly Pillars surrounded the vast plaza, burning stars beyond them, four of the 108 primary stars ignited.
The Phosphorus Fire, the Gold and Silver Fire, the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire, and the Starry Glass Fire.
He still had a long way to go before collecting all 108 Extreme Flames.
On the altar in the plaza’s center, his Beautiful Sect Master, her silver hair flowing, dressed in her usual black robe, was meditating. She opened her eyes as he approached.
Before he could speak, she asked, “How are you feeling lately, Zhen’er?”
He was puzzled.
“How am I feeling… about what?”
“After refining the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire, are there any… uncomfortable side effects?”
“No, I feel fine.”
“Really?”
“Mmm.”
Actually, there were some side effects.
He had been feeling… more easily aroused lately. He had been… affected by the Serpent Queen’s charm in the bath.
Logically, with his current Soul Realm, he should be able to resist even Jiu Youyue’s seduction techniques. Yet he had been unable to withstand even the Serpent Queen’s smile. It had to be a lingering side effect of the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire.
Leave a Reply