Chapter 28

Following their gazes, Li Jiangying saw a magnificently ornate pleasure boat, carved with beams and painted with rafters, docked at the Bright Moon Lake ferry. A woman in blue stood at the bow. She was beautiful and elegant, poised and graceful, smiling as she looked around.

The crowd her gaze swept over couldn’t help but gasp in surprise. From their exclamations, Li Jiangying learned that this woman, who barely seemed like a Devil Cultivator, was the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable!

Wait! Why had the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable suddenly appeared? They were both Devil Venerables, so the chance of her recognizing Li Yueying was much higher than an ordinary Devil Cultivator!

Li Jiangying’s heart immediately leaped into her throat. She grabbed Jiang Sujin’s sleeve and asked urgently, “Do you have any makeup? Give it to me!”

“I only brought a little.” Because her master had said she was ugly, Jiang Sujin had defiantly bought some cosmetics then to mess around with. But she was lazy, rarely used them, and they ended up forgotten at the bottom of her bag.

“No matter, let me borrow it first!”

The shop assistant and other customers also crowded near the doors and windows to watch the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable. Li Jiangying took Li Yueying and Jiang Sujin and quietly retreated to an unoccupied corner in the back.

She took Jiang Sujin’s cosmetics, lifted Li Yueying’s veil, and began drawing eyebrows and applying lip color onto Li Yueying’s face, who was completely oblivious and even perked up from her drowsiness, trying to kiss Li Jiangying.

Watching this, Jiang Sujin trembled as she spoke, “Senior… no, Sister Ying Suanli, why are you doing this?”

“I have no choice. I can’t just take off my own Mask right in front of you.”

After finishing, Li Jiangying looked her up and down, her gaze settling on that black snake tail. Li Jiangying couldn’t help but frown and asked, “Do you have any paint that can quickly add color?”

Jiang Sujin said, “I have a bucket of Red Peach Deer blood here, but it’s very hard to wash off once applied.”

“Let me borrow some.”

Jiang Sujin swallowed the rest of her sentence. “Alright.”

The commotion grew closer. It turned out the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable had come to the armor shop! Although this shop was under her banner, the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable clearly wasn’t so idle as to personally manage every store. Thus, her rare visit made the shopkeeper incredibly excited as he came out to greet her.

“Your Lordship graces us with your presence; this subordinate is overwhelmed with gratitude! Please, come in, my Lord!” The shopkeeper respectfully welcomed the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable inside. “What is my Lord interested in seeing? The ground floor only stocks common goods, unworthy of my Lord’s eyes. Please follow this subordinate to the third floor to observe Superior-grade items.”

“No need to trouble yourself. I’m merely looking around casually.” The Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable nodded calmly at the shopkeeper. Her hair was combed back, an elegant updo formed with the upper portion, while the lower half of her soft, long hair cascaded down. The hair at her temples wasn’t completely pinned up, hanging down on both sides all the way to her chest.

Her upper garment was a moon-white, wide-sleeved, cross-collared long jacket, the hems embroidered with delicate lotus flowers. Below was a slightly deeper light blue long skirt, also embroidered with lotus flowers at the hem. Looking from afar, she didn’t seem like the Devil Venerable ruling Chasing Moon City, but rather a refined lady from a prestigious orthodox sect.

But no one dared to underestimate her because of this. After all, the Moon-Chaser’s position as Devil Venerable was seized by killing the previous incumbent.

The Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable gracefully entered the shop. Without needing words, the other customers instinctively made way. However, she didn’t follow the stairs up to the third floor filled with precious treasures. Instead, wearing a leisurely smile, she walked deeper into the first floor, as if truly browsing casually.

Others consciously lowered their voices, watching the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable walk until she stopped behind an unremarkably dressed woman who seemed ordinary in every way, not leaking a trace of Devil Qi, as if she were just a mortal.

The Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable reached out and tapped the shoulder of this woman. “This Fellow Daoist, would you mind stepping aside?”

The woman patted was undoubtedly Li Jiangying. Here, there couldn’t be a second mortal-like person besides her. She turned back with a smile to the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable. “Of course, of course.”

Saying this, she moved aside, revealing the Snake Demon behind her wearing a veiled conical hat and a half-length garment, exposing a long, bright pink tail.

The Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable looked at the still-slightly-damp, not-yet-dry bright pink snake tail and fell silent. The smile on her face froze slightly, but she didn’t lose composure. Weathering countless storms as the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable, she quickly regained her calm.

“This one gives me a very familiar feeling, like an old friend.” Saying this, the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable stepped forward and lifted Li Yueying’s veil.

Then she fell silent. Looking at the face smeared with thick white powder like wall paint, fist-sized circles of rouge painted on the cheeks, exaggerated red lips, and pitch-black eye circles, the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable looked dazed. For a moment, she genuinely began to doubt whether she had mistaken the person.

Li Yueying: “Achoo!” A puff of white powder drifted down. She decisively bypassed the woman in front of her and rushed towards her Jiangying.

“Yingying, tail changed color.” Li Yueying felt utterly bewildered about her bright pink long tail. Although Yingying had done this to her, even a madwoman found this color genuinely repulsive from the bottom of her heart!

Li Jiangying looked at her with feigned surprise. “Nonsense. You were always this color. Move aside, don’t block the City Lord’s way.”

Jiang Sujin, who had provided the paint but clearly didn’t understand the current situation, looked at Li Jiangying in confusion, thought for a moment, then followed behind her to hide.

At this moment, the dazed Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable finally snapped out of her self-doubt. She turned around, smiled at Li Yueying, then shifted her gaze to Li Jiangying, who she had initially overlooked. “May I ask how this Fellow Daoist is addressed?”

Seeing her persistence, Li Jiangying knew she definitely wouldn’t give up easily. She might have already recognized Li Yueying. Tsk… a perfectly good Devil Venerable with nothing better to do than come out sightseeing. Even if she did, why specifically wander over to me? Hope my bad luck rubs off and you fall into a ditch.

Li Jiangying cursed a little maliciously in her heart, but outwardly forced herself to maintain composure. “This humble one is Ying Suanli.”

“Then this one is…?” The Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable smiled, looking at the veiled Li Yueying. That face beneath the veil lingered persistently before her eyes.

“Her name is A Yue.” Li Jiangying said. “What is it? Does the City Lord have some instruction?”

The Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable looked at her, pondered, and then suddenly smiled intimately. She actually took a step forward and grasped Li Jiangying’s hand! Li Jiangying was startled and tried to pull away but couldn’t escape.

But just as the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable held her hand, a fierce, scale-covered claw viciously swatted at it from the side.

Her eyes dark and brooding, Li Yueying spread her arms and tightly embraced her Jiangying. She blocked herself between the two, staring at the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable with full vigilance. Her voice low and hoarse, she threatened, “Don’t touch her!”

The Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable slowly withdrew her hand, revealing a knowing smile. “A Yue, are you so certain this time that she is the one you’re looking for?”

“None of your business.” Li Yueying said coldly.

Li Jiangying: ??? Wait, what does that mean?

Li Jiangying had just barely grasped the implications behind those words when the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable looked back at her and made a request. “Daoist Ying, might this Venerable One have the honor of inviting you two to my residence for a gathering?”

Cold sweat trickled down Li Jiangying’s back. She recognized Li Yueying and had guessed her own identity. But this attitude was truly ambiguous; she couldn’t tell if she was friend or foe.

“And if I refuse?”

The Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable curved her lips. She looked at Li Jiangying with an arrogant expression, as if watching a monkey. “Then this Venerable One will have the entire city help extend the invitation. How about that?”

Li Jiangying was angered to the point of laughter. “City Lord, you are truly… too enthusiastic.”

“You flatter me.” The Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable clapped her hands and began walking out. Ever since she started talking to Li Jiangying, the surrounding Devil Cultivators had consciously quieted down. Now, they were inwardly shocked at why the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable would take such an interest in this unremarkable human and demon pair, while also speculating about their true identities.

“You two, please.” The courtesy was genuine, but so was the forcefulness.

Li Jiangying knew when to bow to circumstances. As soon as she stepped out of the shop, two maidservants from the City Lord Manor flanked her on either side, watching to prevent escape. Li Jiangying gave up any thought of finding an opportunity to flee.

At that moment, Jiang Sujin stumbled as she chased after them. “Sister Ying Suanli, wait for me! I’m coming with you!”

Li Jiangying: Frustrated at her failure to see the danger, she glared back. “Why are you following?”

The journey to the City Lord Manor could be fraught with unknown dangers. This silly child, instead of playing dead and looking for a chance to escape, was actively delivering herself to the tiger’s mouth!

Jiang Sujin looked at Li Jiangying somewhat hesitantly. “But… didn’t we agree to go to Flying Swallow Capital together?”

Li Jiangying: “That was just…”

“Since this one is also a friend of Daoist Ying, then come be a guest at my residence as well. It’ll liven the place up a bit.” Before Li Jiangying could shoo Jiang Sujin away, the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable suddenly turned back with a smile and invited Jiang Sujin along as well.

And this silly girl Jiang Sujin, who had previously worshipped the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable, seeing her smile and invite her, completely forgot about the strange and mysterious relationship between her and Sister Ying Suanli and A Yue. She eagerly nodded and followed.

Li Jiangying was displeased. She secretly pinched Li Yueying. Li Yueying, wrapped around her arm, laughed silently and suddenly rubbed her cheek against Li Jiangying’s shoulder, smearing off a patch of red rouge.

There were watchers in front, behind, left, and right. Unless Li Yueying suddenly recovered from her injuries and returned to normal, causing a disturbance and escaping would absolutely do more harm than good. Li Jiangying lowered her eyes, her mind constantly calculating, as she followed the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable onto that magnificent boat.

The pleasure boat’s deck was very spacious, covered with a carpet embroidered with a hundred-flower pattern. Several rectangular tables and redwood chairs were arranged, shielded from above by semi-transparent gauze. A few pale pink silk ribbons hung down, swaying in the breeze. The sides weren’t completely blocked, leaving openings to enjoy the lake scenery.

At this moment, musicians were plucking strings and singing. Fragrant incense spiraled from a censer in thin wisps. Three dancers, bells tied around their bare ankles, performed on the carpet in the center. The Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable stood at the bow, admiring the vast expanse of Bright Moon Lake’s jade-green waves.

Li Jiangying sat on a chair. Attendants served tea, snacks, and fruit, but she had no mind to taste them. She examined the pleasure boat, then couldn’t help but glance at Li Yueying, who was leaning wearily against her shoulder. “Look at you. You’re both Devil Venerables, so why are you so poor!”

“Sister Ying Suanli, did you and the Lord Chasing Moon know each other before?”

Li Jiangying shook her head. “Perhaps A Yue knew her before. Speaking of which, what is the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable’s real name?”

“I don’t know.” Jiang Sujin said, “After the Lord Chasing Moon ascended to the position, her address both internally and externally has been ‘Chasing Moon.’ No one cares what she was originally called anymore.”

Li Jiangying looked thoughtful.

This pleasure boat was no ordinary vessel. It quickly sailed deep into the lake. Li Jiangying turned her head to look at the water’s surface and saw many semi-transparent, delicate little flowers floating on the water.

Jiang Sujin said, “Sometimes these flowers turn red. That’s the medicinal ingredient I’m looking for.”

The Moon-Chaser, who had been standing at the bow looking at the scenery like a wooden puppet, suddenly turned around to look at Jiang Sujin. “Little Daoist needs that medicine? It’s currently blooming season. How about I send someone to take you in a boat to harvest it? Once you’ve gathered enough, we’ll send you to the City Lord Manor. What do you say?”

Jiang Sujin didn’t even think twice. Her face lit up with surprise. “Thank you, City Lord!”

The Moon-Chaser smiled. “Why so formal? Since you call Daoist Ying your sister, why not call me sister too?”

Jiang Sujin’s face flushed with excitement, nearly fainting. “F-For real?”

“Pfft.” The Moon-Chaser suddenly laughed out loud, then her smiling expression abruptly vanished. “Fake. Someone! Take her out onto the lake to gather herbs.”

Jiang Sujin: … She was dazedly escorted away. The pleasure boat lowered a small boat. Jiang Sujin and a maidservant stood on it, watching the larger boat recede into the distance.

Only then did she suddenly sense something amiss. She couldn’t help but frown with worry. “Sister Ying Suanli…”

After Jiang Sujin was taken away, the musicians and singers who had been playing in the corner and the dancers all stopped. In unison, they silently withdrew.

For a moment, only Li Jiangying, Li Yueying, the Moon-Chaser, and two maidservants standing in the corner like invisible figures remained on the deck.

Li Jiangying’s heart clenched. She knew the Moon-Chasing Devil Venerable could wait no longer to make her move.

Whether she lived or died depended entirely on what her relationship with Li Yueying actually was.

Li Jiangying secretly tensed her body, warily watching the Moon-Chaser approach expressionlessly. The woman brought immense pressure with her. But unexpectedly, the Moon-Chaser didn’t walk directly up to Li Yueying to expose her identity. Instead, she went to Li Jiangying’s other side and gracefully sat down.

Perhaps the furnishings here were designed with the idea of letting guests enjoy themselves fully, as both the tables and chairs were long and spacious. This meant Li Jiangying, sitting in the middle, could easily have a beauty on each arm.

Now she was stunned for a moment. On her right, Li Yueying was hugging her arm, her eyelids half-closed. On her left, the Moon-Chaser sat down gracefully, suddenly revealing a smiling face. She reached out a hand and stroked Li Jiangying’s cheek.

Li Jiangying: “Aren’t you… feeling cramped?”

The Moon-Chaser smiled charmingly. “Ying Suanli, you’re a smart person. You know what’s best for you. How about this: you follow this Venerable One. This Venerable promises not to harm you, nor let any outsider harm you. What do you say?”

Li Jiangying admits that for a single moment, she was shamefully tempted.

She took a deep breath and asked in return, “What benefit does doing this bring the City Lord?”

“What benefit do I need?” The Moon-Chaser extended a finger, hooking a strand of Li Jiangying’s hair to toy with. She spoke with smiling eyes. “This Venerable One simply wishes it.”

Li Jiangying was still thinking about how to refuse without giving her an excuse to turn hostile, when Li Yueying on her right suddenly lifted her head and stared fixedly at the Moon-Chaser pressed so close to Li Jiangying.

She was like a ferocious ghost slowly crawling out of boundless darkness. Even through the veil, a terrifying aura could be felt. She eerily leaned over, extending a sharp claw to grip the Moon-Chaser’s wrist. Her voice was hoarse: “Who gave you permission to touch her?”

The Moon-Chaser let her forcefully pull her hand away, not only not resisting, but revealing a momentary sadness. “You’re hurting me.”

But the person she was looking at had absolutely no thought of tenderly cherishing a beauty. The Snake Demon’s voice trembled as she straightened up, pulling Li Jiangying into her own embrace. She lowered her head and kissed Jiangying’s hair whorl, coldly and casually tossing the Moon-Chaser’s hand aside. The way she held Li Jiangying was exactly like guarding her food. “She’s mine… No one is allowed to take her away. A Ying is mine… mine!”

The Moon-Chaser smiled bitterly and said, “After all this time, your illness has worsened.”

“Mine, mine…”

The madwoman muttered, repeating those words over and over. Li Jiangying hugged her back, reaching out to stroke her back gently, her voice soft. “Alright, yours. No one can take me away.”

They held each other tightly. Even sitting on the same bench, the excluded person couldn’t intrude. Watching this, the Moon-Chaser suddenly felt a pang of heartache. Jealousy burned like the eternal flames of Phoenix Mountain, swirling and incinerating the reason in her mind.

“She isn’t the real one.” The Moon-Chaser said coldly. “You waited so long, and what came is this cultivation-less waste? Ridiculous. You shouldn’t…”

“She IS the real one!” The Snake Demon angrily raised her head. The conical hat perched on her head slipped off, revealing the comical yet terrifying ghost-like face beneath.

In that instant, all of the Moon-Chaser’s hidden jealousy, melancholy, and nostalgia vanished like smoke.