Yun Xiu and Wenqing were his complicated master-disciple lovers, divided by loyalties but inseparable. They’d headed to Evergreen Continent, so no meetups anytime soon.
Yi Xian’er was a rival-slash-ally, their conflicting auras a poor match but personalities complementary. They’d bicker on sight but never go for the kill—an odd dynamic. She was an attendant in Jialan Holy Land too.
Ji Ya was his sworn big sis who didn’t know his true identity, also his public-facing money pit. Still neutral.
Mentor Yu Xuan was a pawn he’d deliberately lured to infiltrate the Yu Family. So far, he’d secretly bedded Outer Court Dean Yu Qing, Yu Yan, and Shui Bailan among the Yu Family high-level. He’d even pinned dirt on Family Head Yu Lu. Ultimate target: Yu Shizun.
Yan Meng’er, Yan Ruyu, Mi Xue’er, and Xiao Xinyan were his dual cultivation cauldrons from his Holy Land Academy infiltration—at least that’s how Yan Zhen saw them. They didn’t meet often; when they did, it was group cultivation sessions. Not for fun and games, purely for practice!
Of course, after leaving Holy Land Academy, he’d cut ties—no more sessions.
Yan Zhen swore as much.
Jiu Youyue didn’t buy a word of it. All fake.
She couldn’t spot holes yet, but lies don’t last forever. Someday they’d shatter, and the Evil Consort would end up with drawn water in a bamboo basket—all for nothing!
That thought lifted her spirits. Truth be told, she was savoring being Yan Zhen’s top priority. All those other women were just flings; she was the real deal, one-of-a-kind in his heart!
No point rushing. She’d enjoy it while plotting~
Little Zhen Zhen seems softer and cuter than before, a bit of a pushover vibe. Probably the Evil Consort’s way to control him better.
His dependence on Master Chen Xi outstripped everyone, so replacing her made the Evil Consort equally trusted. All Jiu Youyue could do was… vie for affection!
Her eyes sharpened.
Snatch Little Zhen Zhen from the Evil Consort’s clutches. Play the doting big sis who babies her junior brother, whisper pillow talk to sow discord, and stage a dramatic master-disciple fallout that dashes her schemes!
Evil Consort, your downfall is not tanking Little Zhen Zhen’s fondness for me. Hmph~
“…Big Sis, why are you staring at me like that?”
Jiu Youyue blinked back to the present. A captivating smile bloomed on her stunning face.
“Because it’s you, Little Zhen Zhen~ Can’t get enough of how handsome and adorable you are. No wonder all the girls fall for you.”
“But I’ve only got eyes for Big Sis!”
“Hee hee.”
She knew it wasn’t his true heart speaking, but it still thrilled her.
This was Big Sis and Sister She Ji’s exclusive treatment—and now she, Jiu Youyue, had it too!
Studying his handsome face up close, Jiu Youyue leaned in, pursed her red lips, and planted a smacking kiss.
“Smooth talker. Here’s your reward~”
Yan Zhen bashfully scratched his cheek, delight sparkling in his eyes.
“Enough sitting here, Little Zhen Zhen. Let’s take a stroll.”
“Where to? I wanna hurry to Evil Consort Master and refine the Solar Essence Flame.”
“No rush on that. Spend time with me first. Don’t you wanna be with me, Little Zhen Zhen?”
“No, no—that’s not it! I just feel like I’m not strong enough yet. I wanna get stronger to protect you better, Big Sis!”
“…”
An “angelic Little Zhen Zhen,” just like their first meeting in the Demonic Dragon Mountain Range!
Jiu Youyue nearly cracked. This was straight-up foul play!
After a long moment, the demoness finally reined in her surging desires. Resuming her role as the mature, dependable big sis, she smiled.
“There’s no need to rush with cultivation, Little Zhen Zhen. Your injuries have only just healed, so rest up first before refining the Solar Essence Flame. That’s what Master said earlier, too.”
Yan Zhen hesitated slightly before nodding.
Jiu Youyue took the initiative to grasp her lover’s hand, and the two left the Lake Heart Pavilion together. As they passed through the back garden and by a cluster of flowers, Yan Zhen plucked a small white blossom and tucked it into Jiu Youyue’s hair like a hairpin.
The white flower was elegantly simple, while the young woman was strikingly beautiful. The two complemented each other perfectly, making for an ever more pleasing sight.
“Big Sis, you look so pretty~”
Hearing this, Jiu Youyue couldn’t help herself. She leaned in and kissed Yan Zhen once more. Then, returning the favor, she plucked a four-leaf clover and deftly pinned it to his chest.
The pair flew out of the Nine Palace in high spirits, darting playfully through the vast complex of halls. They chased after spurting fountains one moment and pursued freely soaring blackbirds the next, just like carefree children at play.
It was not until dusk began to fall that they finally returned to the Nine Palace, hand in hand, making their way to a side hall.
This was Jiu Youyue’s private spot for bathing and unwinding—a two-story pavilion with the bath chamber below and a half-open balcony above.
Once inside, they passed two layers of ornate screens to reach a steaming pool surrounded by translucent curtains.
The near side was the entry into the water, while across from it sat a chaise lounge. To the right stood a vanity table, and by the pool’s edge was a basket of flower petals.
Jiu Youyue picked up the bamboo basket and scattered the petals across the water’s surface.
“Alright, Little Zhen Zhen. Undress yourself and hop in to soak.”
With that, she slipped behind the two screens, leaving only a vague silhouette visible.
Yan Zhen blinked, then stripped down in short order and stepped into the bath. He sank into the warm water and turned his gaze, staring fixedly at the indistinct figure behind the screens.
Suddenly, he sensed something amiss. Before he could turn, a pair of soft, pale hands reached around from behind to cover his eyes. At the same time, he felt a yielding pressure against his back.
“Guess who~”
Yan Zhen promptly pried the hands away. He glanced at the shadow still swaying behind the screens, then at the beaming Jiu Youyue right behind him. Only then did he realize he’d been tricked. He was at a loss for words.
“Big Sis, why pull a stunt like that? It’s not even fun.”
Jiu Youyue curved her lips into a smile.
“Were you hoping I’d come out from back there, Little Zhen Zhen?”
Yan Zhen turned to face her squarely.
The demoness had full, rosy lips and her hair loosely pinned up, exuding the mature allure of a young wife. Her snowy skin dipped below the petal-strewn surface, leaving only her upper chest exposed. Her fragrant shoulders and delicate collarbones screamed sensuality.
Unlike Ji Ya’s refined beauty—seductive yet never vulgar—Jiu Youyue carried a faint demonic charm, like a true temptress who drained men’s essence.
Yet in Yan Zhen’s eyes at that moment, Big Sis was perfection itself. He’d gladly let her drain him dry.
Emboldened, Yan Zhen asked, “Does Big Sis like me?”
Jiu Youyue smiled.
“Who wouldn’t like Little Zhen Zhen?”
“I don’t mean that kind of like.”
“Then what kind?”
“The kind between a man and a woman.”
“Silly fool, of course I like you in every way!”
With that, she cupped his face and kissed him fiercely.
