Chapter 38: Qiongju Island

They arrived at Qiongju Island just as dusk fell, but the island was bustling with activity—brightly lit and as lively as daytime, thrumming with chaotic energy.

Xie Xuechen brushed aside Mu Xuanling's hair that had been tousled by the sea breeze. His slightly cool and rough fingertips grazed her delicate cheek, causing a subtle tingling sensation that made her freeze. He spoke with deceptive casualness, "Qiongju Island is within the demon race's sphere of influence. The Eastern Sea demons have always been unruly and have a fierce temperament. Try not to provoke them. We'll collect the Changshou Lotus and then leave."

Mu Xuanling thought coldly to herself—I'll provoke them on purpose.

"If you deliberately cause trouble, you'll face the consequences yourself," Xie Xuechen warned mildly, reading her like an open book. "Although I will protect you, I also have my limits."

Mu Xuanling pouted and snorted defiantly. "If I were to call you 'Sect Master Xie' here, do you think those Demon Kings would come out in full force to kill you?"

Xie Xuechen chuckled lightly, the sound surprisingly warm. "They wouldn't, they wouldn't dare, and they couldn't."

This was confidence bordering on arrogance—but earned arrogance.

Mu Xuanling was momentarily speechless but had to admit that what Xie Xuechen said was true. Although the relationship between the Eastern Sea demons and the Divine Continent Immortal Alliance wasn't good, it wasn't a life-or-death situation either. Unless there was significant profit to be gained, the Demon Kings wouldn't risk their lives to kill the Immortal Alliance's Sect Master.

Xie Xuechen continued, his tone patient. "I'm concealing my aura and hiding my strength not because I fear them, but because I don't want to disturb the locals. Don't cause trouble for the Eastern Sea demons."

Mu Xuanling felt frustrated and gnashed her teeth in impotent anger. Xie Xuechen was indeed too powerful. Revealing his identity wouldn't be troublesome for him, but for the Eastern Sea demons. Her plan to use the demons against Xie Xuechen was crushed before it could even begin—trampled underfoot before taking its first breath.

Xie Xuechen unceremoniously grasped her hand, his wide sleeve covering their interlocked fingers. Mu Xuanling tried to break free, but he squeezed her palm in warning.

"This place is full of all sorts of characters. You'd better stay close," Xie Xuechen said in a low voice that brooked no argument. "I have other ways to restrain you, but you wouldn't want to try them."

This was the misery of being less skilled—one could only be at the mercy of others, helpless and on the verge of tears.

Mu Xuanling suddenly understood the pain Xie Xuechen must have felt when his divine apertures were sealed. How could karma come so quickly in this world…

She resigned herself to following beside Xie Xuechen, moving forward with the crowd. The main city of Qiongju Island looked not much different from human towns at first glance. Demons had always admired human civilization, borrowing from their customs in food, clothing, housing, and transportation. However, they couldn't shed their bestial nature and couldn't learn moral integrity. The streets were thick with demonic energy that clung to the skin, and as far as the eye could see, nine out of ten were demons in human form, with a few overseas cultivators scattered about like exotic flowers.

Most demons here chose to take human form because some demons' beast forms were too large and inconvenient for travel in civilized spaces. However, even in human form, they were still proud of their original forms, which was reflected in their attire. For example, some snake demons transformed their hair into small green snakes that writhed with independent life, some rabbit spirits wore fake white ears on their heads that twitched convincingly, and some fox spirits sat on stools, wagging their fluffy tails with their buttocks raised. Half-demons living among humans would carefully conceal traces of their half-demon bloodline, but these full demons flaunted their features shamelessly. Precisely because they weren't half-demons, they could freely pretend to be.

The higher a demon's cultivation, the more beautiful and alluring their appearance became. The demons on the street were of all varieties, each exuding charm and extraordinary beauty that transcended mortal standards. They dressed boldly—female demons with exposed chests and bare thighs, most male demons shirtless, showing off firm, sexy chests and abs that gleamed in the lantern light. Mu Xuanling stared wide-eyed, unable to look away from the spectacle.

Xie Xuechen's frown was barely perceptible as he pulled Mu Xuanling in front of him, blocking her lingering gaze on those male demons with his own body. He said in a deep voice, "Don't look too much."

Mu Xuanling glanced at Xie Xuechen and laughed mockingly. "Sect Master Xie, look how open these demons are. You're the only one all buttoned up, yet you're the one getting all the attention."

Xie Xuechen, in his pristine white robes, looked cold and aloof, meticulous in his appearance. He stood out in this place like a crane among chickens, his features handsome and dignified, otherworldly. He caught the eye of many amorous female demons who kept batting their eyelashes at him, trying to seduce him with practiced flirtation. They simply assumed this handsome cultivator was an overseas wanderer, never imagining he could be the Immortal Alliance's Sect Master.

Xie Xuechen had always been indifferent to others' gazes, treating them like air. But he couldn't tolerate those demons eyeing Mu Xuanling with hungry looks. He intentionally kept her on the inside, using his body to block others' views, but he couldn't stop Mu Xuanling's wandering eyes. He began to doubt Xuanxin's words—wasn't the Heart-Perceiving Water supposed to cut off all emotions and desires? It seemed Mu Xuanling had only severed her feelings for him specifically.

Yet the existence of the Tears of All Beings was an undeniable fact…

Xie Xuechen suppressed the irritation rising in his heart and said coolly, "Demons only imitate human form without human nature. They don't understand human etiquette and shame."

Mu Xuanling retorted sharply, "How noble is human nature? It's just using a hypocritical facade to hide a despicable heart. Otherwise, where would so many inner demons come from? I think demon nature is better than human nature. At least they're not hypocritical. They expose themselves openly, and I look at them frankly. It's better than certain hypocrites who want to look but hide it."

Xie Xuechen's breath caught, his chest tightening. Mu Xuanling was right—he was hypocritical. Even wanting to look at her, he had to restrain himself constantly.

Seeing his unusual expression, as if she had hit the mark perfectly, Mu Xuanling became even more smug. "You do want to look, don't you? Which one? Is it that pitiful rabbit demon, or the charming and alluring fox spirit? I see they're interested in you too. You're a sword cultivator, not an ascetic. You don't need to preserve your virginity. There's nothing wrong with having some fun…"

Halfway through her speech, Mu Xuanling's mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out—her speech aperture had been sealed without warning!

Xie Xuechen's fingertip touched her lip, emitting a faint white light. He couldn't help but gently rub the small wound on her lip, saying in a deep voice, "If you can't speak properly, then don't speak at all."

Mu Xuanling stared in disbelief, her eyes reddening with fury. Instinctively, she tried to bite Xie Xuechen's fingertip in retaliation. Xie Xuechen couldn't withdraw his hand in time and was bitten on his index finger. The moist, warm breath enveloped his fingertip, causing him to pause slightly, his heart skipping an involuntary beat.

A Fashen body is indestructible—how could she possibly bite through it? But Xie Xuechen, fearing his protective spiritual energy might damage her teeth, had relaxed his force, allowing her to leave shallow teeth marks on his knuckle.

Mu Xuanling released her bite with sore teeth, her red eyes glaring at Xie Xuechen with pure hatred. Her cheeks were puffed out indignantly, but she couldn't speak.

Xie Xuechen put his hand behind his back, rubbing the tingling spot on his knuckle where he could still feel the phantom warmth of her mouth. He couldn't help but curl his thin lips slightly, saying in a hoarse voice, "With your eyes red like that, you do look a bit like a rabbit demon."

Mu Xuanling was taken aback, her mouth opening and closing in silent outrage. Xie Xuechen understood perfectly.

—So you were sneaking glances at the rabbit demon!

Xie Xuechen's handsome face darkened slightly. He hadn't been—not consciously.

Aren't all rabbits in the world the same?

---

Xie Xuechen led Mu Xuanling into the first inn they saw after entering the city. He said in a low voice, "Luowu Mountain is even more dangerous at night. Let's rest for the night and set out early tomorrow morning."

Mu Xuanling, still sulking with her voice sealed, couldn't say anything—could only glare.

The inn was noisy with chaotic energy. Demons, unrefined in their manners, spoke and behaved quite rudely. In the main hall, over a dozen demons made as much noise as hundreds of people—a cacophony of competing conversations and laughter.

A charming and alluring female demon noticed the two as they entered. Her eyes lit up like lanterns, and she sauntered over, swaying her hips with deliberate sensuality. The demoness had slightly curled hair with crimson tips, her chest half-exposed in scandalous fashion, her waist as slim as a water snake. A red gemstone adorned her navel, particularly eye-catching and hypnotic. The demoness's gaze flitted ambiguously between the two newcomers, and she blew a fragrant breath towards Xie Xuechen, saying in a coquettish voice, "Hello, cultivator brother. Are you from Spirit Luan Island?"

Disciples of Spirit Luan Island would have a spirit phoenix totem embroidered on the chest of their robes. The demoness didn't see such a totem on Xie Xuechen's chest, but seeing him with a half-demon in tow, she guessed only male cultivators from Spirit Luan Island wouldn't despise half-demons.

Xie Xuechen replied coldly, "No."

The demoness smiled upon hearing this, her gaze becoming even more alluring—predatory, even. She leaned against the counter languidly, her ample bosom nearly spilling out, her slender waist as soft and delicate as a willow branch. Every part of her was designed to captivate.

"So, cultivator brother is a wandering cultivator… Are you two looking for lodging?" the demoness asked with a smile that promised much. "Unfortunately, there are no vacant rooms in the inn today."

Xie Xuechen's brow furrowed slightly in annoyance.

The demoness seductively brushed her slightly curled hair, the tips grazing her lips as she said in a bewitching voice, "However, my room is quite spacious, and the bed is very soft. Would the cultivator brother like to share it with me? It's free of charge…"

The surrounding demons erupted in raucous cheers and whistles. A somewhat shrill voice called out, "Manager She has her eye on a human cultivator again. Are we fox demons not good enough?"

The demoness addressed as Manager She glanced sideways at the speaker, flicking out her snake tongue in response to the provocation. She smiled and said, "I just prefer the dignity of human cultivators. Unlike you fox spirits who are in heat all the time."

The fox demon didn't take offense and shouted back with a laugh, "Isn't that just perfect for you!"

Manager She ignored the fox demon and turned back to gaze lovingly at Xie Xuechen. Xie Xuechen's expression remained cold and indifferent as carved ice. Without sparing Manager She another glance, he said to Mu Xuanling, "If that's the case, we'll find another inn."

As Xie Xuechen put his arm around Mu Xuanling and turned to leave, Manager She drawled lazily, "There's not a single vacant room on Qiongju Island right now. The Demon Race Martial Arts Competition starts in two days, and many powerful demons have gathered on the island. Don't say I didn't warn you—if you offend the wrong Demon King, you'll die."

Demon Race Martial Arts Competition?

Mu Xuanling halted her steps, turning back to look at Manager She in confusion. Beside her, Xie Xuechen asked, "The Demon Race Martial Arts Competition shouldn't be for another half year."

Manager She expressed surprise, her perfectly shaped eyebrows rising. "Aren't you here for the competition? It was originally scheduled for half a year later, but for some reason, it's been moved up. The island wasn't fully prepared, so things are a bit chaotic."

The demons of the Eastern Sea Islands held this competition every thirty years. Adult demons could participate, and many hoped to make a name for themselves, join under a Demon King, or establish themselves as kings and claim an island. Generally, famous and powerful demons didn't participate, but each competition saw unknown demons rise to prominence, showcasing extraordinary skills and becoming formidable Demon Kings. The Divine Continent harbored many powerful demons cultivating in seclusion, and the Eastern Sea Islands had numerous blessed lands. It wasn't uncommon for demons who had cultivated in obscurity for a century to suddenly emerge famous. Such a grand event naturally attracted many demons and human cultivators, and with crowds came conflicts. Spirit Luan Island commanded respect in the Eastern Sea, so both demons and human cultivators showed them deference. Therefore, disciples of Spirit Luan Island often helped maintain order and mediate disputes.

Earlier, Manager She had thought Xie Xuechen was from Spirit Luan Island and wanted to treat him with respect. Now knowing he was a wandering cultivator, she felt free to flirt openly. Xie Xuechen, in his snow-white robes, looked extraordinarily handsome and otherworldly, like a celestial being descended to earth. He had intentionally concealed his aura, so others couldn't sense his true cultivation level and assumed he was just a Golden Core realm wandering cultivator, thus showing no reverence. He wanted to keep a low profile, but his appearance and demeanor made that nearly impossible. To the lustful demons, he was a delectable dish walking among them. However, Manager She couldn't quite figure out Mu Xuanling's identity. Although she could sense demonic energy from her, she couldn't tell what kind of demon she was.

"Don't say I didn't warn you. The island is quite chaotic these days, and it's dangerous outside. My inn, however, is safe," Manager She said with a smile, her words brimming with confidence and invitation.

Both Xie Xuechen and Mu Xuanling could tell that Manager She was quite powerful, likely a snake demon over 500 years old. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to run an inn on the diverse and chaotic Qiongju Island. Many demons in the inn eyed the beautiful snake demoness covetously, but none dared to be disrespectful—they knew better.

"Little sister, are you and this cultivator brother companions?" Manager She didn't ask if they were Dao partners because Dao partners must be on the same path to dual cultivate, and humans and half-demons couldn't dual cultivate. However, there were cases of humans being attracted to half-demons for their beauty and forming partnerships.

Mu Xuanling gave a cold laugh and crossed her arms but couldn't speak—could only radiate denial.

But Xie Xuechen could, and he said, "Yes."

Mu Xuanling was startled and looked sharply at Xie Xuechen, silently mouthing with vehemence: No!

Manager She raised an eyebrow in surprise, her gaze flitting between the two with renewed interest. She couldn't quite figure out their relationship now—it almost seemed like the half-demon was being held captive…

But that didn't matter to her; she didn't care about the half-demon's well-being. Only the handsome cultivator mattered.

Manager She put on a smile again and said coyly, "That's fine too. Little sister can join us. My bed is big enough, and the more, the merrier." She winked suggestively, her chest half-exposed, exuding a sensual charm that made the surrounding demons' eyes burn with desire.

Mu Xuanling's face stiffened, her eyes filling with dawning suspicion.

Was it what she thought it meant?

Her ears reddened slightly, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed. Her experience was limited; she didn't understand the customs of the Eastern Sea demons and had just been propositioned by a snake demon for something unspeakable.

Sang Qi had also spent considerable time in the Eastern Sea. Although he knew what the Eastern Sea demons were like, given his personality, he naturally wouldn't have taught Mu Xuanling such "useless" knowledge. Demons had always been indulgent and followed their desires, especially snake and fox demons who particularly enjoyed carnal pleasures and were indiscriminate in their tastes. For demons, mating and reproduction were natural and important matters—what was there to be ashamed of? If they liked someone, they would propose intimacy directly. Whether one had a Dao partner or spouse wasn't a consideration; in fact, they found it more fun with more participants.

The snake demon before them was exactly like this—shameless and proud of it.

Mu Xuanling felt that she, as the Holy Maiden of the Demon Race, was being excessively proper. It turned out that "proper" demons were so improper!

She looked at Xie Xuechen, wondering how he would respond to such a brazen invitation.

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