“Come to the Western Regions with me, and I can help you ascend to the Great Path while enjoying boundless pleasures.”
Mo Zhuer’s enchanting eyes seemed like fishhooks, ready to lift Xu Ming out of the sea, knock him unconscious, and devour him.
“You must be overthinking,” Xu Ming opened the door, as if entering a state of sage-like calm. “I can’t go to the Western Regions with you, and I certainly won’t work for the Black Lotus Sect. If you have nothing else, please leave.”
In truth, deep inside, Xu Ming still had a lingering urge to dual cultivate with Mo Zhuer.
The main reason was that the pleasure he experienced during their last two sessions of cultivation was far too overwhelming, striking directly at the soul.
Fortunately, he now felt as pure as a Buddha.
So, while the urge was still there, it wasn’t as overpowering.
“How heartless you are, my dear,” Mo Zhuer pouted slightly, her long legs swaying under her short skirt as she walked out of Xu Ming’s room and left the courtyard.
“Oh, by the way, you got one thing wrong,” she turned around with a smile. “If you follow me back to the Western Regions, it won’t be about working for me or the Black Lotus Sect—it will be about having the Black Lotus Sect work for us.”
Xu Ming: “…”“Well, I’ll be going now~” As her voice faded, Mo Zhuer dissolved into black smoke and disappeared.
After she left, Xu Ming exhaled deeply, sat on a stone stool, and took a sip of tea.
For some reason, he felt an inexplicable emptiness in his heart after Mo Zhuer’s departure. Images of their cultivation sessions kept replaying in his mind.
Xu Ming had heard stories of kings in certain nations becoming so infatuated with a single woman that they neglected their duties for five or six years.
When he first heard such tales, Xu Ming thought they were absurd.
If it involved many women, he could understand—after all, variety might keep things interesting.
If it was during the honeymoon phase, that too made sense—everything still felt fresh.
But for a king to obsess over a single woman for five or six years and be with her every day? That seemed incomprehensible.
Now, however, Xu Ming felt he could understand that kind of devotion.
Even though he had only cultivated with Mo Zhuer twice, his desire for her after this last session was even stronger than the first.
“What on earth is happening to me?” Xu Ming closed his eyes tightly, clenching his fists.
Meanwhile, walking along the forest path after leaving Xu Ming’s courtyard, Mo Zhuer hummed a light, cheerful tune.
Where there’s a first time, there’s a second. Where there’s a second, there’s a third.
As someone blessed with the Luo Shen Physique, the pleasure she could offer a man was beyond comparison to that of ordinary women.
“Let’s see. After tasting such exquisite delights, how could you not long for me? With the influence of my Luo Shen Physique and the tie of the Great Path of Hehuan, there’s no way you can resist falling for me,” she thought with a sly smile, her steps growing lighter. ʀãℕọＢЁȘ
—
“Xu-gege (Brother), Xu-gege… wake… wake up…”
The next morning, in a half-dazed state, Xu Ming heard Shen Shengsheng’s soft voice.
As he slowly opened his eyes, he saw Shen Shengsheng standing beside his bed, blinking at him.
“Xu… Xu-gege… la… lazy…” Shen Shengsheng stuttered slightly, shaking Xu Ming’s arm gently.
“My apologies, my apologies,” Xu Ming said, rubbing her head affectionately before sitting up. Glancing outside at the sun, he realized it was already 9 a.m.
In his past life, waking up at 9 a.m. would’ve been considered early.
But in ancient times, waking up at 9 a.m.? That was ridiculous.
“Gurgle, gurgle…”
Shen Shengsheng’s small stomach let out two audible growls.
Her cheeks flushed as she quickly covered her belly with her hands.
Xu Ming couldn’t help but laugh. So this little girl could get embarrassed after all.
That was a good thing.
This at least indicated that Shen Shengsheng’s beastly instincts were diminishing, and her human nature was beginning to dominate her consciousness.
“Did someone bring breakfast over?” Xu Ming asked.
“Mhm.” Shen Shengsheng nodded. “They’ve already… brought it.”
“Then why haven’t you eaten yet?” Xu Ming asked.
“Waiting for Xu-gege to eat together,” Shen Shengsheng blinked as she looked at Xu Ming.
Hearing her words, Xu Ming was momentarily stunned, feeling a slight wave of warmth in his heart.
But, to be fair, it wasn’t overwhelming.
So, you woke me up because you were too hungry to wait any longer, huh? Even so, Xu Ming found this version of Shen Shengsheng even cuter.
“Sorry, sorry. I was a bit worn out yesterday and went to bed late. Next time, if I’m not up early, feel free to eat first,” Xu Ming said, pinching Shen Shengsheng’s small nose.
Even though she woke him up because she was hungry, another perspective struck him: despite being starving, Shen Shengsheng didn’t go eat alone. Instead, she insisted on waking him so they could eat together. Wasn’t that a form of care in its own way?
Xu Ming stepped out of his room to wash up, while Shen Shengsheng stood nearby, holding a towel in her hands, like a considerate little helper.
“Time to eat,” Xu Ming said, sitting at the stone bench.
“Time to eat~ time to eat~” Shen Shengsheng cheerfully sat beside him.
Interestingly, Shen Shengsheng’s speech always became a bit more fluent during meals, likely because Xu Ming had specifically requested it.
The meals delivered by the outer disciples were always plentiful, more than enough for Shen Shengsheng to eat her fill. The disciples didn’t find it odd either—after all, Xu Ming was a martial artist, and a formidable one at that. It was common knowledge that martial artists had large appetites, and the stronger they were, the more they ate.
Xu Ming, unaware of this assumption, would surely argue against it if he found out, calling it a stereotype.
After breakfast, the empty food boxes were simply left aside. When the outer disciples delivered lunch later, they would take the empty boxes back with them.
With her hunger satisfied, Shen Shengsheng returned to the flower garden, where she continued watching ants and other insects.
To her, these tiny creatures seemed endlessly fascinating.
So far, Xu Ming hadn’t taught Shen Shengsheng any cultivation techniques. He was worried that she might lose control over her body. If the demonic beast bloodline within her went berserk, it would only cause more trouble.
However, seeing her so calm and content now, Xu Ming began to think it might be time to teach her something.
Maybe after returning to Wudu. Once they were back, he could try teaching her cultivation techniques.
Retracting his gaze from Shen Shengsheng, Xu Ming closed his eyes and focused inward, examining his body.
He could clearly sense that the spiritual energy and martial true energy within him had calmed down again, just as they had after the last time with Mo Zhuer in the Yuanyang Cauldron.
“Could it be that whenever my spiritual energy and true energy clash, I’ll have to go to her?” A disturbing thought crept into Xu Ming’s mind, causing his brow to furrow.
“This can’t continue.”
Xu Ming shook his head, resolving internally.
If this went on, he feared he would sink deeper and deeper into dependence.
Rather than following Mo Zhuer’s lead just to continue down the path of both martial artist and cultivator, he thought it might be better to abandon one of them altogether.
Mo Zhuer had mentioned before that she could help him resolve the issue in one go, without resorting to this “poison to quench thirst” approach.
When the time came, he would have a serious talk with her. If they couldn’t reach an agreement, he would sever ties decisively to avoid future chaos.
With this decision made, Xu Ming felt a sense of clarity.
He took a deep breath and resumed his meditation.
As he focused inward, he noticed that the spiritual energy and true energy within him had not only calmed down but had also increased compared to the previous day.
Even the yang energy in his body had replenished, returning to the same level as before their dual cultivation. The recovery was remarkably swift.
Xu Ming found himself once again entertaining the idea of dual cultivating with Mo Zhuer.
The feeling was akin to earning millions each month while spending your days gaming and traveling—it was an almost irresistible temptation.
But Xu Ming’s willpower immediately crushed the thought.
“Dual cultivation, huh,” he muttered, shaking his head with a wry smile, his heart full of mixed emotions.
Xu Ming prided himself on having strong willpower. After all, he had been through countless challenges growing up, constantly sharpening his resolve. Compared to his peers at the same level, his mental fortitude was undoubtedly exceptional.
And yet, even with all that, the desire for dual cultivation still burned so strongly within him.
“All things in this world come with a price. Nothing is perfect.
The path of dual cultivation may offer the pleasure of enjoyment alongside rapid improvement in cultivation, but it must have its drawbacks or inherent limitations.
I must focus on my cultivation, working tirelessly to strengthen myself. That is the only true way forward.”
With those words, Xu Ming reaffirmed his resolve.
Just as Xu Ming opened his eyes, he once again sensed spiritual energy emanating from the distant horizon.
Activating his Dao Pattern Eye, he looked toward the sky.
Far away, the horizon was painted with dazzling rays of light.
“It’s time I take a look,” Xu Ming said, standing up and glancing at Shen Shengsheng playing in the flower garden.
“Shengsheng, come here,” he called out.
“Awoo!”
Shen Shengsheng brushed the dirt off her hands, washed them in a water jar, and happily ran over to Xu Ming’s side.
“Shengsheng, do you remember that big sister?” Xu Ming asked with a smile.
Shengsheng tilted her little head, as if asking, Which one are you talking about, Xu-gege?
“The one…” Xu Ming thought for a moment. “The one who seemed a bit cold and came by in the afternoon.”
“Awoo.” Shen Shengsheng nodded. Oh, that fierce-looking big sister.
“What do you think of her?” Xu Ming asked.
“Fierce,” Shen Shengsheng replied with a single word.
“Chest? What about her chest?” Xu Ming froze for a second, wondering if Shengsheng was saying the big sister had a large or small chest.
“Fierce! She’s fierce!” Shengsheng corrected herself, her tone firm.
Xu Ming: “…”
Embarrassment washed over him.
So Shengsheng was talking about her personality. Damn it.
This was all Mo Zhuer’s fault—these past few days had completely derailed his thoughts.
Squatting down, Xu Ming gently rubbed Shengsheng’s little head. “Even though that big sister looks fierce, haven’t I told you before? She’s only fierce on the outside. She’s actually very kind.”
“Oh…” Shengsheng nodded slowly.
“Shengsheng, Xu-gege has to go out for a bit. But I’m worried about leaving you here alone, so I was thinking, how about staying with that big sister for a while?” Xu Ming asked.
Hearing his words, Shengsheng lowered her head, clearly reluctant to stay with that big sister.
“Don’t… don’t want to… Stay with Xu-gege,” she said, lifting her head slightly.
“Be good,” Xu Ming said softly. “Where Xu-gege is going this time… it’s a bit complicated. If you come with me, I’m afraid I won’t be able to take care of you properly.
This isn’t about you being a burden to me—Shengsheng will always be Xu-gege’s family. It’s precisely because of that that I want to do everything I can to keep you safe. Do you understand?”
The little girl lowered her head again, her brows furrowing tightly.
Seeing her hesitation, Xu Ming knew Shengsheng was conflicted.
Xu Ming didn’t press Shengsheng further but patiently waited for her to make her decision.
“I… I’ll listen to Xu-gege,” Shengsheng finally said, clutching the hem of her skirt nervously as she looked up at him.
“Good girl.” Xu Ming gently pinched her cheek. “Don’t worry, Shengsheng. As soon as I’m done, I’ll come pick you up right away.”
“Awoo.” Shengsheng nodded firmly, her trust in him unwavering.
“Alright, let’s go.”
Xu Ming held Shengsheng’s small hand as the two left the courtyard, heading toward the area where the envoy from Wu Kingdom was staying.
The envoy’s quarters spanned a large area, with Wu Yanhan naturally at its center.
Wu Yanhan had an entire courtyard to herself.
When Xu Ming arrived at the gate of her courtyard, she was practicing her martial arts inside.
Dressed in a fitted training outfit, Wu Yanhan’s graceful yet powerful figure was on full display. Her hair was tied into a high ponytail, which swayed rhythmically with each punch and kick she delivered, making for a captivating sight.
Noticing Xu Ming and Shengsheng standing outside the gate, Wu Yanhan finished her practice and stood upright. Her posture was perfectly straight, without the slightest slouch.
Her bearing was impeccable. But then again, she was a military woman, after all.
“You’re here. Are you going to stand there waiting for me to invite you in?” Wu Yanhan’s voice was cold.
“I didn’t want to interrupt, so I waited for you to finish your training,” Xu Ming replied with a smile, leading Shengsheng inside.
Wu Yanhan boiled a pot of water and brewed some tea for Xu Ming.
The sight of her pouring tea, her graceful movements exuding elegance, made it hard to believe she was a seasoned warrior. If not for her training outfit and the fine sheen of sweat on her forehead, one might have mistaken her for a genteel lady of leisure.
Wu Yanhan poured Xu Ming a cup of tea, then glanced at Shengsheng, who was hiding behind him.
Feeling Wu Yanhan’s gaze, Shengsheng clung to Xu Ming’s sleeve and shrank further behind him.
Wu Yanhan poured a second cup and handed it to Xu Ming, clearly meant for Shengsheng.
“What do you want?” she asked bluntly.
“Can’t I come to see you without a reason?” Xu Ming took a sip of tea. “Your tea is always the best.”
“Tch.” Wu Yanhan dismissed his flattery without a second thought. “You’ve never shown up without a reason since you were eight years old.”
Xu Ming: “…”
“Fine, I’ll cut to the chase.” Xu Ming put down his teacup. “I need your help taking care of Shengsheng for a while.”
Wu Yanhan looked at Shengsheng, then back at Xu Ming. “Where are you going that’s so dangerous?”
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