Mountain and River Festival

Chapter 282 I Play Myself
Because his disciple wanted to continue exploring matters concerning the Ice Demon, he did not want to eliminate the Ice Prison Sect, a force with a wealth of experience.

Otherwise, a cold-hearted person like her disciple wouldn't show mercy to the demonic disciples, especially a group of demonic disciples who originally wanted to use her to fill the array's core...

In a way, the disciple's cold-heartedness and ruthlessness could be described as demonic, or to put it more nicely, divine.
If she is truly connected to the origin of ice, then this becomes even more understandable.

Suddenly, I have one more thing to worry about... Why is there nothing around me that I can't take care of? The most worry-free little man is thinking about jockeys and despising ancestors every day.

Glancing at the young man, Lu Xingzhou was also stroking his chin and sizing up Dugu Qingli. Feeling Ye Tinglan's gaze, he said, "If Qingli wants to try, then let her try. It's alright."

Ye Tinglan asked, "Are you sure there's no problem?"

"Well, actually you just have a natural resistance and distrust of the demonic path, always feeling that they are uncontrollable and prone to backlash... But demonic disciples are human, not demons. They have ambitions and weaknesses. Once you understand them, they are actually easier to control and use than ordinary people. Qingli can't do it, but I can help. It is indeed better to keep this matter in our own hands. I support Qingli's idea."

Ye Tinglan sighed: "How many bodies can you have to do so many things?"

"I don't have much to do now. The trials here are over, and I should go back to the Pill Academy to continue my studies. If I can break through to the third rank, then I can communicate in real time, which will be much simpler."

Ye Tinglan nodded. She still chose to trust the young man's judgment and said, "Even so, Qingli should return to Tianyao Holy Land first. Firstly, to create the appearance that he was taken back to the sect, and secondly, you also need to go into seclusion to digest the resonance effect on your soul that you just saw."

His tone turned stern: "Look at you now, so distracted. If you were to encounter an enemy, would you still have the will to fight?"

Dugu Qingli trembled slightly and bowed, saying, "Yes."

Ye Tinglan felt a pang of pity, knowing that anyone who knew they were "one with" a demon would be unable to remain calm. Qingli was already quite composed, after all, she was just an eighteen-year-old girl.

She sighed: "I know this has hit you hard, but try to put your mind at ease. You know there are so many people who care about you; you are not alone."

Dugu Qingli composed herself slightly, glanced at her master, and then gave Lu Xingzhou a deep look: "I understand. Seeing the Eye of the Ice Demon just now did have a negative impact on my mind. I will go back to seclusion now."

Without lingering on his words, he decisively flew away on his sword.

Lu Xingzhou watched her figure leave, still frowning and deep in thought.

Ye Tinglan asked, "What are you thinking about?"

"I've been wondering why they didn't just kill Qingli and seize the source, but instead slid to their knees. If we don't figure this out, there will be further misjudgments."

"Because in their hearts, Qingli may not even be a human being."

"Ok?"

"Humans cannot become innate ice spirits on their own... They would never even think of becoming such a ruler, so they can only place their hopes on the worship of a certain kind of deity. This is not only true of the demonic path, but also of many races, who are only asking for a gift."

"The pattern is low."

"Is it low? But they are unscrupulous in pursuing their ideals; turning the world into an icy inferno is their goal." Ye Tinglan said wearily, "The world is full of races and paths, humans, demons, monsters, and all kinds of living beings... their desires are vastly different, and it is difficult for you and me to put ourselves in everyone's shoes."

Lu Xingzhou reached out and stroked her brow: "You've been feeling down again."

Ye Tinglan rolled her eyes at him: "How can I not worry? This could affect Qingli's entire life. What if... what if she really becomes the Ice Lord..."

"At least this matter hasn't completely erupted yet." Lu Xingzhou gently embraced her: "Have you ever thought that many things are just you using up your worries in advance?"

"what?"

"The reason you're worried now is because Qingli is still young and her cultivation is only at the third rank. If she reaches the first rank or even surpasses the first rank, and becomes capable of handling things independently or even surpassing you, would you still need to worry about her?"

Ye Tinglan said, "That's true, but how can a master not worry about it..."

Lu Xingzhou whispered in her ear, "Hey, you're her martial uncle."

Ye Tinglan retorted stubbornly, "Can't Martial Uncle miss his niece?"

Lu Xingzhou said, "You should believe that Qingli's talent is unparalleled. Now is not a good time to get involved in this matter at the third rank. Waiting until the first rank might be her greatest opportunity. If you are worried, then you should try to help her break through to the first rank as soon as possible."

Ye Tinglan leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "You're right."

"Besides, even if she is the Ice Lord, I think you had a similar premonition a long time ago. You also told me that her thoughts and education were instilled by you. Even if she becomes the Ice Lord, she will still be the adorable Qing Li. Your concern is nothing more than the fear that demonic nature will overshadow Qing Li's true nature. Therefore, you should focus on improving her soul strength. This is the essence, and everything else is trivial."

Ye Tinglan thought for a moment, then suddenly smiled: "Although I know you're just trying to comfort me... your words do seem to make me less worried."

Lu Xingzhou whispered in her ear, "She should be the one worrying about you then. Oh dear, Master is so old and still doesn't have a man to love her."

Ye Tinglan chuckled: "You're so glib. Don't I have a man who loves me?"

"Yes, you have it, but her master doesn't."

Ye Tinglan bit her lower lip and said in a sweet voice, "Then now you should show some love to her master."

As everyone had mentioned before they set off, she was now going to "play" the role of the Holy Master of Tianyao to accompany her lover. Ye Tinglan was quite happy to play this role. On the surface, she didn't want to be with her lover using the identity of the Holy Master, but couldn't they at least satisfy each other's feelings in private?

No matter the situation, Lu Xingzhou always provides the best emotional support, including the comfort she just received. Even though she knew it was just comfort, that was all she needed. Before meeting Lu Xingzhou, the Holy Lord was always burdened with worries, but after meeting him, she rarely acted that way anymore.

Sometimes I wonder if the reason why a monarch always needs a sycophant is for this reason.

Lu Xingzhou reached out and lifted her veil, revealing her luscious red lips, her eyes sparkling with allure.

For a moment, I wondered if she would revert to her aloof and superior demeanor. But as it turns out, the most exhilarating psychological experience for a man is to hold that aloof person in his arms and watch her transform from dignified to alluring.

Especially after just dominating the entire scene, she turned around and nestled in his arms in his carriage, letting him lift her veil, like a shy bride in her bridal chamber waiting for her husband to lift her veil. Lu Xingzhou couldn't resist kissing her.

Ye Tinglan closed her eyes and responded gently, saying, "Carry me into the cabin."

Ye Tinglan's Luanlan is essentially an airship, with a hull of over ten zhang. Its exterior is decorated with various dragon and phoenix carvings, creating a magnificent spectacle. Inside, there are luxurious cabins, just like large rooms, complete with beds and bedding.

Lu Xingzhou carried her into the cabin, and they quickly rolled onto the large bed.

As the sash was gently loosened, the robe was parted from the collar, and the man buried his face inside. Ye Tinglan held the man's head, looking down at his impatient expression, her eyes filled with tenderness, yet also with shame.

In this place, dressed like this, she has truly humiliated herself as the Holy Lord of Tianyao.

At this moment, the affairs of the Heavenly Frost Kingdom were basically concluded, and the so-called "outward trials" had come to an end.

He'd been away for so long, far exceeding the original return deadline, and he hadn't even seemed to have accomplished anything. His alchemy skills hadn't improved much; there had only been a short period where he'd been forced to read some alchemy texts from the Tianyao Holy Land. They'd said there would be a "gold and stone method assessment later," but afterwards, his disciple came knocking, and he'd completely forgotten about it…

From the perspective of a mentor guiding a student, he is completely unqualified.

Whatever, the supervisor is incompetent, I've already given him this as compensation, what more does he want...?

But it also means that it is indeed time to return to normalcy, and there is still a lot to do.

There's a ton of mess going on with Gu Zhanting, and who knows what new trouble Gu Shaoli will cause after he goes back? What has Gu Zhanting been up to while I'm away?

After the battle with the Demon Queen, it was discovered that her injuries from years ago had been fully healed, and the demon race was showing signs of resurgence. It was unknown whether they were planning a new southward invasion.

Yuan Muyu is actively forming alliances with various demonic sects, and it's unclear what strategic goals he's pursuing.

Zhao En fled wounded, his whereabouts unknown as he heals. He is a powerful figure from the ancient realm, possessing knowledge of many secret techniques unknown to modern people. Once he recovers, who knows what kind of upheaval he will unleash? Meanwhile, the flawed passage between the ancient realm and the human world has surfaced, raising questions about whether it will trigger further unforeseen events.

The matter of the Ice Demon is still unresolved; it's a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment.

Each and every one of these things made Ye Tinglan feel irritable and frustrated, and she longed to find a way to release it.

Sexual relations between men and women are an excellent way for both parties to indulge themselves and forget their troubles.

Watching the little man gently nibbling, a strange light flashed in Ye Tinglan's eyes, and she whispered, "You can... use a little more force."

Lu Xingzhou was taken aback by her words for a moment, but then readily agreed and increased the intensity.

The robes were pulled apart further, the white inner lining was lifted, and something jumped out.

Ye Tinglan felt a little pain and let out a soft groan. She tightened her grip on the man's arm, making Lu Xingzhou feel a bit of pain.

Sensing her lack of resistance, the man became increasingly uninhibited in his actions, and before he knew it, all obstacles had been removed, revealing a smooth expanse.

Lu Xingzhou was stunned for a moment, never expecting that this abstinent gentleman was actually a bald man...

This moment of surprise brought Ye Tinglan back to her senses. She gently reached out to protect him and whispered, "Sailing..."

Lu Xingzhou hummed in response.

Ye Tinglan said softly, "Yin and Yang are in harmony. Sir, it's not that I'm unwilling. It's just that if it's for your own good, it's best not to do it now."

Lu Xingzhou roughly understood what she meant.

Ye Tinglan was at the peak of the Super Grade, while he was merely at the fourth grade.

At this moment, the difference in their abilities is too great. While it would be more than enough to boost the third rank, it would be a huge waste. It might even be damaged by the massive impact of the primordial yin energy.

Lu Xingzhou felt a little wronged.

You told me to be rough, which was basically following orders. Then, with the die almost cast, you suddenly say no—isn't that just setting me up for failure?

Honestly, we've been intimate every day lately, but we haven't dared to take it any further. I'm so frustrated, who can I even talk to about it...?

Ye Tinglan noticed the man's slight grievance, and a tender look flashed in her eyes. She whispered, "Good boy... shall I help you?"

She rolled over, pinning the young man beneath her, and while gently kissing him, her slender hand reached for the oars.

Lu Xingzhou lay flat and didn't move.

The fact that the world's number one hand did this for a man filled Ye Tinglan with unbearable shame, yet her thoughts kept drifting.

So many messy and troublesome things, but thankfully the young man in front of me was involved. With his help, a lot of things were resolved, especially his brilliant connection with Si Han. Now, it should be Gu Zhanting who has a headache.

The troublesome Yuan Muyu, due to Lu Xingzhou's presence, makes the subsequent changes somewhat intriguing, and it's possible that things won't turn out the worst.

Lu Xingzhou was involved in both the Demon Emperor's affairs and the Ice Demon's affairs, and was able to offer suggestions throughout.

As a result, many of my worries dissipated, and despite being in the midst of a major upheaval, I felt an unprecedented sense of peace.

He deserves this reward.

At this moment, the Holy Lord's robes were still disheveled and open. The Holy Lord kissed him gently and steered the boat by hand. The psychological experience for the man was unparalleled. No matter how much effort, hardship, or fatigue he had endured these past few days, it was all worth it.

(End of this chapter)