Mountain and River Festival

Chapter 298 He's just playing with you
Xuan Nu's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. She thought to herself that she hadn't expected Yama to be so knowledgeable about the dual cultivation of men and women. This technique of observing a woman's first sexual experience was something most people didn't possess; how did she have it...?

Or perhaps she didn't possess the ability to observe women, but was simply at a superior level, allowing her to perceive the signs of dual cultivation within Chu Yun's body? That's possible, but one would need to have a considerable understanding of dual cultivation to do so.

Yama himself is clearly still a virgin, so who does he intend to use this on...?

That being said, this is actually a difficult question to answer.

Xuan Nu naturally knew that Pei Chuyun lost her virginity with Lu Xingzhou, and that it was Xuan Nu herself who gave the order; Pei Chuyun was deflowered by imperial decree.

The reason she was willing to let Pei Chuyun do this was twofold: firstly, Lu Xingzhou's status at the Dan Academy meant he had a promising future, and after several observations, she felt he was definitely a talent worth planting a seed in advance; secondly, Lu Xingzhou's status as a judge before the King of Hell made him a rare commodity.

The Holy Lord of Tianyao would use appeasement to approach this former judge, hoping to play a role in the future war in the Underworld. Xuan Nu would also have her own plans.

So, taking advantage of Lu Xingzhou's attraction to Pei Chuyun's beauty, the whole capital knew that he was "pursuing" Pei Chuyun, and they went along with it to make things happen.

But you can't just tell King Yama this outright... I want to control your forearm, what are you planning to do?
With a thought racing through his mind, he said, "Our sect's Holy Maiden has always carefully selected and considered who to use the Red Pill on. It's probably not a good idea for Yama to ask about the private affairs of our Charming Maiden Hehuan Sect as soon as he arrives."

As she said this, she was thinking to herself that she probably couldn't fool him. Everyone in the capital knew about Lu Xingzhou and Chu Yun's intimate moments when they were in the capital, and Yan Jun would probably easily guess it was him. That's why she asked this question right away; otherwise, who cares who you sleep with?

Yuan Muyu replied, "I heard that there was a traitor in this palace who ran away and often fawned over your sect's Holy Maiden when he was in the capital, hence my question. I know that fellow quite well; he is both handsome and capable, yet even he couldn't win her over. I wonder which handsome young man will be so fortunate."

Xuan Nu: "?"

What are you talking about?

Why don't you think it was your "traitor" who did it? If someone is a traitor, do you expect them to remain chaste for you? How do you think you're thinking? I don't understand.
Pei Chuyun smiled charmingly: "It might be that person from your palace... Everyone knows he's been chasing after me."

Yama: "?"

Yuan Muyu: "??"

Ye Fuyao: "???"

With just a simple sentence, Lord Yama felt a surge of energy rise from his dantian and rush to his head, causing his face under the mask to instantly turn scorching red, as if it were about to explode.

Fortunately, the mask concealed her expression, so no one could see her face. All that could be seen was that Lord Yama remained silent for a moment, then looked Pei Chuyun up and down with a disdainful gaze.

I almost got tricked by that little vixen.

Xingzhou isn't some lust-driven idiot; how could he possibly get involved with the Holy Maiden of Harmony so easily and be controlled by her?

You're too green to provoke me.

His initially disdainful gaze shifted to the woman's shapely figure, and a hint of murderous intent flashed in his eyes. He uttered through clenched teeth, "You? He wouldn't even look at you."

Pei Chuyun puffed out her chest and shook it maliciously: "That's not necessarily true. Men all like the ones that are big here."

Yuan Muyu: "..."

Xuan Nu nearly broke out in a cold sweat, and grabbed Pei Chuyun, asking, "What are you doing?"

He then bowed to Yuan Muyu and said, "Lord Yama, please don't be offended. This child has been spoiled by me since he was a child and has no manners."

Pei Chuyun muttered, "There's a clear distinction between elders and juniors, so how come they're being disrespectful..."

Yuan Muyu would never actually compare her breasts with a junior in front of Xuan Nu, so she coldly said, "Since Xuan Nu is unable to answer my question, that's fine. But since this junior is so arrogant and rude, shouldn't Xuan Nu give me an explanation?"

Xuan Nu grabbed Pei Chuyun fiercely: "Apologize to Lord Yama."

Pei Chuyun sniffed, looking pitiful: "I'm sorry, Your Excellency Yan Jun, it's really not what you think... but I'm also very troubled by Young Master Lu's constant pursuit of me..."

Xuan Nu almost burst out laughing.

It's not what you think, sir. That's quite interesting. What does she mean? It's not what she thinks, which means Lu Xingzhou...

However, others would assume this meant denial, so Yuan Muyu felt relieved and then scoffed, "If he really liked you, he wouldn't have left the capital so easily and never come back. His so-called pursuit of you was just to pass the time and amuse himself. The younger generation should recognize their own position and not be blindly arrogant. This is the advice of the seniors in the field."

Pei Chuyun bowed respectfully: "I have learned something. I will only be with my lover and will not show affection to others. Please rest assured, Lord Yama."

"I don't need you to be so cold and indifferent. Do you deserve it? He doesn't even wash the dishes." Yuan Muyu said casually, "Alright, enough of this small talk. What are your thoughts on my alliance proposal, Mystic Maiden?"

Even Xuan Nu couldn't see through the mask to know Yuan Muyu's changing expression. Judging from her confident tone alone, it was really hard for others to judge what position Lu Xingzhou held in Yan Jun's heart.

In short, he is definitely not the so-called dead traitor as some claim... which makes him even more sought after.

Xuan Nu's mind raced with thoughts as she spoke leisurely, "Neither the Tianyao Holy Land nor the Great Qian Dynasty can be challenged by any of the current demonic sects. Therefore, everyone has suffered greatly from the suppression over the years. Even the mighty Yama King, who commands respect throughout the world, can only retreat to the southern sky. My Cha Nu He Huan Sect, which has been unable to conduct its usual brothel business for ten thousand years, is now struggling. The Yama King's desire to form an alliance with various sects is a remarkable feat, and those with discernment will be interested in it."

Yuan Muyu said calmly, "So, is there a 'but'?"

“However, there are two problems here.” Xuan Nu held up one finger: “First, an alliance should have a leader to coordinate things. Since Yama is working so hard to unite this alliance, does that mean he wants to be the leader himself?”

Am I not worthy?

“In terms of strength, now that Yan Jun has broken through to the Super Rank, he naturally has the qualifications. But don’t blame us for asking questions upfront: to what extent will the alliance’s orders reach each member? What are the alliance leader’s powers and responsibilities, and how will they be constrained? Nobody wants to have another father figure above them without seeing any benefits first; they’d rather do it themselves.” Yuan Muyu had anticipated this question and said calmly, “Once there are enough alliance members, we can hold an alliance meeting to discuss the details, clarify powers, responsibilities, rewards and punishments, and establish alliance rules. Right now, we just need to clarify each member’s intentions.”

"Very well, let's discuss the second point." Xuan Nu extended her second finger: "How will Yama dispel everyone's doubts and prove that his actions were solely for the public good, and not a covert plot to embezzle and betray us under the guise of the alliance?"

Even normal sect alliances are often rife with ulterior motives driven by self-interest. Everyone knows the true nature of those in the demonic path; expecting them to trust each other implicitly is an impossible task. Most people, upon hearing that the demonic path wants an alliance, immediately think of a disorganized and useless group, a thankless and arduous endeavor.

Therefore, anyone who would go to such lengths to do something like this must have their own ulterior motives. In short, no one would believe it was just to lead everyone in a rebellion.

“Of course I have my own plans,” Yuan Muyu said calmly. “But I have no interest in your petty interests. My focus is only on the Qian Kingdom. When the time comes to discuss the regulations, you will naturally see that apart from the Qian Kingdom, other matters are none of my concern. At that time, you will naturally put aside your unnecessary worries.”

"Judging from Yama's tone, which keeps mentioning the alliance's charter, several companies have already expressed interest in joining?"

"Have."

"When will the alliance meet? Is there any timeframe in mind?"

"There is a grand immortal sect competition in the East Sea, and one of the participating sects is forming an alliance. I will go and lend them a hand. There are also some matters that cannot be disclosed. Your Excellency Xuan Nu, you only need to know that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the alliance meeting may be held next year. Now, I only wish to know Your Excellency Xuan Nu's intentions?"

Xuan Nu smiled and tapped the table lightly: "In the Great Qian Dynasty's campaign against demons, my Charming Maidens' Joyful Union Sect is the most suppressed. I've long wanted to form a united front, but unfortunately, others don't trust me..."

Yuan Muyu glanced at her and thought to himself, "No one can trust you. At most, I'll kill someone. I don't need to say what you might do... It's not like everyone is driven by lust."

Furthermore, Yuan Muyu deeply suspected that Xuan Nu was also of the highest rank. According to the records of the Holy Land, Xuan Nu's method of changing bodies was something that even a first-rank person could not do.

Xuan Nu continued, "Since Yama has taken the lead, in principle, my Cha Nu He Huan Sect has no objection. We can even establish an alliance now, as I believe other sects have already done so."

Of course, the Ice Prison Sect had already established the alliance first. However, the Ice Prison Sect's strength was only at the first rank, and their dealings with the Yama Palace always had a hint of currying favor. Establishing the alliance first was also a way of showing their loyalty. The Joyful Union Sect of the Maidens had its own strength and didn't necessarily need to establish an alliance first. The reason they took the initiative to do so was probably because they had been suppressed too much by the Great Qian Dynasty in recent years, and the Mysterious Maiden had long harbored resentment.

Yuan Muyu nodded and said, "In that case, our two families shall be allies from today onwards. There are not many rules yet, but the first thing we must do is not to attack each other. If we encounter difficulties, we have a responsibility to help each other. What do you say?"

"Of course." The Mystic Maiden extended her hand: "Let's make a vow with a high five."

Yuan Muyu gave her a high five, symbolizing the establishment of a basic alliance.

Although those in the demonic path can turn against each other as easily as flipping a book, and even written alliance treaties may be meaningless, the binding force of a high-five oath is even weaker. However, it is undeniable that this was indeed a preliminary agreement reached under the mutual consent of both leaders. Having cultivated to this level, they naturally have some sense of shame and are also mindful of cause and effect. Therefore, barring any unforeseen circumstances, everyone will still abide by this basic covenant.

After the high-five, the relationship between the two obviously became closer. Xuan Nu smiled and pulled Pei Chuyun, who was standing to the side, over: "Yun'er can call me Shishu now."

Pei Chuyun performed a respectful greeting from a junior to an elder, sweetly calling out, "Uncle-Master."

Yuan Muyu still found her inexplicably displeasing, grunted an "hmm" through her nose, and said nothing.

Xuan Nu said, "Chu Yun is familiar with the capital, why don't you accompany Lord Yama for a stroll?"

Yuan Muyu said, "The Yama Palace has its own branch in the capital, so there's no need for you to worry. Please make yourselves at home."

Xuan Nu did not press the matter and took her leave with Pei Chuyun.

Yuan Muyu watched the two go far away, then suddenly took off her mask, changed into a white floral outfit, and looked like a cute young girl. She then ran off to the Dan Academy.

She wanted to see the places where Lu Xingzhou had lived.

Xuan Nu scolded Pei Chuyun: "What are you doing today? How can you say those things to someone's face? And you even mocked her for being young."

Pei Chuyun pouted: "But she's just a kid. I've heard so much about the King of Hell, I thought he was something special, but it turns out he's nothing special?"

"Does her status and position mean she can compete with you in terms of breasts? How absurd!" Xuan Nu was furious. "Besides, I think there's some truth to what she said. Isn't something a little off here..."

Pei Chuyun paused, then asked, "Which sentence?"

"If Lu Xingzhou truly loved you, he wouldn't have left the capital for so long without returning or even sending a message," Xuan Nu said. "He's not in a romantic relationship with you. Didn't you use a control spell? Don't tell me you can't control your man at all?"

Pei Chuyun certainly didn't dare tell her master that she hadn't controlled Lu Xingzhou at all, but these words made her a little worried.

Since Lu Xingzhou left the capital, he has only sent one letter shortly after he left, which was to introduce the relationship with the prefect of Lingzhou. Apart from that, he has not sent a single piece of paper.

Pei Chuyun sighed inwardly. Perhaps so. Who could truly fall for a saintess produced by the Joyful Union Sect? Perhaps it was just a game, a pastime.

Before she knew it, she had arrived at her doorstep, and the gatekeeper called out from afar, "Our young lady is back."

Pei Chuyun strolled over and asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

"This person came to deliver the letter, saying that it must be given to the young lady in person, and not to the master or the young master."

Pei Chuyun looked at the newcomer in surprise, only to find that he was a Taoist priest from a national temple.

Upon seeing Pei Chuyun approach, the Taoist priest bowed and said, "Young Master Lu entrusted me to deliver this letter, saying that it must be personally delivered to Miss Pei. Please forgive me, Miss."

Seeing the familiar handwriting "To Ayi" on the envelope, Pei Chuyun's slight hesitation vanished, replaced by a joyful smile on her pretty face, so beautiful that even the Taoist priest was mesmerized.

(End of this chapter)