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"You humans have been under my spiritual surveillance since entering the white mist. No anomaly can escape my eyes."
Shui Lingdang smiled. Her eyes, full of charm, flashed with a sudden red glow as she looked at Qi Yuan.
Qi Yuan's heart skipped a beat. He instantly understood that his unusual behavior in the white mist had triggered Shui Lingdang's suspicion.
Zhou Yuan, on the other hand, looked puzzled, unable to grasp the deeper reason behind the situation.
Shui Lingdang continued, "There was another cultivator as powerful as you who entered with your group, but he remains bound by the rules of this world, always a step behind. You, however... you always act ahead of time."
Zhou Yuan seemed to come to a realization, faintly grasping a thread of understanding.
Qi Yuan only smiled silently. The cultivator she mentioned was, of course, Wen Tianren.
He now understood Shui Lingdang's intentions. The Chaos Cauldron transcended all laws. Neither the human nor spiritual realms—nor even the celestial realm—could contain it.
If Shui Lingdang wished to escape, she would have to rely on his influence to leave the Three Fantasy Seas. That, however, was the real challenge.
The Chaos Cauldron was prepared.
If her method faltered even slightly, he would risk exposing the Cauldron and use it to break free.
"Put away your murderous intent. I still need your companion spirit's help to escape this cursed place."
Her tone darkened as waves of demonic energy surged toward him, only to be quickly withdrawn, as if wary of something.
Indeed, nothing could escape her perception. Qi Yuan thought he had hidden his killing intent well, yet Shui Lingdang still detected it.
Her aura was too pure, unlike the chaotic and corrupted energies of other monsters in the human world.
Which world was her origin—the spirit world or the demon world?
Suppressing the blood surging within him, Qi Yuan spoke calmly. "Senior Shui, why not speak plainly? There's no need for vague words."
"You make it sound like I'm stalling. Your magic holds a trace of mystery. If I absorb the magic in your dantian, I can move freely in this world for a short time. Your life and cultivation won't be harmed. Your magic will recover in a few hours."
Shui Lingdang's jade-like face glowed with excitement as she stepped closer.
Qi Yuan hesitated. He couldn't defeat her. Using the Chaos Cauldron to attack was risky. If she truly wished to remain free, she needed his help.
His life wasn't at risk.
But would this leave him vulnerable to being imprisoned by her?
The Chaos Cauldron, sensing his thoughts, began to hum faintly within his soul, eager to burst forth.
Shui Lingdang's expression stiffened. She sensed the danger and immediately glared at Qi Yuan. "Don't move. I only need your magic—nothing more."
Whether that was the truth, only she knew.
Qi Yuan raised an eyebrow and calmed the Cauldron. "Then what method will Senior use to absorb my magic?"
"Through the mouth, of course. I'll transfer the power using a secret technique. But I don't quite understand the human method of kissing. Why don't you show me first?"
Shui Lingdang's words caught him off guard as she turned to him and Zhou Yuan.
Qi Yuan's face changed drastically. He stepped back and cupped his fists. "This Taoist friend has no special relationship with me. Senior, please use another method."
Zhou Yuan paled, her lips trembling slightly as if trying to speak, but a wave of helplessness overtook her. She clenched her hands tightly, tension locking her body.
"Don't try to fool me. I saw everything earlier."
Shui Lingdang sneered with a mocking expression.
Zhou Yuan panicked inwardly. What kind of intimacy was she referring to? All he did was help her when her life was in danger.
But she dared not speak, fearful of provoking the demon.
Qi Yuan's tone remained resolute. "This method is unacceptable. Please consider another approach."
"No?"
With a wave of her hand, Shui Lingdang summoned a gust of demonic wind that instantly pulled Zhou Yuan to her. Before Qi Yuan could react, Shui Lingdang gripped Zhou Yuan's throat and sneered, "If you refuse, I'll destroy her soul."
She didn't dare harm Qi Yuan, but others were fair game.
Zhou Yuan's face twisted with pain. Her chest heaved as she struggled, breath caught in her throat, thoughts thrown into chaos.
"Stop!"
Qi Yuan shouted, his fear evident.
He couldn't let Shui Lingdang kill Zhou Yuan.
"I agree," he said quietly.
Zhou Yuan closed her eyes in shame. To survive, she had to go along with this twisted plan. Her feelings were in turmoil.
Shui Lingdang's eyes sparkled with triumph. She whispered a few chilling words into Zhou Yuan's ear—undoubtedly threats to ensure she cooperated.
Zhou Yuan gasped softly, her resistance fading.
With a few more gestures, Shui Lingdang cast restrictions on Zhou Yuan, sealing her magic and locking her limbs to prevent any disruption.
She turned back to Qi Yuan. "Hurry and demonstrate. We need to leave this place. The aurora here is more dangerous than it appears. I don't want you dying before you're useful."
Qi Yuan glanced at Shui Lingdang, then slowly walked to Zhou Yuan. Meeting her stunned eyes, he whispered, "Just think of it as a dream."
Then, his shadow moved swiftly, and his lips touched hers.
Her lips parted easily, allowing him to deepen the kiss.
Zhou Yuan froze at first, her eyes wide, then slowly filled with mist. Her heart raced, her soul shaken.
Bound and unable to move, only her tongue and eyes responded. She felt powerless.
Shui Rou turned away, unable to bear watching. Out of sight, out of mind.
As time passed, the Ninefold Miao Yuan Technique within Zhou Yuan began to activate.
No, she told herself. She had to stop it. If she let that aura leak out, how would she preserve her dignity?
But without control over her magic, she was helpless. Her mind drifted beyond the heavens, into a dreamlike haze. Her heart wavered.
In a soft moment, she lifted her head and gently responded.
Qi Yuan, initially focused on his part alone, paused in surprise. He could feel her responding.
Reading her expression, he continued.
His hand gently supported her head as he deepened the kiss.
Shui Lingdang, watching from the side, rolled her eyes and muttered in disdain.
(End of Chapter)