Strategic Setup

Though it wasn’t apparent now, Qiu Qianyu had been an incredibly insecure child growing up, burdened by her unusual preferences. This self-doubt even manifested as an inner demon named “Heartless One,” tormenting her in nightmares and demanding she become a “normal person.”

Over time, under Qin Gou’s patient guidance, Qiu Qianyu gradually overcame her psychological shadows. However, the name “Heartless One” remained a deeply ingrained fear in her heart.

—

Back at the battlefield, the early advantage held by the Mystic Maiden Palace was quickly slipping away. One by one, including Chi Yuchao, the Mystic Maiden disciples returned in defeat.

The Nine Hells Old Ghost’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he let out a hearty laugh. “It seems the outcome will be decided soon enough.”

Ye Qishuang cast him a cold glance, her lips curling into a disdainful smile. “Wasn’t the outcome already decided from the start? This is all just for show.”

“Surely the Palace Master isn’t planning to go back on our agreement now?” the Nine Hells Old Ghost asked, his tone laced with malice.

“The Falling Immortal Forest will temporarily fall under your Nine Hells Manor’s jurisdiction, but the Mystic Maiden Palace will not let this go so easily,” Ye Qishuang replied, her icy gaze piercing.

What the Nine Hells Old Ghost didn’t know was that Ye Qishuang was holding back because she needed to conserve her energy for an upcoming Blood Oath Array. Otherwise, he would have already been eliminated.

“Ah, the Palace Master is as straightforward as ever,” the Nine Hells Old Ghost said with a mocking laugh.

—

“Palace Master, as a substitute, may I enter the forest now?” Qin Gou’s voice interrupted the tense standoff.

Ye Qishuang turned to him, surprised, while the Nine Hells Old Ghost squinted, his lips curling into a sinister grin. “A mere mid-stage Hidden Artifact Realm cultivator? How bold. Is this what they call the fearlessness of ignorance? Palace Master, your disciple is quite amusing. He probably has no idea who Qiu Qianyu really is.”

“Fine, go ahead,” Ye Qishuang said, her gaze steady as she nodded. “If you can turn the tide, I’ll double the promised reward for you.”

“Thank you, Palace Master,” Qin Gou said, bowing slightly before stepping into the Falling Immortal Forest under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

—

Inside the forest.

“Hmm? Another one slipping through the cracks. These little ones sure know how to hide,” Qiu Qianyu mused as she strolled through the woods. She suddenly stopped, her eyes widening in surprise. “What? You? The Third Miss of the Seed Demon Holy Sect? What are you doing here?”

Before her stood “Gu Feiyan,” poised and expressionless, her right hand pointing in a specific direction.

But as soon as Qiu Qianyu finished speaking, the cold and beautiful “Gu Feiyan” transformed into an ordinary tree, startling her.

“What’s this supposed to mean? Are you telling me to go that way? Fine, let’s see what kind of monster dares provoke me!” Qiu Qianyu gritted her teeth and dashed in the indicated direction.

There, she encountered “Gu Caihe,” who, like the previous figure, pointed silently before turning into a withered tree. The sight of her striking beauty left Qiu Qianyu momentarily stunned before she hurried toward the next direction.

This pattern repeated as Qiu Qianyu encountered one breathtaking woman after another, only for each to transform into lifeless wood. Her anger grew with each encounter, fueled by the fleeting glimpses of beauty.

Finally, atop a large boulder, she saw someone who didn’t vanish. It was a veiled woman exuding an air of mystery, her beauty partially hidden yet tantalizingly revealed.

It was Qin Gou, disguised as “Wu Qi.”

Surrounded by blooming flowers of Lover’s Laugh, the air around him was sweet and intoxicating.

“What is this sister looking for?” Qin Gou asked with a gentle smile, his voice soft and inviting.

Qiu Qianyu hesitated, the strange and eerie scenes she had witnessed making her wary. “Which sect are you from? Why don’t you have an identity token? I’m looking for any stragglers to end this boring fight quickly.”

“I don’t understand what you’re saying,” Qin Gou replied with a serene smile. “And what’s the point of all this fighting? Is that what girls should be doing? Why not stay here with me and do something fun instead? No one will know.”

“How interesting,” Qiu Qianyu said, blowing her bangs aside with a carefree laugh. “This is the first time a girl has asked me to do something fun. I wonder if what you’re thinking matches what I have in mind?”

Though she couldn’t see Qin Gou’s face clearly beneath the veil, his bright, expressive eyes suggested a beauty that intrigued her. The game of cat and mouse, coupled with his concealed appearance, only heightened her curiosity.

“Why don’t you guess?” Qin Gou said, leaping gracefully from the boulder. He undid two buttons on his shirt, revealing a hint of pale skin, and gestured to his veil. “Do you want to see what’s above first, or below?”

“Did I just hit the jackpot today?” Qiu Qianyu murmured, her heart racing. It had been so long since she’d met someone who shared her preferences. Even though she suspected ulterior motives, her principles—learned from a certain someone—dictated that one should never let a good opportunity go to waste. “I’d like to see your beautiful face first.”

“So, does that mean you’re interested in me?” Qin Gou asked with a playful smile.

“Of course. In the world of wanderers, we live for the moment. If it feels right, that’s all that matters!” Qiu Qianyu said with a hearty laugh. “Now, take off the veil, little sister.”

“Very well,” Qin Gou said, his smile deepening.