Storm on the Horizon

Reluctantly bidding farewell to Gu Feiyan, Qin Gou finally boarded Gu Caihe’s large spirit boat, which soared into the sky toward the Mystic Maiden Palace.

After briefly introducing Qin Gou to the others, Gu Caihe retreated into the interior of the spirit boat, surrounded by her attendants.

—

Onboard, Qin Gou noticed many unfamiliar faces, but also a few surprising acquaintances.

“Qin Yue? Since when did you start using a new name?” Chi Yu, with her fiery red hair, leaned against the edge of the spirit boat, looking at him.

Qin Gou approached her, spreading his hands. “When traveling, it doesn’t hurt to use multiple names. But what surprises me is you—why are you coming to the Mystic Maiden Palace with us?”

Chi Yu’s face darkened as she replied mechanically, “Hmph, obviously because I, Chi Yuchao, am a mighty, indomitable warrior. I’m going to teach those arrogant Mystic Maiden Palace women a lesson and show them the true strength of Blood Ridge men.”

As she spoke, tears began streaming down her rugged face.

—

Qin Gou awkwardly patted her shoulder. “How long have you been rehearsing that line?”

“Damn it! I’m so pissed off. I have no idea what’s gotten into my father. Why is he sending me, a perfectly good girl, to the Mystic Maiden Palace? He’s throwing me into the fire pit!” Chi Yu cried, gritting her teeth.

Qin Gou coughed and said, “Chi Yu, let me be blunt—it might sound harsh, but at this point, the only thing about you that’s still feminine is your heart.”

“So what?! I’m still a virgin! How can I go to a place like that? If word gets out, how will I ever get married?!”

“You want to get married?!” Qin Gou exclaimed in shock.

Chi Yu glared at him. “What, is that so surprising? It’s not like I’m asking you to marry me. Why are you making such a big deal out of it? Who do you think you’re looking down on?”

—

Not wanting to continue the conversation, Qin Gou quickly changed the subject. “If you’re so reluctant to go, why not let your brother take over your body for now? He can disguise himself to look more masculine. No one will notice, and we’re not going there to become cauldrons anyway.”

“Or is it that you can’t control who takes over your body?”

“You’re right. It’s random. It’s tied to our life-bound spiritual tool. We can’t control it. For all I know, my brother could take over in the next second,” Chi Yu admitted, shaking her head. “But even if I could let him take over, I wouldn’t. Especially not with you around! I don’t want you defiling both my brother and my body. I’m still a child!”

—

“What the hell?” Qin Gou was so exasperated he almost burst a vein. He quickly retorted, “Who would even want to? You’re as flat as a stick. Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Ugh, you just don’t appreciate beauty,” Chi Yu said, rolling her eyes dramatically.

“Appreciating that would make me a criminal, not a gentleman!”

—

Inside the Mystic Maiden Palace.

Within the towering walls of the Mystic Maiden Palace, Ye Qishuang reclined with her eyes closed, a serene expression on her face. A young woman in a floral dress, her demeanor respectful, gently massaged Ye Qishuang’s shoulders.

“Palace Master, do you think my massage skills have improved recently?” the girl, who called herself “Little Chair,” asked with a sweet smile.

Ye Qishuang opened her lips slightly, her tone calm and indifferent. “They’re alright. Still far from my level.”

“Of course. Everyone knows your massage skills once earned the praise of the Demon Master himself,” Little Chair said, seizing the opportunity to flatter her.

Hearing this, a trace of nostalgia flickered in Ye Qishuang’s stunning eyes. She sighed softly. “Sometimes, I wish I could see my master again. I’d massage him until he fell into a deep sleep. But I don’t dare.”

This time, Little Chair wisely chose not to respond.

—

After a moment of silence, Ye Qishuang pressed her jade-like hand against her smooth forehead, her expression puzzled. “It’s strange. Little Chair, why have I been so restless these past few days? It feels like a storm is coming. But with my cultivation at the Avatar Realm, one of the strongest in the cultivation world, what kind of threat could make me feel this uneasy?”

Little Chair replied gently, “Palace Master, you must be overthinking. Even if someone powerful wanted to challenge you, they’d have to consider the Purple Extreme Demon Sovereign standing by your side. Not to mention the one from Arc Moon Mountain.”

Ye Qishuang nodded slightly. “I hope you’re right. By the way, how’s the task I assigned to Little Box coming along? She should be on her way back by now, right?”

Little Chair smiled brightly. “I checked the token left by Sister Caihe earlier. It shows she’ll be back soon.”

“When the new disciples arrive, I want to personally inspect them,” Ye Qishuang said, giving Little Chair a satisfied look. Then, she extended her slender hand. “Have you been diligent in your cultivation?”

“Of course, Palace Master. I wouldn’t dare slack off,” Little Chair replied, her cheerful expression instantly replaced by seriousness.

“Good. Come here. It’s time for me to cultivate as well.”

—

Without hesitation, Little Chair knelt at Ye Qishuang’s feet, bowing her head.

Ye Qishuang placed her delicate hand on Little Chair’s head. Instantly, her pale hand seemed to emit a strange suction force, causing Little Chair’s smooth hair to float wildly. Throughout the process, Little Chair remained motionless, her eyes closed, showing no signs of pain.

Moments later, Ye Qishuang withdrew her hand and licked her lips seductively. Her already stunning face appeared even more radiant.

Meanwhile, Little Chair, still kneeling, looked pale and exhausted, as if she hadn’t slept for days.

“You little brat, still pretending? You know I actually feel bad for you,” Ye Qishuang said, rolling her eyes.

Little Chair quickly stood up, smiling brightly despite her fatigue. However, her once lively demeanor was noticeably subdued.