Shen Xin’s eyelashes fluttered lightly as she watched Qin Weiji draw closer. A sudden tension gripped her—this seemed more than just him wanting to smell her…
Just as his lips nearly brushed against hers, she snapped her eyes shut.
But the expected kiss never came. A few ill-timed coughs froze Qin Weiji’s movement.
His lips had barely grazed her crimson ones, yet he never got the chance to kiss her deeply as imagined.
Qin Weiji frowned impatiently, though clarity returned—this was Song Wen’s territory, and Song Wen stood nearby.
He paused and withdrew slightly.
Shen Xin came to her senses as well, her ears burning. She buried her face in the crook of Qin Weiji’s neck, wishing she could shrink entirely into his embrace to hide.
The gesture felt too natural, too intimate in its dependence.
Even her warm breath seeped past his collar with each exhale, spreading heat against his skin.
Like a mischievous kitten slipping its tail inside his robes to brush playfully against his collarbone…
Qin Weiji stiffened briefly but quickly steadied himself.
He glanced down at the little head nestled against his shoulder, gaze lingering on her flushed earlobes. After a silent moment, he didn’t push her away.
He admitted—he rather enjoyed this feeling of being relied upon by a little cat.
So he maintained the pose, one arm still wrapped around her, and turned toward the source of the coughing.
To Song Wen, however, the scene looked entirely like Qin Weiji shielding Shen Xin tightly in his embrace, unwilling to let go even an inch.
Song Wen’s eye twitched violently, and he averted his gaze as if unable to bear the sight.
Truthfully, he wasn’t so tactless as to deliberately interrupt a couple’s intimacy.
But someone else had arrived, forcing him to speak up.
Beside Song Wen stood a man clad in golden armor, his expression slightly peculiar.
Noticing Qin Weiji’s glance, the man composed himself, clasped his fists, and lowered his eyes. “This humble officer greets the Divine Lord. The Heavenly Monarch requests your presence for a discussion.”
Shen Xin, still nestled against Qin Weiji’s neck, frowned slightly. The Heavenly Monarch?
Of course—this was his domain, and they hadn’t concealed their arrival. Naturally, the Heavenly Monarch would know.
She wanted to lift her head and look, but the moment she stirred, a large hand settled on her head. With slight pressure, it halted her movement.
Shen Xin, “?”
Qin Weiji held her head down, though to onlookers, it appeared as a gentle caress of her hair.
Then, he spoke indifferently, “This Lord is busy.”
With those four words, the space before him shattered. Just as he prepared to step into the void with Shen Xin, another voice—older yet powerful—rang out, “Since the Divine Lord has already come, why rush away?”
The voice carried a laugh, sounding quite amiable.
Qin Weiji paused mid-step and turned once more.
This time, Shen Xin couldn’t resist. Ignoring Qin Weiji’s restraint, she lifted her head from his shoulder.
Not far off, a middle-aged man in white robes watched them with a cheerful smile.
The man stood tall and imposing, emanating authority—none other than the Heavenly Monarch, Chao Tianjue.
Song Wen and the previously speaking man promptly bowed. “We pay respects to the Heavenly Monarch.”
Chao Tianjue waved a hand, signaling them to withdraw.
He himself watched Qin Weiji and Shen Xin, seemingly unconcerned or surprised by their intimate posture, and merely smiled as he said, “If not for the Divine Lord and Divine Maiden coming to the Profound Heaven Realm, I would indeed have gone to the Cloud Sea Realm to seek the Divine Lord.”
Qin Weiji remained aloof, neither responding nor asking why he sought them.
Chao Tianjue, already well-acquainted with Qin Weiji, felt no awkwardness. “I have a request and wish to ask the Divine Lord to intervene. Recently, the Heavenly Tribulation surged, and a mortal cultivator underwent tribulation. This person possessed extraordinary talent and endured ninety-nine strikes of the fierce thunder.”
Qin Weiji’s expression remained unchanged, showing neither surprise nor curiosity.
Shen Xin, however, sighed and nodded. “So impressive?”
To put it in perspective, Shen Yi, as a High Immortal, had only faced nine strikes of the fierce thunder back then and failed to withstand them, losing all his cultivation. That a mortal cultivator could endure ninety-nine strikes demonstrated remarkable ability.
Shen Xin asked, “Then did he succeed in his tribulation? Has he become an immortal?”
Chao Tianjue shook his head. “The Lightning Tribulation he underwent surpassed the immortal tribulation; it was the divine tribulation faced by mortal cultivators.”
Shen Xin frowned. “But the Cloud Sea Realm doesn’t seem to have any new High God ascending.”
She had the original host’s memories. If a new High God had ascended, the original host would certainly have known, and so would she.
“The problem lies exactly there. He succeeded in his tribulation and should have entered the Cloud Sea Realm as a god, but for some reason, at the last moment, he fell into the demonic path.”
Chao Tianjue sighed softly. “Thus, the Demon God was born!”
Shen Xin’s eyes widened instantly. “Demon God?”
Wait, Qin Weiji hadn’t even become a demon yet—how could someone else have taken his position as the Demon God first?
She couldn’t help but glance at Qin Weiji, yet his expression remained unchanged, completely unruffled.
Chao Tianjue continued, “The Divine Lord must have already known about this. I sought you out in hopes that you would step forward to eliminate this Demon God and prevent turmoil in the Six Realms.”
He shook his head and sighed. “After all, with the birth of a Demon God, no one in the Six Realms can rest easy.”
Shen Xin couldn’t help but nod in agreement—it definitely needed to be dealt with.
Aside from Qin Weiji, no one else could be the Demon God.
But Qin Weiji remained silent as if mute, not uttering a word so far, leaving others puzzled about his thoughts.
Chao Tianjue narrowed his eyes, his gaze shifting to Shen Xin as he smiled meaningfully. “The Divine Maiden shares a deep bond with the Divine Lord. Could you persuade him on my behalf?”
“Deep bond?”
Where did that come from?
Shen Xin blinked, catching the implication in Chao Tianjue’s smile, and only then remembered she was still holding onto Qin Weiji.
Her cheeks flushed with warmth, and she quickly released him, stepping back from his embrace.
Qin Weiji’s perpetually calm expression instantly darkened like stormy waters, his gaze toward Chao Tianjue growing even colder as he stated bluntly, “No time. Not going.”
Chao Tianjue’s expression turned grave instantly. “Divine Lord, the Six Realms—”
Qin Weiji averted his gaze, looking toward the lush herb garden, his words icy. “The beings of the Six Realms have their own destinies.”
Shen Xin didn’t notice Chao Tianjue’s reaction; she only felt surprised by Qin Weiji’s words.
He was the Divine Lord of the divine realm, arguably the lord of the Six Realms—even the Heavenly Emperor treated him with respect. Yet, he seemed not to align himself with the Six Realms.
Shen Xin thought about the divine realm’s desolate atmosphere—aside from a few High Gods, there was hardly anyone else. The divine palace was as lonely as the Moon Palace.
Qin Weiji was quite the recluse.
Taking advantage of the awkward silence, Shen Xin couldn’t help but ask Xiao Ai, “Has Qin Weiji been harmed by the Six Realms before?”
Xiao Ai said, “He follows the Heavenly Dao, which is also the Great Dao. The Great Dao is emotionless and naturally does not deliberately interfere in the affairs of the Six Realms. After all, all beings in the Six Realms must develop according to their predetermined destinies. These destinies are arranged by the Heavenly Dao itself—for him to intervene would be like making him contradict his own principles.”
Shen Xin was stunned. “Qin Weiji is the Heavenly Dao?”
Xiao Ai replied, “Not yet, but he cultivates the laws of the Heavenly Dao. If he does not become a Demon, he will naturally walk that Great Dao in the future.”
So, if he did not become a Demon, he would ascend to the Nine Heavens and become the Heavenly Dao.
The Heavenly Dao is emotionless, meaning he would completely transform into a person devoid of emotions and desires.
Or, he wouldn’t even be considered human—just a puppet, a puppet of fate.
Shen Xin’s mind flashed to the image of Qin Weiji kissing her not long ago—awkward yet gentle.
Suddenly, she felt that it would be better for Qin Weiji to become a Demon rather than become the Heavenly Dao.
At least as a Demon, he would still understand what emotions and desires were.
With this thought, Shen Xin broke the silence, saying, “Why would I not have time? I have time.”
Both Qin Weiji and Chao Tianjue turned to look at her. Shen Xin curved her eyebrows into a smile and said, “I have time. If my husband isn’t going, why don’t I go instead?”
She looked at Qin Weiji seriously. “I’ll go help my husband eliminate that Demon God and restore peace to the Six Realms.”
She would make that person hand over the position of Demon God, take the opportunity to inspect the Demon Realm, and, if possible, plant a few spies to lay the foundation for their future conquest of the Demon Realm as a couple.
Qin Weiji’s brow furrowed. “You?”
Shen Xin nodded. “Husband, don’t worry. I can do it.”
Before Qin Weiji could say more, she suddenly blinked and moved closer to him. “But if you’re really worried, could you come with me?”
The corner of Qin Weiji’s eye twitched. He gritted his teeth and said coldly, “I don’t care if you live or die.”
With that, his figure turned into a shadow as he stepped into the shattered void.
Shen Xin: “…”
Cupping her hands like a megaphone by her lips, she called out to the fading figure, “Then I’m going! If something happens to me, husband, you don’t need to avenge me—just remember to collect my body and build a tomb for me. Make it spacious, a double one, so you can be buried with me in the future, and we can be husband and wife again in the next life.”
As she spoke, she clearly saw the blurred figure halt and remain still. After she finished, the figure stiffened further before completely vanishing.
Even without seeing his expression, Shen Xin knew his face must have looked terrible.
Chao Tianjue, standing nearby, also wore a strange expression. “Divine Maiden, you…”
He didn’t know what to say for a moment. Today’s Shen Xin felt somewhat unfamiliar to him.
But he could tell that her soul was perfectly aligned—it was clearly still the same Shen Xin as before.
Yet her personality… and her relationship with Qin Weiji seemed to have changed significantly?
Shen Xin, however, smiled lightly. “Don’t worry, he won’t abandon me. Once I go to the Demon Realm…”
Just as she said this, a long, slender hand suddenly reached out from the void, instantly grabbing Shen Xin’s wrist and yanking her away in a flash.
Chao Tianjue: “?”
He froze for a moment, then chuckled wryly.
It seemed there was no need to wait for her to go to the Demon Realm.
But soon, Chao Tianjue suppressed his smile, his expression turning serious in an instant.
A person who naturally exudes authority needs not to smile to command respect—his mere presence was intimidating.
The War God Ruo Ran, clad in golden armor, appeared behind him and asked with concern, “Divine Lord, will the Divine Lord truly go to the Demon Realm to subdue that Demon God?”
Chao Tianjue narrowed his eyes, gazing at the spot where Qin Weiji had vanished. “In the past, no matter how much I tried to persuade him, it might not have worked. But now…” He paused, an inexplicable smile flickering in his eyes. “The path of heartlessness leaves no room for those with sentiment. I fear our Divine Lord is about to be abandoned by the Heavenly Dao.”
Ruo Ran frowned, instinctively looking up at the sky. “Is that good or bad?”
Chao Tianjue also lifted his gaze, murmuring softly, “Naturally, it is good.”
A heartless god may uphold the six realms,
But with sentiment comes bias and attachment.
Yet a heartless god may also disregard the six realms.
And with sentiment, the six realms become their weakness.
If one day the Heavenly Dao seeks to destroy the six realms, Qin Weiji would be the one to help them wage war against the Heavenly Dao.
~
Meanwhile, before Shen Xin could finish speaking, Qin Weiji grabbed her and pulled her into the void.
His grip was merciless, so forceful it nearly crushed her wrist.
Shen Xin gasped, “It hurts~”
Qin Weiji’s expression shifted slightly, and he released her hand. Then he glared at her coldly. “So afraid of death and pain, yet you want to vanquish the Demon God?”
They now stood amidst the clouds, surrounded by swirling mist. Shen Xin rubbed her wrist, pouting slightly. “I was doing it for you.”
“Why meddle in my affairs?” Qin Weiji retorted, one hand behind his back, a cold smirk curling his lips. “I have no intention of collecting your corpse or visiting your grave. If you die, don’t even think about being buried with me—because I am eternal.”
Shen Xin bit her lip, looking aggrieved. “Why are you so angry?”
In Qin Weiji’s mind, his career-driven side was equally puzzled. Yes, Divine Lord, why are you so furious and agitated? Your corruption index keeps fluctuating—is it because of the Demon God? Well, this Divine Maiden is indeed meddling unnecessarily. After all, the Demon God is merely a trial set by the Heavenly Dao for the six realms. If you’re displeased, why not confine her to the divine palace to prevent her from causing trouble?
Already unsettled, Qin Weiji grew even more irritated by the incessant chatter. Yet the words reminded him: Yes, he must be angry and frustrated because Shen Xin’s interference could disrupt the Heavenly Dao’s plans. Simply locking her away would solve it!
Lock her away, and she could neither cause trouble nor disturb his peace.
With that thought, he decisively seized Shen Xin’s wrist again and strode through the clouds.
To Shen Xin, it felt like mere moments of struggle before they arrived at her chamber door in the divine palace.
He tilted his head, and the door swung open by divine power. Qin Weiji dragged Shen Xin inside and shoved her in without a second thought.
Standing at the doorway, he glared coldly at her. “From now on, stay in this room. You are not to go anywhere.”
Shen Xin was stunned, finally snapping back to reality. She stared at him in disbelief. “Are you trying to imprison me?”
Qin Weiji ignored her, raising his hand to summon a silver barrier that completely separated them. After one last glance, he turned and left.
Shen Xin, “…”
She instinctively tried to follow him but was thrown back upon touching the silver barrier. She reached out again, incredulous, but could not penetrate it.
Gritting her teeth, she muttered, “That scoundrel! He actually confined me?”
Xiao Ai squealed with excitement: Wow, imprisonment play—so thrilling, ahhhhh!
Shen Xin was fuming. “What kind of imprisonment is this? There’s only confinement, where’s the ‘y’?”
Xiao Ai: [Ding dong~ Affection points increased by ten. One ‘Free y Card’ obtained. Whenever you wish, you can initiate various ‘y’ scenarios with your target at any time.]
“?”
Shen Xin, “What kind of system are you exactly, having such inappropriate cards?”
Xiao Ai chuckled, [Love Brain system, dedicated to serving the host’s love life.]
Shen Xin, “…What happens if it’s activated?”
Xiao Ai: [Want to try?]
Shen Xin hesitated, then glanced at the silver barrier again. It couldn’t possibly be worse than being trapped here anyway, right?
Gritting her teeth, she nodded. “Let’s try.”
Xiao Ai went quiet for a moment before another [Ding] sounded: [Free y Card has been activated.]
Shen Xin nodded, but before she could speak, a silver figure suddenly appeared before her—it was Qin Weiji, his expression icy.
She froze. Did it take effect this quickly?
While she was still stunned, her waist was seized tightly. The man spun her around, and her back slammed against the barrier.
Before she could even cry out in pain, Qin Weiji leaned close to her ear.
His lips brushed against her earlobe like a kiss, yet his words were clearly gritted through teeth, each syllable low and chilling: “Shen Yaoyao, don’t even think about escaping. If you dare run away…”
Shen Xin blinked slowly. “Break my legs?”
Qin Weiji let out a light, mocking laugh. Four husky words drifted into her ear with his breath as he said: “Tie you up… and do it!”