If Chu Nanci was an out-and-out mad villain, then Xiao Lingchuan’s character setting was the standard tragic yet powerful male lead.
His parents had been killed by demon beasts when he was still a child. Before dying, they had instructed the old family servant to take him away. But on the road of escape, they encountered bandits. The old servant was hacked to death by mountain bandits in order to protect him. He himself fell off a cliff and nearly drowned in the deep water at the bottom. In the end, he was fished out by a fish demon and brought back to its cave, barely surviving.
However, the fish demon had only saved him to use his flesh and blood to cultivate an evil technique. Seeing that he was skin and bones, it decided to fatten him up before eating him.
This “raising” lasted for ten years.
During this time, the fish demon unexpectedly discovered that Xiao Lingchuan had spiritual meridians within his body. The evil technique it cultivated would yield twice the result with half the effort if it used a cultivator’s flesh and blood as a sacrifice, so it began teaching him cultivation.
Xiao Lingchuan was extraordinarily talented. He quickly mastered the cultivation method taught by the fish demon, studying diligently day and night. In the end, he successfully killed the fish demon in return.
However, demonic cultivation methods were not suitable for humans. As time went on, the two forces within his body clashed more and more violently. Day and night, he suffered bone-devouring pain, until he encountered the female lead, Zhu Nian, who was born with a medicinal body. After a night of intimacy with her, the backlash within his body unexpectedly subsided.
From then on, Zhu Nian became both Xiao Lingchuan’s salvation and his weakness.
Zhu Nian’s innate medicinal body attracted the covetous attention of demon beasts. Because Xiao Lingchuan cultivated demonic techniques and was especially sensitive to demonic aura, demon beasts had nowhere to hide in his eyes. The two of them cooperated along the way, and wherever they passed, demon beasts were slaughtered without leaving a single piece of armor intact.
The complementary setup of the male and female leads was also regarded by the world as a match made in heaven.
However, in the altered storyline, Zhu Nian and Xie Huaian also seemed like a match made in heaven. Xie Huaian suffered from the torment of a curse infused with demonic power, and only dual cultivation with Zhu Nian could alleviate his pain.
Back then, Jiang Yin could not help but sigh. ‘As expected of a restricted novel. All problems can be solved in bed.’
In short, Xiao Lingchuan’s personal experiences made him hate demon beasts to the bone. Whenever he encountered one, he would kill it without mercy.
Xie Huaian, on the other hand, carried a strand of demonic aura within his body due to the curse of demonic power. In the original text, during the preliminary round at Huameng Tower, Xiao Lingchuan sensed the demonic aura on Xie Huaian and mistakenly thought the young man before him was a demon beast. His natal sword was drawn from its sheath on the spot. If not for the female lead arriving in time to save him, the devoted male supporting character would have become a wronged soul under the male lead’s sword the moment he appeared.
But that was the female lead. Although her cultivation at the mid-stage of the third tier was somewhat inferior compared to Xiao Lingchuan at the peak of the fourth tier, with her rapidly self-healing physique, she was still able to put up a fight against him.
As for Jiang Yin, a pure human who had not even reached the entry level, let alone protecting Xie Huaian from Xiao Lingchuan, she might very well be sent to the afterlife along with him.
Fortunately, during these few days of the full moon, Xiao Lingchuan’s backlash would also intensify. As long as they did not approach him, he would not be able to detect the demonic aura on Xie Huaian.
As for Xue Zhuang’er, he was a stone demon formed from the essence of heaven and earth. His demonic aura was already extremely faint. Unless it was a figure at the elder level of the Xuantian Sect or a great demon like Chu Nanci, no one could sense the demonic aura on him. Xiao Lingchuan was still in his early stage of growth and did not have that ability.
…But he certainly had the ability to take first place in the preliminary round.
“Sigh.”
Jiang Yin looked at the pleasure house ahead and let out a worried sigh.
If the plot had not gone wrong, Xiao Lingchuan would arrive at Huameng Tower to participate in the preliminary round on the first day after the full moon, which was today.
She could choose to participate tomorrow instead, which would be a safer option. But even if she passed the preliminary round, she would still become Xiao Lingchuan’s opponent during the Moonlit Night Tour.
She had no confidence in defeating Xiao Lingchuan during the Moonlit Night Tour.
Moreover, in the original text, after this Moonlit Night Tour ended, the master of Huameng Tower would die at Xiao Lingchuan’s hands. If she failed to win this time, she would never be able to find out Liu Niang’s whereabouts again.
Therefore, the best course was to defeat Xiao Lingchuan during the preliminary round itself and prevent him from entering the finals.
Although Jiang Yin had read the original text and knew how to win the preliminary round, the moment she thought about facing the male lead who would one day seal the nine-tailed fox demon, she immediately felt immense pressure.
Xue Zhuang’er heard her sigh and comforted her, “Sister Jiang, don’t be afraid. I will do my best to protect you.”
Jiang Yin clenched her fist and bumped it lightly against his small hand. “Let’s do our best together.”
No matter what, she had to win this competition! So what if he was the male lead? Could he really be stronger than her cheat ability?
Time to compete!
After successfully psyching herself up, Jiang Yin pulled Xue Zhuang’er along, striding boldly down the steps from the shore toward the lakeside.
Huameng Tower was built on the water, consisting of two separate wooden buildings. To listen to music and enjoy performances, one could take a small boat to the Flower Tower. To participate in the Moonlit Night Tour, one had to go to the Dream Tower.
However, one could not take a boat to the Dream Tower and could only reach it by crossing a vine bridge over the lake.
The vine bridge was extremely narrow, just wide enough for a single person to pass. As one walked, it swayed with each step, causing ripples to spread across the water, making it difficult to distinguish where exactly the bridge lay beneath the dark green surface. A single misstep would result in falling into the lake.
And anyone who fell into the lake would lose their qualification to participate for that month.
Jiang Yin repeatedly reminded Xue Zhuang’er, “Do not stare at the water. Keep your eyes on the Dream Tower ahead and walk in a straight line.”
The vine bridge was the Dream Tower’s entry test for participants. Only those with firm willpower could make it across. Because of this, the path had to be taken alone, and companions were not allowed.
Jiang Yin had no way to accompany Xue Zhuang’er, so she could only let him go onto the bridge first while she stood behind, nervously breaking into a cold sweat.
Xue Zhuang’er kept Jiang Yin’s words firmly in mind. His eyes were fixed on the entrance of the Dream Tower, and his thoughts were solely on winning the competition and finding his mother. He did not even notice how long he had been walking. It felt as though in the blink of an eye, he had already arrived.
A lantern hung on the pillar at the entrance. After he crossed the bridge, the lantern lit up for a few breaths, then dropped down a long strip that resembled a wooden stick.
From afar, Jiang Yin saw this and shouted anxiously, “Quick, grab that stick!”
This was the pass to enter the Dream Tower, a crucial item for the competition. If she failed to catch it, everything she had done before would be for nothing.
Xue Zhuang’er quickly caught the stick and held it up in his hand. “Sister Jiang, I got it. Come over quickly.”
Jiang Yin responded, “Alright, I’m coming right away!”
Everyone knew that in the Moonlit Night Tour, there was only one winner each time. No matter how good their relationship was, once they stepped onto the bridge, they became competitors. It was already considered decent if they did not hope for the other to make a mistake. Who would bother reminding each other or cheering one another on?
The commotion here inevitably drew the attention of those inside the Flower Tower. Seeing Xue Zhuang’er standing at the entrance without going in, they all speculated that the child would deliberately shake the vine bridge after Jiang Yin stepped onto it, causing her to fall into the water.
There were also people watching this scene from the Moon-Viewing Platform on the top floor of the Flower Tower.
The woman dressed in a lotus-patterned gown had delicate features, and every movement of hers carried a gentle softness like water. If Jiang Yin were here, she would notice that this woman bore an eighty percent resemblance to the female doctor at the medical hall.
The woman poured a cup of flower tea. Looking at Jiang Yin, who had been hesitating by the shore for quite some time without stepping onto the bridge, she smiled and said, “That child truly hopes she can cross the bridge, but unfortunately, she will end up falling into the water.”
The vine bridge tested a person’s will. With such hesitation, failure was inevitable.
She extended the teacup toward the person sitting across from her, but the young man seated there did not take it.
His pale-colored eyes reflected the girl who had finally gathered the courage to step onto the bridge, yet whose legs began trembling after only a couple of steps. His fingers tapped lightly on the table in a casual rhythm.
Being this afraid of water, she naturally would not make it across.
Sure enough, after taking only a couple of steps, Jiang Yin could not help but look down at her feet. Her body swayed violently, and with her next step, she was about to move beyond the bounds of the vine bridge.
Meanwhile, the men gathered at the entrance of the Flower Tower were already anticipating her fall into the water.
In the height of summer, women wore light clothing to begin with. The moon-white ru skirt on Jiang Yin’s body consisted of only a few layers of gauze. If it were soaked with water, her spring scenery would inevitably be revealed.
Chu Nanci’s fingers paused slightly. When they fell again, faint ripples appeared on the solid wooden tabletop beneath his tapping fingertips.
At the same time, the vine bridge beneath Jiang Yin’s feet suddenly stopped swaying. Even though she had misstepped onto the edge, her body steadied and she did not fall.
She looked down in confusion and lightly ground her foot against the bridge. Why was it not swaying at all? It was as steady as walking on a wooden plank bridge.
She could not make sense of it and had no time to think deeply. Taking advantage of the bridge’s sudden stability, she quickened her pace and rushed toward the Dream Tower.
Only after she successfully lit the lantern and obtained the wooden stick did Chu Nanci lift his fingers again.
Behind Jiang Yin, those who saw how easily she had crossed could not wait to follow. They hurried onto the bridge, but after only a few steps, it shook violently and they fell into the water, drawing a burst of laughter.
The beautiful woman shook her head. “Your Highness’s spatial exchange technique is indeed exquisitely used. However, cheating right in front of me, is that not a bit excessive?”
Chu Nanci raised his eyelids slightly and looked at her, his smile gentle. “What, could it be that Huameng Tower intends to disqualify her from the competition?”
“…Of course not.” Facing the undisguised threat in his gaze, the master of Huameng Tower, HuAh Ying, wisely lowered her head. “Being able to receive assistance from His Highness of the Nine-Tails is also her ability.”
Those words were pleasing to the ear. Chu Nanci picked up his teacup and took a light sip. “Where is Mengyue? Why has she not come to see me?”
HuAh Ying twisted her handkerchief and wiped the corner of her lips. “Mengyue was injured some days ago and is currently recuperating. If Your Highness has any matters, you may tell me.”
“Just curious.” Chu Nanci asked casually, “You have always been unwilling to see blood. Why did you kill someone last night?”
HuAh Ying’s fingers tightened abruptly around the handkerchief. She forcefully swallowed down the fear in her chest and forced a smile. “How did Your Highness come to know of it?”
Seeing her so tense, Chu Nanci slightly raised his brow. “In a patch of bloodstained ground, I sensed a trace of Mengyue’s demonic aura left behind. The one you killed, was it a woman?”
HuAh Ying shook her head. “We only killed a cultivator who discovered Mengyue’s identity. I have not seen the woman Your Highness mentioned. Mengyue may have seen her, but she is now gravely injured and unconscious, and it will likely be difficult for her to wake up in a short time. Is Your Highness in a hurry to find that woman?”
Chu Nanci could tell that HuAh Ying was lying, but Liu Niang’s life or death did not matter to him, so he did not intend to pursue the matter. “No rush. I came this time for another matter.”
HuAh Ying visibly let out a sigh of relief.
“Please speak, Your Highness.”
Chu Nanci said, “A few days ago, I was hunted by cultivators and one of my tails was injured. At first, it was only somewhat painful, but since last night, this injured tail has been uncontrollably trying to wrap around a certain person. Even when I placed a restriction on it, I could not suppress it. Do you know the reason?”
Since he could even brazenly cheat right in front of HuAh Ying, he naturally did not care about Huameng Tower’s rule of accepting only one question per month.
HuAh Ying said helplessly, “Your Highness, please extend your hand. Allow me to first take your pulse.”
Chu Nanci complied and extended his hand, but HuAh Ying did not dare to take his pulse directly.
Throughout the entire demon realm, who did not know that this nine-tailed fox had an extreme aversion to contact and disliked being touched by others? She had no desire to anger him over such a trivial matter.
She extended a single finger, and from her fingertip, a strand of pale green thread emerged, wrapping once around the man’s moon-white wrist.
After a while, HuAh Ying lifted her gaze in surprise. Her lips parted and closed, as if she did not know how to speak.
Chu Nanci glanced at her. “If you have something to say, then say it.”
“Yes.” HuAh Ying lowered her voice and asked, “Before the abnormality with your fox tail, did Your Highness have any physical intimacy with someone?”
Physical intimacy? Did being kissed on the chin count?
Chu Nanci thought of that unfinished kiss, and his tone grew even more impatient. “So what if I did?”
HuAh Ying lowered her head even further, stammering, “Well… although Your Highness belongs to the Nine-Tailed Demon King lineage, you are still, after all, a fox demon. Fox demons are naturally inclined toward… indulgence… Adult foxes will all have a heat… period… Since Your Highness tasted the pleasures of intimacy for the first time last night, it is likely due to unsatisfied desire… that you have entered your heat period…”
As she spoke, she paused for a few seconds and secretly glanced at Chu Nanci. “If I remember correctly, Your Highness should have reached adulthood five hundred years ago. So it turns out it was your first time…?”
She did not say what exactly it was the first time for, but anyone could understand.
The smile at the corner of Chu Nanci’s lips stiffened. The teacup in his hand had already been crushed to powder the moment he heard the words “heat period.”
How could he have entered a heat period? Was that not something that only happened to foxes after they lost their virginity? Even HuAh Ying thought that he had engaged in intimacy with someone last night, which led to this heat period. But in truth, he had only been kissed on the chin by Jiang Yin, and it had merely been the lightest touch.
So the reason his fox tail had been wrapping around Jiang Yin was not because he wanted to kill her, but because he wanted to cultivate together with her?
With a loud bang, the table in front of HuAh Ying flipped twice before crashing to the ground and shattering into pieces. The various fresh flowers entwined around it scattered in disarray. The culprit hurriedly left amidst the broken petals, his departing figure carrying a hint of fleeing in embarrassment.
HuAh Ying sat amidst the mess. After a long while, she let out a very soft laugh.
“Pfft.”
Who would have thought that the ever-powerful and fearless nine-tailed fox demon would unexpectedly be so innocent in such matters?
But who was the woman who had shared physical contact with him? Could it be the girl who had just crossed the bridge?
HuAh Ying picked up the fallen petals from the ground and gathered them into her palm. Looking toward the Dream Tower ahead, she softly instructed, “During the preliminary test, find a way to make the two of them withdraw.”
There were no songs or dances within the Dream Tower, only layers of silk drapes and gauzy curtains hanging throughout the building. They swayed gently in the damp air rising from the water’s surface. In the humid and hazy atmosphere, being inside felt like being in a dream. Figures of all kinds were concealed behind the veils, making it impossible to distinguish who was who.
After Jiang Yin entered, she turned around twice and nearly got lost. She casually lifted the gauze curtain in front of her, only to see someone she did not expect.
“Why is it you?”