In a secluded courtyard, Jiang Lin was recalling the plot and planning his next move when a shadow suddenly attacked.
“Who—”
“The one who’s here to take your life!”
The voice was icy, like a wind from the depths of winter. Before Jiang Lin could react, his surroundings vanished, and in the next instant, he found himself in an enclosed, shimmering space. Chains materialized from the void, locking his limbs in place.
“My early-stage Nascent Soul Realm strength… I can’t use any of it? Damn, the other party’s at least peak Nascent Soul Realm! This is it? Am I just done for like this? Damn it, is this dungeon even playable for humans?”
Though his mind cursed nonstop, he kept analyzing the situation. His life-saving jade token hadn’t activated. The Void Refinement Realm protector in the courtyard hadn’t reacted either. That meant the attacker hadn’t used formation talismans. Their strength also couldn’t exceed the Void Refinement Realm, or the capital’s formations would have instantly restrained them.
With those conditions, there was only one possibility—a special ability from a spatial bloodline: Seven Stars Space. And that could only mean one person—Xiao Dong’s childhood sweetheart, the hidden aristocratic clan’s peerless genius, bearer of the Seven Stars Imperial Fox Bloodline—Shangguan Yaoyao.
This was her life-bound divine ability, the Seven Stars Space.
Crap, this time I’m really screwed. That woman is a witch who kills without hesitation for Xiao Dong’s sake. I’m probably not getting out of here alive…
Mist faded, and a peerless figure emerged—seductive yet elegant, a flawless work of art that drew desire and the urge to protect. There was no doubt—it was the enchantress, Shangguan Yaoyao.
Damn it, I didn’t even go all-out on Xiao Dong, yet you’re doing this? Is this necessary? Jiang Lin’s mind raced. Surrendering would mean death or crippling injury, which would put him far behind Xiao Dong. He wasn’t willing to accept that. But with his cultivation sealed and himself trapped inside her life-bound space, there seemed no way to turn the tables…
Wait. The system rewarded me with a Ten Thousand Desires Poison Core—the number one aphrodisiac in ancient times. One dose and the victim’s limbs weaken, breaking any spell they’re casting. She’s here to help Xiao Dong by reclaiming the Nine Heavens Teleportation Shuttle, one of his three great treasures. If I put the two together, I might hook her in.
A plan formed in his mind. You struck first—me scheming against you is only fair. He quietly placed the system’s reward beside the shuttle. Little girl, you’re not ready to play this game with me…
Shangguan Yaoyao’s eyes were cold. For insulting and poisoning Xiao Dong, breaking off the engagement to humiliate him, and taking his necklace—now you’ll pay. “Jiang Lin, you’ve committed countless evils. I’ll act for the heavens today!”
“Don’t make it sound so righteous—you’re here for Xiao Dong,” Jiang Lin said calmly, his plan already set. “I know who you are—Shangguan Yaoyao of the Shangguan family.” Enjoying the story? Read on at novelping . com.
She froze, shocked. How does he know me?
“Do you know what will happen if you touch me? You might not care about the Shangguan family’s fate—but what about Xiao Dong’s?”
Her unease grew at his composure. “What do you mean?”
“If I die, the Jiang family will be enraged. Do you think Xiao Dong, as the cause, will walk out of the Nine Provinces World alive?” Jiang Lin knew full well he would, and even grow stronger, but Shangguan Yaoyao didn’t. She knew only that the Jiang family was the number one clan in the Nine Provinces World—so powerful even the imperial throne deferred to them. Killing a cultivator below Nascent Soul Realm was child’s play for them.
She faltered but kept her tone firm. “Don’t worry—if you die here, no one will know.”
Jiang Lin shook his head confidently. “Actually, when you grabbed me, I already left a mark. Want to know what it is?”
“What… what mark?” Her confidence wavered.
“Two characters—Xiao Dong.”
She flashed to stand before him. “Impossible, you didn’t have time!”
“You can always gamble on it,” Jiang Lin said with a snake-like smile.
“You bastard! I’m the one who captured you—why drag in Xiao Dong?”
He rattled his chains. “Still want to kill me?”
She wouldn’t take that gamble. If the Jiang family found him missing and went straight to Xiao Dong, it would be disastrous. “Jiang Lin, fine—you win. Give me the necklace you took today, and we’ll call it even. If you don’t, I’ll kill you! I don’t believe you’d trade your life one-for-one with Xiao Dong.”
Bingo. Just the necklace I wanted you to mention. This round’s mine. “It’s just a necklace. It’s in my right sleeve—loosen the chains a little so I can use a wisp of true essence to undo the storage spell.”
With a flick of her fingers, the sleeve’s storage seal opened, and two items fell out—a necklace and an ornate box. She pocketed the necklace and curiously picked up the box.
Jiang Lin reacted as if provoked. “Don’t touch my ancient treasure—that’s mine!”
Ancient treasure? Then I’ll take it as interest for Xiao Dong. A sly glint flashed in her eyes.
“Big sis, don’t open that box—it contains a deadly lust poison!”
Seeing his anxious expression, she felt smug. I’m an Imperial Fox bloodline—desire-based poison won’t affect me. In my life-bound space, my body purifies itself automatically. What’s there to fear? You’re just scared I’ll take whatever’s inside. Let’s see what’s so precious.
Snap! Her slender fingers flipped open the box holding the Ten Thousand Desires Poison Core.
“No, don’t—” Jiang Lin said with feigned panic.
Such a beautiful crystal… It must be a beast core from a divine beast. Jiang Lin thought, Got her. Little girl, you’re still too green to match me.
“Big sis, let me go quickly and go find your man. Hurry—any later and it’ll be too late!” Outwardly, he acted desperate, yanking at the chains. A performance needed to be played to the end—he wouldn’t reveal his real intentions until the final moment.
“Stay still. Move again and I’ll break your legs!” she threatened, glaring before returning her attention to the poison core.
“I’m not joking—that’s the number one aphrodisiac of ancient times! Let me go!” Jiang Lin shouted from deep in his chest, his tone raw.
She tilted her head back and smirked. “You make it sound so mysterious—number one aphrodisiac? Do I look affected? Stop trying to fool me.”
Her clear eyes and the intact Seven Stars Space around them made unease stir in Jiang Lin’s heart. Could it be… the poison doesn’t work on her?