Chapter 36: Humans Have Feelings, Spirits Know Love

Yu Niang instantly came to her senses and, by the light of the moon, gazed at Xu Xuan. Only then did she realize how extraordinarily handsome the scholar before her was. Clad in a simple blue robe, he appeared carefree and at ease; his features were exquisite as if painted, his temples framed his face, and most striking were his eyes—deep and bright, as though containing the stars and the vast sea, making him seem like a figure stepping out of a painting.

For the first time, Yu Niang felt reluctant to harm the scholar before her, as if killing him would be a grave sin. Yet the moment soon passed; she collected herself, casting aside all distracting thoughts. To repay the patriarch's kindness, there were things she must do.

Yu Niang straightened her attire, put on a gentle smile, and walked slowly into the room.

Xu Xuan watched the beautiful maiden before him, his gaze filled with puzzlement. Though he had been cultivating, a strand of his spiritual sense had been monitoring the movements outside. He knew clearly that Yu Niang had first entered the Fox King's chamber—how could she appear here again so quickly? Was the Fox King nothing but a flash in the pan, all appearance and no substance, the infamous three-second legend?

"The night is long and lonely, sleep elusive; meeting you is fate. Young master, will you not invite me in for a seat?" Yu Niang's cheeks blushed, her voice soft and enchanting, and she subtly employed her illusion arts—no man could resist such temptation.

Hidden within the yellow-skinned gourd, Zhao Jinqian heard Yu Niang’s words and immediately fumed with rage. She wanted to burst out and tear this vile girl apart, but Xu Xuan secretly restrained her, refusing to let her emerge.

The meaning of Yu Niang’s words was clear, and Xu Xuan understood—she wanted to play cards with him. If Zhao Jinqian were released, it might turn into a game of fighting for land.

Xu Xuan knew Yu Niang was using her beauty as a weapon, attempting to seduce him. Should he succumb to desire, he would be immediately slain by her. Clearly, Yu Niang feared the cycle of karma and only killed those deserving of death. If she seduced someone and he yielded, his fate was sealed. But if he remained upright and pure, forcing her to kill would entangle her in karma, the workings of heaven intricate and profound.

Mountain spirits and monsters who killed without reason would bear the consequences, but those who had cultivated to become powerful demons had their own means of facing calamities and cared little for such difficulties.

"Since you are here, please sit wherever you like," Xu Xuan said, harboring no intention of banishing spirits tonight. His thinking was remarkably similar to that of the Fox King. To act now, beneath the gaze of the Black Cloud Patriarch, would surely alarm the powerful demon and bring trouble.

Of course, if Zhao Wuji managed to slay the Black Cloud Patriarch, not a single spirit or ghost in Lanhuasi Temple would escape—they would all be sent on.

Hearing Xu Xuan’s invitation, Yu Niang came forward and sat down before him.

A delicate fragrance wafted through the air as Yu Niang leaned in closer to Xu Xuan. The warmth and softness at his side—what man could endure such allure? Yu Niang had resolved that if Xu Xuan harbored any desire, she would strike at once and end him.

Yet Xu Xuan merely shifted his position, not embracing her as others had done before. A trace of disappointment flashed in Yu Niang’s eyes; she quietly put away her hidden blade, for without his desire, she could not kill.

"Lady, the moonlight is so beautiful. Why not dance for me?" Xu Xuan requested, seeking to ease the awkwardness.

"Dance?" Yu Niang mused for a moment, then nodded gently. In the past, every man she met would lunge at her, but Xu Xuan was the first to ask her to dance.

As a peach spirit, she had learned to dance to please her beloved. Beneath the peach tree, amidst a flurry of pink petals, she would dance gracefully, her smile radiant, hoping to make him pause in his cultivation and care a little more for her.

But as his cultivation advanced, he began to neglect her. To obtain enough vital blood, he even made her use her beauty to kill. Though her heart ached, she had no regrets. She only wished him well, wished him happiness—if he was happy, it was a sunny day.

Under the moonlight, Yu Niang twisted her slender waist, stepped lightly, and began to dance. The breeze brushed against her, and it was as if she had returned to those earlier days. Without music or instruments, her movements were fluid and elegant, like a spirit beneath the moon’s glow.

Time passed swiftly. The dance stopped, but Yu Niang was lost in deep memories, unable to escape. She wept, clear tears falling, arousing pity.

Lifting her head, Yu Niang met the apologetic gaze of Xu Xuan. Their eyes met, yet neither spoke.

Xu Xuan had not anticipated that this peach spirit would have her own story and emotions, nor that asking her to dance would move her to tears. It seemed that in this world, not only humans have feelings—monsters, too, can love.

"I am tired. Lady, please do as you wish," Xu Xuan sighed. He saw the sadness in Yu Niang’s eyes and sensed clearly that the peach spirit before him was not evil. Though she had killed and bore a faint scent of blood, she was different from other wicked spirits.

Xu Xuan had made up his mind: if the Black Cloud Patriarch was defeated and Yu Niang could mend her ways, he would spare her. Of course, punishment was still necessary, for wrongdoing must be answered.

Hearing Xu Xuan’s dismissal, Yu Niang was taken aback. She had not expected him to have no interest in her, and it surprised her. The dim room was unusually silent, moonlight separating Yu Niang and Xu Xuan into two worlds.

Yu Niang stood in the moonlight, her heart gripped by sorrow, always struggling in the darkness. The young man sitting in the shadows, however, had bright eyes and a heart that seemed clear and boundless.

She was unwilling to leave so easily, for being rejected was a first for her. After a moment of silence, she forced herself to smile again.

"Does the young master truly dislike me so much? Is he not interested in some tender moments with me?" Her words were now unmistakably bold, breaking through all pretense and awaiting Xu Xuan to take the bait.

Yet contrary to her wishes, Xu Xuan shook his head. "You have your own attachments; do not force yourself here. It is late—please leave quickly."

Seeing Xu Xuan’s resolute attitude, Yu Niang had no choice but to bow slightly and turn away.

Just before she left, Xu Xuan spoke from behind, "I hope you find more happiness in the future. Truly, your dance was beautiful."

Yu Niang’s body stiffened, a complicated expression crossing her face as she exited Xu Xuan’s room.

Stepping outside, Yu Niang felt that the scholar she encountered today was no ordinary man, possessing a righteous spirit and integrity—such a person could not be killed.

But while Xu Xuan was off-limits, she could not forget her mission. She turned and made her way toward the Fox King's chamber, guessing he must be inside.

Just as she reached the Fox King's door, a sudden explosion sounded from the rear mountain of the temple. Flames shot skyward, accompanied by a scorching plume of vital blood and smoke, sword energy streaked through the sky, and thunderous bombardments echoed.

Yu Niang was startled, realizing something had happened at the Black Cloud Patriarch’s location. Anxious, she vanished from Lanhuasi Temple, leaving only a fleeting silhouette.

At the same time, both Xu Xuan and the Fox King heard the massive explosion from the rear mountain and immediately knew that Zhao Wuji had begun his battle with the Black Cloud Patriarch.