The emerald bamboo grove stretched endlessly, its verdant hues rich and deep. The elegant bamboo cottage exuded a refreshing herbal fragrance. On a bamboo-woven recliner, Shi Hao lay with his eyes closed, a cup of tea on the nearby stone table wafting a soothing aroma that calmed the mind. Behind him stood a woman clad in snow-white robes, her raven-black hair cascading like silk, her flawless skin glowing with a pearly sheen. Her delicate brows arched gracefully, her obsidian eyes twinkling like stars. Her slender, jade-like arms moved with practiced ease as she massaged his shoulders with her fair hands.
This was none other than the Lunar Grace Goddess, her fingers dancing with an ethereal rhythm, each press imbued with an inexplicable beauty—simple yet carrying an air of profound Daoist charm. Shi Hao was utterly relaxed, the tea’s fragrance mingling with the maiden’s natural scent—like orchids and musk—filling his senses, deepening his serenity.
The demoness had arrived in the palace days ago, playing a pivotal role in intimidating the Lunar Grace Goddess, making her wary of any reckless actions. Preferring to “serve” Shi Hao rather than approach that dangerous creature, the Lunar Grace Goddess remained cautious.
This bamboo garden within the palace was tranquil and refined, dotted with a few bamboo cottages, two stone tables, and several wooden stools—perfect for brief respite and mental rejuvenation.
As the tea’s fragrance lingered, Shi Hao half-closed his eyes, pondering the demoness’s words. How much of it could he trust? With the great calamity looming and the world on the brink of upheaval, he couldn’t afford to take her words at face value.
“The demoness is extremely dangerous. Her words are utterly unreliable. As an immortal sect connected to the Upper Realm, how could the Severing Heaven Sect be motivated by mere rivalry?” Lunar Grace’s voice was soft and low, wary of alerting her distant adversary in the palace. She leaned closer, whispering cautiously to Shi Hao.
“Then, should I trust you instead?” Shi Hao opened his eyes, a bright, confident smile playing on his handsome face.
“If you must choose, trusting me would indeed be wiser than allying with her.” Lunar Grace stood tall in her snow-white robes, her figure graceful and curves alluring, her entire being radiating an otherworldly charm. Her exquisite face shimmered with an unusual glow as she clenched her fair fists, gently pounding his shoulders. Her lustrous hair swayed, exuding a faint fragrance as she murmured, “She hails from the Upper Realm, her status terrifyingly high. Half of what she tells you is lies. Though we were once enemies, truth remains truth, and falsehoods false.”
“She has helped me, at least. I remember her kindness. But you? You’ve always opposed me, leading sieges against me. How should I weigh this?” Shi Hao chuckled dismissively.
“That only proves how cunning the demoness is. She’s already laid her schemes, trading small favors for ultimate gains—she’s merely using you.” Lunar Grace bent slightly closer, her silken hair brushing against Shi Hao’s cheek, carrying a delicate scent.
Shi Hao reclined lazily, twirling a strand of her glossy hair between his fingers, bringing it to his nose for a playful sniff.
“Enough talk. At the very least, we’ve always been enemies. Expecting me to turn against an ally isn’t realistic.” He shook his head, grinning at her flawless, porcelain-like face. “Unless… you give me a reason to trust you. If we were family, things would be different.”
Lunar Grace stiffened at his teasing. Normally aloof and untouchable, she had never been this close to a man before. His bold words flushed her jade-like cheeks with a rosy hue. She reached to reclaim her hair, attempting to retreat.
Watching her slender fingers flick at his hand, Shi Hao felt an odd stirring in his heart. With a gentle tug, he pulled her delicate wrist, drawing her from behind the chair to his front.
“What I say is true. Getting too close to the demoness will be your doom. She’s like a poppy—bewitching yet deadly, leading you to ruin.” Lunar Grace whispered, discomforted by his grip but maintaining her composure. Her fragrance—both from her hair and body—drifted into his senses.
Shi Hao merely smiled, shaking his head. “Why resist? We could truly become family. My clan leader always urges me to bring home a ‘mother for my children.’ You’d do—barely. At least you’re a noblewoman from the Upper Realm.”
Lunar Grace’s face flushed deeper. No one had ever dared speak to her so brazenly. Yet, she steadied herself, murmuring, “This concerns life and death. Be cautious—the demoness is truly fearsome.”
Up close, her skin was flawless, radiant, and irresistibly alluring—a peerless beauty.
Shi Hao sat up slightly, half-lidded eyes studying her. “No need to sow discord. These words are meaningless.” His left arm snaked around her slender waist, pulling her onto his lap with a startled gasp.
Lunar Grace possessed a sacred, untouchable aura, even with her cultivation sealed. To most, she remained ethereal and revered. But Shi Hao saw only a woman, unburdened by reverence.
“I think we can discuss this slowly. If what you say is true, we could cooperate as… family.” He teased, intent on dragging the lofty Lunar Grace down to earth, unsettling her pride.
She struggled, but his arm—strong and warm—held her firmly against him. Her curvaceous hips pressed against his lap, making escape impossible. Annoyed, she swiped at his eyes, but with her powers sealed, her movements—though graceful—lacked force.
Shi Hao grinned, catching her finger between his teeth.
“You—!” She tugged, but he held fast.
Her fragrance filled his senses, her jade-like skin glowing under his gaze. Her exquisite face hovered inches away, stirring something within him. Without thinking, he tightened his embrace.
Lunar Grace gasped as his arms fully encircled her waist, pulling her flush against him. Shi Hao reclined, her soft, radiant body pressed atop his, her silken hair tickling his face.
Her flawless visage, framed by dark tresses, flushed with anger and embarrassment, her starry eyes wide, lips crimson, teeth like pearls.
Acting on impulse, Shi Hao closed the distance, capturing her lips in a sudden kiss.
Lunar Grace’s mind blanked. This was beyond anything she’d ever experienced—no one had ever dared breach her personal space, let alone this.
“Mmm—!” She squirmed, dizzy with conflicting emotions—indignation, shame, and an unwelcome thrill.
Shi Hao was lost in the novel sensation, her lips sweet and intoxicating.
“My, my! How scandalous! Broad daylight, and you’re rolling around like beasts. What would people say?”
The demoness’s mocking voice cut through the moment. She lounged on a distant wicker chair, grinning mischievously.
Lunar Grace wrenched free, her robes disheveled, her celestial poise shattered. Her chest heaved with uneven breaths.
“Is this the Lunar Grace I know?” The demoness teased, relishing her rival’s humiliation.
Shi Hao sat up. “Jealous, demoness?”
“Oh? Already doting on your wife?” She laughed brightly.
“We were discussing life, reaching enlightenment together. You’re intruding rudely.” Shi Hao retorted with mock seriousness.
Lunar Grace gritted her teeth, punching his back—though powerless to harm his resilient body. Strangely, she resented the demoness more, wishing she’d vanish, especially at this mortifying moment.
“Ah, sharing enlightenment with the Lunar Grace Goddess—how delightful.” The demoness smirked.
“Naturally. But this is a private matter. Don’t interfere.” Shi Hao shot her a glance before turning back to Lunar Grace. “Ignore her. Will her words strip flesh from our bones?”
Lunar Grace longed to blacken his eyes. Forcing calm, she smoothed her hair, her icy demeanor returning. “Demoness, don’t think I’m unaware of your schemes. You’re using Little Shi.”
“‘Little Shi’ already? Our celestial goddess has learned to protect her lover? How transparent—and insincere.” The demoness sighed theatrically. “He and I are partners—perhaps even closer.”
Then, she dropped her bombshell: “I’m executing a ‘Young Man Cultivation Plan.’”
“Pfft—!” Shi Hao spat out his tea. The demoness was utterly shameless, surpassing even his boldness.
“Don’t misunderstand. I merely see his limitless potential. Nurturing him to greatness, so when the calamity ends and the Upper Realm’s access is severed, he can eradicate the Lunar Grace Sect and the Western Sect.” She stated matter-of-factly.
Lunar Grace shook her head in disbelief.
The demoness then transmitted a private message to Shi Hao: “She’s far from simple. Under normal circumstances, she’d never be captured. Her true strength is terrifying—she could’ve escaped with a boundary-breaking talisman. I suspect she’s after your Kun Peng technique and the secret behind your rapid rise. Be wary.”
Shi Hao’s eyes gleamed with contemplation. Both women were formidable—neither entirely trustworthy.
He chuckled inwardly, replying, “No matter. Having a celestial beauty attend to me is pleasant enough. If the act becomes real, taking a goddess as my wife would be a happy outcome.”
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