Li Xuanxiao became a Protector of the Demonic Cult.
Well, he hadn't expected things to develop in this way.
He, a dignified disciple of Shushan, born and raised right, had actually become a Protector of the Demonic Cult.
Li Xuanxiao comforted himself, telling himself this was just a temporary measure to survive.
As a Protector, he certainly wasn't protecting Di Nüfeng.
Have you ever seen an ant protecting an elephant?
His main task was to serve Di Nüfeng well.
Fetching tea and pouring water, that sort of thing~
Fortunately, Di Nüfeng wasn't fond of consuming pure yang energy.
After a few days of observation, Li Xuanxiao discovered that Di Nüfeng's previous injuries had not fully healed.
So, most of the time, she was resting in her cave dwelling.
The dignified leader of the Demonic Cult's only pleasure was playing chess with Li Xuanxiao all day.
And she was a cheater, a sly rascal.
She would take back moves frequently, secretly using her magic to move the pieces...
Li Xuanxiao could only pretend not to notice these things.
After all, Li Xuanxiao understood perfectly.
If he ever got serious, Di Nüfeng might very well pick up the chessboard and beat him to death, winning the game outside of the game.
He wouldn't get carried away, thinking he was someone special to her, just because of how Di Nüfeng treated him.
Did she think this was a dating game?
"The mortal world's waves crash, vast and boundless; enduring humiliation and gentleness is the secret. The hardest crossbow string snaps first, and the sharpest blade is easily dulled. Greed for wealth leads to ruin, and birds die for a mouthful of food. No matter how cunning and grasping you are, you'll eventually turn to ash in the earth!"
Li Xuanxiao slapped the wooden table and spoke loudly.
"The story I'm telling today isn't from the present, and I can't even pinpoint the exact dynasty. It happened a long time ago, and this part is called 'The Officialdom Struggle'..."
Di Nüfeng, opposite him, was munching on a piece of fruit and listening with relish.
She casually crossed her legs, reclining lazily on the exquisite soft couch that seemed woven from clouds.
Her eyes, as clear and bright as autumn water, now sparkled with a keen, spirited light.
The guards nearby cast envious and jealous glances at Li Xuanxiao.
Ever since he arrived, he had captured the Cult Leader's complete attention.
The Cult Leader no longer sought them out to play games.
Naturally, there were no more rewards. As everyone knew, playing with Cult Leader Di Nüfeng was a very easy and pleasant affair.
Because all you had to do was appease her, let her have her way in everything, and make her happy.
Di Nüfeng was generous; a casual reward from her would benefit them immensely.
Di Nüfeng was very pleased with Li Xuanxiao and took him everywhere.
Of course, this attitude was more like treating a pet.
Or rather, all the disciples in the Demonic Den were Di Nüfeng's pets.
Di Nüfeng also kept a few "human-dogs."
What are human-dogs?
They were actually people, and all of them were once powerful figures who commanded respect.
Now, Di Nüfeng had crippled their cultivation and kept them in the Demonic Den, domesticated like dogs.
They were chained at the entrance, and whenever Di Nüfeng passed by.
The two human-dogs would bark fawningly and stick out their tongues.
Di Nüfeng treated them well too; when she was happy, she would toss them a fruit or a pastry.
She would smile happily as she watched them fight over the food.
Of course, Di Nüfeng also had unhappy moments.
For example, one day when her injuries flared up, she gritted her teeth in pain.
When she walked out again, the saliva of a human-dog accidentally splashed onto the hem of her clothes.
Di Nüfeng, with a blank expression, stomped on the human-dog's head, crushing it.
And Li Xuanxiao, serving by her side, witnessed all of this.
The next day, Li Xuanxiao discovered that the human-dog who had died at the entrance had been replaced by a new face.
"..."
Di Nüfeng lounged lazily on the soft couch, one jade foot propped up high, the other gently swaying.
She wore a magnificent brocade dress, its hem fanning out like flowing clouds, further accentuating her graceful figure and elegant demeanor.
Meanwhile, Li Xuanxiao sat respectfully below Di Nüfeng, his hands gently holding her jade foot as he meticulously began a foot massage.
His movements were skilled and delicate. As Li Xuanxiao massaged, a satisfied smile gradually appeared on Di Nüfeng's face.
Her narrow, phoenix-like eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze flowing with allure and charm.
Di Nüfeng gazed at Li Xuanxiao with a smile. "Being my subordinate is much better than being a Shushan disciple, isn't it?"
"Of course, it's my honor to follow you, Boss."
Li Xuanxiao understood perfectly what that look meant.
Unfortunately, he didn't want to be a dog.
He was a Shushan disciple!!
"..."
On this day, Li Xuanxiao, highly favored by Di Nüfeng, once again visited Zhang Tianxin in the prison.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang, you've suffered!!"
Zhang Tianxin glanced at Ling Xuanxiao's gold-and-silver-adorned attire and said with considerable grievance:
"Why do I feel like you're thriving?"
"This is just a facade to fool them! I've already obtained the entire Demonic Cult's map. Tonight, you and I will escape!"
"Oh?" Zhang Tianxin's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Naturally. At the third watch tonight, I will come for you."
Ling Xuanxiao lowered his voice.
Zhang Tianxin nodded heavily, tears welling in her eyes.
"Fellow Daoist Ling, I've misunderstood you."
Thinking of her previous thoughts, Zhang Tianxin couldn't help but slap herself.
I really deserve to die!!
How could I have doubted Fellow Daoist Ling? He's still trying his best, enduring humiliation.
That night, at the third watch.
Ling Xuanxiao left Di Nüfeng's chambers.
Di Nüfeng was fast asleep.
Ling Xuanxiao placed a sound-recording stone, containing his voice, on the table.
The stone was continuously playing the voice Ling Xuanxiao had pre-recorded.
Afterward, Ling Xuanxiao went to the prison, tricked the guards, and used a previously copied key to open the cell door.
Everything went smoothly.
Hope flickered in Zhang Tianxin's eyes.
"Fellow Daoist Ling, where should we go now?"
Ling Xuanxiao smiled confidently. "I've discovered many secret passages within the demon den. These passages are intricate, and a slight misstep could trigger mechanisms leading to eternal damnation.
However, I've obtained the map from Di Nüfeng, so you and I can sneak out through these secret passages."
Zhang Tianxin nodded and busied herself agreeing.
What are we waiting for? Let's go! I can't stand another day of this.
Who knew that shortly after they left, the footsteps of Demonic Cult disciples could be heard from behind them.
"There they are!"
"Quick, chase them!"
Zhang Tianxin's expression changed. "Fellow Daoist Ling, this path doesn't seem right. We've been discovered."
It appeared they had walked into a dead end, and the only escape route was now being rushed by Demonic Cult disciples.
Zhang Tianxin didn't blame Ling Xuanxiao, sighing softly.
"Fellow Daoist Ling, it seems the heavens are not on your and my side.
Oh well! Oh well!
Since we're going to die, let's die fighting! I'll take a few with me."
Zhang Tianxin tore at her clothes, revealing firm, well-built muscles as clearly carved as sculptures.
His broad shoulders, thick arms, and tight abs all showcased his powerful physique.
"Fellow Daoist Ling, I'll see you in hell!"
Zhang Tianxin looked at the charging Demonic Cult disciples, her eyes filled with resolve.
"Zhang Tianxin of the Golden Thunder Sect, today I will fight you to the death!"
The next second, Ling Xuanxiao delivered a flying kick that sent him crashing into the wall.
This was followed by a relentless barrage of punches and kicks.
"You prisoner, you dare to escape even after being defiant! Brothers, beat him!"
The pursuing Demonic Cult disciples didn't hesitate, rushing forward and kicking Zhang Tianxin in a circle.
When they had beaten him enough, Ling Xuanxiao stopped them.
A Golden Core Stage disciple angrily shouted, "Come on, lock him up in the 'Heaven' character-shaped cell and let him feel what it's like to try and escape!"
"Yes."
Immediately, Demonic Cult disciples dragged Zhang Tianxin, beaten to the point where his own mother wouldn't recognize him, towards the 'Heaven' character-shaped prison.
Zhang Tianxin forced his eyes open, looking at Ling Xuanxiao, his lips moving.
"Wuwuwu, I'll f*** your mother."
Ling Xuanxiao wiped a bead of blood that splattered on his head. "Did I just hear someone cursing my mother?"
"..."
The 'Heaven' character-shaped prison.
Zhang Tianxin lay on the ground, half dead.
The torture Zhang Tianxin had endured before was child's play compared to the 'Heaven' character-shaped prison.
Here, he could feel the most brutal torments in the human world.
It made him recall all the memories from his past life.
Di Nüfeng might seem foolish, but she never went easy on her enemies.
Otherwise, the Heavenly Fiend Hall wouldn't have become the most ferocious Demonic Cult in the Central Plains.
At this moment, Ling Xuanxiao appeared again.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang, are you alright?"
Zhang Tianxin: ...
Guess?
"Fellow Daoist Zhang, our plan has already succeeded by half!" Ling Xuanxiao said.
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