Then, before Chu Xuan could even wonder why his ears were itching,
a sudden force struck his chest.
It pushed Chu Xuan down onto the Cloud Bed.
The Cold Beauty's face was faintly flushed, her expression mingling a hint of coolness with something else.
A flash of excitement crossed her face as she straddled Chu Xuan.
Then she spoke her final words.
"I really like it!"
"I like having an idea and acting on it!"
"I understand both Elder Brother's thoughts and yours. If it's you, little brother, then it's not entirely out of the question!"
"I'm a Wu, an Ancestral Shaman. Little brother, there's really nothing I'm afraid of!"
Chu Xuan drew in a sharp breath.
"Don't do this. This is someone else's daoist grounds!"
Xuanming was utterly unconcerned.
"Don't think I didn't notice you looking at her several times just now, just like you did at Nuwa!"
The Queen Mother of the West had just returned from Three Pure Ones Mountain and entered her secret realm when she sensed something was amiss.
Atop the sacred mountain in the secret realm,
countless mists of the Great Dao of Ice shrouded the mountain, blocking all gazes and prying eyes.
But the most important thing was this.
The Queen Mother of the West presided over the Dao of Pure Yin. She had taken form from the first wisp of Pure Yin energy between heaven and earth, and there was a reason she would one day be appointed Head of Female Immortals.
She guessed what had happened.
Her cheeks flushed.
She spat out,
"That's my Cloud Bed!"
And besides, wouldn't a Grand Unity and a Great Divine Ability User break it?
After a long while—months, even years—
the Queen Mother of the West learned that it probably wouldn't break.
She gazed pensively at the two figures coming down from the sacred mountain. Chu Xuan looked perfectly composed, as if nothing had happened.
"Fellow Daoist, sorry for the wait!"
The Queen Mother of the West hesitated, wanting to speak.
But when she saw how radiant the two of them looked, she ultimately swallowed her words. Besides, in the still-primitive Primordial Wilderness, such things weren't yet all that commonplace.
This was my home! And that was my Cloud Bed!
The Queen Mother of the West silently spat out another complaint.
Only then did she speak aloud.
"I haven't been waiting long!"
"You two have just arrived at Jade Pool. If you wish, you're welcome to stay longer!"
"Is that so?"
The Queen Mother of the West had only been making polite conversation, but Xuanming, leaning against Chu Xuan, suddenly brightened and looked eager.
That's right—she'd gotten a taste for it. She'd never experienced such a fierce battle before, and hadn't managed to subdue little brother Chu Xuan right away.
It left her rather frustrated. If they could go again, she would make sure she didn't lose.
True to her Wu Clan nature, battle-loving Xuanming wanted everything settled by strength.
But the Queen Mother of the West was left in a bind. Her expression stiffened, and for a moment she didn't know how to respond.
Fortunately, Chu Xuan stepped in just in time to smooth over the awkwardness, smiling as he said,
"If we have the chance, we certainly will!"
"But for now, the Calamity of Killing takes priority!"
"Have you reached an agreement with the Three Pure Ones, Your Majesty?"
The Queen Mother of the West breathed a sigh of relief and felt a little more favorably toward Chu Xuan. True, he had used her Cloud Bed,
but he must have been forced by the Ancestral Shaman. How could a mere Lesser Shaman resist an Ancestral Shaman?
The Queen Mother of the West nodded with a smile.
"We haven't reached an agreement, but we're close!"
"The Three Pure Ones have some differences among them, but overall, they're willing to be on good terms with the Wu Clan. However, the two of you will need to go to the Wu Clan to discuss the details!"
Chu Xuan nodded solemnly.
"That is exactly what I had in mind!"
"Your help today will not be forgotten by the Wu Clan. Should a matter of Karma arise in the future, send us a message, and the Wu Clan will remember your kindness!"
Seeing how sincere Chu Xuan was, the Queen Mother of the West softened further and nodded modestly.
"It was just a word passed along—a small favor. When you have time, you're welcome to visit as well. I'll be ready to welcome you!"
"I certainly won't forget!"
As Chu Xuan and Xuanming left Jade Pool, Xuanming gave him a teasing, almost jealous look.
"Little brother, you really know how to work your charms. 'I'll be ready to welcome you,' huh?"
Unfortunately, Chu Xuan didn't fall for that. He just smiled and asked,
"Which bed?"
Xuanming froze, then burst out laughing.
She no longer dwelled on Chu Xuan's flirtatious glances with the Queen Mother of the West. The Wu Clan was always rather carefree about such matters.
She just liked teasing Chu Xuan. Though every time, he saw right through her and she failed.
Then she changed the subject with a smile.
"Are we heading to the Three Pure Ones' place next?"
Chu Xuan nodded.
"Of course. But you'll have to meet the Three Pure Ones on your own!"
"Their methods are formidable. I shouldn't spend too long in their presence, so you'll have to negotiate with them!"
Chu Xuan quickly explained his original idea of making officials and bandits part of the same operation to Xuanming. She listened in astonishment.
"You can do that?"
Chu Xuan's plans had always been grand and sweeping. Even his poisonous schemes had a certain scope to them, and he usually left the details to the Ancestral Shamans to figure out. That was why his plans hadn't been quite so devious.
Now it seemed that wasn't impossible; he'd simply never had the opportunity before.
Xuanming looked at Chu Xuan in surprise and sighed.
"Looks like I've benefited from little sister's bad luck!"
"With you around, little sister will fall into your hands sooner or later!"
Before Chu Xuan could frown and respond, she smiled and let go of him without a hint of reluctance, immediately adopting the impartial bearing of an Ancestral Shaman leading her people.
She tore open space and took Chu Xuan straight to where the Three Pure Ones were.
Looking at Xuanming's solemn expression, Chu Xuan couldn't help but marvel. The Wu Clan really was the Wu Clan.
Even after something like that had just happened, they could quickly compose themselves.
But that made sense, too. Chu Xuan and Xuanming might not have any deep feelings for each other. Xuanming had simply felt a spark, and the Ancestral Shamans of the Wu Clan needed to reproduce, so she had chosen him.
He was simply the most suitable candidate.
Perhaps they might grow closer with time, but for now, he was at most a future biological father she had chosen—perhaps a special one, since she had no other options besides him.
Having figured out the situation, Chu Xuan didn't mind.
Or rather, from the man's perspective, it was a good thing.
After all, both of them were Ancestral Shamans; they couldn't just force themselves to conceive a child. At least, their attempt not long ago hadn't worked.
He put the whole affair out of his mind and began observing what else was happening in the Primordial Wilderness.
The Great Calamity was approaching. The Ancestral Shamans had been secretly stirring up conflict, and their efforts to incite slaughter were already having an effect.
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