The Demon Venerable's bedchamber was forbidden ground within the Demon Cult. Every disciple should have known that.
None of them should have made such a grave mistake.
Could it be... the Princess Consort?
Yes, that had to be it!
Earlier that day, on the top floor of the Demon Venerable Pavilion, he had signaled to her with his eyes that he would visit the Parasol Tree Courtyard tonight. She had hurried back to prepare the bed.
But his physical condition had forced him to stand her up, and he had yet to give her an excuse.
So, unable to wait any longer at home, the Princess Consort had come straight to his bedchamber and climbed into his bed.
It made sense! Perfect sense!
It was just...
The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.
Fang Yang sighed, feeling his legs go soft.
But things had already reached this point, and there was no retreat. He could only take her hand with a show of tenderness.
He turned, wrapped an arm around her soft waist, and kissed her.
Once again, that refreshing fragrance washed over him, intoxicating as an orchid's perfume.
Fang Yang smiled, trying to show his most charming side, his expression brimming with confidence.
He had already made his plans.
After stealing a kiss, he would find some excuse to send the Princess Consort back.
Before that, however, they still needed to share a little tenderness, lest her affection for him drop.
A moment later, their lips parted in the dim hall.
The woman shyly turned away, her back to Fang Yang.
Fang Yang continued to hold her gently, radiating affection.
Night enveloped them. Everything was so peaceful, so romantic; only their breathing and heartbeats could be heard.
Dressed in a thin undergarment, Huang Fuling lay within Fang Yang's broad arms. Her cheeks burned red, and her body trembled.
Ripples had long since spread through her eyes.
She was almost faint with happiness.
At that moment, she felt as though she were soaking in honey. If this was a dream, it was one she never wanted to wake from.
She was actually embracing the Demon Venerable.
Here in the Demon Venerable Pavilion, in his bedchamber.
They were holding each other so tenderly.
She had known the Demon Venerable was charming, but she had never imagined he could be so gentle.
Handsome, commanding, devoted...
So many wonderful qualities, all embodied in one man.
They were enough to send her flying into the flame like a moth, heedless of the danger.
The more Huang Fuling thought about it, the more excited and blissful she became. She even felt she had left the Princess Consort of the Southern Pacifying King far behind.
So what if she was a Princess Consort?
Could she compare to her?
Sneaking into the Demon Venerable Pavilion and then into the Demon Venerable's bed should have violated the gravest of taboos.
Given his temperament, he should have punished her.
Yet now, he was treating her with such tenderness.
That proved only one thing: the Demon Venerable had feelings for her. Perhaps he had even been fond of her for a long time.
It was just...
Love had lingered in his heart, too difficult to voice.
Only when she took that step forward had they finally come together.
Crackle! Crackle!
The oil lamp flickered, casting a pale red glow.
Outside the window, the moon shone clear and bright.
Inside, an intimate atmosphere hung in the air.
Everything truly resembled a wedding night by candlelight.
It was so beautiful, so enchanting.
Huang Fuling took hold of the ties of her clothing, intending to give them a gentle tug and slip off her undergarment.
Then this wonderful night would truly begin.
Until...
A gentle voice sounded behind her.
"Princess Consort, sorry to have kept you waiting."
Boom!
A thunderbolt from a clear sky!
Huang Fuling froze completely, lying dazed on the bed, in Fang Yang's arms.
Her mind went blank.
P-Princess Consort?!
Why had the Demon Venerable called her Princess Consort?
Had he mistaken her for someone else?
So...
The Demon Venerable did not like her, nor was this tenderness meant for her. It was simply too dark, and he had mistaken her for the Princess Consort of the Southern Pacifying King?
From beginning to end, it had all been her own wishful thinking.
His devotion, his affection...
All of it belonged to the Princess Consort of the Southern Pacifying King.
And she was nothing more than the clown on the stage.
It hurt!
As though a thorn had pierced her heart.
The pain was heavy and sharp, leaving Huang Fuling unable to breathe.
As a practitioner of the Charm Art, she rarely felt genuine affection, let alone heartache.
Yet now, her pretty face had gone deathly pale.
Her chest felt stifled, and she could not catch her breath.
Somehow, those ridiculous tears she had always scorned began to fall.
They spilled down onto Fang Yang's arm.
He paused in surprise.
What was going on? Why was she crying?
Just because he had not gone to the Parasol Tree Courtyard tonight?
Oh, well. Die beneath a peony's blossoms, and even as a ghost, you would still be a romantic.
He had brought this on himself by getting involved with the Princess Consort.
He sighed and held her tightly, feeling her soft body and the faint fragrance it gave off.
He intended to fetch a pill in a little while.
Meanwhile, Huang Fuling regained her composure and wiped the tears from her face.
Her alluring eyes filled with determination.
So he had mistaken her for someone else. So be it.
Had she not come tonight precisely to give herself to the Demon Venerable?
As long as she achieved her goal, that was enough.
Besides, although the Demon Venerable liked the Princess Consort now...
With her Charm Art, combined with the new knowledge she had learned at Spring Renewal Hall, she might yet gain the upper hand over the Princess Consort.
She would make the Demon Venerable infatuated with her.
She would make his love for her take deep root, until he gradually neglected that bitch who put on such a dignified act.
Until one day...
The Princess Consort would be banished to the cold palace for good.
Then she would have to flaunt her triumph right in front of her.
She would make the Princess Consort wear her clothes.
The Princess Consort would play Huang Fuling, while she played the Princess Consort of the Southern Pacifying King, and she would thoroughly humiliate her.
Huang Fuling's heart burned. She had made up her mind.
She lay peacefully in the Demon Venerable's arms, savoring that powerful sense of security.
She clenched her teeth, her gaze growing hazy.
She took Fang Yang's hand and guided it onto her body.
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