Seeing no escape, Lin Chengyou quickly shielded Teng Yuyi behind him. With a flick of his sleeve, he cast out over ten talismans. As the talismans touched the strange mist, they instantly transformed into fireballs, dispersing the fog layer by layer. However, as the mist cleared, a wall of flowers appeared before them.

The flower wall had many openings, and behind it, shadowy figures moved. Faces peered out—six or seven beauties with their hair styled in double buns.

The beauties gazed shyly at those outside the wall, each wearing an alluring smile.

Earlier, Duan Fu had been repelled by this very flower wall.

Teng Yuyi peered out from behind Lin Chengyou and suddenly saw these smiling beauties, causing a chill to run down her spine. “What kind of demons are they?”

“Not the benevolent kind. Don’t meet their gaze.”

Teng Yuyi hurriedly averted her eyes.

The dozen fireballs Lin Chengyou had cast struck the wall heavily, and the flower branches instantly caught fire. The beauties gazed at Lin Chengyou with feigned indignation, then vanished in the blink of an eye.

At this moment, the Five Daos’ swords arrived, their tips striking the flower wall in unison. With a whoosh, even the flower wall disappeared before their eyes.

The Five Daos called out in panic: “It is the Seven Desires Heaven. This is too strange—such evil creatures haven’t appeared for ages.”

While Teng Yuyi thought they had broken through the formation, Lin Chengyou pulled her in another direction: “No matter what you hear, don’t look back.”

Teng Yuyi ran with her head down, panting out an agreement.

Soon after, crying sounds indeed came from behind—a woman’s voice, seductively enchanting to the bone.

“I’ve twisted my ankle, it hurts so much,” the woman sobbed from afar. “Would some kind gentleman help me up?”

Teng Yuyi ran even faster, though she had to admit the voice was unnaturally pleasant. Even as a woman, she felt weak-kneed hearing it. Soon after, she vaguely heard a man’s footsteps running back there, followed by the woman’s delighted voice: “Brother Duan Fu, you’re so kind.”

Teng Yuyi’s hair stood on end as she fumbled with the silver chain, only to find emptiness behind her. Her heart leaped in alarm, and without daring to look back, she shouted: “Duan Fu, come back!”

But Lin Chengyou said: “He’s still here. Don’t fall for the demon’s tricks.”

Sure enough, Duan Fu’s voice came from behind: “My lady, Duan Fu is here.”

Teng Yuyi wiped away cold sweat. Such powerful illusion magic—in her moment of panic, the demon had seized the opportunity. Though Duan Fu was tethered to the silver chain behind her, a false sensation had suddenly appeared.

Then they heard Jian Tian shouting from nearby: “Jian Mei! Have you fallen into your old weakness again? Get back here!”

But Jian Xi said: “Third Senior Brother, have you gone mad? Why are you running back?”

Lin Chengyou and Teng Yuyi knew this was bad.

Lin Chengyou quickly formed several talisman balls to warn the Five Daos, but he was a step too late. Their vision blurred as the mist suddenly rippled like water, creating layer upon layer of waves. Then, an extraordinarily beautiful garden appeared before them.

Only four of the Five Daos remained.

Upon discovering they were one person short, they couldn’t help but stamp their feet in frustration.

Jian Tian ran to Lin Chengyou with his junior disciples, saying bitterly: “Jian Xi has vanished. He was most severely injured when we dealt with the corpse demon last time. Although he’s rested for nearly two months, his vital energy hasn’t fully recovered. These past few days, worried we’d be short-handed catching Chi Kuo, he kindly came to help. Who could have expected to encounter a great evil like the Seven Desires Heaven? What do we do now? The Seven Desires Heaven feeds on men’s vital essence—now that Jian Xi has fallen into their hands, won’t he be drained completely?”

Lin Chengyou seemed to be pondering countermeasures. He bent down to pick up a tree branch, enchanting it into a sword as he surveyed the surroundings: “I had planned to understand its nature first and return tomorrow to capture the demon, but since things have come to this, we’ll have to act as circumstances allow. Whatever it takes, we must first rescue Daoist Jian Xi.”

He then said to Jian Tian: “The Seven Desires Heaven has extraordinary magical powers and can transform endlessly. Even top-ranked monks and Daoists can’t avoid being bewitched. You should first think of a way to keep each other in check, to prevent anyone else from being taken.”

Jian Tian untied the sash at his waist, sprinkled it thoroughly with demon-dispelling blue lotus water, then tied it together with his junior disciples’ sashes and wound them around their wrists: “Now we needn’t worry about getting separated.”

The garden was exquisitely designed, with bamboo and peach blossoms everywhere. Serving girls in pomegranate-colored skirts carried flower baskets as they meandered through the garden. Upon seeing Lin Chengyou, their eyes instantly turned seductive, and they pushed each other shyly as they went in that direction.

Nearby, the women’s laughter rose and fell.

Following the women’s laughter, they soon circled past a lotus pond. After walking a few steps, several large swings wrapped in flower vines appeared behind the flower pool. Jian Xi was sitting on one of the swings, each arm around a plump and pretty woman. The beauties wore thin gauze robes. They brought cups to Jian Xi’s lips, their voices soft and entangling. Jian Xi drank the wine in a daze, having forgotten where he was.

“Jian Xi!” As Jian Tian and the others thrust their swords forward, the swings suddenly rose high in response. Not only did the four miss with their swords, but they nearly fell from the opposing evil energy that gusted toward them.

The beauties’ dress ribbons fluttered in the wind overhead as waves of seductive laughter rang out: “What a special day, we have so many noble guests.”

“This young gentleman at the front is so handsome, no wonder our lady noticed you early on.”

The beauty at the edge wore a green dress and appeared fifteen or sixteen, with an oval face. She seemed somewhat dissatisfied: “Young gentleman, why do you keep holding onto that plain-looking woman behind you?”

Plain-looking? Teng Yuyi opened her mouth—she was plain-looking.

Jian Tian and the others scrambled up. Lady Teng wore a disguise mask today, so she did look rather unremarkable.

Lin Chengyou sneered: “You demons are not only ugly, but your eyesight is poor as well. It’s truly tedious talking to you—quickly call out your lady.”

Though Lin Chengyou had bluntly called them “ugly,” the beauties didn’t get angry but instead giggled: “No wonder our lady often says young couples in love are the most amusing. Look at this young gentleman—just one comment about his little lady being unattractive and he becomes so displeased—”

Before she finished speaking, a cold light flashed from Lin Chengyou’s hand as his sword flew through the air toward one beauty’s forehead. Like when they had defended against the Five Daos’ sword tips, the beauties’ clothes intertwined to form a silk wall blocking the sword’s edge.

However, this sword strike was far more treacherous than before. Though the sword seemed to be deflected, it suddenly transformed into a fire dragon, its mouth opened wide as it charged at the beauties. Seeing the situation was dire, the beauties jumped down from the swing with Jian Xi. The fire dragon pursued relentlessly—in just a moment’s distraction, it had set the beauties’ hair ablaze.

The beauty in green who had called Teng Yuyi “plain-looking” was completely engulfed by the fire dragon. Amid her screams, she transformed into green mist and vanished in mid-air. The others were also burned badly.

In the roaring flames, Lin Chengyou and Jian Tian reached for Jian Xi from left and right. Just then, the beauties pulled Jian Xi into the flower bushes. Seeing they couldn’t save him, Lin Chengyou flung several bone-piercing needles. The needles entered a beauty’s back, causing her to collapse with a groan. Quick as lightning, Lin Chengyou leaped down and forcefully dragged Jian Xi back.

Immediately after, countless pure white, plump arms reached out from the flower bushes, grabbing at everyone with lightning speed. Caught off guard, Teng Yuyi’s ankle was firmly grabbed by a pair of hands. The hands were as cold as ice, making her whole body tremble. She turned her sword tip and thrust hard—the hands shook violently before turning to ashes.

A pair of strange hands also appeared at Duan Fu’s feet. While an ordinary person would have been frozen by that coldness, Duan Fu forcefully pulled away. In the urgent moment, Teng Yuyi thrust out her sword, finally helping Duan Fu break free.

Before they could catch their breath, a pair of hands suddenly grabbed Teng Yuyi from behind. She quickly tried to thrust back, but her wrist seemed to be held in mid-air by an invisible force, preventing her sword tip from advancing even slightly.

Over there, Lin Chengyou had just thrown Jian Xi into Jian Tian’s arms. Seeing the situation, his expression changed as he shook the silver chain, intending to pull Teng Yuyi back to his side. However, the soul-binding beast seemed to have drunk a bowl of enchanted soup, limply falling to the ground. In that moment of failure, Teng Yuyi was pulled into the flower bushes.

“Lin Chengyou!” Teng Yuyi cried out in alarm.

Lin Chengyou leaped forward, desperately grasping for Teng Yuyi’s outstretched hands, but caught only air.

His heart pounding violently, he quickly parted the flower bushes. There was no sign of Teng Yuyi below—only a thick layer of soil. He immediately struck out with a talisman. The ground split open, revealing a hole emanating dense evil energy.

Jian Tian and the others ran over with their swords.

Lin Chengyou braced his arms against the hole’s edge and jumped down without a word.

“Young Master!”

Duan Fu, his heart and courage both shattered, followed without hesitation.

Jian Tian and the others stared briefly, then hurriedly jumped in one after another.

***

Teng Yuyi had lost consciousness when she was dragged into the hole. After sleeping in a daze for an unknown time, she suddenly heard people talking nearby. Her mind jolted, and she immediately awakened.

The speaker was a young woman, clearly crying about what had happened earlier: “My lady, that young gentleman struck so viciously. Look at your servant—many burns all over, and Furong was severely wounded in the back. These were all inflicted by that young gentleman. You must avenge this grievance for us.”

Someone beside her consoled: “Don’t rush. No man in this world can withstand Lady Li Guo’s Seven Desires Heaven. These people are all cultivators—if we can extract their vital essence, it will greatly enhance magical powers. Compared to that, what are mere flesh wounds? And that young gentleman—he possesses a pure yang constitution. Our lady wouldn’t bear to kill him, she’s preparing to enter the bridal chamber with him.”

Though Teng Yuyi kept her eyes closed pretending to be unconscious, she inwardly spat: Shameless. Being evil creatures was one thing, but to be so utterly brazen…

“Rather than crying and wailing, you’d better help our lady prepare for the ceremony. Remember to sprinkle more flower petals in the bath water. After our lady has enjoyed herself, perhaps in a few days she’ll go into town and find some nourishing young gentlemen for you all as well.”

The women broke into laughter through their tears.

“What about that girl? If she didn’t know any Dao techniques, it would be simple enough—we could just bewitch her along with the others. But she happens to carry such a frightening sword. My lady, to prevent her from ruining your plans, shouldn’t we kill her first?”

Suddenly someone said: “She seems to be awake.”

Footsteps approached Teng Yuyi. Though she continued pretending to be unconscious, she soon felt a hand reach for her face and tear off her mask.

“Ah!” The demon seemed very surprised. “My lady, look at this—”

Teng Yuyi couldn’t keep pretending and had to open her eyes. Standing before her was the beauty in green who had been on the swing earlier. Her hair had been redone, but several burn marks were visible on her face, which even powder couldn’t fully conceal.

This place was a vast cave, decorated lavishly. Nearby hung a pearl curtain that gleamed brilliantly. Behind the curtain, a beauty reclined on a long couch.

That beauty had an enchanting figure. One arm supported her cheek while the other lightly waved a small fan decorated with fireflies. Her upper garment was nearly transparent, while her skirt was tied very high. The curves beneath the gauze could bewitch any soul—just one glance was enough to intoxicate both heart and spirit.

Teng Yuyi glanced several times and found her mouth going dry.

“My lady,” the green-dressed woman returned to the pearl curtain, “I want this young lady’s face. My skin was burned by that young gentleman. Since he values this girl so much, why not give me her face?”

The woman by the pearl curtain laughed: “Yin Niang, you’ve always prided yourself on your beauty. This is the first time we’ve seen you admire someone else’s looks. Now I must see what this girl looks like.”

However, before they could approach, the beauty behind the pearl curtain stirred. The beauties on either side lifted the curtain as she lazily sat up.

Teng Yuyi’s eyes widened slightly.

The beauty’s hair was styled in a falling horse bun, her every movement full of charm. Looking at her face, she appeared only sixteen or seventeen, but her bearing was both elegant and alluring, making one think she was an older young woman. Her eyes were long and seductive, with a small cinnabar mole by her red lips, and plum blossom rouge dotted between her brows—she was truly born to bewitch.

Lady Li Guo smiled as she examined Teng Yuyi, then suddenly parted her red lips: “What is your name?”

Her voice was as sweet as honey, floating over lightly, like someone breathing teasingly in one’s ear. Teng Yuyi tilted her head but remained silent.

The other beauties said: “If only she were a man—she’d answer anything we asked.”

Lady Li Guo seemed to find it tiresome as well, waving her hand with a smile: “Disobedient children are the easiest to deal with. Send her off to be married.”

Teng Yuyi was startled and spat: “I won’t marry anyone! What evil scheme are your demons plotting? Rather than dealing with me, you’d better prepare for battle. When Master Qingxu’s disciples break in later, they’ll surely leave none of you alive.”

The beauties didn’t let Teng Yuyi struggle, grabbing her with many hands. Someone accidentally touched the Xiaoya sword Teng Yuyi clutched tightly and instantly turned into the green mist: “My lady, her sword is truly formidable.”

Before the words finished, a long silk scarf shot over like a silver snake, instantly wrapping the Xiaoya sword tightly. The demon’s magic was so powerful that it completely blocked the sword’s light.

The beauties pushed Teng Yuyi toward another area. Unable to fight so many demons alone, she stumbled as they pushed her inside. She had thought it was another cave, but it turned out to be an extraordinarily beautiful mansion.

Teng Yuyi was stunned—why did this place look so familiar? After careful observation, she realized it was Prince Cheng’s mansion. She wore wedding clothes, smiling guests surrounded her, and before she was in a bridal chamber. The matchmakers spoke words of blessing as they ushered her into the chamber.

Teng Yuyi resisted desperately, but the demon’s power was overwhelming. From the corner of her eye, she saw the groom standing nearby, but couldn’t make out his appearance. Despite her desperate struggles, she was forced to complete the wedding ceremony.

In another blink, all the people around vanished. Teng Yuyi turned her head in confusion to find herself standing in a clean and elegant side room.

The room’s windows were wide open, facing a garden with jade railings and vermillion balustrades. The window was surrounded by blooming red plum blossoms, and snowflakes drifted down, quickly covering the branches in white.

Teng Yuyi was completely confused—why did this place still look so familiar?

Looking at the half-bloomed red plums outside the window, a thought flashed through her mind. She had heard that Princess Cheng particularly loved red plum blossoms, and to please his beloved wife, Prince Cheng had ordered red plums planted throughout the mansion when they first married. Could this still be Prince Cheng’s mansion?

Teng Yuyi rose in confusion, passing a mirror stand. Catching her reflection from the corner of her eye, she instinctively turned to look closer. She was no longer wearing wedding clothes but an elegant apricot-yellow winter dress. In the mirror, her face was still like jade and peach blossoms, but her double buns had been combined into a single bun.

She was dumbfounded—this was a married woman’s hairstyle. Had she gotten married? Behind her stood two maids who seemed to be Bilu and Chunrong.

“My lady, today is the prince’s birthday—it’s sure to be lively. Since you and the young master arrived last night, why not go to the front hall early to help receive guests?”

Teng Yuyi grew more alarmed, but her mouth unconsciously replied: “Where is the young master?”

“The young master said you slept late last night, so he told us not to disturb you. He went to the front courtyard to receive guests himself.”

The woman in the mirror seemed to recall something pleasant, her eyes full of sweet smiles. Looking around the room, the window table was full of her favorite snacks, and a man’s belt hung clearly on the purple sandalwood clothes rack behind the bed.

“I’ll go find him,” the person in the mirror said happily.

Though Teng Yuyi didn’t know who “he” was, her feet unconsciously moved toward the door.

Descending the steps and passing through the corridor, pavilions and towers stood in a world of ice and snow, like a crystal realm. After walking for an unknown time, flute music drifted from ahead—clear, pleasant notes that seemed to pour out deep yearning.

Teng Yuyi felt the flute music was familiar and slowed her steps, following the sound. She saw a man and woman sitting at a stone table under a plum tree. The woman wore white fox fur and was strikingly beautiful. Though she played the flute, her loving gaze remained fixed on the young man before her.

The young man was handsome and elegant, absently turning a teacup in his hands. Though aware of the woman’s gaze, he showed no sign of avoiding it.

Teng Yuyi recognized the young man as Lin Chengyou at a glance. For some reason, she felt overwhelming anger and turned to leave without a word.

Footsteps pursued from behind, and her wrist seemed to be grabbed. She angrily pushed that person away. As she struggled, everything began to spin, and she fell onto something soft.

Teng Yuyi opened her eyes to suddenly find herself lying in bed. She tried to sit up but had no strength at all. When she managed to raise her hand, her arm was so pale and thin it seemed it would break at a touch.

People crowded around the bed, all crying.

Teng Yuyi opened her mouth but couldn’t make a sound. Realizing she was ill, she searched with her eyes for a certain person but couldn’t find even his shadow. She felt inexplicably sad as someone seemed to whisper in her ear: “See, this is what happens when you marry. You give your whole heart, and your husband changes his mind on a whim. Think of your mother—you two truly suffer the same affliction.”

Teng Yuyi’s eyes widened. Suddenly someone said: “The young master is taking my lady for treatment—make way!”

The people around the bed parted as someone approached. He bent down to feel her forehead, then picked her up and headed out without a word.

Teng Yuyi struggled with all her might but could only lie limply on his back. The young man’s body carried an unfamiliar fragrance—delicate and refined, clearly a woman’s perfume. It wasn’t her usual rose scent, and it wasn’t just on his outer clothes but wafted from his inner garments.

The snake-like voice hissed in her ear: “You see? While you lie gravely ill, your husband busies himself with other women. For his inner clothes to be so heavily perfumed, they must have been intimately entangled for quite some time.”

Teng Yuyi’s heart felt like it was being stabbed. She suddenly thrust out her Xiaoya sword, but heard chaotic sounds around her as someone shouted: “Teng Yuyi, it’s me!”

Teng Yuyi’s sword tip pressed directly against his back, showing no sign of withdrawing.

That person gritted his teeth: “Look who I am!”

Another voice shouted: “Young master, the Seven Desires Heaven feared Lady Teng would ruin their plans, so they’ve used all their power to bewitch her. She’s already enchanted—I’m afraid she won’t wake up anytime soon.”

When Teng Yuyi heard the words “Seven Desires Heaven,” it was like lightning flashed through her mind. She shook her head to find herself suspended at the edge of a cliff. Below were surging black waves, while the wind howled overhead.

Someone at the top of the cliff was pulling her up with all their might, but she was trying to stab their arm with the Xiaoya sword.

Lin Chengyou.

Several others were nearby—Jian Tian and the rest. They too had fallen off the cliff and hung in mid-air. Countless hands reached from the black waves, constantly pulling at their feet. Only Lin Chengyou’s silver chain pulling from above kept them from falling, but he was clearly about to give out.

Jian Tian shouted: “Young master, let go! The Seven Desires Heaven is no ordinary foe—don’t let yourself fall too! Just break free of the illusion and return to the city for help to rescue us. We have magical powers and can hold out for a while. Lady Teng and Duan Fu are in more trouble, but this is fate—don’t let yourself die here too!”

But Lin Chengyou refused to let go: “Teng Yuyi, open your eyes and see who I am!”

Teng Yuyi suddenly withdrew her sword: “Young master.”

Wild joy flashed in Lin Chengyou’s eyes. Despite their precarious situation, Jian Tian and the others burst into cheers: “Well done, Lady Teng! To resist the Seven Desires Heaven’s bewitchment! Quick—we’re all bound by the ‘heartstrings,’ but your Xiaoya sword is immune to her power. Use your sword to free us!”

Teng Yuyi swung her sword in a frenzy, quickly dissolving the spider-like threads. Then she looked up at Lin Chengyou and called out: “How do I free everyone?”

Lin Chengyou said: “See the cliff face before you? That’s the Seven Desires Heaven’s physical form. Stab it with your sword—the deeper, the better.”

Before his words finished, the cliff face suddenly began to shake. Teng Yuyi seized the opportunity and thrust forward. Amid screams of agony, soil began crumbling from the cliff face, and the strange hands in the black water below vanished. Then she felt her body lighten as Lin Chengyou pulled her up in one motion.

Above was the square cave, now in complete disarray. The beautiful demon women from before had all vanished—looking at the strange green flower mud in the cave, it was clear none had escaped Lin Chengyou’s assault.

At this moment, another person emerged behind Lin Chengyou—it was Duan Fu. While other men had been trapped in the illusion, his physical impairment had made him immune to the bewitchment. However, lacking magical powers and restrained by demonic energy, he was unable to move until the Seven Desires Heaven’s physical form was stabbed.

With his help, the Five Daos were quickly pulled back into the cave.

“Young master, what exactly happened just now?” Teng Yuyi wiped away sweat, still shaken. Though she and Lin Chengyou had captured many evil creatures lately, this was the first time she’d seen him so disheveled. No—even she had nearly fallen prey to the demon’s tricks.

Jian Le spoke up: “Let’s not talk about it. We were all bewitched, even the young master wasn’t exempt. It was so close—we nearly all perished here.”

Teng Yuyi looked closer and noticed Lin Chengyou’s face was redder than usual. Hearing this, Lin Chengyou said casually: “There’s no time to discuss this now. Our priority is escaping.”

After taking just two steps, they noticed the cave was shaking. Lin Chengyou simply hoisted Teng Yuyi onto his back and flew toward the exit.

Just as they were about to emerge from the cave, they were met by surging waves that instantly filled the entire cavern.

Lin Chengyou’s talismans became ineffective in the water, putting him at a severe disadvantage. Fortunately, he was an excellent swimmer and, like a dragon, carried Teng Yuyi to the cave entrance. He pushed her up, then helped the Five Daos out one by one. Just as he was about to exit himself, countless flower vines emerged from the water, wrapping around his waist in layers.

Lin Chengyou immediately drew the dagger from his waist and cut through the vines without hesitation. However, Lady Li Guo seemed determined to keep him, as endless vines continued emerging from the water.

After waiting outside the cave for a while without seeing Lin Chengyou emerge, Jian Tian and the others began pacing anxiously.

“What can we do? None of us can swim well—going down would only make things worse. Besides, most magical tools become ineffective underwater, not to mention talismans and cinnabar.”

Duan Fu moved to go down, but Jian Tian held him back: “Don’t move! Without magical powers, you’d only be going to your death.”

During their argument, Teng Yuyi pushed past them and dove into the water without a word.

Duan Fu rushed to grab his mistress, but the Five Daos stood between them, and he couldn’t reach her in time. Jian Tian stared at the water’s surface for a moment before suddenly realizing: “Only Lady Teng can help now. Don’t forget the Xiaoya sword fears neither water nor fire—these waves will naturally part before its light. But I wonder how well she can swim.”

Before Teng Yuyi could start swimming, her body trembled as she recalled drowning to death in her previous life. Though her heart wouldn’t stop shaking, she knew that despite Lin Chengyou’s powerful magic, he couldn’t last long underwater. If she didn’t go down to save him now, he would surely perish.

As expected, the water in the cave feared her Xiaoya sword—as soon as she entered, the waves parted on both sides.

Teng Yuyi tried to overcome her inner fear while slowly opening her eyes underwater. Just as she was about to search for Lin Chengyou, someone swam over and grabbed her wrist. Lin Chengyou had nearly finished cutting through the vines around his waist and was about to swim up with Teng Yuyi when an extremely thick green vine wrapped around his waist again.

Lin Chengyou turned his wrist and stabbed at the green vine with his dagger, but no matter how he struck, the vine wouldn’t budge—until Teng Yuyi’s Xiaoya sword stabbed at it, causing the vine to slip away with a “whoosh.”

Lin Chengyou seized the opportunity to pull Teng Yuyi upward. They broke the surface gasping for air. Lin Chengyou looked back at where the green vine had disappeared, wiped the water from his face, and said: “I know where the great demon’s physical form is hidden. I wounded it severely earlier—if we let it escape, it will surely cause endless trouble later. It’s counting on our disadvantage underwater, so it won’t be as guarded as usual. We just need one final strike. Don’t you want to finish this before we leave?”

Teng Yuyi’s heart leaped with joy. They had come to the city to kill demons and accumulate merit, but in the end, she hadn’t personally slain a single demon. Leaving now would be unsatisfying. However, she truly feared the water. She glanced at Lin Chengyou, hesitating.

Lin Chengyou said confidently: “Don’t be afraid. With me here, I won’t let you drown. Besides, all this water was summoned by the demon—once we strike its true form, the water will naturally disappear.”

Hearing this logic, Teng Yuyi nodded excitedly: “Then let’s go back quickly.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Lin Chengyou pulled her back into the water.

Though Teng Yuyi’s heart wouldn’t stop trembling, she knew Lin Chengyou was an excellent swimmer. Having him nearby made it less terrifying than before.

Lin Chengyou swam forward following the direction the green vine had escaped. They quickly reached the bottom of the cave, where they found a huge tree with a trunk thicker than a water barrel. Lin Chengyou swam around the trunk once, then suddenly pulled down a green python as thick as a child’s arm from the tree. He moved like lightning, giving the python no chance to escape. Despite its violent struggles, he gestured for Teng Yuyi to stab its vital point with the Xiaoya sword.

Teng Yuyi hadn’t expected Lin Chengyou to find Lady Li Guo’s hiding place so quickly. Overjoyed, she thrust her sword as instructed. As the python’s tainted blood flowed out, it began thrashing wildly. The cave shook with demonic power, creating tremors like an earthquake. This was Teng Yuyi’s first time personally slaying such a great demon, and she couldn’t contain her excitement. Killing such a powerful demon by her hand would surely bring merit equal to a hundred ghost servants.

Lin Chengyou watched the joy in Teng Yuyi’s eyes, knowing she had finally achieved her wish. He too felt secretly pleased as he patiently waited for the water to recede naturally. But although the python’s power was rapidly weakening, the water showed no signs of retreating. As they waited, Lin Chengyou’s brow furrowed—had he judged wrongly? Was this water pouring down from above the cave?

Teng Yuyi also noticed something was wrong. While busy severing the python’s vital point, she kept glancing at Lin Chengyou, her eyes asking: Wasn’t the water supposed to recede? Why are we still submerged?

This meant they would have to swim back.

Lin Chengyou seized the moment to help Teng Yuyi withdraw her sword, then immediately began swimming back with her. When they had surfaced earlier, he had taken several breaths—enough for him, but perhaps not for Teng Yuyi. Sure enough, after swimming for just a while, she couldn’t hold her breath any longer and clutched her chest, shaking her head desperately.

A rumbling filled Lin Chengyou’s ears. They say “fortune favors the bold,” and the same was true for great merit. He had wanted Teng Yuyi to accumulate significant merit, but not at the cost of injury.

Teng Yuyi’s chest felt like it would explode, and her head pounded as if struck by a heavy hammer. Though she initially maintained control, her hands eventually began flailing wildly. Seeing they still had a short distance to the cave exit and feeling she couldn’t hold on any longer, she grabbed Lin Chengyou’s sleeve, letting out several bubbles as she mouthed: Lin Chengyou, you’re… going to be the death of me.

Lin Chengyou’s body froze in the water. He turned and pulled Teng Yuyi into his arms. Despite his pounding heart, he pressed his lips against hers.