Chapter 226: Intense Affection

Chapter 226: Intense Affection

The power of the space station surpasses everything. If Lu Yan's energy were sufficient, he could easily slay someone at Tan Yue's level, who is just a half-step away from the Golden Core realm.

After all, no matter how high the combat stats of a game character on a phone screen may be, they cannot compare to the simple act of pressing the pause button outside the screen. This is the fundamental difference between the controller and the controlled.

Nan Tuo's body quietly fell to the ground, his eyes staring fixedly upward, clearly not at peace even in death. The illusions he had set up around him also dissipated.

Lu Yan heard the footsteps of patrolling demonic soldiers nearby. He directly removed the spirit pouch from Nan Tuo's waist, flicked his wrist, and the sword blade formed by moonlight shot out like an arrow, striking the corpse's throat.

In an instant, the sword blade seemed to melt like snow and ice, igniting into a white flame that silently incinerated Nan Tuo's body completely, leaving not even ashes behind.

"Whew..."

A gust of wind blew, and the fire extinguished.

Wu Wang Sect, Seven Stars Palace.

The night patrol disciple, as usual, came to inspect the hall but suddenly noticed one of the Earth Gold Lotus lamps flickering faintly, with smoke rising gently. It had gone out right under their nose, causing the disciple's face to turn pale with shock. They stumbled out, shouting:

"Un... Unbelievable! Quickly report to the sect leader, the Great Elder's life lamp has been extinguished!"

This life lamp is a method used by major sects to track disciples. It requires a thread of soul and a drop of essence blood, which are infused into red wax and placed in the sacred "Earth Gold Lotus Lamp." It is kept burning perpetually within the hall, unaffected by wind or rain, only extinguishing when the disciple dies.

Few in the Wu Wang Sect have the privilege to have their life lamp enshrined there. The one that just went out was inscribed with the name of Great Elder Nan Tuo, hence the disciple's panic. News spread throughout the sect, causing a great stir.

"Ridiculous! Senior Brother's cultivation is extraordinary; few can surpass him in this world. Who dares to challenge our Wu Wang Sect?!"

In the Sword Inquiry Hall, the two elders and Sect Leader Tan Yue were all present. Though they were originally fellow disciples with a close bond, some harbored resentment due to Tan Yue's position as sect leader. However, now that someone dared to challenge them, they put aside their differences.

Elder Three, Zhen Chen, known for his fiery temper, was both shocked and furious, slamming his hand down so hard it broke the armrest: "I will use my magic to summon his soul and find out what happened. That person will pay dearly!"

Elder Four, Ruo Shan, advised: "Senior Brother, don't make this public yet. If you set up a soul-summoning array, it will cause unrest."

Zhen Chen retorted: "So what if it causes unrest? Someone is shitting on our heads, and you're acting like a Buddha, doing nothing! You might as well join the Arhat Sect!"

Hearing this, Ruo Shan's expression changed slightly: "You!"

As they argued, a calm voice interrupted them:

"Fellow disciples, with Senior Brother's body still warm, we should not lose our composure. I have already calculated the direction of his soul. North Water is yin and high, suggesting a connection to the Demon Realm."

Hearing "Demon Realm," Zhen Chen's expression subtly changed: "Since that wretch's demise, the Demon Realm has been leaderless. Although Ying Wujiu appeared ten years ago and is rumored to be powerful, I think it's just a facade. Apart from Senior Brother Tan Yue, only Great Elder Nan Tuo had such high cultivation. Does he truly possess such prowess?"

Ruo Shan pondered: "The cultivation world is full of unknown talents. Perhaps a formidable figure has emerged."

His words reminded everyone of recent rumors. Many sects were sending spies to the Demon Realm, and it was said that Lord Wujiu had a trusted steward who boasted that fewer than five people could defeat Tan Yue. This claim had spread widely.

Ruo Shan realized his mistake, knowing the sect leader was sensitive. Tan Yue, however, remained composed, sitting calmly on his cushion, gentle and unassuming, hardly resembling a swordsman: "Senior Brother is right. However, spreading this news would invite ridicule about our sect's weakness. A great elder being slain without finding the culprit would be embarrassing. Thus, we must investigate discreetly."

Zhen Chen abruptly stood up: "As the sect leader, you cannot move lightly. I will handle the investigation!"

Tan Yue did not immediately agree but closed his eyes in thought before saying: "There is no need for Senior Brother to intervene. I have a pawn in the Demon Realm, and now is the time to use it..."

The eternal lamp in the hall flickered, dimming his voice.

Lu Yan was unaware of the Wu Wang Sect's plans, but even if he knew, he wouldn't care. The Demon Realm was already swarming with spies; one more or one less made no difference. He was busy cultivating and had no time for trivial matters.

"You have exceptional talent, comparable to mine back then. But your laziness is frustrating. You still haven't mastered the sword techniques I taught you a fortnight ago, wasting such good potential."

Ever since taking Lu Yan under his wing, Ying Wujiu had been particularly fond of this handsome "male pet" who touched his heart deeply. He often bestowed top-notch cultivation methods and treasures, and even spent hours each day personally guiding him in sword practice. Unfortunately, Lu Yan was stubborn and resistant, excelling in cultivation but struggling with sword training.

Ying Wujiu, loving him deeply, felt frustrated.

"Why bother practicing the sword when you are already a rare master? I am naturally deficient in this art."

Under the red gauze canopy, Lu Yan lazily leaned against the bed, holding Ying Wujiu in his arms. His slender fingers smoothed out the frown on Ying Wujiu's brow, sensing his anger.

Indeed, the patience and honor of a sect leader personally guiding a novice were immense, yet Lu Yan dodged whenever possible. Even after a month, he hadn't mastered the basics of the forty-eight sword techniques, enough to infuriate anyone.

"Stop using sweet words to placate me. Laziness is laziness, no excuses."

Ying Wujiu lay on Lu Yan's lap, his brows furrowed, his tone tinged with displeasure. Yet, seeing Lu Yan look at him with those captivating eyes, smiling warmly, he couldn't help feeling softened.

"Yes, yes, I'll go practice swordsmanship on the mountain tomorrow. But I won't feel comfortable being away from you."

Lu Yan's words were genuinely soothing.

Ying Wujiu, initially displeased, was mollified by Lu Yan's words. He closed his eyes, exhaling slowly:

"Even dragons can be slain. My soul is damaged; I can never reach the True Immortal realm again. If I die, and you lack self-defense, what fate awaits you?"

Lu Yan, initially amused by Ying Wujiu's concern, realized he was genuinely worried, even considering his future. He sobered up, looking at Ying Wujiu: "With a divine artifact like Heart Essence, can't you seek a sliver of immortality?"

Ying Wujiu opened his eyes, sneering: "Why seek immortality when I've fallen to the Demon Realm?"

Lu Yan countered: "Why did you fall to the Demon Realm?"

Ying Wujiu did not answer. Instead, he gently traced Lu Yan's throat, tilted his head, and closed his eyes—a clear signal for a kiss.

During these intimate moments, they had developed many secret gestures.

Lu Yan pulled the person into his embrace and, taking advantage of the moment, kissed him. Without the hindrance of that mask, his warm lips traced over the scarred right half of Ying Wujie's face, then moved to the cool, ethereal left side. The rise and fall of Ying Wujie's life seemed to be encapsulated in this moment.

"Mmm..."

Ying Wujie, who had once suffered the burning of hellfire, was always sensitive to temperature. Whenever Lu Yan kissed him, he felt an indescribable heat and panic, often turning his head to avoid it. However, Lu Yan would not let him escape, holding his chin and kissing him more deeply.

Lu Yan rubbed Ying Wujie's swollen lips with his fingertips, watching as the man who had been so lofty during the day now lay beneath him, panting with red eyes. His gaze darkened slightly: "Isn't it more enjoyable to spend our days here together than practicing swordsmanship?"

Ying Wujie felt as if Lu Yan's smile could melt him; his body went limp, and he panted, "Your nature is too frivolous; you'll never amount to anything."

"It doesn't matter, as long as Your Excellency can achieve greatness."

After saying this, Lu Yan turned and pressed Ying Wujie down beneath him, swiftly removing the other's seductive red robe with a light touch of his fingers. His lips brushed against Ying Wujie's ear, whispering softly, "Let me heal your wounds..."

Though they couldn't go all the way, there were plenty of ways to find pleasure.

By the time night fell, the bed was a mess.

Seeing that the hour was late, Lu Yan stood by the bed, picking up his clothes and dressing himself properly, leaving no trace of their earlier antics.

Ying Wujie, seeing him leave, felt a sudden emptiness and loss, frowning as he asked, "Why won't you stay with me in the palace?"

"The city of Floating Moon is full of all sorts of people; I need to keep a close eye on things, or else I wouldn't feel at ease."

After saying this, Lu Yan walked back to the bed and sat down. Knowing how suspicious and proud Ying Wujie was, he always managed to placate him. He gently brushed aside the disheveled hair from Ying Wujie's face: "Someone as lazy as me wouldn't bother with those spies if it weren't for Your Excellency's safety. How should Your Excellency reward me?"

The last sentence was said with a playful smile, clearly meant as a joke.

Ying Wujie held his hand tightly, his gaze deep: "You're cunning like a fox; I can't tell which of your words are true and which are false. Those spies are already in my grasp; I have plans for them. Why do you need to watch them personally?"

Lu Yan leaned closer, smiling as he pecked Ying Wujie on the lips: "Alright, then I won't bother with them anymore. I'll stay here with Your Excellency every day, alright?"

Ying Wujie's expression softened, and he looked away lightly: "If you want to stay longer, I don't particularly want to keep you. Go ahead; I'll be busy practicing these few days and won't have time to guide you in swordsmanship."

In other words, he was letting him go.

Ying Wujie thought to himself that as the lord of the demonic realm, he could certainly protect one person. If Lu Yan didn't want to practice, so be it; forcing him daily wasn't much fun either.

"Your Excellency truly cares for me."

Lu Yan hugged Ying Wujie again, kissing him until he was pleased before finally leaving Xuanchu Palace.

At that moment, Feng Sha was patrolling the high walls around the main hall. Though the wall was only an inch wide, he walked along it effortlessly, making no sound, like a child amusing himself. Seeing Lu Yan come out of the palace, he turned his gaze away, clearly not for the first time.

Lu Yan took a few steps, passing by the viewing tree outside the moon gate. Suddenly, he remembered something and stepped back, gesturing in confusion: "General Feng Sha, I hung a pigeon cage here a few days ago with a big fat pigeon inside. Why can't I see it today?"

Ah Yuan was the most rebellious servant, usually impossible to command. Lu Yan relied on this pigeon to control her. Hanging it outside Xuanchu Palace, no one dared to touch it. Why was the cage visible but not the pigeon?

"Burp~"

Feng Sha silently watched Lu Yan and then belched.