Chapter 228: Dual Cultivation

Chapter 228: Dual Cultivation

Since Lu Yan noticed an increase in spies from the demonic realm, he had been acting cautiously. However, his energy was limited, and focusing on one area inevitably meant neglecting another. Among Lord Ying Wujiu's five generals—Corpse, Water, Drought, Wind, and Thunder—he had only met Corpse Puppet and Wind Demon so far, never giving much thought to where the other three might be.

Indeed, if the orthodox sects could plant spies in the demonic realm, why couldn't the demonic realm do the same in the orthodox sects?

The hall fell silent, with only occasional gusts of wind rustling the flowers outside, causing pale pink Yujing petals to scatter across the windowsill. The air was filled with a faint fragrance.

The demonic realm was a desolate and lifeless place, devoid of such picturesque scenery. Lu Yan had deliberately planted these flowers outside the window because Ying Wujiu rarely left his room, and the hall was perpetually dim and dreary. He did it to cheer him up.

Ying Wujiu leaned against the bed, casually flipping a page of a book. The half-mask of colored glass on his face shimmered under the candlelight, but instead of looking ethereal, it appeared eerily beautiful against his dark red robes. His voice was languid and emotionless as he asked:

"Did he discover you?"

If Lu Yan were here, he would have felt a chill down his spine. It seemed that Ying Wujiu knew all about his identity.

Tang Su nodded: "As per Your Excellency’s instructions, I intentionally revealed a flaw, and Manager Lu indeed discovered my identity as a disciple of the Wuwang Sect."

He then detailed the entire sequence of events, even describing Lu Yan's expressions. Afterward, he held his breath, waiting for Ying Wujiu's orders.

Lu Yan's background was suspicious, and his identity was questionable, especially given his entanglements with the orthodox sects. As the lord of the demonic realm, Ying Wujiu would not be fooled by a few words. He had already deployed numerous spies, possibly discovering Lu Yan's identity before Lu Yan himself realized he was a disciple of the Wuwang Sect. Despite this, he had continued to flirt with him, which was chilling.

Under normal circumstances, Lu Yan would likely face death.

Although Tang Su was a spy, he had known Lu Yan for a long time and had received much care from him. At this moment, he was considering how to plead for Lu Yan's life when he saw Ying Wujiu put aside the book, close his eyes, and rub his temples with his fingertips. His voice was low and playful, tinged with a hint of gloom:

"Since he fed you the Corpse Worm Pill, follow his orders. Don’t reveal anything before the Sword Inquiry Conference; continue gathering information and report any developments immediately."

Tang Su secretly breathed a sigh of relief: "Yes, I will take my leave."

With those words, he vanished into dust, leaving only a few scattered petals blown into the hall by the wind, quietly landing on Ying Wujiu's shoulder.

Ying Wujiu picked up a fallen petal, seemingly intending to crush it, but then paused, frowning slightly. In the end, he placed it between the pages of a book, a subtle expression of kindness crossing his face.

Unaware that his cover had been blown, Lu Yan focused entirely on Tang Su's mention of the annual Sword Inquiry Conference in the demonic realm, where Tan Yue might personally come to kill Ying Wujiu—

This was no small matter. Although Ying Wujiu had previously killed cultivators effortlessly, those were weak opponents. Against someone like Tan Yue, who was equally powerful, things would be different.

Ying Wujiu was still suffering from fire poison, and although Lu Yan had helped alleviate it somewhat, it had not been completely eradicated. In a fight, he would likely not gain any advantage.

To expand their power, the orthodox sects recruited disciples every year through competitions, and the demonic realm followed suit, holding annual Sword Inquiry Conferences. All the demon kings and demon lords attended, making it a grand event and a rare spectacle in the demonic realm.

Anyone wishing to join the demonic realm could participate in the competition. Whether they won or lost, showing some talent would earn them a place among the demon lords. If they lacked talent and lost, they would still receive a pill extending their life by twenty years—a great boon in the eyes of mortals.

Although the Sword Inquiry Conference was not until next month, preparations were already underway in the demonic realm. Many new faces flooded into Floating Moon City, making it crowded and bustling. Even within Ying Wujiu's ranks, many were eager to participate.

"Hey, did you hear? The top three winners of this year’s Sword Inquiry Conference will receive prizes! In previous years, the winners received countless treasures and a high-quality cold sword. This year, it will be even better!"

"Since that’s the case, I’ll join in the fun. There’s no rule saying we can’t participate. Those orthodox sects won’t come, so there’s no way there could be any real experts."

The demonic cultivators suddenly fell silent as a tall figure appeared at the Moon Gate. Dressed in a purple robe and jade belt, it was none other than Manager Lu Yan, who was highly favored by the lord. Recently, he had been in the spotlight in the demonic realm, and even the important task of organizing the Sword Inquiry Conference had been entrusted to him, highlighting his status.

"Greetings, Manager!"

The demonic cultivators bowed to him, fearing that their earlier conversation might get them reprimanded. However, Lu Yan seemed distracted and simply said: "The lord prefers quiet. Your noise is unacceptable. Move away."

The demonic cultivators hurriedly retreated.

Lu Yan was responsible for organizing the Sword Inquiry Conference, carrying a thick stack of jade slips to present to Ying Wujiu later. He felt a strange unease, wondering why he was suddenly tasked with work when he was supposed to be just a pampered companion responsible for pleasure.

Without thinking too much, he pushed open the door and entered the hall without announcing himself. Ying Wujiu was meditating in the inner chamber, struggling with his inner demons and finding it difficult to break through his bottleneck. He spent most of his time in meditation, aware of Lu Yan's approach but not opening his eyes. In the next moment, he found himself enveloped in a familiar embrace.

The scent of sandalwood brought a sense of comfort.

Lu Yan wrapped his arms around Ying Wujiu from behind, tossing the jade slips onto the table. Leaning close to his ear, he teased softly: "Lord, don't you find daily meditation tedious?"

Lu Yan looked like a seductive beauty, often encouraging Ying Wujiu to indulge in pleasures, further enhancing his allure.

"You’re lazy enough yourself. Do you want me to be lazy too?"

Ying Wujiu finally opened his eyes, meeting Lu Yan's clear and handsome face. Those almond-shaped eyes always gazed at him with affection, causing his heart to skip a beat.

"Are you tired of me, Lord?"

"Sharp-tongued. Have you handled the Sword Inquiry Conference properly?"

After a moment's consideration, Lu Yan replied: "Of course, everything is taken care of. But there is one thing I think is unnecessary."

Ying Wujiu's gaze darkened: "Tell me what it is."

Lu Yan said: "The Sword Inquiry Conference is just a bunch of random people fighting. There are no great cultivators involved. Let Wind Demon handle it. If you attend personally, it would be a waste of your talents and diminish your prestige."

Ying Wujiu looked at him deeply: "Every year, I must attend. Although there may not be powerful cultivators, there are still many talented individuals. My presence shows the demonic realm’s respect for talent."

Lu Yan laid Ying Wujiu down in his arms, gently stroking the side of his face burned by hellfire, smiling faintly: "True, perhaps many handsome men and women will come. It’s better than staring at the same old faces in the demonic realm every day."

Ying Wujiu's expression subtly changed, feeling a burning sensation where Lu Yan touched him. He gripped Lu Yan's hand tightly, his gaze darkening: "What, do you want to go?"

Handsome men and women? Does he think I’m not handsome?

Better than staring at the same old faces? Is he tired of me?

Ying Wujiu sneered inwardly, knowing that men are fickle, but never expecting it to happen to him. Lu Yan had grown too bold, daring to express dissatisfaction. Feeling that Lu Yan thought he wouldn’t dare kill him, he coldly spat out: "No going!"

Lu Yan seemed oblivious to Ying Wujiu's rising anger, playing with his fingers and smiling ambiguously: "That’s odd. Everyone goes to watch the Sword Inquiry Conference. Why can’t I?"

Ying Wujiu's tone was low and icy: "I said no, and that’s final. Why ask so many questions!"

He straightened his posture and pushed Lu Yan away, feeling restless and agitated. Closing his eyes, he exhaled deeply and said, "Leave now; do not disturb me while I cultivate."

On any other day, Lu Yan would certainly have dallied for a while to console him, but today was out of the ordinary. He cast a glance at Ying Wujiu, then slapped his own thighs and departed without a moment's hesitation.

Ying Wuju suddenly opened his eyes, his eyes slightly red: "Get back here! Who said you could leave?!"

This bastard, he just let him go, and when did he become so obedient?!

Lu Yan paused in his steps, puzzled, and turned back: "Didn't you say you were going to cultivate?"

If he had acted sullen, it might have been easier to deal with, but instead, he asked seriously what was wrong, making it feel like a punch hitting cotton, infuriating him.

Ying Wuju laughed in anger, a cold smile curling the corner of his mouth: "You want to go to the Sword Inquiry Conference, right? Go ahead, see more handsome men and beautiful women, but remember, swords have no eyes on the field, don't blame me if I can't protect you then."

Even a deaf person could hear the threat in his words, yet Lu Yan seemed oblivious, smiling as he approached: "You really allow me to go?"

Ying Wuju's face darkened: "Yes."

Lu Yan: "You're not stopping me?"

Ying Wuju: "No."

Lu Yan: "You're really going to the Sword Inquiry Conference?"

Ying Wuju: "Yes."

Lu Yan: "Are you still angry?"

Ying Wuju: "Angry..."

As soon as the word left his mouth, he realized something and glared angrily at Lu Yan. But Lu Yan suddenly scooped him up and placed him in front of the bronze mirror where he usually combed his hair. With a light flick of his finger, the half-opened window closed with a muffled sound, plunging the room into dimness.

Ying Wuju was startled and warned: "Lu Yan!"

The man behind him only chuckled, his deep voice tickling his eardrums, making his legs weak: "You're angry, aren't you? Let me help you calm down."

Calm down? How?

Just as this thought crossed his mind, his belt was undone, followed by his clothes being stripped off. His bare skin pressed against the cold bronze mirror, making him shiver. Yet, Lu Yan held his chin firmly and kissed him deeply, leaving him with nowhere to turn.

"You... Mmm... Let go..."

Ying Wuju frowned and tried to dodge, feeling that Lu Yan seemed serious this time, making his legs weak and his heart race. As Lu Yan kissed him against the mirror, their faces pressed against the cold surface, reflecting two entangled shadows. Ying Wuju could clearly see his own tearful, flushed eyes, and the handsome man behind him kissing his cheek.

The scene was too stimulating, and Ying Wuju couldn't help but tremble, having an embarrassing reaction. His voice hoarse, he pleaded: "Lu Yan..."

Lu Yan hugged him and suddenly said: "I have a good idea."

Ying Wuju responded instinctively: "What is it?"

Lu Yan caressed Ying Wuju's smooth waist, his skin soft and warm like jade, and said slowly: "A way that neither of us has to go to the Sword Inquiry Conference."

Ying Wuju was stunned, thinking that all this was just to prevent him from going to the conference. Feeling conflicted, he asked again, "What idea?"

Lu Yan pressed Ying Wuju tightly against the mirror, biting his shoulder gently, his purple eyes filled with mischief and amusement: "If you can't get out of bed, you won't be able to go to the conference, right? Why don't we practice today?"

Was he suggesting they cultivate together?

Ying Wuju was shocked again. He frowned and closed his eyes, as if struggling with something, and finally managed to say: "No..."

Without any reason, now wasn't the right time. It was just an act; should he really give himself over?

"No?"

Lu Yan supported himself on the table, his purple robe covered with a light-colored veil, making his skin look even paler and ethereal. He gazed deeply at Ying Wuju, his eyes filled with amusement and something indescribable:

"Do you really not want to?"

Ying Wuju didn't want to, and he wouldn't force him. However, Lu Yan's whims were unpredictable, and missing this chance might mean never getting another one.

Seeing Ying Wuju not responding, Lu Yan straightened slightly, seemingly about to leave. Ying Wuju felt a sudden panic and instinctively pulled him back: "Don't go!"

Lu Yan raised an eyebrow, his gaze questioning: "Hmm?"

Ying Wuju gripped his collar, gritting his teeth silently: "Let's see if you have what it takes!"

Lu Yan smiled and lifted his chin: "What it takes?"

Ying Wuju's ears turned red, and he pursed his lips tightly.

Of course...