Chapter 31: The Tidal Ceremony

Chapter 31: The Tidal Ceremony

The same storage room, the same treatment pod.

Ji Jing felt like he was becoming a regular here.

When he woke up again, Ji Jing didn’t rush to open his eyes. Instead, he silently pondered in his mind.

Twice now.

The first time was the car accident staged to abduct him, and this time it was a direct confrontation.

Ji Jing admitted that he had acted impulsively and recklessly.

He shouldn’t have revealed the fact that he could use psychic powers.

But as a demon from the abyss, asking him to learn to endure humiliation was too much for even a powerful demon.

Ji Jing silently vowed in his heart: No third time. If there is another chance, he would kill Ask Xiuzhu!

"Wake up already; don't pretend to be unconscious. Semaya has invited us to participate in the Tidal Ceremony, and it's almost time."

Ask Xiuzhu’s cold voice echoed above Ji Jing’s head.

Ji Jing slowly opened his eyes, his gaze calm, revealing none of the storm brewing within.

"What is the Tidal Ceremony?" he asked.

Ask Xiuzhu sneered and said, "You’ll find out when you get there."

Then, as usual, he threw a new set of clothes at Ji Jing, as if the previous conflict never happened.

Not a single word of apology, not a hint of remorse, still staring at Ji Jing, who was unclothed.

Ji Jing avoided his gaze, unfolded the clothes in his hand, and couldn’t help but grimace.

It was a light green dress, an improved version of traditional Hanfu, adorned with numerous ruffles. It looked more suitable for a girl.

"Do I have to wear this?" Ji Jing asked coldly.

If Ask Xiuzhu hadn’t mentioned taking him to the Tidal Ceremony, he might have worn the dress without hesitation, considering he had previously worn a horse-faced skirt without any qualms.

But now, being asked to wear a dress in front of others was clearly meant to humiliate him.

However, Ask Xiuzhu simply replied coldly, "You can also choose to wear nothing."

"Fine."

Ji Jing didn’t argue further and took the dress to the nearby bathroom.

He walked quickly, but Ask Xiuzhu couldn’t help but frown—did he just see a round-tipped rat tail sprouting from behind Ji Jing?

If Ji Jing’s tail had its own consciousness and knew it was mistaken for a rat’s tail by Ask Xiuzhu, it would repeatedly slap him while yelling, "You’re the rat’s tail! You’re the rat’s tail! Your whole family is made of rat tails!"

Ten minutes later, when Ji Jing emerged from the bathroom, he was wearing the improved Hanfu dress.

Perhaps due to his good looks and perfect proportions, the dress didn’t make him look overly feminine. Instead, it accentuated his elegant and ethereal charm.

Ask Xiuzhu’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Ji Jing, a hint of amusement and danger in his gaze.

"Let’s go; we’re running late."

Ji Jing followed him up to the surface and then headed south toward the beach.

On the way, Ask Xiuzhu reminded him, "To the outside world, I will announce that you are my brother. Remember your identity."

Ji Jing didn’t object, tacitly accepting it.

Upon reaching the beach, they found that bonfires were already lit, and everywhere were merfolk who had transformed into human forms with legs.

Some were in pairs, some in small groups, making the scene lively.

As Ask Xiuzhu and Ji Jing approached, many curious gazes fell upon Ji Jing.

For these merfolk, Ask Xiuzhu was a familiar face, but Ji Jing was a new one.

Logically, merfolk were quite xenophobic and highly wary of outsiders.

Yet, for some reason, none of the merfolk present felt any suspicion towards Ji Jing; instead, they seemed to like him.

They whispered in their language, expressing bold admiration—

"Huh? Is this human new? He looks so cute!"

"Oh, I feel like he’s my dream fish."

"Does he have a partner? If not, can I confess to him?"

"Don’t even think about it. He’s human and can’t live in the sea, and you can’t stay on land for long. He probably wouldn’t accept a long-distance relationship. Unlike you, I’m stronger and can stay on land longer, giving me more time to be with him. I’m a better match for him!"

"If you say that, then among us, only Prince Semaya can stay on land the longest, making him the best match, right?"

Semaya, who was mentioned, frowned and glanced at the merfolk staring at Ji Jing. Normally, he would order them to be quiet, but today was the Tidal Ceremony, a time for young merfolk to court each other, so he didn’t want to spoil their mood.

However—

Semaya stepped forward and extended his hand to Ji Jing according to human etiquette, speaking in the human language, "Hello, are you Ji Jing? I am Semaya."

Saying this, Semaya cast a smug glance at the other mermaids who were eyeing him warily: Dumbfounded, right? Now you know the importance of knowing a foreign language, don't you?

The other mermaids: ...Miscalculated.

Ji Jing indeed couldn’t understand what the other mermaids were saying; he only knew they were discussing him, as their gazes upon him were quite intense and direct.

However, Ji Jing wasn’t surprised.

Because at that moment, under his skirt, his newly grown succubus tail was swaying gently with each step he took.

Although its charm ability wasn’t strong yet, it could still increase others' favor towards him.

It wasn’t until Semaya appeared in front of him, looking at this tall mermaid with deep blue hair, that Ji Jing’s eyes lit up.

Without a doubt, mermaids generally had high beauty standards, and Semaya was among the best.

His facial features were perfect, like those modeled in a game. His deep blue eyes resembled a tranquil sea or precious sapphires.

His light blue winged ears were adorned with sparkling water droplets, and from behind his ears to his neck, they were covered with deep blue scales that shimmered with colorful hues under the campfire's glow.

Most importantly, Semaya not only had an impressive physique but also dressed very minimally. He wore only a thin veil draped over his shoulders, a necklace made of shells and gems around his neck, and a short skirt made of seaweed and shells. His muscles, abs, mermaid lines, and long legs were all on display...

For Ji Jing to admire.

Of course, all mermaids dressed this way, and Semaya’s attire was relatively conservative.

Other male mermaids were bare-chested, while female mermaids merely added some coverings to their chests, sometimes just two starfish or octopus stickers, barely concealing anything.

If Ji Jing were an ordinary Omega, seeing such a scene for the first time would definitely make him blush and feel embarrassed.

But he was a succubus from the abyss, and succubi have no sense of propriety.

Had he known the Tidal Ceremony would be like this, he might have taken Ask Xiuzhu’s second suggestion—coming here naked.

Now, facing Semaya’s outstretched hand, Ji Jing took it willingly and smiled warmly, "Hello, Semaya. Nice to meet you. Please take care of me!"

As he spoke, he lightly traced Semaya’s palm with his fingers.

Semaya’s body stiffened, and his originally porcelain-like skin quickly turned a faint pink.

—Second bed companion candidate, secured!

I wonder if there is any reproductive barrier between mermaids and humans.

**Author's Note**

Thank you, "Feng Yao Zhuo Huo," for the nutrient fluid. Thank you, "Ji Yu," for the nutrient fluid and the landmine. Kisses~