Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart skipped a beat; he knew he had stepped into a vortex fraught with danger.

The Queen's Palace of the Women's Kingdom remained bustling under the cover of night, but he knew that danger lurked behind the beautiful scenery before him, and that a single misstep could lead to utter destruction.

The Empress's probing gaze lingered in his mind, as if it could reach deep into his heart and see through everything he had hidden.

"Sigh, why is it always like this? Women's eyes always make me uneasy." He sighed helplessly to himself.

The surrounding noise continued unabated, but Zhu Xiaoxiao's anxiety grew stronger. He felt an invisible pressure coming from the Empress and also from the beautiful female officials.

Every seemingly casual smile they gave seemed to be scrutinizing and probing, carrying desire, ambition, and threat.

The wine in the glass gleamed softly, and Zhu Xiaoxiao raised the glass again, taking a gentle sip.

The slightly sweet wine lingered on his lips and teeth, seemingly soothing his agitation, but it did not truly bring him peace.

"Perhaps, all of this is just a play, a high-stakes gamble with no way out."

At this moment, his thoughts drifted to the empress with her deep, unfathomable eyes.

Every word the Empress spoke seemed to carry a layer of profound implications, and her gaze seemed to see through everything.

Zhu Xiaoxiao looked down at the remaining wine in her glass, and the face of Shangguan Yanran appeared in her mind.

That powerful woman, seemingly calm and collected, actually made every step with extreme precision.

He recalled the look in her eyes that time, a look that was both gentle and firm, like a snake lurking in the darkness, ready to strike at any moment.

"There's definitely something wrong with her." Zhu Xiaoxiao calmed down and analyzed the situation.

His fingers tapped lightly on the table unconsciously, and the Empress's last words, spoken calmly yet mysteriously, echoed in his mind: "You seem quite interested in my Grand Tutor?"

That tone, that subtly playful smile, was like a cat teasing a mouse, forcing Zhu Xiaoxiao to be constantly on guard about her every move.

Every time the Empress approached, it was a form of scrutiny and oppression, making him feel as if he was gradually being drawn into an invisible net.

Suddenly, a light, fragrant breeze wafted over. Before Zhu Xiaoxiao could turn around, she felt a warm breath lingering faintly near her ear.

"Advisor Xiao, what's still troubling you?"

The soft voice carried a hint of allure, as gentle as a feather brushing against his ear.

Zhu Xiaoxiao looked up and saw that Liu Ruyan had silently walked to his side, her smiling eyes half-closed, like a cat eyeing its prey.

"Minister Liu." Zhu Xiaoxiao suppressed her unease and bowed slightly.

"Oh dear, advisor, there's no need for such formality," Liu Ruyan chuckled, her voice so gentle it seemed to drip with water.

She leaned closer, and Zhu Xiaoxiao felt her warm breath fall on his neck again, bringing a tingling sensation. His body tensed involuntarily, but he dared not show it in the slightest, and could only lift the wine glass in front of him forcefully to hide the turmoil in his heart.

"The advisor doesn't seem very interested in tonight's banquet?" Liu Ruyan's voice continued to linger softly in his ear, as if it carried a certain alluring magic.

Zhu Xiaoxiao forced a smile and said softly, "Minister Liu is overthinking it. I'm just a little... tired."

Liu Ruyan's watery eyes appeared even more dreamy in the candlelight. She slowly walked around to sit down next to Zhu Xiaoxiao, her skirt slightly flared, the soft silk rubbing against the ground and making a soft sound.

"Tired?" Liu Ruyan chuckled, extending a slender hand to gently place on Zhu Xiaoxiao's shoulder and pat her softly. "Then you should relax. Such a grand feast is a rare treat."

Zhu Xiaoxiao's body stiffened instantly. His heart raced, and his ears gradually turned red. He desperately told himself to calm down, but the gentle touch, the soft, fragrant body so close to him, made it impossible for him to remain composed.

Liu Ruyan seemed to sense his nervousness, and her smile deepened. She leaned closer and whispered, "Advisor Xiao, there's no need to be so reserved tonight. We are colleagues serving the country."

Zhu Xiaoxiao frowned slightly, trying hard to control the turmoil in his heart. He understood that every word and action of Liu Ruyan concealed unspeakable intentions. He had to be careful, or he would fall into even greater trouble.

"Minister Liu, you are right," he replied in a low voice, deliberately keeping his distance.

"But is the consultant really willing to remain so self-possessed?" Liu Ruyan's voice grew softer and softer, carrying a seductive tone. "Sometimes, letting your guard down can be a relief."

Zhu Xiaoxiao felt that the world before her eyes had suddenly become more ambiguous. The palace lights seemed to flicker in the candlelight, and everything around her seemed to gradually blur. Only Liu Ruyan's smile, which was so close to her, was clearly visible.

However, at that moment, a soft cough suddenly came from beside me.

"Minister Liu." The Empress's voice was calm yet carried an undeniable air of authority, abruptly breaking the ambiguous atmosphere of the moment.

Liu Ruyan's body stiffened instantly. She slightly raised her head, looking at the Empress standing not far away, a complex expression flashing in her eyes. Then, she smiled and rose, giving a slight curtsy, and said with an unchanged smile, "Your Majesty."

The Empress slowly stepped forward, her gaze sweeping calmly over Liu Ruyan and Zhu Xiaoxiao, her eyes seemingly holding a deeper meaning.

"Consultant Xiao seems to be quite popular." Her voice was soft, yet it seemed to contain an invisible chill.

Zhu Xiaoxiao quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty is too kind. I dare not accept such praise."

The Empress smiled slightly, took a few steps closer, raised her hand and gently patted Zhu Xiaoxiao's shoulder, her voice carrying a profound meaning: "Advisor Xiao, tonight is a special night, don't waste this precious time."

Her words seemed to echo in the air, carrying an indescribable ambiguity and pressure. Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart tightened instantly; he understood that the Empress was warning him.

Fighting against her power is no easy task. Every word and action he takes at this moment could determine his future fate.

Liu Ruyan stood to the side, a faint smile on her face, but a hidden coldness shone in her eyes. She gave a slight bow, then quietly withdrew and disappeared into the brightly lit banquet hall.

Zhu Xiaoxiao stood there, his heart filled with complex emotions. The Empress's gaze was like a sharp blade, sweeping over him, as if a high and mighty queen were scrutinizing a subject.

"Advisor Xiao, don't disappoint me," the Empress said in a low voice, then turned and left, leaving behind an eerie silence.

Zhu Xiaoxiao stood there, watching the Empress's back, a nameless fear suddenly rising in her heart.

He understood that this was just the beginning, and he had inevitably been drawn into the vortex of this conspiracy.