Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

Zhu Xiaoxiao is ordered to investigate Grand Tutor Shangguan Yanran, only to find himself caught in a gentle trap. Liu Ruyan, the alluring Minister of Rites, pursues him ardently, and he, in his interactions with her, gradually loses himself…

Liu Ruyan's residence was exquisite and elegant, filled with intoxicating fragrance. Every time Zhu Xiaoxiao visited, she would dress up meticulously, her light gauze dress outlining her graceful figure. Every smile and frown exuded a captivating charm, making even this seasoned "love expert" Zhu Xiaoxiao somewhat unable to resist.

"Xiao Xiao," Liu Ruyan's voice was as sweet as honey, carrying the soft, melodious Wu dialect unique to women from Jiangnan, "Try this dish; I made it especially for you."

She picked up a piece of translucent hibiscus meat and brought it to Zhu Xiaoxiao's lips, her fingertips intentionally brushing against them, a hint of teasing in her eyes. "This is something I cooked myself according to an ancient recipe. Try it and see if you like it?"

Looking into Liu Ruyan's alluring eyes, filled with longing, and smelling the faint fragrance emanating from her, Zhu Xiaoxiao felt a surge of excitement. He knew this was Liu Ruyan testing him, and also his opportunity.

He gently bit into the piece of meat, feeling the warmth of Liu Ruyan's fingertips, and exclaimed, "Delicious! It melts in your mouth, fragrant but not greasy. Lady Liu is truly intelligent and kind-hearted, and her culinary skills are so exquisite."

Liu Ruyan covered her mouth and chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "I'm glad you like it. Whatever you want to eat in the future, I... I'll make it for you myself." As she spoke, she leaned forward slightly, her snow-white skin at her neckline faintly visible. Zhu Xiaoxiao's gaze was involuntarily drawn to her, his Adam's apple bobbing as if a flame was burning within him.

"Lord Liu is too kind," Zhu Xiaoxiao quickly averted his gaze. "I dare not trouble you, sir." He tried hard to suppress the restlessness in his heart. He knew he could not indulge in the pleasures of love, but he had to admit that Liu Ruyan's charm had a fatal attraction for him.

Liu Ruyan seemed to see through his thoughts, and chuckled softly, "Xiao Xiao, why are you so reserved? Perhaps... you're afraid I'll eat you up?" As she spoke, she slowly stood up, walked behind Zhu Xiao Xiao, and gently placed her slender fingers on his shoulder, "You're too nervous..."

Her fingers slid down his shoulder, gently kneading his muscles. Zhu Xiaoxiao's body involuntarily tensed up, and a tingling sensation spread from her fingertips throughout his body, causing him to let out a soft groan.

“Lord Liu…” Zhu Xiaoxiao said in a low voice, his tone carrying a hint of warning, yet also a hint of expectation. He felt his body getting hotter and hotter, as if it were about to burn.

Liu Ruyan ignored her and continued to move her fingers down his back, finally stopping at his waist.

She gently stroked his waist, her fingertips lightly touching his skin. Zhu Xiaoxiao's body trembled slightly, and his breathing became rapid. He felt his rationality crumbling bit by bit.

“Xiao Xiao,” Liu Ruyan’s voice rang in his ear, with a hint of seduction, “Do you know? Your body… is very strong…” As she spoke, she gently pressed her body against his back, and Zhu Xiao Xiao could feel her soft curves and warm body temperature.

Her breath sprayed on his neck, making him feel hot.

He wanted to push her away, but was drawn in by the fragrance emanating from her, unable to resist. Suddenly, Liu Ruyan's fingers tightened, gently pinching his waist. Zhu Xiaoxiao couldn't help but gasp, his body instinctively leaning forward, seeking support.

"You..." He turned around, wanting to question her, but met her alluring eyes.

A sly smile played on Liu Ruyan's lips. "Xiao Xiao, you... seem to really like it when I treat you like this..."

As she spoke, she slowly sat on Zhu Xiaoxiao's lap. Zhu Xiaoxiao immediately felt a soft touch coming from his lap, making him even more unable to control himself.

"Lord Liu, you...you are..." Zhu Xiaoxiao stammered, trying to stand up, but Liu Ruyan held her tightly.

"Don't move, Xiao Xiao," Liu Ruyan buried her head in the crook of his neck and whispered, "Just let me... hold you like this for a little while... okay?" Her voice carried a hint of pleading, making Zhu Xiao Xiao unable to refuse.

Zhu Xiaoxiao took a deep breath, struggling to control the turbulent desires within her, "Lord Liu...you...you're acting...it's against propriety..."

Liu Ruyan raised her head, her gaze fixed intently into his eyes. "In my residence, I am the one who calls the shots." Her tone carried a hint of domineering, yet was also full of allure.

She slowly unbuttoned her shirt, revealing her shoulders and collarbone. "Xiao Xiao, you... really don't want... me?"

Zhu Xiaoxiao felt like he was going crazy. He could no longer control himself, so he picked up Liu Ruyan and carried her into the bedroom...

The next morning, when Zhu Xiaoxiao woke up, he found himself lying in Liu Ruyan's bed. Liu Ruyan was already awake and was looking at him tenderly.

"Xiao Xiao, you're awake..." Her voice was hoarse and languid, with a hint of satisfied coquettishness.

Zhu Xiaoxiao looked at her, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew he shouldn't be so easily swayed by her charms, but he couldn't resist Liu Ruyan's allure.

“Ruyan…” He gently stroked her cheek, “I…”

Liu Ruyan placed his hand on her chest, feeling the warmth of his palm. "Xiao Xiao, don't say sorry... I know you bear heavy responsibilities... but... I just want you to know... I... I truly love you..."

Looking into her sincere eyes, Zhu Xiaoxiao was deeply moved. He lowered his head and kissed her lips again…

However, after the passion subsided, Zhu Xiaoxiao felt even more uneasy. He realized that he had fallen deeply into Liu Ruyan's trap of tenderness and could not extricate himself. While enjoying the sweet moments with Liu Ruyan, he worried that he would delay his mission or even expose his identity.

What made him even more uneasy was that he discovered Liu Ruyan seemed to be observing him in secret. Sometimes, a subtle and complex emotion would flash in her eyes, making it hard for him to figure her out.

"Xiaobai, do you think Liu Ruyan is genuinely interested in me, or does she have ulterior motives?" Zhu Xiaoxiao asked in her heart, her tone filled with confusion and unease.

"Hmph, you idiot, you know perfectly well what you're doing here!" Little White Ringwraith said irritably. "Don't forget why you came here! Be careful not to get carried away and fail the mission, then you'll have nowhere to cry!"

Zhu Xiaoxiao gave a bitter smile. He knew that the spirit Xiaobai was right. He couldn't continue to indulge in this obsession. He had to figure out Liu Ruyan's true purpose and the Grand Tutor's conspiracy as soon as possible.

He decided to use this time to deal with Liu Ruyan while continuing his secret investigation, hoping to find the answer as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Liu Ruyan was sitting in front of her dressing table, fixing her makeup in front of the mirror. Her eyes were complicated, and a strange smile played on her lips.

"Xiao Xiao, who exactly are you?" she murmured to herself. "Are you... really just the Empress's advisor?"