Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

Zhu Xiaoxiao watched Liu Ruyan leave; her graceful figure and exquisite curves resembled a delicate painting.

Every aspect of her exuded a mature charm and an indescribable mystery, inspiring both admiration and a hint of suspicion. But Zhu Xiaoxiao knew that now was not the time to indulge in romantic feelings; the safety of the Women's Kingdom and the Empress was his most pressing goal.

"Did you find anything, Xiaobai?" He turned and went back to the study, his tone heavy and his brows furrowed.

“You guessed right!” Little White Ringling Spirit’s voice was filled with excitement. “The Illusion Moon Cult is indeed colluding with the Grand Tutor. I also discovered that the Grand Tutor’s family’s business has not only been operating on the surface for generations, but has also been involved in a large amount of smuggling, and may even be closely related to the Illusion Moon Cult’s evil plans.”

Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart skipped a beat. "Smuggling?" He recalled the luxurious decorations of the Grand Tutor's mansion. Such wealth could not be supported by the salary of an ordinary official. He immediately understood something. "It seems that this old hag's ambition is much greater than I imagined!"

“Most importantly,” Little White Ringling continued, “Grand Tutor’s niece, Shangguan Yue, is a key figure in the smuggling network. You might find a breakthrough through her.”

Shangguan Yue? Zhu Xiaoxiao couldn't help but recall the woman he had met briefly at a palace banquet.

At that time, Shangguan Yue was beautiful and elegant, her clothes fluttering as she walked, her figure graceful, as if a fairy had descended to earth. She was not only exceptionally talented, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but also completely different from the Grand Tutor's sinister ruthlessness; she was gentle, generous, and refreshingly refined. Zhu Xiaoxiao immediately developed a liking for her, but due to his status, he was unable to have much contact with her.

"You mean... use your good looks to seduce her?" Zhu Xiaoxiao asked with a deliberately flirtatious smile, a wicked grin on her lips.

"Pah! You lecherous devil!" Little White Ringwraith immediately rebuked, his tone full of disdain. "I told you to use your talents to get close to her and gather information! Stop thinking about those dirty tricks!"

Zhu Xiaoxiao touched her nose and smiled sheepishly, "Okay, okay, I understand."

However, he had already begun to plan how to get closer to Shangguan Yue.

The opportunity came soon.

A few days later, the poetry competition was held as scheduled in the Empress's Imperial Garden. The garden, bursting with flowers, seemed like another world; ancient trees were nestled among red and gold lanterns, the air filled with the fragrance of blossoms, and candlelight flickered—it was like being in a fairyland. The Empress sat regally on the high platform, exuding an imposing aura, her majesty tempered with a touch of gentleness. Her gaze swept across the crowd, seemingly searching for someone worthy of her attention.

The poetry gathering unfolded slowly amidst the recitations of poems by the talented women. Although each poem had its own merits, the atmosphere was somewhat subdued. Just as everyone was about to doze off, a clear cough suddenly broke the silence.

"Ahem! Listen up, everyone! The next person to appear is someone of great importance!" Zhu Xiaoxiao stood in the corner, a slight smile playing on his lips. He held a folding fan in one hand and waved it a couple of times with feigned elegance, as if preparing for a spectacular performance. He took a few steps forward, cupped his hands in greeting to the talented ladies and distinguished guests present, and smiled, displaying the demeanor of a dashing young master.

He looked around, paused deliberately, and forcefully opened his folding fan. "Today, I will present a few of my humble works to you ladies. I hope you will not find them offensive."

Just as everyone was amused by his show-off act, they heard Zhu Xiaoxiao begin to recite:

"The wind sweeps away the clouds as dusk falls, the sky is high and the clouds are light, let me indulge in my reverie."

Wandering among the flowers, where does my heart lie? I raise my cup to invite the moon, intoxicated by a thousand thoughts!

His voice was strong and clear, his words conveying a sense of freedom and pride, instantly drawing everyone's attention. Shangguan Yue, in particular, had already noticed Zhu Xiaoxiao's arrival, but hadn't expected him to be so exceptionally talented. Standing in the crowd, she gazed at him, her eyes flickering, a slight tremor stirring within her.

Just as everyone was immersed in his poem, Zhu Xiaoxiao suddenly took a sharp turn after the last sentence, "However, the moon doesn't drink, so I'll just get drunk by myself!" he added with a serious expression.

For a moment, everyone was stunned for half a second, then burst into laughter. The Empress was also amused by his unexpected ending, covering her mouth and laughing. Shangguan Yue, upon hearing this, couldn't help but chuckle softly as well. Her laughter was clear and melodious, like silver bells, as if a layer of radiance enveloped her.

Seeing everyone laughing happily, Zhu Xiaoxiao felt smug and secretly marveled at herself for being a peerless genius.

After the poetry gathering, Shangguan Yue seemed to have made up her mind. She walked lightly to Zhu Xiaoxiao's side, her eyes full of admiration, and said softly, "Brother Xiaoxiao's talent is truly admirable. Would you do me the honor of coming to my courtyard for a chat?"

Zhu Xiaoxiao was secretly delighted, but he knew he couldn't show any eagerness at this moment, so he pretended to be indifferent and nodded lightly, "It is truly an honor for me to be able to talk with a talented woman like Miss Shangguan." After saying that, he deliberately shook the folding fan in his hand, appearing nonchalant.

The two left the noisy banquet together and walked into the depths of the garden. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the flowering trees, casting a soft, tranquil, and beautiful glow upon them. Zhu Xiaoxiao deliberately slowed her pace so that she could walk side by side with Shangguan Yue.

As Zhu Xiaoxiao and Shangguan Yue strolled through the garden, a gentle breeze blew by, ruffling a few strands of Shangguan Yue's hair.

Her skin glowed with a jade-like luster under the moonlight, her slender neck was slightly raised, and the fabric of her clothes at her shoulders swayed gently with every movement, vaguely outlining her exquisite curves.

Zhu Xiaoxiao's gaze unconsciously fell on her back. Shangguan Yue's figure was graceful, her waist slender and supple, as if a gentle embrace would sink her into that tenderness.

With each step she took, her slender legs were faintly visible beneath her dress, exuding a uniquely feminine allure.

With each light step, her clothes clung to her body, accentuating her full breasts. Her watery eyes were slightly upturned, a faint smile playing on her lips, and her lips, red as ripe cherries, seemed to exude a sweet, intoxicating fragrance as they parted slightly.

Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart seemed to quicken a few beats, and he deliberately fanned himself with a folding fan to hide the burning passion in his eyes.

He gazed at those red lips and couldn't help but fantasize about whether he could feel their delicate, smooth texture if he were closer. Those cherry-like lips were so alluring and tempting; every syllable uttered from them carried a captivating magic.

Shangguan Yue seemed to notice Zhu Xiaoxiao's gaze. She lowered her head and chuckled softly, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, and a blush rising on her cheeks.

Her smile was gentle and shy, carrying a touch of feminine tenderness, and this shyness seemed to only arouse Zhu Xiaoxiao's curiosity and desire. He thought to himself, this talented woman is not only exceptionally gifted, but also possesses an irresistible charm.

The two continued walking side by side under the moonlight, the air filled with a faint fragrance of flowers. Zhu Xiaoxiao suddenly felt that the scene was like a dream.

Every movement and word of Shangguan Yue seemed to silently pluck at his heartstrings, and her soft and charming figure was like a fairy under the moon, untouched by worldly affairs, yet full of irresistible attraction.

Whenever she looked up at Zhu Xiaoxiao, her affectionate gaze made Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart race.

“Brother Xiao Xiao is truly extraordinary,” Shangguan Yue said softly, her tone filled with a hint of inquisitive curiosity. “Are you really from an overseas fairy island? I have never seen anyone as dashing and interesting as Brother Xiao Xiao.”

Zhu Xiaoxiao's eyes darted around, and he thought to himself, "This is truly a golden opportunity!" He knew he had to appear unfathomable at this moment, so he deliberately sighed and slowly said, "Miss Shangguan is indeed insightful. I do indeed come from a distant immortal island, but this matter involves confidentiality and cannot be easily revealed."

After saying that, he deliberately took a step closer to Shangguan Yue and said in a low, mysterious voice, "However, if Miss Shangguan is truly willing to hear it, I am willing to reveal the secret to you exclusively." His words were tinged with a hint of teasing, and a smile played on his lips, making him appear both witty and mysterious.

Shangguan Yue had only asked casually, but she didn't expect Zhu Xiaoxiao to be so cooperative. She smiled shyly, took a step back, and pretended to be angry, saying, "Brother Xiaoxiao, you really know how to tease people!" Her cheeks were slightly red, and her bright eyes sparkled with an undisguised curiosity and joy.

"Teasing you? I wouldn't dare," Zhu Xiaoxiao laughed even more smugly. "How could I, a mere mortal, dare to joke with a beauty like Miss Shangguan?"

Shangguan Yue's smile deepened, but her gaze softened. She said softly, "Brother Xiao Xiao is truly fascinating. I have learned a great deal today. How about we compose some more poems?"

Zhu Xiaoxiao naturally wouldn't let this opportunity pass. He lightly flicked his folding fan and said elegantly, "Alright! But since it's about composing poems, there should be a prize, how about we have a contest? Whoever loses has to grant the other a request."

Shangguan Yue was taken aback for a moment, then smiled, a hint of curiosity rising in her heart: "What exactly does this Brother Xiao Xiao want to ask for?"

"Alright, then I'll accept the challenge." Her eyes held a hint of challenge.

The two recited poems under the moonlight, and the gentle breeze in the garden occasionally wafted by, bringing with it the fragrance of flowers, making the atmosphere seem even more ambiguous. Although Shangguan Yue was a talented woman from the Kingdom of Women, her talent was extraordinary, but Zhu Xiaoxiao was even better in poetry. Every line was precise and appropriate, cleverly surprising and impressing Shangguan Yue.

In the end, Zhu Xiaoxiao won by a narrow margin. He waved his folding fan and said with a smile, "Miss Shangguan, you lost."

Shangguan Yue couldn't help but chuckle at his dashing appearance, but still asked with a smile, "So, what does Brother Xiao Xiao want me to do?"

Zhu Xiaoxiao feigned mystery, leaned closer to her and whispered, "I just want to hear what Miss Shangguan has to say."

Shangguan Yue was startled by his sudden approach, her heart fluttering, her face flushing slightly, and she whispered, "What's on my mind? What...what do you want to hear?"

"I want to hear...do you have even the slightest bit of affection for me?" He deliberately lowered his voice, his words carrying a hint of teasing, but his eyes were serious and sincere.

Shangguan Yue blushed at his words, her eyes darting away, her heart churning with turmoil, but she couldn't answer. In the end, she just chuckled softly and said, "Brother Xiao Xiao really knows how to make fun of people."