Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

Looking into Shangguan Yue's trusting eyes, Zhu Xiaoxiao felt a mix of emotions.

Being in the Kingdom of Women is truly the greatest test for him. If he indulges in the allure of the women there, he will be unable to complete the mission of saving the Three Realms. He must move the Empress, collect her tears, and then leave this world.

"Little White," he asked in a low voice, "where is the Phantom Moon Cult's stronghold?"

"You silly pig," the Ringwraith White's voice still carried a hint of teasing, "I told you, you have to find the clues yourself! This time, you can't rely on eating, drinking, and having fun!"

Zhu Xiaoxiao sighed. He knew Xiaobai was right. He couldn't let himself be seduced by the allure of the present. He had to stay clear-headed and find a solution as soon as possible.

“Moon,” Zhu Xiaoxiao said, “I want to talk to you about something important.”

Shangguan Yue frowned slightly: "Brother Xiao Xiao, is there something you want to tell me?"

“I suspect that Grand Tutor Shangguan Yanran is colluding with the ‘Illusion Moon Sect’,” Zhu Xiaoxiao said in a heavy tone. “I have discovered many clues. The secret letters from neighboring countries and the huge wealth of the Grand Tutor’s mansion all point to this shocking conspiracy.”

"Are you telling the truth?" Shangguan Yue's expression changed, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes. "The Grand Tutor has always been very good to me... How could she do such a thing?"

“Yue’er, I believe your aunt isn’t that kind of person, but things have reached a point where we have to investigate.” Zhu Xiaoxiao clenched her fists. “We must stop her.”

"I...I don't know what to do," Shangguan Yue said softly, her eyes reddening.

Zhu Xiaoxiao decided to guide her to reveal more details about the "Phantom Moon Cult".

"Moon, have you ever thought that all of this the Grand Tutor did was just to protect you?" Zhu Xiaoxiao asked tentatively.

Shangguan Yue was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Perhaps... I always felt that my aunt... she... she was in a lot of pain... she... she seemed to love me very much..."

Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart skipped a beat; he felt that he might have grasped the key.

“Moon,” Zhu Xiaoxiao continued, “can you tell me… what secrets did your aunt tell you?”

“She…she told me that this country…it’s too narrow…” Shangguan Yue’s voice choked with emotion. “She always said…I deserve a bigger stage…”

"A bigger stage?" Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart skipped a beat; this answer seemed to point to the "Illusion Moon Sect".

He pressed on, asking Shangguan Yue if she knew the specific plans of the "Illusion Moon Cult" and their hideout in the capital of the Women's Kingdom.

Shangguan Yue hesitated for a moment, but finally said a few place names and a code.

“These…these place names…and codes…are connected to the Grand Tutor’s accounts…” Zhu Xiaoxiao was overjoyed. “We’re getting close to the truth!”

//////////////

Zhu Xiaoxiao, in pursuit of the "Illusion Moon Cult," decides to visit its secret stronghold in the suburbs of the Women's Kingdom—Qingfeng Valley.

The air in Qingfeng Valley was filled with a strange fragrance, mixed with a kind of nauseating smell similar to rotten earth.

Despite possessing the supernatural ability to sense emotions, Zhu Xiaoxiao felt an eerie calm amidst the murderous atmosphere.

He hid in the distance and discovered a group of female followers of the Illusion Moon Cult surrounding a bonfire, dancing strangely while naked. Their movements had a strange rhythm, as if they were performing some kind of ritual.

"Oh, isn't this the Empress's favorite, Advisor Xiao?" A deep, magnetic voice rang out, carrying a captivating allure.

Zhu Xiaoxiao looked closely and saw a stunningly beautiful woman before her. Her skin was like jade, her eyes were bright and her teeth were white. She was wearing a dark red dress that accentuated her curves perfectly. The woman was Dongfang Yu, the vice leader of the Illusion Moon Sect.

"What do you want?" Zhu Xiaoxiao feigned composure, her tone laced with sarcasm. "Does the Illusion Moon Cult also enjoy square dancing?"

"You certainly have a sharp tongue." Dongfang Yu's lips curled slightly, her eyes sparkling, her smile alluring. "However, prey doesn't always submit obediently, does it?"

Zhu Xiaoxiao was captivated by Dongfang Yu's alluring charm, but he tried his best to remain clear-headed. He knew that he was now surrounded and had to be careful and not make any rash moves.

"What exactly do you want?" Zhu Xiaoxiao asked, suppressing the heat rising within him and filled with wariness towards the stunning beauty before him.

"You have both courage and talent, so why are you so stubborn?" Dongfang Yu slowly approached, her body exuding an irresistible attraction, and her fragrance became even stronger.

Dongfang Yu attempted to "brainwash" Zhu Xiaoxiao in a gentle yet seductive tone, her words full of hints and provocation.

"I...I was ordered to investigate the Illusion Moon Cult..." Zhu Xiaoxiao tried to answer, but found her voice trembling.

"Hmph, acting on orders? Hmph, do you think I'd believe your lies?" Dongfang Yu smiled contemptuously. "What kind of coincidence is that in this world?"

"I...I..." Zhu Xiaoxiao paused, feeling the heat within him growing stronger. He had to admit that Dongfang Yu's charm had a tremendous influence on him. He instinctively tried to resist, but found his mental strength gradually becoming blurred.

The "emotion perception" supernatural power began to take effect. Zhu Xiaoxiao vaguely sensed a strange power in Dongfang Yu's words, a kind of magic that controlled emotions.

"The Illusionary Moon Heart Sutra!" he exclaimed inwardly.

Zhu Xiaoxiao closed his eyes, forcing himself to calm down. This strange fragrance, mixed with the rotten smell of earth, was like an invisible net, tightly enveloping him.

He took a deep breath, attempting to use his "emotional perception" ability to probe Dongfang Yu's inner thoughts. However, Dongfang Yu's emotional fluctuations were exceptionally complex, like a maze, elusive and unpredictable.

While the "Emotional Perception" ability could detect others' emotional fluctuations, it couldn't see through their true intentions. He had to admit that Dongfang Yu's "Illusory Moon Heart Technique" was indeed powerful.

He could even sense that the Illusionary Moon Heart Technique was not simply a martial art, but more like a kind of magic that manipulated people's minds.

“Xiao Xiao,” Dongfang Yu’s voice carried a hint of seduction, as gentle as a spring breeze, yet also tinged with a deadly danger, “Do you really… not know the true nature of this ‘Illusion Moon Sect’?”

Her body exuded an irresistible allure, and her fragrance became even more intense, a blend of floral scents and some mysterious spice that was intoxicating.

Zhu Xiaoxiao's breathing became rapid. He knew he had to find a weakness as soon as possible, or he might be in deep danger. His hand unconsciously tightened around the nine-bead bracelet, trying to calm the agitation within him.

"I...I was ordered to investigate the Illusion Moon Cult..." Zhu Xiaoxiao tried to remain calm and answer, but found her voice trembling.

"Hmph, following orders?" Dongfang Yu sneered, her figure flashing as she instantly appeared before Zhu Xiaoxiao. Her smile remained gentle, yet carried a hint of contempt.

"You think you, a mere mortal, can really investigate such an organization? Haha, you're courting death!" Her hand gently stroked Zhu Xiaoxiao's cheek, her fingertips tracing its surface, carrying an indescribable warmth and magic.

"I...I..." Zhu Xiaoxiao felt the heat inside his body growing stronger and stronger, and this heat was constantly eroding his reason, making it almost impossible for him to think.

He realized that he was being manipulated. He took a deep breath and forced himself to stay awake.

The power of the "Illusory Moon Heart Technique" swirled in his mind. Dongfang Yu slowly approached, her alluring eyes staring directly into Zhu Xiaoxiao's, as if trying to see through his heart.

“Zhu Xiaoxiao,” Dongfang Yu’s voice grew even lower, almost a murmur, “You are very smart and capable. I know you’ve been investigating me, and I know you’ve already discovered something.”

Every word Dongfang Yu spoke was like a sharp knife, piercing Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart. She continued, "But the more you know, the more dangerous it becomes."

"Grand Tutor... what exactly does she want?" Zhu Xiaoxiao wondered to himself. He realized that the crisis before him was far more than just the temptation from Dongfang Yu.

However, at this critical moment, Dongfang Yu suddenly reached out and gently stroked Zhu Xiaoxiao's chest with her slender fingers. Her eyes were full of tenderness and affection, but also concealed a chilling danger.

Her fingers gently stroked Zhu Xiaoxiao's chest, then moved to his chest and slowly slid down.

“Xiao Xiao,” Dongfang Yu’s voice was like a hypnotic spell, “You…you are so outstanding, why are you so stubborn? Join us, and you will gain unprecedented power and freedom.”

Her eyes, like a bottomless pool, were filled with mystery and allure. She parted her lips slightly, as if awaiting Zhu Xiaoxiao's response. Her tone suddenly became alluring and gentle, her voice slightly hoarse, "Xiaoxiao...tell me, how...are you...feeling...right now...?"

Zhu Xiaoxiao felt a powerful force trying to control his mind, and the heat in his body suddenly intensified, as if a fire was burning fiercely.

He forced himself to suppress it, trying to keep a clear head, but the temptation grew stronger and stronger, making it almost impossible for him to resist.

A series of alluring images flashed through his mind, with Dongfang Yu's figure appearing and disappearing within them. He felt himself about to succumb, completely captivated by Dongfang Yu's allure, becoming a pawn in her game.

At this critical moment, Zhu Xiaoxiao suddenly remembered the warning from the Ringwraith Little White, and his own experience of overcoming temptation. He had to stay clear-headed and not be misled by temptation.

"No!" Zhu Xiaoxiao shouted sharply, a powerful will surging within him, and he shoved Dongfang Yu away.