Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

Zhu Xiaoxiao suddenly pushed Dongfang Yu away, took a step back, and looked somewhat nervous.

Although the other party was a beautiful and charming woman, he knew that the current situation was not optimistic.

He took a deep breath, suppressed his unease, and once again used his "emotional perception" ability to try to delve into Dongfang Yu's heart.

In the very instant he quietly began to perceive, Dongfang Yu's emotions seemed to open up an abyss, instantly filling his senses.

On the surface, she appears cold and assertive, but beneath that lies a deep loneliness and repression, as if she has been firmly controlled by some force for many years and is unable to break free.

He sensed the fear in her heart, a deep fear of losing her freedom and a profound pain of being abandoned.

An indescribable vulnerability permeated her emotions, like snowflakes falling from the night sky, evoking pity.

A hint of heartache flashed in Zhu Xiaoxiao's eyes, and he softened his tone slightly.

“Vice Leader Dongfang, it’s clear that your heart is not with the Illusion Moon Sect.”

His gaze was gentle, revealing understanding and care. It wasn't a simple test, but rather a desire to touch the vulnerability hidden beneath her strong exterior.

Dongfang Yu paused for a moment, her eyes showing a hint of struggle.

Her voice was low and hoarse with melancholy, “Why would I want to serve them? But I… I’ve been trapped here since I was a child, and my family has never given me a choice.”

As she spoke, her fingertips gently caressed Zhu Xiaoxiao's hand; her movements were tender yet trembling, like a frightened bird.

Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart stirred, her eyes softened, and her voice became gentle, "Then do you want freedom, do you want to truly choose your own destiny?"

Looking directly into Dongfang Yu's eyes, he could sense the faint longing deep within her heart, like a dim light flickering in the darkness.

He continued to use his "emotion perception" supernatural power to guide Dongfang Yu's emotions, stirring up her suppressed desires and longings one by one.

He deliberately slowed his breathing and said in a low voice, "You don't need to live for others. If you're willing, I can help you escape the Illusion Moon Cult. I will protect you and take you away from here."

His words were like sweet rain, nourishing Dongfang Yu's parched heart.

He leaned forward and gently lifted her from his arms, feeling the softness of her body and her fragile trembling.

Dongfang Yu's eyes trembled slightly, as if she couldn't believe that the man in front of her could understand her pain so well.

Her gaze fell upon his firm yet gentle eyes, and at that moment, her heart raced. Almost instinctively, she moved closer to Zhu Xiaoxiao, her eyes revealing a barely perceptible tenderness, like a trapped beast sensing the possibility of liberation for the first time.

She spoke softly, her voice low and slow, as if the emotions that had been building up inside her were finally finding an outlet, "Why...why are you willing to help me?"

Dongfang Yu's voice trembled slightly. She felt an unprecedented vulnerability and longed to be understood and cared for.

“Because I can see that you are not an evil person.” Zhu Xiaoxiao smiled slightly, her voice carrying a gentle firmness. “Deep in your heart, you still yearn for freedom, and you are not willing to be bound.”

He gently placed his hand on hers, offering her warm comfort.

Dongfang Yu's eyes flickered, and the emotional fluctuations in his heart became increasingly apparent.

Taking advantage of the situation, Zhu Xiaoxiao gently lifted her chin, gazed at her, and slowly said, "Abandon the Illusion Moon Sect, abandon those shackles, and choose your own life anew. I will protect you and help you gain true freedom."

His words were like sweet dew, falling into her heart.

His voice was deep and magnetic, as if an invisible force was tightly enveloping her.

Dongfang Yu nodded as if hypnotized, her eyes revealing a hint of dazedness and emotion. She felt a sense of security and warmth she had never experienced before.

"You...would you really do that?" Dongfang Yu murmured softly, looking at Zhu Xiaoxiao with a hesitant gaze.

"As long as you believe in me and are willing to leave the Illusion Moon Cult... I will do everything in my power to protect you and take you away from here."

Zhu Xiaoxiao's gaze was firm, her eyes revealing her commitment to her.

His fingers gently stroked her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin.

Zhu Xiaoxiao felt the warmth of Dongfang Yu's palm, and a surge of warmth welled up in his heart. He understood that he was facing not only the task of investigating the Grand Tutor's conspiracy, but also the mission of rescuing a trapped girl.

“Tell me, where is the Illusion Moon Sect’s stronghold? What are their plans? And, your family… do they have any other members in the sect?” Zhu Xiaoxiao asked, his tone tinged with concern. He tried to steer the conversation toward the Dongfang Yu family, attempting to understand her situation indirectly and obtain more reliable information.

Dongfang Yu took a deep breath, a hint of pain flashing in her eyes. She slowly said, "The stronghold is in Qingfeng Valley, that valley shrouded in mist, and their plan... they want to awaken the ancient demon god and use its power to rule the world."

As for my family, they are all in the church, they are all controlled, they... they didn't want this..." Her voice choked, and tears welled up in her eyes again, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall.

“I understand,” Zhu Xiaoxiao gripped her hand, her eyes even more determined. “I won’t let you suffer anymore.”

"But...I...Is what I'm doing really going to work?" Dongfang Yu's voice was so soft it was almost inaudible, but the unease in her eyes was even stronger.

“It works!” Zhu Xiaoxiao answered firmly. “You’ve already seen it. You’re not willing to be controlled. Deep down, you still yearn for freedom, and that yearning is the source of our strength.”

“But…” Dongfang Yu hesitated again.

Zhu Xiaoxiao gently took her hand and embraced her tenderly yet firmly. "Trust me, I will protect you." His eyes were gentle yet resolute, like a beacon in the darkness, illuminating Dongfang Yu's confused heart.

Just then, hurried footsteps and shouts of battle came from outside the cave. "Dongfang Yu! You have betrayed the doctrine! Hand over Zhu Xiaoxiao at once!" The sharp shouts echoed in the silent valley, making the already tense atmosphere even more oppressive.

"Damn it!" Zhu Xiaoxiao cursed under her breath.

"We have to leave immediately!" Dongfang Yu's voice was tinged with panic as she gripped Zhu Xiaoxiao's arm tightly, her eyes filled with worry.

"Don't be afraid, I'll take you away!" Zhu Xiaoxiao said firmly. He once again used his "emotional perception" ability to carefully observe his surroundings, searching for the best escape route. He discovered that the pursuers from the Illusion Moon Sect were not just one group, but several groups.

They swiftly traversed the dense forest. Zhu Xiaoxiao used "Earth Escape Technique" to move through the trees, while Dongfang Yu skillfully evaded the pursuers' attacks with his superb lightness skills and martial arts.

"Quick! Follow this path!" Zhu Xiaoxiao instructed in a low voice, his voice tinged with anxiety, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily.

They ran wildly, through dense forests and winding mountain paths, and finally escaped from Qingfeng Valley.