111 - All Eyes Are On The Peasant Family’ Adorable Baby Girl

Chapter 111: Gentle Water The moonlight grew denser, casting a delicate reflection of a woman on the surface of Mirror Lake, imprinting in the water a pair of amorously tender eyes. Her gaze upon the lake was tender and devout. Shen Su was gradually convinced that Wei Nan Yi truly loved her. So much so that she didn’t care about her current form. Even though Shen Su had transformed into water and curled up within the lake, her consciousness remained clear, and her sensations intact. She could feel the gentle touch of soft lips on her skin and sense the warmth Wei Nan Yi was willing to give her. Even the tendrils of water curling around Wei Nan Yi’s ankle conveyed the delicate texture beneath the fabric. She only wished she could bind her tighter. What was unattainable yesterday became a reality today, allowing her to savor the fragrance of the other’s lips, teeth, and breath. Now she was insatiably greedy, seeking more. If she could transform back into her human form now, Wei Nan Yi would surely see the eagerness in her eyes. The waters of the lake kept Shen Su's demeanor proper, her soft gasps muffled by the sound of the water, maintaining some semblance of dignity in front of Wei Nan Yi. Though inexperienced, she was cautious, considering Wei Nan Yi’s preferences with every subtle movement. But she smelled so delightful. Shen Su always thought the scent of Wei Nan Yi was enchantingly comforting, enough to unsettle her mind. The tendrils of water around Wei Nan Yi’s ankle grew thicker, perhaps the width of a willow branch now, unconsciously tightening around her. Unable to resist the greed in her heart, they delved deeper. Even as a spirit of the lake, she was still water. The willow-like tendrils of water soaked Wei Nan Yi’s ankle, the fabric of her pants clinging to her skin as the water coalesced quickly. Tighter and tighter, the water wrapped her up. Though it left no red marks, the water pressed insistently against her skin. As the water vapor coalesced into branches entwining around her ankles, the cool sensation overwhelmed Wei Nan Yi’s awareness. Her already reddened eyes grew even redder. Even the bright silver light of the setting full moon couldn’t cover the emerging flush. Her eyes filled with thin misty tears, reflecting the flickering lake beneath them. She bit her lips, silently shifting her position, now sitting by the lake, seemingly to let the bound ankle get closer to the water. This only emboldened the water tendrils further, soaking her entire lower leg, leaving damp marks on her trousers. Tiny droplets of water trickled down her pants, gently striking the lake’s surface, creating slight ripples. Submerged in the lake, Shen Su stared up at Wei Nan Yi. Her jade-white cheeks had turned crimson, tears glistening in her eyes, ready to fall. The redness at the corners of her eyes resembled deliberately applied rouge. She bit her lip but remained silent, her misty eyes gazing down at Shen Su. The skin on her legs felt warm and soft against Shen Su’s cool water tendrils, which gradually absorbed the warmth, feeling unbearably hot even immersed in water. "Bloop, bloop." Bubbles emerged on the lake’s surface again, gradually gathering into a new water tendril. It snaked upward, wrapping around Wei Nan Yi’s other ankle. The cool sensation made Wei Nan Yi stifle a sound. "Little Su, do you know what you're doing?" She wasn’t angry, but she couldn’t see if Shen Su was happy either. Shen Su, submerged in the lake, was nearly unrecognizable. Only the now warmer water tendrils seemed to convey their consent. As Wei Nan Yi pondered it, the flow around her ankles sped up, tightening grip and sliding over every inch of her skin with urgency. Entangled by the water, she was tugged downward, her lower leg submerged in the lake, socks and shoes falling off and settling at the lake’s bottom. Stepping on something soft, she couldn't discern her surroundings, feeling only a tender surface beneath her feet. Wei Nan Yi was momentarily lost. "Little Su." Perhaps she needed Shen Su to respond. Unable to see Shen Su, she could only discern her mood and feelings through her voice, sensing whether she was pleased. Her ankles still bound by water, another tendril emerged from the lake, wrapping around her wrist. The cold wet feeling spread along her delicate wrist, invoking an unusual sensation in her heart. Amidst the sounds of the night breeze and flowing water, Another familiar and eager female voice murmured, "Madam, you smell so nice." Wei Nan Yi loved Shen Su, so even simple compliments like these would make her shy and joyous. Her vision blurred as her eyes welled up. Her pants, weighed down by the damp fabric, pressed against her skin, making her momentarily breathless. The memory of a daytime conversation with Shen Su suddenly resurfaced. “Little Su, tell me, what were you envying during the day?” The lake spirit grew quiet; even the water flows around her wrist calmed. Shen Su mumbled, “Envy?” How could she explain? Shen Su hesitated, unable to tell Wei Nan Yi she envied Hu Rou for taking advantage of her. Memories of the fox’s paws reaching into her clothes and the image of Hu Bi Niang’s green undershirt surfaced. Shen Su felt an overwhelming shame. Clearer in consciousness, she began retracting the water tendrils from Wei Nan Yi. Remaining silent, she continued withdrawing her water ropes. Wei Nan Yi barely managed to catch the final tendril with a light grasp, "I didn’t blame you. Why are you running?" Shen Su usually faced enemies with bravery, daring to confront even a mountain full of demon kings. Yet now, her courage had run out. The lake spirit ultimately did not have the nerve to pull her into the water. Though her indulgence was within Shen Su’s awareness. Shen Su’s thoughts were chaotic for a moment. She pulled Wei Nan Yi's legs further, water wrapping around her ankles and calves. She could feel the smooth, delicate skin and see the pale white color. Wei Nan Yi’s feet were smooth, nearly patternless, like soft white jade, smooth as they dipped into the water, almost as if stepping on her chest. Tense and intimate, enveloped in familiar fragrance. Though she’d marveled many times before, as they grew closer, this seemed to be the only thought lingering in her mind. Slowly, the water began coalescing, forming a head within the lake. The hair was still a clear blue, the eyes a distinct blue. The otherworldly eyes resembled precious gemstones, looking up at her with an almost different feeling. The sight did not repel Wei Nan Yi; instead, it captivated her, making it hard to look away. She stretched her hand forward instinctively. Her fingers touched the semi-transparent skin, feeling a faint chill. A water-formed Shen Su wouldn’t blush, but the water gathered around her face grew warmer. She muttered softly, “Then, Madam, what did you think when you heard me say envy?” When Wei Nan Yi's response had seamlessly meshed with her words back then, Shen Su thought Wei Nan Yi had seen through her desires, reprimanding her greed. But now she realized that wasn’t the case. Wei Nan Yi thought she liked Jiang Xu. How could she see through her desire to caress her? Focused blue eyes staring at Wei Nan Yi, without the slightest tremor of lashes. Wei Nan Yi found it hard to avert her gaze, feeling an overwhelming sense of embarrassment. Shen Su could hide in the water, but where could she conceal herself? Of course, she couldn’t tell Shen Su she was slandering her then. Slandering her for wanting both Jiang Xu and her. A good girl turned into a lecher, a kind person accused of greed. Wei Nan Yi’s fingertips twitched, breathing a bit more erratically. She lost balance momentarily, nearly falling into the lake. Multiple water tendrils shot out instantly, wrapping around her limbs, waist, and neck, pulling her back up. By the time Wei Nan Yi was back safely by the lake, she was almost entirely soaked. Her eyes filled with a mix of grievance and more profound shame, “Little Su, what I think doesn’t matter. What happened during the day is over. Let’s just not mention it ever again, okay?” Wei Nan Yi was genuinely afraid that Shen Su might force her to speak out her little thoughts. She wasn’t like Shen Su, adept at making up convincing lies. Shen Su, eager for Wei Nan Yi to leave it unmentioned, readily agreed, “Alright.” The streams of water withdrew, and the semi-transparent head floated on the water, its gaze awkwardly turned towards the thoroughly soaked Wei Nan Yi. Shen Su dissipated at her fingertips, turning back into water droplets that fell into the lake. Since Wei Nan Yi hadn’t pulled her leg back, Shen Su could still feel the soft warm skin, her thoughts beginning to meander. This was a barrier realm, and Shen Su had been compelled back to Mirror Lake’s waters. The demon kings could return at any moment. A few bubbles, carrying Shen Su’s sighs, rose to the lake’s surface and quickly vanished. Caught in the water, the lake spirit could no longer sense even her own veins, let alone continue cultivating. Now, she only had the lake’s edge and its beauty to pass the time. The more she gazed, the stranger it felt. Not that Wei Nan Yi’s appearance was strange, but she couldn’t understand why Wei Nan Yi would see Jiang Xu as a blessing. If there were any such thing as a blessing, it should be someone gentle and delicate like Wei Nan Yi. Jiang Xu was just a madman—forget the incident when he choked her; even the debacle at the Netherworld Valley nearly brought her to indirect ruin, proving he was reckless and inconsiderate. In a typical strategy novel, Jiang Xu’s mindset would prevent him from becoming a master antagonist. But this was a cultivation world where strength reigned supreme. The reborn protagonist was evidence enough—mad, powerful, and greedy. Given a second chance at life, instead of cherishing his past shared sufferings, he sought to establish a harem. He neither respected Bai Ruoyi nor his other romantic interests, yet such a person still found the best opportunities. The original book had differences between the old generation’s cultivation system and the male lead’s. Jiang An painstakingly switched to the ruthless path for rapid power growth and even advanced his realm by murdering his wife. Yet, when Jiang Xu fused with the Essence Sword's spirit, he killed him with a single strike. Had the male lead not arrived in time, there would have been nothing left of Jiang An’s remains. He had cultivated for nearly two thousand years compared to the hundred-plus years of the male lead and antagonist, yet his fate turned out starkly different despite having identical top-tier spiritual roots. Jiang An miscalculated; he should have seized the Essence Sword and the twelve glass-breaking beads. Then Wei Nan Yi wouldn’t have suffered. If he had been willing to trick the male lead, causing a rift between them, Shen Su would have been spared much trouble. But alas, despite his evil nature, Jiang An was a hypocrite. He wanted power, resources, and reputation. He managed to maintain a good elder brother image within the Immortal Sect for a lifetime, treating all disciples equally well. For a valuable disciple like Yu Mu Han, who brought him fame, how could he not care? In the original story, he saw Yu Mu Han as a son, fulfilling every request. Yet, Shen Su encountered Yu Mu Han, who was now a reborn soul. Given his past life experiences with Jiang An, witnessing his revered master’s murder but being unable to prevent it, his grief was unbearable. Now, reliving another life, even if Jiang An wasn’t as kind, Yu Mu Han would likely still forgive and continue to respect him. Jiang An’s wrongdoings meant little in his eyes. People are like that; unless the pain is personally felt, they won’t understand it. How does Yu Mu Han perceive Wei Nan Yi now? He might think as long as Wei Nan Yi is alive, stopping Jiang An from killing her would logically lead Wei Nan Yi to forgive Jiang An eventually. Never mind, to seize his beads is the task at hand. Though a protagonist with such fortuitous encounters might receive even better treasures from destiny, seizing them first is still vital. All four beads in the secret realm must be obtained. With Wei Nan Yi having restored her spiritual roots and strength, she need not fear this dead zone. Even if Jiang An wanted to kill her, he would need the capability. Now, Wei Nan Yi likely controlled the demon soul within her, rather than it being under Jiang An’s command. But entering the secret realm requires competing for the top two hundred positions. While many in the cultivation world know Wei Nan Yi, simply masking her face won’t suffice. Unlike the demon kings who are less familiar with her, this simple trick won't fool them. In the original story, Jiang An used a special method to suppress his cultivation level to enter, relying on placing a curse mark on the male lead to gain entry. This technique might also be known to Wei Nan Yi. She could mark a child within the sect who can enter, allowing them entry into the secret realm. If not, Wei Nan Yi could mark Shen Su herself to enter the competition. Caution is necessary; countless people covet Shen Su’s demon body. After seizing the beads, she would release Mu Ling to expose Jiang An’s heinous deeds, ensuring his disgraceful demise. If hidden well, Yu Mu Han might remain unaware. Understanding the protagonist’s cheat-like aura from reading the original story, Shen Su knew direct confrontation with him wasn’t wise, at least not openly. Not one for honor, she took pride in her covert strikes. Clarity gradually returning, Shen Su realized something slipped her mind. Wait, Jiang Rui Ping. Before the secret realm closes, she must seek Jiang Rui Ping. Jiang Rui Ping had indirectly helped her several times. Knowing she survived, Shen Su must go to Immortal Mountain to find her and learn about her situation—maybe even aid her. She couldn’t believe Jiang Rui Ping’s supposed end was near. The quiet surface of the lake, though still softly embraced by her, made Wei Nan Yi wonder if Shen Su had vanished if not sensing the soft touch. After silent contemplation stretched too long, Wei Nan Yi couldn’t help but ask her. “Little Su, what are you thinking?” Shen Su wanted to tell her about going to Immortal Mountain to find Jiang Rui Ping, but as the words formed, they turned into a soft-voiced query, “Madam, why do you think I like Miss Jiang? Just because I praised her a few times?” The question lingering in her heart finally escaped her lips. After a moment of silence, Wei Nan Yi's returning pallor was again tinged with red. She exhaled slowly before replying, “Well, well, Little Su, can we also not mention this again?” Why did Wei Nan Yi forbid so many topics? Afraid Shen Su might pursue further. Not letting her speak, Wei Nan Yi leaned closer, her fingers brushing the lake’s surface, asking once more, “Alright?” Her voice softened, resembling both a pleading and a playful tone. Shen Su, admittedly without much resolve, found herself swallowing her words as Wei Nan Yi’s fingers lightly grazed the water. Left only to agree, she murmured, “Alright.” Anything Wei Nan Yi said was acceptable. Except for Jiang Xu being a blessing. Shen Su had strong objections to Wei Nan Yi’s belief in Jiang Xu as a blessing. She couldn’t comprehend why a madman like Jiang Xu could be seen that way. Given Wei Nan Yi's high regard for Jiang Xu, if questioned about the Netherworld Valley, she wouldn’t get a reasonable explanation. Trouble. Shen Su felt that becoming completely water seemed to have also washed away her brain. Not only did she forget about Jiang Rui Ping, but Jiang Xu slipped her mind too. She’d told Jiang Xu she’d treat Wei Nan Yi as if she were Shen Su's mother, but now she sought to care for her as her own. Who knows if Jiang Xu would kill her upon next meeting. At present, she wasn’t a match for Jiang Xu, but perhaps Wei Nan Yi would protect her. “Madam, Madam,” she called Wei Nan Yi twice. Wanting to question, but her mind whirred faster. Wei Nan Yi previously protected her from Jiang Xu, and would surely continue to do so. Why fret? Though initially disheartened at being unable to protect Wei Nan Yi, the void in her heart was now filled. If she couldn’t protect Wei Nan Yi, she’d let Wei Nan Yi protect her. Madam in name became Madam in heart. And a Madam so kind would never mind her leeching off of her. “Little Su, what’s wrong?” Wei Nan Yi bent closer, attempting to hear what Shen Su wanted to tell her. Waves rippled in the blue lake, Shen Su eagerly asked, “Madam, would you mind if I relied on you in the future for support?” Wei Nan Yi was taken aback, unsure how to respond to Shen Su. Without receiving a timely response, Shen Su's excitement gradually transformed into dejection. The swiftly rippling waves slowed, seemingly reflecting her less-than-pleasant feelings. Noticing this, Wei Nan Yi gently moved her legs, stirring the lake spirit that was retreating into its own world. "Little Su, what does it mean to rely on you for support?" Shen Su's despondence vanished as swiftly as it had appeared. Her voice brimming with hope, she explained, “It means if someone bullies me, you will protect me, Madam.” Though it seemed odd to her, Wei Nan Yi didn’t think it was a pressing matter. She wouldn’t pry into Shen Su's secrets as long as Shen Su remained Shen Su. This time, Wei Nan Yi responded quickly, “Alright.” Her eyes softened, full of affection. It was what she had intended to do all along, so there was no reason not to agree. No one would ever treat Shen Su better than Wei Nan Yi. The semi-transparent head emerged from the lake again, and she wished to momentarily condense into a body to embrace Wei Nan Yi, who had agreed to her plea warmly. However, as soon as her head emerged halfway, Wei Nan Yi pressed her hand on it, forcefully pushing the water head back into the lake. "Little Su, stay under." The soft, gentle moonlight was suddenly mixed with black mist, a cold wind making Wei Nan Yi's wet clothes flutter. The air grew tense with a murderous aura. Taking a step back from the lake, Wei Nan Yi floated upward and settled mid-air. A soft golden light surrounded her, instantly drying her clothing. Despite the fierce demon wind, her garment remained still within the golden glow, her long hair gently swaying. Her jade-white feet, bare without socks or shoes, glowed under the moonlight. Her lips tightened, and she spoke with icy indifference, "Come out." Her tender, affectionate voice and warm demeanor from moments ago vanished entirely. The black mist thickened, yet no one emerged. Wei Nan Yi raised her left hand, a faint gleam blooming in her palm, forming into a golden lotus. "Golden Lotus, Ultimate Slash." In an instant, the petals of the golden lotus scattered and transformed into complete lotuses, their centers sharp blades, piercing into the black mist. Drawing near, they illuminated the grey-white fur, and the blades lengthened, slicing towards it. A scraping sound followed as the blades cut through the tough exterior. A muted growl accompanied a drop of blood, the golden lotuses tinged red, multiplying with each drop, forcing back the black mist, revealing the tiger’s grey-white fur. It was Yu Jing who had returned. Wei Nan Yi wasn’t surprised to see Yu Jing there. Even when the other great demons were present, she could sense the murderous intent emanating from him, indicating his intense desire for Shen Su’s blood and flesh. It would have been stranger if he hadn't appeared. Yu Jing's form enlarged rapidly, risking disembowelment by the sharp blades, smashing golden lotuses with his massive paws. The cost was the dozens of wounds marring his body. A flash of white, and the tiger transformed into his human form. Yu Jing looked at the hovering woman, his voice strained through his throat, “Wei Nan Yi, it’s you.” Wei Nan Yi’s left hand bent slightly as she descended, landing gracefully. A gentle fragrance wafted, and the soft golden aura expanded, calming the restless lake spirit. Unlike Yu Jing, who exuded resentment and disarray, Wei Nan Yi appeared indifferent, “It’s me.” He laughed maniacally, “Hahaha, well well well! You disappeared for decades, and I thought you were dead. Turns out you hid to become a demon and are now colluding with the Mirror Lake spirit against our demon clan's blessing. Since when did Wei Nan Yi become so shameless?” “The blessing was given to me willingly. What form I take is none of your concern.” Her voice remained icy, laced with open hostility, “Yu Jing, you should worry about your own survival, for you are close to death.” Wei Nan Yi bit her fingertip, a drop of blood forming into a single bead that then flew swiftly towards the broken golden lotus. The solitary blood bead exploded upon contact, transforming into a blood rain, reviving the lotuses into larger blood lotuses. Their petals, razor-sharp, hurtled towards Yu Jing, igniting upon friction with the blood rain. Yu Jing scoffed, “You couldn’t kill me before, what makes you think you can now?” In a flash, he tore off his clothing, revealing his tough, shield-like skin coated in a dark fluid. Ignoring the approaching blood lotuses, he lunged at Wei Nan Yi. Before he could bite her, the blood lotus petals caught up, resilient and aflame, swarming and scorching his flesh. Alarmed, he raised his head, bewildered, “Wei Nan Yi, you dared to use a heavenly-level spell to kill me from the start?” Though he had suffered at her hands before, he considered her cultivation progress steady but unremarkable among prodigies. Yet, she had maintained the top spot on Tianxiu’s leaderboard for a millennium and held the title of Grand Senior Sister for just as long, implying some skill. Years ago, Yu Jing had barely escaped from her, an encounter that scarred him mentally. But times had changed. Now at the Nascent Soul stage with a fortified demon body, Wei Nan Yi’s perceived decline—her transformation into something neither human nor demon—made her reliant on blessings to strengthen her abilities. He assumed she couldn't wield all her techniques. Yet the overwhelming aura unmistakably belonged to a heavenly spell. This didn’t add up. Memories painted her as courteous and gentle. She had respectfully conversed with a demon brandishing Lunar City’s protective jade marrow, even sparing him several times when she could have killed him. Why the immediate kill command now? Her mercy was well-known in the cultivation world. Her reputation suggested hesitation even in slaughtering a chicken. Faced with Wei Nan Yi, as long as one showed genuine remorse and committed no visible crimes, survival was likely. This perception emboldened him to act against her. He thought surviving an unsuccessful attempt on Shen Su and then surrendering would suffice. But Wei Nan Yi’s immediate lethal response unsettled him; he'd yet to harm Shen Su. Wei Nan Yi coldly declared, “You intend to kill Little Su, so I must kill you.” “Curse you!” Yu Jing summoned demon energy, aiming to retaliate by snapping her neck. Time was different now; his talent had grown formidable enough to make even Cen Yin concede. He resolved to fight to the death, ensuring Wei Nan Yi suffered immensely as vengeance. But his transformation was stalled. He stood petrified, realizing the eerie blood rain encircled him, blood lotuses embedding blades into crucial joints. Though merely scratching his toughened exterior, the black fluid on his skin vanished, replaced by fresh blood. The blood rain continued to fall from above, not extinguishing the flames on the blood lotus petals but accurately dropped onto Yu Jing, guided by the lotuses. Each drop of blood rain softened Yu Jing's hardened skin a bit more, allowing the sharp blades and lotus petals embedded in him to penetrate deeper. His demonic power was being stripped away. This was not merely a high-level spell; it was a small formation cast by Wei Nan Yi, using herself as the core and Yu Jing as the target, sealing his demonic form. Damn it, he had been too careless. Yu Jing’s unique ability was mutation, which Wei Nan Yi had encountered before. However, mutation required his tiger form, and with his demon body sealed, his ability was neutralized. Yu Jing finally panicked, frantically denying, “I-I never intended to kill her! I only came to see if she had filled Mirror Lake as promised.” Wei Nan Yi shook her head, speaking plainly. “You cannot deceive me. My spell tells me you wanted to kill Little Su, hence I must kill you.” “You speak so ruthlessly. Are you really still Wei Nan Yi?” Yu Jing, realizing denial was useless, altered his approach. He aimed to undermine her confidence, but Wei Nan Yi had recognized her own change long ago. Yu Jing’s words no longer wounded her, and she replied indifferently, “Whether I am or not is irrelevant to a soon-to-be dead tiger.” Yu Jing took a deep breath, barely restraining the urge to curse. Suppressing his anger, he spoke calmly, “Fine, release my restraints, and let’s fight honorably. If I die, at least I’ll accept it. Doesn’t Immortal Mountain advocate fairness?” Apparently, whatever commotion Jiang Xu had caused at the apprenticeship ceremony had been suppressed by Jiang Rui Ping. Apart from those present that day, no one else knew of the events, nor of Wei Nan Yi’s fall from grace. Both Jiu Cui and Yu Jing still perceived Wei Nan Yi as they remembered from long ago. Wei Nan Yi’s lips twitched, her cold voice denying him, “No.” “What did you say?” Yu Jing was stunned, not expecting her refusal. “Wei Nan Yi, are you really planning to kill me this way? This victory holds no honor!” Unflustered by his reproach, Wei Nan Yi replied with serenity, “Your carelessness is your fault. My ability to seal your power is my skill. Why should I let you go only to have the trouble of killing you again?” “Since when have you become this insidious and despicable, Wei Nan—” Yu Jing’s words were cut short as the lotus petals embedded in his skin began to explode, shredding his body in an instant, leaving only charred remains. A dark demon core rolled toward Wei Nan Yi’s feet. Gathering the blood rain, she bent and picked up the core, then ignited a fire, reducing Yu Jing’s body to ashes. Even if Suo Suo came, he wouldn’t be able to identify his son in the pile of blackened remains. Killing a demon king isn't easy, but Yu Jing’s stupidity and overconfidence, combined with Wei Nan Yi's foreknowledge of his abilities, led to his quick demise. Indeed, he died swiftly. So swiftly that the little spirit in Mirror Lake hadn’t processed what Yu Jing intended before he was reduced to ashes. When Wei Nan Yi returned to the lake, Shen Su was still in a daze, unable to believe that one of Yanbi Mountain’s eight great demon kings had been killed so easily, making even Shen Su feel stifled. Who taught Wei Nan Yi to kill so effectively and ruthlessly? Swiftly and decisively, striking right at the heart. Considering the people Wei Nan Yi had been around—children and foolish fish—it couldn’t be from them. Impossible. Absolutely impossible. She just survived by being cautious, calculating every move. This was her survival tactic. If she possessed Wei Nan Yi's strength, she wouldn’t have acted the way she did. Shen Su had conveniently forgotten her earlier schemes to covertly sabotage the protagonist once Wei Nan Yi's strength returned. Shen Su mumbled, “Madam, you really killed him?” Wei Nan Yi sat back by the lake, her pleasant fragrance undisturbed by even a trace of blood. She became momentarily serious, telling Shen Su, “Little Su, he was a male tiger, thus disposable.” What? Why emphasize that male tigers are killable? Does Yanbi Mountain have a rule protecting female tigers? Are female tigers more precious than their king, the tiger demon lord? Shen Su could almost picture Suo Suo’s despair upon finding only ashes of his son. Of course, Yu Jing’s death was good news. The very moment he died, the waters of Mirror Lake changed perceptibly, with even the last remnants of the lake spirit’s resentment disappearing. Wei Nan Yi's foot was not yet on the water’s surface when tendrils of water emerged. Although her mind found Wei Nan Yi's words peculiar, her body yearned to be closer to her. The water gently lifted, reaching Wei Nan Yi’s foot, tendrils wrapping around her delicate toes, washing away any stain from earlier. The water gradually warmed and moved more actively. The unusual sensation made Wei Nan Yi blush. Her grip on the demon core loosened unconsciously, slow breaths escaping her lips. Soft pink spread across her jade-white feet, a ticklish feeling crawling from her sole, teasing every nerve. “Little Su.” She called out, voice a blend of tenderness and plea. Shen Su snapped awake, pulling the water back and, in the process, accidentally dragging Wei Nan Yi’s leg into the lake. As the water enveloped her leg, the moist sensation invaded every pore, stirring an unfamiliar warmth within Wei Nan Yi, filling her eyes with a misty glimmer. Feigning calmness, she shot Shen Su a brief, reproachful glance. Her face flushed, breath uneven, tears threatening to spill, “Little Su, what are you afraid of?” Admiration for Wei Nan Yi swelled within Shen Su. Despite being on the verge of tears, she still questioned Shen Su’s fear, her words tempting. Wei Nan Yi knew exactly where they were; despite their newfound love, situational awareness was essential. If Yu Jing could arrive, so could Suo Suo. Something wasn’t quite right with Wei Nan Yi. With her water eyes lifted, Shen Su gazed at the indulgent Wei Nan Yi, “Madam, and what are you afraid of?” She sensed Wei Nan Yi’s internal dread, observing her hesitant gaze on the lake’s surface. Her voice, stumbling over words, was akin to Hu Rou’s, “I-I’m, I’m afraid… afraid of you changing your mind.” Wei Nan Yi always felt inadequate, while Shen Su was too perfect. Just having it all, only to fear losing it. Wei Nan Yi reverently stretched her hand toward the lake, fingers hovering just above the water, murmuring, “You have many choices; it's just that you’ve met very few people. You…” Shen Su interrupted Wei Nan Yi’s deeper worries, stating firmly, “Madam, you have no idea how long I thought about you, how long I prayed for you.” Without the chance to ask Wei Nan Yi when she first developed feelings, upon hearing her start to voice concerns, Shen Su understood her worries. Water surged upward, brushing against Wei Nan Yi’s reaching fingers, circling them with gentle devotion. “Madam, I could never bear to change my mind.”