Conquering That Great Demon Lord [Xian Ni Fan Fiction] - Chapter 25: Dual Cultivation

Chapter 25: Dual Cultivation

Li Muwan helped Wang Lin to his feet. His robust frame leaned against her slender shoulders, his white hair cascading over her vibrant red wedding gown.

When Wang Lin looked down, his eyes captured her image clad in red. Though gravely injured, having her by his side filled him with profound contentment.

Su Ri’s typically stern expression softened, the corners of his lips curling upward in a rare smile.

Fortunately, they had retrieved her. Thank goodness they had succeeded.

Too concerned about his injuries to notice the intensity of his gaze, Li Muwan solely focused on Wang Lin’s swift recovery of cultivation level.

During her vigil as his protector, she had witnessed how frail the Nascent Soul formed by his Clone had become, wrenching her heart with pain.

Wang Lin endured his physical agony while comforting her with gentle words that carried immense strength.

“Wan’er, please refine some Essence Nurturing Pills for me.”

Over the days of his secluded meditation, Li Muwan had exhausted herself refining pills and guarding his practice to restore his cultivation level. Fearful of leaving him unattended lest his Spiritual Power become unstable and backfire, she dared not venture far. Resting her head upon Wang Lin’s crossed legs became her greatest solace.

Upon awakening to find the woman sleeping beside him with picturesque grace, Wang Lin felt tender emotions stir within. With gentle affection, he brushed aside the stray hairs from her forehead. Being a light sleeper, she awakened at his touch.

After ten days of secluded recovery, seeing Wang Lin conscious again filled Li Muwan with joy. She eagerly took his hand, exclaiming, “Senior Brother, you’re awake!”

This marked his first such intimacy with another. Even though he had acknowledged their bond and they were practically betrothed, his reserved demeanor and measured gestures held an inexplicable allure.

Wang Lin smiled warmly, his gaze tender upon her.

“Wan’er, having known each other all these years, there are matters you ought to understand.” Wang Lin bared his heart without reservation.

Otherwise, she would never have learned how the one deemed a Fiend by the Soul Pearl in the Sea of Demonic Cultivation had been branded as such through brutal slaughters in the World of Cultivation.

He had died once, helplessly watching his bloodline perish before his eyes. Heartbroken, his hair turned white, his body devoured by remnant souls until his physical form perished and cultivation dissipated.

By sheer luck, a wisp of his remnant soul survived and revived in the extraterrestrial battlefield. Previously, her dedication to the Fiend had been solely to retrieve her Soul of Life and gain his favor.

Now, however, her heart ached for the Fiend’s suffering.

He had once been an ordinary Cultivator like herself, entering the immortal path with loved ones who cherished him. Yet at the pinnacle of his pride in becoming an immortal, he faced the agony of losing his parents before he could honor them, coupled with the fury of his clan’s annihilationthese forged his path of slaughter.

The Fiend was no fiend; he was flesh and blood, capable of feeling.

Unsure how to console him, Li Muwan could only remain by his side, clinging to his arm. Having gone ten days without proper rest, she was utterly exhausted. Leaning against Wang Lin as he unburdened himself, his four centuries of resentment found its first listener.

As tea simmered in the room, Wang Lin spoke at length. Li Muwan rose to pour him a cup to moisten his throat. Seeing her weary visage, he felt a pang of heartache.

The gauze curtains on the cool terrace billowed, a fresh breeze dispersing the heavy scent from the medicine furnace. Li Muwan lit a sandalwood incense stick. In this state, Wang Lin exuded an aura of noble detachment and chill elegance. Through his narrative, she discovered he had originally been a scholar.

Though his appearance remained unchanged, his overwhelming presence and sharp intensity far surpassed that of a mere scholar.

“Wan’er, you’ve been guarding me for ten days. Now that I’ve recovered, you should go rest.” The elaborate wedding dress still hung on the clothing rack, the exquisite phoenix crown resting on the table. She had looked breathtaking in that wedding dress. He remembered Li Muwan stepping across the restriction bridge, each step blooming like a lotus, rushing toward him without hesitation – a memory he would never forget in this lifetime.

A fleeting thought crossed his mind, but he quickly suppressed it. Noticing his gaze lingering on the wedding dress, Li Muwan feared Wang Lin might be displeased, so she put it away while explaining: “The preparations for the Dual Cultivation Ceremony were rushed and chaotic, so the room is rather messy. Please don’t mind it, Senior Brother.”

“It’s fine,” Wang Lin replied calmly.

After putting away the clothes, Li Muwan covered her yawning face repeatedly. Wang Lin showed a gentle expression before turning to leave the partition, sitting cross-legged in meditation.

Seeing him leave, Li Muwan wanted to change clothes and rest on the bed, but hesitated. A thought crossed her mind: Wang Lin had interrupted the wedding ceremony, so what was their relationship now?

Wang Lin hadn’t mentioned anything about it, and as a woman, she felt awkward bringing it up first. She couldn’t possibly be the one to speak first – what if the Fiend laughed at her?

Burdened with these complicated thoughts, she lay down on the bed still wearing her elder’s robes. The movements behind the screen ceased.

Wang Lin guessed she had probably fallen asleep, then finally focused properly. Currently at the half-step to Nascent Soul Formation, his nascent soul remained unstable. He needed to continue consolidating his nascent soul in the Cloud Heaven Sect, ensuring everything was perfect before returning to Zhao Kingdom for revenge. He glanced sideways at the faint shadow behind the screen, his eyes full of reluctance.

When Li Muwan woke, it was already dawn the next day. Numerous birds had gathered in the peach forest outside the window, scattering her days of fatigue with their chirping. The sunlight streaming through the window was dazzling. She sat up, noticing the upright figure beyond the screen – Wang Lin had been guarding outside all along.

Warmth blossomed in her heart, and last night’s thought resurfaced. If she waited for the Fiend to bring it up, it might take forever. Better to ask herself and get it over with – so what if he laughed at her?

Having made up her mind, Li Muwan got up, straightened her attire, washed up and dressed properly before emerging from the partition.

The warm sunlight was just right. Smiling cheerfully, she peeked around the screen and called out: “Senior Brother, your nascent soul has stabilized considerably. Wan’er is well-rested now. Today I want to refine some more elixirs for you to enhance your cultivation level and consolidate your nascent soul.”

“Would you accompany me to the backyard to gather some spirit herbs?”

Wang Lin rose, his dragon-patterned black robe making his broad shoulders appear even more substantial. When he stood before Li Muwan, he completely blocked her view. When she looked directly ahead, all she could see was his figure.

“Alright.”

With his permission, Li Muwan nearly skipped as she took his arm, looking up with a smile: “Let’s go.”

She cast her elder’s dignity to the winds, becoming just a cheerful junior sister now.

The immortal herbs in the courtyard hadn’t been tended to for some time, but fortunately they were growing well. Li Muwan recalled their times watering and caring for the plants in this backyard, how he had known exactly who she was yet worked so hard to conceal it.

Unable to resist teasing him, she said innocently: “Senior Brother, when you didn’t acknowledge me and pretended not to know me, were you afraid I might recognize you?”

Wang Lin chuckled softly, tacitly admitting it.

Thinking of something even more amusing, she added: “But I actually think you were better as a disciple.”

Wang Lin picked a herb for her, puzzled: “Why?”

“That way I could see the flustered grand-disciple,” Li Muwan curved her lips into a blossom-like smile, “I was your grandmaster, after all.”

“When giving orders, I wouldn’t have to worry about you being my senior brother.”

Wang Lin chuckled indulgently at her playful antics. “Whatever Wan’er commands, just give the order.”

“Hmm, not Wan’er,” Li Muwan shook her head in dissatisfaction, imitating his tone. “It should be like this.”

She straightened her posture and clasped her hands formally. “Grand Ancestor, your commands shall be followed.”

Wang Lin’s cheeks flushed faintly, rendered speechless by Li Muwan’s teasing.

Having gathered enough spirit herbs, Wang Lin changed the subject. “Is there anything else we need?”

Li Muwan scanned the entire herb field, walked to a spot and crouched down, plucking one to show him. “This is Star…”

“Starfall Grass,” Wang Lin finished before she could. “Wan’er once said this grass blooms like twinkling stars and falls like shooting meteors, hence the name Starfall.”

Li Muwan tilted her head with a pleased expression.

Wang Lin took the herb from her hand. “This one has buds about to bloom. If Wan’er places it indoors, you can watch the stellar spectacle of its flowering and falling.”

He understood Li Muwan’s preferences well – from the decor of their Cave Residence in the Sea of Demonic Cultivation to the arrangements in Southern Garden’s main building and side courtyards, she had always been someone who valued elegance and cherished life’s pleasures.

“So Senior Brother remembered.” Li Muwan intertwined her fingers with his palm. Wang Lin still felt somewhat awkward, but seeing Li Muwan’s complete lack of inhibition, he pretended composure to calm his racing heart.

After collecting the required herbs, they returned to the pavilion. Li Muwan arranged the Starfall Grass in a flowerpot, creating a vivid miniature landscape on the small table beside the daybed.

Wang Lin sat cross-legged, hearing only intermittent sounds from inside, unsure what she was busying herself with.

Only after finishing her tasks did Li Muwan come to chat with Wang Lin. Though he had been waiting for a while, he wouldn’t rush her.

Looking at his proper posture, Li Muwan hesitated with her words. Wang Lin opened his eyes and gazed at her tenderly.

Thinking she had to ask eventually, Li Muwan turned her face away, her fingers nervously playing with her sleeve.

She spoke slowly, “Senior Brother, since you stopped the wedding, does that mean we’re considered husband and wife now?”

Wang Lin’s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by her question.

During Wang Lin’s days in seclusion, she had pondered this countless times.

Husband and wife? The words made Wang Lin pause momentarily. Li Muwan was already the daughter-in-law he had chosen for his parents, but hearing her say it still felt somewhat surreal, almost too extravagant.

Li Muwan watched him with expectant eyes. Since he had prepared to stop the wedding, she naturally considered herself his wife.

“Mm.” Wang Lin nodded, his gaze filled with affection.

Hearing his agreement, Li Muwan tugged slightly at Wang Lin’s sleeve, her cheeks blushing with shyness. “They say… among mortal couples, the wedding isn’t complete until they… consummate the marriage.”

She paused, glancing sideways to gauge Wang Lin’s reaction. “That is… what cultivators call Dual Cultivation.”

A flicker of hesitation passed through Wang Lin’s brow.

Seeing his silence, Li Muwan continued, “Although Wan’er hasn’t practiced it, before the Dual Cultivation Ceremony, the Grand Ancestors sent wedding matrons to teach some things… originally meant for the wedding night with that Sun Zhenwei…”

“Wan’er.” Before she could finish, Li Muwan felt the grip on her hand suddenly tighten – so much that she wanted to pull away.

“Senior Brother?” She blinked her innocent peach-blossom eyes at Wang Lin.

Wang Lin clearly didn’t want to hear anything related to that person, let alone what Li Muwan was about to say next.

He couldn’t bear to hear it!

Being adept at reading expressions, she instantly understood – the Fiend didn’t like mentioning that scoundrel. Perhaps she should provoke him further?

Thus emboldened, she ventured, “Since Senior Brother says we are already husband and wife, then Dual Cultivation…”

Wang Lin looked down, meeting her sincere and expectant gaze, his heart stirred by unrestrained desire.

Yet his expression remained composed, the corners of his lips curling into a faint arc as he responded, “Mm.”

Li Muwan’s pupils dilated in astonishmenthad the Fiend actually agreed?

But Wang Lin didn’t move, merely lowering his eyes with utmost seriousness. “I… have never practiced it.”

Li Muwan’s face showed surprise, while Wang Lin grew increasingly awkward. Though it shouldn’t have been a big deal, speaking it aloud felt strangely uncomfortable.

Amused by his flustered appearance, Li Muwan’s eyes curved as she leaned closer. The gaze that had been fixed upon her never wavered, watching her gradual approach.

She slightly raised herself, gently brushing his thin lips. It was as if he’d been struck by a powerful electric currentmore overwhelming than when the Heavenly Tribulation’s threads had pierced his body.

The light in his eyes gradually scattered, his focus blurring until Li Muwan’s face before him became indistinct.

Seeing his lack of response, Li Muwan inwardly sighed, “Blockhead.”She tentatively touched his lips again, assuming he remained dull.” If he still didn’t respond, she’d have to take more initiative.

But this time, the formerly unshakable gentleman had completely crumbled. Suddenly, Wang Lin seized the wrist she’d pressed against him, flipping their positions to pin her down.

“Mmph…” His abrupt dominance shattered her gathered courage. Waves of heat radiated from Wang Lin’s body, coursing through his limbs and fueling a growing wildness.

He shifted his weight, effortlessly pressing down. One large hand supported her arching waist while the other pinned her wrist against her chest. Completely defenseless, Li Muwan went limp as her lips were stormed, Wang Lin’s tongue breaching her defenses.

Through her dazed mind surfaced his earlier words: “I’ve never practiced it?”

How could someone so forceful and domineering be inexperienced? Had she not confirmed after learning his background that his Death Curse Technique wasn’t truly a death curse but an extreme state, she’d never believe his current actions came from inexperience.

Kissed into disarray, she secretly acknowledged: The Fiend needed no teacherhis comprehension was truly remarkable.

Surrendering to the sensation, she let him lead. As she became lost in the kiss, her shoulder strap slipped, revealing pale fullness like ripe August peaches that made the advancing wolf salivate.

The eager wolf struggledshe tried to undo his waistband, but the layered black robe with dragon embroidery proved too intricate, especially the fastened closure.

Inexperienced in removing men’s garments yet unwilling to show hesitation before Wang Lin, her slender fingers repeatedly worked at the knot without success.

“Wan’er?” Each movement seemed like deliberate temptation to Wang Lin.

“I can’t undo it…” Li Muwan’s voice softened, her pouting lips glistening red.

Wang Lin’s breathing grew heavy. With a thought, his clothes vanishedhe’d used a Magical Art to remove them.

The sharply defined lines of his solid chest bordered on intimidating. Li Muwan swallowed dryly, her beautiful eyes flashing disappointment as she mumbled against his chest, half-hiding her face, “Why… why did you make them disappear…”

“This is rather dull.”

The words struck Wang Lin’s desire-filled heart like a blow.

Dull, she said?

“Senior Brother doesn’t know how? Wan’er can teach you.” Li Muwan arched her brows teasingly.

Wang Lin propped himself up on his arms, gazing directly at Li Muwan with a puzzled yet innocent expression.

“Call me ‘Ancestor Master,’ Wan’er, and I’ll teach you,” she teased, her playful side emerging.

She ought to knowthis Fiend who would salvage his pride even when his Formations were criticizedhow would he react if he were deemed dull in matters of the bedchamber?

Naturally, the proud Fiend would not only reclaim his dignity after his Formations were scorned but would do the same in intimate affairs.

As she waited for Wang Lin to address her as Ancestor Master, he bit her pink shoulder with a smile, deliberately refusing to say it. He believed such matters required little study; a few more attempts would naturally bring familiarity.

Li Muwan let out a muffled groan.

Dull?

Wang Lin gently turned her over, embracing Li Muwan from behind. He trailed kisses from the nape of her neck down her back, where the elegant lines of her shoulder blades flowed smoothly. The warm, tingling sensation of his lips tracing her spine made her shiver lightly. He admired her jade-like back, with its taut waistlines and delicate figure shimmering faintly in the light, stirring endless imaginings as he lingered in his appreciation.

Under his covetous gaze and caresses, her smooth back undulated like rolling waves, the rising and falling motions tempting him to crave more fiercely.

Wang Lin tightened his arms, turning Li Muwan onto her back once more. Her wrists lightly pressed against his descending chest, the distinct contours striking her vision. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and her thoroughly ripe appearance only made Wang Lin more eager to devour her.

“Wan’er?” His affectionate call was slightly urgent and heavy. His fingertips paused on her cheek, then slowly drifted to her collarbone, as if awaiting her permission.

Li Muwan took a deep breath, grasped his supporting right wrist, and placed it over her left breast. Wang Lin’s lips curved slightly as he applied pressure, gentle at first. As he sensed the pleasure, delight rushed to his head, and he abruptly grasped, his large palm covering most of the softness, enveloping it in his hand.

Li Muwan wanted to retreat but had nowhere to hide, so she buried her face against his chest and murmured softly, “Senior Brother…”