Conquering That Great Demon Lord [Xian Ni Fan Fiction] - Chapter 33: Jealousy

Chapter 33: Jealousy

“Senior Brother, I’ve bought the zither. When shall we return?” Li Muwan held a teacup, sitting opposite him. When she lifted her gaze, she could clearly see his entire face.

“Anytime is fine. Does Wan’er wish to go back now?” Wang Lin set down his teacup and took out a wine flask from his Storage Bag. His gaze fell into the distance, where cultivators in the teahouse were discussing spiritual pills with others, while many more were sharing secrets of the World of Cultivation.

The conversing cultivators lowered their voices, “I heard the Mountain Sea Sect in Tianshan Country offended a powerful expert two days ago. The entire sect was wiped out overnight.”

“A millennia-old major sect, yet they couldn’t even put up the slightest resistance. What’s more, the cultivators who destroyed the sect have completely vanished without a trace. All the sects in Tianshan Country are panicking, sealing their mountain gates one after another, fearing that cultivator might come for them next.”

The voices reached both their ears. Wang Lin calmly drank his tea. This was indeed the World of Cultivation – news spread extremely fast. He had acted decisively without leaving any traces, which allowed him to conceal his tracks. Had he hesitated even for a moment, things might have been different.

“The Mountain Sea Sect had a treasure known as the Soul Gathering Lock. After the sect’s destruction, that treasure disappeared. Perhaps that person came specifically for the treasure?”

“Who cares? Even such a major sect couldn’t withstand them, let alone us. Drink up, drink up! We still need to travel later.”

“…”

Li Muwan listened absently while sipping her tea, her brows sometimes relaxing and sometimes furrowing. Her gaze fell upon Wang Lin, only to find him completely at ease.

The fiend had killed people yet acted as if nothing had happened, so she wouldn’t trouble herself worrying either.

For a moment, she thought it was quite nice that Wang Lin had this Clone. His True Body could hold down the fort at the sect and handle sect affairs for her, while the Clone accompanied her on this journey. What a comfortable life.

“Senior Brother, let’s stay a few more days. Wan’er still wants to explore more with you.”

“Alright.”

The main city was filled with shops lining the streets. Even without doing anything specific, just sitting in the teahouse for half a day felt different.

As for what to do next, she was still contemplating. Feeling so content, she unconsciously stretched her limbs, raising her hands to support her waist, but accidentally bumped into Wang Lin who was drinking. Flustered, she quickly withdrew her arms, pursed her lips and lowered her head without speaking, looking like she had done something wrong.

Wang Lin curved his lips into a smile, his phoenix eyes crinkling as he reached out to pat Li Muwan’s head.

“Does Wan’er have somewhere in mind to go?”

“Mm, what did Senior Brother do when you were experiencing mortal life? Wan’er wants to do the same.” Li Muwan propped her chin, waiting for his response.

“Most of the time, I made Wood carvings in the shop.” Wang Lin took another drink of wine. Without realizing it, Li Muwan had moved closer to him, seemingly able to smell the fruity aroma of wine emanating from him.

“Da Niu would often come to chat with me, always saying he wanted to learn Wood carving from me, and Zeng Dage would always pull his ears.” Wang Lin recalled the past, his expression calm but his voice carrying a touch of tenderness.

Li Muwan could tell from his words how important that family was to him.

“Also, during my free time, I would go to the opera house to listen to performances. The manager always reserved the east window seat for me.”

The spot where they were currently sitting also faced east. Li Muwan tilted her head thoughtfully, feeling somewhat disappointed, “I’m afraid there are no opera houses in this main city.”

“Does Wan’er want to listen?”

Li Muwan nodded.

Wang Lin stood up and wrapped his arm around her waist, “Then I’ll take you to the mortal world.”

Li Muwan suddenly understood, but hesitated because the Soul Pearl within her was fluctuating wildly at that moment – fluctuations that only her True Body could sense.

“Maybe another day.” She felt unsettled. Wasn’t it agreed they’d share the same Nascent Soul? No one would disturb his True Body at the sect, yet his current emotional instability made her wonderhad Zhou Lin said something to him?

Unable to determine the cause, she could only say: “Senior Brother, I’d like to return now.”

Just moments ago she’d been full of anticipation, yet now she was eager to leave. Wang Lin’s Clone seemed to sense this and acquiesced.

“Very well.”

They departed the main city’s market district and returned to Cloud Heaven Sect within two days. Zhou Lin was pacing anxiously at the entrance of Southern Garden’s gate.

When he spotted Li Muwan and Wang Lin’s Clone, he froze momentarilythere was another nearly identical figure inside, yet with different clothing and hair.

“Master, Elder.” Zhou Lin bowed to them.

“Zhou Lin, you seem rushedhas something happened?” Li Muwan headed toward the pavilion.

“Disciple…” He glanced at Wang Lin’s Clone, uncertain how to explain.

“Is it about Senior Brother?”

“You’ll understand when you return, Master,” Zhou Lin said tactfully. “The Eastern Garden elder summoned me to discuss Cloud Heaven Sect’s disciple recruitment. I should attend to that first.”

Li Muwan cast a meaningful glance toward the distant pavilion. Wang Lin’s Clone followed her inside as if nothing were amiss, his white-robed sleeve still tightly clutching Li Muwan’s hand.

Upon entering, she saw Wang Lin’s True Body with hair flowing over the beams, and Li Muwan instantly felt catastrophe looming.

“Se-Senior Brother…” Though frightened, she couldn’t help approaching with concern. “What’s wrong?”

The True Body remained silent, but when he lifted his gaze, his brows faintly furrowed and his eyes sharpenedthe Clone instantly vanished.

Li Muwan turned to find empty space beside her.

Only two people remained in the room, so quiet she could hear her own heartbeat.

“Senior Brother?” This time, she was calling for Wang Lin’s Clone.

“Gone.”

“I’m here.” Wang Lin’s True Body teleported behind her. Li Muwan felt a chill and sharply turned her head to find his chest pressed against her cheek, obscure emotions swirling beneath the surface.

She retreated two steps. Back in the main city, the Soul Pearl’s favorability had plummeted before restoring to its original value. When Wang Lin’s Clone mentioned taking her to the mortal world, the readings had fluctuated again.

Having navigated her way with this Fiend, she’d mostly deciphered his temperamenteighty percent chance he was jealous of himself.

“Wan’er, why did exchanging the zither take so long?” His voice betrayed nothing as the hair behind him coiled around her waist with increasing pressure. When she tried to turn, he grasped her chin.

The grip remained gentle, unwilling to hurt her. But the hair’s pull pressed her against the True Body, leaving no room for retreat.

“I acquired a new zither and had tea with Senior Brother at a teahouse. We didn’t linger and hurried back,” Li Muwan replied obediently. She’d never seen Wang Lin like this, yet the essence remained him.

“Senior Brother, would you like me to play for you now?”

Li Muwan felt the coiled hair loosen slightly, thinking Wang Lin had relented. But as she turned, another figure blocked her pathWang Lin’s Clone.

White robes and white hair filled her vision, leaving her utterly confused.

“Senior Brother,” Li Muwan called out again. Wang Lin’s Clone responded with a gentle smile.

Wang Lin’s True Body: “Wan’er?”

“Senior Brother?” Li Muwan looked back and forth between them. The True Body’s eyes held inscrutable darkness, unlike the Clone’s softness.

Wang Lin was toying with herdeliberately.

Just as she was about to cry, he withdrew his clone, his long hair cascading back over his shoulders. Without changing his expression, he said, “Then let Wan’er play a tune. Test how the new zither sounds.”

Li Muwan collected her thoughts, sighing inwardly. Even after becoming husband and wife, she still feared the fiend’s unpredictable moods.

After a long moment, she regained her composure. Taking the newly acquired zither from her Storage Bag, her fingertips brushed across the strings, and the earlier panic dissipated.

The room was left with only his True Body again. As the music began, the cold severity between his brows vanished, replaced by a languid posture. His tall figure stood gracefully, the black gold-woven robe making him appear even more carefree.

He drank to the melody, his gaze falling upon the lotus pond’s surface where light and shadow reflected a scene of tranquility.

Through the carved window lattice, two figures were visible at a moderate distance. Watching the rise and fall of Li Muwan’s shoulders, he appeared thoroughly captivated.

“Senior Brother, shall Wan’er teach you to play the zither?” This was her second time proposing to teach Wang Lin.

“Just play for me, Wan’er.”

The same answer as before. Li Muwan didn’t insist, continuing to play instead. The melody drifted elegantly, tender and soul-stirring.

Night enveloped the Southern Garden as fireflies danced around the lotus pond. The Immortal Herbs emitted a faint glow beneath the high-hanging starry sky.

“Senior Brother, I’ve never seen you drink before,” Li Muwan moved closer.

Wang Lin reclined against the low couch, holding a gourd while watching her every expression. Li Muwan always felt he had much to say to her, yet his words remained sparing whenever he spoke.

“This is fruit wine from Da Niu’s family.”

“Is it good?” Li Muwan rested her arms on his knees, tilting her head to look at him.

Finding her adorable, Wang Lin’s lips curved unconsciously. “Would Wan’er like to taste it?”

He offered the gourd. Li Muwan pushed herself up but didn’t take it. Instead, she pressed against his chest, briefly touching his lips before pulling back, only smelling the aroma without tasting the flavor.

Wang Lin was already stunned when Li Muwan lifted her head again, lips slightly parted as she deepened the kiss. Her face showed no blush nor fluster, remaining perfectly calm. “The aroma is pleasant, the taste sweet.”

Wang Lin, supporting himself with one arm, looked up at her with a noticeably flushed face.

“How sweet?” Wang Lin asked hoarsely.

With half her weight resting on his abdomen, he nearly lost his composure.

Li Muwan asked innocently, “Senior Brother, why are you looking at Wan’er like that?”

Her actions were undoubtedly provocative.

Wang Lin’s blood surged instantly. The gourd vanished from his hand as his reclining form straightened abruptly, startling Li Muwan senseless. She tumbled into his solid embrace, and before she could catch her breath, his lips covered hers.

“Mmph…” She couldn’t breathe or push him away. Her face flushed crimson, and only when she coughed from suffocation did Wang Lin regain his senses.

Finally able to breathe, Li Muwan saw his features up close, his breath scorching hot, his eyes filled with unmistakable aggression. Fear rendered her speechless. “You… what’s wrong with you…”

Wang Lin’s throat felt dry, swallowing what moisture remained. Clearly she had provoked him first, yet she wore the innocent expression of being victimized, making him unable to be harsh.

But the burning heat tormented him like raging fire, making his eyes bloodshot and erasing his reason. “Wan’er, would you like to taste the wine’s fragrance again?”

She complied obediently, tasting lightly before being flipped over. Her clothes were torn to shreds by him.

Li Muwan’s delicate features contorted into a frown. Grabbing his wrist indignantly, she demanded, “Senior Brother, why are you tearing my clothes?”

The man lost in the throes of passion suddenly stilled, gazing at Li Muwan’s clothing torn into shreds. Realizing his mistake, he hesitated, “I…”

“Senior Brother tore my clothes. What will Wan’er wear now?”

A phrase echoed incessantly in Wang Lin’s mind.

How dreadfully dull.

How dreadfully dull.

How dreadfully dull.

…

His lips, reddened from biting, parted slightly as he avoided her gaze. “Didn’t Wan’er say it’s dreadfully dull when clothes are simply vanished with magic?”

Li Muwan stared in astonishment. An offhand remark she’d made during their first Dual Cultivation had been remembered by him for decades.

“I… I was only teasing you back then.”

Wang Lin pressed his lips together, suppressing the heat rising within him. “I’ll accompany Wan’er to the market tomorrow to buy new ones.”

Li Muwan watched him wide-eyed, her pouting lips conveying clear displeasure at this man who had been so rough with her.

She was angry.

Seeing this, Wang Lin awkwardly attempted to console her. “I… have Top-Grade Spirit Stones. Wan’er can buy any style she wants.”

He produced hundreds of Top-Grade Spirit Stones from his Storage Bag, startling the woman in his embrace. She had never seen the legendary Top-Grade Spirit Stones described in Ancient Books before.

The sheer quantity was astounding, their violet glow illuminating the chamber brightly, even revealing the pale skin of her chest in stark detail.

After surveying the magnificent collection, her astonished expression softened into concern. She wrapped her arms around Wang Lin’s neck, nuzzling his jawline.

“Senior Brother acquired so many Top-Grade Spirit Stones – were you injured? How severe were your wounds? Did it hurt?”

Wang Lin’s breath caught, a bittersweet ache washing through his heart. No one had ever cared whether he felt pain before.

His lonely soul felt profoundly fulfilled. He forced a smile – both pained and sweet. “It didn’t hurt.”

“That means you were wounded. How could injuries not hurt?” She caressed his hardened Ancient God physique. Though it bore no scars, she seemed to sense his pain through her palm resting over his rapidly beating heart.

His crimson eyes grew misty. He wrapped his long hair around her shoulders, pulling her closer.

“It doesn’t hurt.”

“Wan’er, it doesn’t hurt…”

He repeated the words like a mantra, seemingly comforting her while actually numbing his own pain.

He indulged in the soft jade of her embrace, finding joy in his heart with no worldly concerns.

This was the same indulgence he’d experienced when immersed in the lazy atmosphere of the White Cloud Sect’s elder.

But this time, it wasn’t an illusion – it was long-awaited reality.

After their passion, more than ten bite marks remained on Li Muwan’s body, though he had tried to restrain himself.

His Ancient God body served as a sturdy couch for her slender form. Her weight felt negligible against him as she lay exhausted, unable to move.

With her clothes torn and nothing to cover herself, Wang Lin draped his red hair over her like a brilliant mandarin duck curtain. Through the crimson strands, glimpses of white skin showed traces of their earlier passion.

She playfully twined a strand of his hair with her own loose locks, her cheek resting against his chest. “Senior Brother, when Wan’er goes to the market to trade for a qin, are you angry with yourself?”

Wang Lin looked down at her hair-playing. “What makes you say that?”

“You said you’d take me to the mortal world – why did you become unhappy?” Releasing his hair, she propped herself on his chest. “Do you not want me to go to the mortal world, or do you not want your Clone to accompany me?” She seemed to have guessed correctly.
The outside was silent, with the Restriction Magic Array in operation. Xu Liguo had resigned himself to fate, lying on the roof and quietly gazing at the stars. Xiao Ling was dozing off, while the Great Ape was eating another Spirit Fruit.

The mosquito beast buzzed incessantly, seeming more energetic at night, disturbing the slumber of Xiao Ling and Xu Liguo.

The Thunder Frog’s eyelids were half-open, clearly also drowsy. It croaked a few times, leaped into the lotus pond, rolled in the dampness, and splashed a few Fiends on the rooftop. The Fiends glared at it resentfully in unison.

Li Muwan seemed startled by the commotion and was about to look outside when Wang Lin pressed her back down.

He extended his Divine Sense again, warning the Fiends, “Do not cause trouble.”

The Thunder Frog kicked its legs, crouched on a lotus leaf, closed its eyes, and acted as if it had nothing to do with the matter.

The Fiends gritted their teeth in frustration but could only stare at each other helplessly.

“Senior Brother? You haven’t answered Wan’er’s question yet.” The sharpness in Wang Lin’s brow faded at the sound of her voice.

Instead of answering, he asked, “Wan’er can sense my emotions?”

Her eyes flickered slightly as she avoided Wang Lin’s gaze and calmly replied, “Xiao Ling is here. Xiao Ling can sense you.”

A smile tugged at the corner of Wang Lin’s lips; he saw right through her thoughts. With one sentence, she had completely exposed herself.

“The Fiends share a connection with me, but they cannot accurately sense my emotions. How did Wan’er know?”

Li Muwan realized she had been trapped by his words and only wanted to escape him. But as she tried to push herself up, Wang Lin’s long hair tightened around her, leaving her unable to move.

“Wan’er, Wan’er is your wife. Husband and wife share one heart, so naturally, I can sense your emotions.” She fabricated a random explanation, thinking that if Wang Lin didn’t believe her, she could always coax him later.

But he happened to fall for it. “So that’s how it is.”

“Does Senior Brother admit he’s jealous of himself?” Li Muwan said triumphantly.

Wang Lin didn’t respond, simply staring at her intently. Li Muwan, lying on top of him, tried to shake him, but he was too solid and remained unmoved.

“Why is Senior Brother silent again? Wan’er waited day after day in the Cloud Heaven Sect for your return, wanting to tell you everything I couldn’t say during that time.” Li Muwan rested her chin on him. “Senior Brother, answer me.”

“Wan’er, why are you so childish?” Wang Lin raised his hand and gently touched her temple with affection.

“Childish?” Li Muwan said, “Wan’er is not even three hundred years old yet. Why can’t I be childish?”

“Senior Brother, on the other hand, is so mature, always wearing a stern and solemn expression, silent and reserved. Who knows how old you are?” Her boldness had grown to the point where she dared to tease Wang Lin, knowing he wouldn’t truly mind. She gauged it perfectly, stopping just at the right point.

If it didn’t work, she could always coax him later if he got angry.

“Mature?”

“Yes, Senior Brother’s face is as flawless as jade, in the prime of youth, yet you always wear a stern expression and rarely speak. If that’s not mature, what is?” Li Muwan cupped his face in her hands, utterly adoring.

After a moment of contemplation, Wang Lin asked seriously, “Then, do you not like it?”

Seeing his expression suddenly change, Li Muwan quickly backtracked, “Of course I like it.”

“If you’re afraid, why lie?” With a wave of his hand, Wang Lin draped a black robe over her, retracted his long hair, and sat up. In one swift motion, he wrapped the robe around her, leaving only her face exposed.

“Wan’er, have you ever hidden anything from me?” He wore only a pair of trousers, his upper body bare, revealing his lean and powerful muscles.

Li Muwan sat there, gazing at the faint shadow behind the screen, inexplicably feeling a lingering fear.

Could it be that her earlier remark about him being mature had displeased the Fiend?

“Senior Brother, Wan’er holds nothing back from you.”

“I believe you.” The voice from behind the screen was heavy, and when the figure emerged again, a loose robe draped over them, crimson hair strikingly vivid.

If entrusting the last shred of hope for Core Formation to her in the Sea of Demonic Cultivation was merely due to lack of alternatives or their fates being inextricably linked, leaving no choice

Then placing the matter of Nascent Soul Formation entirely in Li Muwan’s hands again within Cloud Heaven Sect was complete trust in her. How could there still be any distinction between them?

“Wan’er, anyone in this world might scheme against my cultivation level or covet my Magical Artifacts,” Wang Lin leaned forward, firmly gathering the figure hidden beneath the loose robe into his embrace. “Only you would never.”

Li Muwan stiffened, guilt washing over her face. Her lips parted slightly, harboring unspoken troubles.

Lost in affection without realizing it, Wang Lin held her until, after a long while, Li Muwan’s hoarse voice murmured against his shoulder, “What if…”

“I mean, suppose… suppose one day, everything turns out to be false…”

“What is false?” Wang Lin gently stroked her hair, her delicate form melting into his arms.

Li Muwan spoke incoherently, “If… if Wan’er deceived you, would you kill me?”

“Then keep deceiving me forever.” Wang Lin seemed indifferent, for he never imagined Li Muwan would ever hide anything from him.

“If… if…” Li Muwan whispered, having come this far, what harm was there in probing further?

But Wang Lin had no intention of continuing the conversation, dismissing it as her being overly talkative. “Wan’er, you’re tired. Rest now.”

If these feelings were false, would he…?

Li Muwan dared not dwell on it further. Then let the deception continue forever.

She pointed at Wang Lin’s chest. “I want to sleep here.”

Wang Lin lay down, his sturdy chest perfectly serving as her pillow. His warm scent and comfortable embrace soon lulled her into steady breathing.

***

Zhou Lin had not entered the Southern Garden for over ten days. When Li Muwan had matters to discuss, she would use the Sound Transmission Jade Slip.

Sect affairs were delivered to the Southern Garden’s entrance, retrieved by Xu Liguo. Rumors spread within the sect: a tall, exceptionally handsome cultivator with crimson hair and profound cultivation level now resided in the sect master’s quarters.

During this period, no one but the grand sect master had entered those rooms. Yet after she left and returned, the occupant had changed. Concerns grewwas Cloud Heaven Sect facing another calamity?

To address this, the Grand Ancestor and elders risked angering both the sect master and the mysteriously powerful cultivator.

In the end, they resolved to remonstrate at the cost of their lives!