Conquering That Great Demon Lord [Xian Ni Fan Fiction] - Chapter 35: Wood Carving

Chapter 35: Wood Carving

The next morning, when her eyes fluttered open, her gaze met sharp contours. He held a book, leisurely flipping through its pages.

Li Muwan propped herself up, stretched lazily, then softly collapsed into his embrace. “Senior Brother, Wan’er is awake.”

“Was it too noisy last night?” Wang Lin’s fingertips brushed through her silken hair.

Li Muwan shook her head and tightened her half-slipped collar. When she glanced down, she noticed a kiss mark on her chest that hadn’t been there before – she distinctly remembered they hadn’t done anything last night.

Her eyes returned to his proper demeanor, unable to imagine how this composed man would secretly do such things while she slept.

Pursing her lips, Li Muwan rose to leave the bed. But as she swung her legs over, a force pulled her back from behind.

She fell straight down, apparently brushing against something untouchable.

“Senior Brother, what are you doing?” Blush spread across Li Muwan’s cheeks.

“Awake now?” Wang Lin’s voice deepened.

“Yes, Zhou Lin will be delivering sect affairs later. I need to prepare.” Li Muwan averted her gaze, not daring to look at him.

Wang Lin knew she was using sect matters to pressure him, but he wouldn’t yield. His grip tightened as his other hand slipped open her loose collar.

The sash instantly fell away. In her panic, Li Muwan pressed against him, her fullness firmly meeting his form.

Wang Lin’s mind heated, abandoning all pretense of propriety. He tore away the remaining garments, carelessly tossing them aside. His palm moved from her waist to grip the nape of her neck, forcing her lips against his.

He captured her mouth with rough intensity.

When Li Muwan tried to push up for air, he pinned her wrists. Wang Lin’s mind flashed to the person in the painting, a mad and terrifying thought eroding his reason, consuming his original self.

The force at her neck pushed her downward.

Wang Lin growled his command: “Wan’er, come.”

In her dazed state, Li Muwan accepted him, her moist tongue caressing like soothing a wolf cub.

The fullness brought tears to her eyes.

She floated like one lying upon clouds, moaning rhythmically. Outside the Southern Garden, sparrows startled as Spiritual Power from their Dual Cultivation overflowed the room, nourishing the morning-foraging Spirit Beasts. Koi fish peeked from beneath lotus leaves.

On the roof, several Fiends huddled together for warmth, staring blankly ahead. Though the Restriction blocked sight and sound, they could sense the emanating Spiritual Power.

“So early in the morning, they’re at it again.” Xu Liguo leaned against Xiao Ling with crossed arms. “Youth is wonderful.”

“Wan’er, sit down.” Wang Lin half-rose, lifting Li Muwan.

Knowing she owed him from last night, Li Muwan didn’t hesitate to repay with interest. Yet the stretch still surpassed her expectations.

Before she could catch her breath, he thrust upward. Her cascading hair veiled the red marks on her chest.

Waves of force like intricate spiderwebs rolled through her, seeping into every bone. She drifted as if lying on cotton, floating up only to plunge down again.

“Wan’er, don’t fear. I’ll support you.” Wang Lin’s hot breath whispered by her ear, but Li Muwan could no longer hear clearly. Her spirit scattered, leaving desire running rampant in the chaos.

Where they joined seemed inseparable. Though her expression showed strain, she desperately craved deeper connection.

The Soul Pearl resonated wildly within. She cried out and sank down fiercely.

Let me fall!

Let me drown here with this Fiend, thinking of nothing at all.

As the setting sun enveloped the Southern Garden, the warmth inside the room dispersed. Li Muwan’s cheeks were damp, her form slumped in his embrace like a torn garment.

Wang Lin held her contentedly, as if by doing so he had truly captured her essence.

This lovestruck version of Wang Lin felt unfamiliar to Li Muwan, yet to reclaim her Soul of Life, she had no choice but to endure his growing frenzy. When he sought to take, she willingly offered herself.

“Wan’er, shall we continue?”

Before she could respond, Wang Lin grew restless again. A tingling sensation traveled up her nape, causing Li Muwan to shiver before a wave of softness spread through her limbs. Weakly, she murmured, “Senior Brother…”

He admired the curve of her neck, his fingertips tracing along it. Pressing his nose against her skin, he inhaled deeply, captivated by the fragrance emanating from her hair as he closed his eyes in rapture.

His nose trailed down her spine, the shallow dimples of her waist becoming more distinct in the intruding beams of light, his prominent nose bridge settling into the deep hollow.

“Senior Brother, why are you biting me?”

Li Muwan pressed her face into the gap between two bed pillows, eyes closed as she savored the tingling sensations coursing through her.

When the hungry wolf had his fill of his prey.

She muffled continuous moans into the pillows. Wang Lin paused briefly, though not with any intention of stopping.

The morning sun dried the thick mist in the Southern Garden. Approaching noon, fallen blossoms drifted aimlessly across the lake surface, following the wind’s direction.

Her dark hair fanned across the low couch, with a few crimson strands dangling over the bedside. Wang Lin gathered her into his arms once more.

Her hands clenched the bedding tightly, the way she sank into it seeming to speak of the weight pressing behind her.

Deeper still.

Wang Lin pressed closer, arms braced on either side, Li Muwan’s entire body falling under his dominion. His heavy, warm breath cascaded beside her face.

“Wan’er…”

He took her clutching hands in his palm. She relaxed slightly, her delicate features contorted. Turning her head, she wanted him to see her pitiful state, hoping he would show mercy and gentle his touch…

Soon, she ceased struggling.

The lingering heat from the scorching sun filled the room. From beyond the screen, occasional breezes entered from the cool terrace, stirring the gauze curtains.

Wang Lin nudged her face toward him with his fingertips. “Wan’er’s neck is so alluring.”

“Senior Brother, please spare Wan’er…”

“Endure a little longer, alright?” he coaxed tenderly.

“Mhm!” Li Muwan’s breath came unevenly. In this position, she was being kneaded into disarray.

Tears fell into his palm, mingling with the warm flow.

Her legs weak and back sore, Li Muwan grabbed a random robe and nearly tumbled off the bed. “No… no more…”

“Wan’er, why are you taking my clothes?” Wang Lin propped himself up to observe her.

“Hmm?” She collapsed onto the carpet, looking up innocently at the man leaning over the low couch.

Her sparkling eyes were veiled in a misty haze, utterly beguiling. Wang Lin leaned down, kissing her eyelids, then gently pulled away the garment she held against her chest. Spreading it open, he wrapped it around her and effortlessly lifted her, carrying her back into the inner chamber.

The clothes he had promised to replace for her hadn’t been bought from the market yet. Li Muwan’s wardrobe contained few styles, each exquisitely crafted, mostly tailored by the sect.

Since Wang Lin’s return, his garments had also filled the closet.

“Senior Brother, which one will you pick for me?” Li Muwan kept her arms looped around his neck as Wang Lin continued holding her.

He randomly selected one. “Wan’er has such a fine figure, everything looks beautiful on you.”

“Then put me down.”

Wang Lin set her down and withdrew from the inner chamber. By the time Li Muwan emerged, he had already changed into fresh clothes and was sitting cross-legged, absorbing the Spiritual Energy swirling around him.

During this period of Dual Cultivation, his cultivation level had advanced yet again. The spiritual power his body couldn’t absorb was stored in Top-Grade Spirit Stones, which might serve as replenishment when they reached the Immortal Realm of Rain.

Li Muwan’s long hair cascaded over her slender back. Without her usual adornments, she looked utterly pitiable.

Seeing Wang Lin in meditation, she took out the reclaimed Soul Pearl Jade Slip and began studying it at the desk. Earlier, during their intimate moment, the Soul Pearl had resonated again. She wondered how much the fiend’s favorability had changed this time.

[Li Muwan: Soul Pearl, has the fiend’s favorability increased?]

[Soul Pearl: There were fluctuations, but the highest remains at 85%]

[Li Muwan: …]

She pondered what more she needed to do to completely conquer him and raise the fiend’s favorability to one hundred. How could she possibly touch the deepest recesses of the fiend’s heart?

“Soul of Life without birth, Soul of Life with birth…” Li Muwan silently repeated these eight words.

Retrieving the Soul of Life could break the predicament of depleted lifespan – this was life. Possessing the Soul of Life could rebuild the physical body – this was also life…

But besides the Soul of Life affecting her lifespan and cultivation level, she still couldn’t resolve the root cause of that Azure Dragon Jade Tablet from three hundred years ago.

Years earlier, she had already attempted Nascent Soul Formation, but things had gone contrary to her wishes. The formation failed, and were it not for the Spirit Elixir Wang Lin left behind to sustain her vitality, she would likely be on death’s doorstep by now.

The union of yin and yang between them helped stabilize her cultivation level, which for now remained beneficial.

Therefore, no matter what, indulging him more certainly wasn’t a bad thing.

Li Muwan put away the jade slip, as there were still sect affairs left unattended. Wang Lin withdrew his true energy and glanced out the window where the sunlight was just right. Remembering his promise during their recent outing to carve her a wood carving, he decided to make good use of today’s leisure time.

Taking a wood segment, he sat before the desk and began carving meticulously. Li Muwan had requested a carving of someone wielding a Restriction Banner, and Wang Lin was fulfilling her wish.

After some time, Li Muwan finished her important tasks and emerged into the outer chamber, just in time to see Wang Lin leaning over the desk with both hands, his robe dusted with wood shavings. As she watched, his red hair gradually faded to white while he carved the wood segment.

Whenever he carved, his state of mind would transform differently.

The warm sunlight fell perfectly upon him, and the light reflected from his carving knife illuminated the contours of his eyes. She stared at Wang Lin in a daze, unable to resist approaching him.

Her skirt swayed with each step as she came before the desk and sat opposite Wang Lin. Leaning forward, she tried to get a clearer view of his entire face.

Noticing her presence in his peripheral vision, Wang Lin didn’t stop his carving knife, though the corners of his mouth curved upward.

Li Muwan watched for a long while as the wood segment took shape, the Restriction Banner faintly visible within it.

“Senior Brother, did your father teach you this wood carving skill?” Li Muwan asked, resting her chin in her hands.

Wang Lin’s carving hand paused slightly – this was the first time he’d heard her mention his parents.

“Wan’er?” His gaze held surprise.

“Hmm?” Her eyes remained fixed on the wood carving, not noticing Wang Lin’s gaze upon her. “Why did Senior Brother stop carving?”

“What did you just call?”

Li Muwan glanced sideways, her smile blooming like warm sunlight. “Senior Brother.”

“Not that.”

After a moment’s thought, Li Muwan said, “I asked if Senior Brother’s skill was taught by Father?”

Wang Lin nodded, somewhat stunned. “Wan’er, you… called him my father…”

“Senior Brother, Wan’er is your wife. Your parents are naturally my parents. Is there any problem with that?”

Wang Lin found it hard to believe, yet he cherished her unconditional affection. “Does Wan’er truly consider them as her own parents in her heart?”

Li Muwan was unconvinced and soothed, “Your parents raised you, and Senior Brother has spent half his life seeking to avenge them. This shows how important they are in your heart. Anyone Senior Brother loves is someone Wan’er cares about too.”

“In the future, when you take Wan’er back to Zhao Kingdom, we’ll visit your parents together. Let them see if they’re satisfied with this daughter-in-law.”

She always wore a smile, her laughter brimming with sunlight.

Wang Lin reached out and gently stroked her hair, adoringly saying, “With Wan’er being so wonderful, Father and Mother are sure to like you.”

“Mhm.” Her attention returned to the wood carving she had been longing for. “Senior Brother carved it so lifelike.”

Only then did Wang Lin withdraw his gaze, focusing back on the task in hand. “It’s almost done.”

Li Muwan stayed by his side, watching with keen interest, but found it too quiet. “Senior Brother, Wan’er wants to hear you talk.”

Wang Lin, never much of a talker and especially inept at sweet nothings, lowered his head and concentrated on carving. “What would you like to hear?”

Li Muwan got up and nestled into his embrace. Wang Lin set down the carving knife, opening his arms slightly to hold her. She pressed close against his shoulder, her fingertips tracing his nose bridge as she teased, “Won’t Senior Brother coax me a little?”

“Coax… what?” Wang Lin was utterly baffled. He could always sense Li Muwan’s emotional shifts and resolve her displeasure through actions, but he didn’t know how to use honeyed words to cheer her up.

“Then do you know that a woman’s thoughts are often quite different from what you see and hear?”

“How so?” Wang Lin looked puzzled, growing more confused.

Li Muwan resolved inwardlyshe would teach him. “If you don’t know how, Wan’er can teach you.”

“Then I beg my lady to enlighten me.”

“When a woman faces the one she loves, her words often don’t reflect her true feelings.” Li Muwan stood up and broke free, pacing lightly before the desk. Her skirt swayed gently, like a butterfly fluttering through a forest.

Her unbound long hair cascaded over her, her ethereal grace utterly captivating.

“How so?” Wang Lin’s gaze followed her closely.

“Most of the time, when a woman says she wants something, she actually doesn’t. And when she says she doesn’t, she does!” This was something she had read in storybooks.

“Why would she do that?”

Li Muwan explained seriously, “That’s how she captures the attention of the one she loves.”

“Then why not speak directly? If the other person misunderstands, wouldn’t that lead to resentment and wasted years?” Wang Lin shook his head and picked up the carving knife again.

“Senior Brother doesn’t understandthis is the delight between lovers.” Li Muwan stared at him. “Does Senior Brother not get it?”

Wang Lin shook his head.

Li Muwan’s eyes dimmed thoughtfully. After a moment, she imitated his tone, “Wan’er, I’ll take you to the market to buy pretty clothes. How does that sound?”

“Senior Brother, if you were Wan’er, how would you answer?”

“Okay.” Wang Lin replied solemnly.

“Hmm?” Li Muwan shook her head in denial. “Wan’er would say no, but in her heart, she wants it.”

“Then why not just say yes?” Wang Lin paused his work again.

“At times like this, Senior Brother should coax her,” Li Muwan suddenly cupped his face, leaning in earnestly. “Because Wan’er is being willful. You shouldn’t ask whether I want it or notyou should just take me.”

Wang Lin chuckled. “Complicated.”

“A woman’s heart is just like that. If Senior Brother finds it complicated, it means he doesn’t care enough about Wan’er.” Li Muwan pouted, her pink, full lips tempting enough to nibble.

Wang Lin’s lips parted slightly as he leaned in, but Li Muwan curved her lips into a subtle smirk, hiding her mischief as she straightened up to avoid his kiss.

“No.”

With that single word from her, Wang Lin dared not advance further.

“Are you really giving up just like that?” Li Muwan glared at him, pouting in frustration.

Wang Lin wore an innocent expression: “Wan’er said no.”

“Exactly! When Wan’er says no, she means yes,” Li Muwan fumed at his denseness. “Senior Brother, how can you be so wooden-headed?”

“What kind of husband is this dull?” She pretended to be resentful.

A smile tugged at Wang Lin’s lips as he set down his carving knife. His palm brushed against her cheek as he leaned in and kissed her.

“Then, I’ll trouble Wan’er to teach me carefully. This husband will study diligently.”

“Mmm…” Li Muwan’s face flushed hot now, and she quickly pushed him away. The fire she’d stirred up, she had to extinguish herselfdamage control in time.

Yet seeing Wang Lin like this, she wanted to tease him further. “Senior Brother, praise Wan’er. Wan’er wants to hear it.”

Wang Lin’s brow furrowed slightly.

“What? Is Wan’er not worth your praise at all?”

Wang Lin thought for a moment. “Not at all. It’s just that Wan’er’s goodness surpasses all beautiful words in this world.”

Li Muwan covered her mouth with a light laugh, finding it somewhat exaggerated.

“Then why doesn’t Senior Brother like Wan’er?” Her eyes held a trace of genuine feeling. “Has Wan’er failed in some way?”

Wang Lin was puzzled. He clearly cared deeply for her and didn’t understand why she would say this.

Li Muwan wanted to know why the favorability in the Soul Pearl showed only eighty-five. Could it be simply because he didn’t know how to love someone?

“Wan’er will teach you how to love me, alright?” She pressed her cheek against his palm, gazing at him.

Wang Lin hesitated, words caught in his throat. How could he not know his own feelings? Yet he didn’t want Li Muwan to overthink. Though her heart contained vast worlds, it was only through these ordinary moments with her that he felt like a real, living person in this World of Cultivation.

“Alright.”

He handed her the completed wood carving. Li Muwan took it and saw it was identical to her in every detail, even individual strands of hair perfectly rendered.

“Senior Brother’s craftsmanship is truly remarkable. This wood carving captures both form and spiritWan’er loves it so much.” Delighted, she rewarded him with a quick kiss before pulling away.

Wang Lin watched with lovesick eyes as her figure disappeared behind the carved screen into the inner chamber. Through the latticework, he could see her shadow moving about, seemingly contemplating where to place the wood carving to her satisfaction.

In his heart, he whispered: Wan’er, no teaching is needed. I already love you.