Conquering That Great Demon Lord [Xian Ni Fan Fiction] - Chapter57: Market

Chapter57: Market

The next day dawned clear, with a blazing sun shining brightly. Wang Lin rose early to prepare breakfast, then gently woke Li Muwan. Rubbing her drowsy eyes, she sat up in a daze.

Being naturally fond of sleep, Wang Lin rarely disturbed her rest. Li Muwan sat blankly as Wang Lin helped her wash up, still heavy with sleep, her head occasionally nodding forward to rest against his arm.

“The market opens early. Wan’er can sleep more after we return.”

Wang Lin selected a goose-yellow cloud brocade ruqun with subtle patterns, paired with a tea-white antique satin outer garment. Once dressed, Li Muwan grew somewhat more alert.

“Wan’er, come, let me do your makeup.” Wang Lin lifted her horizontally and settled her before the dressing table. Delighted to see her reflection, Li Muwan watched as he brushed her hair, fastened ornaments, traced her eyebrows, and applied cosmeticseach step meticulously completed.

Cradling her small face and embracing her from behind, he gazed at their dual reflection in the mirror. “Wan’er is truly beautiful.”

Li Muwan blossomed into a radiant smile, shifting her chair aside to venture into the courtyard with Wang Lin following closely.

Bathed in the morning sun, she tilted her head to admire the clear sky, while the lingering dampness from days of rain clung to the air beyond the yard.

“The weather has cleared. Wan’er can play in the courtyard again,” Wang Lin remarked, stroking her head from behind.

After a moment of stillness, Li Muwan darted off and seated herself primly at the small courtyard table, hands neatly arrangeda silent signal that she awaited breakfast.

With an affectionate glance, Wang Lin disappeared into the kitchen, returning with a bowl of steamed coarse grains and eggs, the aroma of freshly brewed tea wafting from the stove.

As Li Muwan reached for the food, Wang Lin stopped her gently. “It’s just off the heat and still scalding. Let me peel it for you.”

Recalling the sharp pain of a previous burn, she withdrew her hand and held it steadily near her shoulder, watching intently as Wang Lin tapped the eggshell until it cracked, revealing the glossy, smooth egg white beneath, its fragrance teasing her senses.

He fed her a small piece, and her eyes curved with pleasure at the taste. Eager to eat on her own, she took the whole egg from his hand.

“Be careful with the yolk, Wan’er. It can be dryeat slowly,” Wang Lin cautioned as he peeled a sweet potato, his gaze never leaving her, vigilant against any mishap like burning or choking.

When sunlight fully embraced the courtyard, the two set out for the market. The streets teemed with crowds, stalls overflowing with an endless variety of toys and snacks. Li Muwan, brimming with curiosity, wove through the throngleaning over one stall to watch sugar painting, then hovering at another to examine an array of masks.

Noting her interest, Wang Lin offered to buy her one, but she hesitated, unable to decide. Eventually, he chose a fox mask for her, which she donned with a playful shake of her head.

Suddenly, a vendor’s cry diverted her attention.

A sugar-coated haws seller passed by, captivating her gaze. As if entranced, she stood motionless, silently yearning, lips pressed together as she swallowedunable to voice her desire.

Wang Lin led her forward, where several children clustered around the vendor. Once they dispersed, he bought a skewer and handed it to Li Muwan. “This is for Wan’er.”

Overjoyed, she accepted the treat. Having enjoyed its beauty and flavor before, she had memorized the taste, hence her fixed stare earlier.

Instead of biting in immediately, she brought it close to inhale its scent, then took a small bite. Recognizing the familiar flavor, she beamed with delight and offered the skewer to Wang Lin, tilting her head expectantly for him to share a bite.

Wang Lin paused for a moment, then noticing her hopeful gaze, he gently took her wrist and bit off one of the candied fruits. With a teasing smile, he said, “It’s delicious. Wan’er should eat it herself.”

Li Muwan withdrew her hand, sugar crumbs clinging to the corner of her lips. Wang Lin wiped them away for her. As the crowd surged again, Li Muwan nearly stumbled when a passerby bumped into her. Wang Lin’s mind jolted, and he silently released a surge of Spiritual Power, unnoticed by anyone, pushing the offender several feet back. He then took her hand and walked away as if nothing had happened.

The market was crowded, and Li Muwan tended to grow drowsy after prolonged attention. After purchasing their necessities, they needed to visit the tailor shop to pick out a few summer outfits for her, along with the Picture Book she had been longing for.

Wang Lin had visited this tailor shop several times before, always buying in bulk. The shopkeeper recognized him but had never seen Li Muwan.

“Young master, here again to buy clothes for your wife?” The shopkeeper greeted him warmly, though his gaze subtly drifted to the woman beside him. Li Muwan appeared somewhat timid, clutching Wang Lin’s arm and hiding behind him. She avoided looking around, focusing instead on the patterns on the back of Wang Lin’s robe, her fingers nervously twisting a loose ribbon hanging from his clothing.

Wang Lin would not tolerate any scrutinizing looks directed at her. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, startling the shopkeeper, who quickly averted his gaze and led them inside.

“Young master, what style are you looking for today?”

Wang Lin handed over a slip of paper with Li Muwan’s measurements. “Have your female attendants select a few ready-made garments in comfortable fabrics and attractive designs according to these measurements.”

The shopkeeper promptly went to relay the instructions.

“Wan’er, don’t be afraid. I’m here.” Wang Lin’s tall frame completely shielded her petite form. When the female attendants arrived, they couldn’t see the stunning woman the shopkeeper had mentioned.

It wasn’t until Wang Lin stepped aside that they saw her.

“Young master, madam, please have a seat in the private room.” The attendants tried to approach Li Muwan to guide her in selecting clothes.

Li Muwan had never interacted with anyone other than Wang Lin. The moment they touched her, she instinctively hid in Wang Lin’s embrace, burying her face deeply as if wanting to disappear into him.

The attendants felt slightly awkward, their gestures frozen mid-air, unsure how to react.

Wang Lin soothed the flustered “little rabbit” in his arms and instructed the attendants, “No need. Just pick out the prettiest ones, wrap them up, and that will be all.”

Li Muwan couldn’t dress herself and couldn’t try on clothes. Wang Lin didn’t want anyone else touching her except himself. He only requested ready-made clothes according to her measurements. Whether they fit or whether she liked them would have to be determined later when he helped her try them on at home.

The attendants noticed that although this man appeared gentle in attire, his aura was imposing and his eyes held a fierce intensity. They didn’t dare direct their sales enthusiasm toward him and obediently selected several outfits based on their years of experience, all chosen with Li Muwan in mind.

By the time they left the tailor shop, it was already past noon. Li Muwan showed signs of drowsiness but suddenly caught the aroma of freshly steamed buns from a street vendor. The enticing smell wafted through the air. She patted her rumbling stomach and looked up at Wang Lin with a pitiful expression.

It was time for her to eat.

“Do you want to eat buns?”

Li Muwan tugged Wang Lin toward the bun shop, drawing close to the steamer. The steam was scalding hot. Wang Lin reacted swiftly, raising his palm to shield her from the vapor, then let out a relieved sigh.

Fortunately, the steam hadn’t reached her face, though the back of Wang Lin’s hand turned red from the heat, startling the bun shop owner.

“Madam, be careful! These freshly steamed baskets are hotter than boiling water. If your lovely face got scalded, your husband would be heartbroken.”

Wang Lin tightened his hold around her and said calmly, “Two meat buns, please.”

The shopkeeper kindly picked two plump meat buns wrapped in warm oiled paper. Wang Lin paid with copper coins and left with Li Muwan.

Her gaze remained fixed on the oiled paper in Wang Lin’s hand.

Wang Lin was still lost in thought about the earlier fright. Though Li Muwan was happy to be brought out, dangers lurked everywhere. A moment’s inattention could mean losing sight of her. If she were hurt or in pain, he would loathe himself endlessly.

When Li Muwan saw that Wang Lin hadn’t given her the buns, she refused to walk further, tugging at the ribbon trailing from his clothes. Only then did he snap back to reality and look at her.

“Wan’er, what’s wrong?”

He followed her downward gaze and suddenly understood.

He unwrapped the oiled paper, steam still rising. “Sorry, Wan’er, I forgot for a moment.”

They stood by the street, Wang Lin shielding her with his body while she leaned against the wall behind her. He broke off pieces of the bun, feeding her bite by bite. Passersby glanced at them and couldn’t resist commenting.

“Newlyweds, I suppose? Being so affectionate in broad daylighthow the times have changed!”

“Let’s go, don’t meddle in others’ affairs.”

“Perfectly capable of feeding herself yet needing to be fed? If my wife were this spoiled, I’d have divorced her long ago.”

“…”

Wang Lin paid no heed. After Li Muwan finished eating, he wiped the corners of her mouth.

Having eaten the meat bun, Li Muwan grew drowsy, her eyelids heavy.

Wang Lin hurried, fortunately the bookstore wasn’t farjust a few steps away. Inside, he selected several books she hadn’t read before. Li Muwan sat on a low stool, propping her head up as she struggled to stay awake.

When someone spoke to her, she would only stare blankly without responding.

After several attempts, the person realized Li Muwan wasn’t ordinary.

He remarked to his companion, “Such a fine lady, yet she’s simple-minded. What a pity, what a pity!”

“Is the lady here alone?”

“Could someone have tricked her here in this state?”

“Not bad-looking though, quite delicate and charming.”

“…”

Wang Lin returned after settling the bill and overheard their conversation. Their words felt like countless fine needles piercing his heart. Li Muwan’s condition was because of him.

He would allow no one to disparage her.

And this “simple-minded” person was someone whose physical form he had painstakingly reconstructed, snatching her back from the clutches of fate itself.

A cold voice pierced their ears: “Dogs who don’t recognize their own naturewhy not examine yourselves in your own urine?”

The men turned angrily and saw Wang Lin emanating a chilling aura. Though scholars prided themselves on integrity, theirs was limited.

“This woman is indeed simple-minded. We weren’t wrong. Why must you insult us, sir?”

“You were the ones speaking recklessly first.” Wang Lin didn’t even look at them, walking straight to Li Muwan who had already fallen asleep with her head on the table.

“Wan’er, come, let’s go home.” Wang Lin’s expression softened completely, all traces of his earlier severity gone.

But the men behind him lacked tact, continuing their disrespectful, mocking remarks. “Devotion and dimwittednessa match made in heaven.”

His companion joined in the scornful laughter, their faces contemptible.

Wang Lin carried Li Muwan on his back, his eyes icy. A red glow undetectable to ordinary people shimmered around him. “Seeking death.”

As Wang Lin left the bookstore, he left a trace of Divine Sense on the men. Li Muwan slept soundly on his back, drool dampening a corner of his clothing.

Wang Lin comforted the sleeping figure, “Wan’er isn’t simple. Wan’er is clever. Wan’er isn’t dimwitted…”

Those self-proclaimed romantic scholars, riding in a carriage to the outskirts, fell off a cliff at a mountain bend, resulting in their deaths, the destruction of the carriage, and their bodies vanishing without a trace.

As an ordinary mortal accompanying Li Muwan in the mortal world, he didn’t need to conceal killings like those who cultivate through worldly experiences. Killing wouldn’t affect his state of mind, but if anyone offended him, he was still the Wang Lin who wouldn’t blink an eye at slaughter.

After Li Muwan woke up, Wang Lin stayed by her bedside, repeatedly tracing the contours of her brows and eyes, watching her peaceful sleeping face. Sometimes, Wang Lin wondered if she would also enjoy such daysfar from the life of cultivation, free from facing killingsonce she fully awakened after gathering her three souls.

But she didn’t remember who she was anymore and had lost all her memories. According to a few scholars’ words, a foolish personhow could a foolish person have any worries?

The person by the bed took a deep breath; as long as she was still here, that was enough.

Strands of her hair fell onto her cheeks. Li Muwan had been asleep for two hours since returning. Summer days were long, and sunset came late. Many butterflies and dragonflies rested on the flowers and plants in the courtyard.

Having slept enough and feeling tickled by the ends of hair on her cheeks, she lifted her hand to brush them away, but they fell back. Her small brows furrowed tightly. Wang Lin noticed the movement of the person before him and straightened up.

Li Muwan happened to open her eyes, gazing at him dazedly.

“Is Wan’er awake?”

The packaged clothing still sat unopened beside the table. Li Muwan’s gaze fell on the box. Wang Lin noticed her look and lifted her with his arm. Li Muwan leaned against his shoulder, her chin resting weakly. Her mind felt heavy after the afternoon nap, and her whole body was limp.

“Wan’er is awake. Shall we try on the new clothes?”

Li Muwan propped her eyelids open, her fingers grabbing a strand of his hair, twisting it absentmindedly without responding to him.

Wang Lin exerted strength to lift her. The sudden upward motion roused Li Muwan slightly, and she clenched her hands tighter.

He curved his lips into a smile. Seeing this, Li Muwan also tugged at the corners of her mouth. She always loved staring at Wang Lin’s profile. Whenever Wang Lin gazed at her lost in thought, she would lean in closer, curious why her reflection appeared in his eyes, exactly like her own image in the bronze mirror on the dressing table.

Wang Lin set her down on a chair and opened a box. Inside was a set of honey-colored Guang Embroidery Gauze Clothing, breathable and comfortable, perfect for summer wear. Li Muwan liked it, holding the new clothes and smiling at him, so Wang Lin helped her change into it.

The inner garment still retained some warmth, and the size fit perfectly, the color complementing her skin tone. Li Muwan twirled in front of the bronze mirror, her long hair flowing in the wind. She was thoroughly pleased.

“Does Wan’er want to try on the others?”

Seeing her admiring herself in the mirror, overwhelmed by the sight of so many new clothes and reluctant to change out of them, Wang Lin put away the other garments.

After putting on the new clothes, she ran out to play in the courtyard. The sunlight was shaded by the peach tree. The chickens in the coop, hearing the commotion, crowded together and clucked incessantly for food. As Li Muwan passed by, she felt afraid and deliberately kept her distance, lifting her skirt and stepping carefully.

Wang Lin’s tall figure stood in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest, watching the figure playing in the courtyard.

“Counting the days, Wan’er and my wedding anniversary is almost here,” Wang Lin murmured to himself, still remembering how Li Muwan had once said they should plant a peach tree together every year on their anniversary.

The summer heat was intense, and sometimes she didn’t sleep well at night. Wang Lin had no choice but to use the Yellow Springs Ascending Aperture Technique to regulate the room’s temperature. As a mortal, she couldn’t handle extreme cold or heat.