Ordered to Marry by the High King - Chapter 53

What a refusal.

The tiger showed her power; Kunyu dared not make a sound again. For a moment, she felt that this tiger and fox duo had come merely to mock her, so she simply stopped appearing altogether.

A chilly wind howled through the mountain ridge. Ghosts lined the path in welcome for quite some time, only to start wondering whether they had welcomed the wrong person—why was their demon lord only responding with her voice, yet not showing herself?

Longming stood among withered trees, arms crossed, gazing calmly into the depths. She didn’t seem like a guest—more like someone here to stir up trouble. Her lips moved slightly, and she uttered just two words, “Come out.”

The depths of the Jueming Ridge were utterly silent.

Kunyu ground her teeth and stubbornly dug in. She refused to come out. What could they do about it?

Zhuoxue glanced at Longming, then crossed her arms too, clearly riding on Longming’s imposing aura. Times had changed. This fox was no longer the one who came running at a call, serving tea and wine with deference, even playing leaf cards as entertainment.

Longming caught sight of the fox mimicking her stance and couldn’t help but smirk slightly. Then she turned back and said to Kunyu, “It’s not even winter yet—why are you already hibernating? Besides, you’re not a turtle, snake, or toad.”

A faint voice echoed from deep within the mountains, “Seeing you two just annoys me.”

“I know you’re annoyed, but please, don’t be—at least not yet,” Zhuoxue advised.

Kunyu had a fiery temper. With demons like these, being too forceful was the worst approach. She was being even more perfunctory than when dealing with Longming. It was pure empty talk—words that sounded like they meant something but meant nothing at all.

The fox was being just as headstrong, only a step away from claiming the mountain as her own.

The gathered ghosts looked at one another, catching the faint scent of impending conflict beneath the calm.

Affairs between demon lords were theirs to settle. They wouldn’t drag their subordinates into it. In an instant, the ghosts burrowed underground, pretending they were blind and deaf.

“We didn’t come to mock you,” Longming said plainly. “There’s something important.”

Zhuoxue, with nothing better to do, chimed in, “More important than mocking you. Don’t be mad, don’t be mad—getting sick from anger, no demon can stand in for that.”

Longming laughed again.

The one hearing all this couldn’t decide whether to be mad or not. Maybe it’d be better to just become a toad and hibernate. Belonging to the toad family—poke it once, and it swells with anger.

After a while, from amidst the scattered graves, a humanoid figure slowly appeared, each step crunching down on broken bones and dead leaves, sounding like a beast gnawing its prey.

Kunyu still had that skull-mask covering her face. Just as the hedgehog demon had said—she looked like trouble. No wonder the Nightmare King had managed to frame her so easily. Her expression was dark and brooding as she drew closer, first fixing her gaze on Longming, then on Zhuoxue, and sneered coldly, “What rare guests—one throwing her weight around, the other a fox hiding behind the tiger.”

Zhuoxue poked Longming in the lower back. “Say something to her!”

Longming’s lower back tingled slightly. With a hiss, she said, “Who’s hiding behind whom is still up for debate.” Not a wrong statement—without Zhuoxue, she still wouldn’t know all the secrets behind that battle a century ago.

Kunyu widened her eyes. “You lost a game of leaf cards to the fox?”

Zhuoxue responded with a hum, her expression turning affectionate as she hid behind Longming, saying, “I’m a little more skilled than Longming. Back then, I only let you win out of the kindness of my heart.”

Kunyu grew even more furious—this was a gunpowder keg dropped into dry wood.

Longming smirked. “You’re a lot like Liangmeng—always calling me a rare guest.”

That was undeniably adding fuel to the fire. Kunyu couldn’t stand that name and snapped, “What’s this so-called important matter? Why bring her up for no reason?”

Longming no longer had the patience to circle around with Kunyu, and got straight to the point. “I just came out of the Huangliang Dream Market, and unfortunately learned something.”

“Unfortunately?” Kunyu’s face twisted with irritation. But this was Longming—no matter how angry she was, she had to swallow it. “You saw her, and then came to mock me?”

“Yes, we saw her. That’s why we had no choice but to come see you,” Zhuoxue murmured.

“No choice?” Kunyu chuckled. “So the Dream Market’s mistress couldn’t handle something and you have to rely on me?”

But the laugh barely lasted a second before her expression turned stiff.

“She’s been hit with a Heart-Piercing Gu. Seems to be the work of the Nightmare King,” Longming said slowly.

The more hostile the two demons usually were, the uglier Kunyu’s face looked now. A flash of fury rose in her dark eyes. She snapped, “Why would the Nightmare King hit her with a Heart-Piercing Gu? Does he want to steal Pillow Red Dust?” After all, Liangmeng was once the demon by her pillow. Kunyu naturally knew her past.

“The Nightmare King expected I’d go to the Huangliang Dream Market, so he set the gu as a trap. He wants something from me.” Longming didn’t reveal everything.

But Kunyu no longer cared what she was hiding. In a rush, she turned to leave—clearly ready to confront the Nightmare King.

Then her steps faltered. She frowned in confusion. “Even if you put the Nightmare King’s head in front of Liangmeng, she wouldn’t spare it a glance. When did she even meet him?”

“Unfortunately, just outside your Jueming Ridge,” Longming said, her tone turning slow.

This was an even greater shock.

Kunyu turned around in disbelief. “When did she ever come here?”

“She came alone the day before yesterday, according to a little demon in the pavilion,” said Longming.

Zhuoxue added quietly, “She hadn’t even seen you before the Nightmare King intercepted her on the way.”

Kunyu stood momentarily dazed, then her eyes sharpened, a fire rising in her heart, the flames reaching the corners of her eyes and brows. She shouted angrily, “To dare cause trouble outside my Jueming Ridge—does the Nightmare King even respect the mountain realm’s demon lord!”

“I’ve come to ask you to help save Liangmeng, but it’s best not to confront the Nightmare King directly,” said Longming, and seeing Zhuoxue weary from standing, she flipped her hand, summoning a chair from the withered vines beside her.

Zhuoxue eyed the vine-woven chair cautiously and sat down gently, afraid it wouldn’t support her weight.

Kunyu frowned. “And what about you—where are you going?”

“I’m taking Zhuoxue to Buzhou,” Longming replied.

Kunyu wanted to ask why the two were going to Buzhou Mountain but didn’t speak up in the end. Judging by Longming’s attitude, she probably did intend to rely on the fox for something.

But what could she possibly do?

The Demon Realm was like a boundless deep sea, with undercurrents churning endlessly. The Nightmare King viewed Longming as a hidden reef—something he was determined to eliminate. Yet for the past hundred years, the Nightmare King had shown not a hint of murderous intent. For him to bare his claws now clearly meant even the illusion of peace had been abandoned.

The situation had already changed—could this fox really save Longming from destruction?

Kunyu pressed her lips together. If chaos broke out in the Demon Realm, how could she remain untouched? Her heart, which had been calm for a century, now boiled like water. Looking at Longming, she asked, “But how can you be sure it was the Nightmare King who planted the Heart-Piercing Gu?”

“It’s my deduction,” said Longming calmly. “Right now, within the Nightmare Clan, only the Nightmare King likely knows about Pillow Red Dust. Only he could sneak into Huangliang Dream Market without a trace—otherwise, how could he ensure the child gu remained intact?”

“Did the Nightmare King leave any trace two days ago?” Zhuoxue stood up and looked around. All she saw was scorched earth and graves—even if the Nightmare King had passed through, it would be hard to distinguish now.

But Kunyu, as the demon lord of this mountain realm, knew the area inside out. She quickly flipped her hand and began carefully sensing for any lingering presence. But the mountain realm was vast—it couldn’t be sorted out in a moment.

Between the graves, countless ghostly figures suddenly surged forth. These ghosts were well-trained and bowed to Kunyu in unison, ready to serve.

“We are at your service, my lord,” the ghosts declared.

Kunyu gave her orders. “Search every inch of land within a hundred miles outside Jueming Ridge. If you detect any trace of a living person or Liangmeng’s presence, report immediately—even if it’s just the faintest wisp.”

This mountain realm was eerie and terrifying. Only those born here dared to tread freely. Outsiders—let alone mortals—even demons wouldn’t dare to enter lightly.

The ghosts dispersed in all directions, their shadowy figures soaring into the air, forming thick clouds that nearly blotted out the entire sky above Jueming Ridge.

Zhuoxue, who had never seen such a spectacle before, looked up instinctively, her golden eyes following the flying figures until they vanished at the horizon.

Such obedient ghosts didn’t seem scary at all. In fact, they all appeared in human form and hadn’t casually twisted off their own heads to kick around like a ball.

Kunyu was still uneasy, her brow tightly furrowed. Pretending to be calm, she said, “We may still need to wait a while. Would you like to come inside and sit?”

Longming looked toward Zhuoxue.

Why are you looking at me? The fox’s golden eyes sparkled—do you want her to think you’re at my beck and call? 

Zhuoxue thought to herself, We’re already here; it would be a pity not to go in. So she said, “Liangmeng served us tea—may I ask what you have, my lord?”

Though Kunyu still held some anger in her eyes, it was all directed at the Nightmare King. She let out a reluctant hum and answered, “It’s just tea. What doesn’t Jueming Ridge have? If you want aged tribute wine, I have that too.”

“Your aged tribute wine was brought over from Lingkong Mountain,” Longming said abruptly.

Kunyu snapped, “Well, it’s mine now that it’s been moved to Jueming Ridge. I like serving guests with aged tribute wine.”

Zhuoxue had been about to say, “Then bring a jar,” but remembered how just recently she had been embarrassingly searching for her tail everywhere. Though she didn’t need to do that anymore, she still couldn’t drink.

She now had her fox ears and tail, but her fox body was missing—still being searched for across the land. It was bizarre, even more bizarre than ghosts playing football with their heads.

No drinking. Absolutely not.

Getting drunk at Lingkong Mountain was one thing—but this was Jueming Ridge. She couldn’t afford to lose her fox body out here.

“I’ll go get the aged tribute wine,” Kunyu volunteered.

Zhuoxue quickly stopped her and said, feigning indifference, “Drinking would interfere with serious matters. Tea will do.”

“We’ll drink tea instead of wine. If you want to drink, drink it yourself,” Longming sneered.

Kunyu muttered, “Tea it is. But I only have one kind.”

“Liangmeng gave it to you?” Longming exposed the truth without mercy.

Kunyu looked uncomfortable all over. She walked into the cave, grumbling, “Why ask so many questions—annoying!”

The cave was nowhere near as elegant as the sleeping quarters on Lingkong Mountain, and far beneath the charm of Huangliang Dream Market. Inside, objects were strewn about messily. Only the tea table looked clean and dust-free.

The tea table didn’t match the cave at all—it was clearly a gift from someone else.

There wasn’t even a cushion in sight, let alone a bed. No wonder Liangmeng had invited Kunyu to enjoy life with her—it was clear she looked down on this mountain den.

Enjoy life? It was obviously about seeking comfort. And yet Kunyu just loved living this simple life.

Zhuoxue sat down where she was, turning sideways to gather her fox tail to the front, so it wouldn’t get stained with mud.

Kunyu’s tea-making movements were impressively practiced, her technique nearly indistinguishable from Lanhui’s—clearly learned with care.

When the hot tea was poured, Kunyu pushed the cups toward the two demons, clearly uneasy as she said, “Just a casual brew—please, taste it as you like.”

Longming took a light sip and calmly said, “You’ve truly inherited Liangmeng’s skills.”

Even hearing that, Kunyu didn’t lose her temper.

Zhuoxue marveled inwardly—it was just as she thought: when hidden feelings are involved, even grudges can melt away.

There were already countless wandering spirits in Jueming Ridge. Now that the ghosts had swarmed out, there was no worry they wouldn’t find some trace left by the Nightmare King or Liangmeng. The Nightmare King might conceal his aura, but Liangmeng might not.

Zhuoxue had only just swallowed half a mouthful of tea and moistened her throat when she saw ghostly shadows rushing in from outside, startling her so much the tea nearly spilled over the rim of her cup. Her fox ears twitched—the ghosts moved soundlessly, their feet never touching the ground.

The spirits filled the cave entrance tightly. If the torches hadn’t been lit inside, it would’ve been pitch dark.

One ghost at the front bowed and said, “We found no trace of the Nightmare King’s aura, but we did find remnants belonging to the mistress of Huangliang Dream Market.”

“Lead the way,” Kunyu said, springing to her feet.

Zhuoxue quickly swallowed the rest of her tea and grabbed Longming’s sleeve as she exited the cave—she wanted to go too, but with Kunyu so fired up, she doubted she could keep up on foot.

Longming had almost said “no,” the word at the tip of her tongue, but when she saw the fox’s bright, eager eyes, she swallowed it and said something else instead. Those eyes shimmered like sunlight dancing on gold, casting their glow deep into her heart. 

“Get on,” the silver-haired demon said, transforming into a white tiger. A pair of wings unfolded on her back, just as strong and powerful as her body.

Kunyu, still walking ahead, was suddenly hit by a wave of pressure so intense that she stumbled—if she hadn’t raised a hand in time, the skull atop her head would’ve been blown away.

Zhuoxue, clearly used to this, nimbly climbed onto the tiger’s back, but to Kunyu, it looked smug and superior.

It took Kunyu great effort to compose herself, though she still seemed a bit dazed. Uneasily, she said, “No need to make such a big deal of it. I’ll stay on foot.”

“No one invited you,” said the white tiger in human speech.

Zhuoxue, now happily riding the white tiger, wagged her tail in delight. She couldn’t hide her mood and gave the tiger’s big head two light taps.

“You—” the tiger started, but stopped short.

Zhuoxue fibbed easily, “I lost my balance and bumped your head.”

Longming didn’t believe that at all—it was obvious Zhuoxue just couldn’t keep her hands to herself.

The ghost guide up ahead had the rare privilege of seeing the tiger demon’s true form. Fortunately, he also glanced at his own mistress, or he might have dropped straight into a bow.

“This way, High King!” the ghost called, darting off like lightning.

Just three miles beyond the Jueming Ridge, a scorched crater had appeared out of nowhere on the blackened earth. The surrounding trees had collapsed in chaos, and the rocks were cracked like shattered glass—it was clearly caused by sorcery.

As soon as the white tiger landed, she shifted back into a slender woman. The fox lying sprawled on her back nearly toppled over.

Kunyu, nerves on edge, stepped carefully into the crater and stooped to pick something up. Between her fingers was what looked like half the carcass of a centipede, its surface covered in red veins—it could only be the Heart-Piercing Gu.

“Heart-Piercing Gu,” said Zhuoxue, recognizing it. She didn’t care about the mud as she dug out a flower-shaped hairpin, likely dropped by Liangmeng. She handed the hairpin to Kunyu and kindly reassured her, “When we saw her at Huangliang Dream Market, she was whole and uninjured.”

That was hardly comforting. Kunyu’s face was still clouded with worry. She examined the hairpin with a heavy expression, brushing her fingers along the tip, where she picked up a residue of dried, dark-purple blood.

“It really is from the Nightmare Clan,” she said coldly.

The blood of a nightmare demon was no ordinary fluid—once dried, it was like concentrated poison, the color of thick violet sauce.

Longming came over for a glance and said lightly, “I’ll entrust Liangmeng to you. Do not act rashly. Don’t try to storm Wugou River alone. If you can find a chance to coordinate with Liangmeng from within, that would be ideal.”

“If Liangmeng was dragged into this, then she must’ve discovered something,” Kunyu said, gripping the hairpin tightly. “And what about me? Don’t I deserve to know a thing or two?”

Longming looked at her for a long moment before finally saying, “The Nightmare Clan has colluded with Tianji, bringing chaos to the three realms.”

Kunyu was shaken. “How do we break the deadlock?”

“The solution lies with me,” said Zhuoxue, smiling radiantly.