Chapter 976: Close Body Warmth

Do I need your help to cure the pill poison?

What I need is for you to come closer, so I can drain you dry and recover from my current weakened state!

Jin Zu’s inner voice roared in frustration, almost dying of anger from Xu Xiaoshou’s words.

For a moment, she felt as if the other party had seen through her intentions.

However, confident in her cultivation technique, "Scroll of Heavenly Disclosure," Jin Zu didn't believe Xu Xiaoshou could perceive her true thoughts.

This was because the most potent ability of the "Scroll of Heavenly Disclosure" was to subtly alter an enemy's thoughts, much like a saint's will, to achieve her desired outcome.

Jin Zu had used this method to project strong feelings of needing help, thereby "charming" Xu Xiaoshou into coming closer.

The fact that he had approached was already a successful demonstration of the cultivation technique's guiding power.

As for Xu Xiaoshou's expressed intention to "use spirit medicine to cure the pill poison," in Jin Zu's eyes, it was more likely a coincidence.

"Are you a Throne Alchemist?"

Jin Zu suppressed her inner turmoil. Her eyes, filled with a mournful, watery gaze, now held a hint of astonishment and reverence, making her even more pitiable.

"Affected by Charm, Passive Value +1."

The "Mental Awakening" ability, attached to his Extinguishment Finger, was triggered once more, and the pop-up notification again appeared in his vision.

Vixen!

Xu Xiaoshou cursed silently.

This vixen, even in such a weakened state, could still charm him with every move, affecting his mind and making him lower his guard.

If it weren't for "Mental Awakening," Xu Xiaoshou wouldn't know how many times he'd already fallen prey.

But like his opponent, he didn't reveal his true feelings. Instead, he played along, a smitten grin appearing on his face as he chuckled, "Yes, I am a Throne Alchemist, a Fourth-Rank one at that!"

Still under control, it seems what just happened really was a coincidence... Jin Zu mused inwardly, surprised by yet another of Xu Xiaoshou's identities.

Throne Alchemist—this detail wasn't extensively noted on the bounty warrant.

From another perspective, this secondary identity could provide Xu Xiaoshou with considerable assistance.

If they weren't in the deep sea, but in normal circumstances, killing Xu Xiaoshou would likely require bypassing countless protective lines from his guardians.

But now, it was completely different!

Xu Xiaoshou was alone underwater; wasn't this the perfect hunting opportunity?

Jin Zu seemingly unintentionally glanced at the spirit medicine in Xu Xiaoshou's hand, then withdrew her gaze, feigning helplessness. "We're deep underwater, and there's a forbidden spell barrier. How can your spirit medicine reach me?"

I have my ways... Xu Xiaoshou almost blurted out, but upon regaining clarity, he immediately pressed his lips together, then, with a slight bewilderment, rephrased, "Yes, that is a problem. What should we do?"

Throw the problem back and see what she's truly after!

Xu Xiaoshou began biting the tip of his tongue, using the stinging pain to prevent the opponent's passively deployed charm from suddenly intensifying and causing him to momentarily lose control.

Dealing with such a vixen, even momentary loss of control could very well mean death!

"How about this!" Jin Zu's eyes suddenly lit up at his words, as if an idea had struck her. "I have a way, but you'll need to come closer... we're too far apart."

She suddenly shifted, crossing her shapely legs, and took a small step forward. As she extended her hands from where they were clasped across her chest, her tattered clothes fell open, naturally revealing a glimpse of her charms.

This enticing display, made indistinct by the hazy water sphere, was even more captivating in its elusive nature.

Gulp.

Xu Xiaoshou swallowed hard, trying to force himself to look away.

But while his head turned, his eyes remained fixed, unmoving, and his feet unconsciously stepped forward.

"Affected by Temptation, Passive Value +1."

"Affected by Threat, Passive Value +1."

Threat?

Xu Xiaoshou suddenly snapped awake.

This vixen's power is simply too strong!

Within the forbidden spell barrier, she could still exert such strong influence?

And for the notification bar to warn of a "threat"...

Didn't that mean, after taking this step forward, he had entered her attack range?

Xu Xiaoshou instinctively wanted to retreat.

But at this moment, Jin Zu no longer needed to hide her intentions.

She swept her leg back, kicking forcefully. This special exertion technique created a reactive force similar to Xu Xiaoshou's, propelling her surrounding water sphere several feet forward.

As they drew closer, the distance between them narrowed to less than a zhang (approx. 3.3 meters).

"Affected by Sneak Attack, Passive Value +1."

The notification bar suddenly flashed.

Xu Xiaoshou's pupils constricted. He realized he had underestimated her; this vixen's power was likely even more terrifying and bizarre than he'd imagined.

"Disappear..."

A silent thought arose in his mind, and Xu Xiaoshou was about to use his ultimate trump card for direct self-preservation.

But before the word "art" could fully form, Jin Zu on the other side giggled, covering her mouth:

"Little brother, why are you so resistant to big sister?

"Come closer, darling. The deep sea is so cold, why not get intimate with your big sister and warm up?"

With a loud 'boom,' Xu Xiaoshou's mind went blank.

At this moment, he finally realized that mental attack power was by no means limited to the kind overtly displayed.

The vixen before him had an exquisite grasp of the ways of men and women, and her application of charm techniques was simply divine. Every frown, every smile, was utterly captivating.

"Disappearing Art" failed to activate in time.

"Mental Awakening" had indeed dispelled the charm's control instantly, but there was still a brief moment of delay.

Jin Zu didn't miss this fleeting opportunity.

Her expression turned sinister and demonic, her lips curling into a wicked smile as she enunciated each word clearly:

"Marrow Drain Technique!"

The two were separated by water spheres.

The water spheres were half a zhang apart.

Even so, Jin Zu's cheeks sunken, and her red lips puckered, releasing a terrifying suction force.

Swoosh!

Spirit essence and vital blood were instantly drawn from Xu Xiaoshou's pores.

The powerful suction emanating from the woman's mouth was, in that moment, even more exaggerated than the drawing force of the water spheres!

Xu Xiaoshou was completely unable to resist.

He felt his body being pulled by a strong gale, swaying uncontrollably.

Yet, possessing "Resilience," no matter how strong the gale, he never involuntarily took even half a step forward.

At this moment, the powerful combat awareness of the Void Lord manifested.

Sensing the unusual change in her opponent, Jin Zu didn't hesitate for a second, nor did she waste any time.

She went with the flow, allowing her own water sphere, pushed by the terrifying suction of the "Marrow Drain Technique," to move her in reverse towards Xu Xiaoshou.

This naturally carried a risk.

Because the bounty warrant stated that Xu Xiaoshou's combat power was close to that of a Dao Cutter, and he also possessed a Throne physique.

Approaching rashly, in her current weakened state, she could very likely be suddenly attacked and killed.

But Jin Zu couldn't wait; she just needed one gulp!

The "Marrow Drain Technique" was already powerful, and there was also a significant realm disparity between them.

With a single gulp, Jin Zu believed that her Void Lord realm power could instantly devour all of a Grandmaster's spirit essence, vital blood, and indeed all life force!

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

The closer they got, the stronger the suction burst.

Xu Xiaoshou's uncontrolled blood seeped from his pores, passed through the water sphere, and flowed into Jin Zu's red lips, nourishing her body.

Jin Zu's withered state was recovering at a visible pace.

Conversely, Xu Xiaoshou's full and vigorous state collapsed in the blink of an eye, and his body began to shrivel and thin.

"Affected by Siphon, Passive Value +1."

"Affected by Siphon, Passive Value +1."

The notification bar began rapidly popping up.

Xu Xiaoshou watched helplessly as vast amounts of spirit essence and vital blood drained from his body, yet he remained frozen in place as if powerless.

In reality, "Mental Awakening" had only triggered once, and he had already regained his composure from the vixen's charm.

In other words, in his current state, Xu Xiaoshou was clearly aware of his dire situation and capable of counterattacking.

He believed the vixen opposite him definitely didn't know this.

She must still naively believe he was under illusionary control, helplessly allowing all his life energy to be drained until he became a dried husk.

Seven tenths of his Qi Sea's spirit essence vanished the moment the "Marrow Drain Technique" burst forth!

Xu Xiaoshou knew this was an unbridgeable chasm created by the difference in realms.

But he possessed "Endless Life," "Full of Vitality," and "Transformation."

As his life energy drained, these Throne-level passive abilities naturally triggered, operating furiously.

In an instant, his vital blood was replenished to more than seventy percent of its peak state.

Given the current situation, he could probably last for about...

Seven seconds!

"This Marrow Drain Technique is quite powerful... but if you want to drain *me*, you've probably picked the wrong person!" Xu Xiaoshou chuckled inwardly, realizing her ability couldn't kill him.

Seven seconds was too long.

This amount of time was enough for him to accomplish many things!

In fact, when Xu Xiaoshou knew that his opponent possessed mental guidance and control abilities, yet still wanted to approach, it wasn't out of any carnal desire, but because he wanted to actively explore the danger.

Although this vixen was unfamiliar, her power was bizarre and her realm impressive. There was a high probability she was one of those blasted down from Solitary Sound Cliff by the Water Ghost.

And Xu Xiaoshou already knew, after the Water Ghost's warning, that most of those from Solitary Sound Cliff were coming for him, intending to kill him.

Rather than waiting for death, it was better to take the initiative!

With the forbidden spell barrier in the deep sea, a Void Lord's power was suppressed by nearly ninety-nine percent.

If he didn't dare to actively engage with this remaining small risk, how could he face a large number of assassins in the future?

With these thoughts in mind, Xu Xiaoshou deliberately walked step by step into her trap, wanting to see what she would do.

But after holding back for so long, and going through so many twists and turns...

A dignified Void Lord, under the deep sea's forbidden spell barrier, could only unleash this single "Marrow Drain Technique" which he could almost completely counter?

"I overestimated you..." Xu Xiaoshou no longer concealed his feelings, a mocking sneer appearing at the corner of his mouth.

One breath.

Two breaths.

Three breaths...

Time passed.

Jin Zu greedily drank mouthful after mouthful of the sweet elixir.

It was like Mu Zixi absorbing life force; one gulp and she was addicted, unable to stop.

It wasn't until after three breaths that Jin Zu suddenly snapped awake.

Wait!

How could Xu Xiaoshou have so much spirit essence? Wasn't he just at the Grandmaster realm?

By now, through the two closely pressed water spheres, Jin Zu could see a mocking expression spreading across Xu Xiaoshou's face.

He was smiling?

How was that possible?

He wasn't under the control of the "Scroll of Heavenly Disclosure"?!

Just as Jin Zu was horrified, Xu Xiaoshou, who had appeared unable to move, suddenly twisted his neck and asked gently, "Had enough?"

Jin Zu's scalp prickled instantly. "!!!"

Her pores tingled, and she realized Xu Xiaoshou truly wasn't under her control.

And being so close, she was likely in real danger!

"Retreat!"

Without hesitation, Jin Zu chose to retreat.

But just as her foot barely stepped forward, unable to kick off, Xu Xiaoshou chuckled and spoke, "If you want to drain me, don't retreat. Since you're already here, wouldn't it be rude to leave without saying goodbye?"

With that, Xu Xiaoshou raised both hands, no longer suppressing the devouring power of his "Breathing Technique."

Hiss!

He snorted, and the pores all over his body expanded.

After a resounding 'boom,' a vast amount of water elements outside the water sphere, his own spirit essence and vital blood that had flowed outwards, even the vixen's body and the spirit essence and life energy within her, were all swallowed into Xu Xiaoshou's body.

Pfft!

The backlash from the clash of immense suction forces struck Jin Zu hard, causing her to spit out a mouthful of fresh blood.

The Marrow Drain Technique was forcibly interrupted, and her body was pressed tightly against the water sphere wall by the suction. Her internal life energy was draining even faster, and all of this filled Jin Zu with terror.

"Impossible!"

She couldn't believe any of it. "Under the forbidden spell barrier, how can you still use spirit techniques?"

"Affected by Doubt, Passive Value +1."

"Affected by Fear, Passive Value +1."

Xu Xiaoshou smiled wryly. "If you can, why can't I? Is this special treatment?"

Without further words, he pushed his "Breathing Technique" to its limit.

While ensuring he didn't rupture the water sphere, Xu Xiaoshou plundered everything he had just lost, as well as everything within her body!

Jin Zu's state once again plummeted to its worst.

At this point, she couldn't even retreat. Holding onto a final attempt, she pulled something out from her chest.

Thump-thump!

Thump-thump!

The sound of a beating heart abruptly rang out.

Xu Xiaoshou's gaze sharpened, and he clearly saw that what Jin Zu had pulled out was indeed a heart.

He was startled.

This vixen, so panicked she ripped out her own heart?

With a steady gaze, after taking in the situation, Xu Xiaoshou realized his imagination had run wild again.

What the vixen pulled out was just a special object resembling a heart, not her actual heart.

The heart-shaped object was entirely black, with dark red coloration on the parts resembling the left and right ventricles. In the center, there was a wide-open, fanged maw!

"What in the world is that?"

Xu Xiaoshou acutely realized this object might pose a threat to him.

At that moment, Jin Zu parted her red lips and spat a mouthful of vital blood onto the black and red heart, shouting clearly:

"Heart of Marrow Siphon, Activate!"

Thump-thump-thump...

The sound of the heart beating intensified abruptly.

After devouring the vital blood, the "Heart of Marrow Siphon" emitted a crimson glow. Then, from its fanged maw in the center, a suction force even more terrifying than the previous "Marrow Drain Technique" burst forth.

This suction was not only stronger than the "Marrow Drain Technique" but also more powerful than Xu Xiaoshou's "Breathing Technique"!

Ugh!

Xu Xiaoshou's passive abilities were interrupted. He let out a muffled groan; it hurt a little.

He could no longer draw back any energy into his body.

On the contrary, as the tables turned, the power within his body began to drain at an even faster rate, subsequently being devoured by his opponent.

Ah...

Clutching the "Heart of Marrow Siphon" and having re-devoured Xu Xiaoshou's powerful life force, Jin Zu let out a moan of extreme, seductive satisfaction.

At this point, she completely relaxed, even tilting her head to chuckle:

"Little brother, you are indeed somewhat formidable, but to compare suction power with your big sister?

"Hmph, you're still a bit too weak!"