Chapter 1749: All Must Die

Zu An pondered for a long time before nodding. "Alright, I can agree to that. However, if I find my companions along the way, I'll reconsider whether to continue assisting you."

A flicker of displeasure crossed the beautiful woman's face, but ultimately, she nodded. "Very well, let's seal it with a high-five!"

With that, she raised her fair, delicate hand. Zu An lightly clapped it, finding it strange that this vine demon's skin was even more delicate than a human's. This certainly didn't fit his image of a crone.

At this moment, the beautiful woman spoke. "Since we're partners now, let's reintroduce ourselves. My name is Jing Teng. You haven't told me your names yet."

"I'm Zu An, and she's Qiu Honglei." Just as Zu An was about to introduce Wei Suo, who was standing nearby, Wei Suo trotted over, a lecherous grin on his face.

"I'm Wei Suo, it's a pleasure to meet you. I never expected there to be such a beautiful elder!" Wei Suo wore a fawning smile, rubbing his hands together, looking as sleazy as could be.

Jing Teng ignored him completely, looking only at Zu An. "Then come back with me. This place is too dilapidated. We can pick up Xiao Ying's urn there, and leave at dawn. It's quite dangerous at night in this world."

Hearing her describe the night as dangerous, Zu An wasn't so reckless as to travel through the night. "Alright!"

Soon, the group arrived at a dense forest. The trees here were exceptionally thick, and a faint mist enveloped the surroundings, preventing even divine sense from probing far.

From time to time, strange cries echoed. Walking through it, one couldn't help but feel a chilling cold.

This forest seemed to be a maze. Fortunately, Jing Teng led the way; many places that seemed impassable suddenly revealed a path. She was tall, and her silhouette was graceful and lithe. She swayed naturally as she walked, without any hint of flirtatiousness, but instead possessed a rhythm of stately elegance.

Wei Suo felt an itch in his heart. "If she were the one to drain my Yang energy, I guarantee I wouldn't resist at all! But no, it had to be that Senior Sister!"

Qiu Honglei secretly sent a telepathic message: "Be careful, it might be a trap."

Zu An nodded, secretly heightening his vigilance. He probed, "This place seems to be set with a sophisticated formation?"

If Xie Daoyun or Yan Xuehen were here, they might discern some clues. Unfortunately, though he had some knowledge of Feng Shui, he wasn't proficient in such formations.

Jing Teng nodded slightly. "Indeed. It was specifically set up to block those with ill intentions."

Zu An was a little surprised. "You're also skilled in formations?"

This woman previously knew the Daoist Nine-Character Mantra, and now she was also proficient in such exquisite formations. Was she trying to ascend to heaven?

Jing Teng glanced back at him, raising an eyebrow. "Who says demons can't know these things?"

"That's true," Zu An gave a wry smile and asked no further questions.

Soon, they arrived before a massive boulder. Giant vines coiled all over it. Jing Teng didn't hesitate, walking directly towards the boulder.

The vines on the boulder automatically retracted to both sides, revealing a spacious cave entrance.

Zu An and the others secretly marveled. The design was truly ingenious. Had she not personally guided them, outsiders would never have realized this was a hidden dwelling.

After the group followed her into the cave, their surroundings soon opened up dramatically. The eerie, chilling sensation from outside vanished completely, replaced by vibrant life, and the air itself seemed filled with abundant spiritual energy.

Elegant pavilions and waterside retreats appeared before them, resembling the riverside gardens of the Jiangnan region from his past life. It was impossible to tell they were inside a mountain cave.

Qiu Honglei couldn't help but ask, "This doesn't seem like the same cave from before. Where exactly have you brought us?"

She had left marks all along the way, but upon entering this place, she could no longer sense those outside marks.

Jing Teng glanced at her and said calmly, "Don't worry. This is a Grotto-Heaven I created, for daily living and resting. There's no danger."

Zu An was startled. "You can create a space?"

"Why not?" Jing Teng's lips curved slightly upwards, a hint of pride flashing across her face. She seemed to enjoy his ignorant expression.

Zu An was utterly astonished. This woman was indeed powerful, but surely not powerful enough to create a space, right?

Even someone as strong as Zhao Hao might not possess the ability to create space. The skilled rune masters in the academies and the imperial court could create storage bags and similar items, but those spaces could only hold inanimate objects; people couldn't enter them. What was before him, strictly speaking, could even be considered a small world, albeit a miniature one.

What level of cultivation had this woman reached to be able to open up such a world?

"Don't listen to her bragging," Mi Li's voice suddenly echoed in his mind. "Legend has it that ancient immortals could create Grotto-Heavens for daily cultivation and secluded training. This woman clearly doesn't have that ability. Most likely, she stumbled upon some immortal's treasure that just happened to come with this Grotto-Heaven."

Zu An was surprised. "Are there really immortals?"

Mi Li snapped impatiently. "Didn't you see them last time in the Demon Race's Summer Secret Realm? Why are you still asking such questions?"

Zu An gave a wry laugh; it was true. Those secret realms had a surreal quality that sometimes made him doubt their reality.

"Xiao Ying, take them to the guest rooms." Jing Teng paused. "I need to rest. Don't disturb me unless it's urgent."

With that, she floated away. Her every movement and graceful demeanor made Wei Suo's eyes nearly pop out.

"Yes!" Xiao Ying bowed, then smiled at Zu An and the others. "Please follow me."

After settling Wei Suo first, she then turned to Zu An and Qiu Honglei. "Would the two of you prefer one room, or two?"

Qiu Honglei's face flushed slightly. "Two rooms would be fine, but please make them adjacent."

Zu An gave a wry smile. He thought to himself that Qiu Honglei, who used to be a courtesan known for her captivating gaze and graceful walk, and was also a Saintess of the Demonic Cult skilled in charm techniques, was now surprisingly shy.

Hearing her words, Xiao Ying's eyes lit up, and she smiled even more brightly. "Very well."

Soon, after settling Qiu Honglei, Xiao Ying led Zu An to the adjacent room. After tidying everything for him, she suddenly blushed and whispered, "Young Master, a long night alone can be lonely. I can serve you, and don't worry, I won't absorb your Yang energy."

Zu An chuckled awkwardly. "No need, thank you for your kindness, miss."

Xiao Ying bit her lip, her eyes subtly welling up with tears. "Young Master must think I'm a wanton woman. But truly, it's because you're willing to take me back home, and I'm so grateful that I wish to repay you with everything I have."

Zu An quickly helped her up. "It was just something I did along the way. You don't need to do this, miss."

"For you, it was a minor gesture, but for me, it's a profound kindness, a new lease on life," Xiao Ying glanced towards the adjacent room, a hint of shyness on her face. "Young Master, you don't need to worry about your female companion; I can be quiet."

Zu An was speechless.

After much effort and persuasion, he finally managed to send her away. Zu An let out a long sigh of relief. People say it's hard to be a playboy, but it's even harder to be a true gentleman.

Just then, the Tai'e Sword suddenly emerged from thin air, humming loudly as it transformed into a beautiful red figure. With phoenix eyes, red lips, and a vibrant spirit, it was none other than Mi Li.

She gazed at Zu An with a teasing expression. "Why didn't you go for it? This ghost girl is quite pretty. You've certainly had your share of fox girls and snake girls; your tastes are already so exotic. What's one more intimate encounter?"

Zu An's brow beaded with sweat. "I'm not that kind of person."

Mi Li snorted. "When you're 'casual,' you're not human. Never mind. I guess your little girlfriend being next door made you uncomfortable."

Zu An retorted impatiently, "I'd say it's more about you constantly watching me, which makes me even more uncomfortable."

Mi Li paused, then chuckled. "Don't worry, I've lived for who knows how many years. Your little games of love and lust are like pets mating in my eyes. They wouldn't cause a ripple."

Zu An was speechless.

"You could have said that nicely, why resort to insults?"

Mi Li stretched, her graceful figure fully revealed. "Sleeping inside the sword for too long makes me feel stiff. I'm taking this bed for tonight. Consider it your filial piety to your master."

Zu An was stunned. "Then where do I sleep?"

"You can always sleep with me?" Mi Li lay on her side, propping her head with one hand. Though she was smiling, her eyes were filled with danger.

"I'll pass." Zu An thought to himself, "This woman truly has a twisted sense of humor. Is it fun to deliberately play these teasing games?"

"Empress Master, you're very knowledgeable, what do you think of this world?" Zu An figured there was nothing else to do, so he might as well take the opportunity to discuss it with her.

"What's there to see? It's just haunted, isn't it?" Mi Li yawned. "However, that girl's Nine-Character Mantra earlier seemed quite interesting. It appears to contain infinite variables. Logically, someone at her level shouldn't be able to master it. That girl has many secrets."

"I think so too, and this Grotto-Heaven," Zu An said, a little troubled. "It's a pity she won't tell me when I ask."

"Your relationship isn't that close yet, why would she tell you?" Mi Li chuckled. "So, gain her trust as quickly as possible, get all her secrets, and you're bound to have unexpected gains."

Zu An retorted impatiently, "She's been betrayed before. It's not that easy for her to trust people."

"Isn't that your specialty?" Mi Li asked curiously. "She's a woman, and you've always been good with women. Win her over, conquer her!"

"Aren't you a woman too? I haven't 'won you over' either," Zu An rolled his eyes.

Mi Li's expression turned cold. "Oh, so you dare to have ideas about your master? You truly are a traitor to your teachers and ancestors."

Although her voice was cold, she wasn't actually angry. It was clear she knew he was joking.

"Yes, yes, yes, I'm a traitor to my teachers and ancestors," Zu An replied distractedly. Recalling the excitement on her face just now, he added, "Empress Master, I feel like you're even more enthusiastic about these things than I am. Even a little perverted."

"Of course. My current state is incredibly boring," Mi Li said matter-of-factly. "I have to find something to do, don't I?"

Zu An was speechless.

***

Meanwhile, in a dim place between heaven and earth, it belonged neither to the mortal realm nor the Yellow Springs, but was a nexus connecting the two worlds.

On a massive throne forged from countless white bones, a mass of black mist constantly shifted. Below it, various powerful ghostly entities knelt.

The ghosts respectfully said, "Guide of the Yellow Springs, respected King of Ten Thousand Ghosts, may we inquire why Your Excellency has summoned us?"

"I just sensed that woman's aura," a shrill voice emanated from the black mist. "Go capture her and bring her back to me! Aside from her, anyone who has come into contact with her must die!"