Chapter 11:
Chapter 11:
“Will you two ever stop? It’s just dual cultivation, why all this fuss?”
The little demoness’s cheeks turned red as she spoke in irritation.
Zhou Tong was sitting bare-chested while Murong Ya pressed her hands against his back, transferring strands of crimson spiritual energy into him.
“Thump, thump, thump…”
Strange sounds echoed from within Zhou Tong’s body. Soon, crimson markings appeared on his skin, resembling chains that converged around his heart.
“This is… the Joyous Harmony Lock from the chamber arts!”
Zhou Tong opened his eyes, staring at the red markings on his body. He could feel the mysterious power coursing through them.
“That’s correct. The Joyous Harmony Lock can command everything. With strong enough spiritual energy, you could even control the heavens themselves… ugh!”
Before Murong Ya could finish her explanation, her aura underwent a sudden and dramatic change.
“Not good, Master’s Jade Demon Physique is acting up!”
The little demoness cried out in alarm. The Jade Demon Physique was a unique secret technique of the Joyous Harmony Divine Technique, but when it activated, it became extremely dangerous.
“Master, calm yourself!”
“Hurry, use the Joyous Harmony Lock to restrain me! Quickly!”
Seeing Murong Ya struggling to suppress herself, Zhou Tong gritted his teeth and made up his mind.
“Joyous Harmony Lock, counterattack!”
In an instant, the roles reversed. The chains of the Joyous Harmony Lock wrapped around Murong Ya, sinking into her body.
“Ah…”
At that moment, Zhou Tong could distinctly sense Murong Ya’s lifeforce, even the rhythm of her heartbeat.
With the Joyous Harmony Lock activated, Murong Ya’s chaotic energy gradually stabilized.
“Little one…”
“Master, I’m sorry about using the Joyous Harmony Lock…”
“It’s fine. This was an emergency, and given the circumstances… it’s acceptable.”
Murong Ya, now leaning against Zhou Tong, glanced at his sweat-dappled chest. A sparkle flickered in her eyes before she let herself fall into his arms.
“Ah!”
As her hands brushed against Zhou Tong’s chest, Murong Ya felt an inexplicable satisfaction that left her momentarily dazed.
What a rare treasure she had encountered!
Soft and fragrant, Murong Ya’s embrace quickened Zhou Tong’s heartbeat.
At the same time, Zhou Tong sensed something changing within his body. His cultivation was surging forward.
In an instant, he broke through the Ninth Stage of the Innate Realm and stepped into the Soul Splitting Realm. And he didn’t stop there—his cultivation soared all the way to the Ninth Stage of the Soul Splitting Realm!
The power of the chamber arts was utterly terrifying!
“Master, please maintain decorum!”
Zhou Tong’s gentle reminder snapped Murong Ya out of her stupor. She pushed herself up, reluctantly withdrawing from his warmth.
“I’m tired. Yue’er, take this rascal and help him select a cave dwelling.”
Murong Ya’s voice was as soft as silk, her body glistening with a fine sheen of sweat. She looked utterly exhausted.
“Follow me, you scoundrel!”
The little demoness pouted playfully and dragged Zhou Tong away by the arm.
As the two left, Murong Ya’s cheeks flushed crimson.
Lowering her head, she muttered to herself, “Shameless woman…”
…
“This place is perfect. I’m satisfied,” Zhou Tong said, nodding as he examined the cave dwelling named Hongchen Cave.
“I’m satisfied too. It’s quiet and secluded, perfect for teaching a certain scoundrel a lesson.”
The little demoness grinned mischievously before launching a surprise attack.
“Hey, hey, hey!”
Zhou Tong’s face changed as he dodged, shocked by her sudden lack of honor.
“Isn’t it a bit much to bully me when I’m not in peak condition?”
“Oh, it’s too much? You dare talk about being too much? During the last Hundred Sect Tournament, you abandoned me to save that worthless senior sister of yours. Did you think I’d forget?”
Hearing this, Zhou Tong felt a massive headache. Blinded by folly in the past, he now had no way to argue as the demoness brought up his mistakes.
“I thought you’d let that go by now!”
The little demoness burst into laughter, her chest heaving with her amusement.
“Do you think I’m some magnanimous saint? Have you forgotten what they call me—demoness, enchantress? Do you think I’m the kind of woman who forgives and forgets?”
Zhou Tong hesitated, his eyes drawn to the rhythmic sway of her chest as she laughed. The sight made his blood race.
“Judging by appearances… well, you do seem to have quite a generous chest.”
The little demoness blinked, momentarily stunned, before a sly grin spread across her face.
“Well, well, I never realized you were such a quiet little pervert. Let’s see if you can handle this!”
She lunged at him, her delicate legs sweeping through the air like fragrant wind, aiming directly for his face.
“Stop! I swear I don’t have that kind of fetish!” Zhou Tong cried, resisting with all his might.
“You’ll develop one soon enough. I guarantee it!”
Not content with just settling past scores, the little demoness was already preemptively punishing Zhou Tong for any future wrongs.
“You asked for this.”
In a flash, Zhou Tong’s demeanor changed. His black hair turned white, and his aura surged.
“You…”
The little demoness’s expression shifted in shock. This was the fourth layer of the Joyous Harmony Divine Technique—the Jade Demon Physique—and Zhou Tong had mastered it effortlessly.
“Don’t underestimate me, lovely demoness!”
Grinning mischievously, Zhou Tong activated the Joyous Harmony Lock, catching her leg mid-swing and holding it aloft.
“Ah!”
The little demoness cried out as Zhou Tong pinned her against the wall, their faces inches apart. Both of them blushed, their breaths mingling.
“Let me go!” she muttered, her eyes darting away.
“Ha! Since when do you get to decide when something starts or ends? This time, it’s my call.”
Zhou Tong smirked mischievously, grabbing her ankle and lightly tickling the sole of her foot.
“You scoundrel! Stop it! I won’t forgive you!”
Her protests were punctuated by sharp gasps. Zhou Tong, meanwhile, marveled at her perfectly shaped foot. Smooth and white as jade, her toes curled shyly, adorned with a crimson string tied around her ankle, two golden bells jingling with every slight movement.
“Demoness, you walk barefoot all day. Aren’t you afraid of any… unpleasant odors?”
The little demoness froze, her eyes wide with embarrassment, before retorting indignantly.
“Nonsense! My feet smell like flowers—I soak them in heavenly petals every day! If you don’t believe me, go ahead and take a sniff!”
Before Zhou Tong could respond, a streak of light descended from the sky, carrying a jade slip. Their playful scuffle abruptly ended as the demoness caught the slip.
“A flying message…”
Her expression turned serious. This was a declaration from a sect—a message to the world.
Opening it, a mocking smile appeared on her face.
“Your former master is officially taking Tang Qi as her personal disciple. She’s even invited the talents of various sects to witness the ceremony in three days. Oh, and she was kind enough to send us an invitation too!”
The little demoness glanced at Zhou Tong, grinning slyly.
“Talk about petty. She’s cooked up a banquet just to make you jealous. What a thoughtful woman!”
“Boring,” Zhou Tong replied indifferently, unimpressed.
“You’re not going?”
“If I don’t go, wouldn’t that make it seem like I’m afraid of them?” Zhou Tong took the invitation and looked at it with calm resolve.
“Exactly! You’re the pillar of the Joyous Harmony Sect now. How could you fear those nobodies?”
The little demoness laughed. “Besides, I need to settle some scores with Chen Ling’er. New grudges and old debts—it’s all coming due!”
Chen Ling’er, Zhou Tong’s former senior sister, was the demoness’s sworn rival.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
On Xuanzhen Mountain, within the Azure Purity Sect…
The area bustled with activity as young talents from various sects gathered, eager to see the genius chosen to replace Zhou Tong.
On a high platform, Tang Qi stood tall, surveying the crowd below with excitement.
This was the moment he had dreamed of, and now it had finally arrived. There was no longer a place for Zhou Tong here.
“Master, do you think my senior brother will show up today?”
He glanced at Mo Liusu, feigning innocence.
“He’ll definitely come!”
Before Mo Liusu could answer, Chen Ling’er cut in, her tone dripping with disdain.
“That traitor is just playing hard to get. Let’s see how long he can hold out!”