Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1556 - 960: Bringing Shame Upon Oneself

Instead of petals, Baili An tossed numerous ginger slices into the hot water, intending to fend off the chill for Shu Ci.

Shu Ci, though not a fan of ginger's earthy aroma, endured the discomfort. Leaning against the tub's edge, Shu Ci gazed expectantly at Baili An.

"My paws are numb with cold. Soaking hurts, little corpse demon. Could you give them a rub?"

Baili An, seated by the bath's rim, extended a palm towards Shu Ci. "Reach out your paw," he stated with indifference.

Shu Ci's gaze flickered.

The bathwater, initially at eight-tenths capacity, spilled over, drenching the floor.

A delicate, lily-white hand gently settled onto Baili An’s palm.

The hand, lacking its pads, retained its softness.

The moist, tender hand lightly grazed Baili An’s own.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Shu Ci had reverted to that captivating, mature form.

Her brows appeared inked, her lips were vermilion, and her enchanting visage slowly emerged from the water.

Dewdrops from the warm water glistened on her neck, highlighting delicate collarbones and emitting the unique, untamed allure and seductive charm of a fox demon.

She gradually straightened, her wet garments clinging sensuously to her soft physique, accentuating her graceful contours.

Twining like a water sprite, she wove an enthralling net around Baili An.

Her eyes, flushed from the hot water, held a particularly potent allure and temptation as she softly intoned:

"I consume meat too, little corpse demon. Might I have a taste perhaps~"

Shu Ci subtly parted her rosy lips, anticipating Baili An would willingly offer his neck.

The hand beneath suddenly tightened, drawing her into his embrace.

In the subsequent moment, a sweet, hard object was thrust into Shu Ci’s mouth.

Her eyes snapped open. She removed the object, glancing at it.

It was a small candy figure, fashioned into a plump fox!

He had been aware the entire time?

Shu Ci frowned with displeasure, crunching off the fox’s head. "So, you deliberately picked a fight? You knew all along what I truly desired was this?"

"Stop being so stingy! Just hand it over generously. Why make such a fuss and scold me baseless, it's truly vexing."

"Are these the same things?"

Baili An's eyes widened. "If you, like little Afu Tu, had simply asked me nicely for what you wanted, would I have refused you candy?"

"I don't know how you managed in the Demon Clan, but here in the Human World, shed those overbearing, unreasonable habits.

Even a toddler understands offering coins for sweets; you, having lived centuries, are now competing with a child for candy. It’s quite embarrassing."

Stubbornly, Shu Ci averted her head, only for Baili An to pinch her cheeks and pull her back.

"When you desire something, you take it. If others withhold it, you bite and kill."

"This temperament is akin to those demons from the Demon World.

If you don’t rectify this behavior, even if you presented the legendary Phoenix godbird for me to consume, I would cease to pay you any heed."

As a demon by birth, Shu Ci found Baili An's lectures on righteousness difficult to tolerate.

However, she understood that continued defiance would lead to a night spent shivering outside.

In times past, even when lectured by Baili An on grand principles, the formidable Lord Mohe would never concede or admit fault.

But now, a cunning, sharp-witted rabbit was observing keenly.

Clearly, it was a demon, not some innocuous being, feigning virtuous conduct.

She recalled this very rabbit consuming dragons.

If she became careless, this little corpse demon might devour her entirely.

"I understand, I understand. From this moment forth, your word is law.

I am merely a fox with little worldly wisdom, comprehending few principles.

When things don't go my way, I throw tantrums, yet you took me in.

Henceforth, please bear with me patiently, impart those principles, and I assure you, I shall be an exemplary fox."

Witnessing her seemingly contrite and sincere words, Baili An felt a measure of comfort.

Not entirely beyond redemption.

His expression softened slightly. He personally scooped a ladle of hot broth and poured it over Shu Ci’s head, remarking:

"After catching this cold tonight, wash up and retire early? The bed is reserved for you and the little rabbit."

Afu Tu observed that Shu Ci appeared to have learned her lesson, her few words placating him and halting his disapproval.

The rabbit subtly frowned, his expression shifting momentarily. He too thoughtfully scooped a ladle of hot water, gently pouring it over the wound on Baili An’s palm.

This act, seemingly one of concern, was in reality a subtle reminder to Baili An of Shu Ci’s prior fierce and unreasonable transgressions.

This sly maneuver nearly provoked Shu Ci’s fur to bristle once more.

Yet, remembering her past defeats at this cunning rabbit’s paws, Shu Ci exercised restraint.

She pushed aside the rabbit's offered ladle. Her eyes, misty like rising vapor, her lips slightly parted, she cradled Baili An’s injured palm and lowered her head to gently lick the bite marks.