Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1557 - 960: Bringing Humiliation Upon Oneself (Part 2)
Previously on Journey to the End of the Night...
Shu Ci voiced her words, her slender, alabaster hand extended towards Baili An, her gaze fixed upon him with a touch of pitifulness.
Baili An's eyes darkened, and he subtly attempted to retract his hand.
However, Shu Ci swiftly shifted the dynamic, seizing Baili An's wrist and abruptly pressing herself against him.
Her entire form seemed to meld against Baili An, supple and pliant like silken threads.
The wind and snow swept into the chamber as Shu Ci parted her luscious red lips slightly, her warm breath misting against Baili An's neck.
Her two fox tails, often perceived as embodying duplicity, emerged, shaking off water droplets from their luxuriant fur, swaying gently like clouds behind her captivating figure.
The perfume of her hair and skin mingled, releasing an intoxicating warmth, and with an alluring, exotic lilt, she whispered:
"Little corpse demon, our kind isn't fond of vegetarian fare. If that rabbit doesn't fancy your affection, perhaps we should accept it in its stead?"
"You offer us a taste of the forbidden, and we shall hold your kindness in eternal remembrance~~~"
Observing her foxy, unrestrained charm, Afu Tu's eyes began to deepen into a dangerous, crimson intensity.
The Fox Clan possessed an innate gift for seduction, and the faint, peculiar aroma wafting from Shu Ci was both enchanting and intimately persuasive.
As her presence permeated, Baili An's outer garment gradually absorbed the moisture emanating from her body.
The woman's soft, vibrant body heat was unmistakably transmitted, sending an unusual shiver across his skin and stirring an unfamiliar tempest within him.
Baili An was acutely aware that he was succumbing to the Fox Clan's innate alluring power, his self-control significantly diminished since the loss of his bones.
He struggled to regain his composure, awkwardly averting his gaze, the solemnity and sternness he had displayed moments before completely dissipated.
He broke free from Shu Ci's grasp, gently pushing her back into the water, his eyes losing their focus.
Drenched from head to toe, Baili An clenched his teeth and declared, "Cease these deceptive antics. You're already fixated on me to a bothersome degree; it's quite the headache. If you intend to remain obsessed for eternity, that is simply unacceptable!"
Shu Ci, having been pushed away, settled somewhat awkwardly in the water, still drenched but displaying no anger.
She looked up steadily at Baili An, a sense of strangeness stirring within her.
The aura of the karma barrier surrounding the little corpse demon seemed more potent, reminiscent of that night at the brothel.
However, that karma barrier surged like a tidal wave—appearing swiftly and vanishing just as rapidly—dissipating before she could truly grasp it.
Nevertheless,...
After all, she had discovered a method to manage this peculiar little corpse demon, had she not?
Shu Ci cast a glance at Afu Tu, whose eyes blazed with irritation, feeling as though she had finally achieved a small victory tonight.
Yet, in antiquity, True Demons such as Afu Tu maintained a profound antagonism towards the corpse demon lineage.
The corpse demons were not categorized with demons but constituted a distinct species with their own dominion, the expansive Dark Continent.
Afu Tu also favored habitation in shadowed territories, known for a ferocious and savage disposition, bloodthirsty and avaricious, perpetually engaged in territorial disputes and the hunting of corpse demons.
Conversely, high-ranking corpse demons would subjugate True Demons like Afu Tu.
Their animosity in bygone eras ran deep, each being the other's ultimate adversary.
But somehow, concerning this foolish rabbit, Afu Tu, this creature of pure demon essence, had seemingly neglected to embrace the savage, bloody, and combative traditions of his kind.
Instead, he had cultivated an adeptness in feigning ignorance and projecting charm, mastering the artifice of deception.
Had he truly turned vegetarian?
Shu Ci harbored no belief that Afu Tu was anything other than a wily entity, clinging to the little corpse demon, perhaps enticed by this delectable morsel?
She had merely grazed his palm twice with her tongue, and that unfeeling rabbit had reacted so intensely, fiercely guarding its prize.
That couldn't possibly stem solely from the desire to possess a pet.
Shu Ci's thoughts swirled rapidly as she suddenly raised a wet arm from the water, grasping Baili An's coat.
"Little corpse demon, I confess an allergy to rabbit fur; would you perhaps consent to sharing your sleeping quarters with me instead?"
Baili An indifferently pulled his coat free, responding, "Should you persist with such reckless behavior, I shall relegate you to sleeping in the corridor."
Shu Ci tenaciously secured his other coat panel, giving it a gentle shake:
"The women in the brothel all attest that you men delight in prim pretenses. Indeed, their words ring true; you clearly relish touching my fur and tail."
"Very well, very well, acknowledging your inability to part with that obtuse rabbit, I shall graciously permit it to share our slumber as well."
"However, it is so diminutive; its utility will be confined to providing warmth for our feet at best."
Her concluding remark carried the air of a bestowed privilege.
Afu Tu felt an irrepressible urge to unsheathe his carrot sword and smite all demons and fiends.
Baili An felt his head begin to spin from her persistent harassment. He turned and pinched one of Shu Ci's fox ears with his fingers:
"What is with this excessive clinginess and vexation tonight?"
Though experiencing pain, Shu Ci suppressed her anger. She observed Afu Tu’s gaze, which was hardening like ice, and felt a secret vindication wash over her.
Quietly, she retracted her claws, resting both hands on the rim of the wooden tub.
Her lithe and captivating form swayed in the water like a mythical siren, her raven-black hair fanning out across the surface. Her gaze, as vacant and wooden as ever, fixed upon Baili An with a longing expression.
In a voice devoid of inflection yet carrying immense weight, she declared, "Little corpse demon, I love you."
Afu Tu had already discreetly withdrawn her… offering.
Outside, the wind howled and the snow intensified, causing the lanterns by the window to sway violently. Their light flickered eerily across the rabbit’s face.
Baili An’s previously stiffened expression softened slightly upon hearing her words.
He let out a derisive scoff, his eyes filled with disdain.
This voluptuous fox would resort to any means to get him, utterly shameless.
Sensing Baili An’s peculiar reaction, Shu Ci slowly pushed herself up, attempting to grasp his clothing.
Baili An glanced down at her. "If you continue with this nonsensical talk and inappropriate touching, I’ll shave both your tails clean off!"
Realizing he was entirely serious,
Shu Ci flinched in fear. Her tail darted back into the water as if struck, and her hands quickly withdrew, obediently falling back.
Afu Tu’s gaze returned to a serene state. Her pupils subtly observed Shu Ci’s proud form floating in the water, a thoughtful expression dawning.
Baili An watched as Afu Tu slowly succumbed to sleep on the windowsill, assuming she was simply exhausted for the night.
He then rose, gently picked her up, and placed her onto the bed, tucking her securely beneath the soft covers.
...
...
In the adjoining guest chamber, Su Jing stirred from her slumber on the soft cushions and opened her eyes.
Her gaze was as clear as water, her features possessing a cool, detached beauty, her expression indifferent as she silently contemplated the plain ceiling. A subtle hint of loneliness touched the corners of her eyes and lips.
Her fellow disciple, An Zhiye, who was drawing water nearby, witnessed this and felt a wave of concern. She quickly called out, "Ah, Senior Sister Su Jing’s soul-separation syndrome has acted up again! Hurry, fetch the Calming Powder…"
Before the words could fully leave her mouth, the woman on the bed fluttered her eyelashes and sat up with perfect posture.
She emanated a cold, detached aura, appearing even more remote than usual.
"Cease your cries, I am well," she stated.
Hearing her speak, An Zhiye breathed a sigh of relief. "Senior Sister Su Jing, you were quite frightening just now, staring blankly with vacant eyes."
Su Jing paid no mind to her junior sister’s incessant chatter. She remained seated on the bed, lowered her head, and fixed a dark, unfocused gaze upon her own chest.
After a prolonged period of staring, she seemed uncertain and silently stood.
She moved into the bright candlelight and scrutinized her body for a considerable time…
Only after she had fully confirmed her discovery did she lift her inky black eyes, which seemed to contain a profound darkness, endless, deep, and heavy.
Noticing her strange behavior, An Zhiye cautiously approached, her voice laced with worry.
"Senior Sister… what is wrong? Why are you staring at your chest? Does it hurt?"
Su Jing placed one hand on her forehead and slowly raised the other to halt her junior sister’s inquiry. "Do not disturb me. I require silence."
An Zhiye, adopting a more formal tone, inquired, "Senior Sister, may I speak just one more thing?"
Su Jing silently regarded her.
An Zhiye swallowed and continued, "Um, the Sect Master’s wife is scheduled to arrive in Shifang City tomorrow afternoon to meet with us. A significant number of Taixuan disciples are currently in the city for the auction and are dispersed throughout.
The Sect Master’s wife wishes to quickly assemble all the disciples as Shifang City has been rather unstable lately, and she fears the disciples might face unforeseen dangers.
I recall the individual staying next door is also a Taixuan disciple. Should we perhaps extend them an invitation tomorrow to join us?"
A flicker of reluctance crossed Su Jing’s eyes as she responded with cold detachment, "Why seek out humiliation?"
An Zhiye appeared bewildered. "Humiliation? That junior, by seniority, ranks beneath Senior Sister Su Jing. No matter how arrogant he might be, he would not dare to offend you."
"I was not referring to him."