Chapter 165: Rapidly Rising Affection Meters?
Chapter 165: Rapidly Rising Affection Meters?
Walking down the winding mountainside path—a trail primarily used by Ice Palace disciples to reach the Ice Jade Pool for their cultivation—I felt the heavy, silent weight of Su Youming’s sulking presence just a step behind me.
Internally, I couldn't help but smirk. This woman had completely checkmated herself with her own Gu worm. It felt like I had just been handed a max-level, pay-to-win affection meter with a dating sim heroine, entirely free of charge.
I glanced over with my characteristic dark-circled, bluish-grey eyes. The Heavenly Palace Holy Maiden hurried to catch up, her steps tight with the subtle irritation of a proud woman forced to chase a man. It was a fascinating psychological display. Even though her Love Gu compelled her to feel deeply for me, it hadn't erased her inherently spoiled, aristocratic nature. Watching these two conflicting sides of her personality wage war in real-time was highly entertaining.
I decided it was time to conduct a small experiment. Her Love Gu was currently trapped, locked away tightly within my Gu Trapping Talisman and thoroughly wrapped inside my Fate Spider’s cocoon. While we walked, I subtly transitioned my internal energy to my Life core. I maintained my Hao Hun appearance, taking extra care to cycle my Hidden Gu to mask the fluctuating energy signature from the Emperor lurking in the shadows—not to mention Su Youming herself, who was a formidable Gu Master in her own right.
The moment my internal magic shifted from the cold aura of Death to the vibrant essence of Life, the effect was instantaneous. The warm, adoring light in her eyes vanished. It was replaced by a cold, jarring confusion. She looked at me as if I were a complete stranger who had somehow breached her personal space.
Phew. A wave of relief washed over me. I wouldn't have to worry about Su Youming falling for my Loki Sky identity. It turns out my Death Fate Gu was the ultimate wingman for Hao Hun.
To keep her from noticing the sudden anomaly, I snapped my magic core back into its default Death and Ice mode. The shift hit her like an instant charm spell. Her confusion evaporated, her features softened, and a radiant smile bloomed across her face once more. She realized the man beside her wasn't a stranger at all, but the exact person her heart desperately craved.
Still, I wasn't about to get careless. I was well aware that the Emperor likely possessed methods to suppress or break her infatuation later down the line, so I refrained from pushing my luck too far. Though, looking back much later, I realize I vastly overestimated the Emperor’s moral boundaries. I hadn't anticipated just how willingly he would sacrifice his own daughter's happiness to keep a leash on me.
"Hao Hun," Su Youming murmured, breaking the silence. "Out of all the Holy Maidens currently gathered here, who do you think is the prettiest?"
I didn't care if she was concealing a Recording Stone just to make my harem life miserable. The mere fact that the Emperor was actively spying from the shadows made my answer incredibly simple. When a woman throws a textbook trick question at you, you always take the safest, most calculated bet.
"Youming," I said, my voice dropping to an intimate register as I looked her straight in the eyes. "You and I both know that the person closest to my heart is always the most beautiful—even if I cannot see her face right now."
It was a masterclass in verbal evasion. First, using her given name without titles completely threw her off balance. Second, stating that the woman's face couldn't be seen perfectly covered my bases, since all four Holy Maidens currently wore veils. Finally, I dialed up the smoldering intensity in my gaze, heavily implying to her that she was the one close to my heart. Even if she recorded the conversation to use against me later, I could easily pivot and claim to the others that I was talking about Xia Bing, Gu Xia, or either of the Su sisters.
"Hao Hun..." she stammered, her cheeks flushing beneath her veil. "I... I find you very handsome as well. What is it exactly that you like about me?"
I bit back a laugh. Her defenses were utterly shattered, thoroughly dismantled by her own magical affliction. Deciding to lean into the absurdity, I adopted a deadly serious, academic expression.
"You possess the Pure Milf Body," I stated solemnly. "It is a rare, legendary constitution that causes a woman to grow exponentially more radiant and powerful once she becomes a mother. I am certain you inherited it from your biological mother, who undoubtedly possessed the exact same extraordinary traits."
I had to actively restrain myself from cackling. Aside from a few select people on Earth, absolutely no one in the world of Myst would understand the ridiculous internet slang I had just masqueraded as a profound physical trait. I specifically used the phrase "Pure Milf Body" to test whether the Emperor possessed transmigrated Earth memories. If I had known that my ridiculous gag would be so successful that both Su Youming and the Emperor would spend the next several weeks frantically scouring ancient, dusty texts trying to find records of this legendary constitution, I probably would have died of asphyxiation from laughing so hard.
Furthermore, I intentionally feigned ignorance regarding the fact that Sect Master Su Mei was her actual mother. The Emperor had never publicly acknowledged Youming as his flesh and blood, preferring to market her as a rare prodigy he had simply discovered within his mortal empire.
"Is... is it truly my body that appeals to you?" Su Youming asked, her voice a mix of fascination and deep embarrassment. "What kind of constitution is the Pure Milf Body, exactly?"
Seeing an opening to sow absolute chaos, I decided to keep fabricating the lore. Perhaps it was my latent Loki side acting up, but I felt the world could always use a bit more madness.
"Your body type is a supreme Yang vessel, explicitly designed to dual-cultivate with a compatible Yin-type partner," I explained with a straight face, quoting verbatim from the absolute nonsense written in Wan Meidi's infamous Demonic Sect Dual Cultivation Manual. "With the correct partner, your fertility rate skyrockets. More importantly, the offspring are guaranteed to be exceptionally powerful female Beastmasters inheriting the Life element, augmented by the father's primary attributes. It is a physique entirely destined for supreme motherhood."
In essence, I was figuratively pointing at myself and telling her, 'Hey, let's make super-babies.' Knowing the Emperor's insatiable greed for power, bloodlines, and talent, there was a very real chance he might actively tie her up, force-feed me bright pink aphrodisiac pills, and tell me to have a good time for the sake of the empire.
By the time she fully processed the scandalous implications of my words, we had finally arrived at the base of the Heavenly Palace’s mountain, right where the path split toward her designated peak.
"It was a true joy discussing the depths of the Heavenly Dao with you, Holy Maiden," I said, bowing slightly. "Until our paths cross again, if fate allows."
Just as she opened her mouth to invite me up to her chambers for some tea she had personally brewed, a sharp, arrogant voice cut through the air. A tall, imposing silhouette stepped out from the morning mist.
"Junior Sister Su, step back. Be careful of this man."
It was Lin Feng. He stood rigidly in his pristine, snow-white Holy Son robes, positioning himself like a righteous shield in front of her. My gaze didn't linger on him for long, however. My eyes shifted to the group standing just behind him: Ye Chen, Su Ruyan, Xia Bing, and Gu Xia.
With Su Youming and myself accounted for, the Holy Sons and Holy Maidens of all four major sects were now officially gathered in one spot.
Interesting.
Ye Chen stepped forward, pointing an accusatory finger directly at my face. "Holy Maiden Su, do not be deceived by Hao Hun’s honeyed words. He is a treacherous fraud who tricks innocent women into his bed under the guise of dual-cultivation promises. He turned my own little sister into nothing more than a personal bed-warmer!"
Before I could even formulate a retort, Gu Xia stepped up as my immediate backup. She boldly grabbed my hand, completely unaware that her public display of intimacy was causing Su Youming’s eyes to narrow in sudden jealousy.
"What do you even know, Ye Chen?" Gu Xia sneered, her voice dripping with mockery. "Your sister practically begged Hao Hun to take her in. He only accepted because she was relentlessly persistent. She even sneaks into our bed while we are together! Is that the tragic victim you claim was taken advantage of? Ha!"
I chose to remain silent, neither denying nor confirming Gu Xia's wild claims. I could see the dangerous spark in her eyes; she wanted a fight, and frankly, so did I.
Sensing the rapidly escalating hostility, Xia Bing stepped into the fray to defuse the tension. She had recently met with Xue Wuxia and knew that I had successfully cured the Sect Master's deep-seated illness. She had intentionally brought Gu Xia and the others here under the pretense of searching for the 'missing' Su Youming and myself, purely to provide me with an alibi.
"Hao Hun," Xia Bing said, her voice smooth and even. "Gu Xia has been frantic looking for you since you vanished. What exactly happened?"
Thud.
With a heavy, deliberate exhale, I dropped the massive black coffin I had been carrying onto the stone path and dramatically rubbed my lower back.
"My apologies," I sighed, wincing with theatrical exhaustion. "I was unexpectedly invited to dual-cultivate inside the Ice Jade Pool with a stunning, black-haired beauty. I only just returned, and I am entirely spent from the intensity of our... training session. Holy Maiden Su Youming and I merely bumped into each other on my way back by sheer coincidence, so I escorted her home while discussing the Dao. Cough."
The implication was devastatingly effective. Anyone with half a brain would instantly picture me performing the exact same scandalous acts with Su Youming that I had actually just finished doing with Xue Wuxia in the pool.
Every eye instantly swiveled to Su Youming. I found myself wishing her veil was off just to witness the full expression, but the bright crimson flush spreading rapidly down her neck and ears gave her away entirely.
"It—it wasn't me!" she stammered wildly, her cool composure shattering. "I went there alongside the Sect Master! We merely crossed paths with Hao Hun by accident!"
Deciding to twist the knife a little deeper, I added, "Holy Maiden Su is entirely correct. The woman I dual-cultivated with was a jade beauty of absolute perfection. In fact, Holy Maiden Xia Bing, perhaps you can assist me. I am looking for the rightful owner of this garment. I fully intend to marry her as my concubine."
High above us, perched on the highest peak overlooking the entire farce, Xue Wuxia’s face went utterly incandescent with rage and embarrassment.
She watched in horror as I reached into my robes and pulled out the elegant, crimson silk kimono top she had left behind in her frantic haste to escape the pool. She knew for a fact that Xia Bing would recognize it instantly.
Xia Bing did not disappoint. A flash of pure, unadulterated mischief danced in her pale blue eyes. She nodded sagely, pointing directly at the cherry-blossom embroidered silk.
"Ah, that distinct pattern belongs to none other than Sect Master Xue Wuxia," Xia Bing replied, her voice laced with mock innocence. "I recall her mentioning earlier that she was heading to the Ice Jade Pool to soothe her cold illness. How curious."
Adopting a look of sudden, panicked embarrassment, I quickly shoved the provocative clothing back into my storage ring and coughed bashfully.
"Oh! Well... I am entirely certain that magnificent woman couldn't possibly be Sect Master Wuxia," I stammered with terrible acting. "It must have been a mere coincidence, much like running into Holy Maiden Su. Unless Sect Master Wuxia steps forward to admit it herself, I certainly won't force her to take responsibility for ruining my innocence."
Up on the mountain, Xue Wuxia wanted nothing more than to dig a massive hole and bury herself alive. She had heard rumors that I was a shameless, unprincipled prankster, but she never imagined I would publicly broadcast our lakeside tryst to the entire world. Yet, despite her mortification, the sheer audacity of what happened next caused Xue Wuxia, the Emperor, and Su Youming to instantly look past my shameless behavior.
"You dare disrespect Holy Maiden Youming in my presence?!" Lin Feng roared, his patience entirely spent. "Dual Ability: Elusive Movements, Illusory Clones!"
The air fractured as ten identical, blindingly bright versions of the Light Knight manifested simultaneously. Each clone brandished a gleaming, magical jian sword, descending upon me in a synchronized, lethal blur.
I remained perfectly calm. Sending a silent mental command to my two summons to hold their positions, I focused entirely on the swift-moving threat before me. It was time to unleash my newest toy.
"Underworld River Cocytus surrounds me," I whispered, my voice echoing with a hollow, deathly resonance. "Radiate... Nether-Ice."
Only those who have descended into the deepest abysses of the underworld know the true, primal horror of the River Cocytus. Very few creatures in existence possess the capability to fuse the concept of absolute Death with the physical property of Ice into a single, cohesive Yin-based element. But now, it belonged entirely to me.
A dense, pitch-black icy fog erupted from my skin, instantly expanding outward in a ten-foot radius. It didn't just freeze physical matter like conventional ice magic; it froze the very fabric of the soul. Any living being slain by this Nether-Ice would automatically reanimate as a mindless skeleton or zombie bound irrevocably to my absolute will. To die by this frost meant the permanent erasure of the soul—rendering resurrection completely impossible. It was, without a doubt, the most terrifyingly evil element to ever grace the face of Myst.
Slitch!
Lin Feng's true blade pierced cleanly through my torso. Blood gushed from the wound, but I didn't flinch. Instead, my hand shot forward like a vise, gripping his wrist tightly against the handle of his own sword, trapping him in place.
The area-of-effect frost was already doing its work. Dark, jagged crystals of black ice rapidly crept up his arm, spreading across his robes and encasing his flesh.
Despite the blood trickling from my lips, a wide, terrifying grin stretched across my face.
"Cough... Hahaha! It’s over for you, you idiot," I rasped, my eyes boring into his panic-stricken face. "Welcome to the ranks of my undead. Nether-Ice Coffins!"
Creak... Creak...
Black ice shot up from the stone path, binding his feet and racing up his thighs. Desperation tore through Lin Feng’s arrogant facade. It wasn't just the biting cold that terrified him; he could feel his vital aura, his cultivation base, and his very soul becoming sluggish, entirely suffocated by a dual-element magic that operated at twice the potency of any single element. Furthermore, because my cultivation circle was now only a single tier below his, our raw output was entirely equal.
"DISPEL!" he shrieked, unleashing the ultimate negating authority inherited from Cursed Eyes like Owen Balder.
A shockwave of pure neutralizing energy rippled outward. Anticipating the counter, I immediately threw my arms up to shield my face. The absolute negation didn't just shatter my Nether-Ice; it forcefully deactivated the magic maintaining my Disguise Cloak. For exactly ten seconds, my true identity was entirely vulnerable.
Thankfully, because my Death magic core naturally preserved my default physical build, hair, and eyes, I didn't immediately expose my Loki Sky identity to the crowd. But I had to keep my face hidden at all costs.
Taking advantage of my sudden defensive posture, Lin Feng desperately tore himself backward. He abandoned his sword, leaving it embedded deep within my chest as he leaped out of my attack radius. The escape had cost him dearly. Had he delayed his Dispel by even a fraction of a second, the frost would have claimed his eyes. Using the bloodline ability carried a brutal tax—he was now partially blind, his vision swimming in darkness, and his body completely drained by a profound exhaustion that would last for the next hour.
I stood perfectly still, counting the seconds in the silence of my mind. One. Two. Three...
Once the ten seconds ticked away, the Disguise Cloak hummed back to life, securing my secrets once more. Slowly, I reached down, wrapped my fingers around the hilt of his sword, and pulled the cold steel cleanly out of my flesh. The wound began to knit together, black smoke rising from the torn tissue.
I wiped a trail of blood from my mouth, stepping forward.
"Your ten seconds of safety are up," I said, my voice dropping to a terrifyingly quiet whisper. "You have no weapon left to defend yourself. I will end you right here, and we'll see if your Sect Master can move fast enough to salvage your corpse. Radiate... Nether-Ice."
The most sinister attribute of the Nether-Ice element was its absolute, suffocating silence. It froze the very air molecules, absorbing all ambient vibrations and rendering sound completely impossible.
As I advanced toward the weakened, weaponless Lin Feng, my footsteps across the stone path were entirely noiseless.