The Meeting of Two Drama Queens (3)

Lin Qianshuang froze upon hearing Bai Wan’s voice, wondering when this white lotus had approached her.

Thoughtfully, she tilted her head slightly. Bai Wan must have witnessed the distressing scene earlier and would be certain of her feelings for her master.

Bai Wan emerged from behind a tree and crouched before Lin Qianshuang.

Her face bore an indecipherable expression as she gazed upon Lin Qianshuang’s countenance. She imagined the despair Lin Qianshuang must have felt after being wounded by her beloved and worried that she might not be able to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

If Lin Qianshuang were to perish here while she remained at the Tianyi Hall, she feared she would be held accountable.

“Submit to your destiny and serve the Demon Emperor well. Perhaps Han Shengyao will reconsider her stance towards you.”

Upon finishing her words, Bai Wan attempted to rise, but a hand abruptly seized hers. A sinister aura then permeated her abdomen.

“That’s not a demon fetus within you, but a pulsating demonic heart, isn’t it?”

Bai Wan’s eyes widened in shock as she looked at Lin Qianshuang. How did she… see it?

The demonic qi that appeared in Lin Qianshuang’s hand pressed against her stomach, and her blue eyes raised, looking at her without blinking.

Her face, did not show a trace of sadness or sorrow, and her emotions seemed to adjust very quickly.

“You…”

Startled, Bai Wan momentarily lost her composure before regaining her senses and retorting with a tinge of anger, “What absurdities are you uttering? If you dare harm the child in my womb, Ah Heng will not spare you!”

“Ah, if this is a demon fetus, why are you infusing demonic energy into your belly to suppress its beating?”

Lin Qianshuang held onto Bai Wan’s wrist, which was still pulsing with demonic energy, and watched as her expression paled. With a teasing tone, she smirked and said, “If you refuse to admit it, perhaps I should take you to the Demon Emperor to see if I can make your little demon show its true form.”

Bai Wan had seen the swordsmanship that Lin Qianshuang practiced in the forest, and knew that she had cultivated the sword technique of humane demon subjugation. Her heart immediately panicked, suspecting whether she had seen through her true body.

If her identity as a beast cultivator is exposed, how can she complete her next plan?

Bai Wan’s killing intent suddenly arose in her heart. Her gaze towards Lin Qianshuang became cold and she said, “Dare you try it? For ants like you, I only need one finger to obliterate your soul beyond reincarnation!”

Seeing the killing intent in Bai Wan’s eyes, Lin Qianshuang knew she had achieved her goal.

Lin Qianshuang released her grip on Bai Wan’s wrist and said indifferently, without any fear on her face, “Not pretending anymore?”

Bai Wan looked at Lin Qianshuang’s calm expression and the lack of intimidation by the pressure she released. She suspected that she had been deceived and didn’t make a move right away.

Lin Qianshuang held her hand with a smile that was not a smile, and looked coldly at Bai Wan, as if she had understood her psychology. She said, “If you want to silence me here, then you’ve missed the mark. My master was a witness to the meeting between you and me. Plus, I am now the left protector personally appointed by the Demon Emperor. If something happens to me on my first day in the Hall, the one most likely to have made a move will be you, who is pregnant with a demon fetus. At that time, the position of the Demon Empress that you so painstakingly want to obtain will truly be out of reach forever.”

Bai Wan’s face grimaced for a moment, but it was only a few seconds before she regained her original innocence and movement. “I didn’t expect that. You got me. I wanted to come to the Tianyi Hall because I wanted to show you who’s boss, but instead, I was taken by surprise by you.”

Lin Qianshuang’s demeanor was composed, her azure eyes gleaming with an air of omniscience. It was a stark contrast to the timid and cowardly persona she had presented earlier, as if it were all a mere facade.

“I will not expose your beast cultivation, nor will I inform the Demon Emperor of your false pregnancy. For I want to propose an alliance.”

Bai Wan’s dark eyes flickered, her expression morphing through a myriad of emotions.

She looked at Lin Qianshuang with a friendly expression, and after a few seconds, a faint smile appeared on her face. She said with interest, “Collaboration? What do you want to do?”

“You have also seen this banquet. The Demon Emperor is unreliable, fickle, and prone to change.

The Three Demon Sects also adopt a wait-and-see stance toward you, as if they are reluctant to offer assistance.

If not for the presence of a demon fetus in your womb, you would never have been considered for the position of Demon Empress. Frankly, as a disciple of the Holy Maiden of the Demon Realm, I need only toil for a few years as Left Protector to secure the position of Demon Empress.

Lin Qianshuang analyzed the situation from Bai Wan’s perspective and approached her, observing her facial expressions. She spoke softly, “Miss Bai, I understand your desire to become Demon Empress. Not only will I not oppose you, but I will also lend my aid. However, in return, I seek the power of the Three Demon Sects behind you, and I require your assistance in seizing the throne of Demon Emperor.”

Bai Wan’s expression hardened as she scrutinized Lin Qianshuang. She studied her from head to toe, as if doubting her sanity. “You desire the throne of Demon Emperor?”

Lin Qianshuang took Bai Wan’s hands and softened her gaze. “Sister Bai Wan, if I ascend to the position of Demon Emperor, you will be the rightful Demon Empress, and I shall ensure that your position remains unchallenged. Our interests align, and neither of us shall suffer.”

Bai Wan’s face contorted for a moment before she abruptly doubled over in laughter, leaning against a nearby tree for support. “You? You aspire to become the Demon Emperor?”

Lin Qianshuang swiftly covered Bai Wan’s mouth, pulled her aside, and whispered, “Hey, do you want to get me killed? Saying that loudly is like letting everyone in the Demon Palace know of my evil intentions?”

Bai Wan’s body trembled several times before calming down. She looked at Lin Qianshuang beside her, those turquoise blue eyes glowing with determination. Her expression was solemn and serious, not like she was joking. The hand holding her was strong, as if it was trying to transmit her conviction into her heart.

Lin Qianshuang made a friendly and cooperative gesture and extended her hand to Bai Wan’s face, her voice not condescending as she said, “I hope that you can believe in me, Miss Bai. We will be good partners.”

Bai Wan paid a bit of attention, and did not scrutinize this matter with the mood of looking at a joke anymore, but considered it from the perspective of personal interest. Now that her blackmail material firmly in someone else’s hands, and Lin Qianshuang, being the Left Protector as well as the Sacred Maiden’s Disciple, she did have the qualifications to compete for the position of Demon Emperor.

Her eyes went straight to Lin Qianshuang, not hiding her fondness for her appearance. Since she was bored anyway, she might as well take a gamble and see how far this young demon could go.

It wouldn’t be a loss for her in the slightest.

Moreover, with a cultivation level like hers, she could kill the person in front of her with a single finger.

Lin Qianshuang’s outstretched hand hung in the air for a long time without response. A hint of disappointment washed over her, and she was about to withdraw it when Bai Wan’s hand reached out and gently clasped hers.

A surge of joy coursed through Lin Qianshuang as she lifted her head. Bai Wan’s dark eyes shimmered with an enigmatic light as she repeatedly traced the back of her hand. “I believe you. It will be my honor to collaborate with you.”

Scanning their surroundings, Lin Qianshuang turned to Bai Wan. “It’s not suitable to converse here. Let’s proceed to Tianyi Hall.”

With a casual pull, she led Bai Wan along, much like how she would invite her colleague Xiaoya to the cafeteria for lunch, not perceiving any impropriety in her actions.

Bai Wan gazed at the hand that held hers, then at Lin Qianshuang walking ahead, a faint smile playing on her lips.

In Tianyi Hall, Lin Qianshuang and Bai Wan sat across from each other at a tea table.

Lin Qianshuang initiated the conversation, “You’re not truly Bai Wan, are you? Why do you want to be Demon Empress?”

Bai Wan lifted the teapot and poured a cup of water, which she placed before Lin Qianshuang. Raising her gaze, she stated, “Since we’re collaborating, I may as well reveal my intentions.”

As Lin Qianshuang watched, Bai Wan’s body gradually diminished in size and transformed into a three-tailed fox beast perched on the seat. A pulsating, purple-red demon heart lay in its mouth, and three large, fluffy tails floated in the air.

“I was dispatched by the Beast Emperor to retrieve the Cold Cicada Zither, a secret treasure located within the Demon Realm. In the Demon Palace, I stumbled upon Bai Wan, who had drowned. I took her place, removed her demon heart, and disguised myself as a demon cultivator. I’ve ascertained that the Cold Cicada Zither is concealed within the forbidden area of the Demon Palace, but only the Demon Emperor and the Demon Empress recognized by the Demon Realm can access that region.”

Bai Wan recalled the memories of Han Shengyao causing her endless troubles after entering the Demon Palace, and a hint of hatred couldn’t help but arise in her heart.

Lin Qianshuang touched the fox’s large tail with curiosity and said, “I didn’t notice it before. Your true form is much more charming than your original humanoid appearance.”

Bai Wan jumped up as if her fur was on fire, slightly annoyed, and said, “Don’t touch it randomly. There are some places you can’t touch. It’s taboo among beast cultivators.”

Lin Qianshuang clicked her tongue and tugged on the furry tail again, saying with an amused face, “Could it be that you beast cultivators get pregnant if I touch it?”

Bai Wan swiftly transformed into human form, her innocent and charming face was extremely red at the moment, and she was so angry that she couldn’t speak clearly and said, “What nonsense are you talking about?”

Lin Qianshuang propped up her chin and glanced at Bai Wan’s fake pregnant belly, saying to her, “I thought at first that your stomach was really pregnant with the Demon Emperor’s child, but, obviously you and the Demon Emperor shouldn’t have been intimate, so how did you manage to keep him from finding out?”

“The Demon Emperor is not worthy of having my child. It’s enough to make me nauseous when I pretend to be intimate with him.”

Bai Wan remembered something, and a hint of displeasure appeared on her face. She tossed a white porcelain medicine bottle to Lin Qianshuang and said, “Tomorrow, the Demon Emperor will definitely call for you. I have the Illusionary Love Pill. As long as you mix it into the wine and give it to the Demon Emperor, he will experience the illusion of making love to you.”

Lin Qianshuang caught the white porcelain medicine bottle, her eyes flickering involuntarily. This was perfect. She had been worrying about what to do if such a thing happened. Bai Wan was truly resourceful.

“There are some things we should discuss tomorrow night. I must return to my sleeping quarters now.”

Bai Wan stood up and bid farewell to Lin Qianshuang. Suddenly, she remembered something and said to her, “Tomorrow morning, we will all be eating breakfast with the Demon Emperor at Tianyou Pavilion. The Holy Maiden will also be present. On that day, you must remain composed.”

Lin Qianshuang was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I’m not so easily shaken.”

As Bai Wan reached the hall’s entrance, she paused and turned to say, “In truth, you want to become the Demon Emperor for the sake of your master, don’t you.”

Lin Qianshuang was caught off guard, the tea in her cup steaming hot. Before she could respond, Bai Wan’s figure vanished through the doorway, her back turned to her.

“Holy Maiden, the Demon Lake of the Beiyou Demon Sect has run dry, and their sect leader has petitioned His Majesty the Demon Emperor for Frostwood. Surprisingly, His Majesty declined under the pretense of honoring a promise to the Left Protector. After the destruction of the Wanhua Demon Palace, His Majesty the Demon Emperor intends to deplete the spiritual mines in the northern mountain range to rebuild and expand the palace. Holy Maiden, you must persuade His Majesty the Demon Emperor!”

Upon Han Shengyao’s arrival at the ninth level of the Demon Palace, having descended from Jiuyang Peak, Right Protector Su Qing and the five Hall Masters of the Profound Demons prostrated themselves before her, each recounting a recent irrational act by the Demon Emperor.

Although the crimson-robed woman before them appeared displeased, Su Qing and the five hall masters dared to voice their grievances, for the Holy Maiden of the Demon Realm possessed the sole authority to depose or support the Demon Emperor, and was the only one capable of advising him.

“I understand. You may all return now.”

As she listened, Han Shengyao’s brow furrowed tightly. Suppressing her anger, she quickly made her way towards the Tianyou Pavilion within the Demon Palace.