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Qi Yuan, having received the other party's consent, held Ling Yuling's delicate body and rushed toward Silver Shark Island at high speed.
"Brother Qi, you..."
Ling Yuling was suddenly embraced by someone, a sensation she had never experienced before. Being so close to a strange man made her flustered, especially with the fire poison coursing through her veins. Her body burned with an unbearable heat, and the moment she came into contact with Qi Yuan's masculine aura, the fire poison surged uncontrollably like a flood breaking through a dam.
Qi Yuan caught the faint fragrance lingering around her, a soft orchid scent that blended with her ragged breath. He quickly retrieved a few calming pills and placed them into Ling Yuling's trembling hands as she struggled to maintain control. Slowly, the medicine took effect, easing some of the torment within her.
Regaining a sliver of clarity, Ling Yuling looked at him with gratitude. "Thank you, Brother Qi."
Qi Yuan reached out, taking her soft wrist in his grasp to check her pulse. A frown appeared on his face. "Brother Ling, the poison has penetrated deep into your bones. It would be best to find a suitable female cultivator to assist in detoxifying you..."
"No, that won't be necessary," Ling Yuling interrupted, her face flushed. "I already have someone I like. I don't want to be so casual."
Qi Yuan paused for a moment before nodding slightly. Ling Yuling lifted her gaze, stealing a glance at him, her thoughts in turmoil. She wanted to ask if he had kissed her back at the Vulcan Sect ruins but hesitated. Qi Yuan was unaware of her true identity, and suddenly bringing it up would only lead to an awkward situation.
Despite his best efforts to travel swiftly, Silver Shark Island was still several days away. Throughout the journey, Ling Yuling's fire poison flared multiple times, resisting even the strongest elixirs. If the poison was not expelled soon, her life would be in grave danger.
Qi Yuan landed on a small deserted island, holding Ling Yuling close. With a flick of his wrist, he retrieved two array plates and several small formation flags, scattering them in precise directions. A thick mist enveloped the island, shielding it from prying eyes.
"Brother Qi..."
Ling Yuling's mind was barely holding on, and she could not comprehend his intentions. Then, she felt the weight of her hair crown being removed, her long black hair cascading down her back.
She gasped. "Brother Qi, what are you doing?"
Qi Yuan cupped her flushed face in his hands and pressed his lips against hers.
Ling Yuling froze, her thoughts reeling. This sensation was familiar—too familiar. Back at the Vulcan Sect ruins, she had indeed been kissed by Qi Yuan. But how had he discovered her secret?
Her mind swam in confusion, but suddenly, a realization struck her. She pushed him away, her voice urgent. "We can't go any further. If we do, your life will be in danger."
As the daughter of the two saints of Xing Palace and its next successor, Ling Yuling's life and purity were strictly controlled by her parents. If she returned to Xing Palace and they discovered she had lost her Yuan Yin body, Qi Yuan would not escape their wrath.
Qi Yuan, however, ran his fingers through her silky hair and kissed her forehead. With a whisper in her ear, he reassured her, "Who said detoxification requires going that far? I'll show you a new method."
Ling Yuling's face was tinged with doubt, but the relentless fire poison left her no room for argument. As long as it didn't cross that line, she had no reason to refuse.
The sky remained clear, bathed in the golden light of spring. The salty sea breeze drifted gently, and waves lapped against the shore, washing away faint traces of the night before.
Ling Yuling stirred, her consciousness slowly returning. Shielding her eyes from the glaring sunlight, she felt an overwhelming weakness in her limbs. It was then that she noticed a figure beside her—Qi Yuan.
Memories of the previous night rushed back.
She touched her warm cheeks, quickly dressed, and kicked Qi Yuan twice. "Wake up. The sun is shining on you."
Qi Yuan groaned lazily. "The sun feels nice. Why are you so energetic this early?"
Annoyed, Ling Yuling wanted to kick him again, but her legs felt like jelly. Frustrated, she gave up and sat down cross-legged, taking some pills to restore her depleted energy.
An hour later, when she opened her eyes, Qi Yuan stood by the shoreline, hands behind his back, his robes fluttering in the breeze. Sensing her gaze, he turned and walked toward her.
"I know you have questions. Just ask," he said calmly.
Ling Yuling's sharp eyes locked onto his. "How did you know I was a woman?"
Qi Yuan smiled, his tone gentle. "You know my situation. I've been around enough women to notice the subtle details. Even if you have a magical artifact concealing your gender, you can't hide from me."
"Pervert," she muttered before suddenly saying, "Why don't you join Xing Palace? When the time is right, I'll take you to meet my parents."
Ling Yuling had to think ahead. She planned to persuade Qi Yuan to join Xing Palace and gradually elevate his status. Once he accumulated enough merit, she would reveal the truth to her parents. With his strength and accomplishments, their resistance would be much weaker.
Of course, if she wanted to be the queen, she would have to make some compromises. Those concubines? They would simply be distractions for Qi Yuan, a way to pass the time. Ultimately, she would be the one in control.
She envisioned the day Qi Yuan realized her true influence—he would be so awed that he would kneel before her without hesitation.
But Qi Yuan shook his head. "That won't work. I cherish my freedom too much. Being bound by rules doesn't suit me."
Ling Yuling's expression darkened slightly, disappointment flickering across her features.
Qi Yuan stepped closer, his voice serious. "Yuling, I will prove my worth. No matter what, you will never escape from me."
Ling Yuling's eyes widened. "Who said I can't escape?"
With that, she turned into a streak of light, attempting to flee the island.
Qi Yuan smirked, his figure flashing as he intercepted her effortlessly. Holding her delicate frame, he pulled her into another deep kiss.
"You're shameless," she mumbled between breaths. "You only bully me because your cultivation is higher."
Yet despite her protest, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist, unwilling to let go.
(End Of Chapter)