Xianxia Online

[Fu Mei: Look up.]

As per her instructions, Xuan glanced up. And sure enough, not too far away, perched on top of the ledge of a tall cliff—stood a cute demon girl, smiling mischievously as she stared lovingly downwards at Xuan. She wore black combat robes that contrasted with her long silver-white hair, and carried a large scythe as her weapon—befitting for a demon princess.

Spotting Xuan's gaze, she waved slightly, before hopping down the tall cliff without a second thought. Casually, she glided through the air like gravity didn't apply to her small body, and before long, she landed in front of Xuan with a smile.

"Well, father? Does my appearance surprise you?"

"No, not really," Xuan replied, completely unamused. "You look exactly like how I expected—like Fu Yao, except shorter and a far smaller bust size."

The 'far' part was unnecessary, but he spoke only the truth. Fu Mei didn't seem to be offended, however, and instead smiled wryly.

"I'll take that as a compliment. My mother is often seen as the most attractive woman in all Three Realms, after all."

Well, Xuan couldn't argue with the facts. It was true; Fu Yao was widely regarded as one of if not the most beautiful woman under the heavens. As her daughter, Fu Mei's looks didn't pale in comparison either—though it was more a different kind of beautiful. She was… cute, put as bluntly as possible.

"And? Does she know of this… double personality of yours?" Xuan asked, lifting an eyebrow.

"Of course. I am obedient and serious when the time calls for it, but most of the time, I act quite carefreely—as you can see, I've already killed several weaklings on my way to see you, daddy."

Saying that, she whipped out a collection of weapons, each taken from a different victim. Among them ranged anywhere between Earth to Ancient grade artifacts, so it's not like she only went after low-level cultivators. It was evident that this girl was quite strong—although Xuan's Divine Asura Eye only showed her as an Origin Transformation stage, her actual cultivation was most likely Origin Emperor. If the two were to duel right now, Xuan wasn't actually confident he could win.

Thankfully, they weren't enemies.

"Take a pick. Any of these weapons suit your tastes?"

Xuan shook his head. "No need. More importantly, do you know anything about a certain 'gate' spoken of in Demon folklore?"

Although the weapon selection was good, none could quite synergize with the current Xuan as well as the Scarlet Passion Sword. It was better to get down to real business. As it would seem, however, even Fu Mei didn't quite know of this story.

"A 'gate'? Ehh… no, I can't say I do. Some idiot who tried to flirt with me earlier was talking about it with some of his servants, though. Do you want to try asking him?"

'… Servants? That's something not just anyone can bring along into the Flaming Sands Field. Just who did she…'

Before Xuan could think on it further, Fu Mei smiled sadistically, and took out a glass vial. Then, unscrewing the cork, she tilted the bottle downwards. To his surprise, a plume of white gas leaked out, growing in strength until it took on the shape of a human. Once the figure consolidated, Zi Xiruo immediately recognized who it was. Before he could open his mouth to speak, though, another voice cut in.

"Hoh… Brother Bai. I didn't expect to see you here."

From behind Xuan, Zi Xiruo approached. Apparently, she'd realized something was amiss, and followed after him—smarter than her aloof attitude let on.

As for the man surnamed Bai, on the other hand, his eyes lit up the instant he saw Zi Xiruo.

"Sister Xiruo! At last, I am saved! This detestable seductress-"

"Ah-ah, who gave you permission to speak?" Fu Mei cut in, smiling wistfully as she silenced the man, causing him to seize up in fear. Xuan didn't want to know just how much she humiliated him before the capture. "Now then… who is this woman, daddy? Are you cheating on mother again?"

"Again?" Xuan lifted an eyebrow. "All of my wives, your mother included, know each other. Is it really cheating if it's a polygamy? Regardless, she's just an acquaintance I happened to meet not long ago."

"Fufu, is that so…" Focusing her gaze on Zi Xiruo, Fu Mei continued. "You seem to know this man. If your goal is to save him, I'll have to apologize beforehand—there are only two people in the world who can make me let go of a toy I've already obtained. One is my mother, and the other is right here—though I doubt he thinks much of this poor soul."

It was true, Xuan didn't see a point in letting him out. In fact, that would only be troublesome, considering this was the Eight Great Families they were dealing with.

"I'm afraid you're mistaken," Zi Xiruo replied without batting an eye. "It's true, I happen to know this man, but I'd like to verify something about what you just said. You claimed that he was talking with his servants regarding a… gate?"

Fu Mei glanced at Xuan briefly as if seeking permission to talk, to which he gave a nod. Xiruo was an insider on this matter—there was no reason to hide anything from her.

"Hm… well, I only overheard so much, but… it appears the gate leads to a mysterious palace that holds many treasures within from a dimension outside of our own."

"Hoh… a palace?" Zi Xiruo folded her arms, and for the first time since meeting her, Xuan witnessed her truly become angered. "How interesting. So the Bai family discovered new pieces of information beforehand, and chose to hide it from the other Great Families in order to gain an advantage?"

Her voice was as gentle and pretty as ever, but the words she spoke carried an edge of coldness to them—a coldness that surpassed that of even Fu Mei's aura, causing Bai Zhutian to immediately lash out in rebuke.

"W-Wait, you have it all wrong! This girl is lying! I was just speculating possibilities, we don't actually know anything for certa—"

"Is that so?" Fu Mei giggled. "Does she scare you so much that you wish to lie? Then… why don't I force the truth out of you?"

At this, Bai Zhutian froze. Every bone in his body felt like it was being constricted by a python, and even his breathing came to a pause.

Fu Mei, seeing this, smiled deviously.