Chapter 22: Taking Him to Heart-Rebelou-se contra ele(Sonho de ossos em uma noite)

"How could I ever bear to kill you, Ye?"

Yi Lanshu’s fingers reached toward Yu Tingye’s face with restless intent, but before he could make contact, Yu Tingye intercepted him, clamping his hand around Yi Lanshu’s wrist. "Tell me, Yi Lanshu, it’s one thing for you to be handsy with women, but why do you have such a fetish for a grown man like me?"

Yi Lanshu laughed. "Who told you to have such a seductive face, Ye?"

Yu Tingye flung his hand away, offering a warning. "Touch me again, and I’ll hack your hand off."

"Alright, alright. I won't, I won't."

Yu Tingye did not dwell on such trivial matters. "You’ve come to see me—does this mean your side is fully prepared?"

As Yu Tingye settled into his grand armchair, Yi Lanshu sat directly upon the desk in front of him. "How about this: I help you destroy the Demon Realm, and you help me deal with the Human Realm?"

Yu Tingye leaned back against the chair. "I am human myself. You want me to turn against the Human Realm?"

Yi Lanshu watched him intently. "Ye, have you ever considered that perhaps you are not an ordinary person?"

"That is nothing but baseless speculation."

"Listen to me. A cultivation as profound as the Demon Lord Wanwan’s was absorbed by you. If you were merely an ordinary human with a mortal body, that would be impossible. Therefore, Ye, you are definitely not ordinary. As for your true identity, would you like me to investigate it for you?"

"There is no need. Say what you will, I will not help you deal with the Human Realm." Yu Tingye gestured toward the door. "The exit is right there. Walk slowly; I won't be seeing you out."

Yi Lanshu straightened up, then pressed both palms onto the desk. "I was wondering why Luoxue was so heartless. It turns out she was corrupted by her master."

"Don't want to leave?" Yu Tingye asked.

Yi Lanshu raised his hands in surrender. "Fine, I yield. How about this: I will help you wipe out the Demon Realm, and I don’t want any benefits from you. All I want is your allegiance. How about that? Not a bad trade, right?"

"My allegiance?"

Yi Lanshu nodded.

Yu Tingye considered this for a moment. "Very well. It’s a deal."

"Also, leave Luoxue to me."

Yu Tingye’s eyes flickered. "Luoxue?"

Yi Lanshu nodded again. "You wouldn't be reluctant to part with her, would you?"

"How could I be? If you want her, take her."

"Straightforward."

After a moment, Yi Lanshu seemed to recall something. "Oh, that’s right. I saw your woman outside just now. She’s quite stunning. Could she be Wanwan?"

Yu Tingye remained silent.

Seeing his reaction, Yi Lanshu’s eyes suddenly brightened. "You didn't kill her, you kept her around—don't tell me you’ve actually developed feelings for her?"

"If you can't speak properly, shut your mouth!" Yu Tingye’s gaze was sharp enough to cut him. "The plan is scheduled for the Flower Viewing Festival banquet next year."

"We have to wait a whole year?"

"Only at the annual Flower Viewing Banquet do all demons gather. That is when we will annihilate them in one stroke."

"Agreed."

Not long after Yi Lanshu departed, a figure emerged from the shadows. Draped in a black hood that obscured his face, he approached Yu Tingye and bowed. "Lord Tingye."

Yu Tingye gave his instructions. "Once Yi Lanshu has wiped out the demon race, you are to kill him. He belongs to the Winged Tribe, and their most lethal weapon is their poison. Therefore, the people you train must be immune to all toxins."

"Understood."

Lin Xihe had been chatting with Luoxue for a while and was just about to leave when she heard Luoxue call out the name "Yi Lanshu." She turned back and, sure enough, saw Yi Lanshu opening the door and stepping out.

Lin Xihe’s eyes locked onto the open doorway. She sprinted over and, without a word, slipped inside.

She didn't know why, but she wanted to see Yu Tingye—she simply had to see him.

Perhaps, somewhere, at some unknown time, she had unknowingly let him into her heart.