Chapter 180: Don’t Bother Me.

"Shall I serve you tonight, Young Master Xu?"

Mo Zhuer said softly, her breath brushing against Xu Ming's earlobe like a warm breeze. The seductive tone in her voice seemed to stir the most primal instincts deep in Xu Ming's DNA.

"Heh, you're the one who suggested it," Xu Ming replied with a faint smile, smacking her thigh sharply. The crisp sound echoed, and the sensation was soft and smooth. "Don't regret it later."

Mo Zhuer froze for a moment, nearly grinding her teeth to pieces in her heart.

In all her life, no man had ever touched her thigh before—much less slapped it!

Yet, despite her inner fury, Mo Zhuer kept her charming smile intact. Xu Ming's agreement meant things were moving in her favor.

Her lips curved into a sly grin. "Of course~ It's this humble one's idea. Tonight, I'll make sure to serve Young Master well~ Let you experience the pinnacle of earthly pleasures."

"Alright."

Xu Ming chuckled, but inside, he felt nothing but disdain. How could he not see through her scheming?

The two continued their journey, and by evening, Xu Ming untied the rope binding Mo Zhuer. He no longer needed to suppress her spiritual power—if she wasn't worried about the poison in her body, she could leave anytime.

The first thing Mo Zhuer did after regaining her spiritual power was to inspect her body with her inner energy. But to her shock, there were no signs of poisoning at all.

Could it be… this man was bluffing? Am I not poisoned at all?

A wave of doubt washed over Mo Zhuer. Yet, when she looked at how casually Xu Ming untied her, she hesitated. If she truly weren't poisoned, would he trust her this much?

"Don't look at me like that. You shouldn't be able to detect the poison in your body, right? That's normal. After all, this is one of Wu Kingdom's finest creations. Unless you reach the Nascent Soul stage, you'll never sense it." Xu Ming made a sweeping gesture. "If you don't believe me, you can leave now."

Mo Zhuer: "..."

"What are you saying, Young Master~" Mo Zhuer chuckled lightly and stepped closer, resting her delicate hand on his shoulder. "If I left now, wouldn't I be throwing my life away? Besides, I promised to serve you tonight, didn't I~?"

"Heh."

Xu Ming let out a short laugh and didn't say more, walking ahead without looking back.

Watching his retreating figure, Mo Zhuer clenched her fists tightly, but she hurried to keep up.

As the three walked through the forest, the sky grew darker. After a long day of travel, Shen Shengsheng looked visibly tired. Her little hands clung to Xu Ming's robe, her head drooping as if she could fall asleep at any moment.

Xu Ming made quick work of hunting a deer in the forest and found a cave for shelter. When the fire was lit, the entire cave was illuminated in its warm glow.

"You said you'd serve me, didn't you?" Xu Ming turned to Mo Zhuer.

Mo Zhuer blinked in surprise but nodded, stepping closer with a sultry smile. "Of course~ What does Young Master wish for this humble one to do?"

"Skin this deer," Xu Ming instructed. "Then cut the meat, wash it clean, and skewer it with sharpened branches. We're roasting it tonight."

"Eh?" Mo Zhuer stared at him, wondering if she'd misheard.

"What 'eh'? Get to work." Xu Ming leaned back against the wall. "Hurry up. We're hungry."

"As you wish, Young Master."

Mo Zhuer had no idea if Xu Ming had some peculiar hobby or if he simply wanted to boss her around.

But it didn't matter. The night was still young.

This man, after all, was a young man full of vigor and passion. Mo Zhuer refused to believe she couldn't take him down. As long as he harbored any improper thoughts or tried to touch her…

"Heh!" A glint of cold light flashed in Mo Zhuer's eyes. "The humiliation you've subjected me to these past days—I'll repay it tenfold!"

Following Xu Ming's instructions, Mo Zhuer skinned the deer, cut the meat, and began roasting it over the fire.

But Xu Ming's voice constantly rang in her ears—

"Can't you move faster?"

"I told you to skin it, not take the meat along with the skin!"

"You didn't clean the fur off this piece of meat!"

"This branch is too thin! How is this supposed to skewer the meat?"

"The fire's dying! Add more wood! Are you useless at everything?"

"Flip the meat; it's time to turn it over."

"Brush some honey on it."

"Are you an idiot? Why so much honey? If you want to drown me in sweetness, just say so!"

Mo Zhuer clenched her teeth, nearly smashing the deer leg she was holding into Xu Ming's face.

Why am I doing all the work while he just sits there criticizing me? Do you think I'm your servant?

She inhaled deeply to suppress her anger. No, I need to endure this. Xu Ming, just wait—if you give me even the slightest chance, you'll regret it.

When the roasted venison was finally ready, Xu Ming placed an entire deer leg in front of Shen Shengsheng. She grabbed it with both hands and started gnawing on it happily.

Mo Zhuer also tasted her own cooking. With just one bite, her eyes lit up. I made this? How is it so delicious?

Xu Ming, too, sat back, chewing on a deer leg. Though he had reached the Cave Mansion Realm and could survive without food, his identity as a martial artist still required him to replenish his blood energy.

Later that night, Xu Ming assigned Mo Zhuer to stand watch while he rested inside the cave.

Shen Shengsheng snuggled tightly against him, her small body curled up like a kitten. It seemed that only by clinging to Xu Ming could she feel safe.

"Young Master~ Shen Shengsheng is sound asleep now~"

Mo Zhuer approached Xu Ming, her voice dripping with sweetness, her eyes shimmering as though they could spill spring water. A faint blush adorned her fair cheeks.

"And?" Xu Ming opened his eyes lazily.

"And…" Mo Zhuer's gaze turned even more enticing, as though it could melt ice. "Does the Young Master wish to do something… pleasurable with me?"

As she spoke, she let her robe slip slightly off her shoulders, revealing her smooth, snow-white skin.

Xu Ming glanced at her and replied calmly, "I've heard that in the Western Regions, there's a rare and deadly poison. Girls are exposed to it from a young age, and the toxin seeps into their clothing. If anyone harbors ill intentions toward them, they'll die instantly from the poison. It's said to be a way to protect their chastity. Am I wrong?"

"…"

Mo Zhuer's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected Xu Ming to know so much.

Still, she maintained her composure, flashing a coy smile. "What are you talking about, Young Master? I've never heard of such a thing."

"Never mind, then." Xu Ming closed his eyes again. "Go stand watch. Don't bother me."