The Ocean-Calming Pearl

"I know… you might dislike me."

Ming Xian smiles, her beautiful eyes never leaving Ling Ye.

Perhaps, in his eyes, she is nothing more than the Queen of the Abyssal Sirens—a seductress who lures men into her grasp. Maybe he assumes she has taken countless lovers, that she is tainted, unworthy.

That she is unclean.

Of course, if that were the case, Ling Ye would despise her presence. He would see her approach as an insult. A blasphemy.

And so, she is fully aware.

She can tease, she can provoke—but there are boundaries. In front of Ling Ye, there are things she must not do.

"I need your Ocean-Calming Pearl from the Ethereal Ocean Abyss."

Ling Ye's voice is cold, his tone carrying not the slightest trace of emotion.

The woman before him is indeed beautiful. Enchanting. Every movement, every expression is designed to captivate. Her face and figure are flawless, her allure undeniable.

But Ling Ye is not interested.

He can easily imagine what kind of woman this Abyssal Siren Queen must be—leading her people to seduce men day after day.

With a woman like her, there is no desire to possess.

Not even once.

Not even the slightest interest.

"The Ocean-Calming Pearl?" Ming Xian tilts her head, a flicker of disappointment flashing across her face. "How disappointing."

She sighs, shaking her head. "I thought the Demon Lord had come looking for someone."

Ling Ye says nothing, merely waiting for her to bring out the treasure.

"The Ocean-Calming Pearl is the most prized treasure of my Ethereal Ocean Abyss," she continues, her voice laced with amusement. "But if I refuse to give it, will the great Demon Lord simply wipe my entire Abyss from existence?"

She smiles playfully, feigning helplessness. "Ah, a weak woman like me… without a powerful man to protect her, she can only be bullied by others."

Ling Ye's gaze remains indifferent. "Across the heavens, who would dare to bully you? Who would even have the ability?"

The Ethereal Ocean Abyss stands at the pinnacle of power, rivaling even the Purple Cloud Immortal Realm. No one would dare to provoke it recklessly.

Ming Xian chuckles, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"So… what you mean is that you alone are allowed to bully me?" Her voice drops into a sultry whisper. "No one else, only you?"

Her charming gaze locks onto his, teasing, testing. "How unexpected. Does this mean the Demon Lord has… a sense of possessiveness after all?"

Ling Ye spares her a single glance.

'Your ability to twist words is impressive. You understand me perfectly, yet you choose to misinterpret it deliberately.'

Ming Xian laughs softly. "I'm only joking. I know the Demon Lord doesn't care for little old me."

Then, parting her lips slightly, she exhales softly.

A faint green glow emerges from her mouth—a delicate pearl, radiating a tranquil, otherworldly light.

She catches it in her jade-like hand, then gently presses her red lips against its smooth surface.

"Here, take it. A gift from me to the Demon Lord."

She extends the pearl toward him, her eyes filled with playful intent.

It is not merely a pearl she offers—

But a kiss. A part of her heart.

Since Ling Ye desires it, he must accept it with everything that comes with it.

Ling Ye reaches out to take it.

But just before he can, she suddenly withdraws her hand, her playful expression turning uncharacteristically serious.

"I know you always take what you want."

Her voice is calm, steady. "And I know that if you demand something, I will give it to you."

"But there is one thing I hope you will remember. One thing I want you to believe."

Her captivating eyes lock onto his, filled with rare sincerity.

It feels as though she is about to say something of great significance.

Ling Ye nods slightly. "What is it?"

Ming Xian takes a deep breath.

"I'm… clean."

Her words are firm, her gaze unwavering.

She speaks from the depths of her heart, hoping—pleading—that Ling Ye will take her words seriously.

But Ling Ye merely scoffs.

Clean? Are you?

"You and I… both know the truth," he says lightly.

"I… I really am clean!" Ming Xian insists. "You may not want me, you may even dislike me, but… I hope you at least believe that I am."

She frowns and, after a brief hesitation, adds, "If you don't believe me, you can test it yourself right now."

The once dignified queen now appears nothing like her usual self. Instead, in front of Ling Ye, she looks like a helpless little girl.

Ling Ye responds coolly. "Even if it is… what does that have to do with me?"

Her breath catches.

But she smiles again, regaining her usual charm. "As long as you believe me, I'll… give you anything."

With a soft, almost affectionate gesture, she takes his hand, spreading his palm open.

Then, with deliberate slowness, she places the Ocean-Calming Pearl into it.

The way she does it—

It is not simply handing over a treasure.

It is like bestowing a token of love.

Ming Xian's voice turns serious once more.

"Ye Tian has retreated to the Boundless Realm. I trust that you… will not lose."

Her eyes darken slightly. "His Heaven and Earth Alliance is gathering powerful forces from across the realms, preparing for the final battle. You should do the same."

Her grip on his hand tightens slightly.

"If you ask, I am willing to lead my entire Ethereal Ocean Abyss to fight by your side."

"With your power, you can summon countless warriors. You can command the strongest beings to join you."

As she speaks, her hand remains wrapped around Ling Ye's.

He cannot tell if she truly means these words—

Or if she is simply using this as an excuse…

To hold his hand just a little longer.

After all, the chance to touch him is a rare opportunity indeed.