Dong Xuan'er Hung Up

***

The entire body of the zither was a deep blood-red hue. Under the dim light, one could see the eerie flow of blood along its surface. The edges and corners bore signs of wear and damage, evidence of its long history.

On its side, numerous needle-sized holes were densely packed, likely designed to launch concealed weapons. When the zither played, its melody could wound the enemy's soul, while the hidden weapons could swiftly take their life.

A truly seductive and deadly treasure.

Unfortunately, the original set of concealed weapons was missing.

Qi Yuan gazed at the guqin, his fingers running lightly over its surface. A strange sensation met his touch. Glancing at the corner, he noticed three engraved characters: "Magic Sound Harp."

"This Magic Harp seems superior to top-tier magical instruments, yet I can sense the damage within it. I wonder how powerful it truly was in its prime?"

Qi Yuan was puzzled. He first searched ancient texts for clues before discreetly consulting Hong Fu.

After thorough verification, he confirmed that the Magic Harp was a Jindan-period artifact. However, for unknown reasons, its structure had been compromised, preventing it from displaying its full potential.

Repairing it would be an arduous task.

Not only would it require rare refining materials and a skilled artisan, but even if he attempted to restore it using the Chaos Cauldron, the process would significantly slow his cultivation progress.

After all, it was a Jindan-period weapon—who knew how much yin and yang energy would be required?

Investing such energy into repairs meant diverting resources away from producing elixirs and training.

Moreover, the fact that this zither had been in the possession of a mere Foundation Establishment stage demon cultivator suggested that its previous owner was no ordinary figure. It was likely that an elder or ancestor had entrusted the damaged Magic Harp to him for protection. When he encountered Qi Yuan, who lacked traditional martial ethics, he was ultimately defeated, allowing Qi Yuan to claim the weapon.

Given the harp's power, few at the Foundation Establishment stage could withstand its might. Those who fell to it likely met their end before even realizing the danger.

This raised an unsettling thought—was the demon cultivator sent to Yue State on a mission?

Qi Yuan recalled how the six demonic sects of Tianluo State had employed subterfuge to seize the territories of Cheqi State and Jiang State with little resistance. If Lingshou Mountain was indeed infiltrated by demonic spies, then this cultivator lurking in Yue State might have been searching for an ideal candidate to corrupt.

When the invasion came, internal traitors could shatter defenses from within, reducing resistance against the incoming attack.

Given Senior Brother Lu's personality, it wouldn't be surprising if he had already been swayed by temptation.

In the original novel, Senior Brother Lu had even plotted to kill Chen Qiaoqian just to pursue Dong Xuan'er, revealing his weak moral compass in the face of personal gain.

Qi Yuan frowned. If his suspicions were correct, the six demonic sects were deeply embedded within Yue State. He had no idea how many families had secretly pledged allegiance, waiting for orders.

The Yan family was a prime example. Coaxed by the Ghost Spirit Sect's young master Wang Chan, they had betrayed their own people, slaughtering disciples of the seven righteous sects.

To stabilize Yue State, force was the only solution.

*Knock, knock, knock.*

A sudden knock at the door snapped Qi Yuan from his thoughts.

The Magic Harp disappeared in a flash as he turned his attention to the door.

"Who is it?" he asked.

"Junior Brother, it's me, your Senior Sister. I brought you some tea." A delicate voice came from outside.

Dong Xuan'er!

Qi Yuan immediately retrieved five detoxification pills and swallowed them. Feeling that wasn't enough, he took a generous amount of Qingling Powder before rising to open the door.

"Senior Sister, what brings you here with tea? Don't you have your own cultivation to focus on?"

Dong Xuan'er smiled playfully. "Why, can't I show concern for my Junior Brother?"

Her beauty was intoxicating, every movement exuding an irresistible charm. Her eyes, tinged with a bewitching pink, were capable of ensnaring anyone in an illusion upon direct contact.

Fortunately, Qi Yuan had taken Qingling Powder in advance—otherwise, he might have truly succumbed.

He settled onto his stool, carefully lifting the tea lid. "Senior Sister, you're a bit too considerate. I still remember how you tried to trick me into eating a pastry with ten times the aphrodisiac effect in front of Master Hong Fu."

Dong Xuan'er feigned innocence. "That was a mistake with the pastry shop! Didn't I explain it to you? Why are you still suspicious?"

Dressed in a flowing yellow gown, she stepped closer, draping her arms around his neck. Her sweet breath tickled his ear as she spoke.

Qi Yuan merely chuckled.

Pouting, Dong Xuan'er withdrew and huffed, "If you're so worried about the tea, I'll drink it first."

With an elegant motion, she lifted the teacup and took a bold sip, displaying no hesitation.

Qi Yuan narrowed his eyes. Was she truly this confident?

Nevertheless, since she had already taken the first sip, he saw no reason to continue doubting. He picked up the same teacup.

A crimson stain lingered on the rim—Dong Xuan'er's rouge-tinted lips had left a mark. As he brought it to his nose, a subtle yet unfamiliar fragrance reached him.

*Ha! A simple trick? Let me return the favor.*

Dong Xuan'er had been pulling these stunts daily. If he didn't put her in her place, she'd wear him down sooner or later.

Qi Yuan tilted the cup deliberately, drinking from the exact spot where her lips had touched.

Standing nearby, Dong Xuan'er flushed at the sight, her heart racing.

*Was that… an indirect kiss?*

Yet, amidst her flustered thoughts, a victorious gleam flashed in her eyes.

*The Ecstasy Powder hidden in my rouge should be taking effect now.*

*I didn't expect Junior Brother to be so shameless, drinking from the very spot I planned to drug.*

Just then—

*Clang!* The teacup slipped from Qi Yuan's hand, shattering on the floor.

"I feel dizzy… Senior Sister, you… you drugged the tea…" His voice wavered as he staggered to his feet, pointing at her in feigned outrage.

Dong Xuan'er smirked. "Haha! Junior Brother, you've finally fallen into my hands. I'll strip you bare and toss you in the center of the valley. Tomorrow, your name will be the talk of the sect!"

Qi Yuan swayed unsteadily before collapsing into her arms.

However, the moment he did—a white light flickered, binding Dong Xuan'er in a spirit-sealing rope.

Her magic power was instantly locked away.

*Oh no! He tricked me!*

Qi Yuan, now fully steady, leisurely sipped the remaining tea.

"Junior Brother, what are you doing? Let me go!"

Dong Xuan'er struggled, her pretty face flushed with frustration.

Qi Yuan merely smirked, securing the rope over a ceiling beam and hoisting her into midair.

Looking up at his suspended Senior Sister, he chuckled. "It's time you learned your lesson."

If Master Hong Fu found out he had used her magic tool for this… he wondered how she'd react.

(End of Chapter)