After setting the terms, Song Wanníng led Qi Xiezi toward the nearest cave.
Having lost his demonic qi, Qi Xiezi was no different from an ordinary mortal. He didn't even dare to think about running. There were beasts everywhere. Staying close to Song Wanníng at least gave him a better shot at survival.
He obediently followed her into the cave. Under her watchful gaze, he sent out a message talisman. To make things more convincing, he let out a few raucous laughs.
"Hahaha, that little vixen's something else. Thanks in advance, brother!"
He didn't mention anything about needing help, which only made the recipient more eager to come.
The reply came swiftly:
"Wait—don't touch her yet. I almost forgot, her body's full of poison. Stay put. I'll be there soon!"
The sender's voice had clearly been disguised with spiritual masking, but Song Wanníng narrowed her eyes slightly.
Qi Xiezi followed up with his usual tone:
"What poison? She looks fine to me! Besides, she's already under my aphrodisiac. Right now's the best time to detox her... if you're coming, hurry up. Otherwise, don't blame me for going first!"
He sent off the message, chuckling inwardly. The other party didn't seem suspicious at all and promised to arrive quickly. As he tucked the talisman away, Qi Xiezi muttered curses under his breath.
"So they've been nearby this whole time? Just watching me die?"
They knew how dangerous Song Wanníng was and didn't say a word. Letting him walk straight into death. Now that they thought he had succeeded, they were rushing over, probably hoping to reap the rewards.
"Dream on."
Just as he finished grumbling, Song Wanníng shot him a smile that sent a chill down his spine. He quickly shut up and squatted quietly in the cave, waiting.
Song Wanníng sat on a stone slab, calm and still.
She was curious. Who exactly was behind this?
Time ticked by.
Finally, after nearly half an hour, a figure sped toward the cave.
The newcomer wore a black cloak with a wide-brimmed hat that completely concealed their face and spiritual aura.
They crept close and swept the cave with divine sense. They saw Song Wanníng sprawled motionless on the stone slab, seemingly unconscious. Qi Xiezi leered at her, making a show of reaching for her robe.
The man's expression darkened. He darted into the cave and shouted, "Wait!"
His voice echoed sharply.
Song Wanníng's eyes remained closed, but her heart tightened.
She had been expecting Liu Yiyi.
She hadn't expected him.
Liu Yao.
Ha.
So not only was this man despicable and selfish, he was utterly vile. It was one thing to spread filth about her. But to collude with a demon cultivator to destroy her?
And this was the same man who once proclaimed his "deep love" for her to everyone.
Song Wanníng felt nothing but disgust.
She stayed still, eyes closed, waiting silently.
"You're finally here?" Qi Xiezi called out, voice impatient. "I can't wait any longer. If we don't act soon, the drug will wear off—and then we've got a problem!"
He played his role perfectly, tone laced with frustration.
Qi Xiezi had cooperated with this man before, but he didn't know his true identity. All he knew was that the man was a Nascent Soul cultivator from some major sect.
Now, seeing the familiar cloak, Qi Xiezi sneered inwardly.
"You disgusting bastard… it's your turn to suffer."
Liu Yao shot him a look of disdain.
What a pathetic clown, thinking he had some power. Worthless.
His gaze then drifted over to Song Wanníng, a flicker of lust flashing in his eyes. He had chased her for so long—never even touched her hand. He wasn't about to let someone else have her.
"Let me go first. If you agree, I'll keep feeding you fresh targets. You won't be disappointed."
A cold gleam flashed in Liu Yao's eyes. He stepped closer to the stone slab and looked down at Song Wanníng's unmoving figure.
The humiliation he had suffered during their last battle still stung.
Today, he'd make her beg beneath him.
"That won't do," Qi Xiezi snapped. "I haven't had my turn yet. And now you want to cut the line?"
"You can go after I'm done. It won't affect your qi absorption," Liu Yao replied coldly, already reaching for his robe buttons. "Don't forget our arrangement."
"Tsk…" Qi Xiezi scratched his head, face twisted in annoyance. "Fine, fine. Just hurry up. I'll wait at the cave entrance. But don't wake her up. If she fights back, it'll be my problem."
He acted the part perfectly. Liu Yao never suspected a thing.
Soon, only Liu Yao and Song Wanníng remained in the cave.
He stripped off the cloak and his outer robe, revealing his calculating face.
As he undressed, he sneered.
"Song Wanníng, Song Wanníng… in the end, you still fell into my hands. Who would've thought the noble Song Wanníng would end up beneath a 'worthless man' like me?"
He laughed wildly.
Back when he tried to court her, he'd been mocked endlessly.
Everyone said he was a toad lusting after a swan.
What did Gu Qingyuan have that he didn't?
Wasn't he also just a nobody?
Why did Song Wanníng choose him and not Liu Yao?
To prove himself, to climb higher, Liu Yao had worked hard to get close to her. He'd done so much.
But it had all been for nothing.
The more he thought about it, the more furious he became. Now, this was better.
After he took her, he'd hand her over to Qi Xiezi. Together, they'd ruin her and record it all.
Even if she died, the world would spit on her name.
Only then would his hatred be satisfied.
Fueled by his hatred, Liu Yao stripped faster. Soon, he stood naked.
He moved toward Song Wanníng, leaning down over her.
The closer he got, the more he caught a faint, intoxicating scent.
"Heh… she even smells good…"
He inhaled deeply, savoring the fragrance. Lust surged from his core.
But before he could process what was happening, Song Wanníng's eyes suddenly snapped open.
Her gaze, ice-cold, locked onto his face.
The moment their eyes met, Liu Yao's heart dropped.
She's awake?!
Even now, he didn't suspect Qi Xiezi had set him up. He still thought the drug had worn off early.
After all, why would Qi Xiezi work with her?
They had no reason to cooperate.
Demonic lust stirred his qi, throwing it into chaos. Liu Yao's eyes filled with murderous intent. He lunged toward her.
Song Wanníng raised her leg and kicked him squarely in the chest.
He crashed to the ground.
Her gaze swept over him, finally landing on a certain area. She clicked her tongue.
"This is it?"
That one lazy remark shattered what little pride Liu Yao had left.
He leapt up, enraged, shouting curses.
"Song Wanníng, you filthy bitch! Are you looking to die?!
If you beg me right now, maybe I'll spare your life!"