Xiyue’s Soft Spot

Xiyue was growing increasingly impatient, pressing Gu Yan, ‘How much longer will it take?’

Seeing Xiyue suddenly enraged, her face cold and stern, Gu Yan felt a twinge of fear. Nevertheless, she answered honestly, ‘At least another half a month, or perhaps a full month.’

Over these past days, Gu Yan had closely observed Xiyue’s behavior towards Su Xiaoxiao. It was clear that despite Xiyue’s tough exterior, she had a soft spot for Su Xiaoxiao.

Though merfolk were rare, Xiyue had a fiery temperament. Gu Yan, who had known her for thousands of years, had seen countless beautiful men and women presented to her by other tribes. Yet, Xiyue had never paid them any mind, focusing solely on her cultivation and disdaining any social interactions.

However, with Su Xiaoxiao, things were different. From their very first encounter in Shanghua Heaven, Xiyue had brought her back, claiming that Su Xiaoxiao’s merfolk essence had helped her escape. But was that really the truth?

Given Xiyue’s power and abilities, could Shanghua Heaven’s people truly have held her back if she had wanted to leave?

After bringing Su Xiaoxiao back, Xiyue wasted no time in taking her to bed, turning her over and over. Despite her constant complaints about Su Xiaoxiao being a ‘clueless, unromantic fish,’ Gu Yan couldn’t help but wonder if Xiyue was as lustful as she claimed.

As the revered Magister, there were many who sought her favor or alliance. Given Xiyue’s unpredictable nature, it seemed unlikely that she would be so entangled with Su Xiaoxiao solely on a whim. Even the most intriguing playthings would eventually lose their allure.

Following Xiyue’s usual pattern, shouldn’t she have skinned and gutted Su Xiaoxiao, cut off her tail, and sent her back to Shanghua Heaven as a warning to the merfolk?

Yet, the reality was that Xiyue kept Su Xiaoxiao by her side. Even after Su Xiaoxiao’s betrayal with the rebellious wolf demon, revealing Xiyue’s injuries, Xiyue had only punished her without taking her life. Within days, her anger had subsided, and she continued to provide Su Xiaoxiao with the finest food and medicine.

Time and again, whenever Su Xiaoxiao made a mistake or angered Xiyue, the outcome was the same: Xiyue would be furious and torment Su Xiaoxiao, but never truly intend to end her life. It was as if a large dog, having seized a prized toy, slobbers all over it but never truly damages it.

Xiyue and Su Xiaoxiao were both blind to the truth, but as an observer, Gu Yan saw it clearly. Thus, she deliberately asked, ‘Empress, do you intend to keep this merfolk? If you truly dislike the child in her womb, it can be removed. But the merfolk must die.’

At this, Xiyue’s expression darkened, her eyes growing cold. ‘When did I say I wanted her life?’

In a cold tone, Xiyue replied, ‘Within a month, once her health improves, we will find a way to remove the magical seed from her womb.’

Gu Yan nodded, glancing regretfully at Su Xiaoxiao on the bed.

…

As night fell and the moon rose, Su Xiaoxiao finally awoke. She had slept for most of the day. Xiyue had remained in the room the entire time. Upon waking, Su Xiaoxiao’s stomach no longer ached, but her mind was still foggy. She sat on the bed, dazed, until Xiyue’s voice brought her back to reality.

‘Eat something and take your medicine.’

The bowl held a mixture of milk and honey, its sweet aroma filling the air. Since her last outburst, where she had called the honey ‘disgusting,’ Xiyue had been furious. The honey, once kept on the table, had mysteriously disappeared. For days, Su Xiaoxiao had endured the bitterness of her medicine, swallowing it despite its taste.

Gu Yan, feeling sorry for Su Xiaoxiao, had secretly slipped her two pieces of rock sugar. But Xiyue had warned her not to interfere, even making a show of it in front of Su Xiaoxiao, saying, ‘She is just a captive and deserves nothing but suffering.’

At the time, Su Xiaoxiao had been heartbroken, no longer caring about Xiyue’s harsh words. But today, waking up to a sweet porridge was unexpected.

Su Xiaoxiao stared at the bowl in her hands, her expression distant. Xiyue stood by the bed, her gaze fixed on Su Xiaoxiao.

‘What… what do you want…’ Su Xiaoxiao stammered, unnerved by Xiyue’s intense stare.

Xiyue had once used her tribe to force Su Xiaoxiao, even digging her nails into her own throat as if trying to kill her on the bed. The incident had left Su Xiaoxiao with physical injuries and a lasting psychological scar. She rarely spoke to Xiyue unless prompted or driven by desperation, and even then, her words were hesitant and stuttering, a sign of her extreme anxiety.

‘Eat!’ Xiyue commanded, her face stern.

Su Xiaoxiao didn’t want to, feeling as if Xiyue’s eyes were about to consume her. Fortunately, the porridge’s sweetness from the milk and honey eased her fear, and she ate until she was full. Yet, Xiyue’s stern expression made her dare not speak, and she forced herself to finish the bowl.

Even before Su Xiaoxiao could catch her breath, another bowl of warm medicine was brought in. Su Xiaoxiao hesitated, her reluctance evident. Xiyue, seeing through her, took the bowl herself and held it to Su Xiaoxiao’s lips.

This was uncharacteristic, extremely so. Xiyue was actually using a spoon to feed Su Xiaoxiao the medicine.

Su Xiaoxiao, terrified, instinctively pulled back, spilling the contents of the spoon. Her face paled, and she dared not look at Xiyue.

But Xiyue seemed unconcerned, scooping up another spoonful and offering it to Su Xiaoxiao once more. Her expression was unreadable as she warned, ‘If you spill it again, you’ll have to drink two bowls.’

Reluctantly, Su Xiaoxiao opened her mouth, her body stiff as Xiyue fed her the bitter medicine. It was unbearably unpleasant, making her want to vomit.

Xiyue then commanded her to open her mouth, and a piece of rock sugar was placed inside, its sweetness instantly dispelling the bitterness. Su Xiaoxiao was even more astonished by Xiyue’s actions.

Days passed, and Su Xiaoxiao noticed that Xiyue had changed. At least, she no longer exhausted Su Xiaoxiao to the point where she couldn’t get out of bed. Yet, she still demanded that Su Xiaoxiao serve her tea, cook, and warm her bed.

Su Xiaoxiao was constantly exhausted, always looking like she hadn’t slept enough. Her emotions were unstable, and she cried more frequently, as if she couldn’t bear the slightest injustice. Usually, Xiyue would find fault with the tea being too hot or too cold. Previously, Su Xiaoxiao would bite her tongue and endure it.

Today, when Xiyue complained that the tea was too hot, Su Xiaoxiao left the room to prepare a new cup. Upon returning, she slammed it down on the table, spilling tea on Xiyue’s books.

Xiyue looked up, speaking with a slightly raised voice, ‘What’s wrong with you?’

She saw the tears welling up in Su Xiaoxiao’s eyes, which quickly spilled over. Su Xiaoxiao’s voice wavered with emotion, ‘You’re bullying me too much!’