"Kill you? Hehehe... That would be letting you off far too easily." the Demon Empress chuckled, her full, red lips moving to his ear. Her warm breath, carrying the intoxicating scent of a mature woman, gently sprayed against his sensitive earlobe as she cooed, "This Palace has plenty of ways to make you obediently spit out everything you know..."
Before her words had even faded, a flash of cyan-blue lightning erupted from her fingertip. The demonic art [Art of Dark Seduction] was activated. A wisp of demonic energy, so faint it was nearly invisible, instantly shot into Wei Yuming's brow like a venomous snake! "Ah!" Wei Yuming's mind buzzed, as if countless steel needles were stabbing into his brain all at once. The excruciating pain made him cry out.
Immediately after, countless lewd and sensual illusions exploded in his mind, he seemed to see the demoness before him, completely naked, writhing and posing for him. Her enormous, bountiful breasts, her plump buttocks, and her long, black-stockinged legs swayed before his eyes. He seemed to hear her sweet, bone-melting moans and wanton cries, each one assaulting his eardrums. He could even feel her slick, supple skin rubbing against his body, her warm, honeyed hole grinding against his crotch... This forbidden stimulation and mental torment caused his will to instantly crumble.
Wei Yuming's eyes gradually became vacant and lifeless, and the expression on his face turned dull and foolish.
Seeing this, the Demon Empress smiled in satisfaction and asked again in a soft voice, "Now, can you tell this Palace? Why have you come here?"
"...Searching... for the Young Palace Mistress... Wei Miaoshu..." Wei Yuming answered, word by word, like a puppet. "She... has gone missing..."
"Oh? Wei Wuyuan's precious daughter is missing?" A terrifying light flared in the Demon Empress's bewitching eyes as she smiled and said, "Then what is the current situation at the Immortal Palace?"
"The... the Divine Emperor... Divine Emperor has personally led the main forces... south... to the Qiyan Palace..." Wei Yuming continued numbly. "The palace's... defenses are weak... the Empress... Her Majesty the Holy Empress is in seclusion at the Cloud-Secluded Courtyard. No one is allowed to disturb her."
Upon hearing this, the Demon Empress threw her head back and let out a wanton, bone-melting peal of laughter that echoed through the silent mountain forest. Her full, towering chest heaved violently with her laughter. The snow-white flesh beneath her thin dress rippled with heart-stopping waves, nearly bursting the tight bra. The faint outline of her light pink areolas was just visible, her bountiful breasts madly squeezed and bounced at the edge of the bra, with more than half of the snowy-white globes spilling out from the top of the cups, forming a deep ravine.
Her mind raced, and she suddenly remembered something. She looked at Wei Yumin who was still in his a state, and asked, "This Palace will ask you one more thing. Have you ever seen a young man named 'Duan Xing'? Where is he now?"
"Duan Xing...?" A flicker of confusion passed through Wei Yuming's vacant eyes. "...Don't know him... Never heard of him..."
Hearing this, the Demon Empress's willow-like brow furrowed slightly, then relaxed again. Fine, who knows where that little wolf pup has run off to. With Ghost Crow following him, he shouldn't get into any trouble. Come to think of it, Wei Wuyuan's precious daughter has gone missing... perhaps it was my own precious little wolf pup who spirited her away. Once I've conquered the Immortal Palace, I can summon him back and give him a proper 'reward' then. It won't be too late.
"Guards." the Demon Empress ordered coldly.
"What are your orders, Holy Mother?" A demonic cult chieftain immediately stepped forward.
"Tie this little puppy up and take him back." the Demon Empress pointed at Wei Yuming, a cruel smile playing on her lips. "Since he is Wei Wuyuan's own nephew, he should still be of some use."
"Yes!" The cult members immediately swarmed forward, securely trussing Wei Yuming up, who was already limp as mud, and hoisted him onto their shoulders.
The Demon Empress gave one last glance at the bloody battlefield, then turned, twisting her slender waist and swaying those shapely buttocks. With elegant steps, she walked gracefully toward the depths of the forest, her long, black-stockinged legs glistening with a lewd sheen in the moonlight.
***
Meanwhile, as the night deepened, a well-equipped and disciplined troop was speeding south along a rugged mountain path. On their banner was embroidered a soaring goshawk, and beneath its talons was a word: "Dong." This was the elite force of the Dong Clan of the Heavenly Strategy Mansion.
In the middle of the group, inside a carriage, Wei Miaoshu was uneasily fiddling with the corner of her black attire.
Dong Hao sat opposite her, a fawning smile on his face. His gaze kept intentionally or unintentionally roaming over her delicate figure which was perfectly outlined by the tight clothes, lingering especially on her high, proud breasts and her round, perky buttocks.
"Sister Miaoshu, please set your mind at ease," Dong Hao said, seeing her tense expression. "I have already announced to the people outside that you are my father's sworn sister, accompanying the army for training. Furthermore, our Dong Clan's trusted guards are guarding the inside and outside of this carriage. No one will disturb you, and not a single word of this will leak."
Hearing this, Wei Miaoshu felt a little more at ease. She lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and looked out at the disciplined and calm Dong Clan guards, and her impression of Dong Hao improved a few points. She felt that although he was a smooth-talker, he was quite reliable. How could she have known that Dong Hao had already secretly arranged so that the guards around this carriage were all his most trusted family slaves. Their mission was not to protect, but to monitor, to ensure this canary that had already flown from its cage could never easily fly away again.
After several days of hurried travel, the troop finally set up camp in a spacious valley nestled by mountains and water. Dong Hao personally led Wei Miaoshu to a tent located at the very center of the camp, which was the most spacious and comfortable one.
"Sister Miaoshu, this is my military tent. You can rest here for now." Dong Hao pointed to the field bed covered in soft animal hides and the complete set of washing supplies, smiling as he said, "This place is the safest. Remember, without my permission, you must not go out lightly, or you may be seen by irrelevant people and cause trouble."
Wei Miaoshu nodded. At this moment, her mind was completely focused on how to find "Brother Duan Xing," and she paid no attention to these minor details.
Seeing her agree, a hint of imperceptible, lewd light flashed in Dong Hao's eyes. He took a deep breath of the faint, sweet fragrance of the young woman lingering in the tent, then turned and left to handle military affairs.
As night fell, huge bonfires were lit in the camp, and patrolling soldiers walked back and forth, creating an atmosphere of high alert. Having stayed in the tent for a long time, Wei Miaoshu began to feel restless. She quietly lifted a corner of the tent flap and peeked outside.
Just then, she saw several riders gallop into the camp. The leader was a man with a lean build and a resolute face, Gongsun Yan, the trusted general of Qiyan Palace Lord Wei Wuban. She had seen this man a few times at the Immortal Palace before. Her heart stirred, knowing something important must have happened. She activated the [Heart-Calming Art], lowering her own aura to a minimum, and silently slipped out of the tent. Using the cover of night and the shadows of the tents, she crept towards the command tent where Dong Yuanhong was.
The guard was tight outside the command tent, but Wei Miaoshu was agile and quite familiar with the aura and techniques of the Immortal Palace. She actually managed to sneak near a ventilation port at the rear of the command tent.
From inside, she heard Gongsun Yan's steady yet urgent voice: "Chief Dong, an order from the Divine Emperor! He commands your forces to immediately rendezvous with our scouts. You must at all costs find the hidden stronghold of the Demonic Cult and the Northern Wasteland Tribes within two days."
This was followed by Dong Yuanhong's old and steady voice: "Rest assured, General Gongsun. The order of the Divine Emperor is one that all of us in the Heavenly Strategy Mansion dare not disobey! My son, Dong Hao, has already prepared the men. They can move out with you tomorrow morning."
Listening from outside the tent, Wei Miaoshu's heart jolted. The Demonic Cult and the Northern Wasteland Tribes? Weren't they the enemies her father was leading this southern expedition to fight against? The "Brother Duan Xing" she longed for was a member of the Demonic Cult. Where could he be now? Could he be in a nearby hidden stronghold?
She grew even more anxious and stopped eavesdropping, silently returning to her own tent.
Late at night, Dong Hao returned to the tent after finishing his military duties. The moment he entered, he saw Wei Miaoshu with a small pack on her back, looking ready to leave.
"Sister Miaoshu, where are you going in the middle of the night?" Dong Hao asked, feigning surprise.
"Brother Dong, I... I want to go out and look for someone under the cover of night," Wei Miaoshu said hurriedly upon seeing him return.
"Look for someone?" Dong Hao walked up to her. His tall frame almost completely enveloped her, and his strong, masculine aura made her subconsciously take a step back.
"Who are you looking for? Where is he?"
"I... I don't know..." Wei Miaoshu was somewhat tongue-tied by his imposing manner and could only lower her head, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz: "I don't know where he is, but I must find him!"
"Hahaha..." Dong Hao laughed loudly. He reached out, wanting to wrap his arm around Wei Miaoshu's fragrant shoulder. "My dear sister, this world is vast and the sea of people is endless. You don't even know where he is, so where will you look? Isn't that like searching for a needle in a haystack?"
Wei Miaoshu sidestepped to avoid his arm, frowning. "I don't care! I have to go!"
"Fine, fine, of course you'll go," Dong Hao withdrew his hand, his smile unchanged. "But not now. The world outside is in chaos right now. The fiends of the Demonic Cult and the barbarian tribes are running rampant, they've invaded the territory of the Qiyan Palace from the south. If a delicate and beautiful young lady like you went out alone, wouldn't that be like walking into a trap? I think it's better if you stay safe and sound in my camp for a while. Once the war is over, I will personally accompany you to find him. Wouldn't that be better?"
As he spoke, he advanced again, his hands suddenly grabbing Wei Miaoshu's shoulders. He lowered his head to gaze at her delicate face, which looked even more lovely in her panic, and at her red lips, which gave off a faint fragrance of orchids and musk.
"Sister Miaoshu..." Dong Hao's voice grew thick. He slowly lowered his head, getting closer and closer to her, his soft tone filled with ill intent. "Just rest here peacefully... With me protecting you, nothing will happen to you."
"You... let go of me!" Wei Miaoshu was both shocked and angry. She pushed with all her might against his chest, struggling desperately, but her strength was like an ant trying to shake a tree in the face of Dong Hao's.
Seeing his lips about to press against hers, Wei Miaoshu, in her desperation, mustered a burst of strength from somewhere and sharply raised her knee, ramming it hard into Dong Hao's lower abdomen! "Ugh!" Caught completely off guard, Dong Hao grunted in pain. His stomach churned, and he subconsciously let go.
Wei Miaoshu seized the opportunity to break free and darted to the side. Her beautiful eyes were wide, her pretty face flushed red with anger as she pointed at Dong Hao and shouted, "Dong Hao! I trusted you, that's why I came with you! If you dare to be rude to me again, don't blame me for turning against you!"
Dong Hao clutched his stomach, a flash of anger crossing his face, but then he remembered her identity. She was Wei Wuyuan's daughter; it was best not to offend her. He straightened up, rubbing his aching lower abdomen. Instead of getting angry, he smiled and said, "Fine, fine, I was too rash, too rash. Don't be angry, please, don't be angry."
He thought to himself, What a fiery little thing. But sooner or later, you'll be mine. I have plenty of time and patience; Soon you will obediently lie in my bed! He knew he couldn't push her too hard now, or it might backfire on him. He smoothed his clothes, gave Wei Miaoshu a graceful bow, and said with a smile, "Since sister Miaoshu is tired, then I will not disturb you. You should rest well. I'll just make do in another tent for the night."
With that, he turned and strode out of the tent, leaving Wei Miaoshu alone inside.
*****
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