Chapter 0: A Heart-to-Heart Talk by Candlelight
Night fell, with a sky sparsely sprinkled with stars.
The Spirit Boat continued its rapid flight through the night sky, expertly piloted by dedicated crew members who alternated in channeling their spiritual power. Although its grand appearance, soaring over countless sect territories, was rather conspicuous, the exclusive red-and-black spider totem of the Mystic Maiden Raksha Palace, painted on the boat’s hull with a special coating, was enough to strike fear into the hearts of many.
Inside the Spirit Boat, Qin Gou had been informed that his room was Sky-suite number three. However, this large Spirit Boat was vastly different from the private vessel that Gu Feiyan had previously piloted. The stairs and corridors were a complex maze. Back when he was at Arc-Moon Mountain, Qin Gou had no need for such a large Spirit Boat, so after numerous twists and turns, he embarrassingly found himself lost.
Gradually, he heard the faint sound of women’s laughter and chatter from not too far away. Qin Gou immediately quickened his pace, intending to find a disciple of the Mystic Maiden Palace to guide him.
To his surprise, upon approaching, he realized that the sounds were not of joyful laughter. Instead, they were the whispers and moans of a group of pretty girls, a melodious cacophony. Qin Gou, who had recently learned about such captivating sounds from Xiao Yan, knew exactly what they were.
“As expected of the Mystic Maiden Raksha Palace,” he muttered, “they certainly know how to have fun. It hasn’t been long, and they’re already impatient? The disciples under Ye Qishuang are truly bringing honor to their Grand Ancestor.”
If Qin Gou’s memory wasn’t mistaken, the room from which these blushing, heart-pounding cries were emanating was the room of the so-called ‘Xi Hua Saintess’, Gu Caihe. If the esteemed Saintess was this hungry, what about the other disciples?
Qin Gou thought to himself that he couldn’t afford to court disaster as a newcomer. He should leave as soon as possible before he was discovered. However, a system prompt kept him rooted to the spot.
“Ding. Released surprise mission ‘Ant Nest’: Find a way to uncover the secret of Xi Hua Saintess Gu Caihe. Enter the room to investigate and find out what she is doing right now. Reward: 300 Merit Points. Time limit: One hour. No penalty for mission failure.”
300 Merit Points? That wasn’t a small amount. But what did “no penalty for mission failure” mean? Qin Gou was quite surprised. How long had it been since he had encountered a mission with no penalty? The system was suddenly being so generous; why did he feel like it was a trap?
Suddenly, he heard the sound of hurried footsteps. Qin Gou moved like a phantom, darting into a corner. He summoned his Myriad Seed and transformed an ironwood tree into a storage cabinet, hiding inside to observe carefully.
He saw the door open, and five or six maids quickly emerged from Gu Caihe’s room. Their faces were slightly pale, and they appeared very exhausted. There was no post-coital flush on their expressions, and throughout the entire time, no man was seen leaving the room.
“What is going on here? A group of young ladies gathered in a room, idly screaming for fun?”
At this moment, only one tall maid walked in his direction. After she passed the corner and moved further away, Qin Gou immediately followed her.
The maid was quite vigilant. Qin Gou had only followed her for a short distance before she stopped and turned around, a cold expression on her face as she questioned, “Senior Brother, what is the meaning of you following me so closely?”
Qin Gou put on an innocent expression and said, “I’m lost. Could Junior Sister kindly guide me?”
“I’m very busy,” the maid replied with a frown, sounding somewhat impatient.
Qin Gou then revealed a smile full of devilish charm. “I am Qin Yue of the Seed Demon Sacred Cult and I’m staying in Sky-suite number three, which should not be far. If Junior Sister can escort me there, we can have a heart-to-heart talk by candlelight on this flying Spirit Boat, which would be a rare delight.”
“Sky-suite number three?”
A flicker of surprise flashed in the tall maid’s eyes. Recalling her current weakened state, she thought, “Why not take advantage of this opportunity?” She then smiled charmingly and said, “Junior Sister will personally escort Senior Brother then.”
“Please, Junior Sister,” Qin Gou said politely, extending a hand and pointing in a direction.
“This way,” the maid said with a smile, grabbing Qin Gou’s hand. She even deliberately rubbed her fingers on his palm before leading him in the opposite direction.
As they arrived at the corridor where Sky-suite number three was located, they unexpectedly encountered Chi Yu. The moment they met, Chi Yu immediately teased him without any reservation, “Someone claimed to be a gentleman during the day, but it seems their true colors are revealed at night.” However, after glancing at the maid beside Qin Gou, he muttered to himself with some relief, “The only fortunate thing in this misfortune is that it’s a woman.”
Qin Gou responded with considerable helplessness, “What are you doing here?”
“I live right next door to you,” Chi Yu said, pointing to his room. “Alright, I won’t make things difficult for you. A moment of spring night is worth a thousand pieces of gold, I understand!”
Qin Gou gave him an annoyed glare and, holding the tall maid’s hand, walked into his room.
The moment the door closed, the tall maid eagerly threw herself into Qin Gou’s embrace like a swallow returning to its nest. Her hands skillfully unbuttoned Qin Gou’s shirt.
“Wait, Junior Sister, don’t be so impatient,” Qin Gou quickly said.
The maid looked at him in surprise and asked, “What do you mean? Does Senior Brother Qin Yue really intend to just talk with Junior Sister by candlelight? Under the covers, just chatting? Are you kidding me!”
“Ahem, you misunderstood. What I meant was, this is our first meeting, and I don’t even know Junior Sister’s name yet. Besides, I wanted to try something a little fresh and exciting with Junior Sister!” Qin Gou coughed dryly, a bit ashamed.
Upon hearing this, the tall maid smiled playfully and said, “My name is Wu Qi. I wonder what Senior Brother means by ‘fresh and exciting’? It can’t be too rough, though. Senior Brother must be gentle with me.”
“Then please, Junior Sister Wu Qi, close your eyes first. I want to give Junior Sister a surprise,” Qin Gou said with a wicked smile.
“Okay, I’ll listen to Senior Brother, but don’t take too long. Junior Sister is a bit impatient,” Wu Qi replied.
As she spoke, Wu Qi closed her eyes.
Qin Gou suddenly tapped her forehead.
“Mirror Still Water!”
Wu Qi was caught off guard by the illusion. Qin Gou delivered a skillful chop to her neck, rendering her unconscious. Still not entirely reassured, he took out several Sleeping Pills from his Nas and poured them into her mouth. Only then did he feel relieved and carried Wu Qi to the bed.
He then meticulously disheveled the bedsheets and quilt, slightly unbuttoned Wu Qi’s clothes, and tousled her hair, trying his best to create the scene of a post-coital encounter.
With everything in place, Qin Gou looked directly at Wu Qi’s face… the Faceless Hermit’s innate ability activated.
Qin Gou looked at himself in the mirror, marveling at how his appearance and attire were exactly the same as Wu Qi lying on the bed. He suddenly pounded his chest forcefully, a pained expression on his face, and said, “It’s so heavy.”
