In Tu Shan Hong Hong's chambers, Tu Shan Hong Hong lay sprawled on the bed, her flawless white legs and bare feet dangling over the edge, swaying gently.
"Knock, knock, knock."
As the door creaked open, a petite figure entered the room and softly closed the door behind her.
"Rong Rong, how is it?"
Tu Shan Hong Hong pushed herself up from the bed, her emerald eyes filled with a touch of anxiety, a hint of nervousness.
Tu Shan Rong Rong nodded with a smile.
"Sister, everything is settled."
"Tomorrow I will send Ya Ya and the others away, creating some alone time for you and Brother Ling Feng."
"I've already spoken with the flower spirits at Twin Peaks."
"And I will use a secret technique to maintain contact with you at all times."
Upon hearing this, Tu Shan Hong Hong leaned back on the bed, her arms spread wide, her eyes fixed on the ceiling, and said hesitantly.
"Rong Rong, do you think he will agree?"
Tu Shan Rong Rong pondered for a moment before replying.
"There's an old saying: 'A man pursuing a woman faces a mountain, a woman pursuing a man faces a veil.' "
"Besides, Brother Ling Feng has quite a good impression of you, sister. The success rate is very high."
"At worst, we can knock him out and tie him up to cook the raw rice into a cooked meal."
Tu Shan Rong Rong's words helped to calm Tu Shan Hong Hong's anxious heart.
"Tomorrow... is the Qixi Festival."
.........
The next morning, bright sunlight streamed through the curtains, illuminating Ling Feng's groggy face.
"Ah~~~"
Ling Feng yawned, stretched his arms, and gently twisted his neck, producing crisp sounds.
Ling Feng's gaze wandered around the room, filled with a slight bewilderment.
Sha Wu and Ba Zhong were not here today.
They must have gone out to play somewhere.
With that thought, Ling Feng got out of bed, changed into his blue shirt, tidied his appearance, and walked out of the room.
In the courtyard, Ling Feng found Tu Shan Hong Hong alone.
Tu Shan Hong Hong was practicing her martial arts, and at a glance, Ling Feng recognized it as "Cun Jin Quan" (Inch Punch).
"Good morning, Hong Hong."
"Good morning."
Tu Shan Hong Hong inhaled and completed her move, offering Ling Feng a gentle smile.
"Aren't you patrolling the city walls today?"
"Today is a rest day. The Dark Moon Guards are on duty, and they will notify me if there's an enemy attack."
"Is that so? Speaking of which, where did Sha Wu and the others go? The courtyard feels strangely quiet today."
In the vast courtyard, aside from the two of them, no one else was present.
Compared to the previous few days, when Tu Shan Ya Ya, Tu Shan Rong Rong, and Ba Zhong were playfully bickering, it was significantly quieter.
"Today is Qixi, they've probably gone to the city to wander around."
Tu Shan Hong Hong's gaze flickered as she said this.
"Qixi."
Ling Feng gazed at the sky, musing for a moment.
He hadn't expected Qixi Festival to arrive so soon. As a single person, what business did this festival have with him?
"Sister, invite Brother Ling Feng to the city while it's still early."
Suddenly, Tu Shan Rong Rong's voice echoed in Tu Shan Hong Hong's mind.
"But... how should I say it?"
Tu Shan Hong Hong felt a bit flustered, unsure of how to begin.
Acting as his strategist behind the scenes, Tu Shan Rong Rong first glanced at Tu Shan Ya Ya and the others who were happily playing, then suggested.
"Just be direct, sister: 'Ling Feng, I'd like to invite you to stroll through Tu Shan City with me.' Make sure your tone is gentle."
"Isn't that a bit... too direct? I feel embarrassed to say it."
Tu Shan Hong Hong's cheeks flushed, her expression shy and hesitant.
She wanted to speak, but her shame prevented her from doing so.
"Sister, for the final victory, keep going!"
Tu Shan Rong Rong: (ง•̀_•́)ง Keep going!
I'm going all out!
"Ling Feng... I..."
Although she had decided to take this step, when it came to actually acting, Tu Shan Hong Hong still stammered, her words slightly jumbled due to shyness.
"What's wrong?"
Ling Feng looked at Tu Shan Hong Hong, seeing her flustered expression, and asked with concern, thinking something was wrong.
"It's Qixi today, let's go to the city and take a look."
Tu Shan Hong Hong blurted out subconsciously.
Her tone was indifferent, the same as always.
It's over!
Rong Rong specifically said to use a gentle tone!
Will Ling Feng reject me if I say it like this!
Ah!!!
What should I do!!!
As the saying goes, a girl in love has zero IQ!
"Okay."
Just as Tu Shan Hong Hong was contemplating how to salvage the situation, Ling Feng lightly nodded and agreed.
Then, the two of them left the courtyard and walked along the path towards Tu Shan City.
Tu Shan City was exceptionally lively today, with all sorts of couple games and small activities.
After all, what industry does Tu Shan specialize in?
Love between humans and demons, and reincarnation to continue destiny!
Qixi Festival is a symbol of love, and it is naturally very popular in Tu Shan.
Its festivity is second only to some special festivals, such as the Spring Festival.
Ling Feng and Tu Shan Hong Hong walked along the street, passing by many couples.
There were those in love between humans and demons, and those between demons, all observing the rules and celebrating the festival wholeheartedly.
Otherwise, they would incur the wrath of Tu Shan Hong Hong, the Demon Empress, and bear the consequences.
Seeing humans and demons walking together on the street, and even some single individuals in taverns, forgetting racial differences, drinking heartily and lamenting their single status.
Tu Shan Hong Hong's desire for peace between humans and demons grew even stronger.
See, isn't this good?
A peaceful life, what could be better?
In the current world, such scenes are rare.
Moreover, in the vast sea of people, she had found her beloved.
"Selling Qiqiao fruit!"
Ling Feng and Tu Shan Hong Hong's gazes followed the sound. A stall was crowded with people.
Qiqiao fruit is a delicacy for the Qixi Festival.
During festivals, delicious food is always an indispensable part.
Just like dumplings during Spring Festival, zongzi during the Dragon Boat Festival, and mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
"Quick, sister, follow the script. Remember to deliberately hook Brother Ling Feng's arm, speak in a soft voice, and preferably pout a little, then say the line: 'Ling, I want to eat Qiqiao fruit.'"
Tu Shan Rong Rong's voice echoed in Tu Shan Hong Hong's mind again.
Tu Shan Hong Hong felt that these actions and lines were too embarrassing. If she did them, she would probably want to find a hole to crawl into.
Tu Shan Hong Hong's eyes showed a hint of indecision.
"Rong Rong, will this really work?"
"Don't worry, sister. This is all based on the experiences of our predecessors."
On the other side, Tu Shan Rong Rong held a book in her hand— "How to Chase Boys Fastest: Qixi Edition."
Seeing Tu Shan Rong Rong's certainty, Tu Shan Hong Hong hesitated for a moment, then her cheeks flushed slightly, and she gritted her teeth.
"Ling..."
"Hong Hong, wait for me for a moment, I'll be right back."
Before Tu Shan Hong Hong could finish speaking, Ling Feng had already spoken. With that, he plunged into the crowd.
It was a festival, so Ling Feng didn't rely on his high cultivation to intimidate anyone. He squeezed through like an ordinary person.
He actually disliked cutting in line and pushing through crowds, but in this situation, if he didn't, he wouldn't be able to buy anything!
"Ah! Brother, my foot!"
"Sorry, brother."
"Ah, pervert!"
"Sorry, sorry."
"..."
Tu Shan Hong Hong couldn't help but smile slightly as she watched Ling Feng being jostled and looking flustered.
This guy, why is he... so kind?
It was like this when they first met, and it's like this now.
"Alright, I've bought it!"
While Tu Shan Hong Hong was lost in thought, Ling Feng had already bought the delicacy and was pushed out of the crowd with a bang.
Ling Feng handed Tu Shan Hong Hong a bag and bought a bag for himself to eat.
"Mmm, it tastes pretty good."
Ling Feng took a bite and nodded in praise.
Tu Shan Hong Hong looked at the Qiqiao fruit in her hand and suddenly remembered something, asking curiously.
"By the way, Ling Feng, where did you get the money from?"
"Ah, you mean this? It's an exchange. I traded a Qi Gathering Pill for it."
Ling Feng blinked and said.
Qi Gathering Pills were useless to him, so exchanging them for something he wanted wasn't bad.
"Qi Gathering Pill? That's such a waste?"
"Take these, buy whatever you like, don't waste the pills."
With that, Tu Shan Hong Hong felt a pang of regret and then handed Ling Feng a few pieces of silver.
As the King of Tu Shan, Tu Shan Hong Hong still had some modest funds.
What could Ling Feng do? He had to "reluctantly" accept.
Then, the two of them arrived at a wishing tree adorned with many red wishing plaques. On Qixi Festival, most wishes were for romantic relationships.
There were free wishing plaques and red strings available at the base of the tree.
After taking them, one would write their wishes on them with a pen and hang them on the tree to complete the ritual.
Since they were here, they decided to participate in the activity and blend in with the environment.
Tu Shan Hong Hong was the first to pick up a pen to write. Because Tu Shan Hong Hong deliberately obscured it, Ling Feng didn't know what she had written.
Seeing Tu Shan Hong Hong acting so mysteriously, Ling Feng didn't press her to reveal it.
After Tu Shan Hong Hong finished writing, it was Ling Feng's turn.
Ling Feng directly "borrowed" a line from Li Shangyin's poem and began to write.
"Though we have no phoenix wings to fly together, our hearts are linked by a silent understanding."
Tu Shan Hong Hong looked at the poem and murmured softly, as if pondering its meaning.
"Hong Hong, do you want me to help you hang it?"
Ling Feng asked.
Tu Shan Hong Hong was about to say she could do it herself when Tu Shan Rong Rong's voice sounded again.
"Sister, yes, of course you should, yes."
Hearing this, Tu Shan Hong Hong quickly changed her lines, nodded gently, and handed the wishing plaque to Ling Feng.
"Please trouble you, but if you dare to peek!"
Tu Shan Hong Hong clenched her fist.
"Don't worry."
Ling Feng smiled faintly.
After Ling Feng flew to the top of the tree and hung the wishing plaque, a cool breeze suddenly swept through.
The branches swayed gently, and the wishing plaques fluttered in the wind, accompanied by the faint tinkling of bells.
It was unclear whether the bells came from Tu Shan Hong Hong's person or from the wind chimes hanging on the tree.
Ling Feng also inadvertently saw the front of Tu Shan Hong Hong's wishing plaque.
—May the person I love be healthy and happy.
Ling Feng smiled faintly.
What a simple wish.
Then, the two of them continued to walk along the street. They stopped to watch some couples playing small games and participating in activities.
Usually, these were humorous situations, and they enjoyed themselves.
This stroll continued until the afternoon.
In a bamboo pavilion, Ling Feng watched as Tu Shan Hong Hong mysteriously took out a porcelain bowl from a bamboo basket.
Ling Feng narrowed his eyes; his intuition told him that something bad was about to happen.
"Ling Feng, I've started learning to cook recently. This is what I made this morning with my own hands. Taste it and tell me how it is?"
Homemade?!
Ling Feng's pupils widened dramatically.
The lid of the bowl was lifted.
A plate of dark, unremarkable tofu appeared before Ling Feng's eyes.
Ling Feng subconsciously swallowed.
The last time he ate something dark and unremarkable was a few days ago.
Ling Feng asked tentatively in a low voice.
"Are you making stinky tofu?"
"No, I think it's called Mapo Tofu."
Tu Shan Hong Hong recalled, resting her chin on her hand.
It's over!
There's an assassin! Protect me!
Ling Feng: I really want to run, but I can't run away~
Looking at Tu Shan Hong Hong's expectant gaze opposite him, Ling Feng gritted his teeth and clenched his fists.
If you don't enter the tiger's den, how can you catch the tiger cub!
Let's do this, brothers!
Perhaps... the appearance is not good, but the taste...
Ling Feng carefully picked up a small piece and slowly put it into his mouth.
Chewing slowly~
Ling Feng's eyes widened, tears welling up in his eyes, and he nodded.
"Delicious, truly delicious."
Ling Feng's inner thought: The taste is also terrible! I'm going to die! Hong Hong's cooking skills are no better than Ying's.
Ying, who was eating in the Sky Guard Pavilion, suddenly sneezed twice for no apparent reason.
"Delicious, then eat more."
*Plop.*
The chopsticks in Ling Feng's hand slid onto the stone table. He was on the verge of tears.
"How..."
*BOOM!!!*
Before Tu Shan Hong Hong could finish speaking, a loud explosion suddenly echoed from afar.
A Dark Moon Guard suddenly appeared beside Ling Feng and knelt on one knee.
"Great Leader, the Yi Qi Dao Alliance is attacking!"
"They're still causing trouble during the festival? Do they think Tu Shan is easy to bully!"
Tu Shan Hong Hong's gaze turned fierce, and she transformed into a red streak of light, rushing towards the city walls.
Ling Feng: Phew, I'm saved. Oh, right, I need to destroy the "poison" first!
Ling Feng directly incinerated the "Mapo Tofu" with his earth fire, turning it to ash. Then, he looked at the reporting Dark Moon Guard kindly.
"You should..."
"Your subordinate understands!"
Before Ling Feng could finish speaking, the Dark Moon Guard quickly nodded.
As a lowly Dark Moon Guard, it's best to pretend not to have seen the domestic affairs of the Great Leader and the others.
However, he hadn't expected that the Great Leader's cooking skills...
Never mind, I know nothing.
With the evidence destroyed, Ling Feng also transformed into a rainbow and headed towards the city walls.
On the city walls, Tu Shan Hong Hong's pupils turned blood red as she stared coldly at the Yi Qi Dao Alliance ships on the river below.
"Old rules, if you lose, get out of my sight immediately!"
Anyone whose plans are interrupted would be annoyed.
"Demoness! How dare you be so arrogant! We have Chief Inspector Xiao here today, and capturing Tu Shan will be easy!"
"That's right!"
A group of people responded in unison.
"King of Tu Shan, I advise you to surrender obediently, and you can avoid some physical suffering."
Xiao Wan Cheng said.
Last time, it was all that fellow named Ling's fault. He suffered a great loss at the Yang family and was severely reprimanded by the elders.
Then he was sent to attack Tu Shan today. If he could capture Tu Shan, he could return to his original position.
Attacking Tu Shan, isn't that simple? She's just a great demon king, could she possibly become a demon empress?
He heard that this King of Tu Shan is a strength-type demon, so dealing with her should be easy.
Little did he know, his information was a bit outdated.
Tu Shan Hong Hong looked at the chattering Daoists below. Her mood, which was already bad, worsened.
Without a word, she attacked directly.
What followed was like an asteroid colliding with Earth. The Yi Qi Dao Alliance was unilaterally slaughtered.
Ling Feng's figure appeared beside Tu Shan Rong Rong, who had just arrived. He shook his head at the tragic scene below.
"Rong Rong, speaking of which, where did you all go today? I didn't see you."
"Oh, that. Today, Yao Xin Zhai had a sale, so I invited Sister Ya Ya and the others for a meal. After eating our fill, we fell asleep there."
*Stare————*
Ling Feng looked at Tu Shan Rong Rong suspiciously.
Tu Shan Rong Rong's heart skipped a beat, and cold sweat broke out on her back from being stared at. Could she have been discovered?
Ling Feng only looked suspiciously for a moment before thinking no further.
As long as nothing happened, it was their freedom to do whatever they wanted.
Soon, the people from the Yi Qi Dao Alliance were beaten and fled by Tu Shan Hong Hong.
Seeing Tu Shan Hong Hong fly back to the city walls with a dejected look, Ling Feng suggested.
"How about we go out for a stroll to clear our minds? The Yi Qi Dao Alliance won't dare to attack again anytime soon."
Upon hearing this, Tu Shan Rong Rong quickly used a secret technique to transmit a message to Tu Shan Hong Hong.
"Sister, since the original plan was disrupted, why not be direct? The time is about right."
Tu Shan Hong Hong, who was still somewhat angry, immediately calmed down upon hearing this. She hesitated and seemed a bit nervous.
"Brother Ling Feng, the scenery at Twin Peaks is quite nice. Would you take sister there to relax?"
As she spoke, Tu Shan Rong Rong, with a smile, pushed Tu Shan Hong Hong in front of Ling Feng.
Seeing that Tu Shan Hong Hong did not refuse, Ling Feng accepted Tu Shan Rong Rong's suggestion.
The two of them then walked leisurely towards Twin Peaks.