Chapter 257

Ning Ning was so absorbed in the conversation that she didn’t notice Pei Ji beside her, his expression darkening, a faint trace of hostility emerging in his eyes.

“Everyone who gets involved with him, without exception, has a tear mole, just like Miss Zhou from the Zhou family—this is a case of unrequited love, seeking a substitute!”

Bai Ye moved closer to Pei Ji, his eyes gleaming as he grinned.

“And wouldn’t you know it, Junior brother Pei here is the perfect example.”

Though it was meant as a harmless joke, it struck a nerve with Pei Ji, stirring up complex emotions within him.

Ning Ning was equally startled by this statement.

It was well known that the stronger a demon cultivator became, the more demonic energy they harbored.

As a half-human, half-demon, Pei Ji had an uncontrollable demonic energy from birth, which suggested his father was incredibly powerful.

Considering Xie Yu’s notorious philandering and that tear mole beneath Pei Ji’s eye…

Ning Ning had a bad feeling.

Pei Ji’s past had always been a mystery to her.

In the original story, it was only briefly mentioned that his mother was abandoned by his father, and in her grief, she vented all her anger on her son.

But what exactly happened between them, and how could a mother be so cruel as to torment her own child?

Ning Ning had no idea.

No wonder when Meng Jue mentioned “Xie Yu” in the cave, Pei Ji had remained silent for so long.

Though he had never met his father, he must have occasionally heard that heartless demon’s name from his mother.

The Futu realm was full of mysteries, and now, with this unexpected revelation, Ning Ning’s head was spinning.

Her gaze quietly shifted to Pei Ji beside her, and when she looked at his face, all she saw was a boy’s cold and sullen dark eyes.

She couldn’t tell what he was thinking, but the messy bangs hanging over his long eyelashes cast a shadow over his eyes, giving him an expression of evident impatience mixed with suppressed pain.

His parents and childhood were untouchable scars in his heart, and now he had no choice but to face old wounds, as if his long-healed scars had been ripped open, revealing the raw, bloody flesh inside.

To say he wasn’t hurt would be a lie.

“Speaking of which, the concubine selection is about to start.”

Bai Ye, oblivious to any discomfort, rolled up his sleeves and let out a hearty laugh.

“Shall we give it a shot together?”

=====

The so-called “concubine selection ceremony” was set up in the center of the town on a stage the Zhou family once used for martial arts competitions.

Ever since Xie Yu had slaughtered the Zhou family, their entire estate had fallen into his hands—though for the now-powerful Demon Lord, such wealth was hardly worth mentioning.

According to Bai Ye, Xie Yu had a bloodthirsty nature, and the residents of Chongling were too afraid to defy him.

Despite their fear, many families still sent their eligible daughters to the concubine selection, hoping to get closer to him.

Oh, and their sons too—this Demon Lord eats both meat and vegetables.

Feeling the oppressive atmosphere around Pei Ji, Ning Ning had no interest in joining in the nonsense and refused the idea of getting on stage without hesitation.

Instead, she stood with him in the bustling crowd, raising her eyes to observe the scene ahead.

In the seat reserved for the host in front of the stage sat a young man dressed in black robes, who must be the Demon Lord Xie Yu.

As the rumors said, he was exceptionally handsome, with sword-like brows, starry eyes, a high nose, and thin lips—he even bore a slight resemblance to Pei Ji.

However, the latter had the soft and delicate features of a teenager, making him more of a “gloomy beauty” than “handsome.”

Ning Ning started calculating in her mind.

If Xie Yu disappeared in the mountain fire not long from now, then at this very moment, he should have already met Pei Ji’s mother and discarded her like an old shoe.

This man was the Demon Lord, and the woman sitting not far from him must be the Zhou family’s Miss Zhou mentioned in the story.

Zhou Yimei had the standard appearance of a little white flower typical of a tragic female lead—pale skin, a graceful neck, and willow-like eyebrows that seemed perpetually furrowed, making her almond-shaped eyes ripple with a sad, tearful look.

Beneath her right eye, sure enough, there was a tear mole, glistening like a teardrop, making her appear even more sorrowful.

No matter what had happened in the past, this woman was undoubtedly pitiful.

Her family had been annihilated, and she was imprisoned in a high tower.

Now, even though she sat beside Xie Yu, it wasn’t in the seat of the mistress of the house. She had no status, no title, and had to watch as he openly selected concubines in front of everyone.

It was undoubtedly a massive public humiliation.

Years ago, the cultivation world seemed obsessed with tragic love stories and unreasonable domineering boss romantic plots, as could be seen from Jiang Si.

Ning Ning really couldn’t understand Miss Zhou’s mindset.

If it were her, she would have fought Xie Yu to the death long ago.

At worst, she’d die in the process and at least keep her dignity.

Surely, it couldn’t be like those cliché romance stories where, after being humiliated a thousand times, she still held onto feelings for the scumbag.

Then, when she died of heartbreak, Xie Yu would finally wake up, overwhelmed with grief.

—Even though Zhou Yimei lost her family and life, he lost the most precious love of his life, which would be the most profound punishment, making up for all the suffering she endured.

No Way!

Anyone with a shred of self-respect and love, or even a bit of responsibility toward their dead family, would only want to tear this bastard to pieces.

Who cares about some flowery romance? In the end, it’s just a way to comfort oneself; he wouldn’t care at all.

Ning Ning thought about this and couldn’t help but sigh.

That said, given the circumstances, Zhou Yimei was probably dead.

In Chongling, only Xie Yu could create the Futu realm.

If he harbored any lingering obsession, it would likely be that after Zhou Yimei’s death, he finally faced his feelings, sealing himself in the Demon Refining Tower, trapped in his own self-imposed isolation.

This plot was as disappointing as finding your instant noodles didn’t come with a seasoning packet—utterly speechless.

—Wait.

Suddenly, Ning Ning’s brow furrowed.