Chapter 579: Femme Fatale
A voice drifted out of thin air. It was so beautiful that one could easily guess its owner was a peerless beauty, the kind whose looks could topple kingdoms.
However, upon hearing it, Lin Yun shot to his feet. It wasn’t because the voice was exceptionally beautiful, but because it was all too familiar.
He scanned his surroundings, but there was no one in sight. Just as Lin Yun was searching, a Space Rift tore open directly in front of him, and the figures of Qing Zhu and Aunt Lan emerged from within.
This was the first time Lin Yun had seen Qing Zhu since they parted ways in the Yanhuang Capital. He watched her with utmost vigilance; a series of events had already convinced him to place her on his list of extremely dangerous individuals.
Compared to Qing Zhu, people like Tang Wushuang, Wei Yunhang, and Song Tianyang were complete amateurs. The mere tip of the iceberg that was the Qing Zhu Association was enough to ensure Lin Yun would never dare to underestimate her.
"What’s wrong? Are you that surprised to see me again?" With a captivating smile, Qing Zhu took a seat opposite Lin Yun. Meanwhile, Aunt Lan once again vanished into the void.
’A Saint... That beautiful woman behind Qing Zhu is actually a Saint.’ Without a word, Lin Yun sat back down on the stone stool, his gaze fixed on Qing Zhu, his eyes filled with wariness.
This woman was stunning. It had to be said that Qing Zhu, having shed her disguise, now possessed a domineering, queen-like aura of absolute authority.
However, Lin Yun didn’t let his guard down in the slightest because of her shocking beauty. She was a femme fatale—at least, that was how Lin Yun saw her.
"Miss Qing Zhu," Lin Yun began, his tone calm, "why would a person of your stature go to a remote place like Yanhuang Country?"
Covering her mouth as she smiled, Qing Zhu replied with intoxicating allure, "Because of you..."
It had to be said, this woman was utterly bewitching. If Lin Yun didn’t know she possessed the power to destroy even the Flawless Palace, he might have already fallen for her beauty.
But, knowing full well how dangerous she was, Lin Yun had no desire to die young. A rose may be beautiful, but a thorny one can still prick you.
"Miss Qing Zhu, do we really need to play these games? Or do you still think it’s necessary to put on an act in front of me?" Lin Yun ignored her teasing, his tone cool.
Every one of Lin Yun’s movements showed he was on guard against Qing Zhu. ’With a Saint hiding here, it would be a simple matter for her to kill me.’
As if reading his mind, Qing Zhu smiled faintly and said,
"Stop guessing. I didn’t come to kill you today. If I wanted you dead, would you still be sitting here talking?"
Hearing her words, Lin Yun had to admit she was right. ’With a Saint on her side, if she really wanted me dead, I would have no chance of fighting back, even now that I’ve broken through to the Celestial Spirit Realm.’
Speaking of realms, Lin Yun realized he still couldn’t see through Qing Zhu’s Cultivation. He would never believe she was an ordinary person. The only explanation was that her Stealth Techniques were simply too perfect.
"Lin Yun, we haven’t seen each other in so long. Is there nothing you want to ask me?" Qing Zhu asked, a gorgeous smile ever-present on her face.
"Of course I do," Lin Yun replied. "I want to know what your ultimate goal is in the Eastern Domain. Why did you establish the Qing Zhu Association? And why hide it so well? With its power, no faction in the Eastern Domain can challenge it."
After he spoke, Qing Zhu walked up behind him. To Lin Yun’s surprise, she gently wrapped her arms around his neck from behind. Her hands felt like smooth silk ribbons coiling around him as she whispered into his ear, her breath as fragrant as an orchid.
"You’ll find out my purpose when the time comes. You, on the other hand... there’s something about you that I find very attractive. Something I’ve never felt before, not even within my own family."
"To be honest, Lin Yun, you truly fascinate me..."
Qing Zhu whispered seductively into his ear. After speaking, she even kissed it.
’She’s a complete succubus,’ Lin Yun thought, ’one who devours men whole, leaving no bones behind.’ He forcibly suppressed the turmoil in his heart. As if on cue, Qing Zhu returned to her seat across from him.
"Lin Yun, I came today to give you a grand gift: the chance to annex the Taiqing Academy," Qing Zhu said, as if the previous moment had never happened. "If you want to know my purpose, you need to stand on the same level as me. I don’t want the man I like to be forever crushed beneath my heel..."
Before Lin Yun could reply, another Space Rift opened behind her. The beautiful woman who had accompanied her was standing within it.
Slowly stepping into the Space Rift, Qing Zhu said to Lin Yun, "Do your best, Lin Yun..."
Her voice lingered in his ears as the Space Rift slowly closed. In an instant, Qing Zhu had vanished from sight.
Seeing Qing Zhu again... this time, she felt completely different to Lin Yun. ’She’s dangerous. Extremely dangerous.’
This woman had the face of an angel, but her methods and schemes were more venomous and ruthless than any demon’s.
He thought back to what she said about giving him a grand gift—the chance to annex Taiqing Academy. Lin Yun didn’t know what she meant, but since she’d said it, her words were clearly not empty.
Sitting alone on the stone stool in the pavilion, Lin Yun carefully mulled over Qing Zhu’s words. After a long moment, a look of shock flashed in his eyes.
’If that’s really her plan, then...’ After pondering for a long time, Lin Yun finally grasped a possibility—the most likely one. If he was right, it would be an event that could shake the entire Eastern Domain. And just as Qing Zhu had said, it would truly be a grand gift for him.
Taking out his Sound Transmission Stone, Lin Yun immediately sent a message to Luo Feng, Chairman Qian, and Qingfeng Saint.
Lin Yun had guessed Qing Zhu’s purpose. At that very moment, Qing Zhu was in the most luxurious restaurant in Fire City. A confident smile graced her lips as she gazed out the window at the bustling city.
"Miss, do you think Lin Yun will guess your intentions?" Aunt Lan asked from her seat.
"He’ll definitely guess it. And he’ll definitely do it, because he has no other choice," Qing Zhu replied confidently, her smile growing even more captivating.
’Heh. The little ant from Yanhuang Country has now grown to the Celestial Spirit Realm. Lin Yun, just how far can you go? Let’s see what you’re made of. If you can meet my standards, I can give you everything. Then, you will be king of the entire Celestial Spirit Road, and I will be your queen...’ Qing Zhu murmured to herself, her gaze fixed on the descending twilight.