In that moment, amidst the hollow of the mountainside, Demonic Qi condensed into a roiling mist. Within it, two figures could be vaguely discerned, locked in a back-and-forth struggle, constantly tumbling together—one lithe and alluring, the other robust and powerful. Waves of soul-shattering, bone-gnawing moans shook the surging Demonic Qi. After a long while, everything settled down. Her ink-black hair cascaded over her smooth, luminous back, beautifully sculpted. A lingering flush remained upon the jade-like skin above her collarbones.

It wasn't just her who was loath to part; how could Lei Dong not be equally obsessed with her goddess-like physique? Again and again, like a scorching flame, the heat burned. It was like a deep addiction, impossible to break free from. This wasn't merely physical; psychologically, they had already etched themselves into each other's very marrow, though neither would ever admit it.

In the ensuing stillness, Lei Dong naturally drew her into his arms—a first for him. She, in turn, curled her body slightly, nestling into his embrace like a small kitten. Her expression was no longer cold, but held a quiet, ineffable tranquility. All the previous vexations had vanished without a trace after the frenzy.

At this moment, where was the slightest hint of the fearsome Heavenly Demon’s might that once commanded awe and dread? She looked far more like a fragile, cherished little wife, greedily savoring the warm comfort following the fire. More than once, she had considered simply not seeking him out, yet she could never restrain herself. Lei Dong seemed to have transformed into her own Inner Demon—one she found utterly impossible to sever.

“Where did you learn so many tricks?” Suddenly remembering something, her expression turned sharply cold. “Did that little sprite from the Hehuan Sect teach you?”

Lei Dong stiffened, a flicker of angry embarrassment crossing his face. “In my entire life, I’ve only done this three times. You stole my very first time, you stole my second, and you stole my third! What more do you want? Stop bringing up Qi Feifei; she has nothing to do with you.”

Mu Yanmei felt a slight frustration knot in her brow. She had known Lei Dong after Ding Wanyan. Though jealousy burned in her like fire when thinking of the other woman, she genuinely couldn’t take it out on Lei Dong. Thus, she resorted to aggressive tactics born of embarrassment. However, regarding Qi Feifei, she possessed a unique psychological advantage—a feeling that she could interfere. Yet, upon hearing that Lei Dong had only experienced this thrice in his life, an unexpected sense of relief flooded her heart. Seeing his shame and anger brought her an indescribable satisfaction. But she could never back down verbally, only managing a cold snort. “I don’t care. You are absolutely forbidden from exchanging flirtatious glances with that little sprite, and also…” She paused, “You are forbidden from doing what we did together with her.”

“That won’t do. I must do it once,” Lei Dong shook his head. “I need her Su Nü Cauldron Furnace Technique to help me break through to the Golden Core stage.”

“She’s willing to give you her Su Nü Primordial Yin?” After Lei Dong said this, Mu Yanmei immediately understood the nature of the relationship between them. Still, she found it hard to believe; it was rare for a woman from the Hehuan Sect practicing the Su Nü Cauldron Furnace Technique to give that advantage to an outsider.

Lei Dong, wishing to prevent her from dwelling on the issue, quickly recounted the sequence of events before concluding, “In short, I must obtain her Primordial Yin. Otherwise, with my aptitude… advancing to the Golden Core stage will be extremely difficult.”

“Aren’t there other ways to increase the breakthrough chance?” Though she understood the matter, the thought of Lei Dong engaging in certain activities with that little sprite, Qi Feifei, still soured Mu Yanmei’s mood. However, her retort lacked real force. Indeed, there were many things in the world that could aid a breakthrough to the Golden Core, but the most effective, she had to admit, was the Su Nü Cauldron Furnace Technique. This was one of the main reasons the Hehuan Sect guarded it as a treasure, absolutely refusing to spread it. After a moment of internal struggle, she conceded, “Fine, just this once. But you cannot become accustomed to it and get entangled with that little sprite. The people of the Hehuan Sect practice enchantment arts from childhood…” It was likely this final unspoken concern that worried Mu Yanmei the most.

“Uh, I don’t recall how many times I do things being your jurisdiction, do I?” Lei Dong stood up, slightly displeased, and began searching for his clothes.

“It’s not my jurisdiction, but I insist on meddling,” Mu Yanmei sneered repeatedly. “If you think I have no standing, tomorrow I’ll have that boy Wan Gui transfer you under the command of the Heavenly Demon Palace. See then if I have the right to manage you? Furthermore, I can easily become a Grand Elder of the Sect; then, every major and minor affair in the Yin Sha Sect will be under my purview.”

Lei Dong was taken aback. Damn it, sheer force truly dictates everything. He estimated that while his master treated him exceptionally well, if the Heavenly Demon truly demanded him, his elder probably wouldn't dare refuse. He mulled it over, thinking that his current lack of strength demanded a low profile. Perhaps he should employ some smooth-talking tactics he'd read about for wooing women in his past life to stabilize this volatile element first. Otherwise, this formidable woman might explode like gunpowder at any moment. Besides, since he couldn’t beat her into submission, being forceful was entirely ineffective. Should he threaten to commit suicide every time she tried this move? That would crush his masculine dignity.

He frowned slightly, gazing deeply into her eyes, and called her name softly in a low, resonant voice: “Meimei…”

“?” Mu Yanmei’s icy façade softened slightly. She seemed pleased with the affectionate way he addressed her—the first time he had ever called her name so genuinely. A small ripple of excitement stirred within her.

Seeing her reaction, Lei Dong knew he had found an opening. He slowly reached out, gently brushing back her slightly disheveled hair, his voice turning husky. “Actually, I like you very much.”

The tension eased further around her brows, and a faint tenderness appeared in her previously stubborn gaze.

“But,” Lei Dong began to steer the conversation, “if you could be a little gentler, I would like you even more. We don’t need to be hostile to each other every time we meet, right? That’s no fun. Also, next time please don’t tear my clothes; I’ll take them off myself~” As Lei Dong said this, a wave of grievance washed over him. In only three times, the clothes were ripped beyond recognition every single occasion. Such misery! There’s a saying: life is like rape; since you can’t resist, you might as well enjoy it. His situation was the reverse: this encounter was like life—unable to resist, he could only endure. But for the sake of future happiness, Lei Dong felt he needed to establish a correct view of intimacy from the start, avoiding such explosive tempers every time.

“But I find it more interesting this way,” the tenderness in Mu Yanmei’s eyes flashed and vanished, replaced quickly by a cold smile. “Lei Dong, stop treating me like a three-year-old girl you can fool. I’m in a much better mood today, so I’ll let you off for now…”

Before her words fully faded, she vanished from Lei Dong’s sight. A wisp of Demonic Qi drifted past, and she was gone without a trace.

What kind of situation was this? What did she mean by finding it more interesting? She just liked this dynamic? Lei Dong was speechless, standing there, his body naked in the biting cold wind. He stared at the pile of shredded clothes, on the verge of tears. Who had he offended? He had just been passing by that day and happened to run into this female demon. As a result, he fell into her clutches and couldn't escape. And today, he was peacefully heading to his nuptials when he was intercepted midway and subjected to another forceful encounter. Strength! Strength! Without strength, everything was futile. If he were stronger than the Heavenly Demon today, the scene would naturally be entirely different; he would be the one standing in imposing majesty, dictating terms.

Moreover, once his strength increased, what would he have to fear from her? If she objected, he would fight until she submitted. Since she enjoyed being forceful, he would meet her head-on, pressing her down wherever he pleased. Still, these were just daydreams for now. The future was vast, and effort was mandatory.

Lei Dong’s fighting spirit soared once more. Mu Yanmei, one day, he vowed, he would show her what true masculine dominance was like.

Lei Dong painstakingly retrieved a set of Foundation Establishment disciple robes from his storage bracelet. After dressing and thoroughly checking himself for any lingering imperfections, he continued toward his new cave dwelling. His movement technique was now quite good; this half-journey took only a few hundred breaths to complete.

The maidservants waiting outside saw Lei Dong arrive and rushed forward in visible apprehension. Lei Dong waved them away, then, feeling somewhat guilty, entered the warm reception chamber in the inner courtyard.

The bridal chamber was lavishly decorated and festive, illuminated by many candles. Seeing Ding Wanyan in her bridal attire, the red veil obscuring her head, sitting quietly and demurely on the edge of the bed, patiently waiting for Lei Dong, his heart settled instantly. Having read too many novels in his previous life, he always expected unexpected occurrences on a wedding night. Now that the bride hadn't fled, Lei Dong felt relief. Suddenly, he felt a pang of guilt toward her, even though what happened earlier was forced upon him by the Heavenly Demon.

“Lei Dong, you’re here,” Ding Wanyan murmured, her delicate body trembling slightly.

In both his lives, this was his first wedding, and the bride was the senior sister he admired. Lei Dong couldn’t help but feel excitement. He sat beside her, picked up his ceremonial cup, Fulfilling Heart’s Desire, and whispered, “Wanyan, I apologize for making you wait so long.” As he spoke, he gently lifted her red veil and saw her familiar, perfect face, made even more beautiful by the bridal makeup.

Unable to hold back, Lei Dong leaned in to gently kiss her cheek, but Ding Wanyan’s gentle expression suddenly shifted. Her pure eyes instantly turned charming and coquettish, and with a swift turn, she evaded him, floating several yards away. She cast a look at Lei Dong. “Junior Brother, according to the customs of our hometown, you must pass three trials before we can… before we can… Hmm? Where are your groom’s robes?”