As they rushed down the path toward home, Yin Huli tore off his disguise, his movements sharp and furious. Without hesitation, he grasped Li Yunwu's arm, yanking her toward him with a force that made her stumble. His amber eyes burned with resentment, sharp as daggers as they locked onto hers.
"Explain," he demanded, his voice low but laced with venom.
Li Yunwu blinked, her expression a mixture of confusion and alarm. "I don't understand… But, Yin Huli, you're hurting me," she said softly, wincing as his grip tightened around her slender arm.
His fingers dug deeper into her skin, his frustration manifesting in the fierceness of his hold. "What relationship do you have with the Young Lord?" he spat, his tone dripping with accusation.
She sighed, her shoulders relaxing even as the pain in her arm persisted. Despite the sting, she seemed unmoved by the weight of his anger. "I have no feelings for the Young Lord," she replied calmly, her voice steady but laced with quiet conviction. "He is just someone I ran into by mistake."
Her eyes softened as they met his, and she slowly raised her free hand, her delicate fingers smoothing the deep furrow on his brow. "You're overthinking, Yin Huli," she said gently, her touch an attempt to ease the tempest raging inside him.
But her words only seemed to stir him further. His jaw tightened, and his eyes burned with unrelenting fury. "Do you know how jealous I was?" he snarled, his voice cracking under the weight of suppressed emotion. His grip on her arm didn't waver as he pulled her even closer. "He couldn't stop devouring you with his eyes. And I—" He paused, his voice breaking. "I had to restrain myself."
Li Yunwu cupped his face with her free hand, her thumb brushing lightly against his cheek in a soothing gesture. Her touch was warm, tender, and yet firm, as if grounding him in the midst of his storm. "Yin Huli," she whispered, shaking her head softly. "I am yours."
He exhaled sharply, his chest heaving as the fire in his gaze turned pleading. "Prove it," he demanded, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. He released her arm, but before she could step back, his hands found their way around her waist, pulling her flush against him.
Their breaths mingled as the space between them disappeared. His lips claimed hers in a fervent kiss, the intensity of it making her heart race. The world around them seemed to dissolve, leaving only the two of them tangled in each other's embrace. The tall grass of the meadow rustled beneath them as the sun sank lower on the horizon, painting the sky with hues of gold and crimson.
Li Yunwu's nerves frayed as Yin Huli's hands moved with a hungry urgency, exploring her body with reverence and desire. His lips trailed along her skin, igniting a fire wherever they touched, each kiss deepening their connection as he peeled away the barriers between them. Beneath the sinking sun, they surrendered to the moment.
She nervously laid on the ground, as Yin Huli held on to her breast, examining its rich texture his thumb gently rubbing around her nipple forcing a soft moan from her lips. He eagerly stuck his tongue out giving it a playful lick. His amber eyes widened slightly, as the soft sweetness of her breast melted on his tongue. He swirled his tongue on her nipple, flicking it around and enveloping it on his on saliva before fervently sucking on it. Encouraged by her moaning, he took a small bite, his sharp teeth grazing her skin, immediately puffing his cheeks as he vigorously suckled on them.
"Gentle," Li Yunwu whined her jade like eyes turning hazy, as her body was consumed by Yin Huli's fire. She watched as Yin Huli innocently blinked at her, with his lips on her breast latched on, pulling and suckling on them unfazed by her pleas, he resumed his indulgence. He carefully licked at the edges of her breast, chasing down every curve, his tongue darted quickly to capture the vibrantly red nipple he had just let go. "Mmmm," he mumbled between licks, his voice low and sultry. His tail swished with excitement as his eyes gleamed at her.
Her moans grew louder as his hand slid down in between her legs, prying them open, his fingers making their way to a very sensitive spot that was already soaking wet. His excitement was obvious, his amber eyes glinted with anticipation as he dug his fingers deeper into the crevices of her legs. In between was a small patch of hair, his fingers slipped and slid, as he searched for the meaty pearl that laid hidden. His hand became damp, coated with a faintly scent of the ocean determined, he dipped his fingers down. Her legs stubbornly resisted, the fuzzy damp opening of her private area squelched against his prying grip.
Once he finally cracked it open, her sensitive area released in retaliation drenching his arm in fluid. "Mmm" he murmured softly into her ears, as she recoiled back in heat, her face flushed a dusty rose moaning loudly. Her meat was soft, glistening with the remnants of her own fluid, he carefully sunk his fingers sifting around, his touch gentle but precise as he searched for the treasure. His fingertips brushed against the smooth round meaty pearl nestle deep within.
His ears perked up and his eyes lit with excitement, he carefully played with the pearl his nails delicately rubbing it pulling on it, sending shivers down Li Yunwu's spine. It wasn't just any pearl- it was a delicate rose pink, its surface lustrous and perfect. "A rare find," he whispered into her ear teasingly, as she panted he planted his lips onto hers. He straighten his posture, the locks of his silver hair cascading down to her face as he asked her "once I go in I won't be able to pull out." Her heart raced as he gazed at her, his eyes locked onto hers as he plunged his lips on hers.
Nearby, Yu Choy and his friends wandered through the meadow, their eyes scanning the horizon. Yu Choy hadn't seen Li Yunwu all day, and unease had driven him to search for her himself. The soft hum of crickets filled the air as the last golden rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, giving way to the cool blues of evening.
"Hey, Yu Choy," one of his friends called out mockingly. "Are you really serious about making mud-face your wife?" The others chuckled, their laughter light and biting.
Yu Choy frowned, his expression hardening as he crossed his arms. His pace remained steady, determined, even as the jabs stung. "She's not ugly," he muttered, his tone defensive. "Sure, she's not as beautiful as the other women in the village, but her eyes…" His voice faltered for a moment before he continued, his jaw tightening. "Her eyes are like gemstones. So delicate, I want to crush them," he added, his voice taking on a darker, unsettling edge. He lit a torch with a flick of his wrist, the flames casting flickering shadows across his face.
"Do you think her father will agree?" another man asked, his voice laced with skepticism.
"Of course he will," the first friend chimed in with a sneer, elbowing Yu Choy. "His ugly daughter has no prospects except for you, Yu Choy. You're practically doing him a favor."
"What do you even see in her, anyway?" the man continued, his nose wrinkling in disgust.
Yu Choy puffed out his chest, a boastful grin spreading across his face. "I've known Li Yunwu since we were kids. Our fathers were good friends, so it's only natural I'd take a liking to her," he said smugly. But just as quickly as his grin appeared, it vanished. His body stiffened, and his expression darkened.
A faint, muffled sound carried through the air—a woman's groan. Yu Choy froze, raising his hand to silence his companions. "Quiet," he hissed, his eyes narrowing as he gestured for them to follow. Carefully, they crept forward, the torches flickering in the growing night.
Not far away, Yin Huli's sharp ears twitched, instantly sensing the intruders. A sly smirk played on his lips as he continued to kiss and caress Li Yunwu, undeterred.
When Yu Choy finally reached the source of the sound, the torchlight illuminated a sight that made his blood run cold. His eyes widened in horror, his mouth falling open as he witnessed Li Yunwu entangled in the arms of another man—a demon man. The realization struck him like a physical blow, leaving him both mortified and enraged.
"Demon!" Yu Choy screamed, his voice cracking with fury as he lunged forward, brandishing a spear. His attack was wild and uncalculated, driven purely by blind rage. But Yin Huli didn't flinch. With an almost lazy wave of his hand, his demonic aura swirled around him, blocking the strike with ease.
"Unhand her, you beast!" Yu Choy shouted, his voice hoarse as he readied himself for another attack.
Yin Huli merely chuckled, a deep, mocking sound that resonated in the air. Scooping Li Yunwu into his arms with effortless strength, he turned his gaze to Yu Choy, his smirk widening. The flames from the torches cast an eerie glow on his face, highlighting the wicked curve of his lips. Then, without a word, he bolted toward the forest, moving faster than humanly possible.
Yu Choy's friends panicked, their fear rising as the meadow began to glow brighter. The torches they had dropped were spreading flames through the dry grass, creating a growing blaze.
"Are you insane?" one of the men shouted, grabbing Yu Choy's arm in a desperate attempt to pull him back. "That's a demon! You can't fight him!"
Yu Choy shrugged him off violently, his face twisted in a grimace. "I'm going after him," he growled, his teeth bared in determination. Turning to his remaining companions, he barked, "Go back to the village! Announce that we have a demon that needs exterminating!"
The firelight flickered in his wild eyes as he turned and sprinted into the forest, his spear gripped tightly in his hand. His breath came in ragged bursts, his mind racing with a toxic mix of rage, and humiliation.
The town was thrown into chaos as the alarm bells rang out, announcing the presence of a demon in the nearby forest. Panic spread like wildfire. Families bolted their doors and windows, mothers ushered their children inside, and shopkeepers abandoned their stalls. Yet, amidst the fear, a small group of brave men armed themselves with spears, swords, and torches, gathering under Yu Choy's lead to hunt the intruder. The atmosphere was tense, the cries of the frightened mingling with the determined shouts of the hunters.
"Yin Huli," Li Yunwu whispered anxiously, her voice trembling. She clung tightly to his robes, her fingers knotting the fabric as he carried her through the forest at a relentless pace. His arms were strong and sure, his gaze focused ahead as he moved swiftly, his senses on high alert. They reached the edge of a riverbank, the moonlight glinting off the water's surface. Yin Huli's steps slowed, and he prepared to set her down, but a faint, sharp sound caught his ear—footsteps crashing through the underbrush.
In a blur, he twisted, narrowly avoiding a spear aimed at his chest. The weapon missed by inches, embedding itself into the dirt as Yu Choy's voice rang out. "Monster!" he screamed, his eyes wild with hatred.
Yin Huli's sharp gaze swept the area. A circle of torchlight surrounded him, casting flickering shadows against the dark trees. The flames illuminated the grim faces of the men closing in on him, their weapons raised. Yu Choy stood at the forefront, a manic grin curling his lips. "You're surrounded," he sneered, his voice dripping with cruel triumph.
But Yin Huli's expression remained calm, almost bored, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. Their numbers didn't intimidate him.
"Yu Choy, get back!" one of the men suddenly shouted, hurling a pouch of powder into the air. The fine, dusty substance erupted in a cloud, its bitter scent cutting through the night. As a fox demon, Yin Huli's heightened senses made him especially vulnerable. The acrid smell burned his nose and throat, his lungs seizing as he struggled to hold his breath. But his arms were occupied with Li Yunwu, who was now coughing harshly, her body writhing weakly against his.
Yin Huli's brows furrowed as he looked down at her pale, sickly face, her grip on his robes slackening. The sight of her suffering made his jaw clench in frustration, his mind racing for a way out. Just as he shifted to escape, a sudden flash of fire erupted before him, temporarily blinding him. His vision blurred, and the thunderous sound of boots stomping closer disoriented him further. He hesitated for a moment too long, and it cost him.
Yu Choy lunged forward with a cry of rage, driving his spear into Yin Huli's shoulder. The blade pierced through his flesh, forcing a sharp hiss of pain from the demon. The force of the blow made him stumble, and his hold on Li Yunwu faltered. She slipped from his grasp, falling limply into Yu Choy's waiting arms.
"Beast!" Yu Choy barked as the other men rushed forward, their torches flaring as they descended on Yin Huli. Surrounded and injured, he had no choice but to retreat, disappearing into the shadows of the forest. But even as he fled, his heart was heavy with worry for Li Yunwu.
Yu Choy, now holding an unconscious Li Yunwu, cast a glance down at her face. The faint marks left by Yin Huli's lips were still visible on her skin, evidence of her encounter with the demon. His lips curled into a sneer as he brushed her hair aside roughly. "Wench," he spat, shaking her unresponsive form. "You should consider yourself lucky. No matter what you've done, this man is still willing to take you as his wife." His tone was self-satisfied, his twisted sense of righteousness on full display.
Before he could act further, the sound of wheezing broke through the forest. Yu Choy turned to see an older man stumbling toward them, leaning heavily on a tree for support. A torch flickered in his trembling hand.
"Shushu!" Yu Choy exclaimed, recognizing Li Yunwu's father, Li Douyun. The older man's frail body shook with violent coughs as he approached, his face pale and strained.
"A-Yun!" Li Douyun cried desperately, dropping to his knees beside his daughter. His hands cupped her face, his eyes scanning her with growing despair. "A-Yun, my poor child…"
"Shushu, I failed to protect her," Yu Choy said, feigning sorrow. He planted a hypocritical kiss on Li Yunwu's forehead, his lips curling smugly as he straightened. "She was taken advantage of by that demon, but Shushu, you must not worry. I personally took care of him, landing a critical blow." He puffed out his chest as he boasted, his voice filled with false pride.
Li Douyun's shoulders sagged, tears welling in his eyes as he looked down at his daughter. "If this body of mine weren't so sickly," he murmured, his voice cracking, "none of this would have happened." His fists clenched in frustration, his grief overwhelming him.
"Shushu must not blame himself," Yu Choy said smoothly, placing a hand on the older man's shoulder. "What you need is a strong son to protect you and A-Yun. I have always loved her, Shushu, and I wish to take her as my wife. I have respected your wishes not to marry her off, but now…" He trailed off, his eyes gleaming with calculated intent.
Before Li Douyun could respond, a blood-curdling scream echoed through the forest. The agonized cries of men pierced the night, sending a shiver down Yu Choy's spine.
"The demon is still alive!" he shouted, panic flashing across his face. "Shushu, we must leave at once!" Without waiting for a reply, he hoisted Li Yunwu over his shoulder and helped the older man through the forest. Behind them, the flames from the torches flickered ominously, casting long shadows as the sounds of battle raged on.
Li Shizi paced back and forth in front of their small home, her heart pounding with worry. The news of Yin Huli's discovery had sent a wave of dread coursing through her, and now every passing moment felt like an eternity. Her steps faltered as the faint sound of approaching footsteps reached her ears. Her eyes darted toward the path, and her heart sank as she saw her father and Yu Choy emerging from the shadows. But her stomach twisted when she noticed the limp form of her sister in Yu Choy's arms.
Her face paled, then contorted with disgust as her gaze landed on Yu Choy, but her breath hitched at the sight of Li Yunwu. "Da Jie!" she gasped, rushing forward.
"Take her inside and seal all the doors," Yu Choy commanded, his voice sharp and authoritative.
Li Shizi's eyes darted to her father, searching for guidance. He nodded silently, his expression grim, and she clenched her jaw before stepping forward to take her sister. Gently, she cradled Li Yunwu's frail body and carried her into the house, her movements hurried but careful. She pushed open the creaking wooden door of their small, shared room and laid Li Yunwu on the bedding.
"Er Jie," came the soft voice of their youngest sister, Li Yang Mei, as she rushed into the room, her wide eyes filled with concern. "What happened to her?"
"Xiao Mei," Li Shizi said, forcing her voice to remain steady despite the turmoil in her chest. "Go and serve tea. Papa has a guest."
"But—"
"Now, Xiao Mei," Li Shizi interrupted gently but firmly.
With a reluctant nod, Li Yang Mei turned and hurried out of the room, leaving her two sisters alone. Li Shizi knelt beside Li Yunwu, her trembling fingers brushing stray strands of hair from her sister's pale face. Tears welled in her eyes as she leaned down, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. "Da Jie, what happened?" she whispered, her voice cracking.
In the main room, the air was heavy with the faint scent of medicinal herbs. A teapot sat steaming on the low wooden table, its fragrant aroma mingling with the tension that hung between the three figures present. Li Douyun, sat propped against a cushion, his frail body swaddled in layers of worn robes. His complexion was ashen, his sunken eyes weary, yet they still held a stubborn spark. Across from him sat Yu Choy, his posture rigid with false humility, while Li Yang Mei quietly poured tea, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"Shushu," Yu Choy began, his tone filled with an exaggerated air of sincerity. "I come with respect and a heart full of devotion. I… I wish to marry Yunwu."
Li Yang Mei froze, her hands tightening around the teapot. Her nostrils flared as she struggled to keep her composure, but inwardly, she seethed. Da Jie already has a husband, and it's Yin Huli, she thought bitterly. Her disgust was evident, her nose wrinkling as she resumed pouring the tea with deliberate force.
Yu Choy, ignoring her silent defiance, continued, his voice trembling as though weighed down by emotion. "I have admired her since we were children. She has always been kind, strong, and…" He paused, feigning hesitation. "…beautiful in spirit. What others may call 'broken goods,' I see as a soul who has endured trials that would crush anyone else."
Li Yang Mei nearly dropped the teapot, her nails biting into the handle. Broken goods? How dare he?she fumed silently, her jaw tightening as she glared at him from beneath her lashes.
A harsh bout of coughing broke through the tense moment, drawing all eyes to Li Douyun. His frail body shook with the force of it, the rattling sound echoing in the small space. Even Li Yang Mei winced at the sound, her anger momentarily replaced with worry.
Li Douyun raised a trembling hand to lift the teacup to his lips, taking a slow, measured sip. His hand quivered as he set it back down, his voice rasping weakly. "A-Yun… is probably not suitable to be your wife. Please… do not pity her."
Yu Choy leaned forward, his expression softening into an exaggerated mask of compassion. "Shushu, it is not pity. It is love. True love. I wish to give her the protection and stability she deserves. I wish to be the son-in-law who stands by your side and brings honor to your family."
Li Douyun's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied the man before him. His expression was unreadable, but his silence hung heavy in the room. Meanwhile, Li Yang Mei's grip on the teapot tightened to the point her knuckles turned white. She wanted to scream, to drag Yu Choy out of their home, but her father's frailty held her tongue.
"This isn't pity, Shushu," Yu Choy said, his voice trembling with desperation. "I swear it. I've cared for her long before any of this misfortune befell her. I wish to give her the life she deserves, to stand by her side no matter what others say."
Li Yang Mei set the teapot down with a sharp clink, the sound echoing in the tense silence. Her narrowed eyes glared daggers at Yu Choy, her lips pressed into a firm line as she held her tongue. She wanted to shout, to lash out at his hypocrisy, but her father's weak frame beside her kept her anger in check.
Li Douyun turned to glance at her, his sunken eyes carrying a subtle warning. Then he shifted his frail gaze to Yu Choy, studying him intently, as if weighing the truth of his words. The room fell silent save for the faint rustle of wind outside, each breath heavy with unspoken tension.
Before Li Douyun could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps shattered the stillness. The door burst open, and a group of men stumbled in, their faces pale and slick with sweat.
"Li Gongzi, the demon… it has escaped!" one of them exclaimed breathlessly. "We believe… we believe he's after Li Yunwu!"
Yu Choy shot to his feet, his face draining of color. Behind him, Li Douyun gripped his chest as another fit of coughing overtook him. Li Yang Mei's hands trembled as she gripped the teapot tightly, her knuckles turning white with worry.
"Where is he now?" Yu Choy demanded, his voice laced with both fear and anger.
"We don't know!" another man stammered. "But we've tracked his steps to the village—he must be close!"
Without another word, Yu Choy grabbed his spear, barking orders to the men to fan out. They rushed out the door, their torches flickering in the night. Li Yang Mei made to follow, but her path was quickly blocked by Li Shizi, who grabbed her arm and placed a finger to her lips. "Shh," she whispered, her eyes glinting with something between fear and resolve.
From the main room came a sudden stillness, a suffocating quiet that seemed to descend like a heavy fog. Slowly, the two sisters crept toward the doorway, their hearts pounding in unison.
There, in the center of the room, stood Yin Huli. His figure was tall and commanding, his flowing robes shimmering faintly in the dim light as though imbued with a supernatural glow. His fox ears twitched, alert to every sound, and his golden eyes burned with an unearthly intensity as they locked onto the intruders. In his arms, Li Yunwu lay cradled, her head nestled against his chest, her breathing faint but steady.
"Put her down, you monster!" Yu Choy bellowed, stepping forward with his spear poised to strike.
Yin Huli turned his head slowly, his expression calm but dangerous. Blood stained his once-pristine robes, smearing across the fabric in stark contrast to his otherworldly glow. A smirk curled at his lips as he held Li Yunwu even closer, his grip protective yet gentle. She stirred faintly, her lashes fluttering as if on the verge of waking.
"Don't take another step," Yin Huli said, his voice smooth but carrying an edge that sent shivers through the room.
"Coward!" Yu Choy roared, lunging forward with his spear. But before he could close the distance, Yin Huli moved. He was a blur of motion, too quick for the human eye to follow. In an instant, he vanished, the sound of shattering glass echoing as he disappeared through the window, taking Li Yunwu with him.
The room fell into stunned silence. The crackling torches cast flickering shadows on the walls, their light dancing over Yu Choy's heaving form. His chest rose and fell rapidly, his breath ragged with fury. He gripped his spear tightly, his knuckles white as his rage consumed him.