"You're back."
Ruan Mei, dressed in a white lab coat that accentuated her elegant figure, turned from behind the massive cultivation tank. Her face, as always, wore that calm expression tinged with faint detachment from the world. Yet, as she looked at Lu Jingming, subtle ripples flickered in her beautiful eyes—so faint, they would go unnoticed by most.
"I've brought what you wanted."
Lu Jingming didn't waste words. With a flip of his palm, a small cosmic light orb appeared, sealed inside of it were Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing.
"Oh? That was efficient."
For the first time, clear interest flashed in Ruan Mei's eyes. She stepped forward, accepted the orb, and carefully examined the two slumbering former gods inside, as if she were appreciating a pair of rare art pieces.
"A perfect specimen that reveals the true nature of divine life. Also, a special case of god-level martial soul fusion and exceptionally deep origin entanglement… Good, very good experimental material indeed."
She nodded with pure, researcher's delight. "I'm satisfied with your completion of this mission."
Ruan Mei placed the light orb gently into a specialized energy stabilization device, then turned and slowly approached Lu Jingming. Her face, always a little cold, now briefly softened with a barely visible, moving smile.
"Which means, you deserve a suitable reward…"
She rose lightly on her toes. Those slender, deft hands—always so precise handling instruments—now softly circled Lu Jingming's neck.
Her unique scent, a mix of flowers and faint medicine, drifted to his nose.
What happened after was a private symphony of desire, unspoken yet profoundly understood between them.
Lu Jingming's strong arms encircled her waist, pulling her close as their lips met in a kiss that started slow and analytical, like one of her experiments—testing boundaries, measuring responses.
But the detachment melted away quickly; her cool composure gave way to a rare, heated passion.
She pressed against him, her lab coat slipping open to reveal the soft curves beneath, her body arching into his touch as his hands explored the elegant lines of her form.
They moved to a nearby workstation, cleared of instruments in a hasty sweep, the sterile surface becoming their improvised bed.
Ruan Mei's fingers, so skilled in delicate manipulations, deftly unfastened his clothing, her eyes gleaming with that same intellectual curiosity now turned to carnal discovery.
Lu Jingming responded in kind, his movements firm and purposeful, lifting her onto the edge of the table.
She gasped softly as he entered her, their bodies syncing in a rhythm that mirrored the cosmic entanglements she studied—deep, intertwined, and inevitable.
Her legs wrapped around him, pulling him closer, her breaths coming in measured waves that built to uncontrolled crescendos.
He whispered her name like a invocation, his hands gripping her hips as they moved together, the laboratory's hum fading into the background of their shared ecstasy.
Waves of pleasure coursed through them, her nails digging into his back, leaving faint marks like data points on a chart, until they both reached a shuddering climax, her detached facade shattering in a rare moment of vulnerability...
…
When Lu Jingming re-emerged, looking refreshed, in the laboratory's break room, Ruan Mei was already bustling about in the open kitchen, a simple apron tied around her.
Soon enough, an array of delicious, appetite-whetting dishes was placed on the table.
"Try some. I've adjusted my new recipe to your tastes,"
Ruan Mei said, removing her apron and bringing over the meal. Her voice was as calm as ever, but a subtle softness lingered within.
Just then, the lab's automatic door slid open with a bang. In strode The Herta, dressed in her signature witch's robe, arms crossed, face full of annoyance.
"Ruan Mei, you're being weird again!"
She snorted as she glanced over the exquisite dishes on the table. "I've known you for years and never once seen you cook for me. Why roll out a feast just because Xiao Ming shows up?"
Everyone knew Ruan Mei was usually addicted to research, almost indifferent to food. Occasionally, she'd make desserts, but that was just for fun. As for rolling up her sleeves to cook for someone else—no, not even The Herta, her fellow genius club member, got that treatment.
Ruan Mei barely glanced at her, replying lightly,
"Because he can provide the most precious experimental material you never could."
"You—"
The Herta was briefly speechless. She couldn't argue with that. Frustrated, she stomped over to Lu Jingming and grabbed his arm.
"Eat up, you know how. When you're done, follow me. I still need your help in my lab."
Lu Jingming was helplessly dragged off by The Herta, managing only an apologetic glance back at Ruan Mei. She merely smiled and nodded.
…
The Herta's laboratory was a stark contrast to Ruan Mei's life-filled lab—a blend of cosmic observatory and futuristic weapons factory. A massive holographic starmap rotated slowly above, while strange, unknown creations floated atop anti-gravity bases. Screens everywhere scrolled with complex physics equations and energy models.
"Enough chatter. Let's get started."
The Herta pushed Lu Jingming to the center platform, gesturing at the empty space. Her tone was blunt.
"Use your 'true' authority to manifest part of the 'Cosmic Juggernaut' for me. Lately, I've been fascinated by the fundamental rule differences between various universes."
"You know, The Herta, my powers don't just appear out of thin air."
Lu Jingming spread his hands with an 'as you know' look. "So, what do you want this time? To kill divine martial arts? Some more advanced god-body tech? Or maybe a dark matter computer? I can provide it… for a price."
"You…"
The Herta rolled her eyes at him, her cute face and faintly angry expression especially amusing. Of course, she knew exactly what he meant by 'price.' She sighed, half-resigned, muttering under her breath,
"Seriously… Ruan Mei got first dibs, and here I am, called second…"
Though her voice was low, Lu Jingming heard every word—and it delighted him. He'd waited so long for her to say something like that. Suppressing his excitement, he kept his face solemn and replied seriously,
"Alright, don't worry. I'll make sure you're satisfied."
Without hesitation, he stepped onto the platform's center and closed his eyes. His true authority was quietly invoked, the immense power of Truth beginning to flow. Countless particles of light gathered from the void, reconstructing matter according to the foundational logic and data of the 'Godkiller' and 'Dark Matter Computer' in his memory.
As the light faded, a hideous halberd—brimming with lethal aesthetics and technology, suffused with deep golden light, built to slay gods—and a dark matter computer, with its intricate structure and countless energy pathways, materialized on the platform.
"Different universe creation rules… the unknown knowledge within… Magnificent."
The Herta gazed at the two creations, her violet eyes blazing with the fanatic light of a genius scientist. She nearly dashed forward to begin disassembly and research right then. Their power didn't matter—what thrilled her was the unknown physical laws and technological logic contained within, so different from their own universe. To her, these were priceless treasures of knowledge.
But before she could move, a strong arm swept her up.
"Huh? What are you doing? My research—!"
The Herta protested, wriggling.
"Research can wait. But my 'reward' must be delivered now."
Smiling in triumph, Lu Jingming cradled the genius girl and strode into the The Herta's private lounge. With a thud, the door shut behind them. The room inside was dim.
The Herta, still pouting, met his gaze, her cheeks now flushed, her chest rising and falling. He lowered his head, eyes tracing the perfect, slender legs barely veiled by delicate black silk.
"So beautiful…"
He couldn't help but sigh. Whether her stunning face or flawless figure, Lu Jingming was hopelessly addicted—almost unable to break free.
He set her down gently on the edge of the plush lounge bed, his hands lingering on her waist.
The Herta's protests faded into a soft huff, her violet eyes locking onto his with a mix of irritation and unspoken desire.
She didn't pull away as he leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a tentative kiss that quickly deepened.
Her small hands clutched at his shirt, pulling him closer, her genius mind momentarily silenced by the heat building between them.
Lu Jingming's fingers traced the hem of her dress, sliding it up to reveal the smooth skin beneath the black silk stockings.
He hooked his thumbs into the waistband, easing them down her legs with deliberate slowness, savoring the way her breath hitched. "I've wanted this for so long," he murmured against her neck, his voice low and rough.
The Herta arched slightly, her own hands fumbling with his belt, her usual composure cracking under the intensity.
She gasped as he pressed her back onto the bed, his body covering hers. Their clothes were discarded in a hurried tangle—his shirt tossed aside, her dress pooling on the floor.
Skin met skin, warm and electric.
Lu Jingming's mouth explored her body, trailing kisses down her collarbone, over the swell of her breasts, teasing her nipples with his tongue until she moaned, her fingers tangling in his hair.
"Don't... don't stop," she whispered, her voice a rare vulnerability.
He positioned himself between her thighs, his hardness pressing against her entrance.
With a shared glance of confirmation—her nod eager, her cheeks flushed deeper—he entered her slowly, eliciting a sharp cry from her lips.
The rhythm built steadily, his thrusts deep and purposeful, matching the cosmic intensity of the lab outside.
The Herta wrapped her legs around him, meeting his movements with surprising fervor, her nails digging into his back as waves of pleasure coursed through them both.
They moved together in the dim light, bodies slick with sweat, the air filled with soft gasps and murmurs.
Lu Jingming whispered praises against her ear—"So perfect, so mine"—as she clenched around him, her climax building until it shattered, pulling him over the edge with her.
They collapsed in a tangle of limbs, breaths ragged, the afterglow leaving them both spent and satisfied.
The night passed wordlessly after that, the echoes of their passion lingering in the quiet lounge.
…
The next morning, gentle sunlight streamed in through the lounge's floor-to-ceiling windows, casting warm gold across the room. Lu Jingming woke on a bed so spacious and comfortable that you could forget the passage of time. He felt thoroughly refreshed.
Glancing to the side, he saw The Herta still asleep. Her face, usually proud, was now quiet, even innocent, like a sleeping child. The iconic witch's robe was discarded, replaced by a silken quilt that accentuated her graceful curves.
Smiling, Lu Jingming quietly dressed, not wishing to disturb her.
When he stepped into the living room, the scent of food was already in the air. Ruan Mei stood at the kitchen island in a simple apron, focused on plating a golden omelette onto fine white porcelain. Beside her were several light, fresh side dishes and a loaf of still-warm bread.
She glanced up at him, her gaze calm and cool, as if last night's events meant nothing to her, already processed and accepted deep within.
"You're up? Breakfast is ready."
Her voice was as flat as ever, revealing no emotion.
Lu Jingming sat at the table, a tinge of embarrassment stirring in his heart. But he knew Ruan Mei didn't care about such things—in her mind, it was probably just a rational exchange of physical and emotional needs. Even so, leaving the The Herta's room that morning left him feeling a bit unsettled, like a city lord returning from a storm.
The Herta soon emerged, yawning, now back in her familiar witch's outfit. Her expression was as direct and capable as ever, the beauty of the night before hidden away. She strode straight to the table, grabbed a slice of bread, and spoke with her mouth full,
"Don't forget your promise. And make sure you bring me more creations from that universe in the future."
She showed no embarrassment—knowledge was far more important to her than such things.
Of the three, only Lu Jingming seemed a little out of place. In this strange, oddly harmonious breakfast atmosphere, he was just about to reach for his plate and chopsticks when, suddenly, the meal was interrupted. He slowly looked up, eyes gazing through the layers of the universe as if peering across the heavens.
At the same time, The Herta gave a startled snort, a mischievous grin appearing on her face.
"Bold, aren't you? You're really here?"
She looked at Lu Jingming, violet eyes gleaming as if she were watching a great show.
Ruan Mei elegantly set down her knife and fork, dabbing her lips with a napkin. Her cold gaze also turned distant, her voice gentle.
"Ignorance blinds people."
Lu Jingming smiled. He set down his plate and chopsticks, wiped his hands with the napkin, and stood.
"Enjoy your meal. I need to go greet some guests from afar."
He deliberately emphasized the word 'greet.'
Before his words had faded, his figure melted into the interplay of light and shadow, vanishing as if he'd never been there.
…
A few kilometers above Haiyuan City, four ribbons of powerful divine energy streaked rapidly through the blue sky, heading straight for the city.
Tang Hao flew at the front, his burly frame taut with tension, his face solemn and burning with anger. The intel provided by Phantylia had already poured oil on the fire of his granddaughter's death.
Ah Yin followed close behind, face pale, her eyes—usually gentle as water—now full of sorrow and rage. Tang Wutong's fall had hit her hard.
Ning Rongrong and Oscar brought up the rear, exchanging grave looks. Phantylia's words weren't entirely trustworthy, but the revelations about the Throne and the World Serpent had made them realize their foes on this lower plane were far more complex and dangerous than expected.
Just as they entered the outer defenses of the Haiyuan City, the space before them suddenly rippled without warning. Next moment, a figure appeared silently a hundred meters ahead, blocking their path—like someone stepping out of a painting.
The newcomer was simply dressed in black, with white hair and red eyes, a handsome face and a gentle, refined smile. He looked less like he was facing four formidable gods and more like he was hosting friends at a garden banquet.
"Good morning, everyone."
Lu Jingming's voice was soft and level, yet it rang clearly in their ears, instantly putting them on edge. He'd approached this close without any of them noticing—a sensation eerily reminiscent of their encounter with Phantylia, perhaps even more unfathomable.
The space around him still fluctuated; the man before them seemed almost conjured from thin air, his very presence violating their understanding of spatial laws.
All four stopped at once, divine power surging as they took up defensive stances.
"Are you the lord of Haiyuan City—Lu Jingming?"
As the leader, Tang Hao strode forward, voice deep and imposing, hoarse with power. The seemingly harmless young man before him radiated a boundless force that made his heart thump.
"That's right, that's me."
Lu Jingming smiled, spreading his hands in a gesture as casual as greeting a neighbor.