The body of a merman is different from that of an ordinary human.
His long, fair legs had been replaced by a fish tail. When Xie Jingci lowered her eyes, she could see patches of round, beautiful scales.
She only knew that Pei Du had grown a tail, but knew absolutely nothing about its anatomy. The rest of the scales were docile and quiet, lying gently against the tail. Only in the area below Pei Du's lower abdomen did a few scales silently flutter, revealing a small, pitch-black opening.
His tail was a deep, ethereal blue throughout, reflecting the warm glow of the lanterns and veiled in a faint layer of light.
Amidst this harmonious color, that small hollow was the only dark spot. Even though Pei Du tried his best to hide it, she caught sight of it at a single glance.
"Can the scales open up too?"
Xie Jingci had never imagined such a sight. Sudden curiosity blooming within her, she knelt on the water-stained floor and lowered her head for a closer look. "How fascinating."
All her attention was focused on the tail, so she didn't immediately notice that when her gaze touched those few parted scales, Pei Du's eyes abruptly widened.
Miss Xie had rarely seen a genuine merman, so naturally she didn't understand the hidden implications. But having taken on the identity of a merman, he had been given a brief introduction to the race's traits and habits by the system. The moment he felt the scales part, he immediately understood exactly what was happening.
Because the entire tail was covered in scales, all of a merman's organs from the abdomen down had to be retracted behind them.
It was an extremely tight and narrow confinement. Only when encountering an uncontrollable stimulus would the scales obediently open, allowing them a rare breath of fresh air.
Pei Du intentionally restrained himself. Under the suppression of the Heart-Clearing Mantra, only a few scales fluttered slightly, preventing them from opening completely. This was already the absolute limit of what he could do; the tightly wound string in his mind was on the verge of snapping, teetering precariously.
He was so tense he couldn't move a muscle, but Xie Jingci's gaze was entirely undisguised, hovering over the hollow with a nearly physical weight. Suddenly, she reached out her right hand and gave a gentle poke right next to the trembling scales.
Her movements were very light; her fingertips only touched a tiny, exceptionally thin spot.
Pei Du thought, right, it was just a tiny spot.
Yet such a touch was extraordinarily distinct, as if he could feel all the heat radiating from her.
At first, it was just an inconspicuous corner carrying a scorching, boiling heat, but in the next instant, it exploded violently. The heat surged like a tide, enveloping his entire body in a flash.
The most unbearable part, however, was the secret, restless stirring within that hollow.
He took a sharp, deep breath, his fingers pressing futilely against the ground. Because he was pushing so hard, his knuckles turned an unmistakably stark white.
The fish tail gave another flick, smacking heavily against the wet floor.
Smack.
Xie Jingci looked up in slight confusion. "Does it feel uncomfortable like this?"
Pei Du's mind was already a tangled mess. How could he possibly have the face to explain the truth to her? Hearing this, he lowered his eyelashes, his voice terribly hoarse. "It just... tickles a little."
Only then did she relax. She nodded solemnly, but as soon as she lowered her head, her gaze fell upon that hollow once more. "It's so strange. The scales everywhere else won't open at all. Is this a wound? Does it hurt?"
Pei Du truly felt like he was going to die of shame.
"Miss Xie," he tried hard to keep his voice from sounding too raspy, though to little avail, "...let's go soak in the hot spring. Everything is fine here."
Oh.
Xie Jingci still felt worried in her heart. Just as she was about to pull her hand back and stand up, a block of black text suddenly flashed across her sea of consciousness.
That string of black text was not a line of dialogue, nor was it a task related to her character setting. It started with a blatant [Scientific Fact]. It seemed the system had shown mercy and decided to educate her, a complete novice on mermen, with some basic knowledge.
She read it full of curiosity, her face growing paler and paler.
Wait... wait a minute.
What the heck is a cl-cl-cloaca? And what's this about the organs hidden behind the scales? And what was that about [opening naturally when aroused, revealing the merman's]—
Xie Jingci's face felt like it was on fire.
Unlike an ordinary human's body, a merman's tail was as cold as ice year-round. Her fingertips were still resting on that scale. The warm skin and cold scale touched each other, like intertwining water and flame, amplifying every inch of her senses to the extreme. The sensation was incredibly distinct.
She could even feel the faint tremors caused by the fluttering of the scales.
This really, truly couldn't be blamed on her.
T-t-this place was located very far below the navel, completely misaligned with human anatomy. Not to mention, only three or four scales were slightly shifting, and the hollow was so narrow. How could anyone possibly connect it to—
Pei Du watched helplessly as she stopped what she was doing, her expression turning peculiar.
Miss Xie... definitely knew now.
He subconsciously wanted to curl up his tail, wishing he could roll himself into a perfectly round ball and completely disappear from her sight. Yet, for some unknown reason, the scales over the hollow gave a leisurely twitch, as if growing even more excited, and stealthily pressed against her fingertips.
Utterly brazen.
Pei Du gritted his teeth and looked away.
The hot spring continued to exude a hazy heat, and white mist gradually filled the entire courtyard.
Looking around, the clear moonlight on the horizon and the flickering lanterns by the wall complemented each other. They were quietly blurred by the boundless mist, as if the whole world was rippling with a faint, dusky yellow glow.
He felt a maddening, clawing heat. In his daze, he felt Miss Xie's fingertips press down slightly harder. "Young Master Pei's mouth is hard to open, but this place is obedient enough, opening so wide. Who knows what it might be wanting."
Xie Jingci: ...
Help, help, help me! What kind of explosively shameful line is this! It's already so awkward, why does the system have to come out and cause trouble at a time like this!!!
The little person in her heart was banging its head against the wall. She didn't have the face to look at Pei Du. With rare hesitance, she mumbled, her voice as small as a mosquito's buzz, "Th-this wasn't what I wanted to say."
Pei Du, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, boohoo.
The young man, who was close at hand, remained silent for a moment before speaking softly, "Let's go soak in the hot spring."
She had to admit, Pei Du was truly an expert at changing the subject.
Xie Jingci entered the hot spring with stiff movements. The steaming water scorched her already heated body, making it even harder to bear. Fortunately, she was finally free from the embarrassment brought on by those few fish scales, which allowed her to quietly breathe a sigh of relief.
"After rushing about for so many days, soaking in a hot spring is quite comfortable, right?"
She tried her best to ease the awkwardness. As she spoke, she picked up the wine jug and jade cup, filling the Cold Pool White Jade to the brim. "This wine tastes pretty good, come have a taste."
Xie Jingci hadn't thought much when she spoke, but just as the words left her mouth, she suddenly realized something wasn't quite right—
The only reason she knew this wine tasted good was because she had pressed her lips against Pei Du's neck and, little by little, traced her tongue all the way down his entire front.
Xie Jingci fiercely hammered herself in her heart, but feigned composure on the surface as she handed the wine cup to the young man beside her.
Having entered the hot spring, it was naturally inappropriate to keep wearing a bathrobe. Pei Du obediently took off that heavily wrinkled, messy white robe, gradually revealing his lean and upright body. As she drew closer, she felt a wave of ambiguous heat.
She didn't know if it came from the steaming mist of the hot spring, or the unique warmth of the young man himself.
When she poured the wine, the two of them were separated by layers of white mist, making everything indistinct. Now, suddenly close, the view before her was completely unobstructed.
Xie Jingci had seen Pei Du stripped of his clothes before, but without exception, it was always when he was severely injured.
At those life-and-death moments, he was covered in blood, and no one could possibly harbor any romantic thoughts. It was not until this moment, with the blood and grime washed away, that his fair, soft skin was fully revealed.
Due to years of sword practice, though Pei Du was lean, his body was covered in well-defined, firm muscles. He had broad shoulders and a narrow waist; the curves of his arms and torso flowed as smoothly as water, as if sharply carved by a blade.
Further down, through the shimmering pool water, she could see his deep blue tail. It was long, with a tail fin as light as sheer silk, showing a faint, almost imperceptible white that swayed up and down with the water's ripples.
If it were an ordinary man, he would wrap a towel around his waist. But like this... wasn't he completely naked?
It seemed that compared to when he wore a bathrobe earlier, he was even more suited for wine tasting now.
Xie Jingci was startled by this thought, and the wine glass in her hand wobbled.
Pei Du carefully took it from her and murmured a thank you.
He was not good at drinking, and this wine was a top-tier aged vintage. With just one cup down, he frowned imperceptibly, looking at the young woman beside him with a tipsy gaze: Miss Xie, aren't you going to drink?
Xie Jingci had not spoken until he turned his head, only to realize he was staring at her with a complex expression. His willow-leaf eyes were dark and quiet, hiding an indescribable, obscure light.
The young man paused slightly: ...Miss Xie?
Pei Du.
She did not look away, maintaining eye contact, her tone carrying a cautious probe: The Evil God is going too far, isn't he?
After all, they were villainous characters. The personas given by the system could not be called good; in fact, the vast majority were doing despicable things that would make people gnash their teeth in hatred.
Doing that kind of thing in the alley earlier, Xie Jingci admitted to herself that she was bullying him.
This question came out of nowhere. Hearing it, Pei Du blinked, his eyes full of confusion.
But he still answered honestly: I know that was not Miss Xie's true intention, so... it is fine.
A small flower quietly bloomed in Xie Jingci's heart.
She had long expected Pei Du to answer like this. The Evil God was crossing the line, and she was merely a tiny puppet forced to be manipulated. Blame it all you want, the blame would never fall on Xie Jingci.
This was her best shield. Under this identity, she could do whatever she wanted without any scruples.
She really liked Pei Du too much, and at this moment, he was exceptionally alluring. His messy black hair drifted on the water's surface, highlighting his jade-like arms and side profile, like a soul-stealing snake coiling straight around her heart.
The shyness of a young girl would not allow her to go further, but Xie Jingci had other methods.
She was nervous, yet at the same time felt unprecedented excitement and anticipation.
So, the girl with waterfall-like long hair curved her eyes, appearing aggrieved but also pleading. The layers of white mist concealed the sly chuckle flashing quickly through her eyes. If I do something excessive later, you will definitely forgive me, right?
Completely unaware of the truth, Pei Du nodded reassuringly: I know.
He knew.
An uncontrollable smile bloomed in Xie Jingci's eyes.
Her pale, delicate fingers picked up a wine cup again. Pei Du heard her say: Then let us continue tasting the wine.
Wine was meant to be drunk, but as her words fell and the jade cup tilted slightly, the Cold Pool White Jade poured out completely, spilling without exception onto the young man's slender neck and flowing down into his collarbone.
The biting cold, haphazardly mixing with the heat of the hot spring, aroused an indescribable sensation. Pei Du set his cup aside, looking at her in a flustered state.
The next instant, Xie Jingci's soft lips pressed down heavily.
Since it was wine tasting, she naturally had to be meticulous and serious.
Her movements were incredibly light and slow, her breath falling quietly against his skin. Pei Du had a lean physique, and the hollow of his neck was particularly prominent. Now filled with the mellow wine, it truly gave the illusion of a jade vessel. Swept by the tip of her tongue, his entire body could not help but tremble slightly.
Pei Du tried his best to adjust his breathing, tilting his neck up slightly.
In the past, this was a scene he would not even dare to imagine. Miss Xie was too far out of his reach. Even an accidental meeting of eyes or a brief gaze could fill the young man's heart with joy.
It was not that he had not thought about being with her, but the maximum extent of his imagination was kissing and hugging. How could he have expected this moment, being in a warm pool with the girl he loved, having her kiss every corner of his body one by one.
Miss Xie had already brushed past his lower abdomen, tracing the distinct grooves between his abdominal muscles, kissing each striking old scar in turn. Further down was the water level of the pool.
Her movements suddenly stopped, but Pei Du felt a heavier pressure.
Streaks of black shadows extended from behind her, condensing into long tentacles identical to ropes. They surged toward him overwhelmingly, catching him off guard and binding the young man's arms and back.
Be good.
Xie Jingci smiled, her eyes curving: Move up a bit.
As soon as she spoke, spiritual energy surged up with a boom, like endless, wildly growing vines, binding him mercilessly within. The tips stroked him lightly, provoking wave after wave of ticklish sensations.
As the spiritual energy moved upward, Pei Du's body was lifted into the air and gently placed on the ground by the pool.
Wine was gently sprinkled on his fish tail. The scales were cold and slippery, causing the liquid to spread quickly. Some flowed down like trickling streams, while some seeped into the tiny gaps between the scales, bringing a bone-piercing chill.
The inexperienced young man's eyes were misty as he called out in a low voice once more: Miss Xie...
When it came to a merman's tail, the touch was naturally completely different from human skin.
The deep blue tail had a subdued luster, as if the night sky had been blended into it. The fin at the end spread out on the ground. Touched by the tip of her tongue, it twitched reflexively.
Both the wine and the scales were ice-cold. Up close, there was no fishy sea smell common to aquatic creatures. Instead, it was filled with Pei Du's unique clear scent of trees, merging with the rich aroma of the Cold Pool White Jade wine. Just a faint sniff was enough to make one willingly drown in it.
Her lips brushed against that flared scale.
Pei Du's voice carried a faint hint of a sob: Miss Xie, there...
He did not have time to finish his sentence before his voice was completely sealed off.
More and more spiritual energy gathered silently, landing one by one on the hideous scars of the young sword cultivator. Most of these places had been kissed by Miss Xie and were very sensitive to touch. Now, with the suction cups attached to them, it was even more unspeakably ambiguous.
Like a gentle kiss, Miss Xie's spiritual energy slowly brushed over his scars, tirelessly.
The upper body endured a gentle torment, while from the fish tail came blush-inducing water sounds. Xie Jingci's strength was not heavy. Sometimes she would mischievously lift a scale to taste the Cold Pool White Jade between the gaps. As her movements went further down, she eventually reached the snow-white tail fin.
The night was exceptionally quiet.
Pei Du heard the splashing sounds of water, as well as his own heavy breathing.
The Evil God is really going too far, isn't he?
The young girl raised her head. Although she used a guilty tone, her eyes could not hide her smile, looking exactly like a carnivorous animal that had just enjoyed a full meal, her brows and eyes filled with utter satisfaction.
She was already in a good mood, and seeing Pei Du's appearance, the corners of her eyes curved into little hooks.
He was truly adorable. His eyes were hazy, his long eyelashes drenched in mist, and even the corners of his eyes were flushed a deep red. His thin lips, moistened by the water, were slightly parted as if he wanted to say something but held back.
"Did I make you uncomfortable?"
Xie Jingci looked up, raising her right hand to tuck a stray strand of his hair behind his ear. "I'm sorry."
Her heart kept pounding wildly.
It was a truly wondrous feeling. Facing the person she liked, both shame and pleasure soared at the exact same moment. Even though she was blushing fiercely from embarrassment, she couldn't wait to get even closer to him.
Everything should have progressed naturally.
However, before Xie Jingci could even lower her right hand, she heard a very familiar voice in her sea of consciousness without any warning.
For some reason, a single word popped into her head. Danger.
[I'm here, I'm here! There was a disturbance in the world line just now, so I went offline for a bit—how far along are you two? Let me see if there are any more quests I can issue.]
Xie Jingci: ...
Danger, danger, danger, danger, danger.
What on earth are you doing?! This wasn't how the script she had planned out was supposed to go at all! Since the system was clearly absent earlier, then everything she had just done...
Save me.
After going round and round, the blame ultimately landed right back on Xie Jingci's own head.
All her previous bravado vanished without a trace as she met Pei Du's pitch-black eyes.
He had a pair of long, narrow, and alluring phoenix eyes, the corners of which were tinged with a faint crimson. The moment he heard the system's voice, he blinked in a daze.
He was incredibly smart and naturally understood the trickery involved. When he opened his eyes again, the mist in his pupils had completely dissipated, leaving only a dark, heavy blackness.
Getting caught red-handed was the most fatal blow of all. Xie Jingci's face flushed so hot it was about to explode.
"I-it's just," she raised a hand to rub the tip of her nose, not daring to look into Pei Du's eyes again. She lowered her head, stammering, "...I was drunk."
Damn it, what kind of a lame excuse was that?
When she shamelessly told that lie, she had clearly only swallowed a tiny drop of wine from Pei Du's neck.
Silence fell over the hot spring. Sensing the awkward atmosphere, the system obediently hid away in the depths of her sea of consciousness, saying no more.
Xie Jingci stood in the steaming pool water, her brain turning to mush from the heat. In her daze, she heard Pei Du sigh softly, "Drunk?"
She decided to play the shameless card to the very end and continued to nod.
Nonsense, apart from nodding, Xie Jingci's only other option was to drown herself in the hot spring to apologize.
The courtyard was outdoors, and a gust of chilling wind blew past. Soaked in the vast darkness of the night, the cold felt even more piercing.
Xie Jingci shivered, but in the very next second, her entire body froze in shock.
She... truly hadn't expected this.
The cold, soft fish tail of the young merman slipped into the water, slowly wrapping around her within the continuously flowing pool.
The young woman's waist was slender. Even through the bath towel, she could feel the continuous soft flesh of the tail.
Her heart almost leaped into her throat. At the same time, her right hand, which had previously held the wine glass, was gripped without any room for argument.
Pei Du's tongue was a pale pink. Poking out just a little, he wiped away the remaining drops of wine on Xie Jingci's fingers. His thin lips occasionally brushed across her palm; though subtle, it produced a delicate, wet sound.
Like a child admitting a mistake, she stood straight and trembling slightly in the pool water. She finally waited until the wine stains were completely gone, only for the fish tail behind her to suddenly exert force, pulling her gently.
Caught off guard, Xie Jingci crashed straight into his chest.
Pei Du lowered his eyes, looking at her quietly.
He knew that Miss Xie never played by the rules and always did as she pleased. Knowing that everything just now had been out of her own free will, amidst his astonishment, what surged forth more in his heart was actually a wildly beating joy.
She was willing to be close to him.
Miss Xie was a woman after all. It was inevitable for her to feel shy about such things, so it was only natural that she put on the guise of the so-called evil god.
It was his fault. He had always hesitated, unwilling to overstep the boundaries, worried that being too intimate would make her unhappy.
...For this kind of thing, he would just take the initiative from now on.
The young sword cultivator's long eyelashes fluttered slightly as he leaned down, casting a suffocating shadow over her.
Pei Du kissed her earnestly and deeply. As their lips met, the lingering aroma of wine grew and spread. His tail tightened, stroking her back, waist, and calves over and over again with varying intensity.
"It's not the merman," Xie Jingci heard him say. "It's me... I want to do this to you."
Pei Du smiled as he spoke, his thin lips brushing against hers, his voice as bewitching as a spell. "Does Miss Xie know who 'I' am?"
"Pei—"
She was so teased that her entire body grew hot. Her hands clumsily wrapped around his waist, and as she spoke, she took a sharp breath, the end of her words trembling uncontrollably: "Pei Du."
The person kissing her, the person giving her all his affection, was Pei Du.
He liked her so, so much.
The tail fin brushed silently over her calves, sending ripples through the water, blurring the boundary between cold and heat.
Pei Du's tongue lightly swept over her lips.
"Miss Xie."
The corners of the young man's narrow eyes were as red as a sunset. His back was stiff with nervousness, yet his voice carried a smile, accompanied by the rich, unique fragrance of cold pool white jade: "The wine is sweet."
