Siuxa couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, and it wasn't just about the woman, but the village itself seemed to be hiding something. It was a gut feeling Siuxa had, and it appeared that Renxian, who was aware of it, was trying not to pay too much attention to it.
This was evident from Renxian's nonchalant expression as they followed Saomei to a certain place. The corridor they were now walking through was entirely made of wood, with some unlit candles attached to the walls. On that sunny day, sunlight managed to filter in, providing some light.
"If you don't mind me asking, how long have you two been together?" Saomei said with a voice that carried the insight of her age.
Renxian fell silent and then glanced at Siuxa, giving a subtle signal like, "What's up with this question?" which Siuxa responded to with silence. Their raised eyebrows were intertwined; it was clear that this woman had been making the atmosphere feel different all along. Nevertheless, she tried to be friendly, not making a big deal out of it.
"Um... not long, we've just met," Siuxa replied with a small, awkward laugh.
"Oh, really? Heavens, I thought you two were very close," Saomei continued, turning to the right, where a closed corridor seemed to have transformed into an open garden on the left. "Considering how well you get along."
This statement made Siuxa's face turn red, and she lowered her head. They had initially tried to rent a room at the inn, but Uris had denied them, claiming there were no available rooms.
Yet, Siuxa had overheard him saying that there were not many visitors from outside the village who wanted to stay, so how could the rooms be full? Did some villagers live there? Siuxa tried to think it over multiple times, not wanting to get lost in confusing thoughts.
"Here it is, the room for... Siuxa, was it?" The brown-haired woman stopped in front of the room, which she opened by sliding it to the side. "It's not much, but it's better than the inn."
For some reason, the chamber looked incredibly neat, arranged meticulously, and exuded a minimalist vibe. In the center was a soft mattress, and in the corners, there were nightstands with vases of flowers. Right next to the bed, there was a lantern ready for use.
"Make yourself at home," Saomei added while still standing outside, watching Siuxa enter.
The ebony-haired woman couldn't hide her amazement at the room. It felt cool and tranquil, making a perfect first impression. The background noise of chirping insects and birdsong added to the serenity, creating a perfect environment for her.
"Thank you," the black-haired woman turned and bowed. "This place is amazing!"
Saomei smiled thinly, with a somewhat sardonic edge. "Well then, shall we continue this?"
Renxian was about to follow the woman, but he turned to Siuxa, and her gaze changed seriously. Her full, rosy lips moved, and she whispered with an extremely low tone, "Be careful."
Although it was barely audible, Renxian could decipher Siuxa's voice and lip movement. He nodded, aware that the situation was becoming increasingly unnatural. He quickly approached Saomei, who hadn't moved too far away, weaving through the labyrinthine location.
"I wouldn't have expected no one to speak well of Sanxiu, especially when he's such a handsome man," the woman in front of Renxian exclaimed, her alluring figure barely concealed by her rustic attire. "Well, if that makes you uncomfortable, I apologize."
Renxian, still puzzled, eventually spoke up. "How do you have so many rooms?"
"Ah, these rooms are for our helpers who are no longer with us," Saomei's voice suddenly changed, sounding somewhat frail.
Renxian furrowed his brow as they descended the stairs, crossing a yard filled with flowers. "What happened?"
The woman didn't respond immediately, appearing hesitant to share. "It may not sound proper, but they chose other paths, like... sex slaves."
Renxian was taken aback by what he heard, forcing Saomei to smile reluctantly. "Well, it was their choice, and I won't judge them for it." She then turned back to face forward. "Come, your room is over there."
Renxian continued to maintain his cautious nature, standing in a room that looked distinct from the others. This place was separate, positioned in the corner at the back of the village head's house. Why wasn't he put in the room next to Siuxa, which was also vacant?
As Saomei opened the door, it became clear that this site was significantly different from Siuxa's humble room. For some reason, it exuded a slightly more luxurious and well-prepared ambiance, contrasting with its exterior appearance.
"This is your place," Saomei exclaimed as Renxian entered. "We don't want our esteemed guests to be anything less than comfortable."
Unknown to the man, Saomei grinned, and there was a hint of malice in her expression. When Renxian turned to look, all of that vanished instantly, and she appeared normal again. "Truly, I'm fine with a room like Siuxa's."
"No, this is my father's request," Saomei replied with a slight bow. "It's only right to repay Sanxiu's kindness."
Renxian couldn't help but express his gratitude. He watched as Saomei left him alone in the room with a lingering, sweet fragrance. He remembered that slavery existed in this village, but after Saomei's confession, it seemed that they engaged in it willingly.
"Don't you feel that the woman is dangerous?" Renxian suspected in his mind.
[There are no signs of danger from Saomei. Perhaps her high (Sex Interest) is causing her behavior.]
Renxian then sat cross-legged on the soft, white mat, taking a deep breath. "But she's targeting me. Am I just allowing her to satisfy her desires freely?"
[If you don't mind it. Besides, she seems experienced, and with a seductive body like hers, you might dispel your doubts.]
His face flushed, and he struggled to concentrate as he closed his eyes. "Why are you making me like this?"
[I am assisting you in the task of Dual Cultivation, with the potential for her to become one of your partners if you put forth more effort, much like you did with Siuxa.]
"I don't know about that," the man with cerulean eyes confessed. "I'm still uncomfortable with that woman. She seems to be hiding something."
[I understand your concerns. But opportunities like this don't come twice.]
"Never mind," he returned to his inner world, attempting to erase all suspicions. "I'd better continue my meditation to improve (Enhanced Senses). How far have I come?"
[Name: Renxian
Skill (Enhanced Senses): 20%]
The man with the bun sighed with disappointment. At times like this, his ability was crucial for better hearing and analysis than most people. However, it seemed that this meditation would take an excessively long time.
Without further ado, he concentrated deeply, not letting himself be distracted even though the sounds of nature outside continued to fill his ears. This was the right time because later that night, he had to fulfill the chief request.
Gradually, he no longer heard the sounds from outside. This time, only silence filled his existence, replaced by mocking shouts from various people wearing school uniforms. Renxian realized that this was happening again - he was in the past.
At that moment, he felt his body being stepped on by a group of scholars who laughed with delight. Their satisfaction was evident in their expressions, and they showed no intention of quitting. These were mischievous kids who were given the freedom to do as they pleased.
"Feel this! You deserve this!" yelled a plump boy who didn't show any sign of mercy, hurting Renxian, who huddled beneath them, protecting his head with his hands. "A poor kid like you doesn't deserve to go to school here!"
Renxian remembered that time when he had the opportunity to attend a prestigious school due to his exceptional grades. However, this was not appreciated by those who despised him or simply wanted to assert their power over someone weaker.
Just then, a knock on the door was heard, instantly interrupting Renxian's meditation. He opened his eyes, and the room around him had suddenly become pitch-black. Was it already night? He stood up and hastily sheathed his sword at his waist before opening the door.
To his surprise, the person in front of him was not Siuxa but Saomei. Dressed in a thin dark outfit, she carried a tray with a cup of some unknown drink. Something was compelling about her aura, and her face was exceptionally charming.
"Forgive me for disturbing you, Sanxiu," she said softly, avoiding direct eye contact with Renxian. "There's a matter I want to discuss with you."
Renxian furrowed his brow and replied, "About what? Shouldn't I be checking the state of the village right now?"
"That is why I came here to talk about it," she then locked eyes with the frozen man. "May we have a calm conversation?"
Although Renxian knew something was unsettling, he allowed Saomei to enter and sit with him face-to-face. He then lit the lanterns in the room, casting a beautiful, warm glow.
"Tell me the truth," Renxian said as he sat cross-legged, with Saomei in front of him, kneeling, separated by the tray.
The woman then smiled broadly, a smile that Renxian couldn't quite interpret her intention. "Now then, where shall we start first?"