Within the Haotian Mirror.
News of Gongsun Yajiu giving up her Holy Maiden status for a human of uncertain fate had spread throughout the entire demon domain.
Gongsun Yajiu, once the idol and aspiration of all low-level demons, had become the laughingstock of the entire demon domain. With no background, she had single-handedly earned the title of Holy Maiden and led her weak tribe to glory.
But now, she was scorned by every demon, and even her own tribe no longer took pride in her. The demon domain no longer had a place for her.
Though she was stripped of her Holy Maiden status, she was not expelled from the demon clan. As long as she could endure the gossip and ridicule, she could stay.
In a remote, dilapidated house near the sea in the Endless Demon Domain, Gongsun Yajiu tidied up and gently placed the dazed Xiao Fan on the bed. She had chosen not to leave the demon domain because it was the safest place.
While demons competed and fought among themselves, they were forbidden from killing each other within the demon domain. Despite losing her Holy Maiden status, Gongsun Yajiu remained a target for many demons. As long as she was alive, they would not leave her alone.
For her and Xiao Fan's safety, staying within the demon domain was the best choice. She had long ceased to care about the cold mockery and sarcastic remarks.
"Well, well, look who it is! Our former Holy Maiden Gongsun Yajiu, living in such a shabby place!"
A mocking voice came from outside.
Gongsun Yajiu frowned, recognizing the fool who came to add insult to injury.
She stepped out, looking coldly at the carefree demon before her. "Oh, it's you, the fool!"
She didn't hold back her sarcasm.
The demon before her was Niu Ao, a typical muscle-bound, brainless fool. By brute strength alone, he had barely earned the title of Holy Son, but he was the lowest among them.
Niu Ao had once pursued Gongsun Yajiu, but she had ignored him. However, he was persistent, constantly harassing her until she used an illusion to embarrass him publicly, making him a laughingstock for a while.
Now, seeing her stripped of her status, he thought he could bully her at will.
Infuriated by her insult, Niu Ao's face turned red. "Gongsun Yajiu, don't push your luck!"
"Do you think you're still the Holy Maiden?"
"If you know what's good for you, kill that human, and maybe I'll let you join my tribe!"
He finished with a lewd smile.
Gongsun Yajiu didn't bother arguing. Her eyes glowed with a strange light.
Niu Ao, who had been aggressive, suddenly went blank, then started stripping his clothes with a look of ecstatic joy before running off naked.
Soon, the story of Niu Ao streaking through the demon domain would make him a laughingstock once more.
For Gongsun Yajiu, dealing with such a simpleton was easy. Her innate charm was her greatest asset. While she might not be the strongest, her allure could affect even those a realm higher than her.
Only Xiao Fan had easily broken her illusions.
Returning to the room, she looked at the vacant-eyed Xiao Fan, her expression melancholic, but soon resolute.
"Xiao Fan, I won't let you die until I have completely conquered you!"
"I will find a way to heal you!"
Before returning to the room, Gongsun Yajiu had glanced deeply into the distance.
There, several imposing young demons watched the dilapidated house where Gongsun Yajiu and Xiao Fan stayed. Seeing Niu Ao being manipulated into streaking, they muttered "fool" under their breath.
Within the demon domain, they couldn't harm Gongsun Yajiu, nor could they let the human she cared about die. Though she had lost her Holy Maiden status, it didn't mean she had no chance to reclaim her position. The demon leader and the Guardians clearly valued her, which was why she wasn't expelled.
As long as Gongsun Yajiu remained entangled with this human, any chance of her reclaiming her status was nullified. If she regained her position, it would pose a significant threat to them.
So, the human she cared about must not die. As long as he lived, he was her greatest weakness. Niu Ao, being a simpleton, didn't understand this.
In the room, Gongsun Yajiu looked sorrowfully at the vacant-eyed Xiao Fan. His body was crippled, his legs gone, and his soul severely damaged, leaving him in a dazed state.
The only remedy she knew of was the Sea Soul Essence, a rare ocean plant found only in the depths of the sea within the Endless Demon Domain. The sea was teeming with powerful sea beasts, growing stronger the deeper one went, a danger even for saint-level demon guardians.
Determined, she decided to take the risk. Her charm might give her a chance.
After transferring some qi into Xiao Fan to ensure he wouldn't starve or thirst in the coming days, she stood and left the house.
Looking at the young demons in the distance, she knew their intentions. She wasn't worried they would harm Xiao Fan while she was away. As long as she wasn't confirmed dead, Xiao Fan was safe.
But she had to be wary of simpletons like Niu Ao causing trouble. Before leaving to find the Sea Soul Essence, she needed to make arrangements.