Chu Yan recalled a significant choice he faced before arriving at the Dead Sea border:
To impregnate Aunt Isha, providing her with the perfect cover of pregnancy.
To endure suffering in exile.
Resolutely, he chose B, only to find himself, after numerous twists and turns, thriving at the Dead Sea border, when suddenly the executioner hinted at ulterior motives…
What kind of situation is this?
Moreover, the most insidious aspect was that the executioner had first granted him leniency regarding the "Dead Sea Armament" before broaching the subject of her hidden agenda.
She effectively deprived him of a multitude of choices, for she still held the power to veto the "Dead Sea Armament" with a single word.
Thus, the true choices Chu Yan had faced were, in fact:
To impregnate Aunt Isha.
To accept the executioner's hidden rules while in exile.
Indeed, life is unpredictable, akin to a great sandwich wrapped in a lesser one.
What appears to be a rebirth from dire straits is, in truth, a descent into the lair of an enchantress.
When Chu Yan regained his senses, he found himself submerged in the bathing pool, sprawled languidly by the edge, drifting like a corpse upon the water's surface.
"Goodness, when did you return...?"
The exterior of the lord's castle was worn and in disrepair, yet the interior facilities remained remarkably well-maintained.
The tiles in the grand bathroom were adorned with jelly-like crystalline pieces, and within, it felt as though one were luxuriating in warm water amidst a winter frost.
"Surely, the construction budget for this castle must have been entirely consumed by the bathhouse... Truly befitting a young man; changing clothes is remarkably swift."
The executioner, having completed her changing, stepped into the bathroom.
A damp white towel clung to her front, her healthy and delicate skin tantalizingly visible. While her bosom may not rival that of some women, it nonetheless spoke of exquisite curves.
Merely gazing through the mist, her figure revealed a narrow waist and ample hips, crafting a breathtaking silhouette, flowing seamlessly down to her elegant feet.
Amidst the vapor, her long, shapely legs moved with a feline grace, exuding a sensuality akin to a catwalk.
She settled into the water, and the towel floated beside Chu Yan.
"Could you please hand me the towel?" the executioner inquired.
This was undoubtedly intentional; Chu Yan recognized her ploy yet found himself unable to refuse.
He reluctantly grasped the towel and slowly maneuvered through the water to her side, sitting upright with a semblance of decorum.
In such close proximity, even as he endeavored to avert his gaze, he could not help but catch sight of her state.
While she bathed, her uniform had been discarded, yet the dragon head mask remained firmly in place.
Was that her true self?
"Madam Executioner, is there something you wish to discuss with me?"
"Clever boy, let us converse about matters best kept secret, particularly those that must remain hidden from Weylin."
Here it comes, so bluntly!
What clandestine matters could she possibly wish to conceal from my guardian?
"Well... shall we discuss it?"
"With Weylin indulging you, it must be rather burdensome~ Would you care to accept my assistance? Before the three parties part ways completely, you still have options."
The executioner's tone was playful, akin to an elder teasing a younger counterpart, yet it carried a hint of seriousness, suggesting she was not entirely jesting.
A flurry of doubts clouded Chu Yan's mind.
What did she mean by the three parties parting ways? The executioner and Weylin—who was the third party? What connection did they share in the past?
"I'm sorry; I don't quite understand."
"Understanding is not essential. Since you are not in a hurry to decide, rather than whisking you away secretly, I would prefer to have you willingly come to me before the other two; their expressions would be quite entertaining~
Now, turn around, facing away from me."
Turn around?
Shouldn't the hidden rules involve her turning away, or at the very least, us facing one another?
Noticing Chu Yan's momentary stupor, the executioner revealed a playful smile, her lips a rosy hue, teasing:
"What wicked thoughts occupy your mind, hmm~? I intend to wash your hair, just as Weylin did."
"..."
Her hands slid around Chu Yan's waist, guiding him to turn, the viscous shampoo gliding between her delicate fingers, as she gently massaged his scalp.
"Madam Executioner, are you well-acquainted with Weylin?"
"Of course, I know her thoroughly, right down to every nook and cranny. Has she mentioned when she will return?"
"No, plans are always subject to change. If all goes well, her exploration of the Void Sea should conclude and she will return within the next two to three months, coinciding with the end of my family trials."
"Is she not concerned with your well-being while you are away? Does she intend to return in two or three months to retrieve you from the Mother Dragon's embrace?"
The implication was stark: Should Chu Yan perform poorly in his trials, he might be sent to the Sacred Nurture Hall to contribute to the next generation of dragon-blooded beings.
In light of the confirmation of his ineffectiveness, becoming a prolific progenitor for the dragon-blooded would be the only way to honor his lineage and ancestors.
Chu Yan felt belittled, suppressing a contented yawn as he retorted:
"Please don't imply that I am destined to fail my trials..."
The executioner merely chuckled softly, responding:
"However, having Weylin watch over you may not be such a bad thing; at least she would indulge your laziness. If the Black Ice Dragon-blooded were to care for you, she would certainly demand you train into a formidable figure."
The Black Ice Dragon-blooded? That family was hardly compatible with the Dragon Flame Clan, as the Dragon Flame belonged to the Crimson Flame lineage—a natural enmity existed between fire and ice.
"A formidable figure? Do you mean developed muscles? I have tried hard, but it's exhausting. I prefer to relax, lest my efforts induce tension and stress in others."
"Yes, when one's muscles are well-developed, it's akin to becoming a humanoid mound of potatoes~"
The executioner's voice was soft and enchanting, akin to gazing at distant mountains in the rain, imbued with a tantalizing warmth.
As they engaged in this lighthearted exchange, Chu Yan gradually succumbed to a drowsiness he hadn't even noticed, losing consciousness amidst their banter.
By the time he awoke, he found himself in the lord's chamber.
The familiar softness of the bed enveloped him, while the ceiling radiated a sense of comfort akin to that of an old friend.
Morning light streamed through the window.
Shanoya, sensing his awakening, stretched languidly and remarked:
"You're awake! You certainly retired early yesterday; I found you in bed, completely unconscious upon my return."
"Really...?"
Chu Yan attempted to recall the events, yet his memory was hazy. He only vaguely recalled a discussion regarding the aristocracy's counterattack.
Beyond that, everything was a blur.
Undoubtedly, he had not been so lethargic as to drift off like that; it was likely the executioner's doing.
"By the way, has the executioner left?"
"She departed early this morning."
"..."
Did that mean he had no opportunity to confirm with her directly?
Well, it was of little consequence now.
...
In a secret chamber of a residence belonging to a Dead Sea noble.
Having learned from previous experiences, their gathering became increasingly cautious, with each individual adorned with magical protective amulets.
A magical stone on the table glimmered, establishing communication with the former Baron Pige.
However, referring to him as a baron was inaccurate, for Old Pige had transferred his title to his son and had since indulged in a life of debauchery.
"What brings you to contact me? My son is not among you; are you circumventing him to reach me? What has happened?"
"Old Pige... your entire family is dead..."
"Ah?"