So it turns out I'm the demon!

inside the house.

Mo Huaisu and Bai Xiang sat cross-legged on the bed, facing each other.

Both women were wearing only thin nightgowns.

Strands of pure white light descended from the "Harem" star position in the sky, enveloping the two women.

The light flowed across their skin, making it appear delicate and radiant.

Even the tiny bluish veins under the skin are faintly visible.

After a long while, Mo Huaisu slowly opened her beautiful eyes, and the turbulent energy around her gradually subsided.

She glanced down at the fading starlight on her arm, then sensed the solidity of her Dao foundation after being nourished, and couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. "Truly worthy of being a top-tier star position second only to [Ziwei]."

Mo Huaisu's eyes gleamed with a strange light.

"The 【Harem】star position embodies the virtue of the earth's rich soil, nurturing all things with the energy of Kun Yuan, silently benefiting without claiming credit."

"My Dao foundation has been stuck at a bottleneck for many years, but now, after only this initial nourishment, it already shows signs of breaking through the ice and returning to spring, which is truly admirable." As she spoke, she looked up at Bai Xiang.

At this moment, Bai Xiang's face was slightly pale. Her undisguised face was like a work of art, both beautiful and pitiful.

Even Mo Huaisu, whose heart was as still as water, couldn't help but be somewhat lost in thought.

No matter how many times she saw it, she was always shocked by Bai Xiang's real appearance.

She had heard of the title "the most beautiful woman in the world" when she was in the capital, but she didn't really believe it.

They simply assumed it was a fabricated title created by the emperor to glorify himself.

After all, when it comes to stunning beauty, Mo Huaisu herself is a beauty who surpasses all others in the world.

In terms of the exquisiteness of facial features, there are countless beauties in this world, each with their own unique charm. How dare you speak so absolutely? But after seeing it with his own eyes, Mo Huaisu realized that he was wrong.

Bai Xiang's features are naturally impeccable, but what truly sets her apart from all the beauties in the world is not simply her eyebrows, eyes, nose, and mouth, but a natural and innate charm.

Her elegance exudes aloofness, and her nobility conceals a coolness.

It's as if she has combined the dignity of a nation's mother, the otherworldly grace of a celestial being, and the inherent aloofness that shines through her bones.

Each one alone is enough to captivate the masses.

Yet, in her, everything is so perfectly harmonized, without a trace of contradiction or incongruity.

No wonder she was called the most beautiful woman in the world, no wonder she could hold the supreme position of "harem".

"Although your Dao heart is clear and bright, you have been too abstinent for too long, which has turned it into a stagnant pool, going to an extreme. As a result, your Dao foundation is like a parched field, cracked and losing its suppleness."

Bai Xiang finished her work and stretched.

The thin nightgown was stretched into an enviable curve, her slender waist resembling a lazy, graceful snake, her figure exuding a languid beauty.

She yawned and continued:

"Although I have used the power of the stars to infuse you with a wisp of Yin virtue, this land of yours has been parched for too long and cannot be irrigated by a few light rains. At the current pace, it will take at least another half a month to stabilize, so we cannot rush it."

Mo Huaisu nodded slightly: "Thank you for your trouble, Your Highness."

Bai Xiang pursed her red lips, then suddenly her eyes darted around, and she looked at her with a half-smile:

"I always felt this deal was a rip-off. I used up so much of my star power; I feel I should get more interest. How about you be my maid for a year or two? That'll be the interest payment, how about that?"

Mo Huaisu did not refuse Bai Xiang's joke. Instead, he lowered his eyes, seemingly seriously considering the suggestion.

Upon seeing this, Bai Xiang immediately stopped smiling and said in an annoyed tone:

"I underestimated your shamelessness as the Dao Sect Leader. You wouldn't actually want to stay by my side, waiting to see when I lose my star rank so you can be the first to grab the spoils, would you?"

"I have that idea."

Mo Huaisu was very honest.

Bai Xiang sneered, "Sect Leader Mo, you're a dangerous woman. However, if you truly wish to advance further in your cultivation, I can point you in the right direction."

"What clear path?"

Mo Huaisu looked at her curiously.

"Go and be Jiang Mu's maid."

Bai Xiang joked, "That kid has a limitless future. As long as his talent isn't wasted and his good fortune doesn't diminish, you might actually get to drink Tang Mo Huaisu's soup if you follow him." Tang Mo Huaisu frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.

If someone else said such absurd things to her, she would just think the other person was crazy and would sweep them away with a whisk.

But when these words come from Bai Xiang's mouth, they carry a completely different weight.

Why would a woman of the thirteenth realm, considered the most beautiful woman in the world, stay by Jiang Mu's side as a mute butler, serving him tea and water?

This shows that Jiang Mu truly has an incredible opportunity.

But for the dignified head of a Daoist sect to become a maidservant to a junior is indeed a disgrace to the sect's tradition.

Perhaps we can try a different approach.

For example, before Jiang Mu has matured, he could be taken in as a disciple, thus establishing a master-disciple relationship.

In this way, she could stay by his side legitimately to observe his fortunes without compromising her own status.

It is only natural for a master to take care of his disciple; no one can find fault with that.

Moreover, there is another great advantage to doing this.

Bai Xiang had solemnly reminded her in the bathtub that Jiang Mu was very attractive to women and his skills in seducing women were top-notch.

Although she considered herself to be celibate, even Bai Xiang had given her a serious warning, so she couldn't help but be cautious.

Once the master-disciple relationship is established, it is equivalent to drawing an ethical chasm between the two.

Even if Jiang Mu is a ridiculous beast, he could never possibly have any filthy thoughts about his teacher, right?

After all, in all her years of cultivation, she had never seen any wicked disciple dare to do something as rebellious as offending her master.

Mo Huaisu nodded secretly.

Hmm, that's a great idea.

The water in the pool boiled and surged, bursting into sprays of foam.

Jiang Mu had no idea what kind of magical object was hidden at the bottom of the water. After being devoured by the gluttonous Chan Xiaoyu, it became extremely clingy.

Moreover, the divine object seemed to have forcibly implanted a wealth of advanced knowledge into her mind.

To be precise, it means maxing out a certain skill point.

This level of proficiency allowed Jiang Mu to witness firsthand what true technical skill really meant.

A fierce and relentless attack, a dimensional reduction strike that will never end.

Jiang Mu felt like she was becoming an empty shell, even her soul was trembling.

Before this, whether facing Shui Miaozheng or Chu Lingzhu, he could easily take the lead with his strong foundation and feel the sense of control that made his confidence swell.

But at this moment, he experienced the meaning of the word "weak" for the first time.

I experienced a sense of helplessness and frustration.

Pitiful and helpless.

As Chan Xiaoyu consumed the elixir, her body began to shrink again.

Before long, she returned to her original tiny form, only the size of a palm, wearing a miniature dress.

The little guy was clearly exhausted.

She was fast asleep, nestled on Jiang Mu's shoulder.

"What kind of mess have I made...?"

Jiang Mu was also exhausted.

After carefully examining the little mermaid princess's body again and finding nothing amiss, he led her away from the pool.

It was already dusk when I returned to my own courtyard.

Jiang Mu saw Bai Xiang wearing an apron and busy cooking in the kitchen.

To his utter astonishment, the Daoist sect leader, Mo Huaisu, was actually helping out from the sidelines.

The other person was still dressed in an immaculate black and white Taoist robe, holding a kitchen knife in his hand, gesturing at a radish on the cutting board. His expression was as serious as if he were facing an ancient celestial book.

For Master Mo, who usually doesn't lift a finger, the radish in front of him was obviously a difficult opponent.

Jiang Mu also felt a strong sense of unease.

"Boss!"

Chu Lingzhu ran out of the small courtyard next door, panting.

The young female doctor's forehead was glistening with a fine sheen of sweat, and a few strands of her dark hair clung to her rosy, pretty face. The moment she saw Jiang Mu, she pouted her tiny lips, large enough to hold a soy sauce bottle, and said with a hint of reproach:

"You came without even saying hello, then just disappeared without a word, and now you're back without a sound. Don't you even respect me as your legal wife?"

Seeing her covered in sweat, Jiang Mu forced a smile and teased, "Are you running laps in the yard to lose weight?"

"Let's practice swordsmanship together, with Rou'er."

Chu Lingzhu wiped the sweat from her brow with her sleeve, her chest still heaving. "Aqing taught us a new set of sword moves today."

"That's perfect."

Jiang Mu said seriously, "You're covered in sweat, and I just came back from outside and I'm drenched in sweat too. Go and call Rou'er over, let's all take a bath together and exchange some cultivation insights?"

Chu Lingzhu blushed and spat at him:

"Who wants to shower with you? I still need to continue learning swordsmanship from Ah Qing. I don't have time to fool around with you."

After saying that, she twisted her slender waist and turned to run away.

"Wait a moment."

Jiang Mu grabbed her wrist, looked her up and down, and whispered, "Um... do you have any medicine? Get me some." "What medicine?"

Chu Lingzhu blinked her big eyes, completely bewildered.

Jiang Mu coughed lightly and said awkwardly:

"I just feel a bit tired. It's probably because I've been out there fighting demons and monsters for too long lately, which has taken a toll on my energy and spirit. I need to replenish my body."

Upon hearing this, the girl's expression immediately turned strange.

She put her hands behind her back, circled around Jiang Mu, and a cold smile appeared on her lips.

She knew all too well just how monstrous her boss's fighting power was; even she herself couldn't withstand it despite taking massive amounts of drugs.

Which powerful being could drain this guy dry?

Chu Lingzhu said in a muffled voice:

"I recently prescribed a new medicine, but I'm not sure how effective it will be."

Because Rou'er has a special constitution, I placed the pill inside her body to nourish her with the essence of herbs. Would you like to try some? I can get it for you. "No need, I'll go get it from her myself. Go to the kitchen and heat some hot water for my bath."

Jiang Mu left those words behind and rushed off to the side courtyard in a great hurry.

Chu Lingzhu watched his hurried departure, wrinkled her delicate nose, muttered something under her breath, and turned to go into the kitchen to boil water. Jiang Mu went into the side courtyard.

Yuan Aqing was teaching Lan Rou'er swordsmanship move by move.

The girl's figure was light and graceful, and the sword light twirled like a silver ribbon in the setting sun, making her look like a fairy.

Upon seeing Jiang Mu enter, A Qing called out in a clear, cheerful voice, "Master."

"Brother Jiang."

Lan Rou'er also gave a weak greeting.

"Ah Qing, you keep practicing. I have some private business with your sister Rou'er."

Without saying a word, Jiang Mu stepped forward, grabbed Lan Rou'er's soft little hand, and dragged her into her usual bedroom.

With a "bang," the door slammed shut.

Seeing the other person's impatient appearance, Lan Rou'er thought that something embarrassing was about to happen in broad daylight, and her face immediately turned so red that it could bleed.

She lowered her head, her legs fidgeting nervously together, and said weakly:

"Brother Jiang...it's still daylight...and Sister Bai Xiang and Ling Zhu are still cooking outside..."

"What are you thinking? I'm here to pick up my medicine."

Jiang Mu was both amused and exasperated. She stretched out a hand in front of her and said, "Lingzhu said she entrusted you with the safekeeping and nurturing of her newly prepared pills. Quick, get me a few to tide me over."

Lan Rou'er was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then realized that she had been presumptuous, and her face turned even redder.

The girl wished she could disappear into a crack in the ground.

She stammered, "Brother Jiang, how many do you want?"

"How many?"

Jiang Mu thought for a moment and said, "Give me everything."

Lan Rou'er said "oh" and was about to go get it when she suddenly stopped.

She glanced at Jiang Mu, who stood motionless in front of her, and became even more hesitant. "Then... Brother Jiang, could you please step aside for a moment? It's not easy for me to take it... inside my clothes..."

"What's there to avoid? It's not like we haven't seen it before."

Jiang Mu disagreed.

Lan Rou'er's eyes immediately filled with tears.

Her face was so contorted it looked like a rice cake just taken out of a steamer; she was practically mortified.

Seeing that she looked like she was about to cry at any moment, Jiang Mu knew that this girl's skin was thinner than paper, and helplessly turned away.

"Okay, okay, I won't look, just hurry up."

A soft rustling sound came from behind, and after a moment, Lan Rou'er's timid voice came:

"Okay... okay, Brother Jiang, it's out."

Jiang Mu turned around and was immediately startled: "Wow, so many?"

Lan Rou'er was holding a round plate containing about a dozen pills, each about the size of a Buddhist rosary.

These pills were milky white, with a smooth, glossy surface, and were speckled with a few drops of clear medicinal juice, emitting a unique herbal aroma. Jiang Mu stared at the pills suspiciously:

"Are you kidding me? How could you possibly have hidden so many?"

He knew very well what this girl's savings could hold.

Lan Rou'er lowered her head, revealing a section of her nape that was as red as a boiled shrimp, and her voice was so soft it was almost inaudible:

"No... I wasn't kidding you, that's really all."

Jiang Mu sighed inwardly.

This girl is like Doraemon.

If the capacity of this four-dimensional pocket were developed a little, we wouldn't even need storage rings when going out in the future.

"Then give all of these to me."

He dumped all the pills from the plate into his mouth, chewed them a couple of times, and swallowed them.

Seeing this, Lan Rou'er's cherry lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped herself, and finally she obediently shut her mouth.

However, to Jiang Mu's great disappointment...

Half a day passed, and I still felt nothing in my body.

My body is still extremely weak and tired.

This is far inferior to the pills that Chu Lingzhu used to concoct, which could invigorate the body upon ingestion.

"It's probably because Lingzhu's new prescription had the wrong proportions, resulting in a batch of ineffective, worthless medicine."

Jiang Mu clicked her tongue in disappointment.

"Forget it, I'll go find Lingzhu myself and ask her to brew a pot of the old recipe's perfect tonic soup."

I strolled back to the kitchen.

Jiang Mu peeked inside and found that only Mo Huaisu was in the kitchen.

Bai Xiang and Chu Lingzhu, who were supposed to come in to boil water, were both nowhere to be seen.

"What about cypress and bamboo?"

Jiang Mu went inside and asked.

Mo Huaisu stood alone in front of the chopping board, his Taoist robe sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing a section of his lotus-white arm.

The vegetables on the cutting board have already been chopped.

The radish slices were still uneven in thickness, but at least you could tell they were radish slices.

The pot on the stove was already hot and emitting smoke.

"They just went out, I don't know where they went," Mo Huaisu said calmly.

Seeing the other person pick up a spatula and prepare to stir-fry, Jiang Mu's heart pounded, and she asked:

"Um... do you need my help?"

He was genuinely worried.

This woman used to roast rabbits in the wild until they were charcoal-black. If she cooks something as technically demanding as stir-frying, what if she serves it all up and the whole family gets diarrhea and food poisoning?

"No need. Miss Bai Xiang has already taught me. The so-called way of cooking and the principle of alchemy come from the same source. It's all about the timing and the heat. It's very simple."

Mo Huaisu's tone exuded the confidence of a top student.

Seeing her confident demeanor, Jiang Mu wondered if it was possible that a master of the twelfth realm truly had a talent boost when learning to cook.

I was immediately relieved.

The next second, Mo Huaisu picked up the cutting board and dumped all the chopped radishes and greens into the hot oil pan.

Water droplets splashed into the boiling oil, making the pot look like a firecracker had been thrown in.

It made a crackling and popping sound.

The scalding hot oil droplets mixed with the flames shot up more than half a foot high.

The noble Sect Leader Mo remained calm in the face of this sudden explosion, standing there with a long-handled iron shovel, unsure of what to do next.

Fortunately, she had protective qi, so the splattered oil couldn't hurt her.

Oh dear, what a waste of my expectations!

Jiang Mu cursed under his breath and rushed forward in one stride.

Ignoring all notions of propriety between men and women, she grabbed Mo Huaisu's right hand, which was holding the shovel, from behind and started frantically stirring the food in the pot. "Big sister, do you think this is a pill-refining furnace?"

As Jiang Mu guided her hands to stir-fry the food, he muttered a helpless lecture in her ear:

"Couldn't you drain the vegetables first and then slowly pour them into the pan along the side? That's not how you stir-fry vegetables. And by dumping everything in at once, each vegetable needs to be on fire..."

The man kept talking.

Mo Huaisu remained silent throughout.

Her cool gaze fell quietly on the hand that Jiang Mu was holding.

The man's palm was warm, his five fingers tightly gripping the back of her hand, and he was turning her wrist over and over on the spatula.

The firelight from the stove shone on his face from the side, casting a small shadow below his brow bone.

This made his profile appear more defined than usual.

After stirring for a while, Jiang Mu finally belatedly realized that something was wrong.

Upon this perception, he immediately felt that the Taoist sect leader's hands were of exceptional quality, with a delicate and cool touch.

It's like holding a piece of cold jade.

Jiang Mu's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively wanted to let go of his hand.

But then I thought, if I suddenly let go at this moment, it would make me seem guilty and like I was deliberately taking advantage of others.

So he gritted his teeth, pretended not to notice anything, and braced himself, like a strict master chef, holding her little hand and continuing to toss the food in the wok over high heat.

Mo Huaisu, surprisingly, did not utter a sound of struggle.

She let Jiang Mu hold her hand, her beautiful profile flickering in and out of the light from the stove fire, as if none of this mattered to her.

When the food in the pot finally looked somewhat cooked, Jiang Mu finally let go of his hands with a sigh of relief.

He took a half step back, cleared his throat, and said:

"Ahem... You've learned it, haven't you? Actually, cooking isn't that difficult. The key is to master the heat and the timing of putting things in the pan. You can't just blindly follow along like that. With Master Mo's comprehension, you'll definitely be fine next time."

Mo Huaisu parted his red lips slightly and said calmly, "A gentleman keeps away from the kitchen."

Jiang Mu chuckled, "I'm not exactly a gentleman."

As he was speaking, he suddenly felt a strong burning sensation in his lower abdomen.

It was as if a live volcano was surging within his dantian, accumulating world-destroying magma, ready to erupt at any moment.

"Could the pills have worked?"

A thought flashed through Jiang Mu's mind.

Before he could think it through, the burning sensation in his abdomen suddenly intensified, rushing down his meridians from his dantian.

There was a "ripping" sound.

The pants ripped open.

Mo Huaisu's hand holding the spatula froze in mid-air, his clear, cold eyes wide open, completely dumbfounded.