Shudu walked toward the mansion perched on a lonely pier by the oceanfront, its shadow stretching across the waves as if reaching into the sea itself. The rhythmic crash of waves against the pier was the only sound in the still night, filling the air with a salty tang that mixed with the faint scent of incense drifting from the mansion's windows. His steps were slow, hesitant, as he paused several times before approaching the large red doors that loomed ahead like the gates to another world.
From the outside, the mansion was a curious blend of elegance and decadence. Its facade, crafted from aged wood with patches of faded paint, evoked a sense of grandeur dulled by years. The building held an almost regal air, softened by time and tempered by secrets within. Soft lanterns adorned the balcony railings, their warm, amber glow spilling out in waves of light that danced on the dark water below. It was an inviting, almost hypnotic sight, and Shudu could see shadowed figures in the distance drawn to it, like moths lured toward a forbidden flame.
He reached out, placing his hand on the giant, ornate golden doorknob, feeling the cool metal under his fingertips. The knob was polished to a shine that contrasted with the weathered doors, gleaming in the dim lantern light as if inviting him in.
"Master…" came a soft whisper behind him, tinged with worry. Xiao Zongzi stood just a above his shoulder, her face etched with concern, her gaze darting from Shudu's face to the looming mansion. "Are you certain?"
Shudu's brows furrowed as he glanced back, his lips curling into a half-smile to reassure Xiao Zongzi. "I'm alright," he said, his voice steady but laced with an undertone of resolve. Turning back to the door, he allowed his demonic qi to pulse from his hand, seeping into the metal with a subtle glow. The door responded to his touch, unlocking with an almost silent click as if it recognized the energy coursing through him. The heavy door creaked open, revealing a darkened interior that seemed to beckon him further.
Inside, the mansion revealed itself as a place of opulent, slightly faded charm, where every inch seemed to bear the weight of countless stories. Heavy velvet curtains in deep, saturated shades of crimson and indigo hung from the large, arched windows, their fabric thick and rich, absorbing the dim light and adding a demonic aura. Crystal chandeliers dangled from the high, vaulted ceilings, casting a soft, amber glow that was just dim enough to create a sense of intimacy. Their light shimmered faintly, catching on the delicate prisms, each one a testament to the mansion's long-lost grandeur.
The air was a heavy mixture of sea salt and exotic perfumes, thick with the scent of incense that seemed to cling to everything like a lingering spirit. Every breath Shudu took filled his senses with an intoxicating blend of spice and floral notes, mingling with the ever-present tang of the ocean. As he moved deeper into the mansion, the richly woven carpets muffled his footsteps, though the polished hardwood floors creaked faintly beneath his weight, as if murmuring secrets from years past.
The hallways twisted and turned, each one leading to rooms tucked away from view, their doors promising hidden pleasures and mysterious encounters. Every room was uniquely adorned with an array of broad trinkets and tapestries, from gilded mirrors to masks carved in intricate detail, lending each space an otherworldly, almost enchanted atmosphere. The dim, warm lighting and labyrinthine layout made him feel sick to his stomach, it was nauseating.
In the heart of the mansion lay a grand lounge, low tables scattered across the room were surrounded by plush cushions in hues of wine and emerald, their textures inviting and rich. A small stage at the far end of the lounge held a group of performers, their music haunting and beautiful, weaving through the air like a spell, adding an intoxicating rhythm to the already-thick ambiance.
"Young Master!" A soft voice broke the stillness, laced with both surprise and delight. One of the girls, a petite figure with doe-like eyes and a shy smile, noticed Shudu as he entered. She straightened, her expression lighting up, and soon others followed, girls and young men alike, their faces alight with excitement.
"Young Master is back!" someone called, their voice echoing through the lounge like the ring of a bell. A ripple of movement spread through the crowd, each figure bowing slightly or murmuring his name with reverence. "Prepare for a banquet," another chimed in, as attendants bustled off to make preparations, leaving Shudu surrounded by eager faces and admiration.
"There's really no need for all of that—a small meal will suffice," Shudu said, his voice calm yet commanding as he halted the flurry of activity around him. Despite his words, the crowd of eager faces remained, thrilled to see him back after so long. Several of the girls competed quietly for his attention, each one vying to be closest to him, gently tugging on his arm and guiding him down the winding hallways to his old bedroom.
The room was grand, dimly lit, and saturated with the rich colors of crimson and black. A large, round bed sat in the center, draped in deep red sheets that seemed to glow in the low light. The canopy hung high above, with dark, pitch-black fabric cascading down like a veil, and each corner was adorned with golden tassels, their luster softened by time. Shudu settled himself at the table in the corner of the room as Xiao Zongzi crawled up to the canopy, her slender form casting delicate shadows as she began to spin her intricate web.
Before him, a lavish meal was brought—silver trays laden with the finest cuts of meat, bowls filled with fragrant broths, and pitchers of rich, red wine. Yet, despite the feast before him, Shudu's appetite was nowhere to be found. He idly picked at the food with his chopsticks, his gaze distant, as if lost in thoughts he couldn't share. One of the girls slid closer, her hand gently cupping his face and turning it toward her. "Young Master, I've missed you," she whispered, her lashes fluttering and a playful smile curving her lips. Her face was inches from his, her eyes full of anticipation, but Shudu merely responded with a soft "Huh…," barely acknowledging the beauty before him.
A handsome young man appeared, bowing gracefully as he poured more wine into Shudu's cup. "Young Master, may I offer you some more wine?" he asked with a respectful tone. Shudu glanced at the cup, then, without a second thought, downed the wine in a single gulp, his attention never wavering from whatever invisible weight seemed to press upon him. He barely noticed the young handsome man beside him, dismissing him without a word.
"Madam Hua… is she—here?" Shudu asked, his tone caught somewhere between dread and anticipation. The girl behind him, who had been massaging his shoulders with gentle, practiced hands, leaned in closer, her voice a low murmur. "Would Young Master like an audience with the Madam?" she asked, her fingers pressing soothingly into his shoulders.
Shudu looked down at his empty cup, his hand tightening around it, nearly shattering the delicate glass. After a pause, he nodded, a flicker of something unspoken passing over his face. The girl massaging him gestured to one of the others. "Go fetch the Madam. Tell her the Young Master has arrived."
The girl nodded obediently, bowing before slipping out of the room, her steps quick yet graceful as she disappeared down the hall to retrieve the Madam of the brothel. Meanwhile, the girl beside him leaned further into his arm, her hand resting on his chest, fingers trailing over him in a familiar, possessive gesture. "Madam Hua will be most pleased to see you," she giggled, her hand drifting lower with a coy smile. Before she could venture further, Shudu's hand shot out, gripping her wrist firmly, halting her advance.
Another girl, emboldened by the intimate atmosphere, slid closer, her hand brushing along his thigh as she leaned in, her red lips close to his ear. "How long will you be staying, Young Master?" she whispered, her voice a soft, teasing caress against his neck. Her lips barely grazed his skin, her breath warm, but Shudu's patience wore thin. He pulled back abruptly, slapping her hand away from his thigh with a flicker of irritation.
"Not that long," he replied curtly, a hint of annoyance sharpening his tone. His gaze turned cold, flicking between the faces surrounding him, each one eager to capture his attention, but none able to pierce the barrier he kept so firmly in place. He leaned back, crossing his arms, his mind already drifting elsewhere as he waited.
"What a shame," the other girl murmured, a sly smile playing on her lips as she slipped out of her robe, letting the fabric pool around her in a careless display. "Xiao Hua will be very disappointed. She just left—you just missed her." She giggled as she moved closer, pressing herself against Shudu, her warmth filling the small space between them.
Shudu sighed deeply, his mind drifting for a moment. Thank goodness, he thought, as he took a deep breath. I didn't want to see her again.
"But does Young Master truly intend to marry Xiao Hua?" another girl chimed in, her voice tinged with mockery as she sidled up beside him, her gaze smoldering with mischief. "You've held onto this marriage proposal for over a hundred years, yet we've seen no ceremony." Her wanton eyes glinted with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.
Shudu's expression darkened, his face settling into a cold mask. A few hundred years ago, Madam Hua had practically thrown her daughter at him, proposing Xiao Hua as his bride. Begrudgingly, he had agreed to the arrangement, but he'd never had any true intention of making her his wife. The idea of binding himself to Xiao Hua had always felt like a shackle—a cage he had no desire to lock himself in.
As he stewed in silence, one of the girls nestled at his feet, her head resting lightly against his leg. She looked up at him with wide, curious eyes. "Young Master," she asked softly, breaking the tension, "have you finished cultivating the Gu worm?"
A faint smile crept across Shudu's face at the mention of Jiao Jiao, his prized Gu worm. "Although I intended to cultivate him for five hundred years," he replied, his tone touched with pride, "he hatched recently—after only three hundred years."
"Oh, really?" the girl beside him exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement. She leaned forward, her hands clasped together as she peered at him eagerly. "Can I see him?"
The question froze Shudu in place, his expression going rigid. For a moment, he couldn't think of a response. The truth was something he couldn't bear to admit: the Gu worm, Jiao Jiao, hadn't accepted him as its master. Instead, the creature had bonded with a human—a disgrace that clung to him like a shadow he couldn't shake. Shudu felt a bead of sweat roll down his brow as he quickly searched his mind for an excuse.
Coughing into his fist, he cleared his throat, trying to maintain his usual composure. "Xiao Jiao is with a… wet nurse," he said hesitantly, watching the girls' expressions carefully. "Since he hatched prematurely, I hired someone to care for him."
The girls looked at him with wide-eyed admiration, their faces a mixture of awe and fascination. They accepted his words without question, and pressed no further. Shudu exhaled slowly, feeling the tension ease from his shoulders as he realized he'd successfully dodged the question.
Inwardly, a faint bitterness lingered at the back of his mind, Jiao Jiao choosing Xue Tuzi as his master gnawed at him. Madam Hua entered the room with an ethereal grace, her long black hair cascading down to her knees like a dark waterfall. Her form was an unsettling blend of human and insect, exuding a captivating beauty wrapped in an aura of menace. Behind her, a pair of vast, delicate butterfly wings extended outward, adorned with intricate patterns and eye-like markings that seemed to follow every movement in the dim light. The wings shimmered in hues of deep indigo and violet, their haunting elegance both mesmerizing and dangerous.
Her face, though humanoid, bore distinct insect-like features. Large, hypnotic eyes framed by thick lashes glowed with an otherworldly light, holding an intensity that seemed to pierce the soul. In the center of her forehead, a spiral pattern protruded, casting a subtle shadow across her brow. Two long, slender antennae curved gracefully upwards, adding a touch of regal authority to her presence. She was both the seductress and the predator-a queen in her own right.
Madam Hua's figure was slender and poised, her black waist band, cinching her waist and emphasizing the curve of her hips. Her ample chest was left bare, a deliberate display of dominance and allure, her skin pale against the dark fabric. She wore thigh- high black stockings that clung to her long legs, accentuating her graceful, lethal form. Every inch of her was a blend of beauty and darkness, a seductive creature poised to entrap.
Shudu's stomach twisted in revulsion, but he hid his disgust well, dropping into a low bow as she approached, his forehead nearly touching the ground. He forced himself into submission, his body tense with the effort to mask his loathing.
"Rise, my child," Madam Hua cooed, her voice a smooth purr that sent a shiver down his spine. "There is no need for such formalities." She extended a hand, motioning for him to stand, then leaned in close, cupping his face with her cool, slender fingers. Before he could react, she pressed her lips to his in a brief, possessive kiss. The sensation was chilling, like ice seeping into his skin, and he couldn't suppress the slight flinch, his body going rigid as he resisted the urge to recoil.
His heart pounded, his skin crawling from the intimate gesture, but he remained frozen, fighting to maintain his composure under her touch.
"My, my, what temper," Madam Hua teased, drawing back with a slight smirk. She wiped her lips with her delicate fingers, her large, round red eyes fixed on him with an unsettling intensity that made his blood run cold.
Shudu dropped to his knees again, pressing his forehead to the floor, his voice tight with barely contained contempt. "This lowly one has disrespected the Madam. He begs for punishment." His jaw clenched, each word laced with bitterness that he struggled to conceal.
Madam Hua's laughter was a soft, mocking sound, echoing through the dim room as she gazed down at him, her expression one of amusement and satisfaction. She relished his submission, savoring every moment of his discomfort. Shudu remained prostrate, his fists clenched, every fiber of his being seething beneath the surface.
"Yet still, surprisingly obedient," Madam Hua murmured, her voice laced with both mockery and satisfaction. She tilted his face up, her sharp nails digging into his cheeks as she forced him to meet her gaze. Her long, black nails pressed deeper, a cruel glint in her eyes as she watched his expression twist with discomfort. "Do I repulse you?" she asked, her tone both sweet and venomous.
Shudu fought to keep his composure, swallowing back the bile rising in his throat. His face was tense, but he forced himself to shake his head slowly, his voice barely above a whisper. "This lowly one does not dare be repulsed."
She sneered, her fingers tightening before she dragged her nails across his cheek, leaving jagged, bloody lines. He winced as pain flared in his face, the cuts deep enough to throb with each beat of his heart. Madam Hua lifted her fingers to her lips, delicately sucking the blood from her nails with a twisted sort of relish. Her eyes bore into him, a smoldering fury simmering beneath her cruel amusement.
"I took you under my wing," she hissed, her tone now dark and dangerous. "Gave you a place to call home. Offered you my daughter as a bride. And this is how you repay me? Who has stolen your heart, Shudu?" Her voice turned icy, her words slicing through him like shards of glass.
Shudu's heart raced, each beat a sharp ache in his chest. "No one," he whispered, his voice shaky, desperately trying to placate her. "No one… the Madam has misunderstood."
She gave a cold, humorless smile, her fingers gliding over his chest, tracing idle patterns down to his belt. Her touch made his skin crawl, but he forced himself to stay still, his breath shallow as he fought to suppress his revulsion. Xiao Zongzi, perched nearby, watched with piercing eyes, her hatred for the Madam burning bright. She longed to leap forward, to tear the woman apart and feast on her demonic core. But she held herself back, her fury simmering beneath the surface as she bore witness to her master's silent torment.
"No one, you say?" Madam Hua's voice was a soft whisper, her breath warm against his ear, sending an involuntary shiver down his spine. "Where did you learn to lie, Shudu?" Her fingers pressed harder into his groin, her touch both taunting and possessive.
Shudu's shoulders slumped, a hollow resignation filling his gaze as he stared at the floor, his eyes dull and lifeless. He tried to detach himself, to let his mind drift away from the present. "This lowly one does not lie. He is simply tired from the long journey and humbly requests to make it up to the Madam after a night's rest."
Her smile widened, stretching in a grotesque expression of triumph. She slowly withdrew her hand from his groin, but her fingers lingered on his wounded cheek, stroking it with a chilling tenderness that only deepened his revulsion.
He hesitated, glancing up at her cautiously, before finally speaking, his voice strained. "Did the Madam… rampage through an orphanage 1,004 li away from here, seven years ago?"
Shudu walked toward the mansion perched on a lonely pier by the oceanfront, its shadow stretching across the waves as if reaching into the sea itself. The rhythmic crash of waves against the pier was the only sound in the still night, filling the air with a salty tang that mixed with the faint scent of incense drifting from the mansion's windows. His steps were slow, hesitant, as he paused several times before approaching the large red doors that loomed ahead like the gates to another world.
From the outside, the mansion was a curious blend of elegance and decadence. Its facade, crafted from aged wood with patches of faded paint, evoked a sense of grandeur dulled by years. The building held an almost regal air, softened by time and tempered by secrets within. Soft lanterns adorned the balcony railings, their warm, amber glow spilling out in waves of light that danced on the dark water below. It was an inviting, almost hypnotic sight, and Shudu could see shadowed figures in the distance drawn to it, like moths lured toward a forbidden flame.
He reached out, placing his hand on the giant, ornate golden doorknob, feeling the cool metal under his fingertips. The knob was polished to a shine that contrasted with the weathered doors, gleaming in the dim lantern light as if inviting him in.
"Master…" came a soft whisper behind him, tinged with worry. Xiao Zongzi stood just a above his shoulder, her face etched with concern, her gaze darting from Shudu's face to the looming mansion. "Are you certain?"
Shudu's brows furrowed as he glanced back, his lips curling into a half-smile to reassure Xiao Zongzi. "I'm alright," he said, his voice steady but laced with an undertone of resolve. Turning back to the door, he allowed his demonic qi to pulse from his hand, seeping into the metal with a subtle glow. The door responded to his touch, unlocking with an almost silent click as if it recognized the energy coursing through him. The heavy door creaked open, revealing a darkened interior that seemed to beckon him further.
Inside, the mansion revealed itself as a place of opulent, slightly faded charm, where every inch seemed to bear the weight of countless stories. Heavy velvet curtains in deep, saturated shades of crimson and indigo hung from the large, arched windows, their fabric thick and rich, absorbing the dim light and adding a demonic aura. Crystal chandeliers dangled from the high, vaulted ceilings, casting a soft, amber glow that was just dim enough to create a sense of intimacy. Their light shimmered faintly, catching on the delicate prisms, each one a testament to the mansion's long-lost grandeur.
The air was a heavy mixture of sea salt and exotic perfumes, thick with the scent of incense that seemed to cling to everything like a lingering spirit. Every breath Shudu took filled his senses with an intoxicating blend of spice and floral notes, mingling with the ever-present tang of the ocean. As he moved deeper into the mansion, the richly woven carpets muffled his footsteps, though the polished hardwood floors creaked faintly beneath his weight, as if murmuring secrets from years past.
The hallways twisted and turned, each one leading to rooms tucked away from view, their doors promising hidden pleasures and mysterious encounters. Every room was uniquely adorned with an array of broad trinkets and tapestries, from gilded mirrors to masks carved in intricate detail, lending each space an otherworldly, almost enchanted atmosphere. The dim, warm lighting and labyrinthine layout made him feel sick to his stomach, it was nauseating.
In the heart of the mansion lay a grand lounge, low tables scattered across the room were surrounded by plush cushions in hues of wine and emerald, their textures inviting and rich. A small stage at the far end of the lounge held a group of performers, their music haunting and beautiful, weaving through the air like a spell, adding an intoxicating rhythm to the already-thick ambiance.
"Young Master!" A soft voice broke the stillness, laced with both surprise and delight. One of the girls, a petite figure with doe-like eyes and a shy smile, noticed Shudu as he entered. She straightened, her expression lighting up, and soon others followed, girls and young men alike, their faces alight with excitement.
"Young Master is back!" someone called, their voice echoing through the lounge like the ring of a bell. A ripple of movement spread through the crowd, each figure bowing slightly or murmuring his name with reverence. "Prepare for a banquet," another chimed in, as attendants bustled off to make preparations, leaving Shudu surrounded by eager faces and admiration.
"There's really no need for all of that—a small meal will suffice," Shudu said, his voice calm yet commanding as he halted the flurry of activity around him. Despite his words, the crowd of eager faces remained, thrilled to see him back after so long. Several of the girls competed quietly for his attention, each one vying to be closest to him, gently tugging on his arm and guiding him down the winding hallways to his old bedroom.
The room was grand, dimly lit, and saturated with the rich colors of crimson and black. A large, round bed sat in the center, draped in deep red sheets that seemed to glow in the low light. The canopy hung high above, with dark, pitch-black fabric cascading down like a veil, and each corner was adorned with golden tassels, their luster softened by time. Shudu settled himself at the table in the corner of the room as Xiao Zongzi crawled up to the canopy, her slender form casting delicate shadows as she began to spin her intricate web.
Before him, a lavish meal was brought—silver trays laden with the finest cuts of meat, bowls filled with fragrant broths, and pitchers of rich, red wine. Yet, despite the feast before him, Shudu's appetite was nowhere to be found. He idly picked at the food with his chopsticks, his gaze distant, as if lost in thoughts he couldn't share. One of the girls slid closer, her hand gently cupping his face and turning it toward her. "Young Master, I've missed you," she whispered, her lashes fluttering and a playful smile curving her lips. Her face was inches from his, her eyes full of anticipation, but Shudu merely responded with a soft "Huh…," barely acknowledging the beauty before him.
A handsome young man appeared, bowing gracefully as he poured more wine into Shudu's cup. "Young Master, may I offer you some more wine?" he asked with a respectful tone. Shudu glanced at the cup, then, without a second thought, downed the wine in a single gulp, his attention never wavering from whatever invisible weight seemed to press upon him. He barely noticed the young handsome man beside him, dismissing him without a word.
"Madam Hua… is she—here?" Shudu asked, his tone caught somewhere between dread and anticipation. The girl behind him, who had been massaging his shoulders with gentle, practiced hands, leaned in closer, her voice a low murmur. "Would Young Master like an audience with the Madam?" she asked, her fingers pressing soothingly into his shoulders.
Shudu looked down at his empty cup, his hand tightening around it, nearly shattering the delicate glass. After a pause, he nodded, a flicker of something unspoken passing over his face. The girl massaging him gestured to one of the others. "Go fetch the Madam. Tell her the Young Master has arrived."
The girl nodded obediently, bowing before slipping out of the room, her steps quick yet graceful as she disappeared down the hall to retrieve the Madam of the brothel. Meanwhile, the girl beside him leaned further into his arm, her hand resting on his chest, fingers trailing over him in a familiar, possessive gesture. "Madam Hua will be most pleased to see you," she giggled, her hand drifting lower with a coy smile. Before she could venture further, Shudu's hand shot out, gripping her wrist firmly, halting her advance.
Another girl, emboldened by the intimate atmosphere, slid closer, her hand brushing along his thigh as she leaned in, her red lips close to his ear. "How long will you be staying, Young Master?" she whispered, her voice a soft, teasing caress against his neck. Her lips barely grazed his skin, her breath warm, but Shudu's patience wore thin. He pulled back abruptly, slapping her hand away from his thigh with a flicker of irritation.
"Not that long," he replied curtly, a hint of annoyance sharpening his tone. His gaze turned cold, flicking between the faces surrounding him, each one eager to capture his attention, but none able to pierce the barrier he kept so firmly in place. He leaned back, crossing his arms, his mind already drifting elsewhere as he waited.
"What a shame," the other girl murmured, a sly smile playing on her lips as she slipped out of her robe, letting the fabric pool around her in a careless display. "Xiao Hua will be very disappointed. She just left—you just missed her." She giggled as she moved closer, pressing herself against Shudu, her warmth filling the small space between them.
Shudu sighed deeply, his mind drifting for a moment. Thank goodness, he thought, as he took a deep breath. I didn't want to see her again.
"But does Young Master truly intend to marry Xiao Hua?" another girl chimed in, her voice tinged with mockery as she sidled up beside him, her gaze smoldering with mischief. "You've held onto this marriage proposal for over a hundred years, yet we've seen no ceremony." Her wanton eyes glinted with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.
Shudu's expression darkened, his face settling into a cold mask. A few hundred years ago, Madam Hua had practically thrown her daughter at him, proposing Xiao Hua as his bride. Begrudgingly, he had agreed to the arrangement, but he'd never had any true intention of making her his wife. The idea of binding himself to Xiao Hua had always felt like a shackle—a cage he had no desire to lock himself in.
As he stewed in silence, one of the girls nestled at his feet, her head resting lightly against his leg. She looked up at him with wide, curious eyes. "Young Master," she asked softly, breaking the tension, "have you finished cultivating the Gu worm?"
A faint smile crept across Shudu's face at the mention of Jiao Jiao, his prized Gu worm. "Although I intended to cultivate him for five hundred years," he replied, his tone touched with pride, "he hatched recently—after only three hundred years."
"Oh, really?" the girl beside him exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement. She leaned forward, her hands clasped together as she peered at him eagerly. "Can I see him?"
The question froze Shudu in place, his expression going rigid. For a moment, he couldn't think of a response. The truth was something he couldn't bear to admit: the Gu worm, Jiao Jiao, hadn't accepted him as its master. Instead, the creature had bonded with a human—a disgrace that clung to him like a shadow he couldn't shake. Shudu felt a bead of sweat roll down his brow as he quickly searched his mind for an excuse.
Coughing into his fist, he cleared his throat, trying to maintain his usual composure. "Xiao Jiao is with a… wet nurse," he said hesitantly, watching the girls' expressions carefully. "Since he hatched prematurely, I hired someone to care for him."
The girls looked at him with wide-eyed admiration, their faces a mixture of awe and fascination. They accepted his words without question, and pressed no further. Shudu exhaled slowly, feeling the tension ease from his shoulders as he realized he'd successfully dodged the question.
Inwardly, a faint bitterness lingered at the back of his mind, Jiao Jiao choosing Xue Tuzi as his master gnawed at him. Madam Hua entered the room with an ethereal grace, her long black hair cascading down to her knees like a dark waterfall. Her form was an unsettling blend of human and insect, exuding a captivating beauty wrapped in an aura of menace. Behind her, a pair of vast, delicate butterfly wings extended outward, adorned with intricate patterns and eye-like markings that seemed to follow every movement in the dim light. The wings shimmered in hues of deep indigo and violet, their haunting elegance both mesmerizing and dangerous.
Her face, though humanoid, bore distinct insect-like features. Large, hypnotic eyes framed by thick lashes glowed with an otherworldly light, holding an intensity that seemed to pierce the soul. In the center of her forehead, a spiral pattern protruded, casting a subtle shadow across her brow. Two long, slender antennae curved gracefully upwards, adding a touch of regal authority to her presence. She was both the seductress and the predator-a queen in her own right.
Madam Hua's figure was slender and poised, her black waist band, cinching her waist and emphasizing the curve of her hips. Her ample chest was left bare, a deliberate display of dominance and allure, her skin pale against the dark fabric. She wore thigh- high black stockings that clung to her long legs, accentuating her graceful, lethal form. Every inch of her was a blend of beauty and darkness, a seductive creature poised to entrap.
Shudu's stomach twisted in revulsion, but he hid his disgust well, dropping into a low bow as she approached, his forehead nearly touching the ground. He forced himself into submission, his body tense with the effort to mask his loathing.
"Rise, my child," Madam Hua cooed, her voice a smooth purr that sent a shiver down his spine. "There is no need for such formalities." She extended a hand, motioning for him to stand, then leaned in close, cupping his face with her cool, slender fingers. Before he could react, she pressed her lips to his in a brief, possessive kiss. The sensation was chilling, like ice seeping into his skin, and he couldn't suppress the slight flinch, his body going rigid as he resisted the urge to recoil.
His heart pounded, his skin crawling from the intimate gesture, but he remained frozen, fighting to maintain his composure under her touch.
"My, my, what temper," Madam Hua teased, drawing back with a slight smirk. She wiped her lips with her delicate fingers, her large, round red eyes fixed on him with an unsettling intensity that made his blood run cold.
Shudu dropped to his knees again, pressing his forehead to the floor, his voice tight with barely contained contempt. "This lowly one has disrespected the Madam. He begs for punishment." His jaw clenched, each word laced with bitterness that he struggled to conceal.
Madam Hua's laughter was a soft, mocking sound, echoing through the dim room as she gazed down at him, her expression one of amusement and satisfaction. She relished his submission, savoring every moment of his discomfort. Shudu remained prostrate, his fists clenched, every fiber of his being seething beneath the surface.
"Yet still, surprisingly obedient," Madam Hua murmured, her voice laced with both mockery and satisfaction. She tilted his face up, her sharp nails digging into his cheeks as she forced him to meet her gaze. Her long, black nails pressed deeper, a cruel glint in her eyes as she watched his expression twist with discomfort. "Do I repulse you?" she asked, her tone both sweet and venomous.
Shudu fought to keep his composure, swallowing back the bile rising in his throat. His face was tense, but he forced himself to shake his head slowly, his voice barely above a whisper. "This lowly one does not dare be repulsed."
She sneered, her fingers tightening before she dragged her nails across his cheek, leaving jagged, bloody lines. He winced as pain flared in his face, the cuts deep enough to throb with each beat of his heart. Madam Hua lifted her fingers to her lips, delicately sucking the blood from her nails with a twisted sort of relish. Her eyes bore into him, a smoldering fury simmering beneath her cruel amusement.
"I took you under my wing," she hissed, her tone now dark and dangerous. "Gave you a place to call home. Offered you my daughter as a bride. And this is how you repay me? Who has stolen your heart, Shudu?" Her voice turned icy, her words slicing through him like shards of glass.
Shudu's heart raced, each beat a sharp ache in his chest. "No one," he whispered, his voice shaky, desperately trying to placate her. "No one… the Madam has misunderstood."
She gave a cold, humorless smile, her fingers gliding over his chest, tracing idle patterns down to his belt. Her touch made his skin crawl, but he forced himself to stay still, his breath shallow as he fought to suppress his revulsion. Xiao Zongzi, perched nearby, watched with piercing eyes, her hatred for the Madam burning bright. She longed to leap forward, to tear the woman apart and feast on her demonic core. But she held herself back, her fury simmering beneath the surface as she bore witness to her master's silent torment.
"No one, you say?" Madam Hua's voice was a soft whisper, her breath warm against his ear, sending an involuntary shiver down his spine. "Where did you learn to lie, Shudu?" Her fingers pressed harder into his groin, her touch both taunting and possessive.
Shudu's shoulders slumped, a hollow resignation filling his gaze as he stared at the floor, his eyes dull and lifeless. He tried to detach himself, to let his mind drift away from the present. "This lowly one does not lie. He is simply tired from the long journey and humbly requests to make it up to the Madam after a night's rest."
Her smile widened, stretching in a grotesque expression of triumph. She slowly withdrew her hand from his groin, but her fingers lingered on his wounded cheek, stroking it with a chilling tenderness that only deepened his revulsion.
He hesitated, glancing up at her cautiously, before finally speaking, his voice strained. "Did the Madam… rampage through an orphanage 1,004 li away from here, seven years ago?"