Chapter Nine: A Deal with the Fairy Sister

“Oh? You want to become an immortal? And you want many beautiful women as your wives?” Suddenly, a voice echoed in Ye Wuyá’s mind. He jerked his head around, but the room was empty; not a soul in sight.

“Who’s there? Who’s speaking?” Ye Wuyá gripped his cane tightly.

“Am I just hallucinating from too much stress?” he wondered.

“How about we make a deal?” The alluring, gentle female voice continued.

He could hear the voice but not see its owner. Could it be a ghost? Ye Wuyá’s heart skipped a beat.

“You dare call me a ghost? That hurts my feelings!” The air shimmered, and three women slowly materialized before him.

Ye Wuyá’s eyes widened as he stared at the three unexpected visitors.

The woman’s voice was sultry and enchanting, with a hint of mischief, sweet yet seductive. At first, it reminded him of a yellow oriole singing in a secluded valley, clear and melodious, like a phoenix’s call—crisp, bright, and gentle. Listen again, and it was like the murmur of a brook, the breeze caressing willows, soft and affectionate, full of flirtation. Listen closer still, and it felt as if the sky had cleared and the sea had calmed, broadening the heart and making it impossible to turn away.

She wore a scarlet dress, her slender jade neck rising above a tantalizingly revealed, creamy-white expanse below, only half-concealed. Her waist was so slim it could barely be encircled by hands, and her shapely, smooth, and elegant legs were exposed, even her delicate feet silently exuding charm, as if inviting him closer. Her figure was that of a temptress—a cascade of golden, wavy hair shimmered in the light. Her long legs were accentuated by a lemon-yellow miniskirt that revealed her perfect shape.

Standing behind her, unmoving as if rooted to the spot, were none other than the Ye family twins: Ye Ruyue and Ye Ruxue.

“It’s him!” The thought flashed simultaneously through Ye Ruyue and Ye Ruxue’s minds.

Ye Wuyá scrutinized the woman—her face, her figure, her allure. She was a peerless beauty! Wait—this scent seemed familiar... A glint of cunning flashed in Ye Wuyá’s eyes.

Not only was Xueqing unbothered by Ye Wuyá’s penetrating gaze, she began to sway her enchanting body, striking one seductive pose after another.

As Ye Wuyá looked ready to pounce, Xueqing spoke, “I’m not a ghost, but I’m not exactly human, either.”

“Not human?” Ye Wuyá wondered.

“With such beauty, how could you be human? Aren’t you a fairy?” Ye Wuyá chuckled.

“Smooth talker. But I like that. In thousands of years, you’re the first to call me a fairy. I’m delighted!” Xueqing laughed behind her hand.

“Thousands—thousands of years? Has she really lived that long?” Excitement surged within Ye Wuyá. He’d always wanted to cultivate immortality, and now a woman who’d lived for millennia had appeared before him. Such an opportunity—he couldn’t let it slip away!

He took a few deep breaths to calm himself.

“Fairy sister, you mentioned a deal. What kind of deal?” Ye Wuyá asked carefully.

“Don’t you want your looks restored? To cultivate immortality? To have many beautiful wives? I just so happen to have two lovely girls right here. I can give you all of that,” Xueqing said with a smile, gesturing to the two women behind her.

“Then, fairy sister, what do you want from me in return?” Ye Wuyá was no fool. For her to offer so much—even bringing the Ye family’s twin beauties—it was impossible that he’d get all this for nothing.

“Oh? And what do you have?” Xueqing asked, intrigued.

Ye Wuyá’s mouth twitched. How awkward! She was offering to restore his appearance, help him become immortal, and throw in two beautiful wives—and what did he have to offer in return?

“I have nothing. If you want, I’ll give myself to you!” Ye Wuyá replied shamelessly, with the bravado of a man with nothing left to lose.

“Shameless!” the twins muttered inwardly.

If she wanted to make a deal, she must already know he had nothing. In that case, the only explanation was that she took a liking to him! Ye Wuyá thought, indulging in self-admiration.

“Very well, then. It’s settled—you can’t back out now. You must marry me! From now on, you are Xueqing’s man, and you’ll do everything I say.” Xueqing’s voice brimmed with happiness.

“Wait, just like that? Not only do I get two little wives, but a stunning wife as well? Xueqing—what a beautiful name.” Did it not feel as if life had reached its peak?

“Alright, I agree! From now on, whatever my wife Xueqing tells me to do, east or west, chase dogs or chase chickens, I’ll obey without question!” Ye Wuyá teased.

“In that case, let’s begin with the first task,” Xueqing said with a smile.

“What task?” Ye Wuyá asked.

Suddenly, his vision flickered, and he found himself standing in the courtyard. Night had fallen, and the entire yard was silent.

“Senior Xueqing, are you really going to make us marry him?” Ye Ruyue discovered she could move and speak again.

“Is there a problem?” A cold glint flashed in Xueqing’s eyes.

Ye Ruxue quickly tugged at her sister’s sleeve.

Seeing the two women fall silent, Xueqing waved her hand. A swirl of red swept outward, and crimson candles filled the courtyard, with red lanterns hanging from the beams, bathing everything in light.

Red wedding dresses appeared on the twins, while Ye Wuyá found himself clad in the garb of a bridegroom. He marveled at his transformation—truly the work of immortals, to change him and the courtyard with a mere gesture.

What else could this be but fairy magic?

He glanced at the Ye sisters, who had hurried to the pond. Catching sight of his reflection, Ye Wuyá fell silent. He was still an old man—his face wrinkled, his hair white as snow. He stretched out a trembling hand to touch his withered features, then silently turned away. How could anyone love him in this state?

“My husband, it’s alright. I’ll restore your appearance right away.” Xueqing’s heart ached at his silence, and she spoke urgently.

She waved her slender hand, and a pill radiating rainbow light floated before Ye Wuyá. With a motion, a crystal goblet appeared beside it.

Drawing a nail across her wrist, she let a drop of violet blood fall into the cup. Her wound closed before the eye, leaving not the slightest mark. She cut herself again, another violet drop falling in. A third time, and her face paled; after seven times, she was deathly white, all color gone from her cheeks.

Her body swayed, and she collapsed toward Ye Wuyá, who caught her and helped her to sit. “Why are you doing this?” he asked.

“I’m alright, husband,” Xueqing whispered weakly. She pointed to the pill and the goblet. “This is the Elixir of Everlasting Youth, and this is my essence blood. It should be enough to awaken your body. Take them, and you’ll recover.”

Ye Wuyá was stunned. Essence blood was the foundation of life—vital to any being, and for cultivators, even more precious. Ordinary people could not condense a single drop in a lifetime, yet she had given him her very own.

This foolish woman.

“Why?” Ye Wuyá gazed intently at Xueqing, demanding an answer.