Little Pink Starfish

By the third day of her stay in Tiandu City, Liu Manluo—aspiring mistress, stunning enchantress, and determined shopper—found herself in an oddly precarious situation.

Having spent her entire life on the Demon Domain’s Island and never setting foot on the Demon Continent, this reclusive demoness was endlessly curious about everything in Tiandu City. She was especially fond of dragging Qiguan Rui along for shopping trips—his amiable smile made him easy to persuade. However, during one such excursion, Liu Manluo discovered a serious issue.

Every day unfolded with the same scenarios:

Scene A: Silk Shop

Liu Manluo found countless beautiful fabrics. Loving beauty as women do, she wanted to buy plenty for herself! She pointed to a black silk embroidered with silver flowers. “Shopkeeper, how much for this bolt?”

The shopkeeper, expressionless, replied, “Apologies, Miss, this has been reserved.”

She pointed to a silver silk with red flowers. “And this one?”

“Apologies, also reserved.”

She tried again. “How about this?”

“Apologies, Miss…”

“This one?”

“Apologies…”

“Surely this one is available!”

“Still, apologies…”

Liu Manluo gave the shopkeeper a meaningful, alluring smile. “Shopkeeper…”

The shopkeeper covered his eyes as if warding off evil. “…Apologies!”

Defeated, Liu Manluo left the silk shop.

Scene B: Cosmetics Shop

Liu Manluo picked up a jade box. The shop assistant, cold-faced: “That has been reserved by Miss Lin.”

She picked up a brocade box. “Reserved by Miss Li.”

A gold box. “Miss Wang’s reservation.”

A silver box. “Miss Huang reserved that.”

A copper box. “Miss Fang reserved it.”

Finally, a wooden box. “Apologies, that’s out of stock—it’s empty.”

Liu Manluo took a deep breath and walked out once more.

Scene C: Accessories Shop

Gold-inlaid jade? Reserved.

Pure gold? Reserved.

Pearls? Out of stock.

Other gemstones? Custom orders only.

When Liu Manluo picked up a jade bracelet, the shopkeeper smiled and said, “That’s an heirloom for my daughter-in-law.”

The same pattern repeated in every shop.

If Liu Manluo went to a bookstore, all books were “not for sale.” If she admired antiques, every piece was declared fake. If she visited a general store, anything she wanted had already been ordered. The only exception? The market.

At the market, all the vendors eagerly pitched their wares as soon as Liu Manluo appeared. Finally breathing a sigh of relief, she bought a bit of everything. But when she returned, she discovered:

The prices had been tripled (she didn’t know the market rates). The vegetables were either wilted, rotting, or infested with worms (she hadn’t inspected them). The live fish she brought back flipped belly-up the moment they were placed in water at the city lord’s residence.

Liu Manluo: “…”

She suddenly felt malice emanating from all directions.

The same incidents repeated on the second and third days, leaving Liu Manluo speechless.
Wasn’t she a stunning beauty? Weren’t her charms irresistible? Why did every man put on metaphorical blinders around her?! She despaired at this unreasonable city.

Even at the city lord’s residence, her life wasn’t easy.

The bathwater, despite being from a hot spring, turned cold the moment she stepped in. Meals, while visually appetising, tasted off when eaten. The luxurious clothes provided to her ripped at the seams within minutes of being worn. The lively and efficient servants froze in silence whenever she appeared.

Liu Manluo was not happy. This was not how a peerless beauty should be treated!

When she finally retreated to her room, clutching her stomach and wearing an expression devoid of her usual seduction, the servants burst into laughter.

“Serves her right for trying to be a mistress!”
“She dared to seduce the city lord’s people!”
“She’s the reason the city lord has been lonely and cold recently!”
“Mobilise the whole city to resist that fox spirit!”

For the next two days, Liu Manluo stayed in her room, emerging only once. When she left, she carried seven or eight small bottles and wore a sinister smile.

Gu Bai happened to walk in and froze. What’s going on, girl?! Have you already gone full villain? Don’t do it in my city! Deciding he couldn’t let this slide, Gu Bai strode in, and with a flick of his sleeve, the bottles vanished into his grasp. Expressionless, he looked down at Liu Manluo. “What are these?”

Caught off guard, Liu Manluo quickly composed herself, smiling sweetly. “Oh, just some trifles, nothing worth mentioning. Surely the esteemed city lord wouldn’t mind such things?”

Gu Bai’s eyes flashed coldly as he continued to stare her down.

Her smile faltered, but she quickly regained her composure, adopting a coy tone. “If the city lord likes them, I’ll give them to you.”

Gu Bai nodded slightly. “In Tiandu City, you will follow our rules. If not, don’t blame me for being merciless.”

“Yes, city lord, I understand,” Liu Manluo replied, her voice honeyed but insincere.

As Gu Bai walked out, her expression darkened. This Ziche Shubai was even harder to deal with than she had expected…

Gu Bai silently congratulated himself on intimidating her. That girl was terrifying—he could smell poison wafting from the bottles! Was she planning to poison him, Qiguan Rui, or the entire city?! He had to warn Qiguan Rui and take precautions. When he explained, Qiguan Rui raised an eyebrow. “So, gege’s suggestion is?”

Gu Bai replied, “She can’t stay in Tiandu City unsupervised.” Otherwise, they might return to find a city of corpses.

Qiguan Rui wrapped his arms around Gu Bai’s waist. “If gege spoils me, I’ll do as you say…”

Gu Bai cracked his knuckles and punched Qiguan Rui in the stomach.

Qiguan Rui reflexively curled up but held on tighter, pulling Gu Bai onto a soft, oversized bed behind them.

Cue fade to black: Mandarin ducks share a spring night, serpent tails entwine slender waists.
The night echoed with sounds of passion, and countless kiss marks were left behind.

Having finally fulfilled his long-held desires, Qiguan Rui’s enthusiasm delayed their plans to return to Qing Tian Academy.

Gu Bai endured the soreness, gritting his teeth. Dammit, I’m taking strength-enhancing pills next! A dignified mid-level wu wang rendered helpless in bed—unacceptable!

Over the next five days, Gu Bai consumed a Ten-Thousand-Year Bamboo Milk Pearl, advancing to mid-level wu wang. He also added two slender chains to Qiguan Rui’s wrist. Tucking the key away securely, he sighed in relief. It might not restrain the pervert much, but it was a psychological comfort.

After regrouping, the luxurious Tiandu City carriage departed again. Their group now included two death guards left behind earlier. Plans to leave anyone behind were scrapped.

In Hao Yang City, tightened security following the demon and python incidents led to thorough inspections.

Liu Manluo had taken a wu qi transformation potion to pass as a normal martial artist. Gu Bai and Qiguan Rui, being non-demonic, had no such issues.

Liu Manluo, however, was startled by Gu Bai’s rapid progress. He had not only recovered but advanced further?! The city lord was not to be underestimated.

At the gates, they passed the inspection without trouble and proceeded to Qing Tian Academy.

Once there, Gu Bai settled Lu Jie at a small inn, while the three women were housed in his dormitory.

Four stunning maids and Yun Meng greeted them enthusiastically. “City lord!”

Gu Bai nodded coolly. “You’ve all worked hard.”

As the maids tearfully rejoiced, Yun Meng nervously observed the new arrivals, wondering if this marked the beginning of a harem.

After settling in, Chen Yuanhao arrived with reports for Qiguan Rui and an update on academy affairs.

Gu Bai finally asked, “Any major events recently?”

Chen Yuanhao handed him a booklet. “City lord, it’s all recorded here.”

Opening it, Gu Bai saw four bold words on the first page: Martial Arts Contest for Marriage.

****

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