As the Demon Lord's expression grew increasingly grim, the demon doctor found himself in an unenviable position. He quickly attempted to mend the situation, "However, the Immortal Lord's body is no longer in critical danger. He is merely still a bit weak and requires proper recuperation."
"I will give you some time. The dragon poison must be resolved. I do not wish for a situation like this to occur a second time."
The Demon Lord's face was cold, his brows heavy with gloom and ferocity. He was a far cry from the gentle, well-behaved demeanor he displayed beside Shen Yue. His thin lips were pressed tightly together, betraying his agitated mood.
The demon doctor was uncertain, but he dared not voice his doubts, lest he anger the Demon Lord, who might simply wave a hand and strike him dead. After all, such incidents had occurred before.
Just as the demon doctor, thinking the matter was settled, was about to take his leave, he heard the Demon Lord suddenly ask in an ambiguous tone,
"Is there any possibility of recovering that memory?"
The demon doctor lowered his head, his gaze fixed on his nose, his mind calm. "Such matters are unpredictable. If Your Excellency wishes for the Immortal Lord to recover his memory, you could take him to his previous environment, or tell him about past events. These would all be beneficial for the Immortal Lord's memory recovery."
As he spoke these words, the demon doctor's heart was filled with trepidation. One was a righteous Immortal Lord, the other the demonic ruler of the underworld. They were fundamentally opposed, destined adversaries. It was hardly feasible to bring the Immortal Lord to Qingyun Sect for a visit.
A low, chilling chuckle rumbled from the Demon Lord's throat, sending shivers down one's spine. His long, dark eyes were like turbid, stagnant water. He gazed out at the scenery, half his face obscured by darkness.
"And what if I do not wish for her to recover it?"
The demon doctor was not surprised. If the Demon Lord had genuinely sought to help the Immortal Lord recover his memory, he would have found it odd. "Your Excellency, there are no guarantees in such matters. It all depends on the Immortal Lord."
Bi Lian waved his hand, and the demon doctor breathed a profound sigh of relief before quietly withdrawing.
The moonlight was hazy, and the stars twinkled brightly. The dark blue celestial canvas was dotted with starlight, like a vast sheet of sapphire velvet inlaid with exquisite gems.
Bi Lian glanced at the sky before turning his gaze away. He returned to the sleeping quarters and walked to the bedside, then gazed silently at the person sleeping with closed eyes.
His eyes, deep and profound, surveyed her. Within his narrow, phoenix-like eyes, an endless depth of affection intertwined, subtly flickering with a hint of morbid glint.
Her beautiful, delicate face was silhouetted against the light, veiled in a layer of darkness, eerily and ominously depicted.
His fingertips brushed against her cool, soft skin. She lay peacefully, oblivious and unaware, as obedient as if one could do anything they pleased with her.
Indeed, it was quite good that she remembered nothing.
She did not remember Qingyun Sect, nor those disciples, nor the mission she carried, nor the past grievances.
Now, she only needed to remember one person.
That person was him.
Everything else was unimportant. It was better that she did not remember, so she would not use her "thorns" to wound him.
If she could never remember… that would be ideal.
Shen Yue was engrossed in a book when Bi Lian entered again, carrying a bowl of peach blossom porridge.
He noticed the book in Shen Yue's hand, his expression momentarily freezing. He asked casually,
"Where did this book come from?"
Shen Yue was unsure, "Xiao Die gave it to me."
Bi Lian's expression turned somewhat displeased, "Xiao Die?"
Shen Yue sensed it and chose not to elaborate, "Just a mere maid."
Bi Lian did not press further. He began to feed Shen Yue.
Perhaps it was due to the frequency of being fed, but Shen Yue was no longer as embarrassed as before. Before she could swallow, she heard a voice in her mind,
System: [This has been drugged.]
Shen Yue: [What kind of drug?]
System: [It has no harmful effects on the body, but it can cause confusion in memory and impair your recollection.]
Shen Yue had already guessed the great villain's intentions. Her expression remained unchanged as she calmly swallowed.
A dark gleam flashed in Bi Lian's eyes. After finishing feeding her, he eagerly left a kiss on her vibrant red lips before kissing her face.
Shen Yue was unaccustomed to such intimate behavior, even feeling a sense of aversion. However, remembering Bi Lian's words, she ultimately endured her discomfort and did not push him away.
Bi Lian claimed to be her husband.
Furthermore, Bi Lian often played the victim in front of her, recounting how cruelly he had treated her in the past. This made it even more difficult for Shen Yue to reject him.
She merely lifted her eyelids slightly, allowing him his liberties.
Yet, humans are never satisfied; having tasted a drop of sweetness, they greedily desire more.
Simple kisses no longer sufficed for him.
She did not feel gentleness or affection from the man. At this moment, he appeared somewhat cruel and indifferent.
At this moment, Shen Yue thought hazily.
Did Bi Lian truly like her?
Of course, this thought was fleeting, as she soon had no capacity to ponder it.
Bi Lian had been visiting quite frequently these past few days. He maintained an exemplary facade, always bringing small, exquisite gifts. Shen Yue, being unable to see, merely collected them in a box.
Shen Yue disliked the evenings but did not show it, her expression growing a little cold. Bi Lian noticed but pretended not to.
This behavior of Bi Lian's made Shen Yue feel repulsed, but she did not express it.
In recent days, Bi Lian had been visiting with unusual frequency; he would come every evening.
Shen Yue was wearing only a thin white garment. Her jade-like fingers held a book. Perhaps she was too engrossed in "reading," as she didn't hear the footsteps.
It was only when the book in her hands was snatched away that she snapped back to attention.
Bi Lian flipped through the book a couple of times and noticed that its title was different from the one she had been reading previously. He recalled that he had not instructed anyone to collect books for the palace. It seemed someone was secretly working behind his back.
Casually tossing the book aside, Bi Lian took Shen Yue's cold fingers, his voice sounding gentle and doting.
"Been reading books all day?"
Shen Yue truthfully replied, "I took a walk in the courtyard for a few rounds this afternoon."
Bi Lian smiled, "Bored?"
Shen Yue did not ask Bi Lian why he had imprisoned her in this palace, nor did she answer his question. She fumbled, trying to find the book that had been discarded on the floor.
Bi Lian casually pulled her, drawing Shen Yue into his embrace. He held her tightly, a strange sense of bittersweetness filling him, as if an empty space in his heart had been filled. His voice was low and husky.
"Then did you miss me today?"
Shen Yue knew that Bi Lian's words could be abrupt.
The frost-white, thick eyelashes on her pale face fluttered. A faint smile appeared on her lips, her red lips alluring, dimples shallow, and her eyes as clear as lake water. She spoke the answer he desired.
"Yes."
Bi Lian was clearly pleased. He kissed the soft strands of Shen Yue's hair.
She seemed somewhat unwilling. Her snow-white garment, illuminated by the moonlight, appeared ethereal, not of this world. She pressed a hand against the man's large hand.
Her hands were very cold, in stark contrast to Bi Lian's hands, which were hot, burning, and full of strength.
Pressing her crimson lips together, Shen Yue's expression was somewhat cold, but not chilling. She seemed to be negotiating, her voice soft.
"Tonight, let's go to bed early."
Shen Yue rarely made requests. In fact, most of the time, she accommodated Bi Lian's desires. Therefore, her refusal made Bi Lian slightly displeased.
He took hold of Shen Yue's waist without question and kissed her lips, which were always so fragrant and coveted by him.
Shen Yue felt a sense of aversion, but ultimately, she did not struggle. After a long while, when Bi Lian reluctantly drew back slightly, she weakly reached up to caress his cheek. A flush appeared on her pale face, her eyes tinged with a rosy hue.
Her voice was no longer cool, "Bi Lian, let's go to bed early..."
Bi Lian did not listen. Instead, he kissed her fiercely again.
Shen Yue was pulled into his embrace, clutching his lapel. She felt a little helpless, her fingers slowly clenching.
They kissed for a long time before separating. Bi Lian seemed somewhat addicted.
He pressed his forehead against Shen Yue's, his eyes dark, his voice husky, "Good, don't be afraid."
Snow-like silver threads lay spread on the bed, resembling blooming snow lotuses. Her usually pale, sickly face was flushed red, her frost-white eyelashes were damp, and her beautiful eyes held a layer of mist.
Her mind felt somewhat disoriented.
If they were husband and wife, what would it be like?
Would it be gentle and considerate, or passionate and lingering?
One should respect the other's opinion, not act solely on one's own pleasure or desire. It should not be tyrannical.
Unfortunately, she did not see this in Bi Lian.
What she saw was only dominance, possessiveness, and feigned tenderness.
None of these constituted love.
Shen Yue's body was already quite weak, and she woke up very late.
At this moment, she was alone on the bed. The warmth beside her had long since vanished, leaving it completely cold.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Scum! Utterly scum!
Shen Yue felt very uncomfortable now. Her back ached, her legs hurt, everywhere hurt.
She quietly complained to the system, "The great villain is indeed the great villain. Alas, it's hard to put into words."
The system, having been blocked all night, felt completely numb, "Wan Tong Jin Gu Wan, Shen Bao Pian, we have them here. Which do you need?"
Shen Yue felt the system was very considerate, her fragile heart deeply moved. "One Wan Jin Gu Wan, please."
After taking the pill, Shen Yue felt slightly better, truly just a little bit better.
Shen Yue lingered on the bed, feeling utterly exhausted from the previous night. She fell back into a drowsy sleep.
Until the system shrieked in her ear, "Someone's coming! Someone's coming!"
Shen Yue was startled by the system's voice. She quickly got out of bed, grabbed the clothes beside her, and put them on swiftly. This was likely the fastest she had ever dressed.
Xiao Die had knocked on the door several times and called out several times without receiving a response from the person inside. It was already noon. Shen Yue's body was weak, and she received precious medicinal broth for nourishment every day.
The medicine was exceptionally bitter, and Shen Yue always preferred a quick end to prolonged suffering, gulping it down in one go.
After a long silence, Xiao Die, holding the medicine that was almost cold, became anxious and pushed the door open without permission. Seeing Shen Yue standing perfectly fine, her raised heart finally settled.
"Immortal Lord, this medicine..."
The pure, frost-like face of the white-robed immortal was pale, but her lips were so red they looked as if they were about to bleed. They were swollen, with tiny wounds. Beyond the coolness, her eyes still held a trace of lingering spring.
Xiao Die's gaze slowly drifted downwards, noticing the red marks on Shen Yue's disheveled collar that were not fully concealed, like plum blossoms in the snow.
Xiao Die was stunned by a bold thought, her whole body chilled. She felt it was impossible, yet her subconscious told her it was true.
Two people who were completely unrelated.
How absurd!
Before, when the Demon Lord had imprisoned Shen Yue in this palace, she had not entertained such thoughts, because the mere contemplation felt like a blasphemy against Shen Yue.
But now...
She did not believe the Demon Lord was doing this to Shen Yue out of affection. The Demon Lord was planning to slaughter Qingyun Sect and other major sects. War was imminent, and a contingent of troops had already been dispatched.
Now that Shen Yue had lost her memory, was the Demon Lord deceiving her…
Furthermore, Shen Yue was the Xi Yu Immortal Lord of Qingyun Sect, of noble status and possessing powerful magic.
Xiao Die felt a chill run down her spine. She pursed her lips, staring blankly at Shen Yue.
Shen Yue's face was very pale, her expression somewhat weary. She adjusted her collar, appearing uncomfortable.
She called out, "Xiao Die?"
Xiao Die did not respond.
Shen Yue called out again, "Xiao Die."
Xiao Die finally came to her senses, "Your servant is here."
She handed over the still-warm medicine, her voice dry and even trembling, "Immortal Lord, drink your medicine."
Shen Yue downed the dark liquid in one gulp, the bitter taste instantly spreading through her mouth. She tried hard to suppress it, to avoid revealing a contorted expression.
Xiao Die stood there blankly, holding the empty bowl.
Shen Yue had sensed something was amiss from Xiao Die's voice. She let the bitter taste linger in her mouth for a moment before softly asking, "Did someone bully you?"
Shen Yue had previously seen Xiao Die being bullied and had privately admonished those maids a few times. On the surface, they had obediently admitted their mistakes, but in private, they had bullied her even more ferociously.
Xiao Die had not told anyone. She had simply accepted the malice silently. She had long been accustomed to it; it wasn't that she wasn't afraid of pain, but she had become used to this kind of pain and no longer feared it, only feeling numb.
However, she could not bear to see Shen Yue deceived.
After all, Shen Yue was such a good person.
The Demon Lord was deceiving her because she was blind, because she had lost her memory, because she was innocent.
Watching this, she felt a pang of sorrow.
But she was just a small maid; she could do nothing.
Shen Yue received no answer for a long time, mistakenly believing she had guessed correctly. Her brows furrowed instantly, "They are truly too presumptuous."
Xiao Die smiled, her voice lively, "No one bullies me. They all know that Immortal Lord protects me, so they don't dare to bully me. And I have listened to Immortal Lord's words; if they bully me, I will definitely bully them back. I won't let them bully me for nothing."
Before, when she was bullied, Shen Yue would nag in her ear, saying that if someone bullied you, you must bully them back, and retaliate fiercely, otherwise, they would become even more aggressive.