However, at this moment, her beautiful eyes were surging with killing intent, and her true essence pulsed with a dangerous aura like a venomous snake, sending a chill down one's spine.
Yang Kai's eyes narrowed as he cursed Gou Chi under his breath—the fool had gone looking for trouble and ended up provoking a woman like this.
When they had first arrived, he hadn't dared to release his Divine Sense to investigate thoroughly. It was only after this woman struck that he realized Gou Chi had apparently offended a truly formidable expert.
She had clearly detected someone spying on her all along, which was why she attacked the moment she left the lake's surface.
Gou Chi, however, looked completely oblivious to the danger. Holding his cheek, he shouted, "Stinking woman, you dare hit me?"
"So what if I do?" The woman glanced at Gou Chi coldly. "Speak rudely again, and I'll kill you."
"You have the nerve?" Gou Chi grinned viciously. "Just try touching a single hair on me!"
No sooner had these words left his mouth than, with a sharp *whoosh*, a beam of piercing energy shot straight toward him. With no defenses up, it blasted straight through his shoulder.
Blood erupted like a fountain, and Gou Chi's face alternated between green and white as he stared blankly at the woman in the sky.
He hadn't expected her to actually attack him without a word, and the stabbing pain in his shoulder brought a twinge of panic.
Though he was lecherous and rather reckless, he wasn't entirely stupid. Judging from the moves this woman had demonstrated several times already, even at his peak he wouldn't be a match. With a bloody hole now punched through his shoulder, Gou Chi immediately became much more subdued. Though his expression still simmered with anger, he no longer dared to speak carelessly, merely glaring at the woman with hatred.
"A human?" The woman curiously examined Yang Kai and An Ling'er, her delicate brows furrowing slightly. "When did demons start colliding with humans? How interesting!"
Yang Kai's expression turned solemn. Subtly shielding An Ling'er behind him, he circulated his true essence quietly, ready to act at any moment.
"Hmph!" A disdainful sound escaped the woman's flawless nose as she descended gracefully from the void, shaking her wet hair. She glanced at Gou Chi and the other demon. "Your true essence and Divine Sense have been sealed. Don't tell me this human brat did that?"
Gou Chi stayed silent, but the other demon slowly shook his head, explaining, "It wasn't him. We were stranded in a place and had our power suppressed by the people there. We owe this human for our escape."
"Pathetic!" The woman's expression chilled. "My demon brethren need to rely on human methods just to survive? What right do you have to keep living in this world?"
As she spoke, her slender fingers flicked outward, sending several bolts of energy flying.
*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...*
Several bloody holes instantly appeared on the other demon's body. He grunted, dropping to one knee as he gasped for breath, his eyes filled with terror and horror.
The woman hadn't intended to kill, seeming merely displeased that they had relied on Yang Kai's power and only meting out a light punishment.
"So, you're somewhat capable after all?" The woman turned her attention back to Yang Kai with renewed interest, and a wave of yin-cold Divine Sense power, like a chill breeze, swept over his entire body, examining him from head to toe.
"Still not very impressive!" The woman dismissed him, withdrawing her focus.
After a moment's thought, she sneered again, "You dared to be rude to me—quite bold, aren't you? You should be taught a proper lesson. But since I'm in a good mood today, I won't kill you for now. All of you, come back with me!"
With a wave of her jade-like hand, a carriage-like Artifact materialized out of thin air. In its center sat a large incense bed wrapped in pink curtains, from which wafted a faint, pleasant fragrance.
The woman stepped lightly onto the carriage, then struck two bolts of energy through the curtains, hitting Gou Chi and the other demon squarely.
In the next moment, both felt their seals lifted, and their expressions brightened with delight.
"Young human girl, come up here!" The woman reclined lazily on the incense bed, her graceful curves on full display. She beckoned to An Ling'er.
An Ling'er was on high alert. She glanced at Yang Kai, hesitating.
Yang Kai gave a slight nod, so An Ling'er stepped onto the carriage and stood there stiffly.
"You three carry it. Need me to teach you how?" the woman drawled, her voice languid and sweet.
Yang Kai couldn't help frowning.
Gou Chi roared, "Who do you think you are, expecting me to be your palanquin bearer? Don't you know who I am?"
"I don't care who you are. Unless you want to die, obey me. Otherwise, I won't mind sending you on your way!" A glacial light flashed in the woman's beautiful eyes, utterly frigid. True essence surged between her long, elegant fingers, as if Gou Chi refused again, she would strike him down instantly.
Gou Chi's eyes nearly split with rage, but before absolute power, he had no choice but to submit. He trudged forward in a huff and hefted the carriage onto his shoulders.
Yang Kai exchanged a glance with the other demon and walked over, equally resigned.
Following the woman's direction, the three porters sped along at tremendous speed.
On the incense bed within the carriage, An Ling'er sat upright, feeling like she was sitting on pins and needles. While observing their surroundings, she also followed the woman's instructions, massaging her shoulders.
The woman had no intention of conversing with her. She simply reclined there with her eyes closed, resting comfortably in perfect contentment.