33 Flowers Given Form

Zhe Huo had been planning to extract the scent of the spider flowers for use in luring out the wasp demon—but she hadn't counted on there being other visitors at the farm.

She caught just one glimpse of the woman from behind, and was struck dumb on the spot.

Even just seeing her from behind, there could be no doubt that this was a person of otherworldly beauty. Long, silken black hair reached all the way down to her waist, stray wisps dancing in the wind, twinkling gently where it caught the light. Her figure was slender and statuesque, clad in a pink, wispy gown that swept over the ground. Her gown was adorned with flower petals, arranged as though in full bloom. Even the spider flowers growing nearby were put to shame by this incomparable vision of loveliness.

Zhe Huo swallowed hard. She'd never before encountered someone who looked so good from behind. How much better would she look from the front? Overcome with curiosity, she called out a friendly greeting.

"Hey, babe! You got a name?"

The beauty turned in response. Her features were absolutely flawless: Long, graceful lashes; breathtakingly seductive eyes; a refined, arched nose; lips like rose petals touched with morning dew… she was temptation personified.

Zhe Huo was drooling like a sailor who'd been at sea for months.

She completely failed to notice how Qinghan's eyes had already sharpened dangerously.

And then the beauty in the flowing gown lifted her crystal-clear eyes, and murmured through ruby-red lips, "A demon hunter from nowhere of note, looking for trouble with a baby fox demon in tow?"

Zhe Huo stared with wide eyes. Her shock wasn't because they'd been seen through instantly, but because of the beauty's voice—it wasn't the demure, delicate song she'd imagined; instead it was bright and sharp, with a playful sort of charm. Taken aback, Zhe Huo blinked several times, and finally noticed the bulge protruding from the beauty's throat.

Her whole world shattered, she gasped, "You… you're a man?"

At her side, Qinghan growled, "A flower demon."

Everything was turning topsy-turvy for Zhe Huo. How could this be possible? For there to exist a man who was lovelier than an angel… be he a flower demon, she was nevertheless wrought with despair.

As though noticing the boy for the first time, the flower demon appeared to be amused by the open hostility in Qinghan's eyes. With a mocking little smile, he trilled, "What an evil look this wee thing is giving me…"

Qinghan huffed, and tightened his grip on Zhe Huo's hand. Before he could say anything himself, however, Zhe Huo the Lecher shook him off and rushed towards the exquisite man. Her eyes sparkling like stars, she eagerly burbled, "Lovely thing, won't you favor me with your name? You can call me Zhe Huo!"

The air was filled with a light, sweet fragrance from the angel of temptation. It was irresistible.

The man cocked one graceful eyebrow. "Tao Feiyan. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Zhe Huo nodded vigorously, shining with exhilaration. "The pleasure's all mine, Mr. Tao! So what are you here for? The Valley of Blossoms is a dangerous place these days—wandering around by yourself like this, be careful the wasp demon doesn't get you!"

A smile danced in Feiyan's eyes. He lowered his head and chuckled, his elegant fingers brushing over the pale purple flowers sewn onto his gown, idly fiddling with them. His fingers came away glistening slightly with dampness, and bearing hints of pollen dust.

Zhe Huo gulped again, still oblivious to Qinghan's ice-cold glare. Then she heard Feiyan's lilting, captivating voice speak again, "What a coincidence. I'm here for the wasp demon, too."