Marrying the Soft-hearted Villain

Qing Ruyi’s words fell, and everyone's expressions turned grim.

Tian Xiu and Tian Ye’s expressions were especially shocked.

Tian Ye's face paled for a moment, then flushed with an unhealthy, furious red. Her voice was hesitant and disbelieving. "Your meaning… is that your Master dispatched monsters to attack our Sand Tribe?"

Qing Ruyi didn't directly answer her question, instead asking, "Tian Ye, do you remember the ranks of the monsters that attacked your tribe?"

Tian Ye thought for a moment, then said, "Most were Rank One and Rank Two, fewer Rank Three, and the highest were three Rank Five."

Qing Ruyi nodded, sighing softly. "Then that's it."

She looked at Ruan Qiuqiu and the others, a reminiscent glint in her eyes. "Although the Abyss has a lot of land, most of it is uninhabitable. Land with resources is scarce, but the monster density is high."

"To fill their bellies, lower-ranked monsters often kill and eat each other."

Qing Ruyi continued, "It can be said that under my Master, the most abundant resource is low-rank monsters. They are weak, and correspondingly, the demonic energy consumed through the spatial passage is less. Attacking a relatively strong demon tribe, the demon flesh obtained is enough to compensate for these losses."

By this point, even if Tian Xiu were a fool, he would have understood who was the culprit behind the near annihilation of the Sand Tribe.

Not to mention Tian Ye, who was much quicker than Tian Xiu.

Ruan Qiuqiu watched the cold and beautiful short-haired girl's eyes redden with fury. A powerful pressure emanated from her, visibly distorting the space around her. Tian Ye momentarily lost control of her power, affecting the weaker demons in the room.

Ruan Qiuqiu, whose strength had already reached early Rank Three, still felt a tightness in her chest, very uncomfortable.

Yuan Jue, who had been sitting quietly beside her, furrowed his dark brows. He stretched out his long arm and pulled Ruan Qiuqiu into his embrace. His voice was low and carried a warning as he gently reprimanded Tian Ye, who was immersed in rage and about to lose her reason.

Only then did Tian Ye snap back to her senses.

She looked around at the grim-faced demons in the room and quickly retracted her demonic power, a look of guilt appearing on her face. "I'm sorry, I…"

"It's alright." Grandpa Panda waved his hand, looking at her with a smile. "Understandable."

Tian Xiu looked at his partner with a complicated and pained expression, clenching his fists.

Ruan Qiuqiu also sat up from Yuan Jue’s embrace, shaking her head and smiling at Tian Ye to indicate she was fine. After being held by Mr. Big Grey Wolf, she no longer felt uncomfortable.

To ease the suddenly serious atmosphere, Qing Ruyi changed the subject. "…Our situation is not optimistic. Although my Master's talent can only be used once a month, it has been about ten days since his last use."

Ruan Qiuqiu understood, hesitantly saying, "Grandma Ruyi, is your Master unable to transport high-rank monsters with his talent?"

"Yes." Qing Ruyi nodded. "At his peak, he can expend all his demonic energy to create a spatial passage capable of transporting late Rank Six monsters. But the cost is too high; it's better to use naturally formed spatial passages."

"As far as I know, there is only one spatial passage in the entire Demon Continent that can accommodate monsters below Rank Eight." Qing Ruyi's gaze softened slightly as she looked at Ruan Qiuqiu. "Knowing this, you can prepare in advance."

Ruan Qiuqiu felt a pang of sadness at her gaze. She knew Grandma Ruyi meant for her and Mr. Big Grey Wolf to escape. After all, even the powerful Sand Tribe had been crushed by the monster army, let alone the small Winter Bear Tribe.

Yuan Jue pursed his lips, his long lashes fluttering slightly, lost in thought.

Qing Ruyi then went on to share everything she knew about her Master, 'Mo Xi,' including the powerful monsters under his command and the fact that he was currently vying for the Demon King position with the Rank Seven peak monster, 'Ye Chen.'

The more Grandma Ruyi spoke, the more Ruan Qiuqiu's heart sank. She knew Mr. Big Grey Wolf was powerful, but he was only one wolf.

According to Grandma Ruyi's description, Mo Xi had nineteen Rank Five monsters and seven Rank Six monsters under his command. Mo Xi himself was already at the peak of Rank Seven, only a step away from Rank Eight.

Ruan Qiuqiu finally understood why Grandma Ruyi's plan had always been to remove the demonic Gu before the two-month deadline, then flee and hide with them, buying time for Mr. Big Grey Wolf to break through.

With their current strength, even if Mr. Big Grey Wolf could defeat two Rank Six monsters, he would likely be severely injured. If a few more came, even with Grandpa Panda and the others helping, they would most likely be swept away, unable to resist.

She could think of these things, and Grandma Ruyi must have thought of them too.

She and Grandpa Mo's situation was arguably worse than hers and Mr. Big Grey Wolf's.

Ruan Qiuqiu extended a thread of spiritual power and could clearly hear two sounds coming from within Qing Ruyi's body.

The faint one was her original heartbeat.

The strong one was the sound of the demonic Gu, called the 'Fruit.'

Ruan Qiuqiu's eyes reddened. If she had another month, or if her strength could reach Rank Four before the 'Fruit' in Qing Ruyi matured, she would have a certain degree of confidence in removing the demonic Gu.

But time was too short, far too short.

Qing Ruyi saw her gaze and understood everything.

She smiled and affectionately held Mo Bugui's arm, her voice gentle. "Your Grandpa Mo and I plan to rest in the tribe for three more days."

"Three days later, we will set off to travel the world."

Qing Ruyi's tone was light, as if they were really going on a trip in three days, full of joy.

"It's been a long, long time since I've seen the clear sky of the Demon Continent. I miss the sweet grass roots you used to pick for me when I was young." Qing Ruyi's eyes seemed to hold stars as she looked at Mo Bugui, her pale lips curving. "Brother Mo, do you remember where that grass grows?"

"When we go out in a few days, pick some more for me…"

Grandma Ruyi's voice gradually trailed off. Having said so much, she was already very tired.

Ruan Qiuqiu's heart ached, and the demons fell silent.

Grandpa Panda, who had recovered quite well, immediately called everyone to another small cave to discuss matters, leaving this cave for them to rest.

Ruan Qiuqiu left a small wooden tube containing Rank Three healing water beads on the stone table and left the cave with the others.

The group of demons followed to Tian Xiu's temporary cave. They originally intended to discuss future plans.

But everyone either sat on the stone bed in silence or stood by the stone table with solemn expressions. Even Grandpa Panda had lost the ease and composure he had shown in front of Qing Ruyi and Mo Bugui.

Sitting beside Yuan Jue, Ruan Qiuqiu understood the current situation.

The Sand Tribe, led by Tian Ye and Tian Xiu, had a grudge against the "Master," but it was a one-sided hatred. If they could let go of their resentment and live peacefully, they wouldn't be attacked by monsters in the short term.

Moreover, like the Winter Bear Tribe, Tian Xiu and Tian Ye, even if they wanted to help, were powerless. They carried the future of the entire Sand Tribe on their shoulders and couldn't risk everything for revenge or to help them.

The same was true for the Winter Bear Tribe, with its many cubs and weak strength.

Grandpa Panda had accepted them before, firstly because the situation wasn't critical then; secondly, because the barrier of the forbidden area in the back mountain was damaged, and the Winter Bear Tribe might not have been able to exist for much longer.

But now, with the Soul Wood and the barrier repaired, Ruan Qiuqiu wasn't sure if the Winter Bear Tribe would still be willing to accept them.

And Grandma Ruyi and Grandpa Mo, who could have supported them the most, were now in danger themselves, even more so than she and Mr. Big Grey Wolf. They planned to die rather than burden everyone.

Everything seemed to be heading in the worst direction.

Sweat covered Ruan Qiuqiu's palms. Her anxious heart seemed to finally have an answer.

In this near-desperate situation, knowing that the "Master" wasn't without rivals and was currently injured seemed to be the only good news.

The atmosphere in the cave was solemn. In the long silence, Ruan Qiuqiu tried to think of solutions, but her mind was chaotic, gradually becoming helpless.

Yuan Jue's expression was calm as his slender fingers gently stroked Ruan Qiuqiu's, as if he had already made a decision.

Her eyes stinging, Ruan Qiuqiu gripped Yuan Jue's clothes. Just as she was about to say, 'Then my husband and I will go back,' Grandpa Panda spoke.

"Alright, Little Qiu, later you take Xiong Duoduo and Xiong Yuan, with the supplies we've accumulated these days, and go to the Demon Market." Xiong Jiankang said, "See if you can exchange them for some treasures. If not, exchange them for more food and herbs. Also, see if you can gather any intelligence."

"If you can find out anything about the forbidden area in our back mountain, try to contact the other monster, 'Yue Chen,' and see if you can negotiate an exchange. Maybe it will be of some use."

Hearing Xiong Jiankang's words, Tian Ye couldn't help but say, "I'll go with you."

A flash of hatred crossed her eyes. "It would be best to exchange for some good treasures. Monsters are mostly ruthless. You saved us, and our Eagle Tribe isn't spineless or ungrateful. We can't stand by and watch while our benefactors are in danger."

"Those monsters, we'll kill them one by one."

Hearing everyone's words, Ruan Qiuqiu's eyes grew even more watery. She didn't know what to say, but the spark of hope that had just risen in her heart seemed to plunge into an icy river after meeting Yuan Jue's gaze.

It wasn't a cold look; on the contrary, Mr. Big Grey Wolf's eyes were very gentle.

That gentle gaze, with its warm light, softly landed on Ruan Qiuqiu's face.

But Ruan Qiuqiu didn't feel any warmth at all. She understood Mr. Big Grey Wolf too well.

Perhaps, in such a critical moment, this wolf was thinking of separating from her.

After all, all they wanted was his heart.

Alarm bells rang in Ruan Qiuqiu's heart. She subconsciously tightened her grip on Yuan Jue's clothes, tension filling her eyes and brows.

Even though Yuan Jue hadn't said anything, she seemed to have already understood the meaning conveyed by his gaze.

She had guessed early on that Yuan Jue's hesitation in mentioning the bonding ceremony was most likely due to his fear of burdening her.

But when would this silly wolf understand that if she were to lose him forever, she wouldn't be able to live on?

Yuan Jue looked at the redness in the corners of Ruan Qiuqiu's eyes, a fleeting look of surprise and helplessness crossing his narrow phoenix eyes, followed by darkness and selfishness, finally settling into a helpless chuckle.

A large hand gently brushed aside her hair. Ruan Qiuqiu saw Yuan Jue's handsome face enlarge in her vision, feeling a soft touch on her lips as he kissed her gently.

"Wife…" Yuan Jue's voice was hoarse, filled with emotions Ruan Qiuqiu couldn't understand.

He seemed to want to say something, but after softly uttering Ruan Qiuqiu's name, he couldn't continue.

—The wolf cub had been in near-desperate situations more than once, several times on the verge of death.

The feeling of gradually approaching death on those cold snowy nights was very clear, like a dark, lightless abyss stretching forward.

He had long been assimilated into a monster of the abyss, so how could he be afraid of fighting and death?

He just didn't want his little wife to fall into such a desperate situation with him.

She deserved a better life. With such talent, she could live very well in other tribes.

She didn't need to follow him, living precariously on a giant tree in the future, exposed to wind and snow, with the constant danger of falling into despair.

Mr. Big Grey Wolf felt a bit self-deprecating. His appearance was good, but in the vast demon world, there were many handsome male demons.

And his little wife was so well-liked.

They hadn't formed a bond, and everything was still in time.

He had originally thought that there was still enough time to protect her.

So he indulged his dark desires, greedily holding her in his arms every night, repeatedly kissing her fingertips.

Even in the current situation, he wasn't entirely without confidence in taking care of her.

However,

She had better choices.

Whether from a worldly perspective or for long-term safety, forgetting him and starting a new life was a better choice for Ruan Qiuqiu.

But even understanding this, understanding his confidence in taking care of her, only extended to providing her with food and warmth until that Rank Seven peak monster caught up.

Not to mention his physical disability, he only had a 30% chance of perishing together with that monster.

If she stayed with him, after he died, would this life of escape, driven by his selfishness and distorted possessiveness, truly make her happy?

Yuan Jue didn't know.

He simply reached out and gently smoothed Ruan Qiuqiu's hair, smiling softly.

Ruan Qiuqiu saw the corners of his lips curve upwards, his brows relaxing, and a warm smile appearing in his eyes. Even the somewhat dim cave seemed to brighten at that moment.

But Ruan Qiuqiu didn't feel any warmth. She only felt increasing unease in her heart. She saw Yuan Jue's light-colored lips move slightly, as if he was about to say something she didn't want to hear.

Ruan Qiuqiu shook her head, ignoring the expressions and reactions of the surrounding demons, and threw herself into Yuan Jue's arms.

For the first time, she used all her strength to tightly grip the clothes on his back, refusing to let go. Her voice was hurried and tense, but choked with sobs, so sad that she could only speak haltingly. "Don't… think about… separating from me… If… like this… I won't like…"

Ruan Qiuqiu's voice became increasingly hoarse, her vision blurred. She couldn't even finish the threatening sentence, "won't like you, will go like other demons."

But echoing in the quiet cave, the part she did say was clear enough.

Yuan Jue's pupils trembled, his lips pressed into a thin line.

He couldn't control the trembling of his body. He gently kissed Ruan Qiuqiu's hair, water droplets clinging to his long lashes as he slowly lowered his head.

He truly was a selfish wolf, feeling joy in his heart upon hearing his little wife's words, so happy that his blood boiled.

He didn't know how long it passed, maybe a few minutes, maybe just a few seconds.

Ruan Qiuqiu finally heard Yuan Jue's response. He said, "Okay."

Ruan Qiuqiu confirmed several more times before lifting her head from his embrace, her nose red.

She looked at the surrounding demons, a little embarrassed by her actions, but still tightly held Yuan Jue's hand, unwilling to let go.

Yuan Jue held her hand in return, silently erasing the unspoken choices from his heart.

Tian Ye's eyes were red. She couldn't help but hold Tian Xiu beside her, feeling incredibly fortunate for the first time—

Fortunately, Tian Xiu was still alive.

Fortunately, they weren't in such a desperate situation.

Grandpa Patriarch sighed. Xiong Duoduo and Xiong Yuan lowered their heads without speaking.

After another moment of silence, Yuan Jue said, "This afternoon, I'll go to the forbidden area to take a look."

Ruan Qiuqiu immediately became nervous. She looked at Mr. Big Grey Wolf with some helplessness. "…This afternoon?"

Ruan Qiuqiu had known for a long time that Yuan Jue was going to the barrier world in the back mountain's forbidden area to search for treasures.

But she had always thought he would go after they returned from the Demon Market.

"Yes." Yuan Jue's voice was low and hoarse, a soft affirmation.

"Alright." Grandpa Panda's expression was serious. "Maybe you can find some treasures, and we won't need to flee. Sigh."

"Cub, just come out as soon as you can. There are many opportunities to enter the Treasure Mountain now. Grandpa will try to delay Qing Ruyi and the others. Maybe there's a sliver of hope." Xiong Jiankang's voice was filled with weariness.

He looked at Ruan Qiuqiu and said, "Then Little Qiu will stay in the tribe. Or you can go to the Demon Market with Duoduo and the others. The round trip will probably take three or four days."

Ruan Qiuqiu's heart tightened at his words, but she understood that this was indeed the best choice now.

So, although she didn't want to be separated from Yuan Jue, she didn't say anything more.

The demons discussed some more details. Xiong Duoduo and Xiong Yuan went to carry the supplies for the trade, and Tian Ye and Tian Xiu also left the cave to discuss with the members of the Eagle Tribe.

Agreeing to depart in an hour, Ruan Qiuqiu returned home with Mr. Big Grey Wolf.

Ruan Qiuqiu closed the wooden door of the cave entrance, walked into the bridal chamber, and sat beside Yuan Jue, her hands clasped on her lap, her thoughts drifting.

Last night, they had bathed in the hot spring seemingly without danger, the atmosphere romantic. And today, in just a little while, they would be separated.

Since they met, they had never been apart for more than half a day.

URGENT: Our Google Ads account was blocked due to violations. We'd deeply appreciate your support through donations to help us continue our work. Or we won't be able to continue the translations.

ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔっ

Love what you read?