40: Resting in the corridor, a subtle fragrance wafts through the air.

The Star Remains Corridor seemed endless. Giant Star Beast skeletons and crystal wreckage stood silently on both sides, emitting eternal faint light and solitude. Following the path indicated by Shoujing Daoist, the four people had been traveling for several hours. The space within the corridor was not uniform; sometimes it was as wide as a plaza, sometimes as narrow as a passage, and there were many forks and hidden traps. Without a map, it would be easy to get lost.

Along the way, they encountered several waves of wandering Star Remains Guards—elemental creatures formed by the combination of the Power of Stars and residual Devilish Qi. Their strength ranged roughly from the Peak of Foundation Establishment to the False Core level. Though lacking intelligence, they instinctively attacked all intruders. Under the overwhelming power of Lin Xuan's Golden Core strength and the tacit cooperation of Su Wanqing and the Three women, they passed through without major incident.

However, continuous battles and high mental alertness caused immense exhaustion to their minds and spirits. Especially Gongsun Yu, whose cultivation was slightly weaker, already showed signs of fatigue, her breathing slightly rapid. Although Su Wanqing and Qu Feiyan did not show it clearly, maintaining the circulation of Spiritual Power and resisting the pervasive erosion of Devilish Qi for a long time also made their breathing less steady than when they started.

Lin Xuan noticed their condition. His gaze swept over a relatively hidden alcove formed by several intersecting giant ribs ahead, and he said, “There is a Blind Spot up ahead. We will rest there for a moment.”

The recessed space was not large, but it was enough to accommodate four people. It also offered good visibility, allowing them to observe the situation at both ends of the Corridor.

Entering the Blind Spot, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Gongsun Yu immediately sat down against the cold Star Remains, taking out Spirit Stones to silently recover. Su Wanqing also sat cross-legged, allowing the Power of Lunar Glow to circulate within her body, driving away fatigue.

Lin Xuan stood at the edge of the Blind Spot, his Divine Sense extended, keeping watch over the surroundings. Although he had also expended considerable energy, his Golden Core Stage cultivation granted him stronger endurance.

Qu Feiyan did not immediately meditate. She leaned languidly against a smooth crystal shard, her red Gauze Dress shimmering with an enchanting luster under the starlight. Her seductive eyes shifted, landing on Lin Xuan's tall and slightly tense back, and a playful curve appeared at the corner of her red lips.

“Junior Martial Brother~” Her voice carried a uniquely charming lilt, exceptionally clear in the silent Corridor, “It's been hard work. Would Senior Sister like to help you... relax a little?”

Lin Xuan did not turn his head, his tone calm: “Senior Sister Qu should seize the time to recover Spiritual Power. The road ahead is unknown, so don't be careless.”

“Aiya, how heartless.” Qu Feiyan pretended to sigh resentfully, her slender Jade Fingers twirling a strand of hair. “I just saw how tense you are, and my heart aches for you.” As she spoke, she moved her Lotus Steps lightly, gracefully walking behind Lin Xuan.

A warm breath, mixed with a unique Seductive Fragrance and a faint scent of blood, quietly approached.

Lin Xuan could clearly feel her almost pressing against his back. That soft and resilient touch came through his clothes, accompanied by her warm breath brushing his earlobe, bringing a tingling sensation.

“Look at you, your shoulder is stiff.” Qu Feiyan's voice dropped even lower, carrying the magic of a decadent melody. One hand actually rested lightly on Lin Xuan's shoulder. Her fingertips carried a slightly cool sensation, yet seemed to contain burning embers, attempting to press and rub the tense muscle through his clothes. “How about Senior Sister helps you stimulate your Qi and Blood?”

Her movements were bold and direct. Her fingertips were like electric currents. Each press accurately stimulated his Acupoints, bringing a strange mix of soreness and comfort. At the same time, the pervasive Seductive Charm, like spider silk, quietly wrapped around him, trying to dismantle his composure.

Lin Xuan's body stiffened slightly. This Demoness was truly challenging his limits constantly. He could feel his Qi and Blood becoming somewhat restless. The masculine power of the Nine Revolutions Golden Body Art seemed to be stimulated by this ultimate feminine Seductive Charm. He took a deep breath, using his Golden Core Spiritual Sense to guard his Spiritual Platform, forcibly suppressing the sensual thoughts.

“Senior Sister Qu, please show some self-respect.” His voice remained steady, yet carried an undeniable coldness. At the same time, his shoulder trembled slightly, and a gentle yet firm force flicked Qu Feiyan's hand away.

Qu Feiyan was pushed away, but instead of getting angry, she giggled sweetly. Her seductive eyes, like silk, watched him turn around. His look, carrying a hint of helplessness and warning, made her find him particularly interesting.

“Junior Martial Brother has such great composure. Even when I act like this, you remain unmoved.” She licked her red lips, her gaze boldly sweeping over him, especially when she felt his exceptionally robust physique and burgeoning Masculine Aura—both due to the Nine Revolutions Golden Body Art. A flash of undisguised admiration and desire crossed her eyes. “However... Senior Sister likes exactly your type.”

Su Wanqing, who was meditating not far away, had her eyes closed, but her slightly trembling long eyelashes and the Power of Lunar Glow around her, which instantly turned several degrees colder, revealed that she was not unaware. No expression could be seen on her cold, clear face; only the fingers holding the Hand Seal tightened slightly.

Gongsun Yu secretly opened one eye, saw Qu Feiyan practically pressing against Lin Xuan, and her small face instantly flushed red. She quickly closed her eyes again, her heart pounding wildly, secretly thinking, “Sister Qu is too... bold!”

Lin Xuan looked at the sweetly smiling, seductively charming Qu Feiyan before him, feeling helpless. This Demoness was erratic and unpredictable, yet her strength was considerable, making her a great asset in such a dangerous place. He couldn't completely fall out with her, but he also couldn't allow her to keep fooling around like this.

“Senior Sister Qu,” Lin Xuan looked at her calmly, his tone carrying a hint of warning, “This place is perilous, not a game. If you continue this, don't blame Lin for being merciless.”

The coldness in his words made Qu Feiyan's smile slightly diminish. She could sense that Lin Xuan was not making empty threats. If she truly crossed the line, this seemingly gentle Junior Martial Brother would absolutely not hesitate to strike.

She pouted, stepped back two steps somewhat boredly, and tidied her skirt. “Alright, alright, I won't joke anymore. Junior Martial Brother is becoming less and less adorable.” Despite saying that, her gaze toward Lin Xuan became even more fervent. This feeling of difficulty in conquering him only heightened her interest.

The small disturbance temporarily subsided. Silence returned to the Blind Spot, with only the faint humming of Spirit Stones having their Spiritual Power absorbed and the steady breathing of the group.

Lin Xuan turned around again, facing the Corridor, his Divine Sense still vigilant. However, the spot where Qu Feiyan had just provoked him seemed to still retain a subtle tingling sensation and that unique Seductive Fragrance.

He shook his head, casting aside distracting thoughts. The Demon Suppressing Palace was close at hand; there was no room for slackness.

However, he did not notice that behind him, Qu Feiyan looked at his tall back, a look of absolute confidence flashing in her seductive eyes, and her red lips silently moved:

“You can't escape... Junior Martial Brother.”

And Su Wanqing slowly opened her eyes at this moment. Her clear, cold gaze swept over Qu Feiyan, then landed on Lin Xuan's back. In the depths of her eyes, a faint trace of Possessiveness flashed—so subtle that even she hadn't noticed it.

After resting for a moment, once everyone had recovered most of their strength, Lin Xuan said in a deep voice, “It's time to set off.”

The final challenge lay ahead.