On this evening, after Xu Chen finished his cultivation, he pushed open the door to his new house, which belonged to his room.
In fact, there were two beds arranged in the room, with a large window in front, offering a beautiful view.
The Maiden of the Celestial Realm was already in the room, sitting at the edge of the bed.
In fact, it seemed to be the first time she and Xu Chen were alone together.
To be honest, Xu Chen felt a bit awkward.
Unlike Zi Wan, who was a willful girl, The Maiden of the Celestial Realm was a respected and mature woman. She had a slightly thin figure, and looking at her, Xu Chen couldn't help but think of her graceful dance in the glamorous Celestial Realm; it made him a bit dazed.
Seeing The Maiden of the Celestial Realm sitting at the edge of the bed, with her legs crossed, seeming a bit uncomfortable, Xu Chen quietly closed the door.
"To be honest, I didn't expect it would be you, The Maiden of the Celestial Realm."
"Hmm, I didn't expect it either, Xu Chen. I sensed that we were in the Demon Realm, and my divine consciousness had a connection with you through a painting."
"Yes," Xu Chen replied, "in fact, my body carries a certain curse..."
"I know," The Maiden of the Celestial Realm said. "That's not a big problem; I'll help you resolve it later. But actually, I would still prefer if you became a woman."
"Why do you say that?"
"I...I'm not very used to being around boys. But you're fine, I think you're quite pretty compared to other boys. You're the type that I wouldn't find repulsive."
"Hehe, is that supposed to be a compliment?"
Xu Chen walked to the window and looked at the lake outside. "The Maiden of the Celestial Realm, you said you're not used to being around boys. Then, in the past, did you never have a boyfriend?"
The Maiden of the Celestial Realm sighed softly, "I was originally a celestial dancer in the Celestial Realm. As a celestial dancer, having a lover is absolutely forbidden. I also had some sisters who suffered severe punishment because of having a secret affair with the heavenly generals. We were pathetic women who pleased the gods of the Celestial Realm with our dance moves. If we caught the eye of any powerful god, we would be taken and played with as they pleased."
Xu Chen turned his face and looked at the side profile of The Maiden of the Celestial Realm, "So, you wouldn't...?"
The Maiden of the Celestial Realm shook her head, "Because of my exceptional dancing skills, I gained the favor of the Heavenly Emperor, so ordinary gods wouldn't dare to touch me. However, there were still times I couldn't escape from. So, I had to escape, relying on a bit of luck and some combat skills, fortunately managing to avoid being violated by those gods of the Celestial Realm! Hmph, those so-called gods are no different from the demons and monsters in this Demon Realm. While demons may be lewd and evil, at least they don't pretend. Unlike the gods of the Celestial Realm, who may appear virtuous on the surface but are hypocrites deep down, true scoundrels!"
"Sister Huàn, you've really had a tough time, being alone between these ruthless demons and gods until now..." Xu Chen's eyes were filled with pity.
"What? Now you're starting to call me sister again?"
"Because I deeply respect you..."
The Maiden of the Celestial Realm lowered her head, "Actually, The Maiden of the Celestial Realm is a name that brings back humiliating memories for me. So, please don't call me Sister Huàn."
"Hey? Why do you say that?"
"I...I was originally the daughter of the ruler of a small floating island in the Celestial Realm. But my father died a long time ago. My mother was a dancer. One day, a group of heavenly soldiers and generals came to my island and declared that my father was a traitor to the Celestial Realm. They even insulted my mother. In a fit of anger, I killed them all. From then on, I became a fugitive, changing my name and identity, calling myself The Maiden of the Celestial Realm. In order to conceal my true identity, I infiltrated the core of the Celestial Realm and became a dancer there. Thus, although I was being hunted, I continued to dance right under their noses without being discovered!"
The Maiden of the Celestial Realm continued, "But there is no impenetrable wall in this world. There was a lustful celestial god who discovered my secret and tried to use it to blackmail me and take my body. I refused to be blackmailed, so I was forced to flee from the celestial realm.... Since then, I have been wandering in the realm of demons."
Xu Chen looked at The Maiden of the Celestial Realm and felt a bit bitter in his heart. "Sister, you are truly unfortunate. If you don't like me calling you Sister Illusion, may I ask how I should address you?"
"Mayi..." The Maiden of the Celestial Realm lowered her head. "My real name is Mayi. It's the surname of my mother since my father passed away early. You can call me Mayi."
"Mayi..." Xu Chen didn't know why, but when he uttered that name, he felt an impulse to embrace its owner. However, it seemed like doing so would be taking advantage of her vulnerability...
However, The Maiden of the Celestial Realm seemed to enjoy it, trembling slightly with comfort. "It has been so many years since someone called me by this name... It feels as if I am no longer my true self..."
"Mayi, if you like, I can continue calling you that."
"Yes... Xu Chen, when the time is right, I'll show you my dance. Just for you, as a token of... gratitude."
"I can't wait to see it."
"Mm..."
The Maiden of the Celestial Realm stood up and leaned against the window. "Sometimes, the ways of the world are strange, Xu Chen. You may seem so innocent and honest on the surface, but there are so many women around you. As for me, I may appear to be a mature dancer, but in reality, I am alone, without any experience in love or relationships..."
"Mayi, do you feel regretful? Do you... want to try dating boys?"
"Huh?" The Maiden of the Celestial Realm looked at Xu Chen, her face turning slightly red. "What are you saying? Didn't I tell you already? I'm not used to interacting with boys! I... Actually, I'm a bit scared."
"Why?"
"Xu Chen, even though I know you have a kind heart, being alone in a room with a man, with the door closed... I am concerned... After all, you are so powerful. But it doesn't matter. Sometimes, I think if I were to fall someday, it would be better to fall into your arms, rather than the hands of those ugly and disgusting demons..."
"Huh? What are you saying!" Xu Chen blushed, grabbing The Maiden of the Celestial Realm's shoulders. "Mayi, listen to me. Firstly, I am not that kind of person. Secondly, I won't allow you to give up on yourself like this! What do you mean by 'better to fall'? Your thoughts are too negative! Maybe one day, you will meet a boy you truly like. Until then, you should protect yourself and stop having such thoughts! Besides, as long as you are with me, I will protect you!"
"Xu Chen... I'm sorry. I was testing you just now... I didn't expect your soul to be so pure, filled with righteousness. I feel ashamed. If you don't blame me, then I can truly feel at ease being with you..." The Maiden of the Celestial Realm's face grew redder. Although she said she felt at ease, there was a hint of a never-before-seen yearning in her blush.
This was just the first conversation between Xu Chen and The Maiden of the Celestial Realm, who now shared the same room. The night was still long...