"Monster." Wei Ning could no longer bear to watch. If this Phoenix Maiden were allowed to devour the child, then Wei Ning would no longer be Wei Ning.
Upon seeing Wei Ning, the Phoenix Maiden was initially taken aback, but she quickly regained her composure and laughed charmingly. "Oh, how easily the Wei Family can be deceived! Just a little trick and I've captivated you. It turns out you're just a tiger pretending to be a pig. Following me in the dead of night—are you fond of me? Is that why you secretly trailed me, hoping for a moment alone to get close?"
After being exposed, the Phoenix Maiden showed no fear. Instead, she took a few steps toward Wei Ning, puffed out her chest, and flirted, "What's wrong? Is my chest too big for you? If you call me 'good sister,' I might consider letting you touch it."
Wei Ning shot her a cold glance and replied, "You are not the real Phoenix Maiden. Who are you really?"
A flicker of surprise crossed the Phoenix Maiden's eyes, but she quickly smiled again. "Why do you care who I am? Just tell me—am I beautiful?" She began to pose provocatively before Wei Ning, exuding an array of seductive charm.
Years ago, Wei Ning had shown some leniency toward the gossiping woman because she believed that deep down, the woman had good intentions; her actions were meant to help her beloved find peace. Moreover, the people she targeted were all lecherous individuals who deserved their fate. However, it was unthinkable that this Fake Phoenix Woman would have the heart to harm a child barely one or two years old. The cruelty in her heart filled Wei Ning with disgust. How could she be swayed by such beauty? Coldly, she said, "Put away your useless tricks. Who are you really? How dare you impersonate the Phoenix Maiden and cause harm?"
Seeing that her seductive techniques had no effect on Wei Ning, the Phoenix Maiden felt frustrated and gritted her teeth. "You go your way; I'll go mine. We won't interfere with each other. If you're smart, you'll leave quickly. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Wei Ning recalled the scene of the Phoenix Maiden preparing to eat a person and felt a wave of nausea wash over her. "You're not actually after the God of Joy, are you?"
The Phoenix Maiden paused, surprised that Wei Ning's insight was so sharp. Had she seen through her disguise? "I am indeed the Phoenix Maiden from Phoenix Mountain—no fakes here. If you believe otherwise, there's nothing I can do about it. But please leave this matter alone."
Wei Ning chuckled derisively. "The Phoenix Maiden may also be a Gu Master, but they all possess a heart for saving others. None are as malicious as you."
At that moment, the Phoenix Maiden seemed to be overcome by hunger as she glanced at the child beside her. "Believe it or not, it doesn't matter; just know that I will not let you stop me!" With that, she grabbed hold of the child's foot and prepared to take a bite.
"Enchantress! How dare you!" Wei Ning was shocked that this Phoenix Maiden would still attempt to eat the child after being exposed. She stepped forward and pulled out a Fire Spirit Pearl from her bosom, ready to strike.
"If you dare make a move, I'll kill him!" The Phoenix Maiden suddenly shouted fiercely, raising the child high above her head as if about to drop him. The child seemed to understand his life hung by a thread and began to wail loudly in mid-air.
The Phoenix Maiden glanced at Wei Ning with a triumphant look, her eyes clearly conveying a challenge: "Come at me if you dare."
Seeing the Phoenix Maiden resort to such despicable tactics, Wei Ning hesitated, wary of making a rash move.
The Phoenix Maiden, sensing she had gained the upper hand, smugly remarked, "Ah, you truly are the renowned hero of the Wei Family, so dignified..."
Wei Ning replied in a low voice, "What do you intend to do?"
The Phoenix Maiden cradled the child back in her arms and gently patted him. "Do you know what the most delicious thing in the world is?"
Wei Ning remained silent, and the Phoenix Maiden continued nonchalantly, "Of course, it's human flesh. Human flesh is one of the most exquisite delicacies in this world. Once you taste it, you'll be just like me—unable to forget how delightful it is..." She smacked her lips as if savoring the thought, and an image began to form in Wei Ning's mind.
"The most succulent part is the head; the brain matter is the finest delicacy of all. Then there's the backside, which has the most fat. If roasted until golden brown, the fat will drip..." As she spoke, she couldn't help but drool slightly.
"Enough!" Wei Ning shouted sternly. "You eat humans and still call yourself human?"
The Phoenix Maiden blinked at him and replied, "Why can't people be eaten? People can eat pork and dog meat; why not human flesh? If eating human flesh makes one a beast, then what do we call those corrupt officials who are far worse than cannibals?"
Wei Ning was momentarily speechless and let out a cold snort. The Phoenix Maiden continued, "In our land, human flesh is considered the most beautiful and sacred thing—something only eaten during the Holy Feast Festival. I've only tasted it once before they forbade it afterward. That's why I didn't care; I sneaked out because I found so many people outside."
Wei Ning felt a stir of curiosity. "Isn't human flesh referred to as communion in your land?"
The Phoenix Maiden was taken aback. "How do you know that?"
At this moment, Wei Ning could already confirm that the Phoenix Maiden had escaped from the Peach Blossom Spring he and Lin Lingsu had visited last time. Without further explanation, he said, "Here’s the deal: you let the child go, and as long as you return to your homeland and never come out again, I will spare your life."
"Spare my life?" The Phoenix Maiden laughed as if she had heard the funniest joke in the world, her laughter ringing out like chimes. "I have no intention of sparing your life."
"What do you want then?"
The Phoenix Maiden weighed the child in her hands, the threat in her demeanor unmistakable. "Let’s make a deal. You drop all your weapons and blindfold yourself as you walk over to me, and I will release this child. How does that sound?"
"What are you planning to do?"
"Will you do it or not?!" The Phoenix Maiden patted the child in her grasp, her long nails poised to pierce the tender neck. She glanced sideways at Wei Ning and said, "Aren't you a hero? Isn’t a hero supposed to sacrifice for righteousness? I want to see if you are a true hero or just a hypocrite. You can trade yourself for this child—one life for another. What do you think?"
Wei Ning pondered for a moment. He realized that if he could first free the child from the Phoenix Maiden's control, everything else would be easier to handle. He nodded and said, "I will do as you say, but first, let the child go..."
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