The Maiden in the Lake

Outside the carriage.

The earth dragon simply moved forward, needing no concern for anything else.

The road was wide and spacious, allowing it to run comfortably.

Aina sat in front of Xia Lun and suddenly said, "Xia Lun, I want that."

Xia Lun was puzzled. "What?"

Aina's eyes turned seductive as she licked her lips. "You know… the thing we often do. Let me savor your taste."

Xia Lun finally understood. "Oh, that."

He offered his wrist to Aina’s mouth.

Aina’s tongue gently traced Xia Lun’s fair wrist before she parted her lips, her sharp fangs carefully sinking in.

She held Xia Lun’s arm, drinking his blood.

Xia Lun felt no pain—instead, a tingling numbness spread from his wrist, melting into pleasure… Her saliva had a numbing effect, one of Aina’s vampiric abilities.

"Does it hurt, Xia Lun?" Aina asked knowingly.

"It feels wonderful," Xia Lun replied, stroking her head.

Aina nodded slightly, focusing on her "meal."

Truthfully, Aina no longer needed blood to restore her strength—it was merely a treat for her now.

Xia Lun didn’t mind being bitten. Though it wasn’t the most convenient moment, during their intimate moments in bed, Aina would often cling to his neck or shoulders afterward.

He never felt like prey, only finding her adorable as she drank from him.

After a while, Aina released his wrist, wiping her lips contentedly. "Thank you for the meal, Xia Lun."

A green glow flickered at her fingertips, and the tiny puncture wounds on Xia Lun’s wrist healed instantly, leaving no trace.

"Was it good?" Xia Lun asked.

"Delicious… like rich, sweet wine," Aina murmured dreamily.

Xia Lun leaned down, his tongue parting her lips.

Aina let out a soft moan, melting into his embrace.

He tasted only the faint metallic tang of blood—vampires and humans perceived flavors differently.

"You two… could you at least be mindful in public?" Liyana had just stepped out of the carriage for fresh air when she saw Xia Lun and Aina locked in a kiss. "It’s embarrassing for others to see."

Xia Lun pulled away, leaving Aina flushed and breathless, her lips slightly parted.

"I’d sense if anyone approached," Xia Lun coughed awkwardly.

Liyana gave them a strange look.

So now this shameless couple had no qualms about kissing passionately in front of her.

Did that mean they no longer kept their distance? Liyana wasn’t sure if she should be pleased.

"What’s going on?" Mo Lini peeked out.

Aina adjusted her posture, sitting primly in Xia Lun’s lap without further movement.

Liyana felt slightly relieved—at least they restrained themselves around the child.

"But… we’re still far from the city. Another night camping, it seems." Liyana sighed, checking the map to estimate their location.

Mo Lini didn’t mind sleeping outdoors. They had tents and bedding, and danger was unlikely.

She was more curious about something else.

"Liyana, what’s for dinner tonight?" Mo Lini asked.

Back at the academy, she used to cook for herself.

Before Professor Enlaisi pointed it out… she’d thought her cooking was decent.

But after tasting Liyana’s meals… Mo Lini felt guilty for subjecting the professor to her food for so long.

"Let’s see… There’s a large lake nearby. How about grilled fish? There’s also a clearing by the shore—we can camp there. Aina, could you set up a humidity-adjusting barrier? The lakeside gets damp, and waking up soaked is miserable."

Liyana glanced at Xia Lun.

"Sounds good. We’ll follow Liyana’s plan," Xia Lun said.

With her current experience, Liyana could easily lead any adventuring party.

Xia Lun was happy to let her take charge.

"Grilled fish…" Mo Lini swallowed, latching onto the key detail.

They soon reached the lake.

Through the trees, the shimmering waters unfolded like a mirror unveiled by a maiden at dawn.

The lake was calm and clear, reflecting the white clouds above and the lush greenery along its banks, blending the scenery seamlessly.

A breeze stirred ripples across the surface, like the swaying hem of a maiden’s white dress.

Mo Lini thought she saw a pure maiden frolicking at the lake’s center…

Wait—she rubbed her eyes—there really was someone on the water.

No, it wasn’t her imagination. Everyone saw it.

"Xia Lun! Look, a lake maiden!" Liyana pointed excitedly.

The maiden’s form was translucent, her dress merging with the water. Only her slender upper body was visible, her chest half-bare, while her lower half remained unseen.

Lake maidens were rare monsters, luring men into the depths to drown and nourish the lakebed’s silt.

Well… not just men. Liyana had fallen for it once.

But if one resisted their allure, they were harmless—they never attacked humans on land. Some bored adventurers even whistled at them, only to get splashed in retaliation.

"Liyana…" Xia Lun began.

"Enough! I know! I won’t be stupid again!" Liyana cut him off, her face burning. "That was back when I was new to adventuring! And I have a partner now!"

Xia Lun chuckled. He’d only brought it up to tease her.

Besides, Liyana was strong now—she could hold her breath for ages. Drowning wasn’t a real risk.

"No drinking tonight," Aina added.

Last time, Liyana had been tipsy when the lake maiden ensnared her.

Liyana groaned in humiliation. "Ugh! Just kill me! Stop bringing it up!"