What appeared before them was a vast expanse of peach trees, with thousands upon thousands of bright pink and white blossoms clustered on the branches. The colors gradually deepened, astonishing to behold yet not dazzling to the eyes.

The flowers were in full bloom, some falling from the boughs like rain, petals fluttering everywhere. The ground was covered in a thick layer of petals, to the point the original soil could not be seen.

Such a beautiful scene was not uncommon outside, but appearing in a place like this, right after facing extreme danger, it was especially stunning.

The sky was a hazy gray. Though it was not very clear, the sky always looked like this before rain, so it was not unusual.

Yu Nuo suddenly discovered his spiritual energy had been fully restored. Overjoyed, he also felt a bit disappointed: "Does this mean we've made it out?"

Zhou Yin glanced back. The dark passageway was still behind them.

"No, we're still in the illusion," said Zhou Yin. "That spiritual power..."

Zhou Yin said, "Try chopping down that peach tree."

Yu Nuo chanted a spell, condensing a wind blade from his palm. With a flick of his wrist, he slashed at the nearest peach tree.

The spell, originally capable of destroying dozens of peach trees, didn't stir up the slightest ripple. The peach tree remained intact, petals fluttering down gently.

Yu Nuo's expression turned strange as he slowly walked over.

The tree was real, with uneven textures on the surface that even felt slightly prickly to the touch, seeming undeniably authentic. Yet the spell still had no effect.

The real seemed false, and the false seemed real.

Yu Nuo took a deep breath. "Brother Zhou, we have to pass through here?"

He didn't realize he had already gotten used to seeking Zhou Yin's opinion.

"Going forward or backward makes no difference." Even if they turned back now and walked to the other end of the tunnel, they would only encounter another illusion. "This four-sided illusion is equivalent to a formation. Only by finding the formation's core can we break it."

"Then how should we find the core?"

"Let's improvise."

Finally, there was something even Zhou Yin didn't know. Yu Nuo breathed a sigh of relief, but at the same time, a deeper sense of wariness ignited within him.

"Although Brother Zhou is about the same age as me, your knowledge is far more extensive." Half-joking, half-probing.

"I just read a few more miscellaneous books in my spare time." Zhou Yin brushed it off lightly.

Just as Yu Nuo was about to ask further, he heard a woman's laughter coming from deep within the peach forest.

Although the laughter wasn't loud, it was extremely clear. It was a kind of indescribable beauty that made one associate it with the falling peach blossoms the moment they heard it - delicate, graceful, and enough to make one's bones go soft.

They were both cultivators, with much stronger willpower than ordinary people. Even so, when the laughter entered their ears, they still felt somewhat unable to resist.

Zhou Yin said, "Where's your Mind-Clearing Bell?"

Yu Nuo snapped out of it and quickly took out the magic treasure. As the bell chimed, its sound carrying for ten miles, the laughter also abruptly stopped.

Before they could feel relieved, after a brief silence, another burst of laughter arose, this time accompanied by spoken words.

"Honored guests who have traveled from afar, we have failed to welcome you from a distance. Our utmost apologies, and we hope you can forgive us!"

Amidst the charming laughter and fragrant breeze, two women stepped out from the forest. Their long hair was coiled up, golden bells adorning their feet. Their voluptuous bodies were wrapped in light, plain-colored gauze.

As they walked, their jade-like legs were fully revealed, their ample bosoms half-exposed. Even the bells on their ankles tinkled gently. Their snow-white skin was flawless, cheeks rosy and lips red, eyes full of affection. They were nearly perfect women.

Knowing it was an illusion, Yu Nuo remained somewhat vigilant despite being dazzled. "Are you peach demons?"

The two women looked at each other and laughed. The leading one extended her frost-white wrist and said softly, "Young master, take a look at our physique."

Yu Nuo suspiciously placed his hand on it, immediately feeling a smooth sensation. Then he was greatly shocked. "Pure Yin physique?!"

"Indeed, we sisters both possess Pure Yin physiques." The woman smiled charmingly.

In the Taichu Continent, a woman with a Pure Yin physique meant she had innate advantages in cultivation. However, if she lacked sufficient strength to protect herself, or had no background to rely on, she could easily be taken advantage of by demonic cultivators, captured to serve as a cauldron for absorbing Yin to nourish Yang and increase their cultivation.

Therefore, women with Pure Yin physiques often met tragic fates. Over time, in the minds of cultivators, a Pure Yin physique became synonymous with a cauldron.

Yu Nuo released her hand, the sensation from before still lingering on his fingertips. If this was an illusion, it was far too realistic. But recalling his earlier futile strike against the peach tree, he didn't dare let his guard down.

"Are you humans or ghosts?" He gripped the Mind-Clearing Bell tightly.

Seeing his action, the woman's smile faded slightly as she sighed. "Since you two are fated, why can't you let go of your fixations and just enjoy? Our Pure Yin physiques are the best for cultivators. Ordinary Pure Yin women, if their Yin is absorbed to nourish Yang, at the very least it will consume their bodily essence, and at worst, cost their lives.

"But we sisters, after being enlightened by the master of this cave abode, have physiques different from ordinary people. Even if we engage in the pleasures between men and women with you, it will do no harm, but rather be mutually beneficial."

She spoke frankly and openly, mentioning matters of intimacy without any reservation.

Instead, it was Yu Nuo who felt somewhat embarrassed. He quickly changed the subject. "Who exactly is the master of this place?"

The woman said, "We also don't know the background of the cave abode's master. We only know he has vast divine powers and is capable of anything. Back then, we sisters were also from good families but suffered greatly due to our physiques. We nearly became cauldrons for demonic cultivators, but fortunately, the cave abode's master saved us.

"He asked if we were willing to reside here permanently, on the condition that we could never leave. We agreed, and although we have remained youthful ever since, we also can't step out of this peach forest. We don't even know how many years have passed outside the cave abode!"

Seeing Yu Nuo still had a hesitant look, she quickly added, "If the young master is unwilling, we sisters dare not force you. It's just that no one has come here for hundreds or thousands of years. Seeing you two, we couldn't help but say a few more words out of our loneliness. We hope our honored guests won't take offense. In any case, you can't leave for a while, so why not follow us into the forest to rest for a bit before going on your way?"

The woman spoke clearly and logically. Apart from her revealing attire, she seemed no different from an ordinary person. Yu Nuo glanced at Zhou Yin and seeing his expression was normal, he also gradually let down his guard.

"Brother Zhou, I don't think they seem like illusions."

The women were leading the way in front, still some distance from the two men. Yu Nuo said in a low voice.

Zhou Yin grunted in acknowledgment but said nothing.

Yu Nuo laughed. "Could it be that Brother Zhou is also interested in them?"

These two women had beautiful features, skin as bright as the moon, resembling fairies more than demonesses. Most importantly, Yu Nuo discovered they were no longer virgins.

The orthodox cultivation world's condemnation of demonic cultivators absorbing essence was nothing more than destroying innocence and causing death. Since these concerns no longer existed, it was no wonder Yu Nuo's heart stirred.

It should be known that one instance of absorbing essence could equal several years of cultivation. With such a great bargain, it was no wonder those demonic cultivators would resort to any means to often refine innocent women into cauldrons.

Zhou Yin glanced at him.

Yu Nuo rubbed his nose, sheepishly shutting his mouth. He then asked the two women, "How should we address you two ladies?"

"Thank you for asking, kind sir. My humble name is Yanzhi, and my younger sister is Fendai."

"Since you live here, do you have no way to leave?"

Yanzhi said, "Young masters, you may not know, but the master of this cave abode has set up restrictions. We two can only move about in this forest and go no further. Fortunately, this forest is large enough, and the scenery is different in all four seasons.

"There are also various rare and exotic beasts to keep us company, so it's not too lonely. However, since you two young masters were able to enter, surely you can also find a way out."

She was considerate, good at reading people, and spoke pleasantly. In no time, she had comforted Yu Nuo and lifted his spirits. The two chatted and laughed merrily. Fendai followed behind, trying all sorts of ways to please Zhou Yin, but the latter ignored her as if he hadn't heard, answering at most one out of ten questions.

Yanzhi would occasionally steal glances at Zhou Yin, and asked Yu Nuo, "What is that young master's esteemed surname and name? Why does he not like to talk?"

Yu Nuo felt inexplicably unhappy. "Why don't you ask him yourself?"

Yanzhi pursed her lips and smiled, not saying a word.

The four of them walked several hundred steps, and suddenly the scenery before their eyes changed.

A vast expanse of blue lake water came into view. The shore was lined with weeping willows. When a gentle breeze came, the water rippled and the willow leaves swayed, tranquil and serene. In the distance, there seemed to be faint mountains and waters, indistinct yet as if they truly existed.

By the lake, two small tables were set up with various wines and dishes, as if anticipating the arrival of Yu Nuo and his companion.

"Young masters, please take a seat. Allow us to sing and dance to liven things up," Yanzhi said, her eyes filled with affection, sweeping past Yu Nuo and lingering on Zhou Yin.

It was clear to any discerning person that she was interested in Zhou Yin. Her younger sister Fendai, equally shy and timid, also stole glances at Zhou Yin from behind her sister.

Seeing this, Yu Nuo couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy. How was he inferior to Zhou Yin? Why did such stunning beauties, one after another, all favor that wooden man?

Yanzhi smiled charmingly. Together with Fendai, their figures suddenly flew up and drifted to the center of the lake.

Tapping their toes, they began to dance gracefully on the water's surface. Their slender waists could be held in one hand, and their delicate wrists peeking out from their sleeves were dazzlingly fair.

Skirts fluttered, silky hair fragrant - this was the true "steps on waves, stockings stirring dust."

Fendai spun rapidly in circles, her skirt rising high and rippling out in rings like gentle waves. Her flowing sleeves were like startled swans.

She lightly raised a hand, reaching out towards Yu Nuo and his companion.

Yanzhi flew up from the lake surface like a swallow returning to the woods, landing in her palm. In her hand, she held a jade flute and gently blew into it.

In an instant, everything darkened, leaving only the clear, bright sound of the flute, drifting from the center of the lake into the listeners' hearts.

Fendai held someone in her palm, yet it did not affect the flexibility and lightness of her body. With each step, it was as if thousands of peonies bloomed beneath her feet, dazzling and magnificent, the colors resplendent like rosy clouds.

Yu Nuo thought to himself, even emperors in the mortal world could not enjoy such a sight.

The beauties glanced back, their matchless looks enough to topple cities and kingdoms, truly breathtaking.

Such appearances were extremely rare, not just in this cave abode but even in the entire Taichu Continent. As Yu Nuo watched their every smile and frown, for the first time in his life, he had the urge to take such beauties for himself.

This thought came so fiercely that when he remembered Zhou Yin was beside him, he couldn't help but start having wild thoughts.

How great would it be if he alone had discovered these two beauties? Now with Zhou Yin here, he would surely want a share...

The next moment, he was startled by the sudden murderous intent that inexplicably arose in him, and hurriedly suppressed it.

Beside him, Zhou Yin's gaze was still on the singing and dancing, focused and intent. Only Zhou Chen poked his head out from Zhou Yin's arms, vigilantly watching their surroundings. After a while, he was stuffed back in, and could only peck angrily at Zhou Yin's clothes in dissatisfaction.

When the dance ended, Yanzhi and Fendai walked over carrying wine jugs and fruits.

"This is peach blossom wine we sisters brewed using the peach blossoms from that peach grove, along with some fruits. They may not compare to the delicacies outside, but they are a token of our sincerity. We hope you young masters will accept them with a smile."

Yanzhi smiled and personally filled a full cup for each of them.

Yu Nuo downed it in one gulp, and Zhou Yin also drank.

Yanzhi's beautiful eyes sparkled. "How does it taste?"

Zhou Yin said, "Not bad."

Yanzhi smiled very happily and refilled their cups. She and Fendai also poured a few cups for themselves and drank. As they drank, they began to shed tears.

"We have been in this cave abode for thousands of years and have long forgotten the appearance of living people. That you young masters could come, it makes us so happy, so happy that we would gladly die right now!"

Yu Nuo comforted her, "You are ageless and deathless in this cave abode, with the four seasons ever-present, carefree and worry-free. You need not experience the hardships of human life. It's not a bad thing."

Hearing his words, Yanzhi raised her head, but looked towards Zhou Yin. "Does the young master also think so?"

Zhou Yin reached out and lifted her chin, not saying a word, but his eyes expressed everything.

Yanzhi leaned into his embrace, and even Fendai, who had been smilingly holding the fruits, was now nestled against Zhou Yin's left arm, like a little bird depending on someone, her eyes filled with affection.

Yu Nuo stared blankly at this scene, and suddenly anger rose in his heart. "Zhou Yin, you've gone too far!"

He brought out the Mind-Clearing Bell, made a hand seal, and a whirlwind rose from the ground, carrying the momentum of wind and fire, pressing down on Zhou Yin's head.

"Yu Nuo, what madness has gotten into you!"

"That's for you to say!" Yu Nuo said coldly, the force undiminished.

"What, the beauties don't fancy you, so you're flying into a rage? Since that's the case, I'll grant your wish!" Zhou Yin let out a sinister laugh. He easily dispelled Yu Nuo's magic.

The jade hairpin on his head transformed into the Lingyin Sword. Sword light like a rainbow, a thousand beams, surged forth in a vast expanse.

Chirp!

Yu Nuo felt his head explode with a boom, his entire body seeming to sink into darkness in an instant. Suddenly, an invisible giant hand forcibly pulled him out.

There was no sword light, no crisis. The Mind-Clearing Bell was safely stored in his qiankun bag, never taken out. He was still sitting at the small table, Zhou Yin beside him motionless. The two beauties on the lake surface were still dancing gracefully, as if they hadn't noticed the commotion here.

Only he was drenched in cold sweat, his face pale as if he had gone through a lifetime.

Yu Nuo dared not imagine what would have happened if he hadn't been startled awake by the cry of Zhou Yin's demon beast.

"Brother Zhou, something seems amiss here..." He didn't bother wiping his sweat and said in a low voice.

"What did you call me?" Zhou Yin didn't turn his head, still watching the singing and dancing.

"Brother Zhou, listen to me. I really almost succumbed to the devil just now!" Yu Nuo was getting anxious.

"Oh, you think I look very much like that 'Brother Zhou'?" Zhou Yin laughed and finally turned his head.

Yu Nuo's words got stuck in his throat, his eyes suddenly widened, his teeth chattered, and his expression was filled with undisguised fear.

The clothes were still Zhou Yin's clothes, but the face had changed. It was the evil cultivator who had his jade talisman stolen by Yu Nuo and later died.

The man said sinisterly, "Fellow Daoist, since you took my jade talisman, it's time to return it, right?"

Yu Nuo breathed heavily, quickly got up and retreated, setting up a defensive barrier, and warily looked at everything in front of him.

He was already somewhat unable to endure it. Such layers upon layers, one trap after another, made him completely unable to distinguish what was real and what was fake. He even doubted that entering the cave was not real.