Chapter 1182: The River God’s Bride 17

Tang Wan raised a hand to her forehead, unable to hide her speechless expression as she looked at Yu’er. “You’re courting a chipmunk demon, and you keep giving her fish? Even if you brought her pearls or coral, it would make more sense than this!”

Yu’er blinked at her, utterly puzzled. “What’s the use of pearls? You can’t eat them. They just sit there and do nothing,” he said honestly, his tone full of confusion.

Tang Wan fell silent for a moment, feeling a familiar helplessness rise within her. This… was probably what people called a straight-minded fool.

Suppressing a sigh, she explained patiently, “Then at the very least, you should give her something she actually likes. She’s a chipmunk—why wouldn’t you bring her nuts? If you don’t cater to her preferences, it’s no surprise she keeps rejecting you. And as for pearls… maybe you think they’re useless, but girls like beautiful things. They can be used as decorations, as ornaments. That matters.”

The crab demon beside them immediately raised his claws and nodded in agreement. “Madam speaks wisely!”

Yu’er, however, stood frozen in place, as though struck by revelation. Then, in the next moment, he burst into tears again, his cries even louder than before. “Uuuu… so that’s why she kept rejecting me! I thought… I thought it was because the fish I brought weren’t fresh or big enough!”

Tang Wan could only stare at him, utterly at a loss. If this were not already underwater, she might have wondered how a fish could possibly produce so many tears.

Bingtong, seeing Yu’er continue to cry, frowned slightly and spoke in a more commanding tone. “Enough. My lady has already pointed out your mistake. Next time the Demon Market opens, prepare something properly—pearls, coral, or what she likes—and try again. You’re a grown fish, yet you spend your time crying like this. Is that appropriate?”

Yu’er immediately stopped, nodding repeatedly as he wiped his tears. “Yes, Master He! I understand now! Thank you, Madam, for your guidance! If this works, I will never forget your kindness!”

Tang Wan gave a small nod. “If you’re unsure, you can bring your gifts to me beforehand. I’ll help you take a look.”

At this, Yu’er’s eyes lit up with gratitude. “Thank you, Madam!”

Seeing that the matter had been resolved, Bingtong waved his hand dismissively. “Alright, now that you know what to do, go prepare. Don’t linger here.”

“Yes, Master He!” Yu’er responded at once, his earlier sorrow already replaced with excitement as he hurried off with the crab demon.

Once they had left, Tang Wan turned her attention back to Bingtong, her curiosity surfacing. “Tongtong, that Demon Market they mentioned… what kind of place is it? Is it somewhere demons go to trade things? Can I go and take a look?”

At her question, Bingtong shook his head almost immediately. “There is indeed an entrance to the Demon Market within the He Bo Palace,” he explained, “but you don’t have any cultivation. You can’t go. If the demons there detect the scent of a human, it would be dangerous for you.”

“But you would protect me, wouldn’t you?” Tang Wan asked softly, her gaze fixed on him.

“Of course!” Bingtong replied without hesitation, patting his chest as he spoke.

“Then if I go with you, there shouldn’t be a problem, right?” she pressed, a faint smile playing on her lips.

“Of course…” Bingtong began, but before he could finish, he suddenly stopped, his expression shifting slightly as he reconsidered. After a moment, he added more cautiously, “It might be alright if I’m with you, but if we were to get separated even briefly, it would be dangerous. Besides… there’s nothing particularly interesting there. My lady, there’s no need for you to go.”

Tang Wan seemed to think for a moment before asking again, “Doesn’t the Demon Market have someone in charge?”

“It does,” Bingtong answered. “The lord of the Demon Market is a River God who took the form of a dragon. The entire place is under his control. He has also set strict rules—no demon is allowed to bring humans into the market.”

He paused briefly before continuing, “Of course, cultivators are a different matter. But you…” His gaze softened slightly as he looked at her. “You’re just an ordinary person. That place is too dangerous for you.”

His tone carried a quiet firmness, making it clear that, at least for now, this was not something he was willing to compromise on.