Chapter 1191: The River God’s Bride 26

Although Bingtong only responded lightly, his heart was already filled with quiet delight. To him, Tang Wan’s actions meant trust—meant that being by his side made her feel safe and at ease. That alone was enough to make him feel an indescribable happiness.

“My lady, it’s getting late,” Bingtong said after a moment, his tone gentle. “Let’s go back first. The Demon Market will open tonight. If you still want to go, I can take you there.”

Tang Wan looked at him in surprise. “But didn’t you say humans can’t enter the Demon Market?”

Bingtong coughed lightly, as if trying to cover his earlier words. “Humans can’t… normally. But I am the River God of this region. As long as you stay by my side and I cover you with my aura, it can temporarily conceal your human presence.”

Hearing this, Tang Wan’s face lit up instantly, her eyes curving with delight. “Really? Tongtong, you’re so good to me. I like you so much!”

Seeing her happiness, Bingtong couldn’t help but smile faintly. “As long as it’s something my lady wants… of course I’ll make it happen. Come, let’s go back first.”

“Mm,” Tang Wan nodded.

However, once they returned, Bingtong led her straight into the bedroom without any detour. Before she could even react, he began loosening his clothes in front of her with a completely serious expression.

Tang Wan blinked, her instincts immediately sounding an alarm. “Tongtong… what are you doing? Didn’t we already—” she paused briefly before continuing, “—yesterday?”

Bingtong looked at her earnestly, as though explaining something perfectly reasonable. “That was yesterday. If you want to enter the Demon Market safely, your aura must be fully covered by mine. Only then will other demons not notice anything unusual.”

As he spoke, he stepped closer, his expression entirely serious and without any trace of embarrassment.

Tang Wan stared at him, momentarily speechless. She could not help but suspect that there was… more than one motive behind his reasoning.

That night passed quietly.

When everything finally settled, Tang Wan lay there, her body feeling heavy with fatigue. For a moment, she even had the strange impression that the faint scent lingering around her had changed—it no longer felt sharp or unpleasant, but carried a subtle freshness instead.

At this time, Bingtong helped her sit up gently, his movements careful. “My lady, it’s time. The Demon Market is about to open,” he said softly.

Tang Wan shot him a look, her gaze carrying a trace of accusation. “Tongtong… did you do that on purpose?”

Every time she had tried to stop earlier, he had responded with complete seriousness, insisting that it was necessary to better conceal her presence.

Bingtong blinked innocently, his expression utterly sincere. “My lady, what are you talking about? I didn’t do anything on purpose.”

Tang Wan could only let out a quiet, helpless breath, deciding not to argue further. Instead, she silently resolved that when the time came, she would find a way to get even.

Soon, she changed into fresh clothes, though her strength had not fully returned. Bingtong supported her without hesitation, holding her carefully as they prepared to leave.

This time, he returned to his original form, leading her along with a few attendants deeper into the palace. After a while, they arrived at a winding corridor, at the end of which stood a dark, lacquered gate, exuding an unusual and mysterious aura.

“My lady,” Bingtong said softly, glancing at her, “if you’re tired, you can rest for a while. I’ll wake you when we arrive.”

“Mm,” Tang Wan murmured in response. The exhaustion from earlier lingered, and before long, she closed her eyes, allowing herself to drift into a light sleep as he carried her forward.