Author: hoenibean (Page 25 of 78)

Chapter 37

 

Si Lan unexpectedly met Hao Wei’s gaze and momentarily froze.

 

The deep sockets of the other’s eyes, coupled with the cold aloofness and nobility, made him seem unapproachable. At this moment, he appeared angry, lips tightly pursed, enhancing his frosty demeanor. Without his jade crown bound, his long hair was loosely held by a white jade ribbon. As the wind blew, the ribbon fluttered near his ears, swaying in front of him as if scratching at the heart, causing an itch.

 

Si Lan forgot to react for a moment, just silently gazing at him.

 

He had seen this face before in the illusion. So, back then, was it really Hao Wei who rescued him from the illusion?

 

“Do you know your crimes, Demon King Si Lan,” Hao Wei pronounced each word deliberately.

 

Si Lan snapped out of his reverie and instinctively asked, “What crimes?”

 

“One, you soaked Us in a wine jar. Two, your behavior was frivolous…” Hao Wei blushed suddenly as he continued.

 

Si Lan clicked his tongue; he didn’t recognize either accusation.

 

Firstly, he did indeed drink the little white dragon thinking it was a snake, but no one would connect that little white snake with the Divine Emperor Hao Wei.

 

Secondly, he carried the little white dragon in his arms and kissed its forehead, but only treated it as a pet without any malicious intent.

 

Moreover, when the little white dragon transformed into a human form, it looked similar in size to Xie Li. In his eyes, it was just a cute “little thing”. How could he have behaved frivolously towards a “little thing”?

 

After hesitating for a while, Si Lan asked first, “Your Majesty Hao Wei, why did you appear in the Demon Realm in such a disordered state?” This was the cause, which led to a series of consequences.

 

Hao Wei heard the word “you”, his face tightening subtly.

 

Was this demon lord trying to distance himself from him now?

 

“I subdued the Torch Snake in time and got injured, causing my disorderly state.”

 

Hao Wei felt that this demon lord wasn’t worth trusting, so he couldn’t tell him the real situation.

 

“That’s why, it was Your Majesty Hao Wei who first showed his childish form, so I mistakenly thought you were a little white snake soaking in wine. This can’t be blamed on me…” Si Lan deliberately emphasized the phrase “childish form”, paused, and continued, “Secondly, when have I ever behaved frivolously?”

 

Hao Wei’s expression darkened upon hearing this, thinking that this demon lord’s face was unexpectedly thick. After being disrespectful to him several times, he could still make such a “righteous” excuse.

 

Feeling displeased, he took a step forward, towering over Si Lan due to his height, looking down at him.

 

Si Lan suddenly felt the air thinning, enveloped by an invisible pressure.

 

“Do you need me to help you remember?” Hao Wei said.

 

He kissed his forehead, pulled his tail, rubbed his dragon horn… these things were all done by him!

 

Si Lan met Hao Wei’s pitch-black eyes and involuntarily took a step back, wanting to move away from Hao Wei a bit, but there were small stones under his feet, causing him to stumble and almost fall.

 

Hao Wei immediately reached out and grabbed Si Lan’s hand, pulling him into his arms.

 

Si Lan fell heavily into his arms, his gaze falling on the slight movement of his Adam’s apple, looking up, coincidentally meeting Hao Wei’s lowered and cold face.

 

Si Lan’s face suddenly turned embarrassed, at a loss for words. “No… there’s no need to remember… I… I didn’t really disrespect Your Majesty. It’s just that I treated you like a little doll because I’ve always liked handsome little dolls. That’s why I accidentally offended you.” He changed his tune because he recalled a few occasions when he had indeed gone too far.

 

Hao Wei’s brow twitched slightly, seeming somewhat pleased. “Oh, would you say such things to every handsome little doll?”

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

It used to be so joyful to tease others, but now he felt so embarrassed.

 

Clearly, the other could pretend not to know anything, but he had to bring it up like this.

 

He couldn’t help but sigh in his heart, trying his best to look sincere on his face. “When I said that day, it was because…”

 

He had just said these words when he saw Qu Ze casting a spell and also arriving at the top of the mountain. He hurriedly left Hao Wei’s arms and distanced himself from Hao Wei.

 

“Respect!” Qu Ze yelled anxiously.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

Qu Ze’s gaze swept across Hao Wei, showing surprise, but he didn’t say anything, and his expression was serious as he walked toward Si Lan. “Song has a problem.”

 

Si Lan saw Qu Ze’s expression and immediately realized it wasn’t a simple matter. He immediately cast a spell and jumped down the mountain peak, seeing Song also lying in Song Cheng’s arms.

 

At this moment, Song Cheng’s arm was gently trembling, holding Song’s child tightly, and the petals of the lips murmured, “Song…”

 

Song’s face turned pale, but he smiled hard, a look of nonchalance. “Brother, don’t cry, I don’t feel pain.”

 

Si Lan walked over and lifted the clothes of Song, and he found that there was a large bowl of clothes in the lower abdomen of Song.

 

On this road, he has not noticed the blood of the body of Song, and he realized that Song has been hidden by him.

 

“Mm.” Song Ye nodded weakly, seeming afraid that Si Lan would blame him for not reporting sooner, he quickly added, “Your Majesty, it’s no use. If I tell you, it will only burden you with healing me, causing you to lose your cultivation for nothing and delaying everyone’s progress.”

 

Si Lan chuckled in frustration, “Why haven’t I seen you so considerate on ordinary days?”

 

Song Ye weakly smiled again. In the final stage of his life, he wanted to take a good look at his brother. He then looked at Song Cheng’s face and reached out with his hand, fingertips still stained with blood, slowly touching Song Cheng’s face.

 

Song Cheng’s eyes reddened, watching Song Ye’s weakening breath, his voice trembling, “Song Ye, it’s better not to let me catch you lying again.”

 

Song Ye smiled and buried his head in Song Cheng’s arms.

 

In fact, after so many years, his brother still loved him very much, but only showed it when he was in danger.

 

As his hand was about to drop, Song Cheng suddenly grasped it tightly and placed it on his face. At that moment, all the suppressed emotions in Song Cheng’s heart burst out.

 

“Song Ye, as long as you survive, in the future… I’ll listen to you.”

 

Song Ye thought hazily, that would be wonderful; from now on, his brother would listen to him.

 

The first thing he wanted was to make his brother stop being so stern with him and to smile more often.

 

The second thing was to make his brother replace his dear ones with him.

 

The third thing…

 

Song Ye’s spirit was declining, and he could no longer even indulge in such fantasies, relying solely on his last bit of strength.

 

But he still had a knot in his heart to resolve before passing away, without it, he would not be willing to enter the netherworld.

 

“Brother…” Song Ye suddenly coughed up blood, and the wound on his body began to bleed even more heavily. “I want to know why you dislike me.”

 

His brother was gentle with everyone but had a barrier between them, always keeping his distance.

 

Even when they had not yet transformed, they were intertwined like twin vines, inseparable. They endured through the seasons, through storms and lightning, helping each other to cultivate into human form.

 

Why did things change later?

 

Song Ye really didn’t know what he had done wrong.

 

The tears that had been restrained in Song Cheng’s eyes quietly fell after hearing this, “Song Ye, I’m… I’m sorry, it’s me… I didn’t want to taint you.”

 

“Enough.” Si Lan tightened his facial lines, interrupting their conversation, and took out a pill from his storage bag. Although the pill couldn’t bring back the dead, it could help Song Ye hold on for a while longer.

 

As long as he was alive, there would always be a way.

 

“Your Majesty, don’t waste time on me…”

 

Si Lan ignored him, removing the core of the pill with a spell and stuffing it into Song Ye’s mouth.

 

“You wanted to know what the conflict between you and Song Cheng is about? Then hold on, and when the time comes, let Song Cheng tell you privately.”

 

Upon hearing this, Song Ye couldn’t help but vomit blood. Even on the brink of death, he couldn’t help but feel jealous, “How come even Your Majesty knows why my brother hates me, but I don’t?”

 

“…” Si Lan was speechless, amazed by his train of thought even at this moment.

 

As a person on the verge of death, he still cared about this.

 

Song Cheng and Song Ye are two demon creatures cultivated from two purple vines, and the roots are the basis of life. Da Yong crushed Song Ye’s demon core, causing Song Ye to lose many years of cultivation and destroying the roots of his body.

 

Now, unless Song Ye’s roots can be restored, it will be difficult to save him.

 

The Demon Realm, Mount Zhuyun.

 

After Si Lan brought Song Ye back, he issued decrees across the Six Realms, seeking various divine doctors to save Song Ye. However, every expert who examined him declared there was no cure. If they had discovered it earlier, Song Ye might have been able to reclaim his life, but now it was too late.

 

Si Lan suspected that Song Ye was determined to die, intentionally concealing the severity of his injuries. Perhaps he was so fixated on gaining Song Cheng’s affection that he was willing to sacrifice his life.

 

Although Si Lan knew the root of the discord between the two, it was their private matter, and he didn’t want to embarrass Song Cheng, so he refrained from intervening.

 

Initially, when he infiltrated Elder Qilao’s residence in Chushanjun, he encountered Song Cheng in a secret chamber. Song Cheng lay on a white jade platform, covered in wounds so extensive that hardly a patch of clean skin could be seen. Seeing a stranger suddenly appear, Song Cheng’s face flushed with shame and embarrassment. He struggled to cover himself, but there were no clothes in the chamber.

 

Si Lan took off his coat and dr4p3d it over Song Cheng, gently reassuring him, “Chushanjun has been dealt with by me.”

 

Song Cheng trembled slightly and looked up at Si Lan, tears welling in his eyes but not falling. He only mentioned that he had a younger brother, Song Ye.

 

When Si Lan found Song Ye, he noticed that Song Ye was in much better condition than Song Cheng. Song Ye was well cared for but harbored deep dissatisfaction with Chushanjun for favoring his brother and teaching him secret techniques exclusively. Thus, Song Ye remained indifferent to Si Lan killing Chushanjun.

 

Later, Song Cheng insisted on staying under Si Lan’s wing, and Song Ye followed suit to work for him.

 

These brothers clearly cherished each other deeply, considering each other more important than their own lives, yet they couldn’t openly communicate their feelings.

 

Si Lan locked himself in his study, scouring medical texts, determined not to give up on curing Song Ye. Despite Song Ye’s often sarcastic remarks and disrespectful tone towards him, Si Lan knew he was a fundamentally good person who had helped him resolve many difficult matters in the Demon Realm.

 

Moreover, if something were to happen to Song Ye, Song Cheng might not survive it either.

 

He couldn’t stand idly by.

 

For a day and night, Si Lan searched through piles of medical books in his study but found no clues. Frustrated, he pushed the mountain of books off the table.

 

Was there truly no method to bring back the dead?

 

In this world, with countless secret arts, there was not one that could save Song Ye!

 

Si Lan slumped amidst the scattered medical books, his jade crown discarded on the floor, his black hair hanging loosely around his waist. His eyes and brows betrayed exhaustion and despair. He couldn’t bring himself to face Song Ye now, unable to bear witnessing Song Ye’s life slipping away bit by bit.

 

He rested his head in his hands, sighing softly.

 

　　Haowei pushed the door open, stepping in one careful stride at a time. Moonlight spilled over his back, casting a long shadow. Looking down at Si Lan seated on the ground, he asked in a solemn tone, “Do you truly wish to save him?”

 

　　”Yes.”

 

　　”Even if it means sacrificing your own cultivation?”

 

　　Si Lan lifted his head in surprise at this question. “Do you have a way?” Otherwise, Haowei wouldn’t have asked such a thing.

 

　　”Using your blood to nourish the Purple Lotus root can achieve resurrection.”

 

　　Si Lan stood up, stepping forward with a furrowed brow. “Are you not deceiving me?”

 

　　”No.”

 

　　”How… could my blood have such an effect?”

 

　　Haowei’s eyes flickered slightly, but his expression remained unchanged. “Have you ever considered that your true origin might not be ordinary?”

 

　　”What do you mean?”

 

　　Haowei didn’t directly answer, turning away and walking step by step towards the eaves of the corridor. “Have you heard that the Yujia gives birth to the Feilong, the Feilong gives birth to the Phoenix, the Phoenix gives birth to the Luan, and the Luan gives birth to the common bird? All feathered creatures originate from the common bird.”

 

　　Why did he cherish Si Lan’s blood so much?

 

　　Why did Si Lan’s mother insist on hiding his “ordinary bird” origin?

 

　　It was because Si Lan’s true form was Yujia.

 

　　Yuwudao had just informed him through divine consciousness about Si Lan’s true form and everything about Luo Hui.

 

　　He had never imagined that this Demon Lord, who seemed so limitless and vast, had experienced so much.

 

　　”Yujia…” Si Lan had heard of this mythical story before; Yujia was the ancestor of ancient flying creatures like the Dragon and Phoenix. However, such species had long been extinct in ancient times, leading later generations to believe Yujia was merely a mythical species and not real.

 

　　”Can Yujia also save Song?”

 

　　Haowei glanced at Si Lan from the side, his gaze deep and causing Si Lan’s heart to skip a beat.

 

　　”Yes, you are the last Yujia in this world.”

 

　　”…” Si Lan.

 

　　This revelation was more terrifying than when he had discovered he had turned into a sticky egg!

 

　　It was even more shocking than discovering he was the reincarnation of Jun Li!

 

　　How could he be the last Yujia in the world? That species only existed in ancient texts!

 

　　He stared unbelievably at Haowei, who appeared serious and not joking at all. Suddenly, he fell into silence, lowering his head as his thoughts drifted far away.

 

　　Haowei said nothing, standing quietly opposite him.

 

　　The night wind swept in, pulling at their figures.

 

　　On the eaves, two lanterns gently swayed, casting a dim light between them.

 

　　After a while, Si Lan sighed softly and said, “Since I’m not an ordinary bird, does that mean I can eat roast chicken in the future?”

 

　　God knows how he had survived these thousand years, forced to bid farewell to his beloved chicken wings, drumsticks, and thighs, simply because he had turned into a chicken and could no longer look at any chicken-made dishes.

 

　　”…” Haowei.

 

　　Haowei seemed speechless, his lips twitching slightly.

 

　　He probably didn’t expect that Si Lan’s first concern would be whether he could eat roast chicken in the future.

 

　　Truly, he was so carefree.

 

　　”The reason Yujia became extinct is because its flesh grants immortality, its blood brings the dead back to life, and its bones are divine treasures. Therefore, it became not only a coveted supplement among beasts but also a weapon coveted by all beasts.”

 

Upon hearing this, Si Lan suddenly understood his mother’s intentions. He had always thought she disdained him for being an ordinary bird, feeling ashamed of him, but now he realized she had been protecting him all along.

 

Even at the last moments of her life, she was paving the way for him…

 

The melancholy that had arisen because of the Great Gorge gradually subsided, only to be stirred up again now. Si Lan smiled wryly, turned to gaze at the sky, not wanting Haowei to see him in this state.

 

“So my blood can save Song?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Are you really sure I’m Yujia?” Si Lan was uncertain, unable to resist seeking confirmation once more. He had thought achieving the position of Demon Lord meant the end of everything, only to discover it was just the beginning.

 

There were still so many secrets in his life left to uncover.

 

“Yes, but if you save Song, you may lose a significant portion of your cultivation, or even…”

 

Before Haowei could finish, Si Lan interrupted, “Forget it. Since this is the only way, I cannot stand by and watch without trying.”

 

With that said, Si Lan went to find Song.

 

He displayed a heroic and resolute appearance.

 

Haowei followed behind him, his gaze fixed on Si Lan’s neck, his brow deeply furrowed.

 

—

 

At this moment, Song lay against Song Cheng, his face pallid, his eyes empty, barely clinging to life. When he saw Si Lan appear, he could only weakly move his eyes.

 

Si Lan dared not delay any longer. Casting his spell, he revealed Song’s true form. A massive Purple Wisteria instantly pierced through the roof, its roots, stems, and leaves spreading out in all directions.

 

The roots of the Purple Wisteria had nearly been consumed by the demonic energy of the Great Gorge, its branches withering and yellowing, almost lifeless.

 

Si Lan tentatively opened his palm, a drop of blood dripping onto the roots of the Purple Wisteria. Slowly seeping in, the area nourished by the blood gradually turned a pale blue, restoring its original appearance.

 

Beside him, Song Cheng watched in astonishment.

 

The Lord’s blood had such miraculous effects!

 

Seeing that his blood was indeed effective, Si Lan continued to bleed to save Song. The branches and leaves of the Purple Wisteria trembled slightly, as if Song wanted to stop him.

 

Si Lan smiled, “It’s alright, I’m just bleeding a little. As long as you don’t speak to me with such resentment in the future, that’ll be repayment enough for me.”

 

“…” Song Cheng.

 

Si Lan felt his blood flow continuously, and the roots of Song’s stem were recovering at a rapid pace. The previously withered leaves gradually regained their luster, gently swaying.

 

Si Lan, due to excessive blood loss, had a pale face with no hint of color in his lips. His head felt dizzy, vision darkening, and just as he was about to collapse, a hand caught him in time.

 

“If you continue to lose blood, you’ll be in danger,” Haowei frowned.

 

Haowei was not just giving blood but also expending his own cultivation.

 

“It’s okay, just a little more to go,” Si Lan regretted not having eaten something to replenish his blood before. Now he was feeling dizzy, resting his head against Haowei’s waist.

 

The world around him was already pitch black, making it almost impossible to see anything.

 

“Alright,” Haowei noticed Si Lan’s breathing slowing down, involuntarily saying, “Si Lan, he’s already better. You don’t need to keep giving him blood.”

 

Si Lan didn’t respond, having fallen into unconsciousness. Haowei saw this and used his magic to stop the bleeding. Afterward, he picked Si Lan up and laid him on the bed.

 

Maybe due to excessive blood loss, or perhaps it was Haowei’s psychological reaction, but Si Lan appeared much thinner now. He looked fragile in his flowing blue robes, the black hair behind him making his face appear even paler.

 

Haowei couldn’t help but murmur softly, “Foolish.”

 

Truly foolish.

 

How could someone like him resemble a Demon Lord?

 

A Demon Lord should be a menace to the world, cruel and ruthless by nature, right?

 

The more time he spent with him, the more Haowei felt his own soul was being “purified.”

 

Si Lan was uncomfortable, his brow furrowed even in unconsciousness, his breath occasionally heavy or light.

 

Haowei reached out to sense his spiritual aura, finding his internal energy in disarray. He transferred some spiritual power to help stabilize him.

 

But even this could only stabilize his energy. His cultivation had suffered significantly, to the point where he could no longer maintain his human form. His body was slowly changing; the loose blue robe quietly revealed several colorful feathers.

 

Even his arms gradually turned into brown feathers. When Haowei looked at his face again, he had quietly transformed into a bird-like creature.

 

This was the first time Haowei had seen Si Lan’s true form, and it was different from what he had imagined.

 

At first glance, Si Lan’s true form indeed resembled an ordinary bird, but upon closer inspection, there were differences. Such as his overall brown feathers, exceptionally vibrant tail wings, and a green feather in the middle of his brow. 

 

There were two protuberances on his forehead that resembled horns, which likely evolved from dragon horns.

 

Behind Si Lan were also a pair of dazzling golden phoenix wings. At this moment, these phoenix wings had shrunk and adhered to Si Lan’s own wings like two golden ingots.

 

Song Cheng saw Si Lan transform into his true form, surprised and anxious at the same time. “Your Majesty, are you alright?”

 

“There’s no immediate danger to my life.”

 

However, his cultivation loss was significant, and recovery might not be so straightforward.

 

Thinking this, Haowei transferred some cultivation to Si Lan again, helping him rest peacefully.

 

When a Demon Lord does a good deed, he ends up giving away his heart.

 

Tsk tsk.

 

Song Cheng opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but in the end, he held back and glanced at Haowei.

 

The person in front of him had taken off his hat, revealing an unusually handsome face. He had a clean aura, but Song Cheng couldn’t sense his cultivation level.

 

Is this person from the Yuqing Palace of the Nine Heavens?

 

Suddenly, the wisteria vine beside him flapped its roots, and Song Cheng turned to look at Song Ye in alarm. “Song Ye, how are you?”

 

Song Ye buried his roots in the soil, his injuries not yet fully healed, but at least his life was saved.

 

Not hearing Song Ye’s reply, Song Cheng approached him to check his injuries. However, at that moment, Song Ye suddenly extended two sections of roots, encircling Song Cheng’s waist and slowly lifting him into the air.

 

Afterward, countless leaves surged towards Song Cheng, brushing against him.

 

Embarrassed by the touch of the leaves, Song Cheng’s face turned red. He pushed away the leaves, intending to cast a spell to move away from Song Ye. Suddenly, he heard Song Ye’s voice in his mind.

 

“Brother, you promised that as long as I could survive, you would depend on me for everything.”

 

“…” Song Cheng.

 

Song Cheng felt trapped, his jaw tense. “Don’t push it too far.”

 

“I’m not pushing it, I just want to quietly hold my big brother for a while.” With that, the leaves stuck all over Song Cheng, causing him great embarrassment, his brows furrowed.

 

Suddenly, laughter came from the middle of the leaves, making Song Cheng even more embarrassed.

 

“Big brother, can you accompany me in your true form?”

 

Unable to resist Song Cheng’s coaxing, Song Cheng fell silent for a moment before revealing his true form. However, as soon as Song Cheng revealed himself, Song Cheng’s vines intertwined tightly around him like small snakes. They were so tangled together that it was hard to tell who was who for a while.

 

“…” Song Cheng.

 

Expecting Song Cheng to get angry, Song Cheng preempted, “Big brother, I’m tired. I want to rest for a while.”

 

Hearing this, Song Cheng didn’t say anything more.

 

—

 

Due to excessive blood loss and damage to his cultivation, Si Lan slept deeply. When he woke up, he saw a protruding throat, and as he looked up, he saw Haowei’s tense jawline.

 

Si Lan suddenly realized he was lying in Haowei’s arms and quickly sat up, only to find that his body had changed.

 

Seeing the familiar brown feathers and the wings fluttering involuntarily, his pupils dilated!

 

How could this happen?

 

How did he reveal his true form?!

 

He tried to use magic to conceal his true form, but found that he couldn’t maintain his human form at all. In no time, he was forced back into his chicken-like appearance, flapping his wings in panic.

 

If he was found in this state by someone evil, it would likely cause chaos in the Demon Realm!

 

Although Haowei said he was the last Yujia in the world, not a wild chicken, precisely because he was the last one, there was simply no way to prove his true identity to outsiders.

 

Before he could completely convince others, he had to hide.

 

He tried another spell and turned back into a human form, his whole body pale.

 

Seeing this, he hurriedly reached for the clothes beside him, but just as he crossed halfway, Haowei opened his eyes, and their eyes met.

 

After that, Haowei’s gaze subconsciously looked down, and his ears suddenly turned weirdly red.

 

Si Lan hastily grabbed the clothes and fumbled to put them on. But unexpectedly, he suddenly turned back into his chicken-like form, and the clothes quietly slipped off.

 

A brown-feathered “chicken” stood there in confusion, its two little claws just stepping on Haowei’s abdomen.

---

Author’s Note: Yujia gives birth to flying dragons, flying dragons give birth to phoenixes, phoenixes give birth to luan birds, and luan birds give birth to common birds. All feathered creatures are born from common birds, excerpted from “The record of memories – Discourses on the Fall of Forms”.

---

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

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How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

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Chapter 36

 

Si Lan looked up at Hao Wei. As if reading each other’s minds, Hao Wei continued, “There’s indeed something peculiar about this matter.”

 

“Should we head to Mount Dayong later?”

 

“Mm.”

 

But before going to Mount Dayong, they needed to seal Dayong first.

 

Si Lan cast the Broken Corpse Technique, sealing the strand of obsession with Dayong’s essence together, then buried them underground along with the Altar of Conversion that sealed Dayong’s demonic core.

 

Suddenly, the flat ground rose swiftly under the influence of the formation, forming a new Mount Dayong.

 

All things return to dust, earth to earth.

 

The sun had risen unnoticed in the sky, and a beam of golden light filtered through the leaves, gently falling upon everyone.

 

Peace and beauty had returned to this world once more.

 

In a corner, the obsession of Tao Yuan gradually faded. He and Pei Jia walked up to Si Lan, bowing in gratitude.

 

“Divine Doctor Si, thank you. Without you, Yu Jin might have made a grave mistake.”

 

Pei Yu heard this and smiled awkwardly, his gaze shifting to Tao Yuan with tender sincerity. Though the person beside him was merely a trace of ephemeral obsession, he continued to hold onto his elbow.

 

Si Lan watched this pair of devoted lovers with mixed feelings. They hadn’t been able to be together in life, but now they could accompany each other even in death.

 

In the next life, let them continue their marriage.

 

He conjured ink and paper out of thin air, wrote a message, and handed it to Pei Yu. “Pei Yu, deliver this note to the Underworld King Xue Rong. He owes me a favor and should help arrange for you and Tao Yuan to be together in the next life.”

 

Upon hearing this, Tao Yuan and Pei Yu’s faces lit up with joy once again as they bowed in thanks to Si Lan.

 

Afterward, Tao Yuan’s obsession gradually dissipated, and Pei Yu’s soul left his physical body, following the guide of the Underworld to depart.

 

Having completed everything, Si Lan sighed softly.

 

He turned around to bid everyone farewell, but noticed Xiao Xie squatting at the foot of the mountain, murmuring to himself towards Dayong, “Hey, even transparent obsessions have mothers. Why don’t I have anything? Can’t there be a big jade pendant spirit giving birth to a little jade pendant spirit?”

 

Si Lan paused at the sound, his expression freezing for a moment.

 

His two young disciples, like him, had thin ties with their parents. Si Lan was slightly luckier, having grown up under his mother’s care, though his relationship with his father, while not close, existed.

 

His two young disciples, however, had never seen their parents, not even knowing who they were. Although they hadn’t shown any longing or curiosity for their parents, perhaps deep down, they envied children from other families who had parental companionship.

 

Xie Li took out a candy from his pocket and buried it in the soil. “Your mother gave me a candy, so I’m giving you one too.”

 

Si Lan walked up to Xie Li, embodying the saying ‘a day as a teacher, a lifetime as a father.’

 

He was indeed like a father figure to Xie Li now. Thinking this, he extended a hand with a gentle smile, intending to pat Xie Li’s head, but heard Xie Li mutter something after burying the candy.

 

“It’s not that I’m stingy, giving you only one candy. Our lord is just too frugal, only giving me a little each time. Otherwise, I would bury more candies for you.”

 

Si Lan’s hand paused in midair, his fatherly smile freezing. Perhaps more important than paternal affection was making Xie Li feel his father’s authority.

 

He lightly tapped Xie Li’s head and said with a serious tone, “Always eating candies, haven’t you noticed another cavity in your tooth?”

 

“Ah…” Xie Li panicked, quickly covering his cheek and using his tongue to feel around his teeth, searching for the cavity. When he couldn’t find it, he looked up with his delicate brows furrowed, speaking softly, “Lord, you tricked me. I only have one cavity.”

 

Si Lan chuckled helplessly, straightening Xie Li’s collar and brushing off the dust from his clothes, unable to resist pinching his tender cheek.

 

So adorable.

 

To think that from the eccentric and mad Bianduan and Jiuying, they could produce such a cute little thing.

 

It seemed genetic traits could mutate.

 

Haowei’s cold voice interrupted their interaction. “Are we still going to Dayong Mountain?”

 

“We are.” Si Lan let go of Xie Li. “But before that, I intend to visit an old friend.”

 

At Haowei’s question, he raised an eyebrow, curious how Si Lan still had old friends in the mortal realm.

 

Si Lan smiled awkwardly. “It’s an old friend from the fourth era.”

 

He wondered how Lanlan was doing after the mortal calamity. When he was near the general’s mansion earlier, he sensed Lanlan’s presence nearby and now planned to visit her.

 

“Chongwei, will you come with me or go to Dayong Mountain first?” Si Lan hesitated, polite not to waste Chongwei’s time nor to leave him behind abruptly.

 

Haowei pursed his lips, silent for a moment before saying, “Time is precious. You go ahead.”

 

Si Lan’s lips curved slightly. “Okay.”

 

Song Cheng and Song Er also joined them for the journey.

 

—

 

After the curse of Dayong was lifted, the world almost instantly fell into a deep slumber, serene and quiet, devoid of any sound.

 

In a small alley, several stray dogs lay sleeping lazily at the door, while wild cats made their home on the fence. Such peaceful times were almost unprecedented.

 

Si Lan walked to the deepest part of the alley, where a house stood. Clusters of golden honeysuckles peeked over the fence, swaying gently.

 

Lanlan of the third era was originally the honeysuckle flower demon.

 

Back then, to please Lanlan, he had planted honeysuckles all over Zhuyun Peak.

 

Si Lan pushed open the fence gate. The others stayed outside, giving him and Lanlan space to catch up.

 

The courtyard was neat and tidy, with a few aquatic plants in a water basin. Several windows were patched, revealing faint glimpses of the interior.

 

The house looked ordinary, even somewhat poor, yet exuded a strangely cozy atmosphere.

 

From inside the room came Lanlan’s tired voice, “Who’s there? How dare you come in without knocking…”

 

Si Lan paused at her words, tapping the fence gate. “It’s me.”

 

Instantly, the room fell into silence, then footsteps sounded. Lanlan, likely due to fatigue, held onto the door handle, barely keeping her eyes open.

 

“Is it really you… Si Lan…” After clearly seeing Si Lan’s face, Lanlan tried to smile, but with her dark circles, it looked more frightening than tearful.

 

Si Lan quickly cast a spell to stabilize her.

 

Not knowing what was coming back to her, she covered her eyes and said breathlessly, “Am I hallucinating from exhaustion?”

 

“It’s really me.”

 

“Are you… are you here to ask me to marry you again? Let me tell you, I won’t be bewitched by you again in this life.” After speaking, Lanlan seemed unsure and turned her back to Si Lan.

 

In the previous three lives, she had married Si Lan out of greed for his body.

 

This life, before reincarnating, she had placed something for the underworld, guiding others, to retain her memories and avoid the fate of being struck by lightning in the fourth life.

 

She also found her true love from the first life, who had died early, married him again, and had a daughter, living a good life.

 

Seeing Lanlan’s defensive posture, Si Lan felt a slight pang in his heart; she was so reluctant to accept him.

 

But he always felt guilty towards Lanlan, so he said, “I came here just to make sure you’re alright. Since you’re fine, I’ll leave now.”

“Wait…” Lanlan called out to Si Lan, hesitated for a moment, then spoke, “After recovering my memories from the third lifetime, I realized something about our first lifetime. I lied to you. Actually, the person who truly saved you back then wasn’t me, but someone else.”

This lifetime, Lanlan suddenly understood why every time she married Si Lan, calamity struck. It was because she had seized a marriage that didn’t belong to her and incurred divine punishment.

Originally, she didn’t dare face her own mistakes, always trying to cover them up. But after having a child, she wanted to pray for their well-being, so she decided to confess everything.

Si Lan froze upon hearing this. Wasn’t it Lanlan who saved him?

Back then, he was lured into the Soul Devouring Array by Lord Chushan, severely injured, with his three souls and seven spirits nearly shattered, almost unable to maintain his human form.

He couldn’t reveal his true form in front of Lord Chu Shan, so he endured the pain and escaped the formation, fleeing all the way to the human realm. Unable to hold on any longer, he finally revealed his chicken form and fell into a lake.

 

When he woke up again, he found himself lying on Lan Lan’s chopping board.

 

Due to his severe injuries, after transforming back into human form, he fell unconscious again and remained so for over three months before waking up.

 

Later, as his cultivation gradually recovered, he felt grateful to Lan Lan and allowed Lan Lan to make a request, leading to the entanglements of their three lives.

 

“It wasn’t you who picked me up from the lake, then who was it?”

 

That was a long time ago, and Lan Lan couldn’t quite remember clearly. “It was a man. He was carrying you, all wet, from the lake shore. I thought you were our chicken, so I told that man you belonged to our family. He stayed silent for a moment and then gave you to me.”

 

“… Si Lan.”

 

He hadn’t expected that besides Lan Lan, someone else had saved him. If that person hadn’t pulled him out of the lake, he would have died long ago.

 

But now, after several hundred years, he wanted to repay the kindness, yet he couldn’t find the person anymore.

 

Although that person might have picked him up from the lake initially to eat him, objectively speaking, it was because of him that he didn’t drown.

 

“Do you remember what that person looked like? What was his name?”

 

“He was quite handsome, but he wasn’t from our village. I heard he stayed briefly in the village to seek refuge or something. His name was… Chong… Chong Ying, I think.”

 

Si Lan was thunderstruck, finding it hard to believe. “What? Chong Ying?”

 

“Yeah, Chong Ying.” Lan Lan muttered sleepily, “That’s all I know. I’m going to sleep now.”

 

Si Lan stood there, his expression shifting from shock to bewilderment, slowly digesting Lan Lan’s words.

 

Was the Chong Ying from Lan Lan’s memory the same person as the Chong Ying beside him now?

 

Or was it just a coincidence?

 

Had they met hundreds of years ago?

 

Countless thoughts rushed into his mind, leaving him confused and disoriented, feeling like his mind had been knocked senseless.

 

How could this be?

 

—

 

Outside the fence, Hao Wei stood tall and imposing in black attire. His black veil fluttered in the wind, partially concealing his face. Though his features were indistinct, his remarkable temperament still shone through, uniquely charismatic and peerlessly handsome.

 

He remained silent, while Qu Ze and the Song brothers were also taciturn. Only Xie Li kept murmuring non-stop.

 

Xie Li was quite talkative, holding Qu Ze’s hand, acting coquettishly for a while before turning to pester Song Cheng. Song Cheng gently stroked Xie Li’s forehead. Song Ye, on the other hand, had a pale face, clutching his fists and showing little interest in Xie Li’s antics.

 

Xie Li timidly approached Haowei.

 

Haowei looked down at Xie Li, this little jade pendant, barely reaching his thigh, looking soft and delicate like a fair-skinned zongzi.

 

Boldly, Xie Li tugged at Haowei’s clothes, gesturing for him to lean down.

 

Haowei frowned slightly, bending down to hear what this little jade pendant wanted to say.

 

“Actually, I know your identity…” Xie Li blinked innocently, grinning.

 

Haowei froze at the revelation, lifting his eyebrows in a stern gaze.

 

What did this little jade pendant mean?

 

Could he have figured out his true identity as the Heavenly Emperor?

 

With his current cultivation level, how could that be possible?

 

Xie Li tiptoed and added, “You’re the little white dragon, aren’t you?”

 

“…” Haowei.

 

Haowei breathed a sigh of relief inwardly. Thankfully, this little jade pendant hadn’t realized his true identity.

 

“Why do you say that?” Haowei didn’t deny or confirm Xie Li’s statement, lowering his voice to ask.

 

Xie Li grinned mischievously, “Because you have a faint smell of wine on you, just like the wine from His Majesty’s cellar. It’s the same as the smell on the little white dragon.”

 

“…” Haowei.

 

Haowei’s expression cracked bit by bit. A smell of wine…

 

How come he hadn’t noticed any wine smell on himself?

 

Could it be that after being soaked in the wine cellar, he couldn’t smell it himself, but others could when they approached?

 

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell His Majesty. I don’t think you’re a bad person,” Xie Li said earnestly. Despite the stern demeanor of the man before him, Xie Li felt a fondness for him, knowing he was destined to be the Demon King of the future demon realm.

 

At this moment, Haowei couldn’t find words. His brow furrowed deeply. He hadn’t expected to make such a foolish mistake.

 

Even a little jade spirit that looked about five or six years old could smell the wine on him and associate him with the Little White Dragon. Then what about Si Lan?

 

During this time, they had been together constantly, even having physical contact…

 

The more Haowei thought, the more embarrassed he felt, like realizing he had forgotten to wear clothes when he thought he was dressed beautifully for an outing.

 

He was completely exposed.

 

Now he had a feeling of being played for a fool. He recalled when they fell down the slope earlier, his veil suddenly tearing open. Si Lan immediately closed his eyes and reminded him to secure his veil.

 

Now he realized, perhaps this person wasn’t being careless or easily deceived at all. Instead, he simply didn’t care.

 

This indifference stemmed from already knowing everything, seeing through everything.

 

He had been pretending to be clueless and foolish, playing along with him.

 

Could it be… from his cultivation, demeanor, and actions, Si Lan had already guessed that he was the Heavenly Emperor, Haowei himself?!

 

Thinking this, Haowei’s mood fluctuated. With a stern gaze, he looked towards the fence.

 

Si Lan didn’t know what he had said to the woman. When he pushed open the door and came out, his expression was somewhat dazed. Subconsciously, he looked towards Haowei’s direction.

 

Could it be that after being soaked in the wine cellar, he couldn’t smell it himself, but others could when they approached?

 

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell His Majesty. I don’t think you’re a bad person,” Xie Li said earnestly. Despite the stern demeanor of the man before him, Xie Li felt a fondness for him, knowing he was destined to be the Demon King of the future demon realm.

 

At this moment, Haowei couldn’t find words. His brow furrowed deeply. He hadn’t expected to make such a foolish mistake.

 

Even a little jade spirit that looked about five or six years old could smell the wine on him and associate him with the Little White Dragon. Then what about Si Lan?

 

During this time, they had been together constantly, even having physical contact…

 

The more Haowei thought, the more embarrassed he felt, like realizing he had forgotten to wear clothes when he thought he was dressed beautifully for an outing.

 

He was completely exposed.

 

Now he had a feeling of being played for a fool. He recalled when they fell down the slope earlier, his veil suddenly tearing open. Si Lan immediately closed his eyes and reminded him to secure his veil.

 

Now he realized, perhaps this person wasn’t being careless or easily deceived at all. Instead, he simply didn’t care.

 

This indifference stemmed from already knowing everything, seeing through everything.

 

He had been pretending to be clueless and foolish, playing along with him.

 

Could it be… from his cultivation, demeanor, and actions, Si Lan had already guessed that he was the Heavenly Emperor, Haowei himself?!

 

Thinking this, Haowei’s mood fluctuated. With a stern gaze, he looked towards the fence.

 

Si Lan didn’t know what he had said to the woman. When he pushed open the door and came out, his expression was somewhat dazed. Subconsciously, he looked towards Haowei’s direction.

 

Their eyes met through a thin veil.

 

Each harbored their own thoughts.

 

Xie Li rushed to Si Lan’s side, curious. “Your Majesty, what did you talk about?”

 

Si Lan withdrew his gaze, poking Xie Li’s forehead. “It’s none of your business, little child.”

 

“Well, I’m not that young anymore. I’m already 72 years old,” Xie Li muttered.

 

Si Lan sighed and cast a spell to summon a cloud, carrying them towards Mount Dayong.

 

Perhaps still immersed in the shock Lan Lan had brought him, Si Lan didn’t know what to say to Haowei. He chatted with the Song brothers instead, asking about their detailed encounter on Mount Dayong.

 

Song Ye remained silent. Song Cheng glanced at him and calmly continued, “That day, I chased Song Ye to Mount Dayong. We ended up on the summit, and during our fight, we split the mountain peak. At that moment, a black demonic energy spread out. We realized it might have been Dayong, so we chased after it all the way into the human realm.”

 

Si Lan asked, “Did you notice any other anomalies nearby at that time?”

 

Song Cheng gently shook his head. His attention had been captivated by the playful Song Ye, so he hadn’t noticed the surroundings.

 

Song Ye added, “After Dayong emerged, it headed straight for the human realm and made a pact with General Pei. The process went unusually smoothly. I suspect the seal might have been undone long ago, but Dayong had been dormant for a hundred thousand years. Just undoing the seal wouldn’t have been enough to awaken it completely. To fully awaken Dayong, a strong resentment would be needed as a catalyst.”

 

Si Lan nodded, agreeing with this speculation.

 

As they conversed, they quietly arrived at Mount Dayong. The mountaintop had been split in half, forming a giant basin-shaped depression. It resembled an enlarged version of the Altar of Conversion.

 

The base of the altar was engraved with runes, densely packed. Perhaps residual effects of the formation were still present, keeping insects, birds, and animals away.

 

Haowei watched the runes on the Altar of Conversion, reaching out to touch them. In the next moment, the densely packed characters began to shimmer with a golden halo, floating in mid-air.

 

“Wow, Your Majesty, those words are moving!” Xie Li exclaimed in surprise, tugging at Si Lan’s sleeve.

 

Si Lan looked up at the characters with a solemn expression. The others also gazed intently at the sky.

 

The characters seemed to come alive, automatically forming a passage from a Buddhist scripture.

 

“In the forest, a disciple of the Buddha encountered a hungry tiger. The disciple cut flesh from his body to feed the tiger. This continued day after day until the disciple turned into white bones, while the tiger, having eaten the flesh, attained enlightenment.”

 

Was this small story from the Innocent Buddha Sutra hinting at something for the person who unlocked the curse?

 

What secrets lay hidden within?

 

Si Lan couldn’t fathom it despite reading the passage. He turned his gaze to Haowei standing opposite him. Just then, the scripture dissolved like sparks, scattering into tiny starlights floating between them.

 

Si Lan’s black eyes seemed to flicker with a faint light, his face as serene as jade, his gaze gentle.

 

Haowei glanced at Si Lan and then averted his gaze.

 

Si Lan also looked away, deciding he needed to find a reliable Buddhist practitioner to ask. Otherwise, as an outsider, he would never understand it.

 

He cast his spell upon the mountaintop and looked around.

 

This location marked the border between the Demon Realm and the Human Realm. Near the human side, the sky was calm with no clouds for miles, while near the demon side, dark clouds billowed and lightning crackled.

 

If he remembered correctly, the last place the Nine Infants were sealed was at the border between the Human Realm and the Celestial Realm.

 

Was all of this coincidence or had it been planned?

 

Deep in thought, Si Lan suddenly heard Haowei’s voice behind him, who had also cast a spell and followed him.

 

Haowei had been waiting for Si Lan to ask if he had found anything. Normally, when Si Lan was distracted, he would inquire. Today, however, after waiting for a long time without Si Lan asking anything, Haowei decided to come over himself.

 

Haowei: “Have you found any clues?”

 

Si Lan was startled by Haowei’s sudden voice and felt somewhat embarrassed and awkward. He turned around with a sheepish smile, “Um, nothing.”

 

Since realizing there might be a connection between them, Si Lan felt uncertain and couldn’t act as carefree and jokingly as before.

 

After a pause, Si Lan added, “What about you?”

 

Haowei shook his head. He hadn’t found anything suspicious either. The person deliberately left a scripture for them to see, perhaps to give them a clue since he feared they might find nothing.

 

It was clear the other party was confident, even arrogant.

 

Si Lan: “I suspect the person is the same one who unsealed the Nine Infants.”

 

“Mm.”

 

Both the demon and the monster bore the same black aura from that person. He had deliberately released them, but Haowei wondered why this person had gone to such lengths.

 

Haowei vaguely felt this conspiracy wasn’t simple and could potentially lead to a catastrophe across the entire Six Realms.

 

Si Lan furrowed his brow, thinking about a direct search. If they couldn’t find anything, they might as well try a more straightforward approach.

 

“I think we should list people capable of unsealing the Nine Infants and the Great Abyss according to their cultivation levels, then eliminate suspects one by one. I’ll handle the Demon Realm, you take care of the other five realms.”

 

After speaking, Haowei’s aura suddenly froze.

 

Si Lan also stiffened, realizing he had slipped up.

 

The air between them seemed to solidify instantly. Around them, there was an eerie silence, broken only by their awkward breathing, which seemed to echo in each other’s ears.

 

After a moment of silence, Haowei asked, “When did you figure it out?”

 

Si Lan lightly tapped his forehead, looking helpless. When he turned around, he reverted to his gentle and calm demeanor. “Um, I smelled the scent of alcohol on you and the young… uh, the young prince near General Pei’s mansion gate. That’s when I vaguely guessed your identity.”

 

In fact, he had discovered Haowei’s identity not only from the lingering smell of alcohol but also from other factors. He just didn’t intend to tell Haowei yet.

 

At this point, Haowei had no reason to conceal it either and his voice turned colder, “Oh, did you find out anything else?”

 

Si Lan pursed his lips. He couldn’t see the face hidden under Haowei’s veil, but he could feel the other’s subdued aura, indicating displeasure.

 

He hesitated, considering whether to feign ignorance and pretend he only knew this much. But in the next moment, he saw Haowei remove his veil, revealing a fair and handsome face.

---

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

 

Chapter 35

 

At this moment, Si Lan was maintaining the spell formation, focused and undistracted. Seeing the hands of Dayong about to grab him, a white sword qi cleaved through the old woman, shattering the malevolent aura into pieces.

 

Once the malevolent aura dispersed, Haowei, wearing his hood, descended calmly.

 

Haowei said nothing, standing beside Si Lan, casting spells to strengthen the formation. Soon, the formation gained the upper hand, enveloping the entire array and emitting a dazzling white light.

 

After the light faded, the black demonic barrier shrouding the sky vanished, and the rampant demonic energy on the ground dissipated, restoring order to the world.

 

Almost instantly, those who had been sleepless for three days fell into a deep slumber.

 

The entire world suddenly became unusually quiet and peaceful. The eerie sky returned to normal, with white clouds drifting and gentle breezes blowing.

 

Relieved, Si Lan turned to Haowei beside him. “Thank you.”

 

Haowei adjusted his hood slightly. “No need. I’m also here to deal with Dayong.”

 

Now that Dayong’s curse had been lifted and the crisis in the human realm averted, though Dayong had not been sealed yet.

 

Their next task was to lure Dayong out.

 

Si Lan opened the ancient book brought down from the Heavenly Court, searching for information about Dayong’s descent into malevolence.

 

In the 334th year of Zhongtian, from the Xiling tribe, Yong, exhausted and grief-stricken after losing his beloved son, in his despair, he tore at his hair and beat his head, punishing himself for his excessive sleep, eventually driving himself to death.

 

After death, consumed by grief for his son, Dayong transformed into a vengeful demon, devouring other demons, eventually becoming a celestial demon and bringing calamity upon the human realm. Those targeted by him had no cure and suffered to their deaths.

 

Now, to lure Dayong out, they could only target his son, but even if they found his son, they didn’t know how many reincarnations he had been through.

 

Could he still be considered her son?

 

Si Lan handed the record of Dayong to Haowei. “Dayong descended into a vengeful demon after losing his son, perpetrating the Dayong curse again. Even without Pei Jia, Dayong will likely unleash the curse once more.”

 

Haowei’s tone grew solemn. “Without sealing Dayong, it will return with a vengeance.”

 

“Perhaps…” Si Lan looked into the distance, pursing his lips. “It seems Dayong has already returned…”

 

As he spoke, the sky, which had just cleared, suddenly churned with dark clouds, thunder roared, and streams of malevolent energy gathered, taking the form of an old woman. Though faceless, she seemed shattered and aged, exuding a mad fury and despair that filled the air.

 

This was the true form of Dayong, the demonic entity itself. What Si Lan and Haowei had previously destroyed was merely a portion of Dayong’s malevolent aura.

 

Despite being sealed for over a hundred thousand years and cast with the Dayong curse across the human realm, his cultivation remained unfathomable.

 

“Why do you persist in obstructing me time and time again?” Dayong’s voice was hoarse and piercing, like scales scraping against tiles, sending chills down one’s spine.

 

Suddenly, from within the black mist emerged a grotesque demonic face, charging straight at Si Lan and Haowei.

 

Haowei immediately grabbed Si Lan’s arm, pulling him away. Si Lan swiftly chanted a spell, setting up barriers around to prevent collateral damage to mortals in case Dayong went berserk.

 

Haowei glanced at Si Lan. “Do you know how to seal Dayong?”

 

Si Lan nodded. “I do.”

 

Haowei raised an eyebrow, surprised that Si Lan had memorized it after just one read.

 

“I’ll start with the Extreme Sound Eight Trigrams Formation.” Si Lan finished speaking and in an instant, appeared above Dayong’s head. Just as Dayong was about to attack, Si Lan’s palms displayed the Yin-Yang Eight Trigrams pattern. The patterns struck Dayong head-on and quickly spread, enveloping the barriers, trapping Dayong inside.

 

Dayong is now like a headless fly, trapped within the array, constantly darting around. However, no matter how it darts and runs amidst countless illusions, it always ends up back where it started.

 

“Monsters arise from human desires, demons are born from the heart. To seal Dayong, we need someone to impersonate Dayong’s child, approach and seize its demonic heart, and place it in the conversion altar to seal the demon formation. Then, use the ‘breaking corpse’ technique to restrain its body,” Si Lan almost verbatim recited Tai Wei’s words.

 

“But the conversion altar was shattered when Dayong Mountain collapsed,” Si Lan finished speaking and saw Haowei conjure a delicate altar carved with lotus flowers, smiling. “Is this the conversion altar?”

 

“Mm.”

 

Si Lan didn’t question where Haowei got the conversion altar from, just as he never doubted Haowei before. He pondered, “When Dayong’s child was lost, he must have been a young child. If Chong Ying and Xie Li were here…”

 

“… Haowei.”

 

Seeing Dayong about to break out of the Jiyin Bagua Formation, Si Lan quickly transformed a child and sent him into the array.

 

In the illusion, a young child with tousled hair rubbed his eyes, sitting on a rock, calling for his mother. Dayong’s attention was indeed captivated by the child’s cries, and it followed the sound, finding the child sitting on a large stone.

 

“Mom… Mom, where are you…”

 

Dayong rushed excitedly towards the child in the illusion, reaching out to hold him. The child turned his face, tears streaking down, and threw himself into Dayong’s arms, crying for his mother.

 

“My child… Are you my child?”

 

The child didn’t reply, just sobbed as if deeply wronged.

 

Si Lan manipulated the child’s arm, slowly reaching towards Dayong’s demonic core. But as soon as the arm touched Dayong’s body, Dayong’s chilling voice rang out.

 

“You are not my son!”

 

Dayong suddenly cruelly crushed the child in the illusion, destroying the Jiyin Bagua Formation on the ground and bursting out forcibly.

 

“My child, my son, give me back my son…” Dayong roared madly to the sky, causing earthquakes and shaking mountains. It seemed to have gone mad, relentlessly pounding against the barrier.

 

Seeing this, Si Lan quickly transformed another even younger child and sent him in. Dayong only glanced at this child before expelling a burst of demonic energy, dispersing the child’s form.

 

“You killed my son and sent a fake one to deceive me. How could you be so cruel?” Though Dayong’s face couldn’t be seen clearly, the demonic mist formed a woman’s shape, revealing endless sorrow and despair from its contours.

 

Dayong said… You killed my son?

 

Was Dayong’s son actually killed by someone?

 

Not merely missing as recorded in ancient texts?

 

Watching Dayong’s frenzied state, Si Lan suddenly thought of Luo Hui. If he had been quietly taken from Luo Hui and killed, Luo Hui would also go mad like this…

 

His mood sank.

 

Breaking through the barrier, Dayong lost its sanity, believing Si Lan and Haowei killed its child, gathering all its demonic energy to attack them.

 

Haowei pulled Si Lan aside, wielding a long sword wrapped in white qi, transforming into a dragon and charging at Dayong’s demonic energy.

 

Si Lan immediately swung the Xuanxin Whip, attacking Dayong alongside the dragon. They used all their cultivation, breaking through Dayong’s true form.

 

The Xuanxin Whip moved like an extended hand, searching wildly inside Dayong’s true form, but couldn’t find its demonic heart.

 

How could this be?

 

“Is it necessary for it to see its son before it shows its demonic core?”

 

“Seems so,” Haowei’s tone was grave.

 

Even though they could subdue Dayong together, they couldn’t kill it or find its demonic core. Therefore, they needed to find a fake son to deceive Dayong into revealing its demonic core.

 

As they communicated, Dayong’s body turned into countless black butterflies fluttering around them.

 

The butterfly wings scattered black powder, catching Si Lan off guard as he inhaled it, feeling dizzy. Butterflies turned into black hands around his neck, choking him.

 

Si Lan struggled to breathe, looking around to check on Haowei, only to find Haowei gone. He panicked, about to speak, when a hand grasped his, a voice echoed in his mind.

 

“Hold your breath, close your eyes.”

 

Si Lan complied immediately.

 

The suffocating feeling around his neck gradually subsided, and the butterflies around him disappeared.

 

It was all just an illusion, and he almost fell into it deeply.

 

“I will kill you… Kill everyone…”

 

Dayong’s angry voice echoed around him. Si Lan opened his eyes, snapped out of the illusion, and faced a new attack of black demonic energy. Haowei hurriedly pulled him away.

 

Dayong remained in a frenzied state, making communication impossible.

 

They exchanged a glance, understanding each other’s intent.

 

Now they had to first trap Dayong with magic and then find a way to seal it.

 

Si Lan was about to cast the Jiyin Bagua Formation again when Xie Li’s urgent voice came from afar.

 

“Your Majesty… Your Majesty…”

 

This time, Si Lan left the Azure Cloud Peak without informing Xie Li. Xie Li, driven by the thought of not missing Si Lan, hurried to find him, afraid Si Lan would encounter danger without him.

 

Furthermore, before leaving, Si Lan had promised Xie Li that if he ever wanted to find him, he could come anytime.

 

However, Xie Li didn’t expect that upon arriving in the mortal realm, he would witness Si Lan being choked by a terrifying monster, and was instantly frightened into tears.

 

Descending on a rainbow cloud, Xie Li cried bitterly across the barrier, “Your Majesty, are you okay.”

 

Si Lan was about to instruct Qu Ze to take Xie Li away when unexpectedly, Dayong, upon seeing Xie Li, suppressed its entire demonic energy and pounced towards Xie Li.

 

Xie Li stumbled back in fright, falling to the ground.

 

Qu Ze, seeing this, immediately drew his long sword and looked towards Dayong, only to be struck down by a palm from Dayong.

 

Dayong’s demonic aura slowly enveloped Xie Li, whose face turned pale with fear. He stared wide-eyed at Dayong, perhaps so frightened that he ceased to feel afraid, just staring blankly at Dayong.

 

He slightly opened his mouth, revealing a small decayed tooth and a half-eaten candy inside.

 

The silhouette of the dark woman gradually became clear. Her crimson, sunken eyes fixed on Xie Li. She appeared young but wore an exhausted and pale expression, her demeanor resembling that of an old woman, feeble and aged.

 

She cradled Xie Li’s face, her fingers lightly brushing over the red mole at the corner of Xie Li’s eye. “My child… my child…”

 

Xie Li dared not speak, biting his lip nervously.

 

Tears streamed down Dayong’s face as he remembered something, pulling out a candy from his pocket excitedly. “My child, eat this candy, and the pain will go away…”

 

Xie Li furrowed his delicate brows slightly, stealing a glance at Si Lan from the corner of his eye.

 

Si Lan nodded at him, and Xie Li obediently took the candy offered by Dayong.

 

Dayong’s expression grew increasingly joyful as he buried his head in Xie Li’s neck, his arms tightly wrapping around him.

 

Over tens of thousands of years, she had lost her sanity, no longer remembering her child’s face but recalling the mole beneath his eye, his love for candy, and the decayed tooth in his mouth. Whenever he spoke, his voice was soft and childish, calling out “mother” regardless of the circumstances.

 

Unfortunately, during their last meeting, the child fell ill, curled up in her arms, murmuring about a headache and craving candy, which she did not have.

 

She comforted the child, promising candy once he woke up.

 

She had planned to find fruit to substitute for the candy, but she was too exhausted. Planning to rest for just a moment, she never expected that when she awoke, her child would be gone.

 

“My child… I miss you so much…”

 

Dayong wept bitterly, almost obsessively staring at Xie Li’s face, then pulling him into a tight embrace.

 

Xie Li trembled, his face turning pale.

 

“My child, is your head still hurting?”

 

Xie Li didn’t know how to respond, glancing at Si Lan. Si Lan communicated silently with Xie Li through their shared consciousness, “Tell her your head hurts.”

 

“It hurts…” Xie Li spoke softly, his bright eyes adding a touch of softness that melted Dayong’s heart even more. She grinned, and in the next moment, produced a red demonic pill from her body.

 

“Eat this, and your pain will vanish, and you will become immortal…”

 

She had consumed so many demonic beings and practiced for so long just to use her body as a furnace to refine a powerful demonic pill to cure her son’s ailments.

 

Si Lan hadn’t expected to obtain the demonic pill so easily. He spoke in a deep voice, “Xie Li, take the demonic pill.”

 

Xie Li reached out tremblingly and took the demonic pill.

 

Si Lan felt somewhat reluctant, but he didn’t dare delay. He exchanged a glance with Hao Wei, who nodded slightly. Then, Si Lan flew towards Xie Li while saying, “Xie Li, throw the demonic pill to me.”

 

Trembling, Xie Li threw the demonic pill towards Si Lan.

 

Seeing this, Dayong suddenly turned around, his eyes filled with tears and anger. Before he could react, Si Lan swiftly tossed the demonic pill to Hao Wei.

 

Hao Wei immediately used the altar of conversion to contain the demonic pill. Instantly, the demonic aura from Dayong surged towards the altar of conversion. He howled and lunged towards Hao Wei, who was currently forming seals. Si Lan stepped forward to block Dayong’s attack with the sword transformed from Xuanxin Whip, its blue light enveloping it with sword energy, forcing Dayong to retreat step by step.

 

Losing the demonic pill, Dayong’s cultivation nearly halved. Soon, he was trapped by Si Lan in a formation, unable to move. Perhaps realizing he was about to be sealed again, Dayong looked tearfully at Xie Li.

 

“My child, run away quickly…”

 

Dayong was oblivious to the fact that over a hundred thousand years had passed in this world, and her son was no longer here, and no one would harm her son again.

 

Yet she still couldn’t escape from the nightmare.

 

The demonic pill was sealed within the Altar of Conversion, nearly extinguishing the demonic aura around Dayong. Her form grew increasingly aged, with deep wrinkles gathering on her face, almost obscuring her features. Her eyes were cloudy, but she still reached out towards Xie Li, murmuring “my child” incessantly.

 

Si Lan recalled Luo Hui’s final moments, the pouring rain as she struggled to heal Luo Hui’s spiritual wounds. However, no matter what he did, he couldn’t heal her.

 

More blood flowed, but Luo Hui seemed oblivious to the pain, reaching out to touch his face with tear-filled eyes, wanting to see him one last time.

 

Even after more than nine hundred years had passed, he still remembered every detail of his time with Luo Hui. Despite coming from a different world and being mentally mature, he couldn’t help but be moved by Luo Hui.

 

One of life’s regrets was never telling Luo Hui that he loved her.

 

Only after her death did he realize that Luo Hui’s love for him was unconditional and without expectation of return.

 

Si Lan’s eyes reddened as he wavered, holding onto spells but unable to bring himself to act.

 

Hao Wei noticed his distress and approached him. Seeing the tears in his eyes, Hao Wei couldn’t help but recall the night the boundary of the curse broke, when Si Lan had also lost control like this.

 

Hao Wei intended to cast the spell in Si Lan’s place, but Si Lan suddenly grabbed his sleeve. “I want to help her find her son.”

 

Hao Wei met Si Lan’s tear-filled eyes. “Her son is already dead.”

 

“I want to find the reincarnation of her son.” Si Lan’s voice was slightly hoarse.

 

Hao Wei remained silent.

 

Though separated by a veil, Si Lan felt the intensity of Hao Wei’s gaze, as if probing something.

 

It was strange indeed that he, a Demon King, would feel such compassion.

 

After a moment of silence, Hao Wei said, “Using the Return Spell within such a short time will cost you a significant portion of your cultivation.”

 

The reversal of reincarnation through formations was never sanctioned by the heavens, which was why the Return Spell gradually faded away.

 

“It’s okay, I just need a few days to recuperate.” After saying this, Si Lan instructed Song brothers and Qu Ze to guard the formation, then began to weave spells and silently recite incantations, transporting himself back to the day when the child was lost in Dayong.

 

—

 

Si Lan entered the illusionary realm and before he could steady himself, he saw another familiar figure entering with him.

 

He smirked, “Haowei, did you also accidentally stumble in this time?”

 

Haowei paused for a breath, knowing he’d be teased for following, but upon seeing the scene where Si Lan was enveloped in white light, he instinctively followed.

 

Haowei coughed softly, glad for the change of scenery, and pointed ahead, “That’s Dayong.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

They saw Dayong holding a child, with two bundles on his back, sleeping against a large rock. The child in his arms seemed sickly, cheeks flushed red, lips slightly parted, revealing a tiny gap where a milk tooth had fallen out.

 

Coming closer, they noticed a birthmark near the child’s eye, much like Xie Li’s, but the child didn’t resemble Xie Li.

 

According to ancient texts, Dayong had lost his mind because he lost his child due to overwork. However, the current situation showed Dayong not laboring, but fleeing with the child.

 

Si Lan sighed bitterly, “Taowei once sealed Dayong using a plan. Now, we’ve sealed Dayong again. Is it because Dayong is foolish, or does she knowingly play along with the scheme just to see her child… even if that child is just a shadow, it can still soothe her longing and pain of over a hundred thousand years.”

 

If it were his mother, she would probably make the same choice.

 

Haowei had also heard of the love story between Si Shaoxun and Luo Hui from the mouths of immortals, always tinged with mockery, how the once noble Si Shaoxun fell into darkness, forsaking a divine phoenix for a mountain chicken as his wife, truly resigning himself to decadence.

 

At this moment, three men in the illusion, naked above the waist and clad in animal skins below, approached Dayong, taking the child from his arms.

 

The child woke from sleep, instinctively calling out, “Mother…”

 

Dayong, exhausted, heard the cry and patted his chest, thinking the child was still in his arms, murmuring a lullaby to soothe him to sleep.

 

The men covered the child’s mouth, ignoring his struggles, and carried him away.

 

Si Lan and Haowei followed the men as they walked on. After an unknown time, they arrived at Xiling Clan.

 

Xiling Clan was surrounded by mountains, with a flat area in the center where a circular sacrificial platform stood. Clan members held red spears, surrounding the platform. Three young children, similar in age to Dayong’s child, were tied to the platform.

 

Si Lan saw them tie Dayong’s child to another wooden stake. Then, as if performing a ritual, everyone circled the platform with bowed heads, chanting incantations.

 

An elderly man resembling a high priest stood at the center of the platform, praying, “By the decree of Heaven, in this life’s path, honoring the way of Heaven, and following its will, we offer four children, two female and two male, to eradicate the calamity upon our clan.”

 

Si Lan hadn’t expected the true reason for Dayong losing her child was because Xiling Clan intended to sacrifice two boys and two girls to Heaven to remove a clan disaster.

 

As the clan chanted, the bodies of the four children on the platform gradually changed. Golden rays burst forth from their bodies, their faces contorted in pain.

 

Si Lan didn’t know what kind of spell this was, but listening to the children’s whimpering, his eyes reddened slightly.

 

Did Heaven anticipate such events when it handed down punishments to mankind?

 

Perhaps the all-powerful Heaven had long foreseen it, but it didn’t matter, as all living beings were mere experiments in its eyes.

 

Si Lan noticed Dayong’s child tightly gripping something. Upon closer inspection, it was a small tambourine made of animal skin.

 

Trembling with fear, his arms uncontrollably shook, causing the tambourine to emit a faint sound, like a sob.

 

When Dayong finally found her way there, all she saw was the scene of her child being thrown into the sacrificial altar. The golden light bursting from the bodies of the four children instantly enveloped the entire altar. The solemn beat of drums resounded from afar, and all the clan members knelt down, praying toward the altar.

 

Dayong rushed towards the sacrificial altar like a madwoman, only to see four sets of bones at the base of the altar after the golden light dissipated.

 

She immediately recognized which one was her son’s, holding onto the bones, she wailed in despair.

 

“Mother had taken you far away…”

 

“It’s all Mother’s fault for falling asleep. If Mother hadn’t fallen asleep, you wouldn’t have been taken away by them. Mother won’t sleep again.”

 

“My son, open your eyes and look at Mother. Mother has come to find you.”

 

Dayong’s cries echoed through the mountains and rivers, stirring countless evil energies.

 

Dayong, half human and half demon, completely lost her mind, her face contorted, her eye sockets crimson, her eyeballs turned completely black, surrounded by black demonic energy, like a vengeful spirit from hell seeking revenge.

 

“Dayong’s son is already dead. What are you going to do?” Haowei turned away and asked Si Lan.

 

Si Lan looked at the tambourine that had fallen from the sacrificial platform, and a thought formed in his mind. He couldn’t bring Dayong’s living son back, but he could leave her a shred of comfort.

 

They couldn’t change the course of history, but some insignificant things could still be altered.

 

For example, obtaining the tambourine from the illusion.

 

Si Lan tentatively drew a portal in mid-air, thinking portals could only be cast in the real world, not expecting they could be used in this illusion.

 

Taking advantage of the chaos between Dayong and Xiling Clan, he used magic to retrieve the tambourine.

 

“I intend to seal it together with Dayong.”

 

Haowei gazed at the tambourine in silence.

 

This was what the child threw out before being pushed into the sacrificial altar, perhaps his intention was for his mother to see this tambourine and know he was here.

 

When they emerged from the illusion, Si Lan heard Dayong’s furious roar that pierced through the heavens. As he glanced back at the illusion for the last time, he saw Xiling Clan buried under a massive mountain, thick smoke billowing up through the cracks, filling half the sky.

 

Xiling Clan’s original intent was to sacrifice young children to ward off the clan’s calamity, but it backfired, triggering Dayong’s massacre of the clan.

 

All of this seemed predestined, each link in the chain of cause and effect.

 

No one could escape the predetermined outcome.

 

—

 

Back in the real world, Si Lan saw Xie Li squatting near the formation, allowing Dayong to stroke his face, even though Xie Li had been trembling with fear at Dayong’s presence before.

 

“Your Majesty, I’ve realized this monster isn’t actually ferocious at all.” Xie Li saw Si Lan appear and immediately covered his mouth with one hand, whispering quietly.

 

Approaching, Si Lan rubbed Xie Li’s head and noticed him chewing on a piece of candy, understanding the reason for Xie Li’s “betrayal.”

 

Truly, a little disciple swayed by a single piece of candy.

 

Si Lan handed the tambourine to Dayong.

 

Dayong’s expression froze for a moment, then tears streamed down her face as she gazed at the tambourine.

 

This was the tambourine Dayong had made for her child. On the day she fled Xiling Clan to evade her child’s fate of being sacrificed to Heaven, the child had taken nothing but this tambourine.

 

She remembered the stick figures of herself and him drawn by her child on the back of the tambourine, representing Dayong and him.

 

Dayong gently touched those two little figures, feeling as if ten thousand years had passed, hearing her son playing the tambourine and calling her “Mother” by his side.

 

A tear fell from Dayong’s eye, landing softly on the animal skin of the tambourine.

 

In the next moment, a faint glow emanated from the surface of the tambourine, and a wisp of determination quietly surged out of the tambourine, transforming into the likeness of a young child.

 

It was Dayong’s son.

 

After his death, this determination had attached itself to the tambourine, waiting all this time for Dayong to find him.

 

Dayong looked at the determination in disbelief, her lips trembling slightly, unable to utter a word. Instead, the determination leaped into Dayong’s arms, calling out, “Mother…”

 

Only then did Dayong cry out in pain, “My son, Mother is here.”

 

Si Lan hadn’t expected the child to leave behind such a determination on the tambourine. It seemed his decision to bring out the tambourine was not wrong. Watching the touching scene before him, his heavy heart gradually eased.

 

He said, “Dayong, your child has already reincarnated. This determination he left behind in the mortal world. I will seal it with you.”

 

Once the determination fulfilled its purpose, it would disappear. Si Lan intended to seal it with Dayong before that happened. Perhaps this was the only thing that could comfort Dayong during her long period of sealing.

 

Upon hearing this, Dayong looked up at Si Lan, her eyes full of gratitude. “Thank you.”

 

“Dayong, how did the seal on you come undone?”

 

Dayong’s eyes showed confusion. “I don’t know. I just know I slept for a long time, then one day I woke up from the chaos and came to the mortal realm to find my son.”

 

Si Lan hadn’t yet visited Dayong Mountain to investigate what exactly had happened. Hearing Dayong’s words, he felt a sense of unease and strangeness.

 

Nine infants and now Dayong.

 

Two ancient demons whose seals had inexplicably come undone.

 

Once might be a coincidence, but what about twice?

---

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

 

Chapter 34

 

Si Lan stood inside the barrier, his eyes unexpectedly reddened. As he listened to Pei Jia’s words, he suddenly understood many things.

 

No wonder Pei Jia had shown such a distant and unfamiliar attitude after meeting Tao Yuan. At that time, he had thought Pei Jia was just being indifferent, but he hadn’t realized that he was no longer the Pei Jia from the past.

 

“So… Tao Yuan’s obsession was to see the real Pei Jia?”

 

The youth leaning against the par4p3t, with a sprig of xuan grass in his mouth, lively and clear, had actually died five years ago. And Tao Yuan had been waiting all this time for him to come and take him to the capital.

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

 

Hao Wei said, “Perhaps it’s not necessarily to see the real Pei Jia. Do you remember Tao Yuan’s expression when he noticed the scar on Pei Jia’s leg?”

 

“You mean, at that moment, Tao Yuan had already suspected that the Pei Jia before him was not the same as the young Pei Jia?”

 

“Yes, at least he had his doubts.”

 

“Then why didn’t Tao Yuan…”

 

“Perhaps Tao Yuan himself was no longer sure which Pei Jia he loved.”

 

Si Lan fell silent. In the illusion, when Tao Yuan died, he still tightly held the double moon jade pendant in his hand.

 

Perhaps Tao Yuan’s obsession wasn’t about their first encounter with Pei Jia, but about waiting for the person who had promised to come and marry him.

 

After Tao Yuan’s death, Pei Jia vented all his anger and resentment on the deputy and several soldiers, treating them as they had treated him, binding them under the scorching sun without food or sleep until they perished.

 

Pei Jia’s full fury and bitterness attracted Dayong, who had just escaped from Dayong Mountain, and they made a pact. Dayong helped Pei Jia complete the curse of destruction, and Pei Jia sacrificed his life to Dayong.

 

…

 

Si Lan dispelled the illusion, and both of them instantly emerged from the vision.

 

“Your Majesty!” Song Cheng and Song Ye saw Si Lan open his eyes and hurriedly approached to apologize, “Your Majesty, it’s our fault for not protecting the formation properly. Please forgive us.”

 

“It’s okay. How are you both? Did Dayong harm you?”

 

“No.” Song Cheng and Song Ye replied simultaneously.

 

Si Lan glanced past them and saw Pei Jia bound to a pillar. Currently, Pei Jia was enveloped in dark energy, devoid of life force. Si Lan sensed something amiss and walked over. It was then that he discovered Pei Jia was actually dead!

 

“It wasn’t us who killed Pei Jia, Your Majesty. It was Dayong who killed him while controlling his body,” Song Ye explained quickly, afraid that Si Lan would misunderstand.

 

Si Lan frowned and uttered a sound of acknowledgment. He touched Pei Jia’s forehead with his fingertip, and the dark energy surrounding Pei Jia instantly dissipated. His soul regained control of his body.

 

Pei Jia slowly opened his eyes and looked at Si Lan before him, his gaze cloudy as if he had been asleep for centuries. “You’re back… Then you must know everything now…”

 

“Mm.”

 

“Pei Jia and I are twins. When I was young, I suffered from a leg disease that made walking painful. I often stayed in bed, causing many people to think that the Pei family only had one young master. During that time, the Pei family would often share with me the interesting people and events that he encountered outside. One day, Pei Jia told me that a theater troupe had moved near the general’s mansion, and among them was a young actor who was more beautiful than any female actor, with a mouth as red as a red-billed quele. 

 

Pei Jia recalled the past, his expression filled with a sense of trance.

 

“Later, Pei Jia always talked about the red-billed quele and couldn’t get enough of it. He even joked that he wanted to bring the actor back to the capital with him. At that time, when I looked into his eyes, I knew he wasn’t joking; he really wanted to take him back to the capital.”

 

“Unfortunately, shortly after the Pei family returned to the capital, they were ordered to the border to suppress a rebellion. Although my legs had been treated by physicians and I could walk on the ground, I was still not as nimble as an ordinary person. My father and Pei Jia forbade me from joining the army, but I still secretly followed them.”

 

“That winter, it snowed heavily, and Pei Jia fell into a trap. When I rushed over, he lay in the snow, with only his last breath left. He told me he regretted not taking that person with him earlier. He promised to show him the snow in the capital, but he could never fulfill it.”

 

“I closed Pei Jia’s eyes with my own hands, changed into his clothes, and under his identity, led the trapped soldiers out of the siege. I dared not disappoint my father or the Pei family, so I continued to pretend to be Pei Jia, leading troops in battle on the border. After all, for the Pei family, whether a sickly child or a young general, there was a big difference.”

 

“But I didn’t expect to meet Tao Yuan. The first time I saw him, he was curled up in the corner of the bed, tears in his eyes, and my heart trembled uncontrollably. I always felt like I had seen him somewhere before and had an inexplicable affection for him. Now I think it’s probably because we’re twins. What Pei Jia liked, I liked too.”

 

“I always thought that because I saved Tao Yuan, he would like me and want to stay by my side. But I never thought that he was the red-billed quelea that Pei Jia couldn’t stop talking about.”

 

After Pei Jia finished speaking, he looked relieved and smiled at Si Lan, “Tao Yuan’s obsession is the true Pei Jia he wants to see, so I can’t do it.”

 

“Cai Jia, you promised to marry Tao Yuan after retiring from the military. Have you ever thought that Tao Yuan’s lingering obsession might be waiting for you to marry him?” Si Lan furrowed his brows.

 

Pei Jia heard this, seemingly incredulous, stared at Si Lan with widened eyes, “Are you sure… he… he really has such an obsession?”

 

“Yes, and Tao Yuan actually knew long ago that you are not the Pei Jia from your youth.”

 

Pei Jia felt thunderstruck, silent for a long time, lost in memories. Suddenly, a complex expression of sorrow and pain appeared on his face.

 

Si Lan reached out and untied the demon-locking rope on Pei Jia’s body. Pei Jia choked, “Alright, I will marry him.”

 

The wedding was hastily arranged, though the groom was dressed splendidly. The red wedding attire highlighted Pei Jia’s face, adding a touch of color.

 

He took out a pair of jade pendants and, in the place where Tao Yuan had sung before, said in a deep voice, “Tao Yuan, I have returned as promised.”

 

Tao Yuan’s almost imperceptible obsession slowly gathered upon hearing the voice, forming a human figure on the ground. Looking at Pei Jia, who wore a tall crown and a large red flower on his chest, Tao Yuan’s eyes flickered and regained some luster.

 

Pei Jia couldn’t restrain his emotions and stepped forward to embrace Tao Yuan, but found nothing but air.

 

“Tao Yuan…”

 

“Yujin.” Tao Yuan reached out, gently touching Pei Jia’s cheek. He didn’t know Pei Jia’s real name, but Pei Jia had told him before, his name was Yujin.

 

Although Yujin couldn’t feel anything, at this moment it seemed he could feel Tao Yuan’s fingertips warm, tears uncontrollably streaming down his face.

 

Tao Yuan’s nearly unconscious obsession finally regained awareness.

 

It turned out that what Tao Yuan couldn’t forget was really the promise that Yujin would come back to marry him.

 

“Tao Yuan, I’m actually not…”

 

“I know, Yujin.” Tao Yuan smiled and nestled into Yujin’s arms. “What’s your name?”

 

“Pei Yu.”

 

“Pei Yu…”

 

“Yeah. Tao Yuan, you don’t blame me, do you?” Pei Yu asked incredulously, expecting Tao Yuan wouldn’t accept it.

 

“I don’t blame you. I really don’t blame you.” Tao Yuan had long sensed that Pei Yu and Pei Jia were different in nature. He had once hinted at what happened in their youth, but seeing Pei Yu’s indifference until he discovered the old wounds on Pei Yu’s knees, he understood everything.

 

Pei Jia had told him that he had an elder brother who had been bedridden for years.

 

Little did he expect that many years later, he would meet that person, fall in love with him, and he turned out to be that person’s elder brother.

 

When soldiers threw him down the cliff and hung him on a tree branch, he seemed to hear the voice of young Pei Jia in a daze.

 

Young Pei Jia told him not to fall asleep, told him that his elder brother was still looking for him.

 

He had to try to survive, along with the part of Pei Jia that was still alive.

 

When he woke up, he walked through the thorns and gravel with his body full of injuries before returning to the barracks. At that time, Pei Yu asked him if he was in pain. He didn’t feel pain. The powerful thoughts dominated his thoughts and body, making him feel no pain.

 

Si Lan couldn’t bear to interrupt Pei Yu and Tao Yuan. He just felt that he was still harming people in the big jar, and countless common people needed to be saved. He didn’t speak directly to Pei Yu, but to Tao Yuan, he knew Tao Yuan was a kind person.

 

“Tao Yuan, now that the jar is harming people, the people are not alive, and you need your help.”

 

Tao Yuan did not know what happened after death. When he heard Si Lan say this, his fair face was stunned for a moment, and then he reacted to everything, looking up at Pei Yu.

 

Pei Yu’s Adam’s apple moved slightly, “Tao Yuan, I just want them to accompany you to be buried.”

 

“They are innocent, Yujin, I don’t want you to bear such a heavy sin for me. We can’t be together in this life. After death, we can be reborn as a couple. But if you make such a big mistake, can you still reincarnate with me?”

 

It’s less about him forming a bond with Dayong, and more about Dayong using him as a proxy to retaliate against humanity.

 

Without him, there would still be other hosts.

 

The curse of Dayong has been active in the mortal realm for three days. While it hasn’t yet caused mortal deaths, every passing minute poses increasing danger to mortals.

 

Si Lan thought, instead of recklessly storming the Heavenly Court, finding the notes left by the former Heavenly Emperor Taiwei might provide a way to seal and lift the curse of Dayong.

 

But if caught intruding the Heavenly Court, he might face dire consequences.

 

Thinking this, Si Lan glanced at Haowei beside him.

 

Haowei’s hat moved slightly, seemingly curious about his gaze.

 

Si Lan remained composed, shifting his gaze to Song Cheng, “I want to make a trip to the Ninth Heaven.”

 

“…,” Haowei replied.

 

This meant returning to his old home.

 

With his cultivation as a Demon Lord, he should be able to navigate the heavenly realm without encountering the Eight Great Divine Sovereigns.

 

However, the scripture repository contained numerous books; he wasn’t sure if he could find them.

 

Song Cheng said, “Your Majesty, I’ll accompany you.”

 

“No need, you stay in the mortal realm; I’ll be back soon.”

 

After Si Lan finished speaking, unwilling to delay any longer, he vanished from the mortal realm.

 

—

 

In the blink of an eye, he arrived at the Ninth Heaven, using the Hidden God Technique to silently pass through heavenly soldiers and generals, arriving at the legendary Repository of Myriad Laws.

 

Built by the former Heavenly Emperor Taiwei, besides records of Taiwei’s demon subjugation, it also housed miscellaneous texts on gods, demons, monsters, and weapons from the mountains and seas.

 

Outside the repository, a faint celestial aura enveloped a barely discernible white barrier, guarding against demonic intrusions.

 

Si Lan took out a rainbow-colored feather and waved it. The feather sparkled with faint light. “Little Dong… Ahem, Little Crown Prince, are you there?”

 

He had given the rainbow feather to Little Dong for the purpose of contacting him anytime.

 

“Little Crown Prince? Little Crown Prince?”

 

But after calling twice without a reply, he decided to infiltrate the Repository alone. As he stealthily passed through the barrier, it suddenly shimmered. Two celestial generals nearby noticed and hurried over.

 

“What’s happening?”

 

“Could someone have broken in?”

 

“We’ve been here all along and haven’t seen anyone.”

 

Fortunately, after muttering, the two generals didn’t suspect anything and continued their patrol nearby.

 

Si Lan slipped through the crimson jade-carved gate and entered the interior of the Repository.

 

From the outside, it appeared as an ordinary attic, but inside, it was vast and boundless, like entering another world. This world resembled an ocean floating in mid-air, countless heavenly books immersed in the sea, pages of ink and paper rolling like flowing mountains and rivers.

 

Si Lan searched through them, looking for records about Dayong. Despite appearing chaotic, the books were neatly arranged by era and subject, making the search easier.

 

Si Lan found Taiwei’s notes on demon subjugation. As he flipped through a page, he suddenly heard voices outside the door.

 

“Greetings, Lord Taiwu.”

 

“No need for formalities, I’m here to find a couple of volumes on artifacts.”

 

With a creak, the vermilion door opened, revealing an elderly immortal lord walking in, back straight, leaning on a cane.

 

Though elderly, his cultivation was formidable.

 

Si Lan hadn’t expected to encounter an old divine lord here. Quickly suppressing his presence, he flew up and hid in the rafters.

 

The old divine lord trembled as he walked, one hand on his cane, the other flipping through a book. Noticing something unsatisfactory, he casually tossed the book aside, muttering complaints.

 

“What is Taiwei compiling…”

 

Shaking his head, the old divine lord reached under the rafters.

 

Si Lan’s heart leaped into his throat. Though the figure looked elderly and leaned on a cane, his cultivation wasn’t negligible. The black “cane” in his hand seemed to have slain countless demons and monsters, exuding a strong aura that intimidated even Si Lan, a demon lord.

 

At that moment, the old divine lord unexpectedly glanced up.

 

Si Lan thought he had been discovered, but then he heard voices outside the attic again.

 

“Greetings, Crown Prince.”

 

“Is anyone inside the attic?”

 

“Lord Taiwu.”

 

“Oh.” A soft voice echoed from outside.

 

The old divine lord’s attention was drawn by the voices, turning to see the “Little Crown Prince” entering. His face softened into a gentle smile.

 

“Why has the Crown Prince come?”

 

“I’m looking for a few interesting books to pass the time.” Haowei hardened his scalp, feigning a childlike demeanor, glancing up at the rafters while speaking in a soft, placating tone. “Sir, what are you doing here?”

 

Though Haowei didn’t see Si Lan’s figure, he knew Si Lan was hiding in the rafters.

 

Si Lan was fast; he had already flicked through the “Demon Subjugation Chronicles,” but found nothing about how to lift Dayong’s curse.

 

The method to lift the curse might be in another book; he needed to keep searching.

 

Si Lan used his divine knowledge to pass on a message to Haowei. “Little White Dragon, find a way to lure this divine lord out.”

 

Haowei didn’t reply to him.

 

“Your Highness, this book ‘Records of Taixu’s Wind and Moon’ is quite good.” Taixu chuckled as he stuffed the book into Haowei’s hands.

 

Haowei glanced at the romantic history book written by his father, his expression unreadable.

 

“And these two, ‘Three Plays of the Fairy of Hundred Flowers’ and ‘Secret History of the Upper Gods,’ I’ve revisited them each at least three times.” Taixu coughed as he spoke.

 

Si Lan suddenly understood why this old god was named Taixu.

 

Who wouldn’t be ’empty’ after reading these?

 

“Your Majesty, tell me what you want to read, and I’ll find it for you.” Haowei couldn’t help but speak up.

 

Taixu, who had lived for over a hundred thousand years and was nearing ascension, had failing eyesight and a clouded mind.

 

“I want to read that… um…” Taixu scratched his head. “I can’t remember the name of the book, but I remember it had two men in it, that… that…”

 

Taixu raised two index fingers and gestured lightly, then grinned like an old child.

 

Haowei’s lips twitched slightly. How could he not remember having such a book in the library?

 

But to expedite Taixu’s departure, Haowei still helped him search for the book. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Si Lan jumping down from the rafters and slipping into a nearby bookshelf.

 

Haowei furrowed his brow and led Taixu to another section. “Is it this one?”

 

“Ah, let me see…” Taixu, with his poor eyesight, brought the book closer and squinted to examine it.

 

Si Lan saw that Taixu’s attention was drawn by Haowei, so he quickly searched through the books. Fortunately, he soon found ‘The Secret Spells’ written by Taixu, which detailed many ways to break spells, including information about the ‘Great Abyss Spell.’

 

A smile crept onto Si Lan’s face involuntarily.

 

Suddenly, they heard Taixu say, “I remember the book now, it should be over here…”

 

“Your Majesty…”

 

Before Haowei could stop him, Taixu had leaned on his cane and turned towards Si Lan, who had just tucked the book into his pocket, and they came face to face.

 

“Ah…” Taixu seemed startled by Si Lan, and raised his cane, almost stumbling backwards, but Haowei caught him in time.

 

“This… Your Highness, why didn’t you introduce me to your mother?” Taixu looked at Haowei reproachfully.

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

“…” Haowei.

 

Haowei understood that Taixu was old and confused, but he never expected him to be confused to this extent!

 

Mistaking people was one thing, but mistaking their gender as well!

 

“Your Majesty…”

 

Just as Haowei was about to say something, Taixu started talking again incoherently, “I knew it, your father will eventually take your mother to the heavens.”

 

“…” Haowei.

 

With that, Taixu sighed and held Haowei’s hand with deep emotion. “Your Highness, you and your mother have suffered a lot these years wandering outside.”

 

“…” Haowei.

 

Si Lan struggled to hold back his laughter on the other side. To be mistaken for the mother of Little White Dragon! When caught red-handed, he had already imagined a scenario where ‘fish die, net breaks,’ but he never expected this situation.

 

Haowei looked up, glanced at Si Lan who was enjoying this, tightened his lips, and replied, “Hmm.”

 

“But don’t worry, Your Highness. Your father will definitely make it up to you and your mother in the future.”

 

“Your Majesty, do you still want to find the book?” Haowei couldn’t help but change the subject as Taixu’s remarks became increasingly absurd.

 

He reluctantly admitted that being recognized as his illegitimate son was bizarre enough, but now this Taixu god was making up a mother for him out of thin air, which was simply beyond belief.

 

Taixu glanced at Si Lan, then muttered, “Need to find the book… need to find the book…”

 

Then like a child, Taixu leaned close to Haowei’s ear and whispered, “Your mother hasn’t changed a bit all these years. They say your mother resembles the Fairy of Quyu, but actually, the Fairy of Quyu resembles your mother. Your mother appeared long before the Fairy of Quyu.”

 

Haowei was stunned, looking at Taixu in disbelief, then his gaze shifted to Si Lan’s face.

 

Indeed, Si Lan’s profile bore a resemblance to the Fairy of Quyu.

 

And both of them often wore green clothes.

 

But why did Taixu suddenly link Si Lan with the Fairy of Quyu?

 

“Oh, I found the book I was looking for.” Taixu took the book off the shelf, beaming as he brought it to Haowei. Haowei withdrew from his thoughts, glanced at the cover, ‘The Great Battle of the North Tian Martial God Against the Queli Immortal.’

 

Haowei’s face darkened. How did this ancient heroic chronicle turn into such a book in Taixu’s words?

 

Taixu wiped the cover, hugged the book, “I’ll leave now, Your Highness and Your Majesty.”

 

Your Majesty…

 

Si Lan heard this title, lowered his head, and fought back a smile, never expecting such an interesting old child in heaven.

 

After the old child left, Si Lan looked at Haowei’s dark expression and suppressed a smile, saying, “Little White Dragon, thank you for this time. I have urgent business to attend to, so I’ll leave first. If you miss me, come find me in the Demon Realm.”

 

Haowei watched Si Lan quickly disappear in a flash of green light, frowned, and then his figure grew larger, transforming into the appearance of an adult man. He put on a veil and his figure also disappeared in an instant.

 

The hasty Demon Lord.

 

Si Lan rushed to the human realm. At this moment, the demonic energy over the human realm was becoming denser, and countless demonic energies surged from the ground, making the entire human world seem like purgatory, filled with continuous cries and wails.

 

He landed in the general’s mansion, where Song Cheng and Song Ye saw him appear and immediately surrounded him, asking, “Your Excellency, have you found a way to break the curse?”

 

“Yes, although Dang Yong is not in the general’s mansion, the general’s mansion is the center of the Dang Yong curse formation. I need to break the formation here, so evacuate everyone from the general’s mansion.”

 

“Yes.” Song Cheng and Song Ye nodded and went to evacuate everyone from the general’s mansion.

 

Tao Yuan’s lingering obsession had not yet dispersed. He wanted to see the Great Abyss Curse lifted before leaving; otherwise, his heart could not rest. Knowing he couldn’t be of help, he quietly stayed beside Pei Yu, not daring to disturb Si Lan.

 

Si Lan scanned around but didn’t see Haowei anywhere nearby.

 

Retracting his gaze, he followed the instructions in the book and drew the spell formation in the air. Then, he gently placed the formation on the ground. Suddenly, the previously normal ground began to emanate dark magic, within which a golden array faintly appeared, spreading outward from the general’s mansion, seemingly endless.

 

This golden array was the Great Abyss Curse, enveloping the entire mortal realm. Si Lan placed the spell formation in the center of the array, and then expanded it rapidly along the golden array, wrapping around the formation.

 

In the next moment, the array burst apart, causing earthquakes and violent tremors. After a moment of intense shaking, the black magical barrier dissipating in the sky gradually vanished, and the withered magical energies on the ground slowly subsided.

 

Si Lan exhaled softly upon seeing this, withdrawing his hand.

 

Just when he thought everything was over, the black magical barrier suddenly regenerated, and the withered magical energies on the ground surged up again. Meanwhile, the spell formation he had previously applied was slowly being consumed by the golden array…

 

How could this happen?

 

Without hesitation, Si Lan immediately held his breath, concentrated his mind, and infused his magic to maintain the spell formation.

 

In the distance, powerful demonic energies converged rapidly in the sky, rushing toward Si Lan’s direction. Wherever the demonic energy passed, the sky darkened, rivers stopped flowing, mountains crumbled, as if doomsday had arrived.

 

The demonic energy took the form of an old woman, extending two enormous hands and reaching down towards Si Lan from above.

 

“Whoever obstructs me shall die.”

---

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

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Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

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