Author: hoenibean (Page 8 of 74)

Chapter 75

 

Haowei reached out to fasten Si Lan’s belt, his face tense as he asked, “What’s he doing here?”

 

“He was scared after the incident at Linglong Mountain last time and couldn’t sleep at night, so he came here to sleep with me.” Si Lan sat up from the bed, but after this disturbance, any trace of sleepiness had vanished.

 

Haowei’s expression remained dark. “He’s already grown up. Why is he still sharing a bed with you?”

 

Before Si Lan could reply, Xie Li, still nestled under the covers, mumbled in protest, “Even you, Your Highness, sleep with the Emperor.”

 

“…” Haowei fell silent.

 

Si Lan stifled a laugh and gently patted Xie Li’s shoulder under the blanket. “Enough, Xie Li. Go to sleep. It’s still early.”

 

“Mmm.” Xie Li hugged Si Lan’s thigh from under the covers, his body curled up, forming a shape on the bedsheet that Haowei found annoyingly conspicuous, like a plump and bothersome maggot.

 

Si Lan communicated with Haowei through spiritual sense, “You go rest in the next room. I’ll stay with Xie Li tonight.”

 

“Or wait until he falls asleep and then come find me,” Haowei replied gravely, his eyes meeting Si Lan’s with an implicit meaning.

 

Si Lan’s face turned slightly red as he teased, “What’s this? Are you also haunted by psychological shadows from Linglong Mountain?”

 

“…” Haowei remained silent.

 

Haowei had originally wanted to say that he had rushed tirelessly from the mortal realm to the Demon Realm just to see him, wanting to spend more time together. But seeing the faint dark circles under Si Lan’s eyes, he simply said, “Forget it. You should rest early too.”

 

Instead of going to sleep in the adjacent room, Haowei stood under the eaves, gazing into the distance towards the Peak of Drifting Clouds. The quiet night enveloped him completely. He listened to the sounds of turning over and breathing from the palace, a faint smile curling his lips.

 

After Quze finished his meditation, not finding Xie Li in his room and thinking Xie Li might have come here to find Si Lan, he hurried over. Under the eaves stood a tall and graceful figure, exuding an extraordinary aura. Even without seeing the person’s face clearly, Quze already knew who it was.

 

Quze didn’t expect Haowei to stand under the eaves, standing there all night, keeping watch over Si Lan.

 

Quze stood on the other side of the main hall, also keeping vigil throughout the night.

 

The next morning, Si Lan suddenly felt short of breath, a dull ache in his chest. In a semi-awake state, he had a dream where Yu Wuxia was choking him, smiling as he informed him that the Five-pointed Nine-sky Formation had already been activated, and the Six Realms were destroyed; now all living beings had turned into identical monsters.

 

He woke up abruptly, gasping for breath. When he lowered his head, he realized Xie Li was sprawled across his chest, pressing on his chest and making it hard to breathe.

 

Xie Li himself was sound asleep, lips parted, leaving a puddle of drool on Si Lan’s inner robe.

 

“…” Si Lan sighed helplessly, gently setting Xie Li aside and not bothering to put on his outer robe, lazily stretching as he walked out.

 

Pushing the door open, he saw a figure in white standing under the eaves.

 

Not knowing how long he had been standing there, a faint layer of dampness had settled on his shoulders. His handsome face was veiled by the faint morning mist. Upon hearing the door open, his long lashes fluttered before he turned his head to look at him.

 

“You didn’t sleep all night?” Si Lan exclaimed in surprise.

 

“I closed my eyes for a while.” Haowei noticed Si Lan had only come out in his inner robe and cautioned, “Be careful, it’s chilly.” He intended to dr4p3 his own clothes over Si Lan’s shoulders, but recalling the cold morning dew that had soaked through his clothes, he instead took Si Lan’s hand and led him inside.

 

On the bed, Xie Li was still deeply asleep, turning over.

 

Haowei glanced at Xie Li with a deep look in his eyes, mentally noting Xie Li’s presence, then quietly helped Si Lan into his clothes. Si Lan’s gaze fell and he noticed the other’s Adam’s apple, slightly protruding on his neck, rising and falling with his speech.

 

Haowei’s Adam’s apple was more prominent, prompting Si Lan to unconsciously reach out and touch it.

 

Haowei’s breath caught, his eyelids lowering. “What’s wrong?”

 

“It’s hard,” Si Lan poked at it with his fingertip.

 

Haowei’s throat moved, his swallowing action somehow unexpectedly sensual. He grasped Si Lan’s wandering hand and placed a silver-white scale into Si Lan’s palm.

 

Si Lan was momentarily stunned, pinching the scale and examining it. The scale was translucent like jade, shaped like a leaf, exceptionally beautiful.

 

He tentatively asked, “Could this… be your reverse scale?”

 

“Mm.” Haowei’s voice lowered slightly.

 

As Si Lan touched the scale, he felt a faint coolness between his fingers. Glancing back at Haowei, he noticed an odd expression on his face, a blush creeping up from the roots of his ears.

 

When he brought the scale up to his nose to sniff, the blush on Haowei’s ears seemed to erupt like a volcano, spreading lava over his entire face, reddening his skin and even tinting his eyes with a hint of crimson.

 

“Si Lan.” Haowei suddenly spoke up, as if afraid Si Lan would do something strange.

 

Puzzled, Si Lan asked, “What’s wrong? Why are you blushing?”

 

Haowei tried to explain, “Just feeling a bit warm.”

 

Si Lan glanced at the scene outside the window. It was deep autumn, with heavy morning dew. How could it be warm? Suspicious, he asked, “Is there something wrong with this scale? Is it really your reverse scale?” Otherwise, why would his face inexplicably turn red?

 

“Of course. I wouldn’t lie to you.”

 

Whenever Haowei needed to emphasize his tone, he would use “I” instead of “me,” as if highlighting his noble status. Such a noble status naturally wouldn’t tell lies or do dishonest things.

 

Si Lan continued, “Oh, you didn’t lie to me. But why are you blushing nervously?”

 

“This isn’t nervousness.”

 

“Then what is it?” Si Lan asked, still fingering the scale.

 

Haowei glanced at the scale, the corner of his mouth subtly tensing. His voice involuntarily lowered, “It’s really just hot weather.”

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

Forget it, he didn’t want to ask anymore, and he didn’t want to say anything else.

 

Si Lan walked to the window, held up the scale in the bright light, and continued to examine it. It didn’t seem much different from any other scale. Why was this one considered a reverse scale?

 

Behind him, Haowei, seeing his reaction, parted his lips, his face nearly blushing to the point of bleeding.

 

Si Lan murmured to himself, “I think I’ll carve this scale into an accessory and wear it around my waist.”

 

Seeing Haowei still silent, Si Lan asked, “What do you think?”

 

Haowei lowered his voice and said, “Since I’ve given this thing to you, you can handle it however you want.”

 

Si Lan noticed that Haowei had been acting strangely since he received the scale. When Si Lan asked him about it, Haowei refused to say anything more, so Si Lan didn’t press further.

 

He carved the scale into the shape of a floating immortal crane, drilled a hole through it, threaded it with red silk, and wore it around his waist. When he showed it to Haowei, Haowei blushed and said, “It looks good.”

 

Beaming with delight, he plucked a rainbow feather from one of the tail feathers and gave it to Haowei. Holding the feather, Haowei suddenly recalled an ancient record about “Yujia,” one of which mentioned that when Yujia met his beloved, he would pluck rainbow feathers from his tail and give them to the other person until he was bare.

 

The image of that bird with its tail completely bare couldn’t help but make him smile involuntarily, and he reached out to ruffle Si Lan’s hair.

 

Meanwhile, they were discussing the details of the alliance between the Demon and Celestial Realms, while in the shadows, those dark and twisted figures were also beginning to stir.

 

The Phoenix Clan feared that after the alliance between the Demon and Celestial Realms, they wouldn’t be able to handle Si Lan, so they were scheming to sabotage the union.

 

Ju Zhu privately believed that one reason Haowei was interested in Si Lan was because he mistakenly thought Si Lan’s true form was a Divine Phoenix. If Si Lan’s true identity as a mere chicken were exposed, Haowei would never accept marrying someone who was just a chicken.

 

Even if, by some chance, Haowei truly loved him and accepted him as a chicken, the Heavenly Mother and other celestial beings would not agree and would surely try to stop the marriage.

 

At that time, the Phoenix Clan would bring up how Si Lan had harmed the Phoenix Clan and injured two princesses, ensuring that this chicken would meet a miserable end.

 

If the Heavenly Realm didn’t support Si Lan, it would be much easier for the Phoenix Clan to deal with him secretly.

 

“Auntie, when do we expose that chicken?” Qu Yu couldn’t wait to ask.

 

Before Si Lan appeared, the most suitable person for Haowei in the Six Realms was Qu Yu.

 

Even the Heavenly Mother had intended to bring Qu Yu and Haowei together, so Qu Yu had long positioned herself as Haowei’s supporter, often visiting the Jade Palace and trying to please Haowei with soups and congees. However, she never expected to be intercepted halfway by such a lowly and humble chicken.

 

Such a lowly creature, not even worthy of licking the Phoenix Clan’s toes, how dare it snatch her beloved? How dare it overshadow their Phoenix Clan?

 

Ju Zhu leaned against her high seat, her hand propping up half of her face, slowly scraping her cheek with her long, golden nails, and sneered, “We must make sure he faces eternal damnation at his proudest moment, never to rise again.”

 

“That means I’ll follow Auntie’s lead in everything,” Qu Yu chuckled.

 

—

 

Si Lan suddenly sneezed, awakening from his drowsiness within the misty hot spring pool. Feeling like someone had been talking behind his back, he nudged Haowei beside him with his foot. “Were you muttering about me just now?”

 

Haowei, half resigned and half indulgent, replied, “I can’t help but think of you.”

 

Si Lan smirked, his hands resting on the pool rocks, feeling the warm mist enveloping him. Haowei mentioned that although he wasn’t visibly injured, his cultivation had declined significantly, and his spiritual energy was weakened. He advised Si Lan to soak more in the hot springs to recuperate.

 

After a few days of soaking, Si Lan indeed felt much more comfortable.

 

However, strangely, he hadn’t seen Haowei reveal his dragon tail in the hot spring pool again. Previously, whenever Haowei bathed, he would always flaunt his huge dragon tail, as if deliberately showing off, and even used it to help Si Lan “scrub.”

 

Now he seemed more reserved, which made Si Lan feel something was amiss.

 

Could it be that his charm had waned? Was that why Haowei could control himself?

 

Through the damp mist, Si Lan discreetly observed Haowei.

 

After Haowei said those words just now, he closed his eyes again, quietly soaking in the bath. The misty steam formed faint ripples on his face, slowly descending along his eyebrows, eyes, and nose.

 

Si Lan’s gaze lowered, lingering on Haowei’s muscular and well-defined chest, making him swallow nervously. Why not try, to see if his charm had truly diminished?

 

Si Lan pretended to casually get up, causing a splash of water. Haowei looked up at the sound, and as Si Lan bent his knees to step out of the pool, he slipped suddenly and fell into Haowei’s arms.

 

Haowei swiftly embraced his waist, his voice deep, “Careful.”

 

Si Lan, seizing the opportunity, clasped the back of Haowei’s neck, causing Haowei’s body to stiffen.

 

“Ah, I feel so dizzy. Maybe I’ve been in the bath too long and feel a bit unwell.”

 

Upon hearing this, Haowei reached out to touch Si Lan’s head. His skin was a bit warm, but not feverish, and when he checked Si Lan’s spiritual energy, he still didn’t notice anything wrong, so he advised, “Next time, don’t get up so suddenly.”

 

“Mm,” Si Lan nodded, resting his head on Haowei’s shoulder. The breath from his nostrils gently brushed against Haowei’s ear, and Si Lan noticed Haowei’s ears turning slightly red.

 

It seemed he could still make him shy.

 

But how…

 

Lost in thought, Si Lan shifted slightly, and Haowei’s slightly hoarse voice sounded in his ear, “Are you doing this on purpose?”

 

“Huh?” Si Lan blinked innocently at Haowei.

 

Even though Haowei’s eyes were obscured by steam, they were still as dark as ever, staring unwaveringly at his face. Seeing his innocent look, Haowei said with a hint of concealment but deliberately coughed lightly, trying to appear composed, “Don’t move.”

 

As soon as he finished speaking, Si Lan felt something was wrong and his face turned slightly red.

 

But strangely, Haowei’s dragon horns were exposed on his forehead, but still no dragon tail. Normally, Haowei would show his dragon tail first, then his dragon horns.

 

Si Lan tentatively asked, “How come you didn’t show your dragon tail today?”

 

Haowei pursed his lips, his earlobes almost dripping with blood, his voice distinctively tinged with concealment but deliberately coughed lightly, trying to appear composed, “You complained last time that the scales on the dragon tail were too cold, so I stopped showing it.”

 

Si Lan nodded faintly, his gaze wandering over Haowei’s face for a moment before gradually drifting downwards, separated by the rippling water surface. “But I suddenly feel like seeing your dragon tail.”

 

Haowei’s voice suddenly became hoarse. “Don’t joke around.”

 

“…Huh? How is that joking?”

 

What could possibly be wrong with looking at his dragon tail now?

 

Haowei seemed about to pull Si Lan down, but Si Lan stubbornly refused to budge.

 

The warm steam raised the temperature around them by a few degrees, intensifying the fragrance emanating from Si Lan.

 

Haowei’s breathing became erratic, his grip on Si Lan’s hand unconsciously tightening, leaving bruises.

 

A misty haze enveloped them, like soft silk sticking closely together, their slightly heavy breaths mingling.

 

Haowei looked at Si Lan with red eyes. “Are you really not coming down? Don’t blame me if you don’t come down.”

 

“Haowei, do you… not like me anymore?” Si Lan suddenly asked with a heavy tone.

 

Before, it was always Haowei who was clingy, but now it seemed like Si Lan was the one unwilling to let go of Haowei.

 

Haowei was momentarily stunned by this question, his expression momentarily blank. Had he unintentionally made Si Lan feel this way? Did he seem like he didn’t like him?

 

He hoarsely replied, “Of course not.”

 

“Then why won’t you let me see your dragon tail? You used to… deliberately show it when I was bathing.”

 

Upon hearing the complaint in Si Lan’s tone, Haowei’s heart felt like it was being crushed and kneaded into a ball, unable to resist pulling Si Lan into his arms tightly.

 

He hadn’t shown his dragon tail lately because…

 

After a moment of contemplation, his ears turned red as he coaxed Si Lan, “Then I’ll show you my dragon tail.”

 

As he spoke, silver scales slowly emerged from Haowei’s waist downwards. Unlike before, it didn’t intentionally grow several times larger, but this time it matched Haowei’s figure.

 

Si Lan lowered his eyes to examine it and found nothing unusual. He had thought there might be a problem with why Haowei didn’t want to show his dragon tail…

 

Could it be that he was overthinking it?

 

Just as he was about to turn around to take a closer look at the dragon tail, Haowei suddenly adjusted his head.

 

“Si Lan, I originally planned to wait until the day of our covenant… but since you’re so eager, then…”

 

He whispered the last four words in Si Lan’s ear.

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

“Haowei… Haowei… Mmm…”

 

Amidst the faint steam from the hot spring, Si Lan’s voice occasionally echoed.

 

…

 

After what felt like an eternity, he tried to say something to Haowei, but not even a complete word came out.

 

In a daze, he thought to himself, how foolish he was. Just for a reversed scale, he had sold himself out.

 

As he drifted into unconsciousness, his head plunging into the water, he suddenly realized that Haowei had been maintaining his lower body in the form of a dragon…

 

How could this be so despicable?

 

And it was with this glance that Si Lan noticed something unusual.

 

The silver scales that had previously covered another part of him were gone…

 

How could they… be gone?

---

T/N: Two… more… chapters…!

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 74

 

At the moment when the skeletal figure collapsed, the surrounding barrier vanished.

 

The wound on Yu Wuxia’s heart, originally pierced by Tian Dao’s tail, ruptured again, spilling countless fresh blood. Yet he seemed unaware, trembling as he approached “Great Eternal Immortal,” his arms shaking, bending down to cradle the vague mass of flesh and blood in his embrace.

 

“Master.”

 

After embracing “Great Eternal Immortal,” Yu Wuxia’s emotional response was unusually calm and silent. Hunching over, his eyes hollow and lifeless, he stared blankly at the bundle in his arms, the pain penetrating so deep that only numbness remained.

 

Tears silently welled up in the corners of his eyes, mingling with the fresh blood of Great Eternal Immortal.

 

Silan stood up from the ground, silently observing the scene before him.

 

At this moment, Haowei broke through the first layer of formations and arrived. He glanced at Silan, furrowing his brow as he asked, “Are you alright?”

 

The death of Great Eternal Immortal dealt a massive blow to Yu Wuxia. His qi and blood were in disarray, his cultivation greatly diminished, causing the barriers and formations he had set up to tremble and weaken.

 

Quze also emerged from the barrier, hastily asking Silan, “Your Excellency, are you alright?”

 

“I’m fine.” Silan shook his head, looking towards Haowei, lowering his voice. “How did you create such a vivid illusion? The person in this illusion seemed unbelievably real.”

 

Originally, he had discussed strategies with Haowei, estimating that Yu Wuxia would continue to use him to activate the formation. Thus, he quietly traced Haowei’s aura when Yu Wuxia took him away, using it to search for Great Eternal Immortal’s whereabouts.

 

He had planned to find Great Eternal Immortal and persuade him to intervene and stop Yu Wuxia from bringing about destruction. If he couldn’t find him, he would resort to illusions to deceive Yu Wuxia.

 

However, Silan had not expected the illusion to be so remarkably lifelike.

 

Haowei fell silent for a moment, his lips tightly pressed together as he slowly spoke, “Silan, after finding Great Eternal Immortal, he said even he couldn’t convince Yu Wuxia to stop.”

 

“So?” Silan asked, puzzled.

 

“So Great Eternal Immortal decided to let things return to dust, using the cruelest methods to force Yu Wuxia to relent.”

 

Silan turned incredulously, his gaze falling on the skeletal remains and indistinct flesh in Yu Wuxia’s arms. His eyes inexplicably reddened, intense emotions churning within him.

 

He staggered a step, his breath slightly quickened. “So, that was the real Great Eternal Immortal?”

 

“Yes.”

 

The Great Eternal Immortal also said that ordinary illusions couldn’t deceive Yu Wuxia.

 

In the past, female demons from the demon realm had deliberately taken on the appearance of The Great Eternal Immortal to get close to Yu Wuxia. Yet with just a glance, Yu Wuxia saw through them all.

 

Therefore, unable to use illusions, Great Eternal Immortal had to come in person to sever this master-disciple bond.

 

Silan was momentarily speechless. He had never expected that the method to break the formation in the end would lead to Great Eternal Immortal sacrificing himself, body and soul.

 

With the collapse of the formations, the floating scriptures and prayer beads in midair all disappeared, gradually replaced by the real world.

 

They seemed to have wandered in another world for a long time, only to open their eyes and find themselves still at Linglong Mountain.

 

After the formations dissipated, Song Chengsong and the three others also appeared in the cave. They immediately walked towards Silan, silent and wide-eyed, all staring at Yu Wuxia, covered in blood.

 

Yu Wuxia held the bones and flesh in his arms, wrapped in a kasaya darkened by blood. His face was now devoid of color, as pale as paper, his head half-lowered, his black eyelashes concealing his expression.

 

Step by step, walking without knowing where to go.

 

Si Lan reached out as if wanting to say something to him, but Hao Wei stopped him. Hao Wei shook his head at him, and so Si Lan said nothing, only watching Yu Wuxia disappear into the dense forest.

 

In the next moment, a sudden sound of bells and drums echoed from the sky, as if coming from the Thirty-Three Heavens. The bell sounds pierced through the clouds, crossed over the mountains, causing myriad creatures of the Six Realms to scream and howl.

 

“Whose funeral bell tolls?”

 

“For Yu Wuxia.”

 

Even though Yu Wuxia had long fallen into the demonic path, when he passed away, the bells of the nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine ding in the Thirty-Three Heavens still rang for him.

 

When he ascended, the bells welcomed him into the Thirty-Three Heavens.

 

When he passed away, the bells escorted him into the cycle of reincarnation.

 

Such treatment, perhaps not even the Immortal of the Good Ending could enjoy.

 

Si Lan gazed into the depths of the forest and murmured, “Is Yu Wuxia exchanging his life to resurrect the physical body of the Immortal Jiāhéng?”

 

“Yes, after Yu Wuxia fell into the demonic path, he should have learned some dark arts.”

 

For a moment, Si Lan didn’t know what else to say.

 

Between these master and disciple, entangled for thousands of years—owing each other, loving and resenting each other, and in the end, even death was like this: I die for you, you live for me.

 

With this continuing, how could dust return to dust and earth to earth?

 

Golden Immortal light burst out from the forest, startling flocks of mountain birds into flight. Strangely, these birds circled around the golden light, unwilling to leave. Occasionally, sounds of wild beasts emanated from within, low growls like that of a tiger.

 

After the golden light in the forest dispersed, a thin, black-striped yellow fur tiger slowly emerged from deep within the woods.

 

This tiger…

 

Si Lan parted his lips and met the tiger’s eyes, memories flooding back to the illusionary phase, recalling the scene when he first encountered the tiger in the woods.

 

Immortal Jiāhéng had originally attained Immortalhood standing on the tiger; the tiger was his true form. Now, he had lost flesh and bones, passed away and vanished, though revived by Yu Wuxia’s sacrifice, his cultivation was nearly eighty percent diminished, only able to take the form of a tiger.

 

The tiger slowly walked up to everyone, and from its mouth, it spat out a grayish-brown object resembling a stone, which upon closer inspection, revealed to be a relic.

 

It must be the relic left behind on Yu Wuxia’s body after his death.

 

Si Lan and Hao Wei glanced at each other, and then Si Lan clasped his hands together respectfully, saying, “Immortal Jiāhéng, we owe the successful breaking of the Five-Point Nine-Heaven Array to your efforts. Now that Yu Wuxia has passed away, we need not handle this relic anymore; we entrust it to you, Immortal.”

 

The tiger nodded, picked up the relic, and walked away.

 

Hao Wei watched where the tiger disappeared and said, “That relic will regain human form in a few years. In this lifetime, this master and disciple pair can cultivate together without such tragic ends.”

 

Si Lan pondered for a moment and said thoughtfully, “Shouldn’t I remind Immortal Jiāhéng not to cultivate the Buddhist path in the future?” Otherwise, he and Yu Wuxia would never be able to be together.

 

Hao Wei twitched his mouth slightly, seemingly helpless. “No need. The golden light emitted from the forest earlier was Immortal Jiāhéng dispersing his own Immortal Qi. Those birds in the forest were chasing after the light to devour the Immortal Qi.”

 

Immortal Jiāhéng could easily have chosen not to disperse his Immortal Qi, but he still did so. Perhaps it was to completely start anew with Yu Wuxia.

 

So whether Immortal Jiāhéng had a hint of emotion, it’s hard to say.

 

Si Lan had thought that after parting ways with Yu Wuxia, they might never meet again, but he didn’t expect to see Yu Wuxia, who had already taken on human form, and the tiger again ten years later.

 

Yu Wuxia retained memories from before.

 

Si Lan didn’t know what conflict had occurred between Yu Wuxia and the tiger. In the fields, the tiger ran ahead, and Yu Wuxia chased after him.

 

At that moment, Si Lan was flying in mid-air, faintly hearing Yu Wuxia’s threatening voice directed at the tiger.

 

“If you ignore me when I speak, then I’ll say something, and then kiss you until you talk.”

 

“… ” Si Lan.

 

Wasn’t this the method he had originally taught Yu Wuxia to pursue Immortal Jiāhéng? Back then, Yu Wuxia had been mocking and laughing cynically, but secretly, he had actually put it into practice.

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but feel speechless and amused. Seeing how determined Yu Wuxia was in “pursuing” someone, he figured he must still have a chance. He should have trusted him from the beginning, listened to a few more of his ideas; otherwise, by now, he would have already caught the tiger.

 

—

 

Linglong Mountain, the Five-Point Nine-Heaven Array had dissipated.

 

The Six Realms still appeared calm, as if nothing had happened, and naturally, they had no idea how much effort had been put into breaking the array.

 

Si Lan couldn’t resist teasing, “Hey, it seems no one knows I’m a world-saving hero.”

 

Hao Wei smiled, “Do you need us to give you a banner?”

 

“A banner is not substantial enough. How about you guys from the Heavenly Realm give me your most precious treasures?” Si Lan grinned broadly.

 

Hao Wei’s lips twitched, lowering his voice so only they could hear, “The Heavenly Realm’s greatest treasure is me.”

 

Si Lan gave him a sidelong glance, his eyes implying, “How shameless can you get?” He used to think Hao Wei was just arrogant, but after getting to know him better, he realized he was also quite narcissistic and thick-skinned.

 

Si Lan hmphed softly, saying nothing, squinting at the sky.

 

At this moment, the sky seemed to clear, revealing a deep and vibrant blue, with a ray of sunlight piercing through thick clouds.

 

Si Lan thought to himself that after so many cycles of reincarnation, he had finally completed his mission this time. Initially, he had been deceived into thinking he was being asked to unify the Six Realms, only to find out it was all about suffering and hardship.

 

“Are you alright?” Hao Wei still seemed concerned, afraid that the activation of the array might have harmed Si Lan.

 

Shaking his head, Si Lan replied, “I felt uncomfortable at first, but I’m fine now.”

 

With that said, Si Lan gathered his two disciples and two protectors, intending to return to the Demon Realm. Just then, a fox demon emerged from the corner.

 

She had remained silent in the corner at first, but saw everything that needed to be seen. Though she felt shocked in her heart, there was also a hint of long-standing understanding.

 

However, her expression remained unpleasant.

 

Si Lan asked her, “What are you planning to do now?” This fox demon might have once fed on human essence in the past, but having been sealed for over three thousand years, she had also atoned for her sins.

 

He and Haowei had no intention of dealing with her further.

 

She smiled bitterly and replied, “When I was sealed in Linglong Mountain before, I always thought that once I got out, I would travel the Six Realms and Five Paths. However, now that I am truly free, I find that I have grown accustomed to life in Linglong Mountain. I intend to stay here from now on.”

 

Si Lan nodded slightly, politely saying “Take care,” and turned to leave. As he did, he heard the fox demon muttering behind him.

 

“I’ve always known, actually. He doesn’t love Qingniao, nor does he love me. Qingniao, that fool, thought that dying without regret would earn her an immaculate heart forever, but in reality, when she died, he didn’t even spare her a glance. And during my three thousand years of imprisonment here, he never once thought to come and save me, nor did he even bother to visit me.”

 

So she had long known that Yu Wuxia didn’t love her, but she was unwilling to accept it.

 

Because only by deceiving herself could she silently endure three thousand years of being sealed. Ironically, the place she now desperately wanted to escape had become the only place she found familiar.

 

Si Lan sighed deeply, thinking of a phrase: “In this world, what is love that compels one to risk life and death for?”

 

When Yu Wuxia was deeply mired in the swamp because of the Great Immortal Jiaheng, there were also those who became mired in it for her sake.

 

But in matters of love, how many could truly find fulfillment?

 

“Are you all alright?” Si Lan asked Xie Li and the guardians beside him.

 

Song Chengsong immediately replied, “Lord, we’re fine.”

 

Xie Li had initially wanted to reach out and hold Si Lan’s hand, but after glancing at Haowei, she timidly withdrew her hand, sniffled softly, and said, “Lord, I… I have something.”

 

“What’s wrong?” Si Lan bent down, smiling at Xie Li.

 

“It was too scary… sniff… Lord, I saw so many monsters.” Xie Li spoke with a pout, her eyelashes still wet with tears, looking silly and cute like a small bun.

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but feel both amused and exasperated.

 

Xie Li was after all the child born of a relationship between the border guardians and the demon Jiuying. How could she be so fragile? It was one thing to fear demons, but even her fellow monsters? Sigh…

 

Could it be that he had spoiled her?

 

Like a delicate little bundle.

 

Thinking of this, Si Lan glanced at Quze. Quze still had a stern face, his eyes as dark as ink, resembling an unyielding demon. It seemed he had also been spoiled by him, rarely smiling or speaking, behaving like someone who believed everyone owed him money.

 

Si Lan rubbed Xie Li’s head, comforting her, “Don’t be afraid, all those monsters have been taken care of by me.”

 

Xie Li nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. She leaned against Si Lan’s thigh, rubbing her head against it and discreetly wiping away her tears. Haowei, observing quietly beside them, furrowed his brow slightly but said nothing, not wanting to disturb their deep master-disciple bond.

 

The group returned in full force to Zhuyun Peak.

 

Si Lan felt that this battle was the most exhausting one he had fought. If they hadn’t successfully found the Great Immortal Jiaheng, he might have truly died in that formation.

 

Luckily, Haowei had successfully found the Great Immortal Jiaheng.

 

I have to say, he had absolute trust in Haowei. Before Haowei appeared, he would contemplate and plan things on his own. Since Haowei appeared, he subconsciously began to consult him first whenever something happened, becoming somewhat lazy.

 

Upon their return, Haowei insisted on examining Si Lan’s body and spiritual state to ensure everything was fine, then instructed Si Lan to rest in the sleeping chamber.

 

There was a disturbance in the Heavenly Realm, and Haowei was summoned back. Si Lan was left alone to recuperate in the sleeping chamber.

 

At night, just as Si Lan was about to sleep, he noticed Xie Li standing at the door with a small pillow, peering at him surreptitiously in the moonlight.

 

“…”

 

“Res… respected… Lord…” Xie Li whispered softly, “I’m still a bit scared.” Normally, when Xie Li was scared, she would go to Quze, but tonight, after being frightened awake by a nightmare, she went to Quze’s room only to find it empty.

 

So she came to Si Lan.

 

“Come in.”

 

“Thank you, Lord.” Xie Li quickly climbed onto the bed with her small pillow, crawled under the blanket, and clung to Si Lan’s arm.

 

“Lord, Senior Brother has been only focused on cultivation recently and hasn’t paid attention to me.”

 

“Your Senior Brother is probably preparing for tribulation, so he’s been cultivating in seclusion all this time.” Si Lan calculated the dates; Quze’s tribulation was approaching. If successful, he would ascend like a carp leaping through the dragon’s gate and become a celestial dragon.

 

“Oh,” Xie Li murmured again, then softly asked, “Will Senior Brother become even stronger after the tribulation?”

 

“Mm.”

 

“Um, then when will I be as tall as Senior Brother? Every time he picks me up, it’s like holding a little chick.” Xie Li’s voice grew quieter as she continued, ending with a yawn, nearly falling asleep.

 

Si Lan glanced sideways at her delicate face and smiled, “Soon, in about two hundred years, you should be able to catch up to him.”

 

“…” Xie Li.

 

Si Lan gently patted Xie Li’s shoulder, soothing her to sleep. Before long, Si Lan himself succumbed to drowsiness and closed his eyes to rest.

 

Curled up, Xie Li buried her head deeper under the blanket.

 

After dealing with affairs in the Heavenly Realm, Haowei rushed to the Demon Realm to find Si Lan. Seeing that the candles in Si Lan’s sleeping chamber had already gone out, leaving only faint moonlight spilling into the room, Haowei quietly entered with a spell.

 

His gaze fell upon Si Lan’s face, carrying a subtle and hard-to-detect tenderness. He sat down by the bed, gently stroking Si Lan’s temple with his fingers.

 

Si Lan reached out and held his hand, not opening his eyes but murmuring, “Haowei…” Even though he was too tired to open his eyes, he already knew who had come.

 

The familiar scent of each other had long been deeply ingrained in their hearts.

 

Haowei’s lips curled into a deeper smile, leaning close to Si Lan and whispering softly in his ear, “Hmm, it’s me.”

 

Si Lan leaned towards him, a sense of relief evident in his eyes and brows.

 

Haowei’s gaze darkened slightly as he bent down slowly, planting a warm kiss on Si Lan’s forehead, tracing down past his nose and brushing lightly over his lips. Every time they were intimate like this, Haowei could smell that fragrance, teasing his heart.

 

He cleared his throat and kissed Si Lan’s lips again, unable to resist deepening the kiss.

 

Si Lan was left dizzy from the kiss, almost breathless. His mind cleared a bit as he opened his eyes, looking at the enlarged face before him, murmuring softly, “Haowei.”

 

Haowei held Si Lan’s jaw, his eyes deep and sharp in the dim light.

 

Si Lan felt like prey, locked in by a hawk, about to be devoured. His breath caught slightly, chest rising and falling. Meeting Haowei’s gaze, he closed his eyes as Haowei kissed his left eyelid, his eyelashes fluttering slowly downward.

 

“Si Lan.”

 

Haowei lifted his chin, forcing him to look up, lips seemingly seeking Haowei’s own, meeting them eagerly. Haowei’s kiss descended slowly onto Si Lan’s lips.

 

The two lost themselves in the kiss, immersed in a world filled only with each other’s breath. Since leaving Linglong Mountain, it had been a long time since they had been this intimate, now feeling a sense of rekindled passion.

 

Haowei’s breath was also slightly erratic, his large hand patting Si Lan’s waist, fingers deftly undoing his inner garment, revealing his fair skin.

 

His eyes darted around, breath turning hotter. As he moved closer to the bed, he suddenly heard a gasp.

 

Instantly, he recoiled, flipping open the bedsheet to face a pair of wide eyes staring back at him.

 

“…” Haowei;

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

He had been half asleep earlier and completely forgotten about Xie Li sleeping in the bed.

 

Now realizing that Xie Li had witnessed their intimate embrace just moments ago, Si Lan blushed deeply.

 

Haowei’s expression darkened, contemplating how to silence Xie Li.

 

This little jade pendant spirit was becoming more and more troublesome.

 

Xie Li timidly pulled the sheet over his head, mumbling, “You… you don’t need to mind me. I… I didn’t see anything, nor… did I hear anything.”

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

“…” Haowei.

---

T/N: Three… more… chapters left (apart from the side stories aha)!!!!

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 73

 

Inside the illusion, Immortal Jiaheng stood still, his arm suspended in mid-air as if reaching for something he couldn’t grasp. Yu Wuxia’s figure continued to plummet downward, soon obscured by layers of rolling white clouds.

 

In the Thirty-Three Heavens, immortal cranes cried incessantly, and the bell chimes echoed mournfully, piercing through the sky…

 

Sensing an abnormal aura, myriad disciples hurried towards the scene.

 

Si Lan watched as Immortal Jiaheng slowly withdrew his hand, blood beads lingering on his fingertips, teeth marks deep into the bone. His face betrayed no emotion, eyes lowered as he entered the hall. The fox demon trembled in a corner, covering her mouth in fear, silent.

 

Ignoring the fox demon, Si Lan walked straight to the white jade stone where Yu Wuxia often meditated, his gaze fixed. After a moment, he noticed an unfinished painting nearby. Walking over, he examined its contents closely. Suddenly, his Qi seemed unstable, his chest subtly rising and falling.

 

His expression tense, he magically closed the painting, holding it in his palm, fingers tightly clenched around it, lost in thought about what to do with it.

 

Just then, Buddha Shansi and other Buddhas arrived, and he decided to hand over the painting.

 

—

 

Si Lan looked at Immortal Jiaheng, whose complexion had returned to normal, and couldn’t help but ask Haowei, “How do you think Immortal Jiaheng views Yu Wuxia?”

 

“Hard to tell for now, but…” Haowei recalled how Immortal Jiaheng had just taken the painting and thought back to three thousand years later when Buddha Shansi handed them that controversial painting. It seemed Immortal Jiaheng ultimately chose not to destroy the blatantly disrespectful ‘Palace Crushing’ painting.

 

“At least, Immortal Jiaheng acted with personal interest.”

 

Si Lan nodded knowingly, feeling the same way.

 

After pondering the emotional entanglement between the two disciples for a while, Si Lan also thought about leaving the illusion soon to return to the real world, which gave him a headache.

 

“Yu Wuxia has made significant progress in cultivation over these three thousand years, probably focusing on building his career through diligent practice.”

 

“Mm.”

 

“Though we have him injured and captured, we can neither kill him nor persuade him. So, I’m thinking we should take action against Immortal Jiaheng.”

 

“I sensed Immortal Jiaheng’s presence within the Pentagram Formation. Yu Wuxia must have hidden him somewhere within the formation.” Haowei estimated that Yu Wuxia planned to activate the formation, reshape the Six Realms, and bring Immortal Jiaheng directly to a new world.

 

It was a well-thought-out plan.

 

Apparently, throughout countless reincarnations, Yu Wuxia had relied on this method to secretly imprison the real Immortal Jiaheng.

 

“So, first we need to find Immortal Jiaheng.”

 

“Mm.”

 

After discussing two strategies, the two walked out of the illusion.

 

Inside the formation, Yu Wuxia was surrounded by dark energy, eyes closed, his face handsome yet devilish.

 

He had already forced out most of the large black runes from his body. If they had come out a little later, these runes would have been forced out.

 

Sensing their exit, Yu Wuxia opened his eyes, cold and restrained. “Have you decided how to deal with me?” He had experienced such scenes countless times and was not afraid.

 

But for Si Lan and the others, it was their first time.

 

Si Lan smiled and said provocatively, “You from three thousand years ago are much more likable.”

 

At these words, Yu Wuxia’s brows furrowed slightly, seemingly suppressing his emotions.

 

Si Lan continued, “Why don’t we cooperate? You give up on reshaping the Six Realms, and I’ll help you chase after Immortal Jiaheng.” As if afraid Yu Wuxia wouldn’t believe him, Si Lan pointed to Haowei beside him. “I’m quite adept in matters of love. Look, even the Divine Emperor Haowei has fallen for me.”

 

“…Haowei.”

 

Yu Wuxia smiled faintly. “My master has principles and isn’t as easily fooled as others.”

 

Haowei felt slightly offended and his face darkened.

 

“Just talking, why add personal attacks?”

 

Si Lan chuckled, saying, “Indeed, Immortal Jiaheng has principles, deeply rooted in Buddhism, not easily shaken by you. But Immortal Jiaheng carefully kept the painting ‘Palace Crushing’ that you left in the Thirty-Three Heavens. I think his heart must have wavered for a moment because of you.”

 

Yu Wuxia seemed incredulous, forgetting his injuries momentarily and asked directly, “Is that true?”

 

“Of course, Haowei, you take that painting and show it to him.”

 

Haowei frowned and conjured the painting, then walked to the barrier and opened it for Yu Wuxia to see.

 

Yu Wuxia looked at the familiar painting, memories of its origin involuntarily flooding his mind.

 

It was a dream he had on his first return from the human realm, where he had painted the scene from his dream at night. Afraid of being discovered and out of amusement, he intentionally depicted the Immortal Jiaheng as a woman.

 

He carefully put away the painting, but later fell into the demonic path and didn’t have time to take it with him. He had returned to the Thirty-Three Heavens intending to retrieve it, only to find it missing, assuming the Immortal Jiaheng had destroyed it long ago.

 

Never did he expect it had been kept by the Immortal Jiaheng himself.

 

Yu Wuxia chuckled self-deprecatingly, “He kept it. How could there be any confusion in his heart? He probably just feels guilty.” After falling into the demonic path, he had met the Immortal Jiaheng once again, who had shown much more leniency towards him, filled with guilt.

 

He said that he blamed himself for not educating him well after taking him as a disciple, for always being biased against him, leading to their current situation.

 

But he never knew that their current situation wasn’t due to his failure to educate, but because of his lack of love.

 

When he told this to the Immortal Jiaheng, the Immortal Jiaheng’s expression turned strange as he told him a cruel truth.

 

According to Buddhist scriptures: “In the forest, the Buddha encountered a tiger. The tiger approached with hungry eyes, and the Buddha cut his flesh to feed it. Day after day, the Buddha turned into bones, while the tiger consumed his flesh and became a Buddha.”

 

The Immortal Jiaheng said that this scripture was not just a story, but something that had actually happened. He said that in his previous life, he was the tiger, and he, as a disciple of the Buddha, ate his flesh, instantly becoming a Buddha. Meanwhile, he turned into bones, entered reincarnation for a thousand lifetimes, and became a disciple of the Buddha again.

 

Thus, he misunderstood the relationship between the two of them. The first impression he had in his divine consciousness was not the beginning of innocent love, but the continuation of resentment and entanglement.

 

Realizing that he was the disciple who cut flesh and picked bones in this Buddhist scripture, and the tiger that instantly became a Buddha was the Immortal Jiaheng, he mistakenly regarded resentment as love, and completely lost his mind in this rotten world, having no attachment or reason to exist.

 

He even wanted to destroy the Immortal Jiaheng together, but whenever he aimed his sword at the Immortal Jiaheng’s forehead, he couldn’t bear to strike.

 

Seeing Yu Wuxia lost in thought, Si Lan tried hard to find a topic to continue talking to Yu Wuxia. By keeping Yu Wuxia occupied, he was buying time for Haowei, who was secretly searching for the Immortal Jiaheng’s aura within the array.

 

“He feels guilty because he cares for you,” Si Lan sighed, “You and your master have never truly opened up to each other. He doesn’t even believe in your love. Even if you manage to clear the air later on, he might still think that you never really loved him and that it was just a result of losing your mind and mistaking it for love.”

 

Upon hearing this, Yu Wuxia tightened his lips, his eyes staring fixedly at Si Lan.

 

How did Si Lan seem to know the Immortal Jiaheng’s thoughts so well, as if he were a worm in the Immortal Jiaheng’s belly, guessing everything about him?

 

Si Lan continued, “So instead of thinking he doesn’t love you because he’s devoted to Buddhism and bound by worldly morals, why not think about what actions of yours truly made him feel loved?”

 

Yu Wuxia’s eyes flickered for a moment, lost in memories once again.

 

When he first arrived at the Thirty-Three Heavens, he was thrown into a cave by the Immortal Jiaheng, completely ignored. He thought the Immortal Jiaheng disliked him because he simply didn’t want him as a disciple. So he worked hard to cultivate, to prove himself, and eventually earned the qualification to have the Master’s constant company.

 

But when he truly realized his feelings, he didn’t make an effort for them. Instead, he fell into painful entanglement, unsure how to handle this doomed relationship, and gradually became more and more irritable, until he finally fell into the demonic realm.

 

Now, hearing Si Lan’s words, he was slightly moved, suddenly thinking, if he hadn’t been so resolute in breaking ties with the Immortal Jiaheng back then, perhaps…

 

Yu Wuxia restrained his emotions, looked up at Si Lan, “I will believe your words and cooperate with you. So tell me, how do you plan to help me?”

 

Si Lan was surprised that Yu Wuxia was persuaded, his eyes lighting up, “I will teach you based on my lifelong knowledge and practical experience.”

 

Yu Wuxia’s mouth twitched, “Oh?”

 

At that moment, Si Lan was about to say something, but Haowei gestured to him from behind.

 

Although Haowei sensed the Immortal Jiaheng’s aura, Yu Wuxia seemed to have anticipated their investigation into the Immortal Jiaheng, so he had set up twelve positions within the array, all hiding the Immortal Jiaheng’s aura.

 

Si Lan immediately gave Haowei a signal with his eyes, indicating they needed to proceed with an alternate plan now.

 

Si Lan approached Yu Wuxia, separated by a barrier, and said, “For example, even though you’ve imprisoned Immortal Jiaheng, he probably wouldn’t want to talk to you.”

 

“Indeed.”

 

“In fact, getting him to speak is quite simple.”

 

“How so?” Yu Wuxia stepped closer to Si Lan.

 

“Threaten him. If he doesn’t answer your questions, tell him you’ll kiss him.”

 

“…” Yu Wuxia.

 

A strange smile tugged at the corner of Yu Wuxia’s lips. He moved closer to Si Lan until there was barely any space between them across the barrier. “But I’m afraid my master might hurt me.”

 

“Since you’ve imprisoned him, haven’t you restrained his limbs as well?”

 

“No.”

 

“You’re being too straightforward. You…” Before Si Lan could finish, Yu Wuxia suddenly broke through the barrier and grabbed his neck.

 

During their conversation, Yu Wuxia also forced out the dark symbols within him, though his cultivation hadn’t fully recovered, he was no longer suppressed.

 

Twisting Si Lan’s neck, Yu Wuxia smirked, “Seems like you’re quite honest too.”

 

“Yu Wuxia, cough… didn’t we agree to cooperate? I’ll help you pursue Immortal Jiaheng, right?”

 

“No need. Without people like you, in the new world, I’ll accompany my master for a thousand or even ten thousand years, and he’ll eventually fall in love with me.”

 

“…”

 

Madman.

 

He really was a madman.

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but silently ridicule Yu Wuxia in his heart, but thankfully, this was all within his and Haowei’s plan.

 

Yu Wuxia looked across at Haowei. Drawing his longsword, Haowei stared back sharply, “Release him.”

 

“I can’t bear to release him. He’s my carefully chosen final sacrifice.” Yu Wuxia glanced at the sword in Haowei’s hand, “But unfortunately, I don’t have the chance to duel with you. Otherwise, I’d like to see how strong this ‘variable’ of yours really is.”

 

With that, Yu Wuxia wasted no time and disappeared from the formation with Si Lan in tow.

 

Haowei was about to pursue when Yu Wuxia’s voice echoed from mid-air, “If you break through this formation, every cut of your blade will land on him.”

 

Haowei immediately withdrew his sword, his eyes filled with restrained anger and frustration, standing motionless.

 

Yu Wuxia brought Si Lan to the second layer of the formation.

 

The second layer was extraordinarily bizarre, as if they were in a void world. They stood on nothingness, with an abyss beneath their feet. Strange scriptures and beads of various sizes filled the air, part of the formation.

 

Yu Wuxia released Si Lan’s neck, feeling that Si Lan was already a trapped animal in a cage, not worth being vigilant against. He said, “Junli, you came to help me devise a plan to pursue my master? Heh, then you must come up with a brilliant strategy.”

 

After mocking Si Lan, Yu Wuxia burst into loud laughter, as if he had heard a hilarious joke.

 

Si Lan stood behind him with a wooden expression, “If you think this plan won’t work, we can change it without tearing each other apart.”

 

“I don’t have time to waste with you now. Soon, you’ll either be credited with opening a new world or… be buried with me.”

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

A hint of fear crossed Si Lan’s face, but he quickly looked around, assessing the surroundings.

 

Although the layout here was strange, it wasn’t without order. While the scriptures and beads seemed scattered at first glance, from the right angle, they formed a swastika shape.

 

He estimated that there were four ‘cells’ in the second layer of the formation, distributed in the shape of a swastika. One housed Si Lan and Yu Wuxia, another detained Quze.

 

Among the remaining two, one was likely where Immortal Jiaheng was held.

 

Si Lan secretly conjured a colorful feather from his sleeve and, using it, drew the pattern of the second layer’s formation to convey information to Haowei.

 

Meanwhile, trapped in the first layer of the formation, Haowei stared at the colorful feather on the ground, which wrote a few words and drew a swastika shape. Instantly, he understood.

 

“Since I’m about to die, could you release my disciple Quze?”

 

Now that he knew Quze’s location, determining the other two positions became easier.

 

“You seem to have a good relationship with this one-armed disciple. After he found out I planned to use you as a sacrifice, he kept urging me to use him instead.” Yu Wuxia sneered, lightly flicking a bead, and Quze’s figure suddenly appeared from the illusory formation ahead.

 

Seeing Si Lan appear, Quze’s expression changed drastically. He immediately said, “Respected Sir, you don’t need to worry about me. Just run.”

 

Si Lan sighed and said truthfully, “There’s no escaping now.”

 

Quze wanted to approach Si Lan, but he was bound by an invisible barrier and couldn’t get through. He grew anxious, his face turning pale. His right arm’s fingers transformed into steel blades, attacking the invisible barrier relentlessly.

 

Si Lan could only say, “Quze, stop struggling. No matter how hard you try now, it’s too late. At least the two of us, master and disciple, can still die together.”

 

With a sigh, Si Lan continued, “It’s a pity Xiao Xie doesn’t know where the formation is.”

 

After hearing this, Quze slowly withdrew his steel blades and fell silent, staring fixedly at Si Lan.

 

Thinking like this, the three of them, master and disciples, were resigned to dying together.

 

Yu Wuxia watched the deeply affectionate scene before her, feeling her eyes sting. She waved her hand, and the prayer beads and scriptures emitted a strange light.

 

Golden lights crisscrossed and connected, forming a vast and eerie formation that enveloped all three of them.

 

Si Lan’s body floated uncontrollably as four prayer beads fixed his limbs. Just as he was about to struggle, beams of golden light from the formation spread through his body, causing intense pain to surge within him.

 

He winced, his face pale, lips trembling. Despite the pain, he couldn’t resist teasing Yu Wuxia, “Yu Wuxia, are you really not considering letting me teach you how to please Lord Immortal Jiaheng? I’m quite skilled… Ah…”

 

Before he could finish his sentence, excruciating pain interrupted him, distorting his features.

 

What kind of formation was this? It was already enough to take his life, yet it continued to torment him like this.

 

“Yu Wuxia!”

 

Just then, a solemn voice echoed from within the formation.

 

Startled, Yu Wuxia turned around to see the figure of Lord Immortal Jiaheng appearing inexplicably from the cage behind her.

 

At this moment, Lord Immortal Jiaheng appeared youthful, with delicate features and wearing a saffron robe adorned with black prayer beads. His expression was neither sad nor happy as he calmly looked at Yu Wuxia.

 

Yu Wuxia, upon seeing Lord Immortal Jiaheng’s appearance, restrained her arrogance and walked towards him. “Master, how did… how did you find your way here?”

 

The swastika-shaped cages appeared to be close together, but in fact, they were separated by a great distance.

 

“Yu Wuxia, release him,” Lord Immortal Jiaheng said, then looked at Si Lan with hands clasped in front of his chest, saying, “Amitabha.”

 

Yu Wuxia hadn’t expected that after imprisoning Lord Immortal Jiaheng for so long, his first words upon appearing would be to ask her to release Si Lan.

 

Anger surged within Yu Wuxia, her eyes narrowing. The fiery red mark on her forehead became even more striking. She said, “I won’t release him, even if it’s your command. I won’t release him!”

 

Lord Immortal Jiaheng seemed surprised by Yu Wuxia’s stubbornness, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. “Yu Wuxia, are you really not going to release him?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Si Lan, now bathed in golden light, felt every inch of his flesh burning under the scorching heat. Not only that, these golden lights felt like knives, scraping against his bones inch by inch.

 

He could even feel bone fragments being scr4p3d off and melding with the burnt flesh.

 

“Respected One!”

 

Quze had already resolved to die with Si Lan, but seeing him in such pain, he attacked the barrier in front of him like a madman.

 

Unfortunately, no matter how he attacked, the barrier remained impenetrable. Quze turned to look at Yu Wuxia, his voice hoarse, “Yu Wuxia, all you want is someone with the Solitary Phoenix Death Fate. I fit the bill too. Take me as the sacrifice! Release my master! Yu Wuxia!”

 

However, Yu Wuxia seemed not to hear Quze’s cry. Her gaze remained fixed on Lord Immortal Jiaheng, silent.

 

Lord Immortal Jiaheng gently performed a spell, layering a barrier. In the next moment, he sat cross-legged on the ground.

 

Seeing him like this, Yu Wuxia suddenly felt something was wrong, a strange feeling welling up inside her.

 

“Yu Wuxia, are you really determined to kill him and activate the Pentagram Nine Heavens Formation?” Lord Immortal Jiaheng’s previous calm demeanor was gone, his dark eyes resolute, as if he had made a decision.

 

Yu Wuxia also sat down on the ground, maintaining eye contact with Lord Immortal Jiaheng. “Master, I must activate the Pentagram Nine Heavens Formation. My disciple has already activated the formation thirty-three times. In the New World, we have spent countless wonderful days together. There are no secular rules or moral norms there anymore. You and I are not master and disciple, but creators. We can do whatever we want.”

 

“I understand that you may not accept this now, Master, but think about it. When Heaven created the Six Realms, wasn’t it with a similar method? I just want to create a better, fairer, and freer New World.”

 

“If you stay in the New World for a long time, Master, you will understand your disciple’s intentions. You will approve of my actions, Master.”

 

Yu Wuxia leaned against the barrier, speaking so many words for the first time in her life, but only to Lord Immortal Jiaheng would she not hesitate to speak.

 

Lord Immortal Jiaheng didn’t seem moved by her words. “Yu Wuxia, in these thirty-three new worlds, I probably haven’t understood your intentions, nor accepted your… intentions.”

 

Yu Wuxia seemed struck by his words, her breath momentarily unsteady. She explained earnestly, “It’s because every time a new world is created, Heaven will reverse time and space shortly after, making us return to the past! But this time, Heaven’s calculations will fail! I killed the Son of Heaven and Emperor Haowei. Who else can save the Six Realms?”

 

After hearing her words, Lord Immortal Jiaheng smiled bitterly. He clasped his hands together again and said, “Amitabha,” before opening his eyes, seemingly reminiscing about the past, replaying the bits and pieces of his and Yu Wuxia’s experiences.

 

“Yu Wuxia, although you are the one who will bring about the destruction of the world, it is I who have led you to this day. In the first life, because of hunger, I ate your flesh, received Buddha’s grace, and became a Buddha. I was wrong.”

 

“You came under my tutelage, and I thought you had come to seek revenge on me, so I deliberately ignored you. I judged you with a small-mindedness. I was wrong.”

 

“Afterward, when you spoke to me about matters of love between men and women, I became curious. Instead of guiding you, I left you alone in the mortal realm to cultivate. This led you to be later ensnared by demons. It was my fault.”

 

“I misunderstood when you confessed your feelings to me, thinking you were intentionally mocking me. Thus, I hurt you, causing you to develop affection and fall into demonic ways. This too was my fault.”

 

“All these four incidents, I owe you an apology. I sowed the seeds of evil and reaped its bitter fruit. Now, you no longer heed my guidance. Since I cannot guide you or make amends, all I can do is beg your forgiveness.”

 

“When Yu Wuxia heard the words ‘beg forgiveness,’ his brows twitched momentarily with fear. He tried to cast a spell to break the formation before Immortal Jiaheng, but unexpectedly, Immortal Jiaheng incorporated the formation into his own body.”

 

“If he forcefully broke this formation, he would kill Immortal Jiaheng.”

 

“He never expected to face such a dilemma, identical to the boundless challenges he encountered with Haowei!”

 

“Master, what are you going to do?” Yu Wuxia asked, his voice trembling as he spoke, fear spreading throughout his body, causing even his fingertips to tremble slightly.

 

“He sighed lightly, smiling bitterly: ‘We met due to karmic ties from our first life, and thus must face the consequences of that life. I will lessen your burden.'”

 

“When he heard the words ‘lessen your burden,’ it felt like sharp knives piercing Yu Wuxia’s heart. His face changed drastically, and he reached out towards Immortal Jiaheng, but was blocked by the formation. He could only say, ‘What lessening of burden? Master, do you think this will absolve you?'”

 

“Yes, it will.”

 

“No, it won’t!”

 

Yu Wuxia wanted to say more, but he saw Immortal Jiaheng conjure a long dagger. With a gentle cut, a piece of flesh was sliced from his arm, blood pouring out, yet Immortal Jiaheng remained unchanged.

 

“This is the first cut. In our past life, I consumed your arm first.”

 

“No, Master, please stop! I beg you, Master, put down the knife. I never blamed you. Master…”

 

“This is the second cut. After consuming your arm, I then ate the flesh from your legs.”

 

“Master, please don’t cut anymore. Master… You can’t repay debts this way!”

 

“This is the third cut. After consuming your arm and leg flesh, I ate the flesh from your chest.”

 

“Master!” Yu Wuxia looked at Immortal Jiaheng, now covered in blood, his saffron robe discarded, revealing a blur of flesh and bones underneath.

 

Yu Wuxia’s heart throbbed in pain, as if each cut was not on Immortal Jiaheng, but on himself. He completely broke down and wept uncontrollably, disregarding his image: “Master, please… stop… don’t do this… I… I was wrong…”

 

This was the first time Yu Wuxia admitted he was wrong.

 

He stumbled to his feet and used magic to release Si Lan from the formation.

 

Si Lan suddenly fell from mid-air to the ground. Although the sacrificial formation stopped, his body still throbbed with pain. If Yu Wuxia delayed any longer, he felt like his entire body would be boiled alive.

 

Enduring the pain, Si Lan stood up, intending to walk towards Immortal Jiaheng, but after only a few steps, he fell in pain.

 

In his ears echoed Yu Wuxia’s despairing voice.

 

“Master, I don’t want to destroy the Six Realms. I don’t want to create a new world anymore. Master, look, I’ve released the people as you requested!”

 

“Master, please don’t hurt yourself anymore! Master, put down the knife, please! What do you want to punish me for? It was my fault, why do you have to do this, Master?”

 

The body covered in blood seemed to ignore Yu Wuxia’s words, continuing with one cut after another.

 

Yu Wuxia cried tears of blood, his voice hoarse: “Master, I was truly wrong… I was wrong…” He didn’t want Master to admit his fault, he didn’t want Master to seek forgiveness; all he ever wanted was Master’s love.

 

From within the skeleton came the final sentence.

 

“Yu Wuxia, this is the last cut. From now on, we owe each other nothing.”

 

Just as Yu Wuxia had said when he fell into demonhood, this lifetime’s master-disciple fate ends here.

---

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 72

 

Si Lan looked into the illusion and saw Yu Wuxia confessing his feelings. Immortal Jiaheng stood frozen in place, his eyes filled with disbelief as he stared at Yu Wuxia.

 

Anyone would feel thunderstruck and unable to accept it.

 

Perhaps in Immortal Jiaheng’s heart, it was easier to accept that Yu Wuxia had come to kill him rather than to admire him. After hearing these words, Immortal Jiaheng fell into shock and remained silent for a long time.

 

The wind on the thirty-third heavenly level was unusually cold, causing their clothes to flutter and their shadows to almost touch.

 

The moonlight was dim, obscuring their faces in shadows, making them barely visible.

 

Yu Wuxia took a step forward intending to approach Immortal Jiaheng, but in the next instant, the ground cracked open, forcing him to retreat.

 

“Master.”

 

“Yu Wuxia, must you resort to such means to humiliate me?”

 

“Master, do you think my affection is a humiliation?” Yu Wuxia’s voice turned cold, each word filled with disbelief in the darkness.

 

He had never imagined that his love could be seen as humiliation in the eyes of the other person, and couldn’t help but laugh at himself.

 

How absurd.

 

What he held as the most precious and cherished was so despised by the other.

 

Si Lan saw the eyes of Yu Wuxia hidden in the shadows turn crimson, sensing his genuine distress.

 

Yet, he was unsure of the true meaning behind Immortal Jiaheng’s words.

 

Immortal Jiaheng mistakenly believed that Yu Wuxia was using such lowly methods for revenge.

 

“Master, do you have no heart?” Seeing Immortal Jiaheng remain silent, Yu Wuxia couldn’t help but ask, “Have you never been curious about love?”

 

“Shut up!” Immortal Jiaheng felt Yu Wuxia’s words were nonsense and slapped him across the face in frustration.

 

Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, but Yu Wuxia continued to smile and ask, “Master, you’ve never experienced it, so you don’t understand the feeling of liking someone, nor dare to like someone. Is that how all of you in the thirty-three heavens of Immortals are, deceiving yourselves and others, burying your heads in the sand, and pretending all day long…”

 

Yu Wuxia was interrupted by Immortal Jiaheng’s slap before he could finish speaking.

 

Afterwards, Yu Wuxia remained silent, merely covering half of his face, quietly watching Immortal Jiaheng.

 

Immortal Jiaheng’s eyes were cold as he said, “I forgive you for this first offense. If there’s a next time, don’t blame me for handing you over to Immortal of Blissful Nirvana.”

 

Yu Wuxia retorted coldly, “Master should treat me like you did to Senior Brother, annihilating my physical form with a single slap, condemning me to the cycle of reincarnation.”

 

Immortal Jiaheng said nothing, just glaring fiercely at him, emotions that Yu Wuxia couldn’t comprehend in his eyes.

 

Immortal Jiaheng indeed wished to send him into reincarnation, but how could he explain this to the thirty-three heavens?

 

To accuse Yu Wuxia of disrespecting his master…

 

Even if he dared to speak out, would the other Immortals believe him?

 

They were all aware of the entanglement between him and Yu Wuxia; they would surely think he was lying. Thus, he reluctantly forgave Yu Wuxia’s recent actions.

 

“I suggest you refrain from coming out for a while. Return and confine yourself to meditation. Come back when you’ve sorted out your feelings towards men and women.”

 

“Master…”

 

As Immortal Jiaheng turned to leave, Yu Wuxia reached out to him, but before his hand could touch Immortal Jiaheng’s robe, something seemed to pierce him, causing him to retract his hand.

 

Moonlight fell on Yu Wuxia’s face, the scattered shadows making his features appear even deeper. He still held a glimmer of hope as he asked, “Master, are you sparing me from severe punishment because I am more important to you than Senior Brother?”

 

Immortal Jiaheng hadn’t expected Yu Wuxia to ask such a question at this moment. Instantly, anger and embarrassment surged within him, and he struck Yu Wuxia’s chest with another slap, sending him flying and crashing against the wall behind.

 

“Foolish dreams,” Immortal Jiaheng uttered these words before turning away and leaving.

 

Inside the barrier, Si Lan instinctively covered his chest as Immortal Jiaheng struck, feeling as if the slap had almost pierced through the barrier and harmed him.

 

It seemed Immortal Jiaheng was truly furious, putting considerable force into that slap.

 

Si Lan listened to their conversation nearby, feeling that although they seemed to be discussing, in reality, they were talking past each other, the abyss of their past life’s entanglements lying between them.

 

Without bridging this gap, let alone love, simply having a meaningful conversation was problematic.

 

Si Lan believed that, under the current circumstances, Immortal Jiaheng found it even harder to cross this divide.

 

In the eyes of outsiders, Immortal Jiaheng seemed to benefit without cause. Perhaps even Immortal Jiaheng himself felt this way, unable to face Yu Wuxia, whom he saw as an unjustified victim.

 

Upon learning that Yu Wuxia loved him, Immortal Jiaheng found it ludicrous and humiliating.

 

Si Lan looked up at the hall where Yu Wuxia lay fallen on the ground, not getting up.

 

Thinking he was severely injured, Si Lan hurriedly pulled Haowei over, only to find Yu Wuxia lying quietly, letting blood trickle from his mouth.

 

Yu Wuxia’s eyes were lifeless, his face unnaturally pale under the moonlight, the hint of blood on his lips strangely alluring.

 

A faint red mark flickered on his forehead, a sign of the emerging inner demon.

 

Si Lan knelt beside Yu Wuxia, watching this pale and fragile young man. He couldn’t help but sigh, “If I had been born three thousand years earlier and met you, guiding you, you wouldn’t have ended up like this with Immortal Jiaheng.”

 

Si Lan felt he couldn’t do much else, but he could see through this aspect clearly.

 

Haowei glanced at him upon hearing this, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

 

This incident didn’t teach Yu Wuxia a lesson; instead, he became even more arrogant.

 

As if in defiance, he not only didn’t confine himself but secretly went to the demon realm to play with that fox demon.

 

The fox demons were naturally playful, especially encountering such a handsome monk. They were delighted and took Yu Wuxia to their ancestral home. Those female demons gathered around Yu Wuxia, sensing the strong Buddhist and masculine aura emanating from him.

 

Yu Wuxia is as selective as choosing a concubine. His gaze wandered among a group of enchantresses, eventually picking several who resembled the venerable Immortal Jiaheng, constantly accompanying him.

 

He built a palace in the demon realm, seemingly anticipating his future fate.

 

He made no attempt to conceal his actions, abandoning himself to pleasure, bringing along five enchantresses to revel in the Thirty-Three Heavens. One of them unexpectedly took an interest in Immortal Jiaheng, sneaking into his sleeping quarters with intentions to seduce him with her beauty, only to be injured by Immortal Jiaheng instead.

 

This enchantress managed to escape back, seething with hatred towards Immortal Jiaheng, and exaggeratedly recounted the incident to Yu Wuxia. Upon hearing this, Yu Wuxia’s face darkened, his black eyes fixating on the enchantress.

 

Before the enchantress could react, Yu Wuxia snapped her neck.

 

Due to this enchantress’s appearance, Immortal Jiaheng sensed something amiss. Upon approaching, he found Yu Wuxia reclining among beauties, with a fairy named Qingniao feeding him gr4p3s.

 

The scene at that moment struck Si Lan as the most chaotic and violent he had ever witnessed.

 

The enchantresses, caught red-handed, panicked and attempted to flee but were trapped within a barrier, screaming in terror.

 

Qingniao, braver than the others, actually attacked Immortal Jiaheng with a weapon.

 

Unfortunately, she was no match for Immortal Jiaheng. His prayer beads scattered, piercing through her body, instantly reverting her to her original form and shattering her insides.

 

It is said that the reason for the rift between Yu Wuxia and Immortal Jiaheng that later spread was because Immortal Jiaheng killed Yu Wuxia’s beloved.

 

In truth, Si Lan saw no remorse in Yu Wuxia’s eyes. In fact, Yu Wuxia didn’t even spare a glance at Qingniao on the ground. His gaze was fixed on Immortal Jiaheng, his words full of infatuation: “Master, by killing your disciple’s beloved, what will come of this?”

 

“Yu Wuxia, have you gone mad?” Immortal Jiaheng glanced at the other screaming enchantresses, “You… how dare you bring these demons to the Thirty-Three Heavens for pleasure?!”

 

Yu Wuxia laughed heartily, “Isn’t it enough as long as they’re demons?”

 

“Smack!”

 

Immortal Jiaheng slapped Yu Wuxia hard. As he tried to pull his hand back, Yu Wuxia grabbed it and put his fingers into his mouth in front of him.

 

Enraged, Immortal Jiaheng tried to strike Yu Wuxia with magic, but despite being beaten to cough up blood, Yu Wuxia refused to let go.

 

Yu Wuxia left deep bite marks on Immortal Jiaheng’s index and middle fingers, almost biting down to the bone.

 

“Master, our fate as master and disciple in this life ends here.”

 

After saying this, a fiery red mark bloomed on Yu Wuxia’s forehead, his entire body surging and rolling, from Immortal to demon, causing the 9,999 bells of the Thirty-Three Heavens to wail mournfully, as if mourning for him.

 

In an instant, all the Immortals of the Thirty-Three Heavens sensed the change.

 

That deeply rooted Buddhist disciple had fallen into the demonic path.

---

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!